JUDGEMENT OF HON'BLE HIGH COURT OF MADRAS DISMISSINGS THE WRIT PETITION OF BPEF UNION

HON'BLE HIGH COURT OF MADRAS DISMISSED THE WRIT PETITION FILED BY BPEF UNION AGAINST THE RECOGNITION OF NFPE & FNPO P3 UNION AND IRM & ASRM UNION

Judgment delivered by Hon'ble Justice F.M.Ibrahim Kalifullah categorically made it clear that under Rule 7 and 8 of CCS RSA Rules, 1993 any recognition granted to eligible unions cannot be withdrawn unless and until the process of verification for the subsequent period of verification is duly carried out as per the Rules and Department of Posts takes a final decision.

The Judgment also brought out clearly that all the facilities and rights enjoyed by the recognised unions shall continue be enjoyed by the NFPE P3 and FNPO P3 Unions and IRM&ASRM Unions until the ongoing verification is concluded.

Copy of Judgment is placed here for the benefit of all members. The Department of Posts which had earlier issued an order cancelling the trade union facilities of our Union is expected to issue fresh order at any time immediatly restoring all the trade union facilities granted to our union and other respondent unions and associations.

The Judgment is a heavy blow to the BPEF that again and again knocking the doors of one Hon'ble Court or other instead of concentrating amongst the workers to win their hearts for their survival. It is also a blow to the forces celebrating the withdrawal of trade union facilities to our organisation and the cancellation of foreign service to General Secretary P3 Union and the Secretary General NFPE.

DOPT ORDERS ON ACR GRADING FOR CONSIDERATION OF DPC

DOPT ORDERES ON ACRs WITH BELOW BENCHMARK GRADING CONSIDERED IN PAST DPCs

Dear Comrades,

DOPT has issued another clarificatory orders on the issue of ACRs with below benchmark grading considered in past DPCs closely on the foot steps of its recent orders on 13.04.2010 making it mandatory to supply the adverse entries in ACRs prior to 2008-09 to the officials for facilitating those officials to make representations if any for the consideration of the Reviewing Authority.

However,, the presnt clarificatory orders dated 27th April 2010 of the DOPT is to make the Officers guarded against granting such promotions if any from a retrospective date based on the upgradation of the grading by the competent authority based on the judgment of the Supreme Court in the Dev Dutt Vs Union of India case. The DOPT has cautioned all the Officers to take advantage of another judgment of the same Supreme Court in the Union of India Vs A.K.Goel & others case and the latest referals to a larger bench of the Supreme Court of India on the face of contradictory judgments of Supreme Court in the past.

 

This laterst clarificatory orders takes away the benefit of getting the benefit of promotion from a retrospective date even though the Reviewing Authority upgrade the benchmark on representation from the official agains the negative grading made in the ACRs. Therefore this is a negative order.

The full text of the orders of the DOPT can be downloaded by clicking the link below:

http://persmin.gov.in/writedata/CircularNotification/ScanDocument/21011_1_2010-Estt.-A.pdf

NEWS FLASH - P3 CHQ WINS A LEGAL BATTLE - WRIT PETITION FILED BY BPEF UNION DISMISSED BY HON'BLE HIGH COURT OF MADRAS

HERE IS A NEWS FLASH - THE WRIT PETITION FILED BY BPEF UNION IN MADRAS HIGH COURT AGAINST THE TRADE UNION FACILITY OF P3 UNIONS OF NFPE & FNPO AND IRM&ASRM UNION STANDS DISMISSED TODAY

 

Dear Comrades,

 

HAIL THIS LEGAL VICTORY

 

As already intimated by our websites, the Writ Petition filed by the BPEF Union in the Hon'ble High Court of Madras came up for hearing today. The Interim injunction granted to the trade union facilities of P3 NFPE Union and FNPO Union was opposed by our Advocate. The Government Advocate also presented the case of the Government side. On hearing the arguments of our Advocate, the Honourable Judge dismissed the WRIT PETITION filed by the BPEF Union and ordered immedieate restoration of trade union facilities to P3 Unions of NFPE and FNPO and also the IRM&ASRM Union which was cancelled based on the Interim Injunction granted by the Hon'ble Madras High Court recently.

 

In addition the Honourable Judge ordered that whole process of Re-verification has to be concluded within a period of three months - This means there is no stay to the ongoing process of Re-verification and the  process will continue as usual.

 

NFPE hails this legal victory as the 'victory of the Postal Employees' who have always stood for honest trade unionism and opposed all types of machinations to scuttle the recognition of historic Federation and its Affiliated Unions and Associations. This legal victory should be a lesson to all forces who feel happy to see the trade union facilities temporarily withdrawn by the Administration on the face of Interim Injunction. Such types of joy aimed against our movement will only be short-liven as in the present case.

 

With this restoration of trade  union facilitiy and the direction of the Honourable Court for completion of Re-verification process, NFPE calls upon all the Divisional and Branch Secretaries to complete the process of submission of Declaration Forms with 5 lists with their signature at the bottom of each page today itself - Remember today [26.04.2010] is the last day of submission to the Divisional Heads.

 

CELEBRATE THIS LEGAL VICTORY - ENSURE OUR ORGANISATIONAL VICTORY WITH YOUR MAXIMUM SUBMISSION OF MEMBERSHIP FORMS TODAY ITSELF.

CONCENTRATE THE TAKS OF SUBMISSION OF MEMBERSHIP ON MONDAY - ENSURE TOTAL SUCCESS

LAST DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF MEMBERSHIP DECLARATIONS IS 26.04.2010 [MONDAY]

Dear Comrades!

 

There is no change in the Reverification schedule. Therefore our Divisional / Branch Secretaries are requested to submit all the Membership Declaration forms with 5 copies of Membership Lists duly signed in each page of the Membership list by the Divisional / Branch Secretary well in time on 26.04.2010 to the Divisional Head.

