FLASH NEWS

ARTICLE 11 (i)-MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTION SHALL BE Rs.60/- P.M. NFPE-RS.-4/-, CHQ RS. 12/-, CIRCLE RS.16/-, DIVISION/BRANCH RS.28/- PER MEMBER FROM JANUARY-2019

Friday, March 30, 2012


POSTMEN /MAILGUARD & MTS EXAMINATION POSTPONED
DIRECTORATE HAS ISSUED ORDERS FOR POSTPONEMENT OF POSTMAN / MAIL GUARD EXAMINATION AND DIRECT RECRUITMENT EXAMINATION FOR MULTI TASKING STAFF (MTS) SCHEDULED TO BE HELD ON 20.05.2012 INDEFINITELY, SINCE THE RECRUITMENT RULES FOR THE POSTS OF POSTMAN/MAIL GUARD AND MULTI TASKING STAFF ARE UNDER REVISION. {CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS}

Monday, March 26, 2012


CABINET APPROVES 7% HIKE IN DEARNESS ALLOWANCE.
            UNION CABINET HAS APPROVED 7% HIKE IN DEARNESS ALLOWANCE TO CG EMPLOYEES AND PENSIONERS
            UNION CABINET APPROVED A PROPOSAL TO HIKE ADDITIONAL DEARNESSALLOWANCE BY 7% FOR CENTRAL STAFF AND CENTRAL PENSIONERS...
            THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT ON FRIDAY APPROVED A SEVEN PER CENT HIKE IN DEARNESS ALLOWANCE TO CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AND PENSIONERS, THIS HIKE IS TO BE EFFECTIVE RETROSPECTIVELY FROM JAN 2012.
            THE DEARNESS ALLOWANCE AND DEARNESS RELIEF FOR CENTRAL GOVERNMENT SERVING EMPLOYEES AND PENSIONERS WILL INCREASE FROM 58% PER CENT OF BASIC EMOLUMENTS TO 65% PER CENT WITH EFFECT FROM 1.1.2012.
News Courtesy: Central Government News.

INCENTIVE TO MAILOVERSEERS FOR PROCURING RPLI BUSINESS.


DIRECTORATE OF POSTAL LIFE INSURANCE
Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications &
Information Technology, Government of India
Chanakyapuri Post Office Complex,
New Delhi -110 021.

No.30-1/2010-LI                                       Dated : 21-02-2012.

To

            Ms. Karuna Pillai,
            Chief Postmaster-General,
            Andhra Pradesh Circle,
            Hyderabad-500 001.

Madam,

            This is regarding clarification on the following item proposed for discussion in the JCM.

Item : Incentive to Mailoverseers for procuring RPLI Business.

            Clarification : Rule 5(22) of Post Office Insurance Rules, 2011 defines that “marketing staff” is an official or person who is authorized by the Postmaster-General or Head of Division to procure Postal Lie Insurance and Rural Postal Life Insurance business.  The marketing staff includes IPOs, ASPOs, ASRMs, Ex.DO(PLI), PRI(P), Postmasters, Selected Postal Assistant, Postman, Retired GDS BPM, DO(PLI), Field Officer(PLI), SRM (Rural S.O), GDS staff and also includes Direct Agents such as Anganwadi worker, Mahila Mandal worker, Ex-Serviceman, Retired school teacher, SHGs, Gram Pradhkan & Member Gram Panchayat and any other official/persons as considered suitable by the Head of Postal Division.  As such, if Mailoverseer is engaged- depending upon suitability in procuring RPLI business/policies, he also entitled for incentive as par with other Departmental officials.
      Sd/-
     (R. Santhakumar)
   Dy.Divisinal Manager.

Thursday, March 22, 2012


EXPANSION OF POSTAL AND TELECOM CIRCLES
          There is no proposal for expansion of Postal Circles. However, modernization of Post Offices in all Postal Circles is underway.
        The Government has initiated a project called “Project Arrow” for modernization of Postal Circles across the country. The project envisages upgradation of post offices in urban and rural areas both in terms of upgrading and enhancing the quality of service in ‘core areas’ and improving their ‘look and feel’. The project aims at creating a conducive and friendly work environment both for the staff and the customers visiting the Post Offices, providing connectivity, and improving the service quality levels in the core business areas. 
        The Government has also approved a proposal for IT modernization of all Post Offices of Department of Posts. 
       During 2011-12, for computerization of Post Offices, an amount of Rs.90.39 crores approximately was spent. For Project Arrow, during 2012-13, an outlay of Rs.84.00 crores has been earmarked to cover 500 post offices throughout the country.

