Editorial
Subsidised to wireless, for rural connectivity why not rural Postal network?
With the government's clearance of support from USO fund for mobile operators, a unique opportunity is emerging to connect rural areas and to help them to expand their stake in the emerging knowledge economy, there is an important and welcome new chapter in Trai's quarterly publication of performance indicators for India's telecom sector. For the first time since its inception, the document reports on status of services available in India's rural areas. Previous reports devoted most of their space to mobile telephones where we now add, every quarter, the equivalent of the entire rural network in the country of about 14.8 million lines. Despite the delay in reporting on rural communications, or its manifestly poor state, the more important evidence is that the regulator and the government are now engaged with the central challenge for India's telecom sector, i.e., connectivity to the over 70% India's population living in rural areas. The number of phones per hundred residents (teledensity) in these areas is barely 2 % as against close to 50% in many cities. The story emerging from the document is, however, more nuanced and offers valuable clues to how adequate rural connectivity can be achieved. The report reveals that there is at least one phone in all but a tenth of India's villages. The uncovered villages are probably extremely sparsely populated. So, perhaps 95 % of the population lives in a connected village.
The relevance for poorer socio economies condition especially rural areas. This too is misleading. For a start, the evidence is that the richest countries, for example, many Asia Pacific countries.
This is well established fact that Gramin Dak Sevaks is the unique service to rural population of India. This Gramin Dak Sevaks are not getting full pay or status/pension and Social Welfare Schemes, health and other benefits are denied. This is totally unjustice to the Gramin Dak Sevaks as well as Rural Population of the country. This is the need of hour to restructure the rural postal network and give good and better service to majority of rural population. The powers all along are neglecting the rural mass even in this changing scenario of socio economical conditions. The government should take proper plans and policies with human face and remove the existing gap of urban and rural area. The well established fact is that served to the 80% of population the expenditure to the Gramin Dak Sevaks (Rural Postal Employees) is below 10%(500 to 600 crore rupees out of more than 4,000 crore rupees) for rural network share in postal budget. The Government is one side giving liberal subsidy to those private Cellular operators like Reliance, Tata and Airtel for rural network, but not the GDS workers and not recognizing their as full time rural postal employees. Rural Post Offices should have full latest technology, financial centre/Knowledge centers etc.
While it is well known that they deliver increased bandwidth, it is often forgotten that unique conditions in rural areas-such as lower levels of literacy, multiple languages, limited entertainment, poorer governance, health, education, etc - can potentially increase manifold the value of multimedia services, video conferencing, internet, etc. So, poorer people need more sophisticated tedmologies. Consequently the money invested may well be substantially lower in rural areas. Creative business plans and government investments – is the needed most.
Department of Posts is neglecting and denying the justice and showing stepmother treatment toward Gramin Dak Sevaks issues like bringing them under the purview of 6th CPC or constitute judicial committee. The Department desires to constitute an official committee without any reason and they want to exploit onceigain after sixty year of independent even though Gramin Dak Sevaks not getting maternity leave, pension, family pension, welfare, health scheme and due benefits even though the government of India’s policies like promote of small family norms, gratuity etc., as the port of Social welfare schemes to the workrs.
Comrades, we are aware of the present scenario. Keep the powder dry to face any eventuality. Let us march forward with the only aim to reach our desired goal.
Letter to Justice B.N.SrikrishnaThe Hon.ble Chairman, 6th Central Pay Commission
No.GDS/CHQ/3/10/2006 Dated 07-02-2007
Respected Sir,
Sub: Request for bringing the Gramin Dak Sevaks of Postal Department under the purview of 6th Pay Commission.
Ref: In your e-mail reply on over previous memorandum on 16.11.2006 and 2.01.2007.
This Union expresses its deep gratitude for the above referred letter from the 6th CPC stating that the memorandum of this union for inclusion of the GDS problems of pay scale/service conditions be in the purview of the 6th CPC would be considered. We are confident that such a step would do great justice to the issue of GDS employees in the interest of the employees and the department as well. Kindly allow us an opportunity of submission of memorandum and oral hearing/evidence at the appropriate time. For we are about 3 lakh employees who are part and parcel of the department of post and the main nerve of the system serving 90,00,00,000 population of this country through 1,29,000 rural post offices.
While this is a very welcome step from your side, we are dismayed to note that the department is actually still not agreeing to the step propounded in your above letter but are considering to only appoint a separate committee headed by a departmental officer. A copy of this letter received from the department is enclosed for your kind perusal and necessary corrective action to draw the Gramin Dak Sevak’s issue to be considered by the 6th CPC itself.
I fervently appeal for speeding up such a communication to the department so that the 6th CPC itself would look into the GDS problems and the department would extend all necessary cooperation.
With profound regards,
Yours faithfully,
(S.S.MAHADEVAIAH)
General Secretary.
Encl:
Letter to Govt.
