MEETING WITH SECRETARY,

DEPARTMENT OF POSTS

Com. M. Krishnan, Secretary General NFPE, Com. K. V. Sridharan, General Secretary P3, Com. I. S. Dabas, General Secretary P-4, Com. Giriraj Singh, General Secretary R-3 and Com. P. Suresh, General Secretary R-4, met Secretary, Department of Posts, Today (28.10.2010). The following issues are discussed: -

(a) Cadre Restructuring Committee - Secretary, Posts, assured that necessary action will be taken for early sitting and finalisation of the proposal by the Committee.

(b) Postmen Related Issues: - We have requested that either the Secretary Generals or Leader/Secretary, staff side, Departmental council may also be included in the committee on Postmen related issues. Secretary, Posts, assured to have a fresh look on this issue and also assured that action will be taken for convening of the committee early.

(c) Revision of wages of Casual Labourers and Part time contingent staff: - Secretary Posts, assured that she will personally intervene and see to it that orders are issued at the earliest. Secretary (P) informed that regarding non –submission of the information sought for by Directorate, by the Chief PMGs, she has taken a serious view of it and necessary follow up action in this regard is being taken.

(d) Department Council meeting: - Secretary, Posts assured that second meeting will be arranged soon.

(e) Presentation on Technological developments in Department of Posts: - Secretary, Posts, made it clear that the postponed presentation will be arranged again at Postal staff college, Ghaziabad after Deepavali Holidays.

(f) Recruitment Rules of Multi skilled Employees (erstwhile Group 'D'): - Secretary Posts, informed that it is in the final stage and will be notified soon.

The staff side also shared with Secretary (P) their experience during the visit to the Royal Mail, London from 17th to 23rd October 2010.

Secretary Posts, informed that all out efforts one being made to improve the efficiency and productivity of the Department of Posts and staff side will also be informed of the details. Staff side assured their cooperation.

Rule 10 of CCS (Commutation of Pension) Rules, 1981 may be followed and difference in commuted value be paid without fresh applications - DOPT Order

Rule 10 of CCS (Commutation of Pension) Rules, 1981 may be followed and difference in commuted value be paid without fresh applications to pensioners who retired on/after 1.1.2006 but before 2.9.2008.

F. No. 38/79/08-P&PW(G)

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare
3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhavan,Khan Market,

New Delhi – 110003Date: 27th October, 2010

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Sub.: Payment of Commutation Value of additional amount of pension in respect of employees who retired on/after 1.1.2006 but before 2.9.2008 and expired before exercising option for commutation of additional amount of pension – Regarding.

As per the provisions contained in para 9.3 of this Department’s OM No. 38/37/08-P&PW(A) dated 2nd September, 2008, the revised table of commutation value for pension will be used for all commutations of pension which become absolute after the date of issue of this OM. In the case of those pensioners, in whose case commutation of pension became absolute on or after 1.1.2006 but before the issue of this OM, the pre-revised Table of Commutation value for pension will be used for payment of commutation of pension based on pre revised pay/pension. Such pensioners shall have an option to commute the amount of pension that has become additionally commutable on account of retrospective revision of pay/pension on implementation of the recommendations of the Sixth Central Pay Commission. On exercising such an option by the pensioner, the revised Table of Commutation Value for pension will be used for the commutation of the additional amount of pension that has become commutable on account of retrospective revision of pay/pension. In all cases where the date of retirement/commutation of pension is on or after 2.9.2008, the revised Table of Commutation Value for pension will be used for commutation of entire pension.

2. References have been received from various Departments seeking clarification from this Department whether the commutation value of additional pension in respect of such employees who had retired during the period between 1.1.2006 and 2.9.2008 and died before exercising option is payable to the eligible member of family or not. The issue has been examined in consultation with Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure who has observed that the Pay Commissions’ intention was that the pensioner should exercise a conscious choice in view of the fact that the commutation table has changed w.e.f. 1.1.2006. As such, in these cases, the Rule 10 of CCS (Commutation of Pension) Rules, 1981 may be followed and difference in commuted value be paid without fresh applications. The intention was not to deny the higher capitalized value on account ofrevision of pension.

3. This issues with the concurrence of Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure vide their UO No. 456/EV/2010 dated 18.10.2010.

(V.K.Wadhwa)

Under Secretary to the Government of India

VISIT TO ROYAL MAIL LONDON

Department of Posts has deputed a ten (10) member delegation led by Sri. A. K. Sharma, Dy. Director General (Establishment) to united kingdom to visit Royal Mail Groups Automated Mail/Parcel processing facilities for five days from 18th to 22nd October 2010. The following are the other nine members:

1. Shri Subhash Chander, Director (SR & Legal), Department of Posts, New Delhi
2. Com. M. Krishnan, Secretary General, NFPE
3. Com. K. V. Sridharan, General Secretary, AIPEU Group 'C' (NFPE)
4. Com. Giri Raj Singh, General Secretary, AIRMS & MMS EU Group – C (NFPE)
5. Com. Ishwar Singh Dabas, General Secretary, AIPEU Postmen & MSEs (NFPE)
6. Com. P. Suresh, General Secretary, AIRMS & MMS EU MG & MSEs (NFPE)
7. Shri. D. Kishan Rao, General Secretary, NAPE Group 'C' (FNPO)
8. Shri. T. N. Rahate, General Secretary, NUPE Postmen & MSE (FNPO)
9. Shri. A. H. Siddque, General Secretary, NURMS & MMS MG & Group 'D' (FNPO)

The Tour commenced from Delhi on 17.10.2010 and reached London 17.10.2010.

