Indefinite strike from 17.01.2012 by postal employees

No.GDS/CHQ/1/5/2011                               Dated 14-12-2011

To,

All Circle/Divisional/Branch Secretaries,

All CWC Members, A.I.P.E.D.E.U.     

 

Dear Comrades,

 

We are furnishing hereunder some recent developments concerning the postal employees in general and GDS employees in particular.

 

Indefinite strike from 17.01.2012 by postal employees

The Joint Council of Action consisting of the NFPE, FNPO and its AIPEDEU took a dispassionate review of the entire developments and came to the conclusion that a direct action has become unavoidable before further damage is done. The JCA, therefore, decided that an indefinite strike has become absolutely necessary to meet the situation squarely. A charter of demands consisting of broad based issues of all sections of postal employees and GDS demands. Grant status as Central Government Civil Servants to Gramin Dak Sevaks employees for all purposes including service matters, pay scale, increment, allowances, pension, promotion, leave, bonus, trade unions rights and other terminal benefits. Scrap the new Recruitment rules for appointment of postmen by 25%outside recruitment which curtails the promotional avenues of GDS and restore the previous Recruitment rules. Enhance the bonus ceiling of GDS to 3500/- at par with regular employees. Withdraw the tightened norms for cash handling, stamp sale, and other norms for assessing the workload of BPMs, stop reduction of TRCA in case of reduction in workload. Modify the orders restricting compassionate appointment of GDS. Scrap the newly notified "GDS Conduct &Engagement Rules" and restore the previous "GDS Conduct and Employment Rules". Fill up all GDS Mailmen Posts in RMS. Providing norms for NREGS and RPLI. Inspite of assurances to reconsider the orders, no favourable orders have been issued so far, hence a CHARTER OF DEMANDS was prepared and a well thought decision was taken to serve notice for indefinite strike to begin on 17.01.2017 at 6.00 AM, if the demands are not met by that time, which alone would be able to thwart the aggressive moves of the administration which are hitting the interests of the employees and the department hard. Strike notice will be served on the Secretary Department of Posts on 15.12.2011. Copies of the strike notice and the charter of demands are enclosed.

Comrades, this is time that serious preparations are made to make the strike a total success. Some guidelines which are only illustrative and not exhaustive are laid down here under. More programmes and activities may be devised locally:

·         ORGANISE MASS DEMONSTRATIONS / DHARNAS IN FRONT OF ALL CIRCLE / REGIIONAL / DIVISIONAL OFFICES ON 15.12.2011.

·         ALL INDIA LEADERS OF CENTRAL JCA WILL SIT ON HUNGER FAST IN FRONT OF DAK BHAWAN ON 26.12.2011.

 

The Compilation (Van Guard to GDS Ruling Book)

We Happy to inform you that the CHQ Releasing the Compilation (Van Guard to GDS ruling book) of rules and an instruction, especially relating to the matters consisting of sixteen sections on all the GDS rules, This compilation is not a collection of instructions – obsolete and extant, but it contains only such rules and instructions which are operative and in vogue. The chronology of subjects has been meticulously worked out so that the reader is not confused in the multiplicity of perplexing varieties. Each heading contains all the rules and clarificatory orders issued subsequently.

 

This compilation, in addition to GDS related matters, also contains rules of recruitments to several cadres in the Department of Posts, where-in G.D.S. employees have a stake. This effort is particularly praise-worthy because it offers an opportunity to the G.D.S. employee to plan his career in a befitting manner. This is an effort not to grab the laurels of the G.D.S. employees, but it is sincere effort to offer sufficient guide to the GDS employees to know all about himself.  In first week of January it will be published, Edition: 2012   Book Price ` -100/- It is in Hindi and English, Please Indent now.

 

All the CWC Members/Circle/Divisional/Branch Secretaries are requested to populise among the GDS staff and also requested to fill up the proforma furnished in the last and forward it to CHQ immediately so that we can assess the requirement and order copies for printing. We seek your immediate positive response.

 

PA Recruitment Rules:

           PA Direct recruitment for the vacancies up to 2011 December may be scheduled in the month of April 2012 and the revised recruitment Rules will be brought in to effect. Directorate has initiated the process. Our CHQ requested to further impartment as suggested below for awaiting services of the best talents. (A)GDS employees up to age of 40 years should be eligible for writing the test along with the departmental LGOs for appointment as PAs/SAs. (B)The minimum service as GDS required to be put in should be three years instead of 5 years. (C)The GDS employees with 10+2 qualification and below the age of 30years with no service restriction should be eligible to write the examination along with outside conditions. Such GDS employees should apply through the Recruiting units.

