STANDING COOMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES (DJCM) HELD ON 23-8-2013

MINUTES OF THE JCM STANDING COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON 23/08/2013.

D.G. Posts No. 06/03/2012-SR dated 2^nd September,2013.

The JCM Standing Committee meeting was held on 23/08/2013 at 1030 hrs, under the chairpersonship of Member(O). Minetes of the meeting are enclosed for information and necessary action at your end.

Minutes of the JCM Standing Committee Meeting held on 23/08/2013.

The JCM Standing Committee meeting was held on 23/08/2013 at 1030 hrs. in the Dak Bhavan under the chairmanship of Member (O). The following were present:-

Official Side

1. Shri Kamleshwar Prasad, Member (O) - in chair.

2. Shri S.K. Sinha, CGM (MB&O).

3. Shri Tilak De, DDG (Estates & MM)

4. Shri V.K. Tiwary, DDG (R&P).

5. Shri Anil Kumar, DDG (Estt).

6. Shri V.P. Singh, DDG (P).

7. Shri Vineet Pandey, DDG (FS)

8. Shri L.N. Sharma, DDG (Training)

9. Smt. Savita Singh, GM (PLI)

10. Shri Arun Malik, Director (SR & Legal)

Staff Side:

1. Shri K.V. Sridharan, Leader Staff Side.

2. Shri M. Krishnan, Secretary General, NFPE

3. Shri D. Theagarajan, Secretary General, FNPO

4. Shri Giri Raj Singh, Secretary, Staff Side

5. I.S. Dabas, General Secretary, A.I.P.E U, Postmen & Gr. ‘D’

6. Shri T.N. Rahate, General Secretary, NUPE, Postmen & Gr. ‘D’/MTS

Director (SR) welcomed all the members of the staff side and the officers of the Department in the meeting. He had apprised that some of the items wherein action has been completed and communicated to the staff side, have been deleted from the list of agenda items. Thereafter Shri K.V. Sridharan, Leader, Staff Side thanked the chairman for convening the JCM Standing Committee meeting.

With the permission of the chair, the agenda items were taken up and after discussions on each item following decisions were taken:-