The main Agenda for the visit to Royal Mail from 18th to 22nd included the following:

1. Introduction to the week by Mr. Stan Kozlowski, the Head of British Postal Consultancy Services (BPCS).
2. Introduction to Royal Mail Group by Mr. Stan Kozlowski
3. Presentation on World Postal Environment by Mr. Stan Kozlowski.
4. Presentation on Post office counter Transformation by Mr. Stans Kozlowski
5. Visit to city of London Post office – Paul Gardner
6. Presentation on Journey of a letter – Mr. Stan Kozlowski & the Mail Centre Manager, Royal Mails.
7. Tour of Mail Centre.
8. Overview of ParcelForce World Wide – David Breez, Head of International operations, Royal Mails.
9. Tour of the International Hub and visit to National Hub.
10. Meeting with Communication Workers Union Representatives Mr. Peter Donaghy & Mr. Carl Madess.
11. Visit to West London Delivery office – Mr. Arrane Byne & Mr. Frances Conroy.
12. Presentation on Royal Mails operation Transformation – Mr. Dave Briggs, Packet Pipeline Design Manager, Royal Mails.
13. Tour to Princess Royal Delivery Centre (PRDC)
14. Presentation on UK Regulation Liberalisation – Mr. Stan Kozlowski.
15. Presentation on Revenue Protection – Mr. Stan Kozlowski
16. Presentation on Royal Mail Automation programme – Mr. Stan Kozlowski
17. Discussions on the week and Summary – Stan Kozlowski

On completion of the one week training programme individual certificate has been issued to all delegates by Royal Mail Group.

Royal Mail is the National Postal Service of United kingdom. Royal Mail Holdings Plc own Royal Mail Group Limited, which in turn operates the following brands:
(a) Royal Mail (UK Letters)
(b) Parcel Force Worldwide (UK Parcels)
(c) General Logistic Systems
(d) "Post office Ltd" which provides counter services, is a wholly owned subsidiary.

Royal Mail Holdings is a public limited company. Royal Mail is responsible for universal collection and delivery in the UK. Royal Mail delivers 33 million items every working day, 71 million items handled daily, and had a network of 11905 post offices, 1, 1600 post boxes, 450000 collection centres, 37 million delivery points, 33000 vehicles & 29 Aircrafts & 27000 bi-cycles. Total number of workforce is 1,68000 which includes regular contracts and casual workers. 70% of the workforce is delivery staff. For the financial year 2008-2009 Royal Mail had an operating profit of 321 million pounds, with all four group businesses running on profit.

In UK, Postal Sector reforms and liberalization started in the year 2006 three years ahead of other Europeon countries. Royal Mail lost its monopoly and competitors are licenced to carry mail and pass it to Royal Mail for delivery. Delivery is exclusively done by Royal Mail. There are currently fifty (50) Licenced Mail operators including Royal Mail. Royal Mail claims a market share of 75%. There is only one delivery each day. Delivery of letters, Delivery of parcels and operating post offices are separately done in different places (centres). Universal service obligation (USO) is applicable to Royal Mail only. USO Loss for 2009-2010 is 100 million pounds. No subsidy is given by Government to meet USO obligation. Tarrif is fixed by the Postal Regulator called Post comm..

All the centres – Post office, Parcel force and Letters – are fully computerized and automated. Fully automated mail/parcel processing facilities are provided for sorting of articles and also for Postmen beat sorting. The letter sorting machine has a maximum capacity of sorting 40000 letters per hour.

The Royal Mails motto is "a commercial business with a social purpose" and "Quality first and value for the money & security". It is told that the reforms & liberalization has resulted in more efficiency, better service standards, competition, stimulating innovation, reducing prices, quality raising, choice to the public and level playing field for all competitors (players). Royal Mails borrowed 1.2 billion pounds to invest on transforming their operations, which includes further induction of latest technologies in the automation programme.

The UK Government is proposing to further intensify the Postal reforms which includes the privatization of letter mail services, closure of 2500 Post offices in the name of network transformation.

The meeting with the Communication Workers Union (CWU) Representatives was most informative and cordial. The CWU, the only one union in the Royal Mail, was formed on 26thJanuary 1995 as the result of a merger between National Communications Union (NCU) and the Union of Communication Workers (UCW). The CWU is the sixth largest Union in Britain. The management and functioning of the union is in a most democratic manner. For calling an industrial action (strike) strike ballot is compulsory. 51% should vote for the strike. Annual conferences are held at all level. Election of office bearers are by secret ballot. CWU has 87 Postal branches & 73 Telecom Brnaches, Postal membership is 148597 and Telecom & Financial services membership is 74121. Total membership is 2,22718 (including Telecoms & Giro Bank). The last industrial action took place in the year of 2009. The CWU representatives made it clear that they strongly oppose any move of the Government to privatise the Royal Mail either by selling shares or by outright sale to other private Postal giants. Wage revision is done every year though negotiations.

The workers of the Royal Mail have full political freedom and the CWU leadership at present is joining hands with British Labour Party. Members can have their own political freedom to join any party of their choice.

It is worth mentioning here, that the Royal Mails pays maximum attention for customer satisfaction and is very much concerned with the quality and security of services. Premises of all the centres are kept neat and tidy and state of the art facilities are provided to the public. While discharging the corporate social responsibility in a most commendable manner, they are equally concerned with Revenue protection. Every safeguard is taken to prevent revenue leakage and they are updating the technology for preventing revenue leakage.