 

Postman Recruitment Rules:  

Based on our demands to modify the Postman Recruitment Rules and also to have a discussion about this with staff side, a meeting with DDG (P) was held on 2.12.2011 at Directorate, but no decision was taken, our stand that department should scrap new rules. The Postmen Recruitment Rules have been made to go against the interests of GDS staff as our quota has been curtailed. A very glaring discrimination is that while everyone not only in our department but also in other departments is enjoying three automatic promotions, there is none for the GDS employees. All these are glaring examples of crude discrimination. We shall have to find a way out of this. We are looking forward to your suggestion 

 

Revision of norms for opening of Post Offices in rural and urban areas.

          The Department constituted committee for Revision of norms for opening of Post Offices in rural and urban areas. Our chq suggested following  same of issues, The Branch Offices, now-a-days, perform a variety of business and quite strongly, in case of several items of business neither time factors have been provided or clear yard sticks assess revenue denied from the services have been fixed. The social requirements served by the B.O.s by translating several schemes have to be compensated through proper calculation of revenue. And where the revenue factor has settled and the working norms have been finalized, any one of them will provide clear yard stick for opening of P.O.s in rural areas, because business and revenue are inter related. PLI, RPLI, old age Pension, MNAREGA payments, acceptance of electric bills and Telephone bills etc are several items for which norms of work and revenue are required to be objectively fixed and calculated. The norms for opening of P.O.s in rural areas should be realistic and presumptive to slice the existing facilities provided in the rural areas.

 

Casual Labourers:

The Committee constituted to consider about application of revision of wages and also the future of the existing casual labourers/contingents has sought information from various circles. The finalisation of Committee, it is leant, will take more time WHICH IS UNBELIEVABLE.  FOR GETTING INFORMATION TO ANSWER A PARLIAMENT QUESTION ETC. WILL BE WITHIN NO TIME.  BUT DELAY IS COMMON FOR ISSUES OF OPPRESSED AND LOW PAID CLASS.  ALL CONCERNED TO THINK AND ACT IMMEDIATELY, BEFORE EXPLOSION!

 

Remmittance of Quota and Dues:

Comrades, the position of receipt of quota by the CHQ is again very disheartening. The Divisional/Branch union get their subscription every month from the DDO's but the remittance of quota to CHQ is rather very casual. The Divisional Presidents and Secretaries will please ensure timely remittance of quota.

Appeal

The CHQ calls upon All the CWC Members/Circle/Divisional/Branch Secretaries and active members to make the indefinite strike from 17.01.2012 a programme of resounding success. It is requested to arrange press conference and other publicity to popularise our demands. A report may also be sent to the CHQ.

 

We request you kindly to translate this circular letter in local language and circulate among the staff. This fact may be explained to the membership through group meetings and general body meetings.

 

With salutations and greetings for a happy New Year.

 

Yours fraternally,

--
S.S.Mahadevaiah
General Secretary
All India Postal Extra Departmental Employees Union

JCA INDEFINITE STRIKE FROM 17.01.2012

POSTAL JOINT COUNCIL OF ACTION

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF POSTAL EMPLOYEES

FEDERATION OF NATIONAL POSTAL ORGANISATIONS

ALL INDIA POSTAL EXTRA DEPARTMENTAL EMPLOYEES UNION

NATIONAL UNION OF GRAMIN DAK SEVAKS

 

JCA/2011                                                                                         Dated – 15^th December 2011

 

To,

 

            The Director General

            Department of Posts

            Dak Bhawan,

            New Delhi – 110001

 

NOTICE

 

Madam,

 

            In accordance with the provisions of Sub Section (1) of Section 22 of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, we hereby notify that all the Postal/RMS/MMS/Administrative & Postal Accounts Employees and the Gramin Dak Sewaks will go on indefinite strike from 17.01.2012. The demands for acceptance of which the employees embark upon this indefinite strike are detailed in the Charter of Demands enclosed.

