Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
The Department has convened staff Welfare Board Meetings on 30.03.2011 at New Delhi. Com. M. Krishnan, Secretary General, NFPE is representing Federation and Unions. Com. P. Pandurangarao Circle Secretary, AIPEDEU, A. P. Circle is representing on behalf of GDS duly nominated by the Secretary, Department of Posts. We are expecting many positive decisions in the meeting.
Ministry of Communications & IT
Department of Posts
Dak Bhawan, New Delhi – 110001
No. 1-1/2009-WL/Sports Dated – 16.03.2011
To
All Heads of Postal Circles
All Members of the Postal Services Staff Welfare Board
(As per list enclosed)
Sub: - 11th meeting of the Postal Services Staff Welfare Board to be held on 5th April, 2011 at New Delhi under the chairpersonship of Hon’ble Minister of State for Communications & IT.
Sir/Madam,
I am directed to say that 11th Meeting of the Postal Services Staff Welfare Board will be held at New Delhi on 05.04.2011. Under the chairpersonship of Hon’ble Minister of State for Communications & IT. The venue and time of the meeting will be intimated shortly. All Members of the Board are requested to make it convenient to attend the meeting.
2. All arrangements in regard to transport and accommodation for invitees to the above meeting will be made by Delhi Postal Circle. In this regard, a separate reference has been made to the Chief PMG, Delhi Circle with a request to make necessary arrangements. All Members of the Board may get in touch with Delhi Circle for this purpose.
3. Agenda for the meeting is enclosed.
4. The members of the Postal Services Staff Welfare Board who attend the meeting will be treated as on duty and will be entitled to TA & DA as admissible under the Rules.
Encl: As above
(Subhash Chander)
DIRECTOR (WL/SPORTS)
Copy to: -
As per List attached
1. Enhancement of Powers of Heads of Circles for grant of financial assistance in case of prolonged illness/major surgical operations to Postal employees/Gramin Dak Sevaks, full time and part-time casual labourers.
Condition of taking treatment from Government hospital may be relaxed for grant of financial assistance in case of prolonged illness/major surgical operations.
2. Immediate death relief to the family/dependents on the death of postal employees and Gramin Dak Sevaks in case of death due to normal cause/accident/terrorists attack/dacoits/robbers while in service.
3. Enhancement of financial assistance in case of natural calamities, fire and floods etc.
4. Enhancement/removal of pay ceiling for grant of Book Awards/Excellence academic Awards/Scholarship to the children/wards of the Postal employees and GDSs.
5. Increase of rates of book awards, excellence awards and scholarship for Tech/Non-technical students upto graduate level.
6. Increase of number of excellence awards for Class X and XII.
7. Addition of Degree courses such as BCA, BBA, BA+LLB, BSc + LLB, B. Com + LL, B. Com + BBA, BS (Nursing), B. Ed for eligibility of educational assistance under Welfare Schemes.
8. Introduction of scholarship for Post Graduate courses.
9. Increase of grant of scholarship/transport charges to handicapped/physically challenged postal employees and GDSs and their wards.
10. Increase of distance limit to be visited under excursion trip from 500 kms. to 1000 kms./1500 kms. Increase of subsidy also. Revision of pay ceiling for availing this facility.
11. Postal hospitals may be merged into CGHS Scheme: and retired employees may also by included.
12. Production of Photo ID cards for staying in IQs for security measures.
13. Increase in the service charges for occupation of IQs by outsiders.
14. Provision of full-fledged canteen in Circle HQs and Divisional HQs – Provide subsidy in food etc.
15. Provision of Staff Recreation Club with full amenities in the Circle HQs and Divisional HQs for sports activities.
16. Enhancement of grant-in-aid to Postal Recreation Clubs since 1999 in view of the DOP&T’s order dated 14.10.1999.
17. Enhancement of grant-in-aid to Residential Welfare Association from Rs.10/- to 50/- per quarter per annum.
18. Ensuring holding of regular Circle Board meetings.
19. Rs.50000/- may be paid from Welfare fund at the time of retirement in addition to retirement benefits.
20. Pay ceilings for grant of financial assistance under various Welfare Schemes to be fixed as per implementation of 6th Pay Commission Report.