       The Government has approved the Modernization Project for a total plan out lay of Rs.1877.2 crores. The Modernization Project of the Department of Posts includes computerization of all the non-computerised Post Offices in the country including supply of Rural ICT Hardware devices and peripherals in the Branch Post Offices in the Rural Areas, development of scalable, integrated and modular software covering all the operations of Department of Posts and establishment of required IT infrastructure. The implementation of this Project has been proposed through eight RFPs. The functional RFPs are at various stages of finalization. The rollout of the Project is expected to be completed by 2014. Thereafter, Circle-wise allocation will be made
       As regards Telecom Circles, the information is being collected and will be presented immediately on being made available by Department of Telecommunications.

      This information was given in Lok Sabha today by Shri Sachin Pilot, the Minister of State, Communication and Information Technology in response to a question. 
                                                                  ******
BK/AT
(Release ID :81417)(PIB)


EXPANSION OF POSTAL SERVICES
            The Government has formulated comprehensive working plan for the development, expansion and modernization of postal services. Under this, major activities , as laid out in XII Five Year Plan, include opening of branch Post Offices, setting up of Automatic Mail Processing Centers, development and deployment of Rural ICT solution, deployment of Core Banking, increasing insurance cover, establishment of Parcel and Logistics Post Hubs, up gradation of Speed Post Centers, Human Resource Training to Personnel, construction of Post offices/administrative offices, installation of Solar Power Packs and setting up of Postal Training Centers.

            The proposed financial allocation for the XII Five Year Plan, in this regard is Rs. 12,000 crore. As for setting up of Speed Post Centres, the erstwhile Centres have been reconstructed in the form of Speed Post Sorting Hubs for operational purposes. Sorting hubs have been set up taking into account the following factors:-

(i)         Speed Post Mail handled by a city/town
(ii)        Connectivity of city/town in terms of air, rail and road.
(iii)       Distance of a city proposed for sorting hub from post offices and other hubs; and
(iv)       Mail generations potential of the city/town under consideration.

            No new Speed Post Sorting Hubs are proposed for opening in the next two years. The total number of complaints received for speed post articles in 2011 are 1,48,381 out of which 67,420 were for late delivery and 80,961 for non-delivery.            A mechanism has been set up in the Department of Posts for prompt disposal of complaints through Customer Care Centre in all Postal Divisions. Instructions are issued to Divisions for cent-percent handling and settlement of web-based complaints. While specific instances are resolved individually, system defects that come to notice are rectified to avoid recurrence of such instances.

            This information was given in Lok Sabha today by Shri Sachin Pilot, the Minister of State, Communication and Information Technology in response to a question.
******
BK/AT
(Release ID :81431)(PIB)

Tuesday, March 20, 2012


MINISTRY OF FINANCE ISSUED ORDERS ON ANOMALY OVER INCREMENT BETWEEN FEBRUARY AND JUNE 2006

MINISTRY OF FINANCE ISSUED ORDERS GRANTING ONE TIME MEASURE INCREMENT ON 1.1.2006 FOR  ALL OFFICIALS WHOSE INCREMENT FELL DUE BETWEEN FEBRUARY AND JUNE 2006
 
 
JCM STANDING COMMITTEE MEETING HAD EARLIER DECIDED TO CONSIDER GRANT OF THE ABOVE INCREMENT AND ACCORDINGLY THE GOVERNMENT HAS NOW ISSUED ORDERS
 
ALL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AS ON DUTY ON 1.1.2006 AND WHOSE DATE OF INCREMENT WAS BETWEEN FEBRUARY AND JUNE WOULD BE NOW GIVEN AN INCREMENT IN THE PRE-REVISED SCALE OF PAY AS 'ONE TIME MEASURE' AND THEN AGAIN ANOTHER INCREMENT ON 1.7.2006.
 
ALL SUCH OFFICIALS WHOSE PAY WILL BE REFIXED W.E.F. 1.1.2006 SHOULD GET ARREARS AND OFFICIALS WHO RETIRED AFTER 1.1.2006 WILL GET THEIR PENSION UPWARDLY REVISED WITH ALL CONSEQUENTIAL RETIREMENT BENEFITS.
 