 

 

          M. Krishnan                                                                                      D. Theagarajan

Secretary General, NFPE                                                                     Secretary General, FNPO

 

   S. S. Mahadevaiah                                                                                P.U. Muralidharan

   General Secretary                                                                                   General Secretary

       AIPEDEU                                                                                                     NUGDS

 

            K. V. Sridharan                                                                               D. Kishan Rao

General Secretary, AIPEU Group 'C'                                      General Secretary, NAPE Group 'C'

 

   Ishwar Singh Dabas                                                                              T. N. Rahate

      General Secretary                                                                         General Secretary

Postmen, MTS & Group 'D'                                                   NAPE Postmen, MTS & Group 'D'

 

        Giriraj Singh                                                                               D. Theagarajan

     General Secretary                                                                          General Secretary

AIRMS & MMS EU Group 'C'                                                                   R-3, FNPO

  

              P. Suresh                                                                                 A. H. Siddique

       General Secretary                                                                                    General Secretary

AIRMS & MMS EU MG & Group 'D'                                                          R-4, FNPO

 

Pranab Bhattacharjee                                                                             O.P.Khanna
General Secretary                                                                              General Secretary

AIPAOEU Group C & D                                                          Admn. Emp. Association- FNPO

 

 

 

T. Satyanarayana                                                                           H.L. Ramteke

General Secretary                                                                        General Secretary

     AIPAEA                                                                                          AIPAOA

 

 

   S. Appanraj                                                                              S. Sambandam

General Secretary                                                                     General Secretary

  AIPSBCOEA                                                                                        NASBCO

 

 

   S. A. Raheem                                                                         Pratha Pratim Ghorai

General Secretary                                                                           General Secretary

     AIPCWEA                                                                                      NUCWE

 

   

CHARTER OF DEMANDS

 

1.      (a)     Drop the Mail Network Optimisation Project (MNOP) and reject the Mckinsey Consultancy's disastrous recommendations. Inspite of the opposition and disagreement expressed by the staff side in the MNOP Committee, the Department is going ahead with the implementation of L1, L2 (hub system for first class mails).  Further the request for additional intra-circle speed post hubs proposed by the staff side is not yet fully implemented.  Change of administrative jurisdiction of speed post hubs from Postal side to RMS side is also not considered favourably.

      (b)     Stop closure/merger of Post offices including Branch Post offices. Even though it was assured by the Secretary (Posts) in the minutes of the discussion held on 01.07.2011, that there will be no closure/merger of Post offices, except simultaneous relocation, instructions in this regard are yet to be communicated to the Circle/Regional heads.  Even now some Regional heads are closing Post offices indiscriminately.

      (c)     Drop the proposed move to introduce delivery hubs for delivery of articles by withdrawing delivery from all town sub post offices in the urban areas. Orders for rotation of the Sorting Postmen work among Beat Postman may be withdrawn.

      (d)     Review CRC, EPP and logistics norms.

 

2.      Grant status as Central Government Civil Servants to Gramin Dak Sevaks employees for all purposes including service matters, pay scale, increment, allowances, pension, promotion, leave, bonus, trade unions rights and other terminal benefits. Scrap the new Recruitment rules for appointment of postmen by 25% outside recruitment which curtails the promotional avenues of GDS and restore the previous Recruitment rules. Enhance the bonus ceiling of GDS to 3500/- at par with regular employees. Withdraw the tightened norms for cash handling, stamp sale, and other norms for assessing the workload of BPMs, stop reduction of TRCA in case of reduction in workload. Modify the orders restricting compassionate appointment of GDS. Scrap the newly notified "GDS Conduct & Engagement Rules" and restore the previous "GDS Conduct and Employment Rules". Fill up all GDS Mailmen Posts in RMS. Providing norms for NREGS and RPLI. Inspite of assurances to reconsider the orders, no favourable orders have been issued so far.

 

3.      Revise the wages of casual labourers including part-time and contingent employees w.e.f. 1.1.2006 as per Supreme Court orders based on the minimum pay implemented as per Sixth CPC recommendations. Stop outsourcing the work of casual labourers and contingent employees. Grant temporary Status to all full time casual labourers. Convert part-time into full-time by combination of duties. Absorb all part-time casual and contingent employees creating GDS posts.  Inspite of favourable assurances during discussion no orders have been issued so far.

4.   Immediate revision of OTA rates and stop recovery of OTA paid to officials who are engaged compulsorily on OTA overlooking the pay-ceiling.

