SIX YEARS INNINGS ! SURE ! NOT OUT !

Good-bye with Contentment

All of you are well aware that I am due for superannuation from the departmental service on 31.5.2012 and this is almost my parting General Secretary’s Desk. Perhaps I had the great chance of serving you in the capacity of General Secretary of this mighty organisation since 2006. I am recalling my affectionate association with all of you during this period and undoubtedly I am having the paramount pleasure that I did something to this movement and also to my fellow-men to the best of my ability. Gandhiji once said “ Satisfaction lies in the efforts; full effort is full victory” and as such I have not left any stone unturned in my efforts and exploited all the situations with full efforts to resolve the issues at the maximum despite the fact that I could not leave  a clean slate to my successor. Of course! It is not possible to anyone. As Com Lenin rightly told that trade unions are schools for learning; A trade union is an incessant movement and problems will never end and will creep new issues at any time. I am leaving some benchmarks to my successor as well as some pending issues for his further follow up action.

P3, the best beneficiary on JCA calls

I recollect my presentations in the August AICs held in Pushkar & Jwalaji on the urgent need of taking special interest to mitigate the issues of Postal Group ‘C’ comrades and in particular to the shortage of staff and deadlocks in the promotions   which were delaying a decade together. I have sincerely and seriously acted and settled many of the genuine demands of our Group ‘C’ during these six years. Whenever the Postal JCA notified strike calls, the best beneficiary among all was the P3 and many small issues remaining unsettled over decades were dealt with solutions. I wish to recollect your reminiscences to the following major advancements we have seen in our area.

Not exhaustive! Only very few

(i)              The vacancies unfilled up in the LGO examinations (Residual vacancies) since 1999 were filled up. The total no. of such vacancies in PA cadre was approximately to the extent of 13000 which alone construed to the 15% of total sanctioned posts.

(ii)            Mass scale recruitment of PAs by summoning all DPS Headquarters to Directorate was carried out in 2009, 2010 in the range of 8000 & 14000 Postal Assistants. The shortage of staff prevailed to the level of 40% were sorted out. The current vacancies are also notified for selection. Thus the long pending issue of shortage of staff in PA cadre has been sorted out despite the fact that there is no recruitment outside the Postal in Govt. Departments till now.

(iii)          First time, all the examination process has been brought under OMR process with objective type questions. Resultantly all the Group ‘B’ Posts, earmarked for General line which were kept unfilled up over decades were filled up. All IP posts were filled up. Even there is surplus list in LGO exams this year in all circles which is due to this objective type pattern only. The number of chances for LGO candidates has been enhanced.

(iv)           For filling up of all vacant IPO posts, surplus system was introduced. After four years it was discontinued as it affected the interest of candidates of own circle.

(v)             P.A. Recruitment Rules have been revised. To avoid resignation of selected candidates, all the candidates possessing 60 % in Plus II are now entitled for selection like Bank & Railway recruitments.

(vi)           The confirmation examination and its adverse effect if not passed within six chances has been scrapped. Many officials who did not pass the exam in six chances and stagnated in the last pay drawn are now benefiting.

(vii)         Filling up of all vacant LSG, HSG II & HSG I posts on notional basis and grant of officiating pay. All HSG I posts now occupied by IP line officials are to be transferred to general line. Leave sanctioning powers to HSG I Postmasters. Filling up all vacant LSG APM Accounts posts as per the LSG Recruitment Rules 1976. Revision of LSG recruitment rules.

(viii)       Applicability of CCS (Pension) Rules 1972 in respect of those put on induction training prior to 1.1.2004. Refund of pension contribution to those recovered irregularly.

(ix)           Stepping up of pay on promotion by comparing direct recruits. Extended the time limit for revision of option.

(x)             Formation of Scrutiny committee for upgradation of ACR for grant of MACP promotions & various clarificatory orders on MACP (more than seven; and still three more pending).

(xi)           Clear Instructions on fixing responsibilities under contributory negligence and no charge sheet without mentioning the violation of rules, upgradation of CR, no punishment for not performing OTA, irregular imposition of FR17A for the strike, withholding of pension, gratuity in case of minor case proceedings etc.

(xii)         Revision of honorarium for calculation of RD Premature closure, Processing of PLI/RPLI claims, for engaging departmental exam, incentive for NREGIS work, Honorarium for Sixth CPC fixation and drawal of arrears, fixation of pension, Honorarium for fixation of TRCA, Revision of FSC, Honororium for invigilators, revision of split duty allowance, revision of SB Allowance, revision of FMC, enhancement of 25% allowances etc. The revised procedure in RPLI incentive at circle levels is the major achievement.

(xiii)       Instructions on writing CRs.

(xiv)       25% incentive to Postal staff out of commission earned under business packages.

(xv)         Stopped the move to close 9797 post offices and RMS offices.

(xvi)       Formation of Cadre restructuring committee and the progress.

(xvii)     Allowing physically handicapped officials to write IP examination.

(xviii)   Settlement of various anomalies in post attached quarters, drawal of additional HRA, delegation of powers for dequarterisation and suspension of quarters and enhancing the financial powers of the divisional heads in securing accommodation for the post offices.

(xix)       Stoppage of organizing meetings and melas on all the Sundays & holidays.

(xx)         Problems of systems administrators and grant of conveyance and road mileage allowance to them.

