Monday 4 March 2013
GOVT TO LAUNCH WEBSITE FOR E-POSTAL ORDER BY MARCH END.
Govt to launch website for e-postal order by March end
NEW DELHI; A website to help Non-Resident Indians(NRIs) to pay the fee for filing RTI applications throughe-postal order is all set to be launched by this month end.
The website will have an option for NRIs to pay the fee of Rs 10 via credit or debit cards to the government while exercising their Right to Information, official sources said.
The Department of Personnel and Training, which act as a nodal agency for the implementation of the RTI Act, has worked out all the modalities along with theDepartment of Posts for the purpose, they said. The facility, which is likely to be made online by this month end, will also be extended for citizens living across the country, the sources said.
The DoPT has already floated a tender for an RTI call centre and website project which will help an applicant to file applications online under the transparency law and receive the response. ET News
The website will have an option for NRIs to pay the fee of Rs 10 via credit or debit cards to the government while exercising their Right to Information, official sources said.
The Department of Personnel and Training, which act as a nodal agency for the implementation of the RTI Act, has worked out all the modalities along with theDepartment of Posts for the purpose, they said. The facility, which is likely to be made online by this month end, will also be extended for citizens living across the country, the sources said.
The DoPT has already floated a tender for an RTI call centre and website project which will help an applicant to file applications online under the transparency law and receive the response. ET News
Not only postal department big shots, but even small postal service agents are also happy with the announcement of Finance Minister.
NEW DELHI: Union Budget of 2013-14 has come with a major development proposition for India post. Not only postal department big shots, but even small postal service agents are also happy with the announcement of Finance Minister.
"Government has initiated an ambitious IT driven projectto modernize the postal network at a cost of Rs. 4,909 crore. Post offices will become part of the core banking solution and offer real time banking services. I propose to provide Rs. 32 crore for the project in 2013-14," said the FM in his budget speech.
Clear enough, the initiative will be a big shot in the arm of Indiapost that already is a major small savingsservice provider in India. "We are happy with the decision as we have been asking for this since long.
CBS will empower us to go full fledged in banking services," said Mr. John Samuel, Chief Post Master General of J & K who also plays a vital role in visualizing Indiapost's modernization and new business sector.
Although India post has always traditionally remained as a major agency facilitating small savings especially in rural areas, it was never allowed to initiate full-fledged banking services.
Moreover, manual operation of postal department versus electronic and cyber age core banking solution of all other banks have pushed Indiapost to back bench in providing financial services.
But, "Indiapost has 1.55 lakh establishments in India touching deepest interiors. This is almost double of total 83,000 establishments of all banks put together. With introduction of modernized services, now we will be able to contribute in a big way to GoI's targeted financial inclusion drive in India," said Mr. Samuel.
Beside the postal top brasses, "It is great for us too as now we can increase our service volume and earn even higher through postal services," said Mr. T K Das, a veteran postal savings agent . Source: The Economic Times
"Government has initiated an ambitious IT driven projectto modernize the postal network at a cost of Rs. 4,909 crore. Post offices will become part of the core banking solution and offer real time banking services. I propose to provide Rs. 32 crore for the project in 2013-14," said the FM in his budget speech.
Clear enough, the initiative will be a big shot in the arm of Indiapost that already is a major small savingsservice provider in India. "We are happy with the decision as we have been asking for this since long.
CBS will empower us to go full fledged in banking services," said Mr. John Samuel, Chief Post Master General of J & K who also plays a vital role in visualizing Indiapost's modernization and new business sector.
Although India post has always traditionally remained as a major agency facilitating small savings especially in rural areas, it was never allowed to initiate full-fledged banking services.
Moreover, manual operation of postal department versus electronic and cyber age core banking solution of all other banks have pushed Indiapost to back bench in providing financial services.
But, "Indiapost has 1.55 lakh establishments in India touching deepest interiors. This is almost double of total 83,000 establishments of all banks put together. With introduction of modernized services, now we will be able to contribute in a big way to GoI's targeted financial inclusion drive in India," said Mr. Samuel.
Beside the postal top brasses, "It is great for us too as now we can increase our service volume and earn even higher through postal services," said Mr. T K Das, a veteran postal savings agent . Source: The Economic Times
GAZETTE NOTIFICATION ISSUED FOR REVISED RECRUITMENT RULES OF IPS &ASPS
GRANT OF RECOGNITION TO THE ALL INDIA POSTAL SBCO EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
Sub: MP No. 1/2011 in WA No. 1262/2011 filed in Madras High Court by All India
Postal SBCO Employees Association V/s UOI and others.