1. Standing Committee Meeting held on 18.12.2012

Sl. No.	Agenda Item	Decisions taken	Action By
1.	Cadre Restructuring for all Non-Gazetted Group B & C cadres	The staff side was informed that as per the discussion held on 02/08/2013 the cadre restructuring committee will be re-constituted. It was assured that the committee will be constituted within one week and the first meeting of the committee will be held within a month. It was also decided that the draft of the Salim Haque committee will be discussed in the first meeting.	DDG (Estt)
2.	Creation of System Administrators Cadre.	This item was included in the agenda item and decided that the issue of system administrators will be considered in the new cadre restructuring committee likely to be constituted within a week’s time.	DDG (Estt)
3.	Computation of proper norms for work allotment to existing System Administrators and grant of certain essential amenities.	This item was included in the agenda item and decided that the issue of system administrators will be considered in the new cadre restructuring committee likely to be constituted within a week’s time.	DDG (Estt)
4.	Request for discontinuance of the practice of obtaining fidelity / security bond from the employees handling cash.	This item was also included in the agenda list at the last moment on the request of staff side. It was decided that the proposal will be examined on file and reply will be given to the staff side in the next JCM (DC) meeting.	DDG (PO & CP)
5.	Protection of pay of the defunct scale of PO & RMS Accountants who opted for general line under Directorate letter No. 2-22/88 - PE I dt. 01.12.92.	Detailed compliance of pay fixation & consequent revision of due pensionary benefits is still awaited from Punjab Circle. The issue of extending the same benefits as conferred in the case of Sh. Natha Singh will be considered on receipt of the compliance as already decided.	DDG (Estt)
6.	Revision of Cash Allowance to the SPMs handling cash in the absence of treasurer.	It was informed to the staff side that the file is currently with IFW and the matter will be expedited.	DDG (Estt)
7.	Conveyance of cash with police escort- Problems there on.	There are two issues under this item:- (i) Conveyance of cash with police escort – this issue has been closed. (ii) Fixing of line limit – A committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of DDG (CP&PO). The committee will meet on 26/08/2013.	DDG (CP&PO)
8.	Fixing Norms / Time Factors to Postal Stores Depot; Circle Stamp Depot & creation of establishment.	The staff side was informed that this issue will be addressed in the IT Modernization Project.	Item closed.
10.	Allowing to appear in the Departmental Exam like IPOs – case of physically handicapped officials.	The matter is under consideration in consultation with Ministry of Social Justice, the nodal Ministry for notification of identification of the post for reservation in Department of Posts for persons with disabilities. It is pending with that Ministry and the matter is being pursued with them.	DDG(P)
11.	Transfer of all HSG I Posts to General line	As per the existing RRs, HSG I recruitment is done from general line (from LSG, HSG II cadre) and through IPO line. This provision was disallowed by DoPT and the matter has now been referred to DoPT in totality to enable DoP to revise the RRs so that all HSG posts can be transferred to General Line.	DDG(P)
12.	Payment of honorarium to supervisors & Staff of Divisional offices for processing of PLI and RPLI proposals.	The case for change of honorarium as incentive was taken up earlier with IFW Division. For calculating incentive for each item of work, IFW has asked for devising new norms for items of work being carried out at Divisional Office. Meanwhile, under the ongoing FSI project all the PLI / RPLI operations are further being decentralized to CPC / HO level. Subsequent to implementation of FSI the time factor for all processes on the new insurance software will be available for calculating workload for staff / supervisor working as per the new work flow in CPCs. Once the required norms are arrived the matter of incentive beyond a minimum threshold payable to CPC staff will be taken up.	CGM (PLI)
13.	Grant of OTA/ Excess Duty Allowance to the SPMs working in single / Double handed Post offices.	OTA is not admissible to SPMs. The matter of introduction of an extra duty allowance to the operative staff of the Department is under examination in consultation with Nodal Ministries. However, it may not be out of point to mention that in absence of admissibility of OTA to SPMs, the question of grant of extra duty allowance may not arise.	DDG (Estt)
14.	Counting the training period for benefits of promotion under TBOP / BCR scheme	The matter is under consideration in consultation with Department of Legal Affairs and Department of Personnel & Training.	DDG (Estt)
15.	Holding of examination for filling up to posts of AMM in MMS	No RRs are currently available for Assistant Manager (MMS) and the feeder cadres and this is preventing the Department from holding examination. However, required documents and inputs to frame the RRs are being obtained.	DDG (P) / DDG (Estt)
16.	Holding of DPC for filling up the posts of Deputy Manager MMS	The DPC will be held within a period of three months.	DDG(P)
17.	Appointment to the grade of Supdt. Stg. In RMS	The DPC will be held within a period of three months.	DDG(P)
18.	Acute shortage of ‘C’ Bags.	The staff side agreed that there is no shortage of ‘C’ bags now.	Item closed.
19.	Implementation of recommendation of the 5th CPC with regard to payment of cash handling allowance to treasurers and Asst. Treasurers in Post offices.	It was decided that the detailed proposal will be sent by the staff side and will be examined by the Establishment Division. If some relevant points are raised by the staff side and which help to resolve the issue, the same will be included and the proposal will be referred tenth time, to the M/o Finance for consideration.	Staff side DDG (Estt)
20.	Allot 19% Group B vacancies for General line and permit all Group C official in Postal, RMS, Admn. and Postal A/Cs with minimum 20 years of service to appear in the exam by dispensing with present reservation of posts to RMS & Admn. Staff.	The staff side was informed that a committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of DDG (R&P) which will meet on 29/08/2013 and the report of the committee will be submitted within a period of 15 days.	DDG (R&P) DDG(P)
21.	Anomaly in the preparation of PA gradation list. Date of confirmation should not be taken now and date of appointment be taken for construing seniority. Fixing seniority based on the date of confirmation in unconstitutional and discriminatory and dropping of confirmation examination.	The staff side was informed that the problem in this case is only in Tamil Nadu Circle. It was decided that the issue will be taken up separately with Tamil Nadu Circle.	DDG(P)
22.	Pay protection to employees who seek transfer to a lower post under FR 15 (a)/transfer under Rule 38.	DoPT’s OM No. 16/4/2012-Pay-1 dated 05/11/2012 clarifies the issue.	Item closed.
24.	Construction of Departmental Buildings for Postal Accounts Offices at Hyderabad, Trivandrum and Patna.	The staff side was intimated that the PAO office in Trivendrum shall be accommodated in the new building at Poojapura. Postal Account Office for Patna has also been approved in EFC meeting, whereas the proposal of Hyderabad Postal Accounts Office has not been acceded to by the Planning Commission in the EFC Meeting.	Item closed.