In short the visit to Royal Mail provided us an opportunity to understand the development that are taking place in the Postal Sector in a most advanced and developed nation like Britain and especially in London. While opposing the unbridled reforms and liberalization, there are of course, certain positive aspects which are to be deliberated upon, before putting it into practice in our country.

The delegation had an opportunity to visit some important tourist attractions of city of London like Tower of London, London Eye etc. The delegation left for in India on 23rd October and reached New Delhi on 24th October 2010. The guidance given by the Leader of Team Sri. A. K. Sharma, DDG (Estt.) and Sri. Subash Chander, Director (SR & Legal) is to be worth mentioned.

-- M.Krishnan

Secretary General NFPE

DELAY AND IRREGULARITIES IN IMPLEMENTATION OF MACP SCHEME DEPTT OF POSTS ISSUED CLARIFICATION

Government of India
Ministry of Communication & IT
Department of Posts
(Pay Commission Cell)

Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg,
New Delhi - 110116

No. 4-7/(MACPS)/2009-PCC Dated: 18th Oct, 2010

All Chief Postmasters General,
All Postmasters General
General Managers (Finance)
All Directors of Accounts Postal

Sub: DELAY AND IRREGULARITIES IN IMPLEMENTATION OF MODIFIED ASSURED CAREER PROGRESSION SCHEME – CLARIFICATIONS regarding.

Sir/Madam,

I am directed to refer to this Directorate's OM dated 18 Sep, 2009 communicating the detailed guidelines for implementation of Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme (MACPS) and several other clarification issued on this subject.

2. The General Secretary, All India Postal Employees Union Group 'C' has represented to the Secretary (Posts) alleging that the Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme (MACPS) is being denied to eligible official in some Circles and sought the intervention of the Directorate in clarifying the position. The contentions of the General Secretary have been examined and the following clarifications are provided for guidance and strict observance.

i Eligibility of MACPS to a direct recruited Postal Assistant conferred with TBOP –

It has been represented that in some Circles the directly recruited Postal Assistants who were accorded financial upgradation under one time bound promotion scheme on completion of 16 years of satisfactory service are not being given the 2nd MACPS on the ground that the officials have not completed 10 years of service TBOP Scale/Grade with grade pay of Rs.2800.
Attention is drawn to Para No. 28 of Annexure-I to this office OM dated 18-09-2009. It is stated that a directly recruited Postal Assistant who got one financial upgradation under TBOP Scheme after rendering 16 years of service before 01.09.2008, will become eligible to 2nd MACP on completion of 20 years of continuous service from date of entry in Government service or 10 years service in TBOP grade pay or scale or combination of both, whichever is earlier, However, financial upgradation under MACPS cannot be conferred from a date prior to 01.09.2008 and such 2nd financial upgradation for the above referred category of officials has to be given from 01.09.2008. They will also become eligible for 3rd MACP on completion of 30 years of service or after rendering 10 years in 2nd MACP, whichever is earlier.

ii Eligibility of MACP to a directly recruited Postal Assistant having qualified in PO & RMS Accounts Examination and opted initially for defunct scale & later opted out of it & who have got financial upgradations under TBOP and BCR subsequently –

The staff side has alleged that Postal Assistants who have qualified in PO & RMS examination who initially opted for defunct scale and later switched over to normal line and accorded financial upgradations under TBOP/BCR schemes are denied 3rd MACP construing that PO & RMS Accountants is 1st MACP and TBOP/BCR are off set against 2nd and 3rd MACP.
PO & RMS Accountants examination is a qualifying one and the Postal Assistants who have passed the examination are posted as Accountants with some special allowance. They will be continued in the cadre of Postal Assistants in the common gradation list.

The PO & RMS Accountants who initially opted for defunct pay scale of Rs.380-620 and later switched over to normal line of promotion in PA cadre and given financial upgradations under TBOP/BCR Schemes will become eligible for 3rd MACP under MACPS provided that they have not earned any other regular promotion and subject to rendering of 30 years of continuous service from the date of entry in the PA grade or 10 years continuous service in the BCR grade, whichever is earlier. Denial of 3rd MACP on the said ground is not in order.

iii Eligibility of MACP to a promoted official to PA Cadre and having completed 10 years of service in PA cadre –

It was stated by staff representatives that in some Circles, the officials who were promoted from the lower cadres to Postal Assistants and on completion of 10 years in the said Postal Assistant cadre are not considered for 2nd MACP on the plea that they have not completed 20 years of service from the date of entry in clerical cadre.

The attention of the Circle is drawn to Para No. 28 (A) (1) in the Annexure-I. In case of a lower grade official promoted to PA cadre, having got one promotion to PA cadre before completion of 10 years of continuous service, it will be off set against 1st MACP and on rendering 10 years continuing service in the clerical grade/scale or on completion of 20 years service from the date of entry would become eligible for 2nd MACP, whichever date is earlier. However, financial upgradation under MACPS cannot be conferred from a date prior to 01.09.2008 as the scheme became operational from this date only.

iv - Eligibility of MACP on completion of 30 years of service from date of entry as on 01.09.2008, declining regular promotion to LSG during 2009 and 2010 –

The General Secretary intimated that certain officials who become eligible for 3rd MACP on 01.09.2008 are denied the same on the ground that they have declined the regular promotion to norm based LSG in 2009 and 2010.