D.G. Posts No. 16/75/2010-SR dated 27th February, 2013.
In compliance with order of the Hon’ble High Court of Madras passed on 03.09.2012 in the WA No. 1262 of 2011, the concerned Heads of Circles were asked to review the membership of the Unions/Associations in the SBCO Staff category and furnish the information of membership as on 25.06.2010. As per the revised results, the All India SBCO Employees Association could secure 16.20% membership which is more than the minimum percentage of membership (i.e. 15% membership required for recognition.
2. In the light of above, the competent authority has decided to grant recognition to the All India Postal SBCO Employees Association. With the issue of this communication, the association is entitled to avail the facilities of a recognized association as permissible under the CCS (RSA) Rules,1993.
Sd/-
(Arun Malik)
Director (SR/Legal)
TRANSFER / POSTING IN THE GRADE OF JTS/ STS OF INDIAN POSTAL SERVICE GROUP A(Click the link below for details)
CONFEDERATION PRESS STATEMENT ON BUDGET 2013
28th February, 2013
PRESS STATEMENT
Another pro-rich budget
The Union Budget 2013-14 presented by the Finance Minister Shri P. Chidambaram, today in the Parliament was extremely disappointing to the common working people . No doubt they have not expected any relief from this anti people Government and especially from its Finance Minister, Shri P.Chidambaram. However, they hoped against hope that the Government will read the discontent that is growing fast amongst the people, manifested admirably in the two day strike of the Indian Working Class on 20th and 21st. Despite the erosion of the real value of the wages due to the high rate of inflation, the wage earners genuinely thought that they would be provided with some relief by way of an adjustment of the non taxable maximum. While the give away to the corporate sector continued as the Finance Minister himself has noted in his budget speech in as much as the revenue foregone on direct taxes did register an increase from a lakh crore rupees to Rs. 1.13 lakh Crores in the last year he never felt the need to address the agony of the workers.
Despite the fall in the rate of growth of economy, the Finance Minister has taken pride in the fact that India continues to be one of the fast growing economy. What type of growth he was visualizing is hard to gauge when the number of people below poverty line had been on the increase year after year. There had been all-round increase in the prices of all essential commodities including those where the Government had a say in determining it. The Railway Minister did not increase the fare for passenger trains for he did it before he presented the budget. The economic growth and recovery would be a mirage so long as the purchasing power of people get depleted. There had been substantial reduction of workforce in the organized sector due to intensified contractorisation.
The pronouncement of increased allocation of funds for agriculture, rural development, education etc. is a travesty of truth. The FM has made comparison of the present allocation with the revised estimates of the previous year, which in fact was much lesser than 2011-12. There had been gross underutilization of the allocated funds in respect of most of the welfare scheme of the Govt. last year. While presenting the economic survey, the Finance Minister assured the country that the days of recession were over and the era of growth will usher in soon, which has only pleased the TNCs and corporate houses in the country. The FM has unambiguously spelt out the continuance of the neo liberal economic path of development with much more fervor in the months to come.
To expect that the Govt. will address the concern of the common people and the working class is foolish, if the Budget proposal is any indication. But how long the people are to suffer this agony. Every decision of this Government being anti-working people and the Budget being a policy pronouncement, we must strive our best to organize movement to oppose the disastrous policies being pursued by the UPA Government.
K.K.N. Kutty, Secretary General.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY – 08.03.2013
CONFEDERATION CIRCULAR NO. Conf/ 24 /2013 Dated: 27th FEBRUARY 2013
Dear Comrades,
The International Women' day which falls on 8th March is observed throughout the world. The UN theme for the International women's day 2013 is "A promise is a promise; time for action to end violence against women". This year in India, we saw a massive uprising against the atrocities on women immediately after the barbarous sexual assault on student in Delhi. She later succumbed to the injuries suffered during the assault.
Thousands of young men and women, students and common people assembled at Vijay Chowk and elsewhere in Delhi and other parts of the country demanding stringent action against the culprits besides asking the Government to make enactment to protect the women. Empowerment of women is an issue that has to be focused and taken to its logical end. There is no shortcut for that. Raising the conscious level of the society at large through sustained campaign and struggles is the only way out. It is a painstaking path, but there is no other alternative.