The above are some of the noteworthy accomplishments but there are very many; Several long pending issues were elucidated and settled. We can proudly say that in almost all the issues, we placed in the Departmental council, we have resolved the maximum in favour of our comrades. The issues brought to our notice by the circles; sometimes even by the individuals were promptly attended.

As the Leader, Staff Side

As the leader of the Staff Side, JCM (DC), I contributed my best for the settlement of issues relating to other cadres (other than our P3) also. I had the satisfaction in my presentation during all the talks we had with the Department either in the Departmental Council or the Conciliation meetings held on the strike charter of demands and extended a lot to my fellow comrades. This is the great opportunity I have been provided due to my selection as the leader of the JCM staff side.

Trade union workshops

It is the first time in the history of P&T union, a Trade Union workshop was conducted in Thiruvanthapuram from 13.02.2011 to 15.02.2011. It was having the overwhelming response; followed by other unions. The workshop recently conducted at Puri from 04.02.2012 to 05.02.2012 is the landmark triumph of the CHQ in cultivating the cadres and leaderships on Trade Union history, Staff rulings, Disciplinary rules etc.

The materials compiled by me and distributed at the workshops and also in the two workshops conducted by NFPE at Munnar and Allahabad are the everlasting reference guides to our comrades. I had the honest satisfaction of generating a cream of leadership at all levels through the workshops and the participation of youth is most awesome. Many Circles followed the CHQ in steering such workshops at circle levels.

Experiences with Sixth CPC

It is my honour and pride to say that it is the first time in the P 3 movement, the draft Memorandum prepared by me within twenty days of my assumption as General Secretary for Sixth CPC was placed and discussed threadbare in the CWC held in Karimnagar. The collective wisdom was experimented. The memorandum submitted by the CHQ is the masterpiece of our work. I had the great opportunity to assist other General Secretaries also in preparing their memorandums. The experience I gained in submission of the memorandum, tendering oral evidences before Sixth CPC is ever rememberable.

Cultivating the cadres

(i)        Out of my own experience that how the knowledge on rulings will help the trade unionists in handling the issues with the administration, the compilation in two volumes of rulings on Trade Union facilities,  CCS (RSA) Rules 1993 & ED (RA) Rules 1995 were published and released on 25.08.2007 in the Allahabad CWC.

(ii)      On the same day another book ‘Venture’, the Compilation of Selective important orders was launched. This is the first occasion of such activities by CHQ.

(iii)    Hand Book 2010 was first time launched and printed 15000 copies. This was followed in 2011 & 2012 with 16500 copies & 13500 copies respectively. This is an historic record.

(iv)     An updated Venture Edition II was related in the Federal council held in June 2010 and 3000 copies were printed.

(v)       For the benefits of GDS, one book titled as GDS Crusader was released in the last AIC held in Alandi on Jan 2011. 3000 copies were printed.

(vi)     Again for the benefits of GDS comrades, another book titled as ‘GDS Refresher’ was released in April 2012 to commemorate the formation of AIPEU GDS (NFPE). 3000 copies were printed.

I can proudly say that despite in the midst of the heavy brunt of the work in the CHQ, I endeavored and succeeded in releasing those books by foregoing several nights and burnt the midnight oil to educate the rank & file which I sensed a revolution of knowledge in the midst of our cadres after seeing their overwhelming response for those publications.

First Website

We can proudly say that we are the first among all C. G. Government employees unions/associations launched website for the union on 2007 January itself after our assumption in the CHQ and placed the memorandum which we submitted to Sixth CPC as the first post. So far we are having the viewers to the extent of 16 lakhs! So many items essential for the members are being exhibited including the address, Telephone No. & e-mail address of all divisional secretaries, Govt orders, manuals, publications, Bhartiya Post etc. Our branches are also motivated by CHQ in launching web sites for their own and at present our union is having seven Circle union websites and around 51 Divisional unions' websites. Thus we inspired all to exploit and fully utilize the benefits of the mechanization and I.T.

Bhartiya Post

We enriched and enhanced the superiority of Bhartiya Post among all the journals with the contents, quality and its presentation and also doubled its size as well as its subscribers. It comprises everything and as the Editor, I strained my best for its number one existence among all the union journals and also its prompt release. In order to penetrate its prominence in the Hindi speaking areas, minimum of four pages materials are being printed in Hindi with the caption of ‘Dak Jagirithi’.

Co-ordination

During this period, I had the best relationship with all sister unions as well as with other unions and in particular with Com Theyagarajan, Secretary General FNPO. I contributed a lot to the joint and effective functioning of all unions. The contribution I made for the revival & recognition of our Federation, thwarting the ill move of the Bhartiya union court case and thereafter the coordinated functioning with NFPE is the benchmark renowned for the effective joint functioning. I maintained a good relationship with the confederation leadership and contributed to its functioning also.

Bridged the gap between the equals

I can proudly say that my General Secretary Desks, Frequent interactions through mails, exhibiting all the developments then and there on the website and transparent functioning has bridged the gap between the leaders and cadres existed earlier. Even the ordinary member is seeking information directly from CHQ. The Motto which I adopted in my personal life and also practiced in public life that “ All are equal: I am one among the equals; Because I got the opportunity, I am General Secretary; that does not mean I am superior and more knowledgeable: There are many other intellectuals who did not get the chances; Otherwise they will shine better than me”.