Ref;GDS/CHQ/3/14/2007 Date;08.02.2007
Shri, I.M.G. Khan,
Secretary,
Department of Posts,
Dak Bhavan,
New Delhi-110001
Sir,
Sub; Counting of past services in case of promotion/
Recruitment to departmental posts.
At present no benefits of past services rendered by GDS is given to GDS on promotion to a departmental post for the purpose of pension or any other facilities where minimum service is prescribed. To be entitled to get pensionery benefits, departmental regular employees have to put in 10 years of continuous service. Even the casual labourers are entitled to get a benefit of past service to the extend to 50% and all casual laborer who enjoy temporary status and have put in 3 years of service in the departmental post are entitled to full benefits of past service.
The GDS employees are now getting a lump sum of Rs.20000/-being one time benefit for past service in GDS cadre, which is very meager and irrational. Hence in recognition of their sincere service rendered, due benefits of past service on promotion to the extent of 50% may kindly be extended to GDS officials also like casual labourers. An early decision favourable in this regard will be highly obliged sir.
Thanking you.
Yours faithfully,
S.S.MAHADEVAIAH
GENERALSECRETARY
Ref;GDS-CHQ/1/14/2007 Date;08.02.2007
To,
The Secretary,
Department of Posts,
Dak Bhavan,
New Delhi-110001
Sir,
Sub; Response to union communications reg.
Ref: This union communications on appointment of judicial commission and other important issues vide letters
No. GDS/CHQ/40/1/2006 Date: 30 March 2006
No. GDS/CHQ/40/1/2006, Date: 11 September, 2006
No. GDS/CHQ/40/1/2006 Dated: 16 October 2006
No. GDS/CHQ/40/1/2006 Dated: 01 Dec, 2006
……….
The above cited letters are yet to be acknowledged or replied by the directorate. Of late, it is seen that even such important letters are also not being acknowledged and replied to the dismay of this union. The low paid GDS employees all over the country are very eager to know the development on this vital issue.
Kindly take necessary action with a line of reply which will be highly appreciated.
Thanking you,
No. GDS/CHQ/6/2/2007-RPLI Dated: 29-01-2007
Shri, I.M.G. Khan,
Secretary,
Department of Posts,
Dak Bhavan,
New Delhi – 1
Sub: - Harassment to GDS employees in the name of RPLI business in Maharashtra Circle.
Sir,
It is brought to our notice that the GDS officials of Maharashtra Circles harassment to GDS employees in the name of RPLI business by the Administration the copies of replies given in four monthly meeting by the CPMG Mumbai. There are two types of answers on the same question, regarding harassment to GDS employees in the name of RPLI.
Firstly item was taken on 25.05.2006, wherein it was replied that, there is no any kind of harassment of GDS in Maharashtra. Neither increment nor TRCA is held up but when harassment seen continued, the same question was taken in four monthly meeting on 04.01.2007 and now CPMG has agreed that, in some cases where business is not given salary was held up. The example of chandrapur Dn. Was cited, where salary of GDS employees was held up the eve of Diwali and Id Festival 2006. In this way the intention of the Maharashtra circle is deliberate one is cleared.
You are, therefore, requested kindly to advice concerned authorities to stop such practice of harassment on poor GDS employees with holding of payment and motivate the business with goodwill and encourage the GDS officials with spot payment of Commissions,
An early action and reply is solicited,
Yours faithfully,
S.S. Mahadevaiah
General Secretary.
Copy to ALL CWC Members
No. GDS/41/1/2006, Dated: 29-01-2007
Shri, I.M.G. Khan,
Secretary,
Department of Posts,
Dak Bhavan,
New Delhi – 1
Sub.: Filling up of Residual Vacancies in LGO Exam among GDS officials-regarding.
Sir,
A kind reference is invited to this union's letter of even no. dated 09-03-04 and 07-06-2005,20-09-2005, 19-06-2006 and 16-11-2006 in which it was brought to your kind notice that the PA Recruitment Rules 1992 communicated in DG Posts letter No. 60-52/90.SPB II dated 24-9-1992, the vacancies unfilled up by departmental candidates may be filled up with GDS officials by conducting an examination.
Subsequently, after modification of recruitment rules accorded in 2002 vide letter No. 60-29/98-SPB I dated 24-1-2002, the concession granted of 10 marks has been taken back and resultantly none become eligible to appear the exam. The reduction of age for the eligibility to write the examination has also played its role.
Almost in all the circles, the vacancies in PA cadre due to non-qualifying by the departmental candidates from the year 2000-01 remain unfilled. There are more than 500 to 800 Posts in each Circles still Vacant due to non-conduct of examination among GDS officials for the unfilled up residual vacancies.
Our earlier request to remove the conditions in appearing the exam and the merited GDS Officials be appointed as Postal Assistant remains unconsidered. There are more graduate/Post graduates with computer knowledge working as GDS in the department.
If an opportunity to appear the PA Exam with the existing syllabus as applicable to GDS, many educated youths will avail and serve the department efficient.
