MINUTES
OF THE MEETING OF DEPARTMENTAL COUNCIL (JCM)
HELD ON
10.02.2011
A meeting of the Departmental Council (JCM) under the
Chairpersonship of Secretary(Posts) was held on 10.02.2012. The
following were present:
|
Official Side
|
Staff Side
|
|
1. Ms. Manjula Prasher,
Secretary(P) & Chairperson, Departmental Council(JCM)
2. Ms. Yesodhara Menon,
Member(P)
3. Ms. Suneeta Trivedi,
Member(Plg.)
4. Shri Santosh Gauriar,
Member(O)
5. Kalpana Tiwari, CGM
MB&O
6. Shri S.K. Sinha, CGM PLI
7. Shri Tilak De,
DDG(MM&Estates)
8. Shri V.P. Singh, DDG(Estt.)
9. Shri Salim Haque, DDG(P)
10. Ms. Aindri Anurag,
DDG(PO&CP)
11. Shri A.S. Prasad, DDG(FS)
12. Shri V.K. Tiwary,
DDG(R&P)
13. Shri Subhash Chander,
Director(SR&Legal)
|
1. Shri K.V. Sridharan,Leader
2. Shri Giriraj Singh,
3. Shri M.
Krishnan,
4. Shri D. Theagarajan
5. Shri D. Kishan Rao
6. Shri Ishwar Singh Dabas
7. Shri T. N. Rahate
8. Shri P. Suresh
9. Shri Pranab Bhattacharjee
10. Shri A.H. Siddiqui
11. Shri K. Ragavendra
12. Shri
S. Karunanidhi
13. Shri Surinder Pal
|
The meeting started with introductory remarks of the
Chairperson wherein she apprised of the staff side about the proposal of
recognition of federations heaving been taken up for consideration and approval
of the competent authority. This was followed by the staff side
thanking the Chairperson for convening the meeting as per the
schedule. Thereafter agenda items were taken up for discussion. The
gist of discussions held during the meeting is as follows:-
Annexure – I
1. Long distance schedules of MMS
The staff side was apprised of the instructions having
been issued to Heads of Circles on 15.06.2010 to increase the utilization of
vehicles by extending the existing schedules up to 300 kms. The
position about clearance of Ministry of Finance regarding purchase of new
vehicles as also replacement of old vehicles happening much faster was also
explained to the staff side.
The contention of the staff side was
that the aforesaid instructions are not being observed and it was agreed to
reiterate the said instructions.
2. Diversion of MMS
vehicles
The staff side averred that the vehicles
allotted to MMS for operational purposes were diverted to Circle/Regional
offices, which is adversely affecting the efficiency of mail
delivery. They desired issue of strict instructions in the matter so
that vehicles are used for the purpose for which they are procured.
The instructions issued in this
regard by the Department from time to time were brought to the notice of the
staff side with an understanding to reiterate the instructions once again.
3. Holding of examination for filling up the
posts of AMM in MMS
The
staff side pointed out delay in finalization of Rules of Recruitment for the
post of Assistant Manager in MMS, with a request to finalise it on
priority. The Chairperson advised the official side to complete the
pending action in regard to finalization of Recruitment Rules within 2 months.
4. Holding of DPC for filling up the posts of
Deputy Manager MMS
It
was agreed to complete the process within 2 months.
5. Appointment to the grade
of Supdt. Stg. In RMS
The
contention of the staff side was that the 4 posts of Supdt. Sorting in RMS
which were meant for general line officials are either manned by ASPs or by
PSS/PMS Group B officials. Further, the Circles in which
these posts exist are also not known. During discussions, a
reference was also made to 4 posts of AD (Recruitment) out of which 3 are lying
vacant. Besides requesting for filling up of the above posts, the
staff side mentioned about their merger with main stream of Group B posts and
increasing quota of General line officials from the existing 6% to a
higher percentage.
The Chairperson advised the
Personnel Division to find out the availability of posts and to fill all the
posts meant for general line officials from that category only within three
months.
6. Acute shortage of ‘C’
Bags
The staff side was explained that for the year 2011-2012,
much of the supply has already started and there are only 2 companies which are
yet to start it. Further, action has already been initiated to
ensure timely supply of bags for 2012-2013 & 2013-2014. The staff side was
also apprised about the constitution of a Committee which will consider
decentralization of procurement of stores of other than prescribed sizes, and
the Committee will submit its report within one month.
7. Change of nomenclature
of cleaners in MMS
Redesignation of Cleaner as Helpers may go against their
interest and, therefore, it was agreed to drop the item.
8. Change of Recruitment
Rules ensuring parity in recruitment to the posts of Postmen and Mailguards in
the Department of Posts
The Recruitment Rules for the posts of Postmen and
Mailguards have been revised and notified in the Gazette of India after due
deliberations. In the background of the above, the item is treated
as closed.
9. Recruitment in the
cadre of erstwhile Group D upgraded as Multi Skilled Employees in the Department
of Posts
In the background of Revised Rules of MTS it was agreed
to close the item.