PENDING ITEMS IN THE LAST DC (JCM)& STANDING COMMITTEE MEETING ON JCM SUBJECT

2. JCM (DC) Meeting hold on 28.12.2012

Sl. No.	Agenda Item	Decisions taken	Action By
1.	Grant of higher rate of HRA in respect of offices situated in urban limits.	In the last JCM (DC) meeting held on 28/12/2012 a point was raised by staff side that everytime in a proposal in respect of grant of higher rates of HRA by circle it is required that the same should be accompanied by Establishment review figures. The official side concluded that this is not required as per MoF rules. It has been decided in this meeting that this decision taken in the last meeting will be followed.	Item closed.
2.	Imposing unjustified conditions for appearing IP Examination for the departmental quota vacancies.	The matter is being examined.	DDG(P)
3.	Construction of new building at Kodialbail HSG I SO in Mangalore Division, Karnataka Circle	It was decided that a report will be obtained from circle to ascertain whether the area of the post office is sufficient as per SOA and functionally convenient; failing which action will be taken accordingly to resolve the issue. As regards construction of new building, the proposal was not accepted because the building is safe for occupation as reported by SE (Civil), Bangalore.	DDG (Estate & MM)
4.	Construction of new departmental building for Itanagar Head Post office.	Construction has already started in May, 2013. Item closed.	Item closed.
6.	Uniform application of incentive for IMT work	The proposal for the incentive for IMTS work done in the post offices has already been worked out in detail along with its financial implication. The related file was submitted to JS & FA and the said file has been received back with some querries. The file is being submitted again with compliance and seeking further orders.	DDG (FS)
7.	Recovery of huge amount being interest Paid on PPF Account opened on Self name and also in the name of Minors (i.e. on two accounts) prior to 06.12.2000 – case of Karnataka Circle	This office has already issued order to stop recovery of interest from the officials at fault on 08/02/2012. Since the Accounts were transferred to the Bank and RBI is the controlling authority of the Bank, the S.K. Region, Bangalore wrote a letter to RBI to issue order to the said Bank to get recover the excess paid interest on behalf of the Department of Posts. Matter has also been taken up with the RBI by this office. Reply is awaited from RBI.	Item closed.
8.	Fixation of pay of MTS (Group C officials) who were granted ACP-I and ACP-II upgradations prior to 01.01.2006 consequent upon implementation of 6thCPC recommendation in the light of Postal Directorate’s latest order no. 1-20/2008-PCC (Pt.) dtd. 18.07.2011.	The issue is currently under examination.	DDG (Estt)
9.	Dies non period should also be taken for reckoning of continuous service while granting ACP/MACP to officials.	It was decided that the issue will be examined whether the Dies non should be taken for reckoning of continuous service in such cases. Reply will be sent to the staff side separately, after examining the proposal within the framework of extant rules of the Government of India.	DDG (Estt)
10.	Arbitrary recovery of Postage in case of foreign articles returned due to non availability of service.	The matter has been examined and it has been decided with the approval of Secretary (P) that Maharashtra circle may refund the postage recovered from the booking clerks who book foreign articles to those countries where India Post does not have any service.	Item closed.
11.	Fixation of Pay for canteen employees after Sixth CPC.	A clarification will be issued by the Establishment Division.	DDG (Estt)
12.	Clarification issued on encashment of earned leave in connection with availing LTC– Payment of difference.	Ruling of DoPT on this matter has been circulated to all Circles for taking appropriate action.	Item closed.
14.	Abnormal delay in filling up of vacant LSG, HSG II and HSG-I vacancies due to non-holding of DPCs in many circles	Instructions have been issued from time to time to hold DPC meetings as per the schedule prescribed by the Department of Personnel & Trg (DoP&T). As regards filling up of the vacancies in HSG.I, a proposal was referred to DoP&T to fill up the vacancies in HSG.I as per the provisions of existing Recruitment Rules till finalization of amendment to the existing Recruitment Rules. DoP&T has approved the proposal. Directorate vide letter No. 4-44/2012-SPB.II dated 18/04/2013 has issued instructions to all Circles to fill up the vacancies in HSG.I in PO & RMS Offices as per the provisions of existing Recruitment Rules by convening DPC meetings by 30/04/2013 and issue the promotion orders by 06/05/2013. Subsequently, another letter dated 27/06/2013 from Member (P) has been issued to all Circles with the request to ensure that all the vacancies are filled by convening DPC meetings and through Departmental Examinations.	Item closed.
16.	Denial of relaxed standards to GDS in the appointment of Postal Assistants in the revised recruitment rules - regarding.	The issue involves amendment of Recruitment Rules. It is being examined and decision will shortly be taken in this regard.	DDG(P)
17.	Special drive for residual vacancies.	For filling all the unfilled vacancies of Multi-Tasking Staff and Postman / Mail Guard in Subordinate offices and Circle / Administrative offices, necessary instruction was issued to all Circles vide letter No. 45-2/2011-SPB-I dated 18/10/2012 with the direction to take action to fill up all the vacant posts of earlier years latest by 30th June, 2013. The drive is over and a status report from the Circles has since been called for to review the position.	Item closed.