21. Enhancement of T.A granted to employees working in Postal Stitching Centres from Rs.750/- to Rs.4500/-
22. Opening of Holiday Home at Bodh Gaya being an international Religious place.
23. Timely allotment of Central Welfare Fund.
24. Proper auditing of receipt and expenditure accounts of Circle Welfare fund keeping view the collection made towards welfare fund from the officials without issuing Cash receipts.
25. Allocation of funds under the head SC-sub-Plan & ST-sub-Plan.
26. Supply uniform to outdoor GDSs staff.
27. Supply of water bottles to GDS staff and postman for outdoor duties.
M.O.F ISSUES ORDERS ON 6% D.A.
No.1(2)/2011 – E-II(B)
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure
——
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Payment of Dearness Allowance to Central Government Employees – Revised Rates effectives from 1.1.2011.
The undersigned is directed to refer to this Ministry’s office Memorandum No. 1(6)/2010-E-II(B) Dated 22nd September, 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 from the existing rate of 45 % to 51% with effect from 1st January, 2011.
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 payable under these orders shall be paid in cash to all Central Government Employees.
4. The payment of arrears of Dearness Allowance for the months of January and February, 2011 shall not be made before the date of disbursement of salary of March, 2011.
5. These orders shall also apply to the civilian employees paid from the defense services Estimates and the expenditure will be chargeable to the relevant head of the Defense Service Estimates. In regard to Armed Forces personnel and Railway employees separate orders will be issued by the Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Railways, respectively.
6. In so far as the persons serving in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department are concerned, these orders issue after consultation with the controller and Auditor General of
(Y.P. Sehgal)
Deputy Secretary to the Government of
CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL GOVT. EMPLOYEES & WORKERS
2 HOUR DEMONSTRATION AGANST PFRDA BILL
Conf/ 7 /2011 Dated: 24th March, 2011
PFRDA BILL INTRODUCED IN THE PARLIAMENT:
HOLD DEMONSTRATION BETWEEN 12 AND 2 PM ON
FRIDAY 25TH MARCH 2011
IN FRONT OF ALL OFFICES
TO REGISTER OUR STRONG PROTEST AGAINST
THE ATTROCIOUS ATTEMPT
OF THE UPA GOVERNMENT
TO REINTRODUCE THE LAPSED BILL
Dear Comrade,
The UPA II Government has today introduced the PFRDA Bill once again in the Parliament. The bill that was introduced earlier by the then Finance Minister, Shri P. Chidambaram, could not muster sufficient support to get enacted as the Left parties Parties opposed it. Even though the enactment could not be made, the Government through executive fiat had converted the statutory defined benefit Pension scheme which is in existence for decades in the case of Government employees into a contributory pension scheme.
The
.
With greetings,
Yours fraternally,
Sd/-
K.K.N.Kutty;
Secretary General
NFPE CALLS UPON THE ENTIRE RANK AND FILE TO ORGANIZE DEMONSTRATION IN THE FRONT OF ALL GOVERNMENT OFFICES BETWEEN 12 AND 2 PM TO REGISTER STRONG PROTEST AGAINST PFRDA BILL INTRODUCED BY UPA GOVERNMENT IN LOK SABHA AND MOBILIZE MEMBERS FOR SUSTAINED SERIOUS PROGRAMMES OF ACTION IN THE DAYS TO COME.
M.Krishnan
Secretary General NFPE
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Latest Instructions
Government of India
Ministry of Communications & IT
Department of Posts
(Establishment Division)
Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg.
New Delhi-110001
No.17-9/2011-GDS Dated the 21-Mar 2011
To
All Chief Postmaster General,
Subject: MATERNITY GRANT TO WOMEN GRAMIN DAK SEVAKS OUT OF WELFATE FUND OF THE DEPARTMENT- INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING
Sir/Madam,
Reference is invited to this Directorate letter No.6-1/2009. PE.II dated 09 October 2009 providing for Maternity Grant to the women GDS.
2. One man Committee under Shri RS Nataraja Murti constituted under Resolution No. 6-1/2007-PE II dated 23rd July 2007 examined the system of Extra Departmental Post Offices and wage structure of Gramin Dak Sevak & submitted its report on 29th October 2008. After approval of Cabinet, the Department issued orders under No. 6-1/2009 PE II dated 09 October 2009. It was prescribed under Para 9 of the ibid that "women GDS will be provided Maternity Grant equivalent to three months TRCA with DA for the birth date of issue of the order".