The interaction, I introduced wherever I visited whether it is at circle level or divisional level has certainly enthusiase the comrades and more youngster are now embracing active participation in trade unions

More “I” s - Sorry Please

This is the first circular that I am using more “I” s because this is my last one and also  the recollection of records of my activities before my departure and also the study materials for the future leadership to consider and set some of my actions as bench mark for the effective functioning of the leadership.

Too many Court cases – not diluted my will

This is also on the records that I shall be the only General Secretary who had faced 49 court cases right from Municipal Court to Supreme Court that too from my own circle. My elections as General Secretary was challenged and many more. Despite all the mental torture purported by some vested interests, I never tired or slept in focusing the demands of our comrades. No one can point our any lethargy in my action in taking up the cases. No paper received by CHQ was filed without any reply that too sent in time during this period.

I can proudly say that the recognition cancelled to our union due to the Court case filed in the Madras High Court by the Bhartiya Federation was thwarted within 20 days and restored recognition which alone paved way for the recognition of Federations in the Department of Posts. My timely action and contribution to the court case for dismissing the case filed by the Bhartiya federation is the milestone for which Com A.Veeramani, AGS also contributed a lot.

Sincerely strained but no results

I tried my best in focusing all the issues. However there are some issues which I could not get positive results like counting of services to RTP. The cadre review proposal submitted by us has not been finalized so far. Orders in respect of the many assurances decided during talks on strike charters have not been issued. Of course! One cannot have a clean slate!

Acknowledgement

I never desired, thought or expected to become the General Secretary. Of course! It was quite accidental at Jwalaji. Com. Balu, Ex-Circle Secretary, Tamilnadu was the instrumental in my elevation at that time. I am recording my sincere thanks to him. The wave length existing between me and our President Com. M. Krishnan is almost the same and we had a very perfect understanding and without his cooperation and guidance, I can't place this much records. My special thanks to Com. Balwinder Singh, Financial Secretary who is always in CHQ without minding time and working very hard assisted me not only in all my decisions but also even taking care of my ailing health on all occasions. Similarly I am placing on records my thanks to Com. Somenath Mukherjee, Ex-Deputy General Secretary Com. Com. R. Sivannarayana, Deputy General Secretary for their unstinted cooperation and affection during this period. The love and affection shown by my Office bearers and Circle secretaries are laudable which I enjoyed throughout these six years. My abundant thanks to all of them. Com C.C.Pillai and Com K. Ragavendran Ex Secretary Generals contributed a lot for my effective functioning and we had a perfect understanding during those days. I record my sincere thanks to them. Com. K. M. Ramesh, my advocate in Chennai rendered all legal assistance and vacated the stay and dismissed the BPEF case and all other Tamilnadu court cases. My special thanks to him.

My staff, My press & My caretaker

My staff,  Com. Shiv Lal, Com Dhananjay and Naveen, despite my strict posture in office work, loved me very much and very affectionately. They learnt many things from me! Of Course,  Our CHQ is the only union adopting the principle of model employer treating its staff as equals. I have received enormous cooperation from the Press and in particular from Sri Pradeep, Owner of Deep Printers in publishing Ventures, Handbooks, GDS Crusader GDS Refresher and also the Bhartiya Post to my taste. I remember and salute him at this juncture. I will be failing my duty if I did not mention Com Jaiprakash, Secretary, Lodhi Road who is my caretaker in the Sarojini Nagar quarters. The love and affection of Delhi divisional secretaries and comrades are ever rememberable.

Tamilnadu Comrades, the inspiration

As you know, I am retiring from the department service on 31^st May 2012, I am getting ready to leave. I recall my association with you with great pride and with greater happiness. I am taking leave with more happiness. A man born and brought up in a remote village of Tamilnadu and served this august movement with sincerity and devotion right from 1974 ie. 38 years of unstinted trade union services; experienced with joys and tribulations in the public service is  being relieved from the service while holding the highest echelon as General Secretary and Leader Staff Side in the midsts of love and affections of all my comrades throughout the nation which itself is the glory I am blessed. I am placing on records my special thanks to my Tamilnadu Comrades who were the object for my elevation and they were with me in the days of many tribulations and shared my burdens. My Narasimhulu who is associated with me during these 37 years shared all my sorrows during the days of tribulation and remained with me. My special thanks to my friend who is the example of the real friendship.

Loveable affection all along

I am especially grateful to you for your cooperation and good will all through my career as General Secretary of this union. The affectionate welcome and reception I enjoyed right from divisions to circles throughout these years are the sweetest memories I am taking along with me at this time.  I am indeed proud of our association and thank you and also to your office bearers and your members having made me to do service sincerely since six years.

Keep an inch space in your heart for constant repair

A man is a bundle of relations; a knot of roots whose flower and fruits are very dear and sweet. A man should always keep his relations in constant repairs. Friendship is like love is destroyed by long absence and increased by short intermissions. We have seen many great leaders who have been forgotten due to out of sight. My only request before all of you “ Kindly allot an inch space in your heart and keep me in constant repair which I feel the most pleased and privilege for the service I rendered to this august movement.    

I look forward to staying in touch with you always and my service is also always available.