18.	Immediately arrange for filling up of vacant posts in the cadre of PACO & MTS in Circle Administrative offices.	Recruitment Rules for the post of PA (CO & RO) are being revised. However, a proposal is moved to operate the old RRs for filling vacant posts in the cadre of PA (CO). Regarding filling up of the posts of MTS in CO / Admn Offices, necessary instructions have already been issued to all Circles in October, 2012 to fill up these posts.	DDG (P)
19.	Promotion of OS to AD (Rectt.).	DPC for 4 AD (Rectt) completed. Item is closed.	Item closed.
20.	Tenure in RMS Head Record offices/Divisional offices.	It was informed by the staff side that the Rajasthan, Delhi and Orissa circles are not following the guidelines. It was decided that the instructions will be reiterated to these circles.	DDG (Estt)
21.	Non-filling of IPO post of Direct recruits in J & K Circle	The Staff Selection Commission, who allocates the candidates for appointment to various Circles as per the preference given by the candidates, has been requested vide letter dated 07/06/2013 to give special consideration to nominate / allocate the candidates of J&K Circle for appointment to the post of Inspector of Posts through Combined Graduate Level Examination in order to ensure that posts do not remain unfilled.	Item closed.
22.	Short drawal of Grade Pay – In case of Pharmacists in P&T Dispensary	There is no case of short drawl of grade pay for pharmacists and the issue has been decided by, Deptt of Expenditure, Implementation Cell and the orders have been circulated to Circles.	Item closed.
25.	Recovery effected from Commutation of pension from Postal pensioners who had proceeded on voluntary retirement during the period from 1.1.2006 to 31.8.2008.	DoPT order no. 38-37/2008-PNPW(A) dated 10-12-2009 in this regard have been re-circulated to Circles.	Item closed.
26.	Grant of Grade Pay of Rs. 1800 to Group D/MTS who retired/expired from service after 31.08.2008 without having been imparted training.	The issue is referred to Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure.	DDG (Estt)
27.	Fixing norms for Postmen work	The norms were formulated after scientific work study by IWSU in 2008. Since five years have already lapsed, it was decided to conduct another study by Departmental Officials or by a third party to review the postmen norms. This decision was taken in a meeting held on 02/08/2013 under the chairmanship of Member(P).	DDG (Estt)
28.	Performing double duty by Postmen on Double Duty Allowance Basis.	The Fixed Monetary Compensation to delivery staff for performing duty of an absentee Postman by combination of duties has been revised vide this office Order No.10-7/2001-PE.II dated 24/11/2010.	Item closed.
29.	Provisioning of 10% LR.	Clear instructions will be issued by Establishment Division to all circles.	DDG (Estt)
30.	Irregular commutation of LR strength.	This item is closed in view of item 29.	Item closed.
31.	Fixing standard operating procedures and uniform code and rules for all Postal Training Centers.	It was informed to the staff side that this issue has been resolved and the staff side was also apprised of this.	Item closed.
32.	Upgradation of pay as per sixth CPC to Group ‘C’ cadre in response to Group ‘D’ Selected under blind quota.	It was decided that a training module will be developed for the visually handicapped in the Directorate within a period of two months and circulated to all circles for compliance.	DDG (Training)
33.	Implementing online facility for all Postal employees having General Provident Fund (GPF) Account to get information regarding their GPF accounts directly from the internet.	The matter has already been addressed in the CSI RFP.	Item closed.
34.	Supply of updated Postal Manuals, Volumes and Reference books to all offices.	The concerned Divisions have been reminded vide letter No.9-13/94-PF (pt.iv) dated 08/07/2013 for furnishing the material for printing / uploading of Postal Manuals, in the official website. The action will be completed within a period of three months.	DDG (Estates & MM)
35.	Bifurcation of Bastar and Raigarh divisions in Chattisgarh Circle.	(a) Baster Division: As no matching savings have been provided by the Circle Office for creation of additional posts, the proposal for bifurcation of Baster Division to create Kankar Division is found not feasible in view of ban on creation of Plan / Non- Plan posts by Ministry of Finance . (b) Raigarh Division: The circle has been asked to provide matching savings for creation of posts required for the proposed Sarguja Division after bifurcation of Raigarh Division. It has also been asked to furnish the financial implications involved in bifurcation of Raigarh Division.	This part of the item is closed. DDG (Estt)
39.	Review of work load in Business Office.	It was decided that a report will be called for from the circles about the expenditure incurred and the revenue gained.	CGM(MB&O)
42.	(i) Timely supply of uniform and issue of Kit Card.	It was decided that the instructions will be issued once again to all Heads of Cirlces for timely supply of uniform to eligible postal employees. The staff side was also informed to take up the matter at circle level.. Issue of Kit Card: The Directorate has called for the comment from all heads of the circles to explore possibility for issue of kit card on 03/06/2013. Reply received from the circles so far is in favour of the issue of kit card to the postal employees, hence it was decided to agree to the proposal and further necessary action may be initiated.	DDG (Estates & MM)
43.	Downgradation of HSG II AHRO post in Maharasthra Circle	The proposal will be examined by the Establishment Division.	DDG (Estt)