It is therefore requested to consider and cause orders to relax the conditions and allow all GDS Officials to appear the PA Examination for the unfilled up vacancies of GDS and select based on the merit, and also to conduct examination to fill up all the vacant Posts of PAs kept unfilled up under the residual Vacancies since 2000-01 early.
A line in reply about the action taken is highly appreciated.
Yours faithfully,
S.S. Mahadevaiah
General Secretary.
Copy to ALL CWC Members
Reference: GDS/41/1/2005 Dated: 29- 01-2007
Shri, P.T.S. Kumar,
DDG (P),
Department of Posts,
Dak Bhavan, New Delhi – 1.
Sub: - Non declaration result of departmental exam for GDS to PA Cadre
Against the vacancies 2000-04 in Maharashtra Circle.
Sir,
It has been brought to the notice of Union that the result of above examination has not been declared til this date. There are number of vacancies lying vacant in PA cadre and due to non availability of suitable officials from LGO’s the department offered these unfilled vacancies to GDS employees.
As per the condition mentioned in the circular issued by the divisional heads in respect of Shri. R.S. Shinde, BPM Nanegaon B.O. Nashik is enclosed herewith. While calling the applications from the GDS employees in March 2005 the one of the condition was that the GDS official who have secured not less than 18% marks in comparison to last open market candidate will be considered. As per the SSPO’s Nashik Lr. No. B-4/13/exam/GDS/ to PA/05 Dt. 14.3.2005 the last candidates who has secured 69.83% marks was considered in Nashik Dn. There are number of GDS Officials in Nashik Dn. Who are fulfilling these conditions but their result is not declared yet.
You are therefore requested to kindly look into the matter personally and cause orders to relax the conditions and give justice to the poor GDS employees.
A line in reply about the action taken is highly appreciated.
Yours faithfully,
S.S. Mahadevaiah
General Secretary.
GDS/CHQ/9-3/2007 Dated: 29th Jan, 2007
Shri I.M.G. Khan,
Secretary,
Department of Posts,
Dak Bhawan,
New Delhi 110001
Subject: Irrational downgradation of EDSOs into Branch Post Offices – Cases of Mysore Division in S.K. Region, Karnataka Circle – reg.
Sir,
This union is to bring to your kind notice that the Divisional Authority is taking action of downgradation of all EDSOs into Branch Post Offices in a massive way. This type of action is unscientific, irrational and unreasonable without considering practical aspects, public service, scientific assessment of loss and profit, human approach etc. This may throw additional workload on some departmental post offices which are already overburdened due to shortage of staff. Neither the staff concerned nor the union representatives are consulted which is highly deplorable. For example, Bheriya EDSOs have been downgraded where sufficient workload to justify this office as EDSOs is herewith enclosed for yours reedy reference.
This action of the Divisional Superintendent has already caused unrest amongst the staff and strong resentment is prevailing there.
You are, therefore, requested kindly to intervene into the matter and put a stop for such practice in downgrading EDSOs and order to review all such cases and cause suitable steps to restore earlier status of EDSOs immediately.
Looking forward for an early action and a line in reply,
Yours faithfully,
S.S. Mahadevaiah
General Secretary
Reference: GDS/9/1/2007 Date; 29/1/2007
Shri, P.T.S. Kumar,
DDG (P),
Department of Posts,
Dak Bhavan,
New Delhi 110001
Sub: Delay for conducting DPC Selection/promotion to Group ‘D’/Postman under Seniority Quota from the cadre of GDS without Exam – Delhi East Dn., and Delhi South Division, in Delhi Circle.
Sir,
A kind reference is invited to the above cited subject wherein GDS officials are promoted to Group ‘D’/Postman cadre based on their seniority cum fitness with out Exam has not been done years together for the reasons best known to administration.
It is learnt that adequate number of vacancies are available for the promotion of GDS. The efforts taken by our Divisional Secretaries, Delhi Circle are found to be needful.
You are, therefore, requested kindly to advise the authorities concerned to do the needful at earliest.
Awaiting early response,
Yours sincerely
(S.S. Mahadevaiah)
General Secretary.
No. GDS/CHQ/2/2007 Dated 09-02-07
Shri, Subhash Chander,
Director (SR & Legal),
Department of Posts,
Dak Bhavan,
New Delhi – 1
Sub;- Granting employment certificate by DDO TO Gramin Dak Sevaks for taking loan from nationalized banks and co-operative banks-
Ref; - Your letter No. 16-6/2007-SR. dated 11.01.2007
Sir,
Arent reference, a specimen format as required is enclosed herewith for kind
consideration.
The employment certificate alongwith pay particulars may be issued to GDS for approaching Banks for some personal loan on emergency and also to impart education to their children, arranging for education/Books welfare relief for natural calamities from the state etc. So for the formation of Postal Employees Co-operative Society, it is request to cause undertaking to recover the dues from GDS officials as if in the case of regular departmental employees made out of account.
Your Co-operation is highly solicited.