5.      Implement the assurances made on 12.07.2010 strike settlement and also in the JCM Departmental Council Meeting held on 23.08.2010. Ensure prompt holding of Departmental Council Meetings.  Inspite of assurance that next JCM meeting will be held within one month, no meeting has been notified so far.

6.    Immediate finalization of Cadre Restructuring proposals including Postal Accounts as assured by the Secretary Department of Posts and its implementation.  Inspite of the assurance that the proposals will be finalized within one month, the process is still in the initial stage.

7.      Stop decentralization of Postal Accounts, PLI and RPLI and ensure status-quo. Save DPLI office, Kolkata and ensure job security to the staff of DPLI.  Certain items of work relating to PLI has been decentralized unilaterally.

8.      Expedite the process of filling of all vacant posts in all wings including GDS. Create additional new post wherever workload is heavy. 2/3 posts for the period up to 2008 kept in skeleton may be redeployed to offices where additional post is justified.

9.      Ensure 100% filling up of LSG, HSG-II, HSG-I promotional posts before implementation of Postmasters Cadre, remove the retrograde eligibility conditions for appearing the examination of Grade I and PSS Group B and allow Account line officials also.

10. Create the System Administrators posts as assured with specified norms and other works and make it a separate cadre as a promotional cadre to PA/SA.

11. Stop combination of beats /double duty, stop harassment of staff insisting 100% impracticable condition for delivery under Project Arrow. Settle the demands raised in the Postmen Committee such as distance factor, number of articles, Grant of Cycle allowance without distance condition, cash payment for uniform and kit items, Supply of good quality uniforms, Revision of norms. Stop imposing unmanageable workload on staff in the name of verification of applications and delivery of Adhar cards to public.  Settle the items already submitted by Postmen Unions.

12.  Fixing norms for newly assigned works of Multi Tasking Staff. Allow to decline postman promotion for MTS under seniority quota without loosing MACP promotions and review the recruitment rules of MTS to Postmen / Mail Guards.

13.  Grant promotions to Drivers / Artisans at par with other C.G. organizations like Railways/Defence. Higher Pay Scales to charge hand & Drivers.

14.  Declare SBCO Staff as Divisional cadre, Stop harassment of SBCO officials under contributory factors. Complete the Ledger Agreement Work and update the SBCO before launching Core Banking.

15.  Fill up all Postal Civil Wing and Electrical Wing posts as per CPWD norms. Creation of one Civil Circle and Electrical and Architectural Division in every Circle. Expedite the Restructuring of Civil Wing Cadres. Restrict the transfer of non-gazetted staff within the concerned Postal Circle only. Retain Head clerk designation instead of Assistant and declare Head clerk as supervisory posts.

16.  Ensure full fledge functioning of newly formed Postal Accounts Offices by providing adequate staff strength and accommodation. Rectify the anomaly caused due to promotion of Group 'D' official to the cadre of LDC after 2006. Restore the residency period of three years in respect of JA to SA promotion retrospectively w.e.f. 13.12.2006. Grant MACP to those joined in Sorter cadre treating LDC as entry grade as the Sorter grade has been defunct since 2000.  Expedite the process of filling up of vacant posts in the Postal Accounts Wing.

17.  Counting of past services rendered by erstwhile RTPs for promotions and MACP.

18.  Implement Apex Court Judgment in case of RRR Candidates in true sprit and extend to all approved RRR Candidates awaiting for absorption.

19.  Stop Harassing and victimization of innocent officials under contributory negligence factors. Implement the true spirit of Govt. orders and Volumes and no recovery should be made if the concerned is not directly responsible for the loss sustained to the department.

20.  Stop discrimination towards PO & RMS Accounts Cadre, Create separate cadre and earmark percentage of posts for norm based promotions in the same cadre, Count Special Allowance for fixation on promotion, Withdraw the recovery imposed on Postman Pay fixation and drawal of bonus to GDS. Restore the date of passing the Accountant examination for according LSG promotions instead date of entry in PA cadre.

21.  Enhance the LR strength on all cadres to the extent of 20% and fill up all vacant LR posts.

22.  Ensure prompt grant of Child Care Leave as per the liberalized orders, unnecessary hurdles put forth should be dropped.