 

Do not believe in rumours as the re-verification process is not stayed. A Writ Petition was once again filed by one of the Bhartiya Unions in Honourable High Court of Madras and an interim injunction is granted for the trade union facilities of P3 NFPE; P3 FNPO; and IRM&ASRM Union. Due to this Interim injunction the Department had cancelled the trade union facilities of the above three unions. But the Re-verification process is continuing and there is no change in the date of submission of Membership Declarations to the Divisional Head. Please go ahead and file all the Membership Declaration Forms with 5 copies of membership lists with the signatures of Divisional / Branch Secratary in each page.

 

P3 NFPE and P3 FNPO  have filed their counter affidavits in the Honourable High Court of Madras and the above case is coming up for hearing on Monday the 26th April. We have information that the Department had already prepared the brief and based upon that the Government Advocate also is expected to place the stand of the Government clearly in the Court on Monday. Our Advocate will also argue our case. All efforts are on for arguing against continuation of the interim injunction.

 

The entire rank and file are informed that we are taking all efforts to overcome the situation created by the Bhartiya Union with regard to the cancellation of trade union facilities of P3. NFPE as a Federation also has decided to implead in the said case to defend the positions of the Federation and its affiliates.

 

However all Divisional / Branch Secretaries are once again requested to concentrate on the job at hand and complete the task of submission and subsequent verification of membership most successfully. We are confident that the Bhartiya Unions would be shown their position by the Postal Employees after the ongoing verification.

 

ENSURE OUR SUCCESS - BE ALERT - SUBMIT ON 26.04.2010 - VICTORY IS OURS

FURTHER REPRESENTATIONS ON THE SAME ISSUE EXCEEDING TWO-BE INGNORED

Representations should contain all points establishing unfair decision of the immediate superior

http://persmin.gov.in/writedata/CircularNotification/ScanDocument/11013_4_2010-Estt.(A).pdf

RE-VERIFICATION PROCESS NEARING COMPLETION - SUBMIT MEMBERSHIP DECLARATION FORMS BEFORE 26/04/2010

Re-verification of Membership Process is nearing completion and all the Membership Declaration Forms obtained from our members are to be submitted to the Divisional Heads before 26.04.2010.

 

All Divisional and Branch Secretaries are requested to be alert and submit the Membership Declaration forms along with 5 list of Members signed duly at the bottom of each page by the Divisional / Branch Secretaries at the earliest before 26th April 2010.

 

No need to wait till the last hour - Submit all the collected Declarations as early as possible, even one or two days well in advance - Any left out membership declartion forms can be collected and separately submitted before 26th April.

 

BE ALERT - BE VIGILANT - BE QUICK - COMPLETE THE TASK IMMEDIATELY - THERE IS NO CHANGE IN RE-VERIFICATION SCHEDULE ALREADY ANNOUNCED BY THE DEPARTMENT - ENSURE THE STATUS OF NFPE UNIONS.

PROJECT ARROW BAGS THE PRESTIGIOUS PM AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE - IT IS TIME TO ADDRESS THE WOES OF PROJECT ARROW EMPLOYEES

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will inaugurate the 5th Civil Service Day

in the national capital on Wednesday.

Dr Singh, on this occasion, will also give away the 'PM Award for Excellence in

Public Administration' for the year 2008-09. 

Government of India. Project Arrow - Transforming India Post, Government of India

bags the award in the organization category.

Under this scheme of awards instituted in 2006, all officers of Central and State Governments individually or as group or as organization are eligible. The award includes a medal, scroll and a cash amount of Rs. one lakh. In case of a group, the total award money is Rs. five lakh subject to a maximum of Rs. one lakh per person. For an organization this is limited to Rs. five lakh.

An exhibition showcasing the various award winning initiatives will be put up. Books written by the Civil Servants during the last five years will also be displayed.

The day is being observed by all the Central Civil Services to rededicate and recommit themselves to the cause of the people. It provides a unique opportunity for introspection as also chalking out future strategies to deal with the challenges being posed by changing times.

 

Full Credit goes to the Postal Employees all over the Country who unmindful of heavy staff shortage - unbearable work load - threats of punishments if they dont perform 100% delivery etc performed to the best of their ability to facilitate the Department of Posts bag this prestigious Prime Minister Award for Excellence in Public Administration.

 

We hope that at least hereafter the demands of the Postal Employees like full complement strength of staff in Project Arrow and for stopping all oral instructions by Officers against the Departmental Rules and Regulation in the name of 100% delivery will be sorted out by the Department. We hope the representations from NFPE / P3 & P4 CHQ on several issues arising out of Project Arrow will receive full attention of the Postal Board.

 

Full News can be obtained by clicking the Press Information Bureau Link Below:

 

http://www.pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=60551 

MACP SCHEME - MODIFICATIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS SOUGHT BY NFPE & P3 CHQ

NFPE DELEGATION MET MEMBER [P] INFORMALLY AND REQUESTED FOR PARITY WITH RAILWAY DEPARTMENT ON MACP ISSUES

 

A Delegation of NFPE met the Member [P] yesterday and discussed about the orders issued by Department of Railways for grant of MACP based on 'Average' grading in ACRs and for grant of Stepping up of pay to Senior Officials to the level of Juniors recruited on or after 1.1.2006 as in the case of Department of Railways. Member [P] assured to look into these issues.NFPE Delegation met the DDG [Estt] and requested for corrections in the MACP orders issued by the Department on the point of change of PB-1 into PB-2 while upgrading to GP 4200/- and above. We also requested grant of 4200 GP on 3rd MACP to Work shop staff who are already on 2800/- GP under the earlier ACP Scheme.The issue of discounting of erstwhile LDC to UDC promotion granted to SBCO Staff while considering MACP also discussed with the DDG [Estt]. The DDG assured to consider all the points raised by the NFPE.