GOOD BYE COMRADES AND RED SALUTE TO ALL OF YOU

Comradely Yours,

(K. V. Sridharan)

General Secretary

Payment of Interest on delayed payment of Gratuity and recovery of interest so paid from the officers responsible for such delay-DOPPW orders

Dear comrades,

Department of Pensions and Pensioners Welfare vide it Memo No. 38/64/98-P&PW(F) dated 01/05/2012 clarified once again that according to "Rule 68 of CCS (Pension) Rules 1972 Interest will be paid to the pensioner on delayed payment of gratuity and the amount of interest so paid will be recovered from the officers responsible for such delay.Wherever dealys anticipated, Provisional pension should be sanctioned immediately. Any delay in processing of pension resulting in pension not being authorised on the last working day of retirement of the Govt. servant, should be reported by the Head of office to the next higher authority who would watch the settlement of delayed cases. In respect of delayed payment of gratuity wherever it results in payment of penal interest at the rate applicable to GPF deposits under Rule-68 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972, secretary of the administrative Ministry or Department would initiate action to fix responsiblity at all levels to recover the amount from the concerned dealing official, supervisor and Head of Office in proportion to their salary by following the prescribed procedure for the purpose and should be strictly enforced".

Please click here to get the order copy

General Secretary’s Desk

Dear Comrades,

How are you? There is a gap of more than two months in seeing all of you through this desk. There is a dull and lull in implementation of the assured demands resulting in the JCA to revive its programme by launching one day fast by the General Secretaries in front of the Directorate and also the Circle Secretaries in front of Circle offices. We have been forced and pushed into walls to agitate and act by the administration due to its lethargic attitude and protracted delay in settlement of genuine demands. Now, Let us see the present position of some of the important demands.

HSG-I Recruitment Rules

The UPSC has not cleared the HSG-I Recruitment Rules so far. It raised many queries like variation in  the no. of posts (i.e.) as per the 1976 Recruitment Rules which is around 250 Posts and the present around 1700 posts. They are seeking the establishment sanctions for all the Posts created after the old 1976 recruitment rules. The UPSC, instead of behaving as a Govt. organisation like us is acting as the most superior in keeping pending of HSG-I Recruitment Rules. The department is now preparing a certificate about the existence of posts duly signed by the Secretary herself and is submitting to UPSC for approval.

Resultantly carving out of Postmaster Grade III is delayed; transfer of all the HSG I posts to General line will also be delayed. Once again, the DOPT is being approached for grant of further extension of 6 months in case of HSG-I adhoc arrangements due to non finalization of the HSG I Recruitment Rules.

We are insisting that in the absence of non approval of HSG I Recruitment Rules and protracted delay as seen in between the UPSC and the Department, the Circle Heads should be permitted to fill up all the HSG I posts as per the existing recruitment Rules for which the DOPT may be approached. The stalemate cannot be allowed further.

The Chief PMG, Tamilnadu Circle has been specially addressed not to terminate any adhoc HSG-I arrangements from 01.05.2012 until further orders.

Irregular interpretation of station tenure in the recent R. T. Guidelines

The Director (Staff) agreed to issue clarificatory orders immediately as station tenure is not applicable below to the Gazetted Cadre. All Circle Secretaries are requested to appraise the same to the PMGs and request them to stop their moves and tell them that if need be, let them seek clarification before such implementation.

  

Postmaster’s Cadre

There is no improvement or any decision taken and we conveyed our strong resentment over the delay in the decision. Merely sticking to the point of separate hierarchical cadre and denying the dues to the opted officials is mounting dissatisfaction and dissent over the cadre and will hamper the efficiency at one stage. If the Postmasters are not permitted to appear IPO/Group B Exam, we may be forced to demand merger of all supervisors and introduce exam for 1/3^rd vacancies of all LSG and restore status quo ante as per the Sixth CPC which is not in favour of creation of new cadres.

Counting of Special Pay to PO & RMS Accountants

The Ministry of Finance advised the Department to file SLP against the High Court orders of Karnataka State and accordingly, the Chief PMG has been directed to file SLP against the High court decision. A great disappointment. Since we are not having any access to the nodel ministries in the absence of JCM National Council membership, we are loosing too many and out of which this is one among them.

GDS Demands

(i)        A D.O. letter has been written by our Secretary to Secretary MOF for consideration of revising Bonus ceiling of Rs. 3500/- to GDS by citing the Cabinet Secretary’s assurance during the strike period and Minister’s assurance. The expected additional expenses have been workout to 52 crores.

(ii)      The Committee constituted for consideration of GDS demands has recommended cash handling as Rs. 10000/- per point instead of Rs. 20000/-. One of the Finance Ministry official was also the member and visited Assam to know the ground level realities. The file has been put up for approval.

(iii)    The Committee has further recommended to include the cash remittance transactions for commutation of workload. The file has been put up to DG for approval.

(iv)     Protection of TRCA – in case of reduction of workload, the BPM will be issued notice to improve the work within one year. In case if not improved, then only the reduction will be effected. Thus, protection of the same TRCA drawn earlier will be provided up to one year. The file has been put up to DG for approval.

(v)       At the time of initial appointment the minimum of TRCA shall be fixed as per the workload existing in the BO and not the minimum slab of TRCA. This was agreed and the file is placed to DG for approval.

(vi)     25% outside recruitment in postman cadre has been dropped. The revised recruitment rules for Postman is under issue.

It is pertinent to note that all the above six items were properly focused and effectively presented and convinced the administration during the conciliation talks held in June 2011 & Jan 2012 by Com. M. Krishnan, Secretary General and Com. K. V. Sridharan, Leader staff side.