23.  Review the MACP clarificatory orders and rectify the issues like, non drawal of special allowance on acquiring MACP, wrong interpretation of IIIrd MACP to departmental promotes only after 30 years, Counting as double promotions as Group D & Postmen even in the case of promotion to Postman on GDS quota, non counting of training period for MACP, ignore promotions acquired on deptl. exam for MACP, ignore all uncommunicated average bench marks for MACP as per Judicial verdict. Ensure prompt holding of DPCs at Circle and Divisional level as per DOP&T latest instructions. Grant of Grad pay 1900, 2000 with effect from 01.01.2006 to those Group D (MTS) who were given TBOP/BCR before 1.01.2006.

24.  Stop attack on Union office bearers by misusing Rule 37 transfers and Rule 9 of CCS (CCA) Rules. Dispose all Rule 9 (Pension rules) disciplinary cases and review petition cases pending at Directorate years together.

25.       Denying the legitimate right of employees to avail holidays & Sundays by compelling them to attend frequent meetings/Melas arranged by the department.  Inspite of the instructions issued by Directorate, some of the lower authorities are still compelling the staff to attend melas and meetings on Sundays and holidays.

 

 

--
S.S.Mahadevaiah
General Secretary
All India Postal Extra Departmental Employees Union

DRAFT POSTAL TRAINING POLICY

DRAFT POSTAL TRAINING POLICY

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ORDER NO. 1-45/2011-TRG DATED 12.12.2011

OFFICIALS DEALINGS BETWEEN THE ADMINISTRATION AND MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT AND STATE LEGISLATURES

CLICK HERE TO VIEW OFFICE MEMORANDUM - NO. 11013/4/2011-ESTT (A) DATED 01.12.2011

--
S.S.Mahadevaiah
General Secretary
All India Postal Extra Departmental Employees Union

MAKE THE INDEFINITE STRIKE A GRAND SUCCESS

POSTAL JOINT COUNCIL OF ACTION

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF POSTAL EMPLOYEES

FEDERATION OF NATIONAL POSTAL ORGANISATIONS

ALL INDIA POSTAL EXTRA DEPARTMENTAL EMPLOYEES UNION

NATIONAL UNION OF GRAMIN DAK SEVAKS

NEW DELHI

No: JCA/AGTN/2011                                                                                      Dated 09.12.2011

 

CENTRAL JCA DECIDES TO SERVE STRIKE NOTICE

FOR ALL INDIA INDEFINITE STRIKE FROM 17.01.2012

STRIKE NOTICE WILL BE SERVED ON 15.12.2011

 

*Against Unilateral Move to Implement Mail Network Optimization Project [L1 and L2] in RMS;

*Against Violation of Assurances and Non-implementation of Agreed Demands of 5^th July, 2011 Deferred Strike

- ORGANISE MASS DEMONSTRATIONS / DHARNAS IN FRONT OF ALL CIRCLE / REGIIONAL / DIVISIONAL OFFICES ON 15.12.2011.

- ALL INDIA LEADERS OF CENTRAL JCA WILL SIT ON HUNGER FAST IN FRONT OF DAK BHAWAN ON 26.12.2011.

MAKE THE INDEFINITE STRIKE A GRAND SUCCESS

Dear Comrades,

            The meeting of the Central JCA held on 12.12.2011 at New Delhi, have reviewed the post-5^th July deferred strike settlement situation and have to come unanimous conclusion that Postal Board has failed to implement the assurances given by the Secretary [Posts] on agreed demands, even after a lapse of four months. Further it is going ahead with the unilateral implementation of the Mail Network Optimization Project [MNOP] in spite of vehement opposition of the Staff Side.

            During the discussion with the Secretary [Posts] on 5^th July deferred strike demands, it was assured that there will be no closure/merger of Post Offices, other than simultaneous relocation. But orders in this regard are yet to be communicated to the Heads of the Circle. Orders on Sorting Postman need further modification. On GDS issues no favourable orders are issued on any of the items till this date. Payment of Pro-rata wages and absorption of Casual labourers and Part Time contingent employees still remains unsettled, even though it was assured that orders on payment of pro-rata wages to pre-1993 appointees will be issued within a month.

            JCM Departmental Council meeting is indefinitely delayed. Cadre-restructuring Committee has not yet finalized its final proposals. Issues relating to Postmen, Mail guard and MTs are still in the negotiating stage and no settlement in sight. Demands of the Circle / Regional Offices administrative staff, Postal Accounts, SBCO and Civil Wing employees are not given serious consideration. In short, abnormal delay is taking place in settlement of the genuine demands raised in the Charter of Demands.