10. Providing additional
hand to single handed offices due to decentralization of RD Work etc.
The staff side drew attention to the agreement reached in
an earlier meeting of the Departmental Council (JCM) in 2006 in the wake of
which a Sub Committee was constituted, which submitted its report in favour of
the proposal. In turn, it was explained to them that norms for the
work of decentralized schemes like RD/MIS have already been finalized and
further, redeployment was within the power of the CPMSG.
11. Implementation of
recommendations of the 5th CPC with regard to payment of cash
handling allowance to treasurers and Asst. Treasurers in Post Offices.
The Staff Side was informed that the proposal was taken
up with the Ministry of Finance in 2010 but it was not agreed to. However, it
was decided to once again take up the matter with the Ministry of Finance.
12. Payment of OSA and
other benefits to MMS staff on par with RMS Staff.
The proposal of the Staff Side was agreed to. Order in
this regard will be issued shortly.
13. Allot 19% Group B
vacancies for General line and permit all Group C officials in Postal, RMS,
Admn. And Postal A/Cs with minimum 20 years of service to appear in the exam by
dispensing with present reservation of posts to RMS & Admn. Staff.
It was agreed to constitute a Committee which will look
into the matter (other than Postal Accounts) and submit its report within 2
months.
14. ACP Scheme to wiremen
and electrical staff.
In the background of instructions issued by the
Department vide No. 2-13/2009/PCC dated 12.08.2012, it was agreed to
close the item.
15. Streamlining the work
of Cash Certificates and causing uniform work procedure.
The staff side was informed about the norms having been
issued on 26.04.2010, a copy of which was supplied.
16. Anomaly in the
preparation of PA gradation list. Date of confirmation should not be
taken now and d ate of appointment be taken for construing seniority. Fixing
seniority based on the date of confirmation in unconstitutional and
discriminatory and dropping of confirmation examination.
It was agreed
to refer the matter to the Committee constituted to consider item No.13.
17. Ensure speedy verification of caste.
It was agreed to reiterate the instructions of DOPT to
the Maharashtra Circle.
18. Merger of Despatch
Riders with the Drivers.
In the background of different rules of recruitment for
the post of Despatch Riders and Drivers, the proposal could not be agreed to.
19. Allowing lift
operators to sit for the LGO examination.
It was explained that it was a different category
altogether and thus it would not be possible to allow the Lift Operators to sit
for LGO examination.
Annexure -2
1.Non absorption of Lift
Operators
Referring to the case of 5 Lift operators working at
Howrah Post Office building, the Staff Side was informed that it appeared to be
a case of absorption of Casual Labourers and not Lift operators and therefore
it was agreed to drop the item.
2. Relaxation of
educational qualification in respect of widow applicant for compassionate
appointment.
The staff side was apprised of the position that prior to
implementation of the recommendations of 6th CPC, in case of
widows the provision to relax the educational qualification existed subject to
the condition that it would not adversely affect the work. The above
clause has been found missing in the 6th CPC recommendation
and, therefore, its continuance thereafter will be ascertained from the
Department of Personnel & Training.
3. Request for correct
identification of Speed Post Hubs.
The staff side was informed that selection of Speed Post
Hubs was done as part of Mail Network Optimisation Project after a
comprehensive study of the network and taking into account mail volume
Air/Rail/Road connectivity into account. In regard to Asansol, the
Chairperson explained her discussions with the CPMG West Bengal in which he was
asked to increase the mail business during the next 3 months and the position
will be reviewed thereafter. The point of Guntakal having better connectivity
then Kurnool this justifying its identity as hub was also mentioned by the
staff side. M B division will have this examined.
4. Request to issue
instructions to the Heads of Circles to follow the Directorate order in respect
of Speed Post Norms.
The instructions have already been issued and therefore
it was agreed to drop the item. A copy of the instructions will, however, be
made available to the staff side.
5. Request to extend the
Station Tenure to Senior Manager Cadre in MMS.
The proposal of the Staff Side that rotational transfers
should be done on time, was agreed to by the Chairperson.
6. Incentive structure for
handling UIDAI (Aadhar) cards to the PO staff.
The contention of the staff side was that Aadhar Cards
were being handed over to the Postmen for delivery along with other dak which
form part of their normal duties without considering their limitations in this
regard. Mention was also made about higher rate of incentive being
paid in Andhra Pradesh Circle with a request to follow it in other Circles.
It was clarified to the staff side
that there is a provision to ensure delivery of Aadhar Cards within 15 days
from the date of booking and it was quite a relaxed condition, in comparison to
other Speed Post articles. In the matter of payment of incentive,
the Chairperson agreed to reiterate the instructions in relation to Speed Post
articles (including Aadhar) of the Department to all Heads of Circles. Higher
incentive cannot be approved.
7. Reassessment of the
Role of the Office Supdts. Working in Circle Administrative offices including
the office of the DPLI and upgradation of them as the holder of Gazetted
Group-B posts.
It was not agreed to. The item may be closed.
8. Promotion of senior
most HSG-I in each regional office as office Supdt.