Yours faithfully,
D.A. (1)
S.S. Mahadevaiah
General Secretary.
Specimen I
Certified that Sri/Smt. …….. working as GDS in the office of Post Office. The Time Related Continuity Allowance (Total Emoluments) paid to the official is Rs
( ) for mensum.
Signature of DDO
Note
If the DDO is willing to deduct the recovery and remit the dues to the Co-op Society/Nationalised Banks, an undertaking may be given for that apart from the above.
If not, the employment Certificate may be given to them so that the GDS officials can approach directly for any needs producing their identity of working in the department.
Reference: GDS/3-3/2006 Dated: 09-02-2007
Shri, I.M.G. Khan,
Secretary,
Department of Posts,
Dak Bhavan,
New Delhi – 1
Sub;- Restoration of TRCA to GDS arbitrarily reduced- case of peddapalli division – regarding
Sir,
A kind attention is invited to various references this union made about the arbitary reduction of TRCA w.e.f. 1.3.98 and ordered huge recovery by applying Cycle Beat formula even for those recruited prior to 1987.
The supdt of Posts, Peddapalli in Andhra Circle has slashed the TRCA to the sixty GDS officials w.e.f. 1.3.90 and given effect the same w.e.f. 1.12.03 as per the directions contained in Directorate letter No. 14-10/2003- PAP dated 24.9.03.
The Directorate an order ensuring no reduction in the GDS allowances under any circumstances has given a go bye and the TRCA of the sixty officials in one division is being reduced from II TRCA to I TRCA due to application of Cycle Beat w.e.f. 1.3.98.
It is therefore, requested to cause necessary orders to restore the TRCA to the incumbents and render justice –
A line is reply about the action taken is highly solicited.
Yours faithfully,
S.S. Mahadevaiah
General Secretary.
Letter to Hon'ble Minister for Communications & IT,
No. GDS/CHQ/40/1/2006 Dated: 07 Feb, 2007
Shri Dayanidhi Maran,
Hon'ble Minister for Communications & IT,
Government of India,
6, Electro Niketan, CGO Complex,
Lodhi Road,
New Delhi - 110003
Subject: Formation of Judicial Committee for considering the demands of the GDS employees working in the Department of Posts – requested.
Respected Sir,
The rejection of the request of this union of setting up of judicial commission/Committee for Gramin Dak Sevaks, vide DG Posts letter No.8-7/2006/SR dated 08-12-2006 has caused grave injustice to the cause and interests of 3 lakh GDS employees. Such a decision, to say the least is very arbitrary and discriminatory. It also negates an accepted principle that the four previous committees headed by Departmental Officers had not done any justice to the case of GDS(formerly called ED Agents) and that is why a judicial officer, this time onwards shall head the said committee/Commission vide parliamentary debate on the subject of December 1993 strike leading to the decision to appoint a judicial person to head the committee and that is how Hon Justice(Retired) Charanjit Talwar came to be appointed as chairman. Hence the practice of appointing a departmental official to head such a Committee was consciously given a go by as it faced considerable criticism that none of the previous committee has done any justice to the case of these employees. Thus the parliamentary debate on this issue is most crucial and vital to influence the decision to switch over to a judicial member to head the GDS (EDAs) Committee.
Thus the present decision to justify a Committee headed by Departmental Officer on the grounds that “GDS is an institution peculiar to the Department of Posts and, therefore a departmental officer would be most suited to the assignment”, is already rejected proposal after debate at the highest level or the government on going through the relevant merits and demerits of the alternative proposals i.e whether a Departmental office or a judicial officer. Hence we strongly repudiate the logic behind such a decision and urge for the appointment of the judicial Committee which alone would render justice to the cause of GDS,
This is amply proved by going through the reports given by the departmental officers committees and comparing it with that of the one given by judicial committee i.e Justice Talwar Committee. Any committee headed by a Departmental officer would carry with it considerable bias and prejudice of a lifetime of association with the system and would be totally bereft of open minded consideration. It is in this back ground the union has been struggling to ameliorate the service conditions of GDS i.e EDAs, and aiming ultimately at full regularization. During the December, 1993 strike struggle we were able to succeed in securing judicial committee thwarting the practice of committee headed by departmental officers.
This solemn understanding extended by Government on the floor of the parliament is to be treated as sacroscant and needs to be honoured in keeping with principles of natural justice and adherence to the ethics of building abiding and adorable relations between employer and employees. We therefore cannot brook any attempt to deny us hard won ground to have a judicial officer to head the GDS committee much in the same way as the 6thCPC. We would like to resist such arbitrary and discriminatory treatment of denial of judicial committee at any cost and every forum say Trade union front or legal Arena.
We are really sorry to note why the Department is going back on this issue which is already a settled one during December, 1993 strike. Hence we pray kindly reconsider the decision in the light of the above submission and decide to appoint a judicial member to head the GDS Committee.
With high regards,
Yours faithfully,
S.S.MAHADEVAIAH
General Secretary.