 

We are placing some of the important issues arising out of the implementation of MACP Orders to Postal Employees and the nature of action being taken by NFPE for effecting modifications / improvements in the MACP Scheme:

 

MACP: Modifications – Improvements – and Clarifications

NFPE as well as the Staff Side have unanimously decided to embrace the Modified ACP Scheme in lieu of TBOP / BCR after much internal discussions and consensus. We were aware of certain negative in-built aspects in the MACP Scheme but without getting into the scheme we will not be able to attempt modifying or improving the scheme. MACP Scheme has been now extended to the Postal Employees. We are dealing with the following issues:

1.       Benefit of MACP to Promotees: The promotion from one cadre to another through competitive departmental examinations also is taken as REGULAR PROMOTION under the ACP / MACP Schemes. This reduces the number of MACP benefit to Promotees. The Group D promoted as Postmen / Mailguard first and then as PA/SA will be deprived of two financial upgradations under these Rules. NFPE has taken up this issue with the Secretary Staff Side JCM National Council and Confederation leaders for discussions with the Government for modification of this contention. In our opinion 'REGULAR PROMOTION' means only those promotions an official can get by virtue of his seniority-cum-fitness in his own cadre and not the promotions an official can get only by writing an examination. Therefore all promotions attained by examinations from one cadre to another shall be excluded from the contention of REGULAR PROMOTION for the grant of three ACP financial upgradations. If this point is clinched then all Promotees from Group D to Postman / Mailguard or from LGO to PA/SA or from PA/SA to IPO etc would be eligible for all the three financial upgradations thereafter. NFPE is pursuing this issue with the Staff Side.

 

2.       Hierarchical benefit under MACP: Hierarchical promotion system available for a cadre in a department and Financial Upgradations under the ACP Scheme were identical earlier. But the 6^th CPC has twisted this factor and recommended for de-linking the ACP from the hierarchy of promotions available to officials. Government also while increasing the number of upgradations from 2 to 3 under MACP Scheme, accepted the new factor of de-linking the hierarchical promotion from the MACP as recommended by the 6^th CPC and ordered that all MACP upgradations will be only to the next Grade Pay. This is causing damage to some categories of employees whose regular promotions are for higher Grade Pay because these officials will get only the next Grade Pay and not the Grade Pay to which he can go under REGULAR PROMOTION. For example the Work Shop Staff of MMS whose entry grade is PB-1 with 1900 GP are getting their hierarchical promotion to GP 2400. But under MACP they will get upgradation only to GP 2000/- and not 2400/-. This issue has been taken up by NFPE with the Staff Side and Confederation for discussion with Government and for modification.

 

3.       Benchmark: Bench-mark 'Good' is compulsory for financial upgradation beyond the level of Grade Pay 2800/- as per Para 17 of Annexure-I of MACP Orders. This means all upgradations beyond PB-1 will require the benchmark 'Good' grading. The Railways have issued an orders instructing '…averaging ACRs ratings as followed in case of normal DPC be adopted with reference to the respective benchmark for MACP purposes'. NFPE has written to Department of Posts enclosing a copy of the Railway Ministry Orders demanding grant of MACP on 'Average' Grading in ACRs. NFPE has written to Confederation also to take up this issue with the DOPT for extending this benefit to all other CG employees like Railways. We have also earlier discussed the matter of benchmark with the Department and on the grounds that 'Average' was not a negative remark in the CRs as per the earlier situation, the same should not be held against the official now for granting MACP. The DOPT has subsequently issued an order for supply of the ACR Grading prior to 2008-09 for representation if any from officials before the meeting of DPCs and appropriate action by the Reviewing Authority. In the Department of Posts however there was no system of automatic review of CRS by a Reviewing Authority and all these points were discussed with the Department for not applying the benchmark retrospectively for grant of MACP. Now after the Railways issuing the order for taking 'Average' grading sufficient for grant of MACP, NFPE has renewed its efforts to get similar orders for the Postal Employees also.

 

4.       Better Benefit under other Promotional Schemes: There are cases wherein the officials may be eligible for better financial benefits under different financial upgradation schemes like 2 ACP Scheme or TBOP/BCR Schemes that what is available under the latest MACP Scheme. For example, a Promotee from Group D to Postman and then from Postmen to PA/SA has got his TBOP already, he would not be eligible for any more financial upgradations under the MACP Scheme. But if the official continues in TBOP/BCR Scheme itself, he will be eligible for BCR upgradation on completion of 26 years of PA/SA Service. For such officials the TBOP/BCR would be better than MACP if we could not effect necessary changes in the MACP Scheme by discounting examination based promotions against number of MACP upgradations. A consensus amongst the Staff Side was reportedly arrived at to demand option for such employees either to remain under old upgradation schemes or going over to MACP Scheme whichever is beneficial.

 

5.       MACP Scheme to Drivers: The DOPT orders mentions that existing time-bound promotion scheme, including in-situ promotion scheme, staff car driver scheme etc cannot run concurrently with the MACPs. NFPE has written to Confederation that the promotion scheme to drivers' viz., 9:15:5% Selection Grade is not an automatic promotion scheme but only prescribes the eligibility to be considered for promotion on completion of 9 years and 15 years of service and the top most 5% only get the selection grade. In fact no driver in our department is getting his first or second promotion in 9 years or 15 years. Therefore they should be extended with the benefit of MACP scheme on the same understanding that the Drivers will get ACP if they don't get the regular promotion within 10, 20 and 30 years. We will pursue the issue.

 

6.       Discounting of erstwhile LDC to UDC promotion for SBCO officials: The Administration has refused the benefit of financial upgradation under MACP to many SBCO Officials who were earlier promoted from LDC to UDC in the Department of Posts. Such promotions have to be discounted because of the fact that erstwhile LDC and UDC have been merged into a single cadre of PA/SA for SBCO staff and any earlier promotion granted between such  merged grades have to be discounted for the purpose of MACP Scheme as per the understanding of the MACP Orders. NFPE has written to Department of Posts for issue of necessary clarificatory orders on this issue.

