MEMORANDUM SUBMITTED TO THE SECRETARY DEPARTMENT OF POSTS ON URGENT
ISSUES OF POSTMEN AND MTS STAFF
ALL INDIA POSTAL EMPOYEES UNION POSTMEN & MSE/GR. ‘D’
(NFPE)
NATIONAL UNION OF POSTAL
EMPLOYEES POSTMEN AND MTS (FNPO)
No Memo/Postmen JCA/2013 Dated
07th June 2013
MEMORANDUM SUBMITTED TO THE SECRETARY DEPARTMENT OF POSTS ON URGENT
ISSUES OF POSTMEN AND MTS STAFF
The
All India Postal Employees Union – Postman and MTS / Group ‘D’ and the National
Union of Postal Employees - Postman and MTS jointly submit this memorandum on
urgent issues of Postman and MTS staff on which our both organizations will
launch a series of nationwide Programme of Action to draw the attention of the
Postal Directorate for early settlement.
Postmen
Committee Recommendation not implemented.:-The P4 CHQs of both NFPE and FNPO have
come to the conclusion that despite the recommendations of the postmen related
issue committee; no orders on the following issues have been issued to
implement them
(a) Extraction
of data entry work from Postman:- Suitable instructions/Orders to all the Circle are to
be issued by 30th April 2012, nothing has been done so far. An early issue of orders are required to
implement them.
(b) Revision
of postmen Norms:-
Postmen norms issued by the Department are very old. The decision taken in the
committeeare not convincing. As such it
is suggested that formation of fresh Internal Work Study Unit with one/two
staff side member to review all work performed by postmen staff with door to
door measurement of beats was requested. Internal Work Study Unit for this job
is to be ordered by the Directorate as the same does not come under the
jurisdiction of the Committee.
(c) Change in
procedure for payment of Speed Post
delivery incentive.: At present the procedure for payment of incentive is
very lengthy. No body prepares bills. In case the bills are prepared they
remain under verification of PRI/SDI/ASP then goes to sanction to the
Divisional Head. After sanction of bills from Divisional Head to DDOs for
payment. Then bills are to be prepared DDOs for payment office wise. It is
suggested that module for payment of Speed Post Incentive in the computer soft
ware be installed and give powers of payment to the concerned postmaster on
weekly/ monthly. After payment the concerned vouchers be sent to the DDOs for
accounting purpose.
(d)
Combination of beat: Combination
of beats: It was decided in the above meeting that limit of combination of beat
in the post office having 4+strength will be
removed since it adversely affects the delivery efficiency. But orders
on this item are yet to be issued by the Directorate. This need to be done at
the earliest.
(e) Delivery
of Heavy parcels and EPP articles:-It
was pointed out by the staff side that
Postman face difficulty in delivery of registered parcels weighing more than 5
Kgs each and EPP articles of which the maximum weight of 35Kgms, per articles
has been fixed. It was highlighted that
either some reasonable rate and mode of conveyance for delivery EPP articles
should be fixed or the rates of coolie charges fixed in the past should be
revised for efficient delivery of registered parcel. It was decided that the Directorate will
consider reiterating the instructions on coolie charges to all the Circles so
that the delivery of heavy parcels is not adversely affected. Whether coolie
charges pertaining to heavy parcels have been enhanced due to high prices. As
regards EPP parcels, whether mode of conveyance with rate of each mode have
been decided by the Directorate.
(f)
Corrigendum on density of population:-The
staff side drew attention of the committee to note of Sl. 8 in the Directorate
letter No 9-1/2005-WSl/PE l dated 5.2.2010 which stipulates that area having a
density of population 2500 per Sq. KM may be taken as congested area “and
pointed out that the same has incorrectly been printed as it should refer to
2500 per sq. Mile instead of 2500 sq meter. They quoted a clarification
received from PTC, Mysore
which has cited Directorate letter dated 19.02.76 indicating establishment
norms for Postmen and defining congested area or having a density of population
of 2500 per sq. Mile. After discussion it was agreed that Directorate would
examine and issue suitable amendment /corrigendum to the Note 8 of the revised
norms of postmen establishment.
(g) Creating
of justified additional posts:-In
this connection while implementing the system for delivery work and allowing
postmen to write correct remarks for non-delivery The staff side drew attention
to item No 25 minutes of the last JCM meeting issued on 1.3.2012 wherein it is
mentioned that the issue is under examination by the Postman Committee being
chaired by CGM (PLI). After discussion, the view emerged that this item is not
part of Committee’s mandate and the issue pertains to creation/ re-deployment
of Posts which is basically a policy issue. However, the staff side mentioned
that Postmen were not able to write correct remarks for non delivery of article
due to heavy work in the project Arrow Offices, it was therefore decided that
the experience gathered after implementation of project Arrow in various Post
Offices could be examined. Result on examination has not been communicated so
far in this regard.
2. Cadre
Restructuring of Postman and MTS:-The first and foremost issue on which a bias against the
Postman is clearly visible is that of cadre restructuring for this cadre. The
Department though conceded to form a Cadre Restructuring Committee during the
strike negotiations with the Postal Joint Council of Action had issued orders
omitting the cadre of Postman and MTS from the ambit of cadre restructuring.