It was not agreed to. The item may
be closed.
9. Release the
Pension/DCRG of employees against whom minor penalty proceedings concluded
after retirement.
In the light of instructions having
been issued by the Department and reiterated vide letter dated 10.02.2012, it
was agreed to close the item.
10. Pay protection to
employees who seek transfer to a lower post under FR 15(a)/transfer under Rule
38.
It was agreed to have a relook into
the matter.
11. Construction of
Departmental Buildings for Postal Accounts Offices at Hyderabad, Trivandrum and
Patna.
The Staff side was informed that all the 3 projects will
be considered for construction during the 12th Plan period, subject
to availability of funds.
12. To fill up the time
scale Driver Post at MMS.
It was agreed to have a relook into the matter of filling
up of all residual vacancies of Drivers in the MMS.
13. Revival of Bandel and
Barasat RMS in West Bengal Circle.
The staff side contented that the closure of these
offices was against the agreement reached with them and requested for their
revival. The staff side was explained that in view of the networking exercise, L1
and L2 has to be followed and therefore this item become
irrelevant. It was further clarified that in the wake of networking
exercise, number of mail offices with less than 10,000 mails are being allowed
to continue. In the light of the above discussions, the item is
treated as closed.
14. Problem arisen
subsequent on centralization of Tax related work at HO in S.B.Branch.
The staff side was apprised that TDS is a mandatory
income tax requirement and is part of the statutory requirement when commission
is paid to agents. There is every possibility that the issues raised
by them will be sorted out by the new software. It was further
stated that in case the issue does not get resolved with the new Financial
Services software, this would be examined separately.
15. Posting of in charge
of BPC – regarding.
It was agreed to look into the
matter.
16. Request for
procurement and supply of scanner to HOs and SOs in Maharashtra Circle
effecting MSEDEL bills on e-payment.
The staff side was informed that the matter had been
discussed with the CPMG Maharashtra Circle and the possibilities were being
explored to split the existing Barcode of Maharashtra State
Electricity Board so that it comes within 12 digit Bar code
reader. It was also explained that the Department would not be in a position
to procure scanner so as to suit the requirement of different organizations, utilizing
the services of the Post Office. In the background of the above, the
item was closed.
17. Delivery/Remarks on
Speed Post articles pertaining to Pass Port - Clarifications sought
for.
After discussions, it was agreed to reiterate
the instructions of the Department to all concerned.
18. Irregularities in the
accounting procedure in Post Offices – case of Delhi Circle.
It was agreed to look into the matter.
19. Postal Assistant Direct
recruitment – compulsory education in regional language – regarding.
The staff side was informed that in the new recruitment
rules for PA/SA, the condition has been changed as regional language/Hindi.
After detailed discussions, it was agreed to close the item.
20. Reduction of tenure in
the Naxalite threat areas in Baster division, Chattisgarh circle.
The staff side was informed that the issue falls within
the purview of the Circle Office.
21. Holding of JAO
part II Examination – regarding.
It was informed to the staff side that the matter was
earlier taken up with the Ministry of Law & Justice and is now under
consideration in consultation with the Department of Personnel &
Training. It was also stated that in case of eligible candidates, the
examination may be conducted without much delay.
22. Arbitrary &
irregular Audit objection and recovery of licence fee from the officials
provided with rent free recommendation.
In the wake of instructions issued by the CPMG West
Bengal, it was agreed to drop the item.
23. Removal of age limit
for appearing in IPO exam.
After detailed discussions it was agreed to drop the
item.
24. Evolution of norms for
all duties performed my Multi tasking staff (erstwhile Group-D).
The staff side was informed that norms for all the duties
performed by MTS are being evolved.
25. Creation of justified
additional posts while implementing new system for delivery work and allowing
postmen to write correct remarks for non delivery.
The issue is under examination by the Postmen Committee,
under the Chairpersonship of CGM PLI.
26. Grant of uniform and
kit maintenance allowances.
The fact of the matter having been taken up with the
Department of Personnel & Training vide letter dated 02.02.2012 was brought
to the notice of the staff side.
27. Providing Security to
cash overseers.
The staff side was informed that the present cash limits
are not so high to provide for the security and further the Circle Heads would
be instructed to ensure adherence to the line limits by all concerned. It
was also agreed to examine the feasibility of raising line limits and to
provide security guards in the Post Offices located in highly sensitive
areas. The issue of utilizing services of the bank branches located
in the area will also be examined.
28. Incentive to Mail
overseers for procuring PRLI Business.
It was agreed to issue a clarification to the effect that
Mail Overseers are also eligible for incentives on par with other
departmental officials and depending upon the suitability, they can
be engaged for this work.
29. Weight and size limit
of express post parcels delivery of by Postmen.
It was agreed to reiterate the existing instructions on
the subject to all Heads of Circles.
30. To keep status quo in
the post of Departmental Stamp Vendor.
The staff side was informed that the issue is covered by
the standing instructions on utilization of surplus manpower and redeployment
of posts and therefore, the plea to maintain status quo cannot be
approved.
***