Position on other issues

(i)        Revision of Cash Allowance to SPMs in the absence of the Treasurer: - The file is submitted for approval to the IFW Directorate.

(ii)      Drawal of Special Allowance to MACP I, II & III officials for working in Treasury and Accountant Posts:- As per the IFW advise, a reference has been made to DOPT whether all Special Allowances are admissible to the officials posted such branches on acquiring MACP promotions.

(iii)    Orders for grant grant of further extension of Split duty Allowance for another three years is under process.

(iv)     Clarificatory orders on drawal of special pay to unqualified Accountants will be issued shortly.

(v)       The revision of option is respect of Accounts line official is applicable from the date of the original orders. The Department agreed to cause clarificatory orders to this effect (This is prevailing in Karnataka Circle).

(vi)     It is agreed to cause clarificatory instructions that stepping up of pay to Postmen/Group ‘D’ will be based on the divisional Gradation list, not as per unit list. (Problems prevailing in Karnataka Circle).

(vii)   It was assured to cause instructions that below the HSG-I Postmasters, no one needs to maintain/write APARS of the officials. (Case the AP & Karnataka Circles).

(viii) Chief PMG, Assam will be instructed that subsequent filling up of Postmaster Grade II shall be only from the Grade-I Postmasters.

(ix)     The irregularity in the initial constitution of Postmaster Grade II in Tamilnadu Circle will be set aside with due instructions shortly.

(x)       Protection of Pay of defunct PO & RMS Accountants by extending the benefits accorded to Punjab Circle to all – orders will be released shortly.

(xi)     Grant of Tribal Allowance to Koraput and other divisions of Chattisgarh circle will be processed on obtaining reports from the respective circles.

Casual Labourers

The file has been put up on Postal Board for decision and will be finalized shortly.

Cadre Restructuring

Unless the process of cadre restructuring is completed, the existing problems of PO & RMS Accountants, Systems Administrators, Creation of more posts to the Postmasters cadre to avoid transfers and declinations, providing more chances for LSG, HSG II & HSG I promotions etc. could not be resolved. We recorded our concern over the delay and proposed to hold token Fast on 21.05.2012 in front of Directorate & Circle offices.

Organisational Notes

   Postal welfare Board Meeting is scheduled to be held on 16.05.2012 at Dak Bhawan. Secretary Generals of NFPE & FNPO and Com. P. Pandurangarao, General Secretary, Newly Formed AIPEU-GDS (NFPE) are attending the meeting. We are expecting several welfare decisions in the meeting which is chaired by the Hon’ble Minister of State for communication & I.T.

   The NFPE Federal Secretariat is scheduled to be held on 21.05.2012 at 5 PM in NFPE Office. The 26^th July March to Parliament and consideration of the request from the AIPEU GDS (NFPE) seeking for Associate membership to NFPE are the main agendas.

   All Divisional/Circle Secretaries are requested to hold Dharna on 21.05.2012 in front of Circle/regional offices demanding immediate settlement of assured demands. This JCA call may please be implemented in true spirit and exert pressure to the administration.

  

  All India Postal Sports Committee meeting is scheduled to be held at Hyderabad on 05.06.2012. Com. M. Krishnan, Secretary General is attending the meeting on behalf of the Federation.

   

   All India Conference of Administrative Employees union was held at Kolkata from 28.04.2012 to 30.04.2012 General Secretary could not attend the AIC due to sudden laser treatment he underwent on his eyes. Com. M. Krishnan Secretary General & CHQ President attended on our behalf. Com. Ramesh, Com. Pranab Bhattacharya and Com. Maya Ram were duly elected as CHQ President, General Secretary or Financial Secretary respectively. The CHQ congratulates the newly elected office bearers.

   The National Executive of the Confederation met on 28.04.2012 and it is decided to organise March to Parliament on 26.07.2012 and also one day token strike in October or November 2012 demanding scrapping of New Pension, Formation of Next Pay Body, MACP anomalies etc. Details will be published in the Bharitya Post.

  General Secretary attended the joint conference of Koraput division on 22.04.2012. More than 1500 comrades participated. Com. R. C. Mishra, Com. Mohanty, Com. Nirmal Singh, Com. Gana Acharya were the prominent speakers beside General Secretary. There was total unanimous in all the elections. Com. Maharana, Com. Rajesh and Com. Suresh deserve all appreciations to maintain the division with rock like unity. Many kudos to them and also the newly elected office bearers.

  All India Conference of R3 Union was held in Kanpur from 03.05.2012 to 05.05.2012. due to ill health, General Secretary Could not attend and Com. M. Krishnan, CHQ President attended and graced the occasion. Com. Bardhan, Com. Giriraj Singh and Com. Jagdish Prasad were duly elected as CHQ President, General Secretary and Financial Secretary respectively. Our CHQ Congratulates the newly elected office bearers.

All of you aware that I am due for superannuation on 31.5.2012 and my next General Secretary Desk which will be released shortly will bear my message of GOOD BYE. So, Please wait for some time. Let us meet in our next shortly.