Subsidised to wireless, for rural connectivity why not rural Postal network?
With the government's clearance of support from USO fund for mobile operators, a unique opportunity is emerging to connect rural areas and to help them to expand their stake in the emerging knowledge economy, there is an important and welcome new chapter in Trai's quarterly publication of performance indicators for India's telecom sector. For the first time since its inception, the document reports on status of services available in India's rural areas. Previous reports devoted most of their space to mobile telephones where we now add, every quarter, the equivalent of the entire rural network in the country of about 14.8 million lines. Despite the delay in reporting on rural communications, or its manifestly poor state, the more important evidence is that the regulator and the government are now engaged with the central challenge for India's telecom sector, i.e., connectivity to the over 70% India's population living in rural areas. The number of phones per hundred residents (teledensity) in these areas is barely 2 % as against close to 50% in many cities. The story emerging from the document is, however, more nuanced and offers valuable clues to how adequate rural connectivity can be achieved. The report reveals that there is at least one phone in all but a tenth of India's villages. The uncovered villages are probably extremely sparsely populated. So, perhaps 95 % of the population lives in a connected village.
The relevance for poorer socio economies condition especially rural areas. This too is misleading. For a start, the evidence is that the richest countries, for example, many Asia Pacific countries.
This is well established fact that Gramin Dak Sevaks is the unique service to rural population of India. This Gramin Dak Sevaks are not getting full pay or status/pension and Social Welfare Schemes, health and other benefits are denied. This is totally unjustice to the Gramin Dak Sevaks as well as Rural Population of the country. This is the need of hour to restructure the rural postal network and give good and better service to majority of rural population. The powers all along are neglecting the rural mass even in this changing scenario of socio economical conditions. The government should take proper plans and policies with human face and remove the existing gap of urban and rural area. The well established fact is that served to the 80% of population the expenditure to the Gramin Dak Sevaks (Rural Postal Employees) is below 10%(500 to 600 crore rupees out of more than 4,000 crore rupees) for rural network share in postal budget. The Government is one side giving liberal subsidy to those private Cellular operators like Reliance, Tata and Airtel for rural network, but not the GDS workers and not recognizing their as full time rural postal employees. Rural Post Offices should have full latest technology, financial centre/Knowledge centers etc.
While it is well known that they deliver increased bandwidth, it is often forgotten that unique conditions in rural areas-such as lower levels of literacy, multiple languages, limited entertainment, poorer governance, health, education, etc - can potentially increase manifold the value of multimedia services, video conferencing, internet, etc. So, poorer people need more sophisticated tedmologies. Consequently the money invested may well be substantially lower in rural areas. Creative business plans and government investments – is the needed most.
Department of Posts is neglecting and denying the justice and showing stepmother treatment toward Gramin Dak Sevaks issues like bringing them under the purview of 6th CPC or constitute judicial committee. The Department desires to constitute an official committee without any reason and they want to exploit onceigain after sixty year of independent even though Gramin Dak Sevaks not getting maternity leave, pension, family pension, welfare, health scheme and due benefits even though the government of India’s policies like promote of small family norms, gratuity etc., as the port of Social welfare schemes to the workrs.
Comrades, we are aware of the present scenario. Keep the powder dry to face any eventuality. Let us march forward with the only aim to reach our desired goal.
Letter to Justice B.N.SrikrishnaThe Hon.ble Chairman, 6th Central Pay Commission
No.GDS/CHQ/3/10/2006 Dated 07-02-2007
Respected Sir,
Sub: Request for bringing the Gramin Dak Sevaks of Postal Department under the purview of 6th Pay Commission.
Ref: In your e-mail reply on over previous memorandum on 16.11.2006 and 2.01.2007.
This Union expresses its deep gratitude for the above referred letter from the 6th CPC stating that the memorandum of this union for inclusion of the GDS problems of pay scale/service conditions be in the purview of the 6th CPC would be considered. We are confident that such a step would do great justice to the issue of GDS employees in the interest of the employees and the department as well. Kindly allow us an opportunity of submission of memorandum and oral hearing/evidence at the appropriate time. For we are about 3 lakh employees who are part and parcel of the department of post and the main nerve of the system serving 90,00,00,000 population of this country through 1,29,000 rural post offices.
While this is a very welcome step from your side, we are dismayed to note that the department is actually still not agreeing to the step propounded in your above letter but are considering to only appoint a separate committee headed by a departmental officer. A copy of this letter received from the department is enclosed for your kind perusal and necessary corrective action to draw the Gramin Dak Sevak’s issue to be considered by the 6th CPC itself.
I fervently appeal for speeding up such a communication to the department so that the 6th CPC itself would look into the GDS problems and the department would extend all necessary cooperation.
With profound regards,
Yours faithfully,
(S.S.MAHADEVAIAH)
General Secretary.
Encl:
Letter to Govt.
