WFTU - Trade Union International XI Congress Commences in Brazil

XI WORLD CONGRESS OF TRADE UNION INTERNATIONAL of Public & Allied Employees affiliated to WFTU [World Federation of Trade Unions] commenced in BRASILIA the Capital City of BRAZIL on 28th June 2009.

150 DELEGATES REPRESENTING MORE THAN 30 COUNTRIES PARTICIPATING IN THE WORLD CONGRESS

CONFEDERATION OF CG EMPLOYEES REPRESENTED BY COMRADES K.K.N.KUTTY SECRETARY GENERAL AND K.RAGAVENDRAN SECRETARY GENERAL OF NFPE

Dear Comrades! - The 11th World Congress of TUI Public & Allied employees has opened in the capital city of Brazil on 28th June 2009. 150 Delegates from more than 30 countries attended the Congress. The WFTU leader inaugurated the Congress.

Four Major Trade Union Centres of Public & Allied Employees organisations of Brazil have come forward to unitedly host the Congress in Brasilia and the inaugural session of the Congress had a Presidium Panel consisting of the TUI President and leaders of these four organisations.

The Congress inaugural session had the flavour and fervour of recent revolutionary changed undergoing by several countries of Latin America. The Congress is a befitting reply from the employees organisations of Public Services to the challenges thrown on us by the neo-liberal policies as well as the recent international economic crisis unleashed on the people.

The General Secretary of TUI Comrade Sukomal Sen had presented his Congress Report covering all details of recent economic turmoil and its impact on the employees and the future task of building a stronger TUI in order to defend the rights and privileges of Public & Allied employees.

The Delegates from all countries have started to deliberate on the Report of the General Secretary. The debate will continue today and tomorrow. A comprehensive Resolution on future Action Plan is expected to be adopted by the Congress on 30th June 2009 besides electing a new set of office bearers to the TUI.

Our Delegation from the Confederation of CG Employees will place the situation in India about the impact of neo-liberal policies on Central Government Employees today in the Congress.

UNI - Apro SEMINARS IN THAILAND

Union Network International - Asia Pacific Regional Organisation sponsored Internal Seminars

UNI - Apro sponsored International Seminars were organised in Thailand and Comrade K.V.Sridharan General Secretary AIPEU Group 'C' has attended on behalf of NFPE. Consequent on our decision to join UNI-Apro as an affiliate, relations are being strengthened between our Federation and the UNI. The experiences of Comrade KVS on his participating in these Seminars in Thailand are well explained by him through his write up as follows:

P-3 GENERAL SECRETARY’S PARTICIPATION IN UNI APRO SEMINARS

The General Secretary Com. K. V. Sridharan has attended the Union Network International – Asia Pacific Regional Organization (UNI – APRO) sponsored seminars on Posts & logistics held at Bangkok and Ayottaya as a representative of NFPE on the invitation. The Seminars were held at Bangkok on 08.06.09 & 09.06.09 and at Ayottaya from 10.06.09 to 11.06.09. The delegates from India, Indonesia, Korea, Singapore, Nepal, Phillipines, Vietnam. Srilanka and Vietnam. The members of the UNI Secretariat, Japan also participated.

On 08.06.09, the Joint Seminar organized by UNI APRO Post & Logistics & Appear began with the inaugural address of Mr. Somchai Reopanichkul Director, APPU Bureau who dealt elaborately about the international Dimension of Post and the need for better understanding between the manager of Postal Services with the Trade Union representatives. Mr. Chandrasekear, Director of India Post on deputation at APPC which in the training centre for Postal Managers under APPU has dealt the subject of Changing Scenario of Postal business and the ‘Business Excellence, In the after noon he explained about the mail parcel & logistics management.

There was a group discussions of participants alongwith the Managers, IT personnel of various countries deputed to APP college for training etc on the subject of how to make the Post profitable under the Economic crisis. It lasted for two hours and Mr. Chandra & Mr. Wasim, Lecturers of APPU College hold the discussions and made the Seminar as useful and purposeful.

The Participants of the Seminar visited the Laksi Mail Centre Bangkok in the evening to know about their Sorting and the logistic services.

On 09.06.09, Mr. Lim, Profesional Experts on Postal Services has dealt about the reforms in Korea Post. Thereafter Mr. Wasim, lecturer of APPC covered both the topics of operational Excellence & Human resource management elaborately which was very useful to know about the services of various countries in the region. The details collected during group discussions, interactions, with the participants are furnished in this issue for the academic interest of all.