            On contrary, even when most of the burning issues of the employees are totally neglected or remains unsettled, the Postal Board is going ahead with implementation of the retrograde recommendations of the McKinsey on Mail Network Optimization Project [MNOP]. In the Committee constituted under the Chairmanship of Member [Operations] for reviewing the issues arising out of the implementation of speed post Hubs and proposed L1, L2 in first class mails, the Staff Side representatives have vehemently opposed the implementation of L1, L2 in first class mails as it will adversely the efficiency of the services resulting in abnormal delay thereby leading to erosion of public faith on the postal services. Further it will also result in large-scale dislocation / transfer of employees and will adversely affect their promotional prospects. In spite of our objection and disagreement, the Postal Board has made it clear that they are going ahead with the implementation of the MNOP Project.

            In the above circumstances, the Staff Side is left with no alternative,, but to revive the postponed strike decision and resort to the agitational path once again. The Central JCA after in depth analysis of the entire situation, have decided to go on indefinite strike from 3^rd January, 2012. It was also decided to serve the strike notice on 15.12.2011 and to conduct mass demonstrations / dharnas in front of all Chief PMG / PMG Offices and Divisional Offices on that day. As a second phase of the agitation, the Secretary Generals of NFPE and FNPO and the General Secretaries and CHQ Office Bearers of Federations /All India Unions / Associations of the JCA shall sit on hunger fast in front of Dak Bhawan on 26.12.2011.

              The Central JCA calls upon the entirety of the Postal and RMS employees to make all the above agitational programmes in the true spirit and make the indefinite strike from 17 January, 2012 a grand success.

               If the Postal Board is not ready to come for a result-oriented and time-bound negotiated settlement, the entire Postal and RMS Service should be paralyzed from 17.01.2012.

            It is again a struggle for our survival.

           It is a struggle of life and death to lakhs of Postal Workers.

            Let the Postal,, RMS, Administrative, Postal Accounts, GDS, SBCO and Civil Wing employees come together to stage another glorious indefinite strike.

Fraternally Yours,

Secretary General       Secretary General

NFPE                    FNPO

&

All General Secretaries of NFPE and FNPO

&

General Secretary     General Secretary

AIPEDEU            NUGDS

--
S.S.Mahadevaiah
General Secretary
All India Postal Extra Departmental Employees Union

Com. B.M Jadeja, Vise President, AIPEDEU has Passed Away

Com. B.M Jadeja, Vise President, AIPEDEU has Passed Away - We dip our Banner

Com. B.M. Jadeja, President, Gujarat AIPEDEU and veteran leader of AIPEDEU has lost his breath on 10.12.2011 midnight due sudden heart attack. We dip our banner in memory of the greatest contribution of this comrade to the GDS movement and Postal Working Class. Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved Comrades and his family members.

--
S.S.Mahadevaiah
General Secretary
All India Postal Extra Departmental Employees Union

Non implementation of assurances and revival of postponed Indefinite Strike.

POSTAL JOINT COUNCIL OF ACTION

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF POSTAL EMPLOYEES

FEDERATION OF NATIONAL POSTAL ORGANISATIONS

ALL INDIA POSTAL EXTRA DEPARTMENTAL EMPLOYEES UNION

NATIONAL UNION OF GRAMIN DAK SEVAKS

NEW DELHI

No: JCA/AGTN/2011                                                                                      Dated 09.12.2011

To

            Ms. Manjula Prasher,

            Secretary Department of Posts,

            Dak Bhawan,

            New Delhi-110116

 

Subject: Non implementation of assurances and revival of postponed Indefinite Strike.

 

Respected Madam,

 

            The meeting of the Central JCA held on 03.12.2011 at New Delhi, have reviewed the post-5^th July deferred strike settlement situation and have come to unanimous conclusion that Postal Board has failed to implement the assurances given by the Secretary [Posts] on agreed demands, even after a lapse of four months. Further it is going ahead with the unilateral implementation of the Mail Network Optimization Project [MNOP] in spite of vehement opposition of the Staff Side.