The brutalities against women, attempt to dispossess the women of their right to property is the outcome of the patriarchal system that has taken roots in our country. In our society today women are being portrayed as a commercial commodity an offshoot of the impact of the neo liberal economic policies where except profit nothing matters. The fight for empowerment of women, hence, cannot be separate from the struggle against finance capital driven neo-liberal economic policies.
We call upon every affiliate and the State Committee to observe the International Women's Day in a befitting manner by holding Seminar, Convention, meetings etc depending upon the local situation. The programmes may be utilized to drive the theme of the International Women's Day 2013. The apathy of the rulers towards crime against women must be exposed. We must bring to the public gaze that many in the ruling class have criminal background and are facing charges of assault on women. The convention/seminar/meeting may be preceded by handbills focusing on this issue.
Kindly send us a detailed report on the observance of the International Women's Day
With greetings,
Yours fraternally,
KKN Kutty, Secretary General
EDITORIAL POSTAL CRUSADER: MARCH-2013
STRIKE IS OVER, BUT THE STRUGGLE WILL CONTINUE.
WE ARE ON THE RIGHT PATH
The two days historic strike that shook the country is over. About twelve crores workers participated in the strike. About ten lakhs Central Government employees including five lakhs postal and RMS employees joined the mass upsurge of the Indian working class. In many states the strike turned into total bundh and in other parts of the country also it affected all the sectors of industry and other service sectors. The total unity and commitment exhibited by the entire trade unions has no parallel in the history of our country.
The Central Government tried to ignore or underestimate the strike in the initial stage. But the largest mobilistaion of the workers throughout the length and breadth of the country, compelled the Government to negotiate with the leaders at last minute. The first round discussion held with the cabinet Minister for labour, Sri Mallikarjun Kharge and second round discussion with the Group of Cabinet Ministers headed by Sri. A. K. Antony, Defence Minister, failed as the Government simply sought more time and was not ready to settle any of the demands raised by the unions and appealed the leaders to call off the strike. The Secretary, Department of Posts also made a similar appeal to call off the strike, even when the main demands raised by the Postal JCA (NFPE & FNPO) remained unsettled.
In addition to the demands raised by the Central Trade Unions, the Confederation of Central Government Employees & Workers and the Postal JCA has raised the demands of constitution of seventh Central Pay Commission, merger of 50% DA with pay, removing the restriction on compassionate appointments, filing up of all vacant posts, Departmentalization of GDS and related issues, Revision of wages of casual labourers and regularization, scrapping of PFRDA bill, raising the bonus ceiling limit, grant of five promotions, OTA revision, abolition of posts, outsourcing, contractorisation, privatization, cadre restructuring etc. also in the strike notice served to the Government and the Department of Posts. Government was not ready to settle any of the above demands and hence the question of calling off the strike did not arise at all.
In the Postal the strike was conducted under the banner of Joint council of action (JCA) comprising NFPE & FNPO. The Strike was near total in majority of the circles and about 60 to 80% in the remaining circles. The entire Postal and RMS services were paralysed for two days. Both Departmental employees and Gramin Dak Sevaks exhibited perfect unity in the strike. NFPE and its affiliated unions including GDS had already conducted a one day strike on 12th December 2012. Naturally, there was apprehension about successfully organizing two days strike within a short span of two months. But the mass scale participation of the employees in the two days strike proved that workers are ready even for still higher form of action, if the Government is not ready to settle their genuine and legitimate demands.
What next is the question before us and working class of our country. Even though the two days strike is over, we have no other go, except carrying forward the struggle with added vigour taking inspiration from the mass sanction and determination of the workers at large. There is no short cut. As correctly pointed out by Late Com. K. G. Bose who revolutionized the P&T Trade union movement-“the organized trade union movement has drawn lessons that all illusions about the Government policies should be given up and has come to the conclusion that it is not a question of appealing to the sense of injustices of the Government, but the relative strength of the organized movement and the forces combating it, which will decide their future”.