                                                                                                        

7.       Grant of next Grade Pay under MACP for Workshop Staff: As per the MACP Orders the next Grade Pay in the hierarchy of Pay Band and Grade Pay has to be granted under financial upgradation. In the Ministry of Railways the Workshop staff who were earlier granted 2^nd ACP under the earlier ACP Scheme in the pre-revised pay scale of 4500-7000 are fitted into the 6^th CPC recommended PB-1 with GP 2800. Such officials on eligibility to get their 3^rd MACP under the new MACP Scheme are awarded with the next Grade Pay of 4200/-. Similarly placed MMS Workshop staffs are not granted with the same benefit but clarifications are pending at the level of the Postal Directorate on this issue. NFPE has written to Department of Posts for extending the same benefit under MACP as like Railways to the MMS workshop staff.

 

8.       Contradictory Clarification: In the meanwhile a contradictory clarification by the DOPT is causing confusion and denial of MACP to officials. The DOPT had clarified in contradicting its original orders on MACP stating that on completion of 30 years of service or 10 years from the date of second promotion / upgradation, whichever is later. This 'whichever is later' phrase in the clarifications is to be removed. Now the issue has been reportedly referred to Pay Commission Cell for clarification. NFPE has already taken this matter to the knowledge of Confederation for getting the contradiction cleared by DOPT.

CONGRATULATIONS BSNL EMPLOYEES & OFFICERS

JOINT ACTION COMMITTEE OF  BSNL ASSOCIATIONS CALLED OFF THE STRIKE AFTER SETTLEMENT WITH THE HONOURABLE MOC&IT

After hectic and protracted discussion for more than two hours with Shri Raja, Minister of Communications & IT, agreement was reached on the demands raised by the Joint Action Committee. Accordingly the JCA met and decided so call off the strike. JAC requests all the workers to resume duty immediately. NFPE congratulates the BSNL Workers for their success of the Strike. The press release issued by Joint Action Committee can be downloaded by clicking the link below:

http://www.bsnleuchq.com/strikepress.pdf

AMENDMENT TO PENSION RULES 1972 IN RECOVERY

OF LICENCE FEE AND PENAL INTEREST

DOPT has amended the Rules 64, 71, 72 & 80 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 vide its OM No.20/16/1998-P& PW(F) dated 19/04/2010. The following are the salient features in the said orders.
1. In Rule 64, sub rule (4"), in clause (a) in sub-clause (ii) for the words "ten per cent of gratuity or one thousand rupees, whichever is less" the words "ten per cent of gratuity" shall be substituted.
2. In Rule 71, sub-rule (3), in clause (a) after the words "licence fee" the following shall be inserted namely "as well as damages (for the occupation of the Government accommodation beyond the permissible period after the date of retirement of allottee"
3. In rule 72 (a) in sub-rule (5), for the word's "ten per cent of gratuity or one thousand rupees, whichever is less", the words "ten per cent of gratuity" shall be substituted.
(b) In sub-rule (6), the following sub-rules shall be substituted, namely:--
"(6) The recovery of licence fee (where it is not possible for the Directorate of Estates to determine the outstanding licence fee) as well as damages (for the occupation of the Government accommodation beyond the permissible period after the date of retirement of allottee) shall be the responsibility of the Directorate of Estates and to withheld amount of gratuity under sub-rule (5) above, the retiring Government employees who are in occupation of Government accommodation, shall be paid immediately on production of. "No Demand Certificate "from the Directorate of Estates after actual vacation of the Government accommodation;
(7) The Directorate of Estates shall ensure that "No Demand Certificate" shall be given to the Government employee within a period of fourteen days from the actual date of vacation of the Government accommodation and the allottee shall be entitled to payment of interest (at the rate applicable to General Provident Fund deposit determined from time to time by the Government of India) on the excess withheld amount of gratuity which is required to be refunded, after adjusting the arrears of licence fee and damages, if any, payable by the allottee and the interest shall be payable by the Directorate of Estates through the concerned Accounts Officer of the Government employee from the actual date of vacation of the Government accommodation up to the date of refund of excess withheld amount of gratuity;
(8) On account of licence fee or damages remaining unpaid after adjustment from the withheld amount of gratuity mentioned under sub-rule (5) above, may be ordered to be recovered by the Directorate of Estates through the concerned Accounts Officer from the Dearness Relief without the consent of the pensioners and in such cases no Dearness Relief shall be disbursed until full recovery of such dues has been made.
4. In rule 80 in sub-rule (4), in clause (c), for the words "ten per cent of the amount of gratuity or rupees one thousand, whichever is less", the words "ten per cent of the amount of gratuity" shall be substituted.
5. In rule 80-C in sub-rule (I), in clause (v), for the words "ten per cent of the death gratuity
Or one thousand rupees, whichever is less", the words "ten per cent of death gratuity" shall be substituted.
For full text of the order copy please click the below link and down load.
http://persmin.gov.in/WriteData/CircularNotification/ScanDocument/Pension/20-16-98-PPW(F)19042010.pdf.

LTC TO NORTH EAST REGION

EXTENSION OF LTC TO VISIT NORTH EAST REGION UPTO 30.4.2012

DOPT issued orders vide Memo No.31011/4/2007-Estt.(A) dated 20/04/2010 extending the relaxation for travel by Air to visit North East Region under CCS (LTC) Rules, 1988 for further two years beyond 1st May 2010.

For original order copy please click the below link and down load.

http://persmin.gov.in/writedata/CircularNotification/ScanDocument/31011_4_2007-Estt(A).pdf

NEWS FROM ECONOMIC TIMES

IRDA tells postal dept to fall in line, triggers row

India's top insurance regulator has demanded that the country’s postal department adhere to its norms while selling insurance products, triggering a potentially damaging row between the two and forcing the finance ministry’s intervention.