The meeting ended with a vote of thanks to the chair.

CENTRAL WORKING COMMITTEE MEETING INVITATION DT.23-9-2013 AND 24-9-2013 AT RANCHI.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION ON PFRDA/NPS-BILL

Frequently asked questions about new Pension Bill-NPS

1. What does the new pension law do?

The PFRDA Bill, 2011, (proposed to be enacted as a law) provides for the establishment of an Authority to promote old age income security by establishing, developing and regulating pension funds, to protect the interests of subscribers to schemes of pension funds and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

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An Interim Authority has already been created vide Govt Resolution dated October 10, 2003, and November 14, 2008, and is fully functional. The passage of the bill will confer statutory status to the Interim PFRDA to develop and regulate National Pension System (NPS) earlier known as New Pension Scheme.

2. What is NPS ?

The National Pension System reflects (NPS) Government’s effort to find sustainable solutions to the problem of providing adequate retirement income.

The NPS is an easily accessible, low cost, tax-efficient, flexible and portable retirement savings account. Under the NPS, the individual contributes to his retirement account and also his employer can also co-contribute for the social security/welfare of the individual.

The NPS is designed on Defined contribution basis wherein the subscriber contributes to his account, there is no defined benefit that would be available at the time of exit from the system and the accumulated wealth depends on the contributions made and the income generated from investment of such wealth.