3. The recommendations made by the One man Committee in Para 16.10.1have been examined further and it has been decided that Maternity Grant equal to three month's TRCA with DA out of welfare fund will be payable from the welfare fund at the disposal of the Circles effective from 09 October 2009 on fulfillment of the following conditions;-
(a) Maternity Grant will be payable to a woman GDS for each child up to the birth of maximum of two children limited to a maximum of two confinements resulting into birth of first two children only during the entire engagement of the following of a woman GDS.
(b) The women GDS must have rendered a minimum of one year service of becoming eligible for grant under the provision.
(c) No Financial Grant will be admissible for medical termination of pregnancy (abortion). Miscarriage and still births.
4. The scheme of allowing Maternity Grant is like any other ongoing welfare scheme paid out of welfare fund. Funds will be allocated for this scheme by welfare section of this Directorate to the Circles. Heads of the Division will be competent to sanction Maternity Grant to the women GDS out of welfare fund placed at their disposal by the Circle concerned.
5. Woman Gramin Dak Sevaks like Mil Deliverer and Mail Carrier may also be considered for lighter duties wherever possible during the pre and post confinement period for a maximum period of six months.
6. Woman GDS shall be granted Maternity Leave not exceeding six months covering the pre and post confinement period. For the period of Maternity Leave, Woman GDS will be paid Maternity Grant for three months and leave for another three months may be granted without allowances.
7. Existing powers of Divisional Heads for grant of leave beyond 180 days leave without allowances availed by GDS to work against in Group D and Postman vacancies would also cover period of three month Maternity Leave with allowances (Maternity Grant) and another period of leave for three months without allowances if availed by Woman GDS.
8. The contents may be brought to the knowledge of all concerned. This has the approval of the competent authority.
Yours faithfully,
Sd/-
(Surender Kumar)
Assistant Director General (GDS/PCC)
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
MOST IMMEDIATE
F. N0.12/2/2011-JCA-2
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
(Department of Personnel & Training)
*****
North Block, New Delhi
Dated the 21st March 201 1.
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Declaration of Holiday on 14th April, 2011- Birthday of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
It has been decided to declare Thursday, the 14th April 2011, as a Closed Holiday on account of the birthday of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, for all Central Government Offices including Industrial Establishments throughout India.
2. The above holiday is also being notified in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (26 of 1881).
3. All Ministries/Departments of Government of India may bring the above decision to the notice of all concerned.
Sd/-
(Dinesh Kapila)
Director to the Government of India
Friday, March 18, 2011
CHQ, NEW DELHI-110 001
Resolutions adopted in the CWC meeting held at Hajipur,on 13th -14th MARCH 2011
The Central Working Committee meeting of AIRMS & MMS EU GROUP `C` held at HAJIPUR Bihar on 13th and 14th March viewed with deep concern about the offensives unleashed by the Deptt. of Posts on the services and staff which are appended below are resolved unanimously to chalk out the following programmes jointly by R-III and R-IV unions to resend all orders which are adversely affecting the operational efficiency and as well as staff interests.
1) Department issued orders for creation of Speed Post hubs as per the recommendations of Mckensy all over India from 10th November, 2010 unilaterally. Creation of these hubs adversely affected the processing of Speed Post articles and caused undue delay to this Premium Products. Even though it was agreed to attach all Speed Post hubs under the RMS divisions, it has not implemented. So this CWC demand to review the entire system without further delay to save the interest of the public and the RMS staff. This CWC also urge to stop large scale outsourcing all functions in Speed Post hubs. The inter circle Speed Post articles which are badly effected by this system should be made to process in each mail offices with sub hubs in mail offices.
2) Stop violation of agreement reached on 12th July 2010 for retaining the RMS offices having more than 10,000 articles. Restore status quo with regard to merger of Hyderabad Sorting units. Retain at least one mail office in each revenue district even though it having less than 10,000 articles.
3) Stop the move to dismantle MMS and outsourcing MMS drivers. Fill up all vacant posts of Drivers, Cleaners and Artisans and sanction justified posts of Drivers and Artisans.
4) Revision of OSA without any further delay.
5) Revision of the wages of Part Time/ Contingent employees and stop outsourcing the work done by PT/contingent employees.
6) Filling up all vacant posts of MTS cadre.