The Insurance Regulatory Development Authority (IRDA), which regulates all insurance products in the country, has threatened to ban all policies sold by the Department of Posts (DoP) in case of a failure to comply.

A rattled finance ministry, which is already locked in a high-profile mediation effort to resolve a row between the IRDA and Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) over unit linked insurance policies (ULIPS), was forced to step in asking for restraint and the matter is now being discussed between the three.

“....We are working to find an amicable solution on how both IRDA and the Postal Department can solve this issue. Any final decision will be taken only after giving due consideration to benefit of existing policy holders,” a finance ministry official said.

The postal life insurance has over 15 million policy holders. It offers two life insurance schemes, Postal Life Insurance and Rural Postal life Insurance with a corpus fund of Rs 14,000 crore and Rs 4,000 crore, respectively as on March 2009. All insurance products offered by the DoP are not covered by IRDA’s rules and regulations.

The current one and the bigger battle between IRDA and SEBI highlight the importance of clear rules of demarcation between various regulators and government bodies in a sector whose growth has assumed gigantic proportions.

The insurance regulator argued that compliance with IRDA’s norms will actually benefit the department of post. “In fact they (department of post) have lost a number of times to get group insurance schemes from public sector players such as BSNL in the past,” said an IRDA official stating the case for expedition of decision on investment of the corpus under Post Office Insurance Fund as per IRDA guidelines.

Under the Insurance Act 1938, Section 118 (C), life insurance schemes run by several state governments for their employees and the Postal Life Insurance Scheme of the central government don’t come under the IRDA purview. The insurance regulator is looking to extend its reach. “IRDA has asked us to form a separate insurance division. They further want us to follow their norms regarding requirement for capital and deposits. Given our huge base, it doesn’t make sense unless some relaxation is provided for,” said an official in the ministry of Communications and IT.

As per a report from Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), the department of post failed to achieve the yearly target set for procurement of business both in Postal Life Insurance (PLI) and Rural Life Insurance during 2002-03 and 2006-07. It states that in case of PLI, the shortfall in target went up from 17% in 2002-03 to 41% in 2006-07.
Source: Economic Times

GLORIOUS INDEFINITE STRIKE BY BSNL EMPLOYEES AND OFFICERS LAUNCHED FROM TODAY

Glorious Nationwide Indefinite Strike by BSNL Employees and Group 'B' Officers with massive response commenced today morning at 6.00 P.M.

 

Comrade V.A.N.Namboodiri General Secretary BSNLEU informed our Federation that a total response by both Employees and Group 'B' Officers from all Circles to the Call of the Joint Action Committee of BSNL Associations / Unions has been recorded.

 

We once again congratulate the striking BSNL Employees and Officers and wish them all Success in their just struggle.

 

NFPE / P3 CHQ again remind the Circle Unions and Divisional and Branch Secretaries to take all out efforts to mobilize our Postal Workers in solidarity demonstrations throughout the country in support of the BSNL employees who are our own brothers and sisters in the  joint P&T Family and got bifurcated due to the privatization policy of the Government. The present attack of larger disinvestment of BSNL and plans for retrenchment of one lakh BSNL Workers cannot be tolerated.

 

ORGANISE SOLIDARITY DEMONSTRATIONS OF POSTAL WORKERS TO THE STRIKING BSNL EMPLOYEES AND OFFICERS - INVITE THE LEADERS OF JOINT ACTION COMMITTEE TO OUR DEMONSTRATIONS FOR ADDRESSING - EXTEND ALL SUPPORT TO THE BSNL COMRADES IN THEIR HOUR OF S TRUGGLE FOR SURVIVAL.

EXTEND TOTAL SOLIDARITY TO BSNL WORKERS ON INDEFINITE STRIKE FROM 20.04.2010

JOINT ACTION COMMITTEE OF BSNL ASSOCIATIONS / UNIONS ORGANISES A JOINT INDEFINITE STRIKE OF BSNL EMPLOYEES FROM 20.04.2010

INDEFINITE STRIKE IS ON A 7 POINT CHARTER OF DEMANDS INCLUDING OPPOSITION TO DISINVESTMENT OF 30% SHARES / PRIVATIZATION OF BSNL AND SCHEME FOR MASSIVE RETRENCHMENT OF ONE LAKH EMPLOYEES IN THE NAME OF VOLUNTARY RETIREMENT; SETTLING ITS ABSORPTION ISSUE ETC.

HIGH LEVEL NEGOTIATIONS HELD BETWEEN THE JOINT ACTION COMMITTEE OF BSNL ASSOCIATIONS / UN IONS AND HONOURABLE MOC&IT ON 16.04.2010 IN WHICH THE SECRETARY DOT, CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING DIRECTOR BSNL AND OTHER OFFICERS WERE PRESENT DID NOT RESULT IN SETTLEMENT

INDEFINITE STRIKE BY BSNL EMPLOYEES WILL COMMENCE ON 20^TH APRIL 2010

NFPE and AIPEU Group 'C' CHQ extends total solidarity to the Joint Acton Committee of BSNL Associations / Unions and greets the entire BSNL Employees for a glorious strike

NFPE and CHQ Call upon our Circle Unions and Divisional and Branch Unions to organise solidarity demonstrations in support of BSNL Employees in which the leaders of BSNL Associations and Leaders be invited. We also call upon the entirety of Postal Workers to extend all possible supportive activities to the struggling BSNL Workers.

REDUCTION IN PAY/GRADE IS A BAR FOR PROMOTION GOVERNMENT AMENDED RULE 11 CLAUSE (VI)

MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
(Department of Personnel and Training)
NOTIFICATION
New Delhi, the 2nd February, 20 I0

G.S.R. 55(E).-In exercise of the powers conferred by the proviso to article 309 and clause (5) of article 148 of the Constitution, and after consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India in relation to persons serving in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department, the President hereby makes the following rules further to amend the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965, namely :-

1. (1) These rules may he called the Central Civil Services (Classification, control and Appeal) Amendment Rules, 2009.