The Government and the ruling class will try their best to implement their policies by retaining the power and their supremacy over the people of the country and working class. But history has taught us that they cannot continue their anti-people, anti-worker policies forever. A day will come and the balance of power will definitely change in favour of the toiling masses of this country and the ruling class and their neoliberal policies will be thrown to the dustbin of history and an alternative force with alternative policies shall emerge defeating the policies of the present day ruling class. The alternative policy will never be the imperialist globalization polices. It will be a policy which will lead us to the path of socialism. That day shall come, no sooner than later. Such a change is not easy. We have to suffer and be ready for bigger sacrifices. NFPE is committed to this task.
The power-that-be should not be under the illusions that the working class will not go for another strike in the near future. They should clearly understand that-“the fire that is burning with flames and the fire that is burning beneath the ashes, are both fire”. The fire beneath the ashes may burst out at any time again as a wild fire. The growing anger, protest and discontentment among the common people and workers may burst out at any time. No Government on earth can withstand such a mass upsurge of the common people and the toiling masses. Government should take note of the writings on the wall. Brutal killing of the workers, severe victimizations and using the force to suppress the protest, may not succeed.
Comrades, the path before us is not full of roses, but full of obstacles and of sufferings. But we are sure that at the end of the tunnel, there will be light. If winter comes, can they prevent the onset of the spring? Let us move forward unitedly with the working class of our country and let us loudly proclaim without any hesitation that – “We are on the right path”.
INDIA POST HINDI FLYER {Click the link below for details}
29TH ALL INDIA CONFERENCE, THIRUVANANTHAPURA - INVITATION & PROGRAMME
CIRCULAR OF CONFEDERATION ON STRIKE AND SCOVA MEETING
Circular No. Conf/23/2013 Dated: 25.2.2013
Dear Comrade,
The 48 hour two day General Strike
The two days strike, for which the call was given by the Joint Platform of Trade Unions in the country through the National Convention held at New Delhi on 4th September, 2012 was a tremendous success. Not only the workers in the country but also common people supported the strike action in many States. It is estimated by the Central Trade Unions that more than 10 crore workers might have participated in the strike. In other words more than 50 crore people of the country supported the action. The overwhelming response in the mightiest strike action ever of the Indian working Class is indicative of the growing anger against the economic policies pursued by the Government. There had been constant and continuous increase in the prices of basic needs of the common people i.e. food items, gas, diesel, gas, coal electricity etc. in the last two years. The inflation in the economy continued unabated despite the assurance held out by the rulers, as a matter of course. to contain it.
Every decision of the UPA II Government has fuelled the inflation in the economy and consequent rise in prices of all essential commodities. Despite the lathi charge and arrest of the workers in certain parts of the country, the strike had been by far peaceful. Leader of the Haryana Roadways Corporation affiliated to AITUC was killed in Ambala Transport Depot in a tragic incident when the Transport authorities decided to take a bus from the depot against the opposition of the workers. Most of the State Governments especially the TMC led West Bengal State Govt. Did their best to suppress the strike action without success.
All vital sectors viz. Bank, Insurance, Central and State Government offices, Industrial Establishments, Ports and Docks, Surface Transport except Railways and Airlines, Power etc. remained paralysed. The Central Government employees on the call of the Confederation of CGE and workers responded magnificently. There had been apprehension of the extent of participation in the two day strike action especially after the one day strike on 12.12.2012 on the 15 point charter of demands. The report we have received at the CHQ proves that the apprehension was totally misplaced and the number of employees who participated in the 20th and 21st Feb. 2013 was more than we could elicit on 12thDecember. 2012. No doubt in some of the organisation, the strike participation on comparison with 12th December, was less. But this has been more than made up by the other organisation who could improve their position of participation on 20th and 21st. We append hereunder the Press Statement we issued on 21st Feb. on the basis of the reports we have received through telephone and SMS.
The unprecedented participation of workers in the strike had been the manifestation of the people's resentment to the economic policies of the Government which has virtually made the poor poorer and the rich richer. They have asserted in no uncertain terms that these policies must be reversed at all cost for India to remain a sovereign republic. The recent decisions of the Government to allow FDI in Pension, and increase FDI foray in the Banking and Insurance Sector will bring back the country to serfdom. The struggle will have to continue and the campaign against the policies must pick up further momentum in the months to come.