Ref;GDS/CHQ/3/14/2007 Date;08.02.2007
Shri, I.M.G. Khan,
Secretary,
Department of Posts,
Dak Bhavan,
New Delhi-110001
Sir,
Sub; Counting of past services in case of promotion/
Recruitment to departmental posts.
At present no benefits of past services rendered by GDS is given to GDS on promotion to a departmental post for the purpose of pension or any other facilities where minimum service is prescribed. To be entitled to get pensionery benefits, departmental regular employees have to put in 10 years of continuous service. Even the casual labourers are entitled to get a benefit of past service to the extend to 50% and all casual laborer who enjoy temporary status and have put in 3 years of service in the departmental post are entitled to full benefits of past service.
The GDS employees are now getting a lump sum of Rs.20000/-being one time benefit for past service in GDS cadre, which is very meager and irrational. Hence in recognition of their sincere service rendered, due benefits of past service on promotion to the extent of 50% may kindly be extended to GDS officials also like casual labourers. An early decision favourable in this regard will be highly obliged sir.
Thanking you.
Yours faithfully,
S.S.MAHADEVAIAH
GENERALSECRETARY
Ref;GDS-CHQ/1/14/2007 Date;08.02.2007
To,
The Secretary,
Department of Posts,
Dak Bhavan,
New Delhi-110001
Sir,
Sub; Response to union communications reg.
Ref: This union communications on appointment of judicial commission and other important issues vide letters
No. GDS/CHQ/40/1/2006 Date: 30 March 2006
No. GDS/CHQ/40/1/2006, Date: 11 September, 2006
No. GDS/CHQ/40/1/2006 Dated: 16 October 2006
No. GDS/CHQ/40/1/2006 Dated: 01 Dec, 2006
……….
The above cited letters are yet to be acknowledged or replied by the directorate. Of late, it is seen that even such important letters are also not being acknowledged and replied to the dismay of this union. The low paid GDS employees all over the country are very eager to know the development on this vital issue.
Kindly take necessary action with a line of reply which will be highly appreciated.
Thanking you,
No. GDS/CHQ/6/2/2007-RPLI Dated: 29-01-2007
Shri, I.M.G. Khan,
Secretary,
Department of Posts,
Dak Bhavan,
New Delhi – 1
Sub: - Harassment to GDS employees in the name of RPLI business in Maharashtra Circle.
Sir,
It is brought to our notice that the GDS officials of Maharashtra Circles harassment to GDS employees in the name of RPLI business by the Administration the copies of replies given in four monthly meeting by the CPMG Mumbai. There are two types of answers on the same question, regarding harassment to GDS employees in the name of RPLI.
Firstly item was taken on 25.05.2006, wherein it was replied that, there is no any kind of harassment of GDS in Maharashtra. Neither increment nor TRCA is held up but when harassment seen continued, the same question was taken in four monthly meeting on 04.01.2007 and now CPMG has agreed that, in some cases where business is not given salary was held up. The example of chandrapur Dn. Was cited, where salary of GDS employees was held up the eve of Diwali and Id Festival 2006. In this way the intention of the Maharashtra circle is deliberate one is cleared.
You are, therefore, requested kindly to advice concerned authorities to stop such practice of harassment on poor GDS employees with holding of payment and motivate the business with goodwill and encourage the GDS officials with spot payment of Commissions,
An early action and reply is solicited,
Yours faithfully,
S.S. Mahadevaiah
General Secretary.
Copy to ALL CWC Members
No. GDS/41/1/2006, Dated: 29-01-2007
Shri, I.M.G. Khan,
Secretary,
Department of Posts,
Dak Bhavan,
New Delhi – 1
Sub.: Filling up of Residual Vacancies in LGO Exam among GDS officials-regarding.
Sir,
A kind reference is invited to this union's letter of even no. dated 09-03-04 and 07-06-2005,20-09-2005, 19-06-2006 and 16-11-2006 in which it was brought to your kind notice that the PA Recruitment Rules 1992 communicated in DG Posts letter No. 60-52/90.SPB II dated 24-9-1992, the vacancies unfilled up by departmental candidates may be filled up with GDS officials by conducting an examination.
Subsequently, after modification of recruitment rules accorded in 2002 vide letter No. 60-29/98-SPB I dated 24-1-2002, the concession granted of 10 marks has been taken back and resultantly none become eligible to appear the exam. The reduction of age for the eligibility to write the examination has also played its role.
Almost in all the circles, the vacancies in PA cadre due to non-qualifying by the departmental candidates from the year 2000-01 remain unfilled. There are more than 500 to 800 Posts in each Circles still Vacant due to non-conduct of examination among GDS officials for the unfilled up residual vacancies.
Our earlier request to remove the conditions in appearing the exam and the merited GDS Officials be appointed as Postal Assistant remains unconsidered. There are more graduate/Post graduates with computer knowledge working as GDS in the department.
If an opportunity to appear the PA Exam with the existing syllabus as applicable to GDS, many educated youths will avail and serve the department efficient.