7) Filling up of all the GDSMM posts in RMS. Withdraw the orders of the department to not fill up the GDSMM posts in RMS which is adversely effecting the operating functioning of RMS.
8) Revision of overtime rate and ceiling fixed for OT duty to be ordered at the earliest. Overtime rate was last revised during 1990. Implement the arbitration award in this regard.
9) Revise the norms of CRC/EPP/Speed Post etc.
10) Supply adequate number of canvas bags in RMS.
Following are the agitational programmers:-
1) Submission of memorandum and demonstration in front of Dak Bhavan/Chief PMGs/PMGs office on 7th April, 2011
2) Mass Dharna in front of Dak Bhavan/Circle Offices on 25th May, 2011
3) Total Strike action which will be decided in consultation with NFPE
Resolution 2
The CWC meeting held at Hajipur, Bihar on 13th and 14th March 2011 expressed concern over the Post Office Act Amendment Bill which would pave the way for opening up of Postal Service to the Private entrepreneurs including multinationals. This CWG demands to drop the PO Amendment Act Bill so as to retain the monopoly of postal service with the Deptt. of Posts. Also resolved to request the Federation to chalk out trade union action if the Govt. moves the bill
The CWG Meeting held at Hajipur, Bihar on 13th and 14th March 2011 discussed in detail the neo liberal, antipeople policies of the UPA-II Govt, price rise, scams and the reforms in all sectors and resolved to participate in all struggles against these policies by NFPE, Confederation and mass organizations.
The CWC meeting resolved that the promotion avenues of artisan’s cadre should be revised in the following percentage:-
Artisan Entry Grade – 20%
Artisan Grade II - 15% to 40%
Artisan Grade I – 10% to 30%
Artisan Spl Grade – 10%
Resolution 5
The CWG resolved to request the department to take immediate action to complete training of newly recruited SAs and for this local training center may be started in all circles.
MACP SUB COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES HELD ON 15-03-2011
Dear Comrade,
The subcommittee constituted by the National Anomaly Committee to go into the anomalies in respect of MACP issues met at New Delhi on 15th Inst. Com. S.K.Vyas, President, Confederation attended the meeting as a member. The following is the outcome of discussion at the meeting.
With greetings,
Yours fraternally,
Sd/-
K.K.N. Kutty
Secretary General
Given below is the Record note on the meeting of Joint Committee on MACP held on 15.03.2011.
The third meeting of joint committee on MACP was held today i.e 15.03.2011. This meeting was held at the specific request by the Secretary Staff Side, National Council JCM to review the decision taken in the earlier meetings in which all items had been discussed.
Item Nos. 1,3,8,9 and 29: Grant of financial up-gradation in the promotional hierarchy instead of grade pay hierarchy under MACP Scheme
The Staff Side pressed this demand on the ground that the ACP 1999 had become a service condition in respect of all those who were in service as on 31st August 2008. The MACP Scheme being less advantageous could not be imposed upon them. They stated that to resolve this anomaly, the first 2 ACPs may be continued in the promotional hierarchy to be granted after 12 and 24 years of service from the date of induction, the third ACP on completion of 30 years service may be in the grade pay hierarchy. The official Side did not agree with this proposal. The Staff Side then pointed out that the introduction of MACP Scheme in grade pay hierarchy 10, 20, 30 years of service from the date of induction will result that certain cadres would be placed in the grade pay which are not sanctioned in the structure of the departments and therefore it can not be treated as career progression at all. The official Side wanted the particulars of those cadres which are going to face this problem, so that they could consider how to overcome such anomalies. The Staff Side agreed to provide the necessary information and departments concerned may also be asked to provide such information.
Item Nos. 2, 10 and 48:
The Staff Side also pressed for introducing MACP Scheme with effect from 1.1.2006 so that those who did not get any benefit under old ACP could at least get the MACP scheme benefit before their retirement during the period from 1.1.2006 to 31.8.2008. The Official Side stated that this item has been closed and concluded and can not be allowed to be opened / reviewed. The Staff Side then stated that they would like to raise this issue in the meeting of National Anomaly Committee as the joint Committee on MACP Scheme is sub committee of the National Anomaly Committee. The Official Side stated that this may be raised as afresh item in the National Anomaly Committee.