There had been continuous propaganda by the Government through electronic media that the Government employees do not have the right to strike and not only "dies non" but disciplinary action will also be taken against the striking employees. It has been proved on a number of occasions that the vindictive actions will be resorted to by the Government when the unity is disrupted and the strike participation for one reason or other dwindle. The greatest safeguard against such barbarous and vindictive actions is to preserve our unity and determination and tread the path of struggle with cent per cent participation. Campaign amongst the mass of the employees to bring home the pernicious impact of the economic policies in the day to day life and standard of living is a pre-requisite for the success of the strike action. Wherever, this has been done, it has paid rich dividends.
We must review the two day strike action as soon as possible. Since the Conference of the Confederation is due in the month of April, it may not be possible to convene the National Executive meeting immediately. We are planning to meet in the Sectt. and in order to enable us to conduct a proper review, we need the following information both from the State Committees and the Central HQrs of the affiliated Association. The format is given in the annexure to this communication. Kindly ensure that the reports are sent to us by 10th March, 2013.
With greetings and once again conveying our sincere gratitude and congratulations to all the affiliates, State Committees and the Active workers and leaders who made the strike a magnificent success.
Yours fraternally,
K.K.N. Kutty
Secretary General
Annexure
Format for sending report
A. For State Committees.
(a) Name of the State.
(b) Name of the Association/Federations which participated in the strike with percentage of participation.
(c) Name of the Association/Federation which did not take part in the strike.
(d) Name of the organisations which participated in the strike despite the call from their CHQ.
(e) Name of the stations visited by the leaders as part of the campaign.
B. For affiliates.
(a) Name of the Federation/All India Association.
(b) Number of Units/Bramches
(c) Name of the Unit/Branch which participated in the strike.
(d) Name of the Units.\/brnaches which did not take part in the strike.
(e) Specific reasons advanced by the Units for non participation
(f) Name of the Units visited by the leaders
SCOVA MEETING
The 22nd meeting of SCOVA was held at New Delhi on 19th February, 2013. On behalf of the JCM. Staff Side, the Secretary, Com. Umraomal Purohit accompanied by Com. S.K. Vyas, President, Confederation of CGE and workers attended the meeting. The outcome of discussion at the meeting is briefly reported in the Confederation Circular. Please find th Circular by clicking the link below:
REVISION OF PPO OF PRE-2006 PENSIONERS/FAMILY PENSIONERS - (I) EVEN IF AGE/DATE OF BIRTH OF SPOUSE IS NOT AVAILABLE, (II) MODEL ADVERTISEMENT FOR USE BY MINISTRIES/DEPARTMENTS.(Click the link below for details)
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SERVICE TAX –ADMISSIBILITY OF SERVICE TAX ON SALE OF SPACE OR TIME FOR PRINTING OF ADVERTISEMENTS ON ITEMS OF POSTAL STATIONERIES INCLUDING MEGHDOOT POSTCARDS.{CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS}
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REVISION IN STANDARD TENDER DOCUMENT FOR CARRIAGE OF MAIL BY PRIVATE MAIL MOTOR SERVICE {CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS}
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FACILITY OF SUBMISSION OF LIFE CERTIFICATE TO ANY BRANCH OF CBS BANK AND SIMPLIFICATION OF PENSIONER’S BANK ACCOUNT PORTABILITY PROCEDURE: CPAO INSTRUCTIONS TO BANKS {CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS}
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REVISION OF CEILING RATES AND GUIDELINES FOR VARIOUS CORONARY STENTS FOR CGHS/CS (MA) BENEFICIARIES. {CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS}
The postal department plans to enter the banking business with the Reserve Bank of India deciding to grant new bank licences to entities with credible track-record.
Consultant appointed
Sources said the Department of Posts, which has a strong foot print in rural areas, has appointed Ernst and Young (E&Y) as the consultant for the proposed ‘Post Bank’
“Ernst and Young is expected to submit a detailed project report by April, after which all the necessary measures will be taken up to apply for banking licence,” a source at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology told PTI.
The sources added that the Department of Post (DoP) might need Cabinet approval for setting up Post Bank of India.
Of the 1.55 lakh post offices in the country, around 24,000 district offices may be ready to offer banking services in the next two years.
The DoP is in process of setting up 1,000 ATMs.
“Post Bank shall not only take care of the banking needs of the rural poor but shall also converge with micro-insurance and micro-remittance services of the DoP,” the source said.
As per data shared with Parliament, there were over 26 crore operational small savings accounts in post offices as on March 31, 2012, having deposits worth Rs.1.9 lakh crore.
Courtesy – The Hindu, 23rd Feb, 2013
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