This shows the mind-set of the Department on the important issue of cadre
restructuring of Postman and MTS cadre. The stand of the Postal Directorate was
against the direction of the Official Side in the National Anomaly Committee
that every department shall go into the issue of cadre restructuring for
boosting the promotional avenues of employees rather than depending too much on
the MACP Scheme for that purpose. It is a known fact that the cadre of Postman
and MTS have no in-situ promotion in their cadre except the promotion to the
cadre of Postal Assistant through a competitive examination. Every other cadre
other than the cadres of Postman and MTS have their own hierarchical promotions
in their own cadre and this discrimination cannot be ended without a proper
cadre restructuring in place for the Postman and MTS cadre. Even the flimsy
promotion for the cadre of Postman earlier to the introduction of TBOP/BCR like
Head Postman, Sorting Postman etc have disappeared from the scene and as on
date no promotion in the cadre is available to both these cadres. Unfortunately
the Department of Posts not only not in a position to appreciate our contention
as well as the proposal for cadre restructuring based on percentage basis as available
to all cadres in the Department of Railways but not inclined to consider any
cadre restructuring proposal to these cadres. The absence of any promotion to
them in their own cadre leaves them totally frustrated and takes away any
incentive to perform better to the services. This has to be properly
appreciated and attended to by the Postal Directorate in the absence of Cadre
Restructuring Committee failed to find out any alternate proposals to our
proposal based on percentage.
3. Door to Door Scientific Measurement of Beats:- (A) At present the door to door beat
measurement system adopted by the department is not not only unsatisfactory but
also incorrect one as neither scientific device like foot meter nor cyclo meter
is used to assess the actual length of beat. The measurement of beats is
generally done while sitting on the table by guess work only.. Moreover the workload of mail delivery and
number of houses to be visited during duty of eight hours has no where been
laid down causing extreme harassment to postmen staff. It is demanded that the
number of houses to be visited and number of articles to be delivered should be
laid down in the interest of delivery efficiency and rationalization of
workload of postmen staff as well.
The
Directorate ordered for rationalizing of Postman beats after hearing our
complaints that Postman beats are constructed unscientifically with long
distances humanly impossible to cover on a day. Many examples like more than 70
kilometres beats were brought to the notice of the Postman Committee to
substantiate our complaints. Based on the discussions the Directorate agreed to
issue orders for measuring the beats and rationalizing them appropriately.
Unfortunately the CHQs of our Unions are receiving complaints from our Circles
that re-measuring of beats is being done most unscientifically without using
either the cyclo-meters or foot-meters but applying their imaginary
calculations. This has complicated the problem more and there is widespread
resentment among the Postman staff. Both our Unions urge upon you to issue
strict instructions to measure all Postman beats only by using cyclo-meters or
foot-meters for the purpose of rationalizing the beats.
(B) To fix the meeting of
Committee for Modification in Order No. 31-38/79-PE-I dt. 22-5-1979:-The Committee Constituted for
examination of Modification in Departmental Order No. 31-38/79-PE-I dt.
23-5-1979 in R/O footwork of the Postman from door to door walk in R/O Item DO
4 of Periodical Meeting held on 29-11-2012 and Departmental Council Meeting on
28-12-2012.
4. Revision of
Syllabus to Departmental Exams Modification:- (A)
As narrated in the earlier paragraph the only avenue open to the cadre
of Postman / MTS for higher promotion is that Postal Assistants through
competitive examinations. The Department opted for revision of syllabus and
pattern of examinations and the Staff Side too agreed to it. It was told to us
that the revision of syllabus and pattern of examinations would go a long way
to help more candidates get through the examination to avoid many vacancies go
unfilled after every examination. It took a long time for finalising the
syllabus and new method of examination introduced for LGO exam. However it is
found that contrary to what was told by the Department the examinations of LGOs
as well as the examinations from GDS to Postman and MTS have become so tuff
that it has become extremely difficult to answer many questions. Many questions are of such a standard that
even IPS Officers may not be able to answer easily. This has led to a situation
wherein the candidates could not get through these examinations and a large
number of vacancies remain unfilled after the examinations. Both of our unions
urge upon you to set up a high level committee of Officers with Staff Side
Members in it to review the whole syllabus for suitably modifying it.
(B) Request to conduct special examination for
recruitment to the Postman & MTS cadres for the years 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012
: To avoid recurring vacancies due to leaving of qualified employees of
high standard in the background of
submission made above, it is requested that - 1. To fill up the vacancies
for the years 2009 to 2013 in the Postman and MTS cadre a special
examination only for GDS/MTS employees may be conducted. 2. The question
paper may be set on the basis of practical and relevant work routinely done
by the regular MTS and Postman employees. 3. The work of setting
question paper may be got done by a promotee officer who ishaving
practical knowledge of the nature of work being done by the MTS and Postman
employees.
(C)
Filling up vacant posts with Residual
vacancies:- All
vacant post of Postmen & Group D/MTS should be filled in within 30th
June 2013 as directed by irectorate. There is no chance to fill up vacant posts
in due time as no notification has been issued in many circles like A.P. and Assam Circle
etc.