(2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.

2. In the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965, in rule 11, for clause (vi), the following clause shall he substituted, namely:-

"(vi) reduction to lower time-scale of pay. grade, post or Service for a period to be specified in the order of penalty, which shall be a bar to the promotion of the Government servant during such specified period to the time-scale of pay, grade, post or Service from which he was reduced, with direction as to whether or not, on promotion on the expiry of the said specified period-

(a) the period of reduction to time-scale of pay, grade, post or service shall operate to postpone
future increments of his pay, and if so, to what

(b) the Government servant shall regain his original seniority in the higher time scale of pay, grade,
post or service;"
[F. No. 11012/2/2005-Estt (A)]

A. BALARAM, Under Secy.

DEQUARTERISATION/SUSPENSION OF QUARTERS – POWERS VESTED WITH CIRCLE HEADS

HRA SHOULD BE DRAWN TO OFFICIATING SPMS BY SUSPENDING QUARTERS

VACANT POST ATTACHED QUARTERS MAY BE ALLOTTED TO WILLING OFFICIALS

These instructions are now reiterated in the following Directorate letter based on the demand of the CHQ citing the cases of Bhatinda, Punjab, Tamilnadu Circle & others.

Government of India
Ministry of Communications & IT
Department of Posts
(Building Section)

No. 7-1/2010-Bldg. New Delhi, dated 08.04.2010

To,

All the Chief Postmasters General.

Subject: - Post attached quarters – instructions regarding.

Sir/Madam,

Instructions/guidelines were issued vide this Directorate letter no. 10-4/2003-Bldg. dated 06.05.2003 wherein powers were delegated to the Heads of Circle regarding de-quarterisation/suspension of post attached rent free quarters of PMs/SPMs under SR-313(a),(b), (c) and (f) (Copy enclosed).

2. It is therefore, requested that the case of suspension of post attached accommodation may be decided in the light of instructions/guidelines referred to above so that the officials posted under an officiating arrangement are allowed the benefit of drawl of HRA as envisaged in the letter No. 24/3/76/PAP dated 20th August, 1979 (copy enclosed).

3. Efforts should also be made to ensure that the vacant post attached accommodation is allotted to willing and eligible officials as per the provision of SR 313(4) to the extent possible.

Yours faithfully,

Sd/-
(R. B. Chawla)
Director (E&MM)


Encl: As above.
Copy to: - Service Unions (as per mailing list).

Government of India
Ministry of Communications & IT
Department of Posts
Dak Bhawan, Parliament Street
New Delhi – 110001

No. 10-4/2003-Bldg. Dated – 6/7/2003

To

All Heads of Postal Circles

Sub: - Postal pool quarters and post attached rent free quarters of PMs/SPMs – delegation of powers.

Normal period of retention of Govt. residential accommodation in case of transfer from one station to another is 2 months under Supplementary Rule 317-B-11. However, further retention for a period not exceeding six months can also be granted on educational / medical ground under Supplementary Rule 317-B-22. Damage rent is chargeable if the accommodation is not vacated after the expiry of the period for which permission is granted which in any case shall not exceed a total of eight months as mentioned above.

2. Cases have been brought to the notice of the Directorate where there are no takers of postal pool accommodation even if it is vacated after expiry of the maximum permissible retention period of eight months granted under SR 317-B-11 read with SR 317-B-22 though the officer / official on transfer continues to require that accommodation on medical / educational grounds. Vacation of accommodation in such eventuality by the existing occupant on expiry of the permission granted would result in loss to the Department in the shape of non-receipt of rentals besides lack of maintenance in case such quarters remain vacant for unusually long period. Moreover, the policy of the Department is to provide residential accommodation to staff as far as possible.

3. As regards, post attached rent free quarters of PMs / SPMs, the allotment subsists only during the period of incumbency and immediately on change of incumbency; the successor incumbent becomes the allottee of the residence in question. Further, it is mandatory for incumbents to occupy such quarters. Guidelines issued vide Directorate letter No. 5-6/860NB (P) dated 09-08-1990 provide for suspension of post attached quarters of PMs / SPMs by Heads of Circles up to a maximum period of six months under SR -313 (1) (a), (b), (c) and (f). Cases regarding suspension of such quarters for the period exceeding six months are required to be sent to the Directorate. Proposals from circles are received from time to time for:-

(a) Retention of post attached quarter on transfer by outgoing incumbent.
(b) Suspension of ear-marked post attached quarters and its allotment to some other non-entitled official.
(c) Merger of post attached accommodation with the post office accommodation due to inadequacy of space in the pot office.
(d) Dequartarisation of a post attached accommodation due to inhabitable conditions.

4. The matter has been reviewed and it has been decided by the competent authority that Heads of Circles themselves may decide cases falling under SR 313 (1) (a), (b), (c) and (f) as well as those mentioned in the above para Nos (2) and (3). The power of dequarterisation of a post attached accommodation due to inhabitable condition is now also delegated to the Head of Circle. Following guidelines are issued in the exercise of these powers:-

(i) The allottees of Govt. residential accommodation from postal pool on transfer from one station to another may be further permitted by Heads of Circles to continue to retain the accommodation even beyond the maximum permissible period of retention i.e. 8 months, if the occupants so desire and there are no takers of staff quarters, subject to the following conditions:-

(a) Request by such an allottee in this regard should be made well in advance of the expiry of already permitted period by Head of Circle under SR - 317-B-11 read with SR 317-B-22.
(b) As and when an eligible contender for the quarter arises, the quarter should be vacated on thirty days notice.
(c) The occupant will have to pay double the licence fee for the permitted period of retention beyond expiry of maximum period of eight months provided under SR 317-B-11 read with SR 317-B-22.