Eventual pension wealth is based on the level of contributions made over the years, the charges (administrative and fund management) deducted from the funds and the returns achieved by the investment fund (pension fund managers) used over a period of time during the accumulation phase in the NPS.

The greater the value of the contributions made, the greater the investments achieved, the longer the term over which the fund accumulates and the lower the charges deducted, the larger would be the eventual benefit of the accumulated pension wealth likely to be.

3. Why should one subscribe to a pension fund?

Pension ensures that a person has steady and adequate financial security during his old age, even after he has retired from employment or his earning capacity has extinguished/decreased.

4. What does the pension bill propose?

The PFRDA shall administer the NPS for subscriber’s interest in accordance with the provisions of the PFRDA Act and the rules and regulations framed thereunder. The Authority has the mandate to regulate all other pension funds (other than the NPS) which are not regulated by any other enactment.

5. Is it compulsory?

The NPS is compulsory in respect of persons appointed to public services in connection with the affairs of the Union, or to All-India Services, on or after 1-1-2004. It is also compulsory in case of employees of Central Autonomous bodies.

The NPS is also applicable in respect of employees of various state governments and its autonomous bodies, who have joined the NPS and in respect of whom, such state governments have extended the NPS based on the notifications issued by such states.

The NPS is voluntarily extended to the citizens of India w.e.f May, 2009, who may choose to be covered under the NPS. The NPS has also been extended to various corporates, who may choose to provide the scheme to their employees on a voluntary basis.

6. When was it first introduced?

The PFRDA Bill 2005 was introduced in Lok Sabha in March, 2005, but could not be considered and passed due to dissolution of 14th Lok Sabha. Earlier, the PFRDA Ordinance 2004 was promulgated on December 29, 2004, which lapsed on April 7, 2005.

7. Can one decide how much on ones savings should go into stocks and how much in debt?

Presently, in respect of government employees, the investment choice in asset class E (Equities), asset Class C (Corporate Debts) and Asset Class G (Government Securities) is in accordance with investment pattern contained in Ministry of Finance notification No. F. No. 5 (88)/2006 –PR.— dated August14, 2008. For others different schemes are applicable based on the choice exercised by the subscriber.

8. If stock prices crash, will pension be affected?

The rate of return and NAV (Net Asset Value) of the subscriber will be susceptible to market risk.

9. Can one choose the stocks in which pension fund will put the money?

Pension Fund Managers based on their expertise will choose the stocks for investing the collective monies of the subscriber (under full disclosure to the NPS Trust). However, individual subscriber will not have the option of choosing a particular stock.

10. Can one withdraw money whenever one wants or only after one retires?

The subscriber can exit from the NPS and withdraw the accumulated pension wealth in the following manner and no other exits or withdrawals are permitted presently:

a. Upon attainment of age of 60 years : At least 40% of the accumulated pension wealth of the subscriber needs to be utilized for purchase of an annuity providing for the monthly pension of the subscriber and the balance is paid as a lump sum payment to the subscriber.

b. Upon Death (irrespective of cause) : The entire accumulated pension wealth (100%) would be paid to the nominee / legal heir of the subscriber and there would not be any purchase of annuity/monthly pension.

c. Exit from the NPS before attainment of age of 60 years (irrespective of cause): At least 80% of the accumulated pension wealth of the subscriber needs to be utilized for purchase of an annuity providing for the monthly pension of the subscriber and the balance is paid as a lump sum payment to the subscriber.

11. Can it help the industry?

The industry can benefit by the availability of long term funds under the NPS, which may be deployed to build infrastructure. The industry can also provide the NPS as an important social security scheme to the employees serving in such industries.

Source:http://english.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/contentView.do?contentId=14939135&tabId=1&programId=11565538

CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL GOVT.EMPLOYEES CIRCULAR.