The Staff Side also wanted that the option to choose ACP or MACP should be given to the individual employees and not the Department. The Official Side also did not agree to reopen this issue which has been concluded in the last meeting.
Item No. 57: Ignoring the placement of Artisans of Ministry of Defence from HS grade II to HS grade I for the purpose of MACP Scheme.
The Staff Side pointed out that this restructuring by keeping 50% of Artisans in the HS grade I and placing 50% in the HS grade II was by way of placement and therefore it could not be treated as promotion. The Staff Side cited Supreme Court ruling to this effect. However the Official Side did not agree with this. The case of restructuring in IA & AD in 1984 and in organized accounts were also cited in which it was clearly stated that those who are in the higher grade would be treated as placement only those who are promoted later on against vacancies would be treated as promotion. The official Side view was that only in those cases where the entire cadre is placed in the higher pay scale it would not be treated as promotion. This matter will also have to be raised in the meeting of National Anomaly Committee.
The decision that the normal promotions are in the same grade pay, they cannot be ignored for purpose of MACP Scheme and the specific cases would be examined separately.
Item Nos. 12, 30 and 49: Employees appointed limited competitive examination from lower to higher post may treated as direct recruits in the higher post ignoring the service in the lower posts.
The matter is still being considered with reference to old ACP scheme clarification.
Item Nos. 13, 32, 38, 44, 50 and 58: Counting of old service in the new establishments for the purpose off MACP. And Item Nos. 21, 27, and 28: Benchmark for financial up gradation under MACP.
Orders have been issued on 1.11.2010.
It was agreed that action taken statement would be finalized and circulated so that further discussion thereon can take place in the meeting of National Anomaly Committee.
REVISED PATTERN AND SYLLABUS FOR DEPARTMENRALEXAMINATION IN RESPECT OF POSTAL ASSISTANTS /SORTING ASSISTANTS
Sir/Madam,
I am directed to say that existing pattern and syllabus for Limited Departmental Competitive Examination to fill up the vacancies in the grade of Postal Assistant/Sorting Assistant and that of direct recruitment of Postal Assistant/Sorting Assistant has since been reviewed. It has been decide with the approval of competent Authority to revise the pattern and syllabus of the examination as indicated in the Annexure. The examination will be held without the aid of books.
2. It is requested that the revised Syllabus may be brought to the notice of all concerned.
3. The date for holding the examination will be communicated separately.
4. There will be no change in the pattern and syllabus for MMS Assistants, Foreign Post Assistants, RLO Assistants, Stores Depot Assistants and CO/RO Assistants. The existing pattern of examination will continue to be followed.
Encl. As above
Thursday, March 10, 2011
e-post service from Department of Post government ministers (government)
Union Minister Kapil Sibal launched the e-commerce portal of India Post to provide postal services online
In yet another step towards modernising India's postal services, Union Communications and Information Technology Minister Kapil Sibal on Wednesday launched 'e-post office', the e-commerce portal of India Post that will provide various postal services online.
"Earlier, consumers used to go to service providers but now services providers are going to consumers…this is the future of the 21st century. The portal will enable customers to transact postal business any time and from anywhere through Internet and by using either debit card or credit card," Mr. Sibal said after launching the portal here.
"We have now taken post offices to every citizen of the country through Internet. This portal will be [the] e-commerce portal for the Department of Posts (DoP). Products of small-scale sector and handicrafts will also be sold through this portal," Mr. Sibal added.
Content in English
According to Minister of State for Communications and IT Sachin Pilot, though the content of the portal was in English now, soon the content would be made available in regional languages also so that more people can avail the benefits from this initiative. "This initiative will make every laptop and personal computer a post office," he added.
DoP Secretary Radhika Doraiswamy said initially, this portal would provide electronic money order, instant money order, sale of philatelic stamps, postal information, tracking of express and international shipments, PIN code search, and registration of feedback and complaints online.
"India Post would bring its other services online in the next phase of e-post office project. We have collaborated with agencies in the public and private sector to make the e-post office a reality. Concrete plans are in place to scale up the portal to a full-fledged e-marketplace, which would offer a wide range of postal and non-postal products," she added.