The attention is drawn to para 25 of Annexure I to order on MACPS issued on 18.09.2009 providing that "if a regular promotion has been offered but was refused by the employee before becoming entitled to a financial upgradation, no financial upgradation shall be allowed as such an employee has not stagnated due to lack of opportunities. If, however, financial upgradation has been allowed due to stagnation and the employees subsequently refuse the promotion, it shall not be a ground for withdrawal of the financial upgadation. He shall, however, not be eligible to be considered for further financial upgradation till he agrees to be considered for promotion and the second and the next financial upgradation shall also be deferred to the extent of period of debarment due to the refusal." Therefore, the issue raised is already covered under Para 25 and in such cases where due date of financial upgradation precedes the refusal for regular promotion, financial upgradation under MACPS shall be allowed.

v Eligibility of MACP due on 01.09.2008 for officials due to currency of the penalty of recovery in consequence of disciplinary proceedings or disciplinary proceeding contemplated.

The staff side represented that some Circle have not considered the cases of officials for MACP on the date of introduction on the pretext that the punishment of recovery from their pay is current or disciplinary proceedings contemplated at the time of screening of the officials by the Committees which were constituted for considering financial upgradation under MACPS
Para 18 of Annexure-I to OM dated 18.09.2009 provides that – "In the matter of disciplinary/penalty proceedings, grant of benefit under the MACPS shall be subject to rules governing normal promotion. Such cases shall, therefore, be regulated under the provisions of the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965 and instructions issued there under." Attention of the Circle is drawn to Department of Personnel and Training Om No. 22011/2/78-Estt. (A) dated 16.02.1979 communicated in DGP&T letter no.35-1/79-SPB-II dated 07.05.79. According to these orders, the penalty of censure or recovery of pecuniary loss are not a bar for penalty for promotion if the findings of the DPC are in favour of the employee.

Similarly, the officials who were facing disciplinary action as one the date of actual due date of their upgradation can only be not considered.

3. The Circles are requested for bringing the above position to the notice of all Divisional Heads and concerned authorities for scrupulous observance and to avoid any grievance to the officials.

4. The limits for holding of Screening Committee as provided in Para 11 of this Directorate OM of even number dated 18.09.2009 may be strictly adhered to on concluding action of Scrutiny Committee ordered under letter of even number dated 01.09.2010.

5. This issues with the approval of competent Authority.


Sd/-
(Surender Kumar)
Assistant Director General (GDS/PCC)

The Reserve Bank of India has given permission to the Department of Posts (DoP) to launch its prepaid debit card, in partnership with Master Card.

Reserve Bank of India has given permission to the Department of Posts (DoP) to launch its prepaid debit card, in partnership with Master Card, which will allow customers to purchase products from all major retail outlets across the country..

The prepaid debit card by India Post would have a minimum value of Rs 1,000 and a maximum of Rs 50,000, a senior official from the department told Business Standard. Subsequently, the cards will be topped up with the required value..

The customers would also be able to withdraw money from ATMs using the new card from DoP. It could also be used for making online transactions, for mobile commerce and to facilitate electronic money transfer.

"The department has already received all the requisite approvals from RBI for the launch of the card and we expect to commercially announce it within a few months," the official said. DoP might also rope in a bank as partner in the venture, the official added, refusing to divulge further details.The nature of the card would be in line with debit card offered by different banks. The software for the solution would be offered by one or more banks, while the required infrastructure and staff would be provided by the postal department..

According to the request for proposal issued by the department earlier this year, "the card (magnetic stripe-based) could be operated at merchant establishments or ATMs, where Master Card is acceptable, and in various post offices. Up to four add-on cards are proposed to be issued to one customer, along with the primary card.

"The debit card would be issued to customers by major post offices, after a payment of activation fees and the amount to be loaded on to the card.The official said such cards could also be used by organisations for giving allowances and other benefits to their employees.

Business StandardNew Delhi September 17, 2010

IndiaPost gets IRDA nod to sell insurance policies

India’s largest distribution network with 1.55 lakh offices has been thrown open to the insurance industry with the industry regulator allowing IndiaPost to sell policies of multiple insurance companies.

This opens a new distribution channel for insurers who have been desperately trying to poach bank distributors from rivals to increase their reach.

Insurers now expect a battle for prime circles, given that the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) has limited the number of companies that each postal circle can tie up with.

The revised guidelines allow each of the 22 circles of Indiapost to act as a corporate agent of two non-life insurers, two life insurance companies, one agricultural insurance company and one stand alone health insurance company. The regulator has however barred IndiaPost from selling customer data to insurance companies under some referral arrangement.

In its revised guidelines released last week, IRDA said, “Each circle of India post should be treated as a separate unit in order to grant independent corporate agent licence with various insurers.

However the Head of ‘Circle’ may approach IRDA for prior approval of further division in the ‘Circle’ as separate units, in the case of metropolitan areas, to obtain licence to act as corporate agent, in view of the large population under the circle,” said IRDA in its circular.

IRDA has said that the head of the circle would be deemed to be the corporate insurance executive (CIE) — the key executive responsible for all insurance agency dealings.

“Also, all the permanent employees of the India Post having an educational qualification of 10+2 or equivalent shall be deemed to be complying with the relevant provisions regarding requirements of minimum educational qualification, training and examinations prescribed for ‘Specified Persons’.

In this regard, India Post shall take necessary steps to impart required training to its permanent employees to be designated as ‘Specified Persons’ within a period of one year from commencement of corporate agency, IRDA said.Corporate agency guidelines prevent banks from selling products of two competing firms.

Given the limited number of banks, insurance companies have been struggling to find low-cost institutional distributors with a pan-India reach.

The dispensation will also give the department of posts a new revenue stream. The postal department which had ambitions of becoming major distributors of financial products stopped selling mutual funds of most companies after a ban on front-loads resulted in commissions disappearing.