On 10.06.09, the participants moved to Ayotthaya, the former capital of Thailand and around 70 Kms away from Bangkok to take part in the UNI Apro Posts & Logistics/SEWU – THP Joint seminar which was also sponsored by UNI Japan Post. Morethan 25 Union members of SEWU- THP and UNI – TLC officials participated the Seminar. The debates on ‘Economic Crisis and Labour Movement in Thailand and the lecture of Prof. Lac Dilokvidhyarat, Faculty of Economis. Chulalangkorn University of Thailand was note worthy. In the after noon Br. Rah Joon-hwan, Coordinator for sector & Research Activities. UNI APRO has delat the topic of ‘Economic Crisis impact on UNI affiliates and Postal Business in Asean.

Thereafter, the participants were divided in to regional groups (Assam, East Asia, South Asia & Thailand) and discussed to make presentations on ‘What the impacts of Economic crisis on Post & Logistic services & How can post & Logistics services tackle with the Economic crisis) on behalf of India, Nepal & Sri Lanka forming the South Asian Contingent, General Secretary Com. K. V. Sridharan made the presentation.

On 11.06.2009 morning the Representation of Thailand Post explained about the improvement on Postal logistic Services and its three fold expansion within six years. Interactions revealed many facts about the Thailand Posts.

In the afternoon, the representatives were presented their group discussions on the topic and it was the unique experience to present our strong views to keep the Postal as Government Service in the midst of many advocates of privatization, corporatization policies.

The General Secretary made a powerful presentation about our organizational status in the India Post. Challenges, the impact of globalization of Indian working class, our future plans etc. the adverse impact of globalization could be very well seen in the Postal services adopting its policies

On 11.06.09, Broter Eiichi, ITO Directorate of UNI Apro Post & logistics participated in the farewell dinner and exchanged the views of the UNI with all participants on all issues. The devises of sister Yoko Marikawa, Staff of UNI Apro Tokyo office is simply superb and ever rememebrable.

The participation of the seminars is no doubt very purposeful to exchange the views of other countries participants and to know about their services and the role of Postal Trade Unions in protecting the interest of the their workers.

OUR OBSERVATIONS ABOUT THE FUNCTIONS OF POST OFFICES IN OTHER COUNTRIES

KOREA
At present, the Postal Service is a Government organization and the New Government has recently announced the necessity of corporatization of Postal Services. Letter mails is the monopoly of Post offices and brought under universal service with reasonable rates. Korea post is under the Ministry of Knowledge. Korea post set up the price of Postal products and Government set up the basic Postal rates.

Basic Standard of the speed of the Delivery: - Non priority D+3 Priority D+1 Korea Post is a government profit making organization. During 2007, it had the earning of 24300 billion won by Postal business and Rs.20901 billion won by Financial Business. The expenditure was 22857 & 1994 billion Won. It was 25409 & 24336 Billion Won earning during 2008 while the expenditure was 25010 & 24192 billion Wons in Postal & financial business respectively.

INDONESIA
Postal Service has been corporatized since 20 June 1995. It is being considered for privatization in 2010. However 100% share still belongs to Government. Monopoly of letters is retained upto 500 grams. Ministry of Information of Communication is the regulatory authority. Same Day delivery & Next Day delivery (D+O & D+I) is in existence. During 2008, it was having the net loss to the extent of IDR 57.90 billions.

PHILIPPINES
The Postal is corporatized on 03.04.1992 and now it is included in the privatization list of Government offices/agencies. It operates 60% and the private couriers are controlling 40% of remaining traffic. The employees of the Phil Post are treated as civil servants enjoying all benefits, rights and privileges like other Government employees. In the total work force, 88% are rank & file employees and 12% are supervisors & managers. Commission on Information and communication Technology (CKT) is the main regulator of Phil Post. The basic standard of delivery is prescribed as D+1 for local & intra region mails and D+3 for inter – regional mails.

SINGAPORE
The Service is corporatized since 2003 and further liberalized from 01.04.2007. The monopoly of delivery has been reserved for the articles weighting 500gms and below for domestic & international mails. Singpost is designated as Public Postal Licensee and the Info – Communications Development Authority of Singapore will be the regulator of Singpost. It was having the revenue of 5 $ 472.6 Million and operating profit of $ 175.3 M for the financial year ending 31.03.2008. 99% mails are delivery by next working day within & outside CBD areas.