(By courtesy The Hindu on 10-03-2011 )
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
REIMBURSEMENT IN RELAXATION OF RULES
IN EMERGENT CASES UNDER CGHS/CS(MA)
RULES, 1944
NO.S.14025/2/2011-MS
Government of India
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
313, 'D' Wing, Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi -110108
Email: so2ms-mohfw@nic.in
Dated: 11th January,2011
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Sub: Delegation of powers of Head of Department to Head of Office for settling permission cases and post facto approval to reimbursement in relaxation of rules in emergent cases under CGHS/CS (MA) Rules, 1944.
The undersigned is directed to invite reference to para (ii) of this Ministry's Office Memorandum NO.S.14012/9/75-MC (MS) dated 18.06.1982, as mentioned at point 4 under Appendix-VIII of CS (MA) Rules, 1944 relating to reimbursement in relaxation of rules in emergent cases, which stipulates that powers for settling permission cases and post facto approval should not be exercised by authorities lower than Heads of Departments.
2. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has examined the question of further delegation of powers to Head of Offices/officers at Under Secretary level, in such offices, which are not headed by officers equivalent to a Deputy Secretary, in the matter and it has been decided with the approval of the competent authority to delegate such powers in the following manner:-
"In case of medical reimbursement, delegation of power can be given to Under Secretaries in the Departments of Central Government declared as Heads of Offices subject to the condition that upto Rs. two thousand for taking treatment in OPD and upto Rs. Five thousand for taking treatment in IPD under CGHS/CS(MA) Rules, 1944. This delegation of powers can be exercised as per the prescribed rate list of nearest CGHS covered city or actual whichever is lower for CS (MA} beneficiaries and as per package rate for CGHS beneficiaries in CGHS cities."
3. This order is applicable to both CGHS and CS(MA) beneficiaries.
4. This Office Memorandum issues with the approval of Ministry of Finance vide 10 No 14(1)/E.IIA/2010 dated 06.07.2010.
S/d
(Sanjay Pant)
Under Secretary to the Government of India.
Source: www.mohfw.nic.in
CLARIFICATION REGARDING REIMBURSEMENT OF LTC-80 FARE.
F. No. 19024/1/2009-E.IV
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure
E.IV Branch
New Delhi, dated the March4, 2011.
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Clarification regarding reimbursement of LTC-80 fare.
The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department's O.M. No. 7(1)/E. Coord/2008 dated 4.12.2008 regarding restriction of the Air Travel on the LTC to Air India's LTC-80 fares with effect from 1st December,2008.
2. References are being received in this Department seeking clarification for admissibility of LTC claims of Government officials in cases where the air fare paid for travel by Air India happens to be less than LTC-80 class of Air India. It is clarified that reimbursement of air fare lower than LTC-80 air fare of Air India will also be admissible for journeys performed by Air India under LTC as the intention is to ensure that the LTC claim should not in any case , exceed LTC-80 fare of Air India.
3. It is further clarified that instructions issued by this Department on air travel from time to time continue to remain in force.
Sd/-
(A. Bhattacharya)
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India
Monday, March 7, 2011
Dear Comrades,
India Post 2012, A document Published by the Project Management Unit of the Postal Directorate is reproduced here for the information of the members and also the CHQ leaders. Please look in to the matter.I invite the comments of the members on the subject.
India Post - 2012
Vision
India Post 2012 aims at transforming Department of Posts into a “Technology Enabled, Self Reliant Market Leader”. This translates into 5 initiatives covering increased market share and revenues, new products and services, improved service delivery, motivated workforce and rural development
Project Over View
In August 2010 Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the ‘INDIA POST 2012’ IT Modernization project with a total outlay of 1877.2 crores.As part of 11th five year plan, this IT modernization project has been undertaken in two phases. In Phase-I, post offices up to double handed levels were supplied with IT hardware and in Phase-II, the program has been built on 3 cornerstones as follows
Infrastructure – The project aims to establish Data Centre / disaster recovery centres to house all transactions and data, nationwide networking of all post offices including rural post offices, supply of computer hardware to noncomputerized post offices, mail offices and rural post offices with a vision to create a fully managed, secure and centrally governed IT
Project Implementation Structure
The IT Modernization project has been designed to be implemented in 8 contracts
Rural ICT – Hardware: This vendor will supply and install Rural ICT Hardware devices and provide for network connectivity to approximately 1.30 lakh GDS Post Offices which will enable post offices to perform all transactions electronically.
Rural ICT – System Integrator: This vendor will develop the platform for all applications that will reside in the Rural Hand held devices.