(Economic Times )

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF POSTAL EMPLOYEES
1st Floor, North Avenue Post Office Building, New Delhi - 110001

Circular No. 3

Dated – 16.10.2010

To,

All General Secretaries, CHQ Office Bearers.
Circle/Divisional/Branch Secretaries of
All affiliated union.

Dear Comrades,

The Federal Secretariat of NFPE met at New Delhi on 14.10.2010. Com. Ishwar Singh Dabas, Deputy Secretary General & GS P-4 presided. Com. M. Krishnan (SG) Com. R. N. Parashar (Asst. Secretary General) Com. K. V. Sridharan (General Secretary P-3) Com. Giriraj Singh (General Secretary R-3) Com. P. Suresh (General Secretary R-4), Com. V. P. Chauhan (AIPAEA Vice President) were present. Com. S. S. Mahadevaiaha, (General Secretary, AIPEDEU,) also attended the meeting.

The following agenda items were discussed and decision taken.

1. Review of the 7th September 2010 strike:
Federal Secretariat came to the conclusion that in the coming days, serious effort shall be made to further improve the participation of Postal & RMS employees in the common struggle of the working class against anti-people, anti-labour policies of the Central Government. An indepth review of the 7th September strike will be made in the next Federal Executive meeting.

2. Verification of Membership and Recognition of Unions:
The Federal Secretariat expressed satisfaction over the result of the membership verification. All NFPE affiliates have got recognition with an impressive percentage of membership. The Secretariat congratulated all the employees for endorsing their faith in NFPE. The fact that the All India Postal SBCO Employees Association and All India Postal Civil Wing Employees Association which have been formed under the guidance and leadership of NFPE, have also got recognition this time and made our victory more proud. The meeting viewed with grave concern over the delay in grant of recognition to Administrative Employees Union and the GDS Union. The Federal Secretariat urged the authorities to declare the result without and further delay.

3. 1st All India Conference of AIPSBCOEA & AIPCWEA:
The Federal Secretariat decided to extend all help for conducting the 1st All India Conference of the newly recognized AIPSBCOEA and AIPCWEA at Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh). The AIC of SBCO Employees Association will be held on 11.12.2010 (KG Bose Day) and the AIC of Civil Wing Employees Association will be held on 12.12.2010. Delegate Fee will be decided later. Detailed circular will be issued later.

4. Federal Executive Meeting of NFPE:
The Federal Secretariat decided to convene the Federal Executive Meeting of NFPE at Hyderabad on 10.12.2010.

5. 2010 July 13th deferred strike
The Federal Secretariat reviewed the progress in settlement of the demands. While appreciating the prompt action taken by the Department in settling certain major items such as filling up of posts, constitution of cadre restructuring committee, convening of the JCM Departmental Council etc, the meeting expressed concern over the delay in implementing the assurances given in some of the items. The meeting decided to vigorously pursue the cases with the Directorate for result-oriented action.

6. JCM Departmental Council
The Federal Secretariat decided that the JCM staffside shall request the Secretary, Department of Posts to convene the next meeting of the JCM Departmental council at an early date, not later than December 2010 to discuss the remaining items of the Agenda of the last meeting and also new items to be given by the staff side.

7. Cadre Restructuring
Federal Secretariat decided to explore the possibility of submitting a joint proposal by the staff side to the cadre restructuring committee. A joint meeting of the General Secretaries and Secretary Generals of NFPE and FNPO will be held on 25.10.2010 to discuss the issues relating to cadre restructuring and to arrive at a consensus.

8. Committee on Postman Related issues
The Federal Secretariat is of the considered opinion that in addition to the General Secretaries of P4 unions (NFPE & FNPO) the Secretary Generals of both the Federations shall also to be included as staff side representatives of the committee on postman related issues. The General Secretaries of P4 NFPE & FNPO may write to the Department in this regard.

9. GDS Issues:
It is decided that NFPE and GDS union shall move together for settling the remaining issues of GDS.

10. Presentation on Technological Developments in the Department of Posts.
All available General Secretaries/Secretary General and the Circle Secretaries P-3 unions will be attending the presentation on Technological Developments in Department of Posts at Postal Staff College, Ghaziabad on 23.10.2010 in the presence of Secretary, Department of Posts. Our view points will be communicated to the Department after knowing the full details. Directorate has now postponed the meeting. Next date will be intimated later.

11. Revision of wages of Casual Labourers and Part-time contingent staff:
The Federal Secretariat viewed with grave concern about the abnormal delay in revising the wages of the casual labourers and part-time contingent employees of the Postal department. Whatever may be the reason, there is no justification for this much delay. The Staff Selection Commission, which is under the Department of Personnel & Training has issued orders for payment of pro-rate wages to the casual labourers (other than temporary status casual labourers) as per the minimum of the Group D scale of 6th CPC orders with effect from 1.1.2006. The Federal Secretariat is decided to discuss the issue with Secretary, Department of posts. If the issue still remains unsettled it is decided to organize agitational programmes.