THAILAND
It is corporatized during 2003 under the name of Thailand Post Co. Ltd. Privatization is under consideration. Now Thai Government is 100% share holder and it is a State owned enterprise. It is under the Ministry of Information & Communication technology. Thai Post is the monopoly in communication market in respect of letters and Post cards. After corporatization it has 300% revenue increase and more profits in logistic services. The standard of delivery stipulated as D+1 for local, Regional to regional D+2. Allowance for child Birth is the new area introduced to the employees and as of the fringe benefits.

VIETNAM
Postal Service of Vietnam is corporatized during 1990. There is no consideration for its privatization. Vietnam Post works under the Law on companies & Ministry of Information & Communication is the regulator of Postal Services. However the Vietnam Post allows private agents to deliver Postal articles to end-users throughout the country. This is having only 50% market only. The remaining traffic are handled by Viettel & Saigon Post Private operators. Under the Law, Vietnam Post has to pay a part of its income to the state. The Government also facilitates financial assistance (as soft loans) for infrastructure and for the favourable policies to the Vietnam Post.

Basic standard for delivery is D+1 for local & D+2 for others. Rewards on the Occasion of Festivals, New Year, cash prizes for increase in the production are the two new areas in respect of fringe benefits to its employees.

NEPAL
There is a proposal for corporatization of Postal Services. Now it is a Government department. The Expenditure for last financial year was 86, 25, 73, 675 whereas the revenue stands as 23,10,50,729. The Postal workers have no additional holidays. However they are receiving one month extra salary per year. The Extra Departmental Employees are the most exploited labour with lesser pay equal to Rs.1000/- to 1500/- per month without any other benefits.

SRI LANKA
It is the Government owned Department and there is no proposal for privatization or Corporatization. For letter mails, Postal Service is retaining the total monopoly. Total income $ 39.82 (Million) Expenditure $ 62.76 & Deficit $ 22.94 & (Million).

SOME INTERESTING INFORMATIONS – WITHOUT COMMENTS

v Thailand Post is not recruiting any workers over three years. Temporary workers sponspored by private companies are being engaged for two months and thereafter by subsequent renewals for same periods of two months. More Temporary employees are now in the rolls.

v Collective bargaining is applied only for ‘bread and butter’ issues in Thailand. Right for collective bargaining and freedom of association is not applied for Civil Servants, Schools and university staff.

v Sri Lanka Postal Service is launching its own telegraph service to compete with the Sri Lanka Telecom. Both are Government departments.

v As a National Policy, Sri Lanka Government announced that the Postal Service is a State Service and there will not be any corporatization or privatization.

v In Thailand, total number of Post offices is 1233. Whereas it is having 3364 licensed Post offices; Postage stamp agencies 2188; Franchise Post offices 23.

v There are 657,000 Post offices world wide; 191 member countries: 5.549 million Postal Employees. USA handles top in the mail volumes; France stands second.

v Rationalization plan in philiphines starts in October 2009 and 2000 employees will be effected by retrenchment or voluntary retirement. This is due to recession of economic policy.

v Thailand Post outsourced the Track & Trace System. For each transaction, money is disbursed to the companies.

v Korea Post introduced internet banking during 2000. Now Korea Post Bank is number 1 while comparing other leading banks of its country.

v In Pakistan, for recruitment of Postman, a running test will be conducted among the candidates and one has to run 1 Km. within six minutes. Similarly he should possess a motor cycle licence.

v ‘Post Foundations’ was formed during 1981 by Postal pensioners in Pakistan. Now this is the biggest organization than postal and deals printing, Steels, Fabrications, Furnitures, wools etc. it started it function by supplying uniforms to Army and Furniture to schools.

v Now the Director General, Pakistan Post is the honorary Chair person of the Postal Foundations and the Pakistan Post & its employees are being subsidized by the Post Foundations. The employees are given marriage gift free furnitures for marriage, Education fees to children etc.

v The Post Foundation of Pakistan provided jobs to the wards of the Postal employees to the extent of 45%. It provided free housing to the Postal officials; Old age pension to discharged ED Agents.

v The Extra Departmental Employees of Pakistan are being paid Rs.2000/- per month. No leave; No medical; No pension; No civil status; No DA. It is only the consolidated amount. The EDAs may opt to for to work commission basis at the same Bo by quitting from the post if it is advantageous.

v Thailand post has outsourced its transport. The vehicles being used by the contractors should not be more than 7 years old. But in Philippines, the departmental vehicles are used and managed on their own. Sri Lanka is planning to ply more public services on its own.

v In Korea Post, there is no recruitment over two years. The workers are engaged on contract basis.

v In Pakistan, the Post was corporatized during 1992. Business went down. There was huge expenditure after corporatization. It was brought back as Government Service during 1996. Six to seven months, the postmen were asked to work for 4 hours on Government duty for half pay and remaining period in private job. Ban on creation of posts is continuing in Pakistan over ten years.

v In the survey conducted on health hazard to postmen, it was found that 16% postmen are suffering with tuberculosis; 12% Hepatitis B, 7% Hepatitis C, 16% throat problems. Therefore Postal Foundation is providing one glass of milk in the morning and one glass lemon juice in the evening to all postmen.

v In Pakistan, providing security guards, work related to conveyance of cash and upkeep of office were outsourced in the Postal department.