CONFEDERATION CIRCULAR

Circular No. 3/2013                                                                                                  Dated – 29.08.2013

To

All CHQ office Bearers, Confederation

All General Secretaries C-O-Cs

All General Secretaries/Secretary Generals of affiliated Unions

Dear Comrade,

1.    Agenda of the next National Council JCM has been finalized on 27.08.2013 in consultation with DOP&T. Twelve demands raised by the Confederation in the Charter of demands are included (including the GDS employees demand). The letter given by Com. Umraomal Purohit, Secretary, Staff Side, JCM National Council and twelve demands included in the agenda are enclosed herewith. (Annexure I & II) Next meeting of the National Council JCM is expected by the end of October 2013/early November 2013.

2.    The controversial PFRDA bill is listed as an agenda items of the current Parliament session. National Secretariat of the Confederation has given a call for two-hours walk out and protest demonstrations when the bill is taken up for discussion in Parliament or on the next day if information is received late.

3.      GET READY FOR INDEFINITE STRIKE, MAKE THE STRIKE BALLOT A GRAND SUCCESS

As already mentioned in the previous circular the following campaign programmes shall be implemented in all states demanding realisation of the 15 Point Charter.

          (a)   Mass Relay Dharna at all important places and State/District Head Quarters from 2^nd to 7^th September 2013.

          (b)   Holding of state conventions of C-O-Cs and Central Working Commitees/Central Executive Committees of all               affiliated Unions/Associations/Federations.

          (c)    Strike ballot from 25^th to 27^th September 2013.

A copy of the appeal for strike ballot and model ballot is enclosed herewith (Annexure III & IV). It may be translated into local languages. Each official should be given an appeal well in advance so that they can take an independent decision before the polling dates. 15 Point Charter may be permitted in the appeal.

On the polling day (25^th, 26^th & 27^th September 2013) ballot boxes should be placed at the premises of offices or at a centralized place (polling booths) as per convenience. Employees may be allowed to vote freely and frankly by ticking “Yes” or “No” in the ballot. It will be a secret ballot. After ticking “Yes” or “No”, the ballot may be put in the ballot box. After polling is over leaders shall count the ballot.

The ballots in favour of indefinite strike (Yes) and against indefinite strike (No) may be counted separately and total figure arrived at may be communicated by the respective C-O-Cs or organizations as the case may be, to the Confederation Head quarters by e-mail or SMS.

Before the poling date intensive campaign should be conducted by all C-O-Cs and affiliates at all places and each and every employee may be contacted and requested to cast his/her vote.

4.      All India Trade Union Education Camp:

The Trade Union Education Camp will be held at Mumbai on 15^th & 16^th November 2013. The number of delegates to be participated from each C-O-C and affiliated Unions / Associations / Federations will be intimated before September 1^st Week. The camp is being hosted by C-O-C Mumbai. Delegate fee is Rs. 600/- per head. NFPE, ITEF, Audit & Accounts Associations and Atomic Energy delegates shall be arranged accommodation by their respective Federations.

5.      All India Women’s Convention

The All India Women’s Convention of the Confederation will be held at New Delhi on 25^th & 26^th November 2013. Lady Delegates from all C-O-Cs and affiliated Unions/Associations/Federations should participate in the Convention. Number of women delegates to be participated from each C-O-C and affiliated Unions/Associations/Federations will be intimated by first week of September 2013. The Convention is being hosted by C-O-C Delhi. Delegate fee is Rs. 600/- per head.

6.      Formation of C-O-Cs at State and District level

As we are heading towards an indefinite strike, we have to gear up our organsiational machinery at all levels. Wherever state level C-O-Cs are defunct or ineffective it should be revived immediately. Where ever District Committee is not formed the major affiliates should take immediate action for preparing their rank and file for the indefinite strike. Circulars, bulletins, posters, boards, banners etc. may be issued and circulated widely among the employees. Don’t wait for the last Minute, Be prepared well in advance.

       Fraternally yours,

       (M. Krishnan)

      Secretary General

Photos of Lunch hour demonstration held at Mumbai GPO on 28.08.2013 on 15 Charter of Demands of Confederation

Saturday 31 August 2013

Photos of Lunch hour demonstration held at Mumbai GPO on 28.08.2013 on 15 Charter of Demands of Confederation

Besides this, from customers’ perspective, Post Offices offer products and services like small savings, postal life insurance and other mail related products which are used by the common man. All Women Post Office offers a secured environment to our woman customers from all strata of society to transact postal business with a level of comfort and familiarity with women employees of the Department.