            During the discussion with the Secretary [Posts] on 5^th July deferred strike demands, it was assured that there will be no closure/merger of Post Offices, other than simultaneous relocation. But orders in this regard are yet to be communicated to the Heads of the Circle. Orders on Sorting Postman need further modification.

 On GDS issues no favourable orders are issued on any of the items till this date. Payment of Pro-rata wages and absorption of Casual labourers and Part Time contingent employees still remains unsettled, even though it was assured that orders on payment of pro-rata wages to pre-1993 appointees will be issued within a month.

            JCM Departmental Council meeting is indefinitely delayed. Cadre-restructuring Committee has not yet finalized its final proposals. Issues relating to Postmen, Mail guard and MTS are still in the negotiating stage and no settlement in sight. Demands of the Circle / Regional Offices administrative staff, Postal Accounts, SBCO and Civil Wing employees are not given serious consideration. In short, abnormal delay is taking place in settlement of the genuine demands raised in the Charter of Demands.

            On contrary, even when most of the burning issues of the employees are totally neglected or remains unsettled, the Postal Board is going ahead with implementation of the retrograde recommendations of the McKinsey on Mail Network Optimization Project [MNOP]. In the Committee constituted under the Chairmanship of Member [Operations] for reviewing the issues arising out of the implementation of speed post Hubs and proposed L1, L2 in first class mails, the Staff Side representatives have vehemently opposed the implementation of L1, L2 in first class mails as it will adversely affect the efficiency of the services resulting in abnormal delay thereby leading to erosion of public faith on the postal services. Further it will also result in large-scale dislocation / transfer of employees and will adversely affect their promotional prospects. In spite of our objection and disagreement, the Postal Board has made it clear that they are going ahead with the implementation of the MNOP Project.

            In the above circumstances, the Staff Side is left with no alternative, but to revive the postponed strike decision and resort to the agitational path once again. The Central JCA after in depth analysis of the entire situation, have decided to go on indefinite strike from 17^th January, 2012. It was also decided to serve the strike notice on 15.12.2011 and to conduct mass demonstrations / dharnas in front of all Chief PMG / PMG Offices and Divisional Offices on that day. As a second phase of the agitation, the Secretary Generals of NFPE and FNPO and the General Secretaries and CHQ Office Bearers of Federations /All India Unions / Associations of the JCA shall sit on hunger fast in front of Dak Bhawan on 26.12.2011.

 

            We hope that the Postal Board shall come forward for a negotiated settlement on all the issues mentioned above.

            Detailed charter of demands and strike notice will be served on 15-12.2011.

 

Yours faithfully,

 

          M. Krishnan                                                                                      D. Theagarajan

Secretary General, NFPE                                                                     Secretary General, FNPO

 

 

 S. S. Mahadevaiah                                                                                P.U. Muralidharan

 General Secretary                                                                                   General Secretary

       AIPEDEU                                                                                                     NUGDS

 

 

--
S.S.Mahadevaiah
General Secretary
All India Postal Extra Departmental Employees Union

NREGA's new avatar: Work later, take home cash now

NREGA's new avatar: Work later, take home cash now

NEW DELHI: The government is likely to allow advance part payment of wages in a bid to restore faith of beneficiaries in its flagship rural jobs scheme. The proposal is part of a slew of measures to address mounting criticism of the centrally-funded Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) which is beset by administrative logjam and charges of leakages.

The rural development ministry has asked states to initiate a monthlong pilot project in select districts or panchayats where payments are especially delayed. Based on the feedback, a firm advance payments scheme can be designed. "We have asked states to do the pilots in those areas where delay in payment is primarily due to shortage of staff," said an official in the rural development ministry who did not wish to be identified.

"The amounts paid in advance will get adjusted from actual payment due whenever measurement of assets is over and wages due are calculated," the official added. Wages are often delayed for more than six months because of inadequate bank penetration, postal network and human resource. Delays in measurement of work done under the scheme and lack of personnel to process muster rolls also causes payments to be stuck at various administrative levels.

"It has been suggested that till the Banking Correspondent (BC) network is augmented and till the postal network spreads out to all panchayats areas, part payments to workers may be considered as an option," a letter written by the rural development ministry to the state governments says. Under the BC model, agents are used to deliver services on a commission mission basis to increase banking penetration in rural areas.