With fraternal greetings,

Comradely yours,

(K. V. Sridharan)

General Secretary

Dated – 09.05.2012

General Secretary’s Desk

One Day Strike on 28.02.2012

The call for Nationwide industrial action on 28.02.2012 organised by all the 15 Central Trade Unions including INTUC, AITUC, CITU, BMS, HMS etc. is the last option since all their avenues of protest like dharnas, demonstrations, rallies and finally the Jail Bharo Programmes besides raising the issues relating to labour and common people at various forums yielded no results. It is rather found that labour was becoming an unwanted agenda for the Governments.

The Postal JCA after long discussions called upon all the Postal workers to join the strike and save the nation and protect the labour from neo economic policies adopted at the centre. The strike notice was served to the department on 10.02.2012.

All Branch/Divisional/Circle Secretaries are requested to organize the workers by holding meetings at various work spots and ensure 100% participation in the ensuing 28.02.2012 strike.

Puri Workshop – An Historic Success

The workshop organized by the CHQ at Puri from 04.02.2012 to 05.02.2012 ended with resounding success. The aim for which it was convened has been fulfilled and in the examination held among the participants, many secured very good percentage which exhibits the success of the workshop. Full details of the workshop is being published in the Website/Bhartiya Post. The valuated answer sheet has been despatched to all the participants respectively.

Let us convene our next workshop shortly. The willing circle to host the next workshop may please be come forward immediately in order to organize the next workshop either in the month of July or August 2012.

Central Working Committee Meeting – Patna

It is decided to hold the next Central Working Committee Meeting of our union at Patna from 10.04.2012 to 11.04.2012, All CHQ office bearers are requested to book their tickets well in advance. Formal notice will be despatched to them after the finalization of venue and agenda.

JCM Departmental Council

JCM Departmental Council was held on 10.02.2012 and 49 new subjects were discussed. Earlier on 02.02.2012, the standing committee was held to discuss about the pending issues placed in the JCM meeting. The minutes of both the meetings will be published after its receipt. The demands already placed for discussions in the meeting but discussed during strike charters were not discussed again. The Secretary assured that all the items discussed and decided earlier will be finalized at the earliest possible.

System Administrators case – Separate cadre

The case was again discussed in the standing committee meeting of the Departmental Council held on 02.02.2012. It was informed that further action on this case will be taken after finalization of the proposal of the cadre Review committee. However the Member (Personnel) reiterated that creation of a separate cadre may not be feasible. She explained that there will be a limited chance for ‘System Administrators’ further promotion in a separate cadre and further DOP&T may insist on direct recruitment only. The chance for absorption of the existing system administrators will also be remote as separate qualification etc will be fixed for the post. In short the Postal Board is not in favour of creation of separate cadre. Our demand for separate cadre is also not rejected. A final decision will be taken only after the finalisation of the proposals by the Cadre review committee in which we are demanding the formation of System Assistant Posts with further promotional avenues.

GDS Protection of TRCA

In order to implement the assurances of Hon’ble State Minister of communication to Staff side on 20.01.2012, Postal Board constituted a committee of officers to examine the GDS cases including cash handling norms remittances from BO to AO etc for brought under norms, protection of TRCA etc under the chairmanship of Sri. V. P. Singh DDG (Establishment). The Committee will submit its report within a month.

Committee on Casual labourers problems

Member (Personnel) informed that the committed on Casual Labourers problems headed by Assam Chief PMG has submitted its report and it is under examination by the Directorate. The staff side has also submitted its suggestions on casual labourers. It was assured that a decision will be arrived within one month.

Clear Quota, Bhartiya Post Dues & Publications

Many divisions are still keeping dues and not clearing the full Quota, Dues on journals and publications. The two financial years for determination of delegates will end on 31.03.2012. All Branch/Divisional Secretaries are requested to clear the Quota, and all dues forthwith without  inviting reminders.

Hand Book 2012

Many divisions/branches have not indented Hand Book 2012 and the CHQ has sent only one copy to them. It is needless to say that it should be supplied to all new entrants as well as all office bearers atleast. Branch/Divisional Secretaries are requested to kindly make required indent immediately.

Let us meet in the next and till then with greetings,

Comradely yours,

K. V. Sridharan

General Secretary

General Secretary’s Desk

Dear Comrades,

MAY DAY GREETINGS

Indefinite Strike from 05.07.2011

You would have received Bhartiya Post May 2011 issue by this time wherein we published all the JCA Circulars including the Charter of demands and programme of action. The current circular of JCA dt. 28.04.2011 is also enclosed herewith for appropriate action.

Responsibilities & Duties before You

(i) Form JCA if not in existence in your division earlier. Approach other sister unions for such formation and in case of any problem in formation of JCA, please intimate the General Secretary through your Circle Secretary who has been nominated as in charge of your circle and send copy to the CHQ.

(ii) Please shed down all differences whatever it may be at grass root levels since it is the time and dire need to unite for a successful massive action against the policy offensives of the Postal department.

(iii) Organize state level conventions as the dates mentioned and ensure full participation of all divisional/branch Secretaries and Circle office bearers of all unions for working out plan and strategy for 100% participation of postal workers duly strengthening the movement.

(iv) Ensure your participation in the All India Convention of Postal JCA scheduled to be held at Chennai on 19.06.2011. Before that, Please conduct a massive Dharna in front of Divisional offices on 25.05.2011 in effective manner. Meet the members’ office wise and organize them. Further meet the people’s representatives, intellectuals and important personalities and convey the dangers we are facing due to the foreign consultants leading to privatization of postal services and seek their intervention. Pl translate the JCA circulars in state language for wide circulation among the members.