12. Functioning of Regional JCM:
Cases of Tamilnadu and Delhi Circles were discussed.
(a) Tamilnadu Circle: It is decided that the General Secretary, P-4 Union, may give a written directive to the Tamilnadu P-4 circle union to cooperate with other Circle unions on the issue of election of Leader and Secretary staff side RJCM and also to form the NFPE Circle coordinating committee in Tamilnadu Circle.
(b) Delhi Circle: It is decided to convene a joint meeting of all the Circle Secretaries (NFPE) of Delhi Circle and also General Secretaries (NFPE) on 26.10.2010 at NFPE office for arriving at an agreed formula for electing the Leader and Secretary Staff side.
13. All India Study Camp:
It is decided that the All India Study Camp of NFPE will be held in the month of February 2011 in Kerala at Thekkady (near Munnar High Range, Idukki Division) which is also one of the famous tourist destination. The camp will be held on 13.02.2011 & 14.02.2011. The Camp is mainly intended to impart training to the leaders for better and efficient functioning at organizational level. All Circle Secretaries of the unions affiliated to NFPE and General Secretaries/Presidents (CHQ) and All India office bearers shall attend the All India Study camp without fail. General Secretary, AIPEDEU, has been requested to join the camp with Circle Secretaries of GDS Union.

14. Foreign Delegation to Royal Mail, London
The delegation will be leaving India on 17.10.2010 and returning on 24.10.2010. Com. M. Krishnan (Secretary General) Com. K. V. Sridharan (General Secretary P3) Com. Ishwar Singh Dabas (General Secretary P4) Com. Giriraj Singh (General Secretary R3) and Com. P. Suresh (General Secretary R4) are the staff side members of NFPE in the ten member delegation. The delegation is visiting London to attend the training programme of Royal Mails, the National Postal Service of United Kingdom.

15. Remittance of Quota and other dues to NFPE
All Circle/Divisional/Branch Secretaries are requested to remit the Quota and other dues of NFPE to the following address.

Financial Secretary
NFPE
1st Floor, North Avenue Post office
New Delhi – 110001

With greetings,

Fraternally yours,

(M. Krishnan)

Secretary General

Technology Meeting on 23.10.2010 Deferred

Government of India
Ministry of Communication & IT
Department of Posts
(SR Section)

Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg,
New Delhi, Dated the 15th October, 2010

No. 1/5/2010-SR

To,

All Heads of Postal Circles

Subject: Technological developments in Department of Posts – Presentation to the Staff Side on 23.10.2010 in Postal Staff College of India, Ghaziabad – Cancellation regarding.

Sir,

I am directed to refer to the Department's letter of even number dated 22.09.2010 on the above mentioned subject and to inform that the Presentation scheduled for 23.10.2010 has now been cancelled for the present. The revised date of Presentation will be communicated in due course.

Yours faithfully,

Sd/-
(Subhash Chander)
Director (SR & Legal)

Modified Instructions on Recruitment of GDS through Employment Exchange - Clarification of term "Effective No. of Candidates
FOR DETAILS CLICK HERE

GRANT OF DIFFERENCE OF HBA BETWEEN THE HBA SANCTIONED ON OR AFTER 01-01-2006 AND 27-11-2008 AND THE ENHANCED HBA ON THE BASIS OF PAY IN THE PAY BAND

D.G. Posts F. No. 12-03/2010-PAP dated 30th September, 2010.

The undersigned is directed to forward herewith a copy of the Ministry of Urban Development (Housing-III Section), New Delhi, OM No. I-17011/2/\(1)/2009-H.III dated 14th July,2010 on the subject cited above, for kind information and further necessary action.

(K. Ramesawara Rao)
Asstt. Director General (Estt.)

Copy of OM No. I-17011/2/\(1)/2009-H.III dated 14th July,2010 from Ministry of Urban Development (Housing-III Section) , New Delhi.

Sub: Interest bearing advance /Sixth Central Pay Commission recommendation on House Building Advance-enhancement in past – regarding

The undersigned is directed to invite attention to this Ministry's O.M. No. 1-17011/11(3\4)/2008-H.III dated 27th November, 2008 on the above subject and to say that it has been decided in consultations with Ministry of Finance to make the afore-said orders applicable with effect from 1st January, 2006. Accordingly, an enhancement of House Building Advance, if applied for, may be granted for an amount equivalent to the difference between the previously sanctioned amount and the new amount determined on the basis of pay in the pay band, in past case, where HBA was sanctioned on or after 1-1-2006 but before 27-11-2008 subject to complying following conditions:

(a) The Government servant should not have drawn the entire amount of HBA sanctioned under earlier orders and /or where construction is not completed /full cost towards acquisition of house /flat is yet to be paid.

(b) There will be no deviation from the approved plan of construction on the basis of which the original sanction of House Building Advance was accorded. The revised cost of the original plan can, however, be considered for determining the additional amount, subject to the prescribed maximum limits.

(c) Supplementary Mortgage Deed, Personal Bond and Sureties will be drawn and executed at the expense of the loanee.

(d) The actual entitlement will be restricted to the repaying capacity computed on the basis of the formula laid down in this Ministry's O.M. No. 1-17015/16/92-H.III. dated 17.10.2000. It should be ensured that the entire amount of advance with interest is recovered before retirement on the Government servant.

(e) Rate of Interest: The rate of interest chargeable in such cases would be as per the slab applicable to the total sanctioned amount i.e. amount already sanctioned on or after 1-1-2006 but before 27-11-2008 plus the enhanced sanction. However, the new rate of interest would be chargeable only on collective amount that would remain outstanding on grant of enhancement of HBA i.e., the unpaid portion of previously sanction HBA plus the enhancement so granted. Thus, the amount of HBA that has already been re-paid on old rates will not attract the fresh interest charges.

2. However, the existing limit of maximum admissible amount of Rs. 7.50 lakh for the purpose of construction /purchase of new house /flat and Rs. 1.80 lakh would remain unchanged. In other words, the sum total of previously sanctioned HBA and the enhancement granted under these orders cannot exceed the aforesaid limits. In nay case, not more than one enhancement is admissible to Govt. employees.