Data Centre Facility: This vendor will provide centralized Data Centre Facility for hosting all applications and Disaster Recovery Center.
Core System Integrator: This vendor will be the core integrator for all the applications that will run in the post and mail offices. The vendor will deploy mail applications such as track & trace and point of sale and develop applications for all accounting modules and personnel management. The CSI will also create and manage India post website, a customer service call center and introduce eCommerce solution for Department of Posts.
Financial Services System Integrator: This specialized vendor will cater to deployment of Postal Banking & Insurance solutions; enabling the department to perform anytime anywhere banking. The vendor will also install 1000 ATMs and create mobile and web based access for all the users.
Network Integrator: This vendor will ensure networking of DoP’s departmental offices across India and design DoP networks including network security.
Mail Operations Hardware: This vendor will be responsible for procurement of hardware for Postal
and Mail Processing offices such as desktop computers, printers, scanning devices/hardware and around 15,000 departmental postmen device hardware.
Change Management Vendor: This vendor will be responsible to manage change and prepare the
staff for this massive IT modernization project of Department of Posts by conducting surveys and
understanding concerns of postal employees.
Project Over View
Software Solutions – Creation of integrated, modular software solution covering Postal operations, Banking,
Insurance, logistics, help desk and call centre. The IT project also envisages accrual based accounting and centralized payroll processing. The project will also bring in ecommerce solution enabling India Post to make all web and mobile based transactions
Change/Project Management – The IT Project mandated changes in operational procedures and processes. The Department has done a detailed business process reengineering exercise and prepared the ‘To-Be’ document for future applications. Therefore, during the implementation of the project, there would be an immense requirement of employee participation and change management activities to ensure readiness of employees to adopt the solution. The IT Project will carry out this important activity by conducting workshops, training, re-skilling for enabling change and addressing concerns and issues of employees. It will also cater to communication and awareness at regular intervals to drive change.
Solution Development Approach: The vendor once onboard will design/develop the solution across all India Post locations as per the implementation plan and will follow the approach outlined
Design Integration &
Benefits of the Project
Benefits for Customers
Better financial inclusion for the common man in the rural and semi-urban locations at par with the urban locations, through mobile remittances, mobile banking, mobile insurance etc.
Effective and transparent delivery of social security and employment guarantee schemes
Increased consistency and reliability in mail, parcels and logistics delivery system in line with global standards
Multiple channels of access to customers through post office counters, kiosks, internet, mobiles, ATMs etc.
Better visibility of various articles in the mail stream and transparency in financial services such as banking, insurance etc. Improved customer satisfaction due to faster and more reliable services in postal, logistics, banking, insurance and retail operations
Benefits for DoP
Significant enhancement in revenue & market shares as multitude of products will be improved and new products/ services will be launched (e.g. eGovernance, Rural ICT)
Better decision making and operational planning due to availability of management information in a timely manner
Potential reduction in the transaction cost and availability of manpower for redeployment in marketing and other revenue generating capabilities
Increased productivity and accountability
Benefits for Employees Employees will have an opportunity to learn,build and enhance new skills and expertise Reduction in manual work which will result in enhanced productivity levels Opportunity to deliver enhanced IT enabled services to their customers leading to a significant reduction in customer complaints Improvement in employee engagement and empowerment Provide an opportunity to work in an innovation based culture Opportunity to be part of a growing and vibrant organization
Rural ICT and the GDS Employees
The Rural ICT solution aims to significantly improve the day to day operations performed at the Branch Post offices in the following ways:
1. All the Postal, Savings Bank, and RPLI functions would be performed through the devices; thus manual record keeping would be reduced
2. The BO Daily Accounts and BO Summary would be automatically generated and electronically sent to the accounts office/ central server
3. Specimen Signature book would be replaced by an advanced biometric method of authentication
4. All new RPLI application forms will be processed through the devices thus resulting in faster issue of policies
5. Improved disbursement of money orders at the branch post offices as a result of enhanced cash management systems
6. Utility bills like telephone, electricity, water etc. can be accepted online through the device in the future and electronic receipts can be given to the consumers
7. MGNREGS payments shall be done using the Rural ICT devices allowing the GDS Post office to validate the identity of an individual through biometric data, thus reducing verification time and avoiding unauthorized users