(v) Apart from the conduct of State convention, the Circle Secretaries may invite the incharge office bearers nominated for the circle to attend meetings at other work spots and take their fullest assistance in organizing the comrades for massive action. All circle secretaries shall arrange tour programme division wise and important office wise and depute its office bearers for organizing all the postal workers irrespective of the union affiliation explaining the importance of the demands and the programme of action now proposed.

All of us should not forget that our proposed struggle from 05.07.2011 is mainly nothing but to save the Postal department and keep it as Government Service. The proposals collected through Mckinsey & Accenture either for corporatization or privatization and to dismantle the existing Department’s structure shall not be allowed at any cost. The proposals for introduction of Public, Private Partnership will lead either to corporatization or privatization of service at last and the proposed core banking is nothing but of that basis as per the recommendations of the expert committee. A very dangerous situation is before us and if we allow, we don’t know what will be our position after some time.

We have to resist the attacks now unleashed against the Govt. postal service and we have to save the department. Financial demands are not given top priority this time since we have to ensure our service as Govt. service. Telecom is the glaring example and after the corporatization BSNL is now almost shrinking. All of you are requested to take serious action for organizing the workers for the indefinite strike from 05.07.2011.

The Clarion call was given by Postal JCA. Organize the workers very effectively for the indefinite strike from 05.07.2011. Time is very short. Pl act swiftly from now onwards. Pl send the copies of bulletins issued at branch levels for our notice and also report about the meetings of public personalities requesting their effective intervention along with photos for publication in the journal. Shall I seek all your response comrades?

GDS (Conduct & Engagement) Rules 2011

The Department vide its letter No. 21-8/2010-GDS dt. 18.04.2011 has amended the existing GDS (Conduct & Employment) Rules 2001 as GDS (Conduct & Engagement) Rules 2011 as per the recommendations of Nataraja Murti Committee.

The main crux of the amendment is nothing but to modify the ‘Employment’ into ‘Engagement’ so that the GDs employment may further be treated as an engagement like contingent, part time etc. The following are the other major revisions.

(i) Recruiting Authority means an authority to engage GDS on the basis of GDS (Conduct & Engagement) Rule 2011. ( Note hereafter it is only engagement and not employment)

(ii) A Sevak shall not claim to be at par with the Central Government employees. (Earlier in was as ‘Servant of the Government’ Now they are no more Government employees. They are being engaged in the postal service as if contract)

(iii) Residence in Post village/delivery jurisdiction of the Post office within one month after selection but before engagement shall be mandatory. (The new provision for the modified rules is as follows)

“Failure to reside in place of duty for GDS BPM & within delivery jurisdiction of the Post office for other categories of Gramin Dak Sevaks after engagement shall be treated as violative of condition of engagement and liable for disciplinary action under Rule 10 of the Conduct Rules, requiring removal/dismissal.”

(iv) Earlier in all paras, it was mentioned as ‘Appointing Authorities’. Now it is modified as ‘Recruiting Authorities’. Employment has been modified as service in the midst of the rulings.

(v) New Rules as 5.A: - “The GDS shall be entitled to Payment of Time Related continuity Allowance and other allowances as may be prescribed by the Government on the basis of workload as per the standards of assessment decided by the Department from time to time.

(vi) A new note has been prescribed under Rule 9 – “Penalty of Recovery under Rule 9 (iv) can be enforced fully without any restriction.

In nutshell, the GDS once declared as ‘Extraneous Departmental Employees’ but later after 1963 called as ‘Extra Departmental Employees’ are now being equated as if contingent, casual and contract workers by freezing all their rights as Government employees. GDS Unions must act swiftly instead of mudsling the others as the escape route.

Other news:

· The Dept has sought report from the circle heads on the two issues ie. Grant of road mileage allowance to the staff engaged for cheque clearance and grant of fixed conveyance allowance to Marketing executives as per our subjects in DC (JCM).

· LGO Exam is now postponed to 04.09.2011. The exam will be conducted with Objective type questions. The exam will be conducted by the private company called M/S CMC Limited.

· Group B Exam has been postponed to 29.05.2011. We record our strong objection about reduction of vacancies brought forward since Postmasters cadre is a separate cadre and 6% reservation to general line should be applied for Group B vacancies other than the Postmasters cadre.

· We sought follow up action on MACP anomalies like promotes, recoveries ordered on BCR for PAs promoted from Group D, and Postmen as per the minutes of National MACP anomaly committee meeting minutes dt 15.03.2011.

· Dept. sought opinions from Heads of circles to rename the Franchisee Outlet as Post shopee since the former name is not familiar among the public.

Everyone should know about McKinsey

The Department of Posts has engaged MCKinsey, the multinational Consultancy for recommending the structural reorganization of the Dept of Posts and the McKinsey is issuing dictums to the Circle heads who themselves say helpless and many unwarranted changes are taking place in the post offices, RMS offices. The creation of speed post hub and the proposal for delivery hub for first class mails are the glaring examples of unsuitability of the consultants for our India Post which had its own adverse effect in the department. Let us know short about this concern so that one can understand why we are protesting and launching struggles to save postal department as Government service.