(ii) While considering request for retention of post attached accommodation, the outgoing incumbent may be permitted to retain the same accommodation if the incoming incumbent does not require the said post attached accommodation. Retention of post attached accommodation at previous placed of functioning on request may be permitted subject to the following conditions:-

(a) The allotment of post attached accommodation will be cancelled on the basis of one months notice whenever such accommodation is required for the use of the regular incumbent entitled to the post attached quarters.
(b) The retention will be at double the rate of licence fee for period exceeding eight months.

(iii) Suspension of post attached accommodation for the reason of non-occupation by the incumbents due to their having own residential accommodation / arrangement in the area may be permitted only on the condition that it does not adversely effect the work of PM / SPM.

(iv) In case of merger of post-attached quarter with post office space, Head of Circle will have to record a certificate to the effect that:-

(a) The post office is a profit making one;
(b) Extra benefit will be there if such merger takes place; and
(c) Total space of post office on merger does not exceed the justified SOA of the post office.

(v) In case of dequarterisation of post attached accommodation, Head of Circle may take a decision about dequarterisation till it becomes habitable by carrying out repairs or put the accommodation to any other official use.

5. These instructions may be circulated to all concerned for information, guidance and implementation.

6. Receipt of this letter may kindly be acknowledged to the ADG (Bldg.), Dak Bhawan, Parliament Street, New Delhi -110001.
7. Hindi version will follow.

Bhartiya Dak Aur Tar Vibhag
Office of Dak aur Tar Mahanideshak
Sanchar Bhavan, (PAP Section)
20 – Ashoka Road, New Delhi – 110001

No. 24/3/76/PAP Dated – 20 Aug 1979

Sub: - Grant of HRA to incumbents working/officiating in local arrangements against posts in which rent free accommodation is attached.

Sir,

I am directed to invite a reference to this office letter of even No. dated 22nd September, 77 wherein it was decided that compensation in lieu of rent free recommendation can be granted to a Government servant for a maximum period of 3 months when he is posted to officiate in a post to which rent free accommodation is attached but which is not provided to him.

2. A question has now been raised as to how cases where though the rent free accommodation is available, but the concerned official has not occupied the same in view of the short duration of posting, are to be regulated. The case has been considered in consultation with the Ministry of Finance and the President is pleased to decide that in such cases, House rent allowance as admissible to a Government servant not entitled to rent free accommodation may be granted for a maximum period of 90 days provided the vacancies are short term ones involving local arrangements.

3. These orders take effect from the date of issue and past cases decided otherwise than in accordance with these orders need not be reopened.

This issues with the concurrence of P & T. Finance vide their Dy. No. 2097/FA-III/79 dated 20.07.79.


Yours faithfully,


(R. S. N. Murti)
Asst. Director General (PE)

INDIA POST TURNS NET SAWY, PLANS VIRTUAL PO

INDIA Post is creating a virtual post office that will sell stamps and enable money transfer online, the latest attempt by the centuries-old government organization to stay relevant in the internet age.

The virtual post office that is expected to be operational by the year-end will provide universal access to various postal services at the click of the mouse. Payment for the services can be made either through credit cards or internet banking through recognized banks. The project is a huge step by the world’s largest network of post offices towards making postal service delivery customer friendly. It is targeted at the internet-savvy educated urban audience consumer. India Post runs 155,333 post offices across the country.

“We want to take essential postal services to the doorstep of every citizen of the country.” Said an official with the ministry of communications and IT that runs India Post, “The idea is to create a portal where citizens can login to purchase postal stamps and also send in money orders,” he said, requesting anonymity.

The modalities for the project are being worked out. The department will scout for financial institutions which will join as partners to make the payment process simple and user-friendly.

“The proposal sounds very practical and most feasible. India has made a quantum league in technology. Lot of rigorous manual processes can be substituted by electronic processes. Activities like endorsement of stamps and transferring money can be done over the internet, “said Yes Bank MD & CEO Rana Kapoor.

India Post, which traces its origins to post offices in Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata setup by the British East India Company, will turns 246 years old this year.

A large number of Indians still send money orders despite several options of money transfer, mainly because of the department’s reach and access to interior villages.

One of the issues that the department will have to tackle is to make the stamps electronically secured. The department is studying various aspects of this project on the usage of the stamps and putting them to use.
India Post is expanding its array of services to attract customer’s attention. In the past, various new-age services have been extended by the department including railway ticketing, foreign remittance and even collecting mobile telephone bills. It is also planning to introduce pre-paid cards that will support cashless transactions at retail outlets across the country.

- Economics Times, dated – 16.04.2010

LATEST DOPT ORDERS ON BENCHMARK IN ACRs

LATEST DOPT ORDERS ON BENCH MARK GRADINGS

 

DOPT issued orders directing supply of a copy of the grading in the ACR prior to 2008-09 to the concerned officials [only those years of ACR that are relevant for promotion shall be sent]  for facilitating the officials to make representation if any against the adverse remarks before placing the ACR before the DPC that is going to consider the official for promotion.

 

The competent Reviewing Authority shall decide the matter objectively in a quasi-judicial manner by taking into account both the representation of the official and the contention of the reporting Officer if they are still in service. This is emphasised in the order in the background of UPSC ramarking that the views of the Reporting Officers [if they are still in service] not taken into account before deciding on the representation of the Officials. It is also emphasised by UPSC that the Competent Authority shall give specific reason for upgrading the benchmark in APAR [previously ACR] of the official.