It is therefore requested to consider and cause orders to relax the conditions and allow all GDS Officials to appear the PA Examination for the unfilled up vacancies of GDS and select based on the merit, and also to conduct examination to fill up all the vacant Posts of PAs kept unfilled up under the residual Vacancies since 2000-01 early.
A line in reply about the action taken is highly appreciated.
Yours faithfully,
S.S. Mahadevaiah
General Secretary.
Copy to ALL CWC Members
Reference: GDS/41/1/2005 Dated: 29- 01-2007
Shri, P.T.S. Kumar,
DDG (P),
Department of Posts,
Dak Bhavan, New Delhi – 1.
Sub: - Non declaration result of departmental exam for GDS to PA Cadre
Against the vacancies 2000-04 in Maharashtra Circle.
Sir,
It has been brought to the notice of Union that the result of above examination has not been declared til this date. There are number of vacancies lying vacant in PA cadre and due to non availability of suitable officials from LGO’s the department offered these unfilled vacancies to GDS employees.
As per the condition mentioned in the circular issued by the divisional heads in respect of Shri. R.S. Shinde, BPM Nanegaon B.O. Nashik is enclosed herewith. While calling the applications from the GDS employees in March 2005 the one of the condition was that the GDS official who have secured not less than 18% marks in comparison to last open market candidate will be considered. As per the SSPO’s Nashik Lr. No. B-4/13/exam/GDS/ to PA/05 Dt. 14.3.2005 the last candidates who has secured 69.83% marks was considered in Nashik Dn. There are number of GDS Officials in Nashik Dn. Who are fulfilling these conditions but their result is not declared yet.
You are therefore requested to kindly look into the matter personally and cause orders to relax the conditions and give justice to the poor GDS employees.
A line in reply about the action taken is highly appreciated.
Yours faithfully,
S.S. Mahadevaiah
General Secretary.
GDS/CHQ/9-3/2007 Dated: 29th Jan, 2007
Shri I.M.G. Khan,
Secretary,
Department of Posts,
Dak Bhawan,
New Delhi 110001
Subject: Irrational downgradation of EDSOs into Branch Post Offices – Cases of Mysore Division in S.K. Region, Karnataka Circle – reg.
Sir,
This union is to bring to your kind notice that the Divisional Authority is taking action of downgradation of all EDSOs into Branch Post Offices in a massive way. This type of action is unscientific, irrational and unreasonable without considering practical aspects, public service, scientific assessment of loss and profit, human approach etc. This may throw additional workload on some departmental post offices which are already overburdened due to shortage of staff. Neither the staff concerned nor the union representatives are consulted which is highly deplorable. For example, Bheriya EDSOs have been downgraded where sufficient workload to justify this office as EDSOs is herewith enclosed for yours reedy reference.
This action of the Divisional Superintendent has already caused unrest amongst the staff and strong resentment is prevailing there.
You are, therefore, requested kindly to intervene into the matter and put a stop for such practice in downgrading EDSOs and order to review all such cases and cause suitable steps to restore earlier status of EDSOs immediately.
Looking forward for an early action and a line in reply,
Yours faithfully,
S.S. Mahadevaiah
General Secretary
Reference: GDS/9/1/2007 Date; 29/1/2007
Shri, P.T.S. Kumar,
DDG (P),
Department of Posts,
Dak Bhavan,
New Delhi 110001
Sub: Delay for conducting DPC Selection/promotion to Group ‘D’/Postman under Seniority Quota from the cadre of GDS without Exam – Delhi East Dn., and Delhi South Division, in Delhi Circle.
Sir,
A kind reference is invited to the above cited subject wherein GDS officials are promoted to Group ‘D’/Postman cadre based on their seniority cum fitness with out Exam has not been done years together for the reasons best known to administration.
It is learnt that adequate number of vacancies are available for the promotion of GDS. The efforts taken by our Divisional Secretaries, Delhi Circle are found to be needful.
You are, therefore, requested kindly to advise the authorities concerned to do the needful at earliest.
Awaiting early response,
Yours sincerely
(S.S. Mahadevaiah)
General Secretary.
No. GDS/CHQ/2/2007 Dated 09-02-07
Shri, Subhash Chander,
Director (SR & Legal),
Department of Posts,
Dak Bhavan,
New Delhi – 1
Sub;- Granting employment certificate by DDO TO Gramin Dak Sevaks for taking loan from nationalized banks and co-operative banks-
Ref; - Your letter No. 16-6/2007-SR. dated 11.01.2007
Sir,
Arent reference, a specimen format as required is enclosed herewith for kind
consideration.
The employment certificate alongwith pay particulars may be issued to GDS for approaching Banks for some personal loan on emergency and also to impart education to their children, arranging for education/Books welfare relief for natural calamities from the state etc. So for the formation of Postal Employees Co-operative Society, it is request to cause undertaking to recover the dues from GDS officials as if in the case of regular departmental employees made out of account.
Your Co-operation is highly solicited.