3. The applications for enhancement HBA should be submitted within six months from the date of issue of this order.

4. Ministries/Departments whose branch offices are situated in the far flung areas like in case of Ministry of Defence, etc., are advised to give wider publicity to these orders through modern communication means like facsimile, e-mail, web-site, etc. so that there is no occasion for any representationfor extending the time limit of six months on the grounds of receiving these orders late.

(V.K. Gupta)
Deputy Financial Adviser

Major Trade unions to hold march to Parliament on Feb 23

Major trade unions barring BJP-affiliate BMS today decided to hold a march to Parliament ahead of the Budget session next year to protest Government's "inaction" in checking price rise, violation of labour laws and disinvestment of profitable PSUs.

The march would be organised on February 23 next year.

At a meeting chaired by INTUC president G Sanjeeva Reddy, top trade union leaders decided to "further intensify their movement" as the Government had not taken "any steps to resolve the demands of the people and workers," AITUC general secretary Gurudas Dasgupta told PTI.

He said the meeting congratulated the working class for the "historic" general strike on September 7 to press for Government action in arresting inflation, disinvestment of PSUs and to check violation of labour laws.

Source PTI

PRESENTATION ON THE TECHNOLOGY TO THE CIRCLE/GENERAL SECRETARIES

The Department has organized a presentation to the Staff Side on Technological developments that have already taken place/or under process on 23.10.2010 in Postal Staff College of India, Ghaziabad. Secretary (P), Member (T) & Member (P) will present.

This is the first time, the department recognizes the importance of base level leaders for their involvement in the developmental activities of the department and invited all the Circle Secretaries of P3 Unions besides General Secretaries.

In between, on the invitation of Royal Mail U.K, a Postal Training programme in UK has been organized in London from 18.10.2010 to 22.10.2010 and ten member delegation is attending from the department our Secretary General Com. M. Krishnan, and our General Secretary, Com. K. V. Sridharan are also among the ten members delegation.

Since the Secretary General & General Secretary could not be available on 23.10.2010, the delegation of circle secretaries will attend the Postal Training Centre with one of the authorized representative from Federation & CHQ.

In order to provide transport facilities to the Training centre from Delhi, We are arranging a vehicle from CHQ. It will start at 07:30 AM on 23.10.2010 sharply. All Circle Secretaries are requested to be present at CHQ if desire to go as one team. In case if any had already booked ticket upto Ghaziabad earlier, they can meet the team and had a discussion in the Postal Training College before attending the meeting.

This is a good beginning and therefore we don't want to seek the programme be postponed. All Circle Secretaries are requested to attend the meeting without fail.

Minutes of 2nd MACP Meeting held on 15/09/2010 - officially issued by DOPT

Minutes of 2nd meeting of MACP committee held on 15/09/2010 was officially issued by the DOPT vide Memo no.11/1/2010-JCA dated 06/10/2010. The same is placed here for the information of the members. Please click the below link and down load.

To get the official minutes of 2nd MACP Meeting CLICK HERE

DEPARTMENT ISSUED IPO RESULT TO-DAY

R-III (CHQ) CONGRATULATES ALL THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES

to see the result CLICK HERE

Subject:- Payment of Dearness Allowance to Central Government Employees - Revised Rates effective from 1.7.2010.

M.O.F ,Deptt of Expenditure OM No. 1(6)/2010-E-II (B) dated 22nd Sept.2010

D.G.Posts No.8-3/2010-PAP dated 23rd Sept,2010

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Ministry's Office Memorandum No.1(3)/2009-E-II(B)dated 26th March, 2010 on the subject mentioned above and to say that the President is pleased to decide that the Dearness Allowance payable to Central Government employees shall be enhanced form the existing rate of 35% to 45% with effect from 1st July, 2010.

2. The provisions contained in paras 3, 4 and 5 of this Ministry's O.M. No.1(3)/2008-E-II (B) dated 29th August, 2008 shall continue to be applicable while regulating Dearness Allowance under these orders.

3. The additional instalment of Dearness Allowance payable under these orders shall be paid in cash to all Central Government employees.

4. These orders shall also apply to the civilian employees paid from the Defence Services Estimates and the expenditure will be chargeable to the relevant head of the Defence Services Estimates. In regard to Armed Forces personnel and Railway employees separate orders will be issued by the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Railways, respectively.

5. In so far as the persons serving in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department are concerned, these orders issue after consultation with the Comptroller and Audit General of India.

(Anil Sharma)

Under Secretary to the Government of India

Subject:- Grant of Dearness Relief to Central Government Pensioners/Family Pensioners- Revised rate effective from 1.7.2010.

Deptt. of Pension & Pensioners Welfare OM No. F42/18/2010-P&PW (G)
Dated 27-09-2010
D.G.ts No. 4-12/10-Pension Dated 29-09-2010

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department`s OM No. F42/18/2010-P&PW (G) Dated 31-3-2010 on the subject mentioned above and to state that the President is pleased to decide that the Dearness Relief payable to Central Government pensioners shall be enhanced from the existing rate of 35% to 45% w.e.f. 1st July,2010.