5. Improving
the Quality of Uniforms and timely supply of all kit items:-The Postman and MTS are called the
uniformed staff in the Department of Posts. Unfortunately these cadres who are
actually moving among the members of public pose a poor picture to the image of
the Department because of the inferior quality of the uniform cloth. Despite
the agreement with the All India Unions by the Department that facilitated
inclusion of staff side member from the Unions in the purchase committee of
uniform cloth to ensure purchase of better quality of cloth,, the problem
persists. This cannot be sorted out unless the cost price permitted by the DOPT
is enhanced on the face of escalating prices of all commodities including the
textiles. The cost price permitted by the DOPT cannot ensure better quality
uniform cloth from the market. Added to this are the violations here and there
in Circles where the Administration is not sincerely ensuring inclusion of
staff side members in the purchase committee and no protection against ensuring
supply of the selected quality of cloth only to the staff. These have to be
addressed immediately.
6. Stop
Unscientific Measurement of Postmen Beats:
The
Directorate ordered for rationalizing of Postman beats after hearing our
complaints that Postman beats are constructed unscientifically with long
distances humanly impossible to cover on a day. Many examples like more than 70
Kilometres beats were brought to the notice of the Postman Committee to
substantiate our complaints. Based on the discussions the Directorate agreed to
issue orders for measuring the beats and rationalising them appropriately.
Unfortunately the CHQs of our Unions are receiving complaints from our Circles
that re-measuring of beats is being done most unscientifically without using
either the cyclo-meters or foot-meters but applying their imaginary
calculations. This has complicated the problem more and there is widespread resentment
among the Postman staff. Both our Unions urge upon you to issue strict
instructions to measure all Postman beats only by using cyclo-meters or
foot-meters for the purpose of rationalizing the beats.
7. Cycle
Maintenance Allowance to MTS:-The Cycle Maintenance Allowance is paid to all Postman
staff without any conditions whereas the MTS Staff who are engaged in letter
box clearing or other outside office work
excluded from the ambit of CMA. This is unjustified. The MTS Staff also
are to be paid CMA without any conditions as like Postman staff. Both our
Unions urge upon you to issue necessary orders to pay CMA to all MTS without
any conditions.
(a) Revision of Fixed Monetary Compensation (FMC):-This has reference to your
office letter No 10-7/2003.P.E.II dated
24th Nov 2010 wherein existing rate on
revision has been enhanced for each category except Multi Tasking staff
whose rate of remuneration has been reduced @
Rs 60/- per holiday for 4 hours whereas MTS staff was getting @ Rs 63.45 per holiday for 3 hrs on
hourly basis @ Rs 21.15 per hour. Protracted correspondence made proved in
fructuous. This need to be reviewed for proper justice to the MTS staff.
8. Abolition of Nodal Delivery Centers at all metro cities:-All Nodal delivery centers should be
abolished throughout the Country immediately to avoid complication in
day-to-day delivery system. (Example–West Bengal Circle,
Karnataka Circle, Bangalore, Maharashtra Circle Mumbai GPO).
9. To Stop
harassment:-The postman staff being tortured for 100% delivery and in
various cases by asking them to work beyond duty hours and many other ways
harassment is there it must be stopped.
10.
Promotional posts of Postmen Cadre: The posts of
Mail Overseer, Cash Overseer, Head Postman and Sorting Postman should be
considered as promotional posts for Postmen cadre and an additional increment
or some allowance should be granted for performance duties on such posts.
Seniority criteria of postmen should be taken in view while deploying on these
posts.
Programme of Action:-The AIPEU Postman and MTS / Group ‘D’
and the NUPE Postman and MTS both while urge upon you for a speedy redressal of
the above urgent issues, have decided to focus attention on all these issues by
launching unitedly a nationwide Programme of Action as follows,
1.Work Spot Demonstrations:- during lunch hour or evening hours in
all divisions to highlight the sectional demands of the P4 from 20th to 22nd
June, 2013.
2. Day long Mass Dharna in front of Divisional Offices on
28th June, 2013.
3.Mass Hunger Fast in front of Regional Offices and
Chief PMG Offices on 9th July, 2013.
4. Delivery of Mail wearing
Half Pant & Vest (Male PM) and without uniform by Female Postmen:- Postmen (Male) and Postmen (Female)
will deliver mail on 23rd and 24th July 2013 by wearing Half Pant and Vest
(Male Postmen) and without wearing uniform in case of female postmen to protest
against substandard and irregular supply of uniform and other kit items.
5,Mass Hunger Fast in front of Dak
Bhawan:- including
all CWC Members and submission of Strike Notice to the Secretary Department of
Posts on 17th August 2013.
6. Indefinite
Strike from 16th September, 2013:-Both
our Unions are still confident that the Secretary Department of Posts would
intervene personally to restore normalcy and tranquillity at the earliest by
causing orders for the redressal of the burning issues of Postmen and MTS.
Thanking
you,
Yours faithfully,
[T.N.Rahate] [Ishwar Singh Dabas]
General Secretary General
Secretary
NUPE P4 AIPEU P4