Yours faithfully,
D.A. (1)
S.S. Mahadevaiah
General Secretary.
Specimen I
Certified that Sri/Smt. …….. working as GDS in the office of Post Office. The Time Related Continuity Allowance (Total Emoluments) paid to the official is Rs
( ) for mensum.
Signature of DDO
Note
If the DDO is willing to deduct the recovery and remit the dues to the Co-op Society/Nationalised Banks, an undertaking may be given for that apart from the above.
If not, the employment Certificate may be given to them so that the GDS officials can approach directly for any needs producing their identity of working in the department.
Reference: GDS/3-3/2006 Dated: 09-02-2007
Shri, I.M.G. Khan,
Secretary,
Department of Posts,
Dak Bhavan,
New Delhi – 1
Sub;- Restoration of TRCA to GDS arbitrarily reduced- case of peddapalli division – regarding
Sir,
A kind attention is invited to various references this union made about the arbitary reduction of TRCA w.e.f. 1.3.98 and ordered huge recovery by applying Cycle Beat formula even for those recruited prior to 1987.
The supdt of Posts, Peddapalli in Andhra Circle has slashed the TRCA to the sixty GDS officials w.e.f. 1.3.90 and given effect the same w.e.f. 1.12.03 as per the directions contained in Directorate letter No. 14-10/2003- PAP dated 24.9.03.
The Directorate an order ensuring no reduction in the GDS allowances under any circumstances has given a go bye and the TRCA of the sixty officials in one division is being reduced from II TRCA to I TRCA due to application of Cycle Beat w.e.f. 1.3.98.
It is therefore, requested to cause necessary orders to restore the TRCA to the incumbents and render justice –
A line is reply about the action taken is highly solicited.
Yours faithfully,
S.S. Mahadevaiah
General Secretary.
Letter to Hon'ble Minister for Communications & IT,
No. GDS/CHQ/40/1/2006 Dated: 07 Feb, 2007
Shri Dayanidhi Maran,
Hon'ble Minister for Communications & IT,
Government of India,
6, Electro Niketan, CGO Complex,
Lodhi Road,
New Delhi - 110003
Subject: Formation of Judicial Committee for considering the demands of the GDS employees working in the Department of Posts – requested.
Respected Sir,
The rejection of the request of this union of setting up of judicial commission/Committee for Gramin Dak Sevaks, vide DG Posts letter No.8-7/2006/SR dated 08-12-2006 has caused grave injustice to the cause and interests of 3 lakh GDS employees. Such a decision, to say the least is very arbitrary and discriminatory. It also negates an accepted principle that the four previous committees headed by Departmental Officers had not done any justice to the case of GDS(formerly called ED Agents) and that is why a judicial officer, this time onwards shall head the said committee/Commission vide parliamentary debate on the subject of December 1993 strike leading to the decision to appoint a judicial person to head the committee and that is how Hon Justice(Retired) Charanjit Talwar came to be appointed as chairman. Hence the practice of appointing a departmental official to head such a Committee was consciously given a go by as it faced considerable criticism that none of the previous committee has done any justice to the case of these employees. Thus the parliamentary debate on this issue is most crucial and vital to influence the decision to switch over to a judicial member to head the GDS (EDAs) Committee.
Thus the present decision to justify a Committee headed by Departmental Officer on the grounds that “GDS is an institution peculiar to the Department of Posts and, therefore a departmental officer would be most suited to the assignment”, is already rejected proposal after debate at the highest level or the government on going through the relevant merits and demerits of the alternative proposals i.e whether a Departmental office or a judicial officer. Hence we strongly repudiate the logic behind such a decision and urge for the appointment of the judicial Committee which alone would render justice to the cause of GDS,
This is amply proved by going through the reports given by the departmental officers committees and comparing it with that of the one given by judicial committee i.e Justice Talwar Committee. Any committee headed by a Departmental officer would carry with it considerable bias and prejudice of a lifetime of association with the system and would be totally bereft of open minded consideration. It is in this back ground the union has been struggling to ameliorate the service conditions of GDS i.e EDAs, and aiming ultimately at full regularization. During the December, 1993 strike struggle we were able to succeed in securing judicial committee thwarting the practice of committee headed by departmental officers.
This solemn understanding extended by Government on the floor of the parliament is to be treated as sacroscant and needs to be honoured in keeping with principles of natural justice and adherence to the ethics of building abiding and adorable relations between employer and employees. We therefore cannot brook any attempt to deny us hard won ground to have a judicial officer to head the GDS committee much in the same way as the 6thCPC. We would like to resist such arbitrary and discriminatory treatment of denial of judicial committee at any cost and every forum say Trade union front or legal Arena.
We are really sorry to note why the Department is going back on this issue which is already a settled one during December, 1993 strike. Hence we pray kindly reconsider the decision in the light of the above submission and decide to appoint a judicial member to head the GDS Committee.
With high regards,
Yours faithfully,
S.S.MAHADEVAIAH
General Secretary.