The ministry has admitted in the letter that timely payment of wages remains a hindrance to successful implementation of the scheme. Though the ministry has received just 50 complaints related to nonpayment of wages under the scheme, it is believed that the figure does not reflect the enormity of the problem because most beneficiaries do not lodge a complaint. Payments in most cases under the pilot project are likely to be done through cash transfers even as the ministry's move does not necessarily allow for direct cash transfer of wages.

"It is not linked to the mode of payment but as it is an alternative to the BC model and post office payments, states will prefer direct cash transfers," an official with a state rural development department told ET. The pilot project is being initiated as the ministry's efforts to extend the outreach of banks and post offices are likely to take time to get fully rooted.

The ministry had two months ago issued guidelines to all states to ensure compulsory payment of wages only through bank and post office accounts. Within a month, however, rural development minister Jairam Ramesh announced that due to lack of infrastructure and human resource the option was not feasible in all parts of the country.

The minister had, therefore, made concession in the rule by allowing cash transfers in 60 Maoist-affected affected districts in the country. Tamil Nadu is the only state where all wage payments are transferred directly in cash. Advance payment has been supported by experts like National Advisory Council member Harsh Mander who say that such a move will not only restore faith of the workers, but also increase the rate of completion of works.

 

 

 

Courtesy by Economic Times on 5 Dec, 2011,  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

--
S.S.Mahadevaiah
General Secretary
All India Postal Extra Departmental Employees Union

Letter to Govt. on Recruitment Rules for the Post of Postman and Mail Guards

GDS/CHQ/3/2/2011                    Dated: 28.11.2011

 

To

 

Ms. ManjulaPrasher,,

Secretary,

Department of Posts,

Dak Bhavan,

New Delhi – 110001

 

Subject:- Recruitment Rules for the Post of Postman and Mail Guards.

 

Ref:         Your office letter No. 44-2/2011-SPBI dated 27-11-2011

 

Madam,

          A kind reference is invited to this union's letters of even no. dated 1.03.2011 about the Recruitment Rules for the Post of Postman and Mail Guard in the Directorate letter no. 44-2/2011-SPBI dated 27-11-2011. In which we have been grievously aggrieved and offended by the provision of these Recruitment Rules 2010 which tend to offend and curtail the interests and promotional avenues of the GDS employees against the prevailing rules, convention and practice. In this connection we have to submit as follows and hope that the same will be considered dispassionately and accepted:

 

(i)       The GDS employees, as per their Recruitment Rules do possess the educational qualification as required for appointment to the Post of Postmen. The GDS employees who are appointed on satisfying certain other conditions of the Recruitment Rules have successfully shoulder the new and business and handling of value added services apart from handling many other new schemes.

 

(ii)      As per the prevailing rules 50% of the vacancies in Postmen cadre are filled up by Group 'D' staff through a limited competitive examination failing which by GDS employees through limited competitive examination. The remaining 50% is filled up by GDS employees certain percentage reserved for recruitment on the basis of seniority cum fitness.

 

        There is no reason for tinkering with these rules which have withstood the test of time and have been working satisfactorily over the years.

 

        There is no need for direct recruitment to the Postman cadre from the open market is view of the large number GDS employees available with requisite qualification and ability. The proposed 25% recruitment from the open market is a bolt from the blue unnecessarily incorporated in the rules which must be rescinded.

 

(iii)     Since the avenues opened to the GDS employees who number about three lakhs is recruitment as Multi Tasking Staff or Postman with very little scope for recruitment as PAs/SAs, the remaining facilities cannot be curtailed or narrowed. This is against the own norms prescribed earlier by the department.

 

(iv)      Now that the GDS employees are equipped with better, knowledge better qualification and better ability the reward cannot be curtailment of the little opportunity for mobility of these staff.

 

        We, therefore, request you kindly to consider the case dispassionately and in the light of our emphatic and reasoned suggestions and the provision of 25% by vacancies of Postmen to be filled from open market may be deleted making the provision as if exists; (i) 50% multi tasking staff through limited competitive examination failing which by GDS employees through limited competitive examination; and (ii) 50% by GDS employees with provision for certain percentage to be filled up on the basis of seniority cum fitness.

 

We are confident that our suggestions would be considered reasonably and accepted to avoid serious hurt being inflicted to the interests and avenues of mobility to the GDS employees.

    Yours faithfully,

                     
--
S.S.Mahadevaiah
General Secretary
All India Postal Extra Departmental Employees Union