THE ORDERS OF THE MOF IS AVAILABLE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE WEBSITE OR YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THIS BY CLICKING ON THE LINK BELOW:
 

Tuesday, March 6, 2012


NFPE
ALL INDIA POSTAL EMPLOYEES UNION POSTMEN, MSE/GROUP ‘D’
(CENTRAL HEAD QURTERS, NEW DELHI)
JOINT STRUGGLES - NEGOTIATION – SETTLEMENTS
WE ARE MARCHING AHEAD

During 2010, 2011 and 2012 we have mobilized the entire postal workers under banner of JCA for indefinite strike and the Department was compelled to negotiate with us to avoid the indefinite strikes. Through continuous struggles, mobilization, negotiations and settlement, the postmen union has been able to settle many long pending issues. On other issues also favourable decision has been arrived at and orders are expected to be issued soon.
For the first time in the history of Department was compelled to constitute a DDG level committee with staff side representatives, to examine the issues relating to postmen/MTS and to take final decision. JCM Departmental council was revived and most of our issues are discussed in that forum also. During the discussion on strike charter of demands also many of our issues were discussed. The final outcome of the continuous effort made jointly by the Postal JCA, in respect of the postmen, MTS and Group ‘D’ demands are furnished below.
1. During the 2010 July strike discussion the Department agreed to fill up all the vacant posts of Postmen and MTS for the year 2009 and 2010 and also thereafter/Backlog unfilled posts, if any, are also agreed to be filled up (other than screening Committee abolished posts). Accordingly Directorate has given instructions to all Chief PMGs to conduct Postmen examination in all circles to fill up vacancies upto the year 2010 December. Orders for filling up of MTS vacancies was also issued Thus about 12000 vacant postmen posts were filled up by promoting eligible GDS employees and about 4000 MTS posts are also filled up by GDS promotion. Never before such mass-scale promotion of GDS has taken place.
2. Departmental issues New Recruitment Rules for filling up postmen and MTS posts from 2011 onwards. We have objected the 25% outside recruitment in Postmen cadre. Department finally agreed to modify the postmen Recruitment Rules to avoid 25% outside recruitment in the postmen cadre. Revised recruitment Rules of Postmen and MTS will be issued within one month and immediate action will be taken to fill up all the vacant posts of postmen and MTS for the year 2011 and 2012.
3. Department issued orders abolishing all sorting postmen posts. During the 2011 July strike discussion the Department was compelled to cancel that order and revised orders restoring the nomenclature of sorting postmen and also restoring all the abolishing/Sorting Postmen posts were issued. This is one of the greatest achievement of joint struggle.
4. Department agreed to issue instructions to all Chief PMG to fill up all vacant posts of sorting Postmen (after reviving the abolished posts) and also mail overseer, cash overseer and Head Postmen Posts. Member (personnel), Postal Services Board, will be writing D.O. letter to all Chief PMGs this month itself.
5. Regarding uniforms, Chappals, umbrellas etc our demand for cash payment is not agreed as it is a Govt. of India decision applicable to other departments of Central Government also Postal Board alone cannot take a decision in this regard. However our demands to ensure supply of good quality uniforms and kit items is agreed and Postal Board has already issued instructions to all chief PMGs in this regard. Instructions are also issues that before selection the uniforms and other/kit items union representation should also be involved in the process and those items selected by the union representative may be supplied.
6. Our long pending demand of grant of full TA and DA to mail overseer instead of Night Halt Allowance (NHA) was finally agreed by the department and orders already issued. Again this is a great achievement. This item was pending for the last more than 20 years.
7. Removal of the distance conditions for grant of cycle maintenance allowance was also agreed and orders issued. This was also a long pending item.
8. Regarding creation of more promotional avenues for Postmen and MTs, it was assured that this item will be discussed in the cadre Restructuring committee. The proposal of the cadre restructuring committee will be finalized before April 2012. We will make maximum efforts to get more promotional posts for postmen and MTS through our negotiation in the cadre restructuring committee.

9. Regarding extraction of data entry work from postmen staff department has agreed to provide time factor for this work equal to the time factor now being given to Postal Assistants. As some postmen find it difficult to make computer data entry, it is also agreed to impart necessary computer framing to the postmen. As knowledge in computer will be an additional qualification for getting better pay scale for postmen in future, we are not totally opposing the data entry work.
10. Regarding irregular computation of norms and working hours of postmen working in field units, the department has agreed the following points.
(a) Higher time factor will be provided for delivery of unregistered articles in multi-storied buildings where separate post boxes are not provided in the grounds floor.
(b) For person-specific speed post articles, the norms provided for registered article will be provided.
(c) Time factor provided for travelling distance by foot and by bicycle in the hilly and mountainous terrains of less congested areas needs to be relaxed in view of the extra physical effort and time involved in covering such areas. Department agreed to consider this aspect and to issue orders early.
(d) The staff side pointed out that as per the original order issued by the Department in the year 1975, area having a density of population of 2500 per Sq. Miles or 1000 per Sq. Kilometer may be taken as congested area. But in the subsequent orders it is wrongly shown as 2500 per Sq. Kilometers staff side produced a letter received from postal Training centre Mysore under RTI, confirming the argument of the staff side. Finally Department agreed to re-examine the whole case and agreed to correct the mistake committed, if the above mistake  is corrected then an area having a density of 1000 per Sq. Kilometer will be treated as congested area instead of 2500. At present the time factor given for congested and less congested area is as follows.