Mckinsey & co was founded in Chicago in 1926 by James O. Mckinsey. No doubt it is only of the leading Management consultancy which suits the countries adopting capitalism, globalization policies. It advocates the method of Privatization, Public Private Partnership, Globalization polices etc. There are many big concerns collapsed after they were engaging it as their consultants. ‘Enron’ was one of the biggest firms and collapsed after engaging it as consultants. The CEO, Enron Sri. Jeff Skilling was sentenced to 24 years in federal prison. ‘Swiss air’ was another which entered bankruptcy after the Mckinsey recommended the ‘The Hunter strategy’. ‘Railtrack’, the British railway company also collapsed after following Mckinsey’s advice to reduce spending on infrastructure and return cash to share holders instead, after which there was a number of fatal accidents. There are cellular phone companies worst hit due its consults.

Mckinsey is a named defendant in Hurricane Katrina litigation for the advice to insure to stop premium leakage by undervaluing claims using the tactics of ‘deny, delay and defend.”

Several civil suits have been filed against home insurance and vehicle insurance companies after the insurers were advised by Mckinsey and allegedly paid the insurance parties significantly less than the actual value of the damage, Mckinsey was cited in a February 2007 CNN article with developing controversial car insurance practices used by State Farm and All state in the mid 1990s to avoid paying claims involving Soft tissue injury. The List will become tail like General Electronic CO, Minnaepolis Public Schools etc. There are many books and articles written by various eminent economist and others about the series of blunders and disasters alleged to have been Mckinsey’s consultant’s fault.

Mckinsey & Postal

If you go through industry insight of Mckinsey, you can find the following which will alone exhibits its recommendations to be made for India Posts on privatization and dismantle the existing Government Service.

“Postal, Express, and Parcel Services”

“In addition to new technologies and systems, globalizations, deregulation, and privatization have been the key drivers of change in the post and express world over the past two decades.

Numerous postal companies have successfully navigated the path of privatization from state monopolies to become listed companies. Others are poised to being this journey. The challenges are huge.

A clear strategy, supported by strong management, detailed planning, and transparent processes, is vital to a corporate transformation. We help our clients identify and pursue growth opportunities in all relevant market segments, both domestically and abroad. We support them as they position themselves to meet regulatory requirements and accompany them on the road to successful privatization. We support them in developing strategies to optimize value-add operations and processes and in implementing performance-management and staff-development systems.”

No Exaggeration. The above were only the experts from the web site of Mckinsey

Mckinsey & U. S. Postal Service

The Mckinsey who was the consulting agency for U. S. Postal Service, has suggested to change a law requiring charges in delivery six days a week to three days and closure of post offices. It suggested trimming delivery by one day, to five days a week which was resisted by law makers in March 2010.

Originally, it proposed that ‘the U. S. Postal Service, facing $ 238 billion budget deficit by 2020, should consider cutting delivery to as few as three days a week. It said that in Jan 2010, it reviewed 162 Post offices, stations and branches for possible closing in current year.

Both the Unions in U. S. Postal Service objected strongly about the elimination of Saturday delivery. William Burns, the President of American Postal workers union referring to the erosion of customer confidence has commented that “it will be the beginning of the demise of the Postal Service. They have already made a lot of cost savings, a lot on the backs on my union, which we understand. But what’s the next step? Do you go to four days a week, three days? Once you establish the financial problems, it is never ending.”

The following is the extracts from one of the Journal ‘Postal Trend watch’ about the recommendations of consultancy agency on US Postal Service.

“The report also proposed reducing postal wages and benefits as a means of cutting costs. Although the Postal Service is required to maintain compensation comparable to the private sector, decades of economic research suggest that unionized Postal Workers are paid about third more than analogous private sector workers. With benefits, the compensation premium for Postal workers can exceed 40 percent.”

From the above, we can very well understand the policies of such consultant companies.

About India Post

“Studies by Kckinsey and others have pointed out that, in the future, India Post will be great vehicle for public-private partnerships. Following models of liberalization undertaken in other countries, some planes look to debundling the owner, operator, and regulator functions of India Post.

India Post’s huge distribution network – the largest in the world – may be its most significant asset in any future partnership with either private-sector concerns or with other government agencies.

The national Postal Policy statement on India Post’s Web site explains that “The new economy and modern markets require [the postal service] to become more financially autonomous and commercially flexible in order to deliver its core functions and other services.” To that end, India Post has continued to look for new revenue-producing projects and the volume of traditional letter and parcel mail shrinks.”

The Mckinsey & Co recommended expanded partnership with Private industry, like retail location and kiosks, Mckinsey commented about the required law changes that “actions in any one area will not be enough to close the gap.” Among other recommendations in the report would be ending doorstep delivery of mail and a shift to clustered mail boxes in residential areas, creating new products and services to increase revenue, and developing hybrid mail products that integrate electronic mail with Postal service Products and services.

From the above, one can very well understand the consultancy service to whom our India Post engaged. The continuous struggles of AP circles and the recent three days strike in Chennai GPO and the chaos conditions proposed in Bangalore GPO are sufficient to know about the consultancy.

Are we going to remain silent and allow things as mute spectator? Or resist the move with our unity and save the postal service as Govt. service. This is the million dollar question before us.

Okay comrades. Be donning the battle dress. Keep our gun powder dry to meet the eventualities.

Let us meet in our next

With Struggle greetings,

(K. V. Sridharan)

General Secretary

Dated - 01.05.2011