This information was given by Dr. Smt. Killi Kruparani, Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.

 

PROJECT ARROW -- GUIDE

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http://indiapost.gov.in/dop/Pdf/Results/34013_07_2013_DE_PI_dtd26Aug2013_1.pdf

THE POLICIES THAT FAILED

{Editorial Postal Crusader September, 2013}

                In the year 1991 when the New Economic Policy or the Neo-liberal Economic Policy was adopted by the then Narasimha Rao Government at the Centre with much fanfare, it was repeatedly declared that it is a panacea for all the crisis faced by the Indian economy and shall ensure rapid growth of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).  After 22 years, it is the very same neo-liberal policies which is leading the country to an economic disaster.  The then Finance Minister Sri. Manmohan Singh had brush aside the criticism and opposition of left parties and trade unions and they became a target of concentrated attack by the supporters of the neo-liberal policies.  Inspite of stiff resistance from all trade unions the Government went ahead with the rigourous implementation of the anti-people, anti-labour policies of Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation  (LPG).

                While the UPA Government desperately wooed foreign capital and handed out concessions to big business and corporates, the plight of the people has been worsening because of the economic slowdown, falling industrial production and high inflation.  The rupee has steadily depreciated in value, with the exchange rate of the rupee to the dollar breaching the Rs.68 mark last week.  The current account deficit (the gap between exports and imports and other remittances) has reached an unsustainable level, there is rising external debt with the bourgeoning short-term debt, posing immediate problem.  This financial crisis is accompanied by high inflation.  The fact that the creation of two India’s of the rich and the poor, with the gap between them widening alarmingly, is a reality that stares us every moment.

                The first UPA Government was not allowed to implement the reforms in the financial sector, pension sector and retail sector etc. by the left parties who supported the Government.  It prevented the passing of PFRDA Bill by threatening to withdraw support to the Government.  The second UPA Government without the left support, started rigourous implementation of the reforms in all sectors.  All barriers for the inflow of foreign capital to the country was removed and the cap of Foreign Direct investment (FDI) in banking, insurance, pension, retail, defence, telecom etc. are either enhanced or removed.  Large scale disinvestment of public sector has become the order of the day.  Deregulation of petrol pricing has resulted in everincreasing prices of petrol and diesel fuelling inflation which resulted in the increased burden of price rise for the people.  Onions,vegetables and all other necessities of life are becoming out of reach of the people.  The other outcome of the economic slowdown is the loss of jobs in the industrial and services sectors and rising unemployment.

                The UPA Government is seeking to overcome this crisis by attracting more foreign capital and giving more concessions to the multinational companies (MNCs) and Indian big business.  The growing dependence on foreign capital flows and FDI has worsened the situation further and the entire exercise has proved futile.  The bulk of the capital flows out of the country is from equity, debt markets and Foreign Institutional Investments (FIIs), which the Government cannot control.  The neo-liberal policies of the Manmohan Singh Government and the boosting of the economy through Foreign Capital inflows have now come to roost. 

                During the last three years at least, the tax concessions provided to the corporartes and the rich amount to, according to budget papers, to over five lakhs crores every year.  Despite such “incentives”, the overall growth of the industrial production was minus 1.6 per cent in May 2013.  If, instead, these legitimate taxes were collected and used for public investments to build over much needed infrastructure, this would have generated large-scale employment.  This, inturn, would increase the purchasing power of the people and vastly enlarge domestic demand.  This would lay the basis for a turn around in manufacturing and industrial production and put the economy on a more sustainable and relatively pro-people growth tragectory. 

                What the country needs is an alternative pro-people policies.  Such an alternative can be brought about through the intensification of popular struggle of the people and working class in the coming months.

RISK ALLOWANCE TO CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES - CLARIFICATION REG.(Click the link below for details) http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02est/21012_01_2010-Estt.Allowance-26082013.pdf