Distance travelled                  Congested areas                    Less congested
By foot                                                19 mts. Per Km.          12 Mts. Per Km.
By Bi-cycle                             10 mts. Per Km.                      06 Mts per Km.
There will be justification for more number of postmen posts in congested areas when the above mistake is corrected by the department.

11. Regarding timely payment of incentive to Postmen for delivery of speed post articles it is agreed to issue suitable instructions to all Chief PMG to the effect that all payments of speed post delivery incentive bills pertaining to postmen must be cleared by 31.03.2012.

12. Regarding the question of unjustified beat length of postmen in many circles, it is agreed to issue instructions to all chief PMGs. To examine all such cases at circle/Divisional level and remedial measures should be taken staff side has give the examples of many circles in writing.

13. After detailed discussion it was agreed that combination of beats should be resorted to only by exception as it adversely impacts the delivery efficiency. Instructions in this regard will be issued by the Directorate.

14. It was pointed out during discussion that Postmen face difficulty in delivery of registered parcels weighing more than 5 Kgms each and EPP articles for which the maximum weight of 35 Kgms per articles has been fixed. It was highlighted that either some reasonable rate and mode of conveyance for delivering EPP articles should be fixed or the rate of mazdoor charges fixed in the past should be revised for efficient delivery of registered parcels. It was agreed to issue necessary instructions to all chief PMGs in this regard.

15. As per the new postmen Recruitment rules there is 25% seniority quota for MTS. MTS are compelled to accept the seniority promotion. If they declined they are not granted MACP promotion in the MTS cadre. After detailed discussion department agreed to issue clarification that before issues seniority quota promotion, willingness from the eligible MTS should be obtained so that the question of declining will not come.

16. The following items are also discussed but decisions pending and we are pursuing the cases
(a) filling up of all LR posts – we demanded that instructions should be issued to all circles to fill up eligible percentage of LR posts. Member (P) informed that instructions already exist in this regard and chief PMGs can take action to fill up LR posts.
(b) Restoration of double beat systems in metro cities.
(c) OTA for excess work for more than 8 hours for postmen
(d) Higher incentive for delivery of Adhar cards.
(e) Keep all measures of abolition/reduction of Postmen posts based on the old standards until the revised standard as agreed in the postmen committee are finalized.
(f) Providing time factor for many left out items – List of the left out items already submitted to the department.
(h) Reintroduce the “enquiry” remark and “further enquiry” remark to facilitate postmen elucidate proper addressees before affecting delivery or returns of articles as undelivered. Time factor may be provided for this job. Remarks of the postmen written on the undelivered articles may be accepted instead of compelling them to write only remarks framed by department. Postmen should not be sent out for the delivery of same article for so many times on the same day of remarks given.
Comrades
We shall take follow up action in all the above cases and shall try our level best to settle all our genuine demands. We will not hesitate to organize agitational programmes if the departmental fails to implement the assurances given in a time bound manner or if any abnormal delay take place in issuing orders on agreed items.
Let us move onward and forward unitedly. We will not rest, until all our justified demands are settled.
MACP RELATED ISSUES                                                            
Regarding MACP our main demand is that the promotion earned through/passing the limited competitive examinations should not be adjusted towards MACP promotion. The MACP orders are issued by the Government of India, Department of Personnel & Training. MACP rules are applicable to all Central Government departments. Any change it the existing MACP rules can be made by the Government of India, DOP&T, only. Postal Board has not powers to modify the MACP orders. Hence we have taken up the above case with the Department of Personnel & Training (Government of India) through confederation of Central Government Employees and workers. A decision at the Government level is required as the employees of the other Ministries/Departments are also facing the same problem. However we are continuing our efforts to settle the above case also.

Yours fraternally

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Office Order National Federation of Postal Employees


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.
***