2. These orders apply to (i) All Civilian Central Government Pensioners/ Family Pensioners (ii) The Armed Forces Pensioners, Civilian Pensioners paid out of the Defence Service Estimates, (iii) All India Service Pensioners (iv) Railway Pensioners and (v) The Burma Civilian Pensioners/family Pensioners and pensioners/families of displaced government pensioners from Pakistan ,who are Indian nationals but receiving pension on behalf of Government of Pakistan, who are in receipt of adhoc exgratia allowance of Rs.3500/- p.m. in terms of the Department`s OM No. 23/1/97-P&PW (B) dated 23.2.1998 read with this Department`s OM No. 23/3/2008-P&PW (B) dated 15.9.2008.

3. Central Government Employees who had drawn lumpsum amount on absorption in a PSU/Automous body and have become eligible to restoration of 1/3rd commuted portion of pension as well as revision of the restored amount in terms of this Department`s OM No. 4/59/97-P&PW (D) dated 14.07. 1998 will also be entitled to the payment of DR @ 45% w.e.f. 1.7.2010 on full pension i.e. the revised pension which the absorbed employee would have received on the date of restoration had he not drawn lumpsum payment on absorption and Dearness Pension subject to fulfillment of the conditions laid down in para 5 of the O.M. dated 14.07.98. In this connection, instructions contained in this Department`s OM No. 4/29/99-P & PW (D) dated 12.7.2000 refers.

4. Payment of DR involving a fraction of rupee shall be rounded off to the next higher rupee.

5Other provisions governing grant of DR in respect of employed family pensioners and re-employed Central Government Pensioners will be regulated in accordance with the provisions contained in this Department’s OM No. 45/73/97-P & PW (G) dated 2.9.1999 as amended vide this Department’s OM No. 38/88/2008-P& PW (G) dated 9th July, 2009. The provisions relating to regulation of Dr where pensioner is in receipt of more than one pension will remain unchanged.
6 In the case of retired Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, necessary orders will be issued by the Department of Justice separately.

7.It will be the responsibility of the pension disbursing authorities, including the nationalized banks,etc. to calculate the quantum of DR payable in each individual case.

8. The offices of Accountant General and Authorized Public Sector banks are requested to arrange payment of relief to pensioners etc. on the basis of above instructions without waiting for any further instructions from Comptroller and Auditor General of India and Reserve Bank of India in view of letter No. 528-TA,II/34-80-II dated 23/04/1981 of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India addressed to all Accountant Generals and Reserve Bank of India Circular No. GANB No. 2958/GA-64 (ii) (CGL)/81 dated 21st May 1981 addressed to State Bank of India and its subsidiaries and all nationalized Banks.


9. In their application to the pensioners/family pensioners belonging to Indian Audit and Accounts Department, these orders issue in consultation with the C & AG.

10 This issues with the concurrence of Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure vide their OM No. 1 (4)/EV/2004 dated 24th September,2010.


(V.K.Wadhwa)
Under Secretary to the Government of India

DEPARTMENT OF POSTS ISSUED ORDERS 60 DAYS BONUS

Department of Posts order has been issued vide No.26 04/2010-PAP Dated 1.10.2020. for 60 days Bonus for regular employees as well as for Gramin Dak Sewak subject to the ceiling of Rs. 3500/- , Rs.2500/-and 1200/- for Temporary Status Casual Labourers respectively

Payment of additional pension/family pension on completion of age of 80 years and above

FOR ORIGINAL DOPT ORDER CLICK HERE

Payment of Dearness Allowance to Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) at revised rates with effect from 01-07-2010

FOR ORGINAL ORDER CLICK HERE

Revision of Split Duty Allowance to Group ‘C’ and ‘D’ staff in Operative Office vide order no. No.6-3/2002-PE-II.

No.6-3/2002-PE-II
Government of India
Ministry of Communication & IT
Department of Posts
(Establishment Division)
Dak Bhawan, Parliament Street
New Delhi – 110001
Dated – 13.09.2010

Chief Postmaster General
Postmaster General
General Managers (Training)
Director of Accounts (Posts)

Sub: Revision of Split Duty Allowance to Group ‘C’ and ‘D’ staff in Operative Officer.

Sir/Madam

I am directed to refer the order letter of even no. dated 19.02.2009.

2. The sanction of the Competent Authority was communicated for payment of Split Duty Allowance of 150 per month to the Group C and Group D employees of Department of Posts from 01.07.2005 to 30.06.2008 and for a further period from 01.07.2008 to 30.06.2011 subject to fulfillment of terms and conditions specified herewith.

3. The Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance vide OM No. 9(11)/2008-E.II (B) dated 29.11.2008 in Part-I, section of EST MO. 88 has accepted the accommodation of 6th Central Pay Commission wherein the rates of allowance applied to different Ministries / Departments / Organisations not covered in the report of Pay Commission has been proposed to be doubled.

4. The issue regarding doubling of the Split Duty Allowance paid to Group C and Group D staff of Department of Posts was under permission of the Department for quite some time. The case was taken up with Department of Expenditure Ministry of Finance in consultation with integrated Finance wing for revision of split Duty Allowance to Group C and D of Department of Posts.

5. The Department of Expenditure Ministry of Finance vide their ID No. 9(37)/2010-E.II dated 27.08.2010 approved the proposal to the Department of Posts for revision of Split Duty Allowance to Group C and D Staff from existing Rs.50 to Rs.100 per month.

6. The above revision will take effect from 01.07.2008 and will be in force upto 30.06.2011. The payment of Split Duty allowance in subject to the fulfillment of terms of conditions as already laid down.

7. This issues in consideration with integrated Finance Wing vide their diary No. 200/FA/ 6/9/2010 dt. 6.9.2010

Yours faithfully,
Sd/-
(K. Rameshwer Rao)
Assistant Director General (Estt)