 

Full text copy of the orders published in the DOPT website can be downloaded by clicking on the Link Below:

 

http://persmin.gov.in/writedata/CircularNotification/ScanDocument/21011_1_2010-Estt.A-1.pdf

 

DA ORDERS FOR GDS RELEASED BY DEPARTMENT OF POSTS

Department of Posts today released orders for payment of

8% DA to Gramin Dak Sewaks

Following the orders of the Ministry of Finance for payment of 8% additional DA to Central Government Employees w.e.f. 1.1.2010, the Department of Posts today released necessary orders for payment of the same to nearly three lakhs of GDS

Copy of the original orders of the Department is

available hereunder:

No.14-5/2009-PAP

Government of India

Ministry of Communications & IT

Department of Posts

Dak Bhawan, Sansad Bhawan

New Delhi, dated the 12^th April, 2010

To

All Chief Postmasters General

All Postmasters General

All Directors / Dy.Director of Accounts [Postal]

Subject: Payment of Dearness Allowance to Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) at revised rates with effect from 01.01.2010.

Sir / Madam,

Consequent upon grant of another installment of dearness allowance with effect from 01.01.2010 to Central Government Employees, vide Government of India, Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure O.M. No. 1(3)/2010-E.II (B) dated 26^th March, 2010,the Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS), have also become entitled to the payment of dearness allowance on basic TRCA at the revised rate with effect from 01.01.2010.It has, therefore, been decided that the dearness allowance payable to the Gramin Dak Sevaks shall be enhanced from the existing rate of 27% to 35%,on the basic Time Related Continuity Allowance ,with effect from 01.01.2010.

2. The additional Installment of dearness allowance payable under this order shall be paid in cash to all Gramin Dak Sevaks. The payment of arrears of dearness allowance for the month of January and February, 2010 shall not be made before the date of disbursement of TRCA of March 2010.

3. The expenditure on this account will be debitable to the Sub Head 'Salaries' under the relevant head and should be met from the sanctioned grant.

4. This Issues with the concurrence of Integrated Finance Wing vide their Diary No. 80/FA/10/10/CS, dated 12.04.2010.

Sdxxx

(K. Rameshwara Rao)

Asstt. Director General (Estt)

GREETINGS TO THE STRUGGLE OF ACCOUNTS EMPLOYEES AND OFFICERS

BOTH EMPLOYEES AND OFFICERS OF ENTIRE ORGANISED ACCOUNTS ARE ON MASS CASUAL LEAVE STRUGGLE TODAY - 8.4.2010

 

Hold solidarity demonstrations by Postal Employees in front of Postal Accounts Offices as per the call of the NFPE

 

An end to the permanent disparity time and again created despite acknowledging the parity now and then by the Government is the major demand of the Accounts Employees and Officers - The Government should stop its cat and mouse game and come for a permanent solution to the vexed problem of the Accounts Employees and Officers.

 

P3 CHQ GREETS THEIR JUST STRUGGLE ALL SUCCESS

ARMY PERSONNEL SHOULD BE TREATED BETTER

THEY SHOULD NOT BE TREATED IN A SHABY MANNER

STOP TREATING OF ARMY PENSIONERS AS BEGGARS

SUPREME COURT TELLS GOVT.

The Supreme Court has slammed the government for treating army personnel “bravely defending the country even at the cost of their lives” shabbily and upheld a higher disability pension to an officer who lost his hand in the Siachen.

“This is a pittance (Rs 1,000 a month, plus dearness allowance). If this is the manner in which the army personnel are treated, it is extremely unfortunate…. We regret to say army officers and army men in our country are being treated in a shabby manner by the government,” Justices Markandey Katju and A.K. Patnaik said.

The government had appealed a Punjab and Haryana High Court order giving C.S. Sidhua higher pension.

The apex court found no reason to interfere with the order. Instead, it was scathing in its criticism of the government for trying to justify such a meager disability pension. “If a person goes to any part of Delhi and sits for begging, he will earn Rs 1,000 every day and you are offering a pittance of Rs 1,000 per month for a man who fought for the country in the high altitudes and whose arm was amputated?” the two-judge bench said.

Sidhu had joined as a short-service commission officer on June 22, 1968. On November 21, 1970, he met with an accident in the Siachen after which his right arm had to be amputated. He also suffered a compound fracture of the femur (thigh bone) and fracture of the mandible (jaw bone). He was released from service on June 23, 1978.

The army authorities insisted on taking into account the period from June 22, 1968, to November 21, 1970, to calculate his pension. But the high court said the entire commissioned service, from June 22, 1968, to June 23, 1978, should be counted and ordered the authorities to pay the disability pension and other benefits accordingly.

The apex court, upholding the high court order, asked the authorities to clear the arrears within three months, along with interest at the rate of 8 per cent annually. “Army personnel should be treated in a better and more humane manner by the government authorities, particularly, in respect of their emoluments, pension and other benefits,” the bench said.

At yesterday’s hearing, the government was represented by an additional solicitor-general. Sidhu was not present, but the apex court dismissed the government’s appeal without waiting for the officer to place his version.

“… We are in full agreement with the high court that for the purpose of qualifying service for disability pension, the entire period of commissioned service rendered by the respondent has to be taken into account,” it said.

Source:Telegraph India

FORWARDING APPLICATIONS

Applications of Government Servants suffering from disability for employment elsewhere shall be readily forwarded for consideration.

No.36035/7/2008-Estt.(Res.)

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel and Training

***

North Block, New Delhi,
Dated the 30th March, 2010

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Forwarding of applications of Government Servants suffering from disability for employment elsewhere.

*****

The undersigned is directed to say that instructions provide that applications of Central Government servants belonging to the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes for employment elsewhere should be readily forwarded except in very rare cases. Representations have been received requesting that similar facility should be provided to the employees suffering from disability.

2. The matter has been considered and it has been decided that applications for employment elsewhere of Central Government Servants suffering from disability in terms of the provisions of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 shall be readily forwarded except in very rare and exceptional cases where there may be compelling grounds of public interest for withholding such applications.

3. These instructions may be brought to the notice of all concerned

(K.G. Verma)
Director