In the process of workforce planning, to reduce the labour supply, ‘inducement to quit’ is one of the option (i.e.) making the employees to fed up due to overwork or bad environment and make them to decide quitting the organization.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM HEADQUARTERS

MODIFIED ACP AND PAYMENT THROUGH POSB

 

NFPE DELEGATION MET POSTAL BOARD MEMBER [P] AND DISCUSSED GDS COMMITTEE IMPLEMENTATION AND PAYMENT OF SALARY TO STAFF THROUGH POSB INSTEAD OF BANKS

 

NFPE DELEGATION ALSO MET DDG [Estt] ON MODIFIED ACP

 

Dear Comrades – NFPE Delegation consisting of Secretary General and General Secretaries met Member [P] on 18.06.2009. The GDS Committee implementation is a priority issue and that should not take more time now was the response of the Member [P]. The clearance from the Ministry of Finance is expected at any time and then the Cabinet Note for the consideration of the Cabinet will be taken up. NFPE however hope that after the Budget the GDS Committee would be implemented.

 

On compulsory payment of salary through Banks and direct credit system, the Member [P] though in agreement with our proposal for disbursement through our own POSB instead of Banks, suggested that we discuss this issue with the Secretary and DDG [PAF] since the order was issued with the concurrence of the Secretary [P]. NFPE Delegation will try to meet the DDG [PAF] and the Secretary [P] on Monday.

 

We also discussed the issue of Data Entry Operators of Tamilnadu DAP Office who are facing recovery due to the decision of the Department of Posts to deny 4000-6000 pre-revised pay scales to them on consideration as directed by the Honourable Madras High Court. Comrades Santhosh Kumar the Circle Secretary of Postal Accounts Tamilnadu Circle and Balasubramanian Vice President of Postal Accounts TN Circle also accompanied the Delegation to meet the Member [P] to discuss the issue of DEO and supplied all the documentary proof of justification in support of higher scale for DEOs. The Member [P] assured to look into the whole case.

 

NFPE Delegation earlier met the DDG [Estt] and came to know that the Modified ACP orders for Postal Employees are under preparation. The DDG informed us that the orders will be a comprehensive one with full details of fixation models for different categories and that is why the preparation is taking some time. After the orders are prepared the same will be submitted to the consent of the JS&FA and then orders will be issued by the Directorate for implementation. Contrary to the earlier information, the DDG [Estt] asserted that there appears to be no need to submit the orders for approval of the DOPT and clearance by JS&FA would be sufficient. It is expected that another 15 days may take for finalization of the orders and we can expect the same to be issued next month.

 

POSTAL JCA PROGRAMME OF ACTION

 

The urgent issues and problems faced by the Postal Employees due to:

 

the orders of compulsory payment through Banks only;

 

the harassment meted out to the employees particularly to the Postmen staff and Postmasters and other staff in the offices of Project Arrow;

 

the abnormal delay in implementation of GDS Committee and also the discrimination perpetrated on the GDS in implementing the bonus ceiling orders;

 

the need to focus immediately the removal of arbitrary cap of 60 days in payment of PLB to postal employees by the MOF while Railways and other PLB employees are granted without any such cap as the calculations have started for PLB 2008-2009 by the Directorate;

 

the need to expedite filling up of ADR vacancies of 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 and to insist that all cadres and all wings shall be taken into account for filling up the vacant posts;

 

to focus the abnormal delay in refixation of wages to all casual labourers and part time contingent as well as the RRR candidates on the basis of the 6^th CPC wages;

 

to demand expediting the Cadre Review of all cadres in
Department of Posts since the same is being carried out in many other Government Departments like Railways, Income Tax etc;

 

to express our plight due to failure to re-fix the new pay level in the 6^th CPC scales of pay for OTA entitlement and to demand immediate payment of all pending OTA bills; and

 

to alleviate the difficulties faced by women employees in getting the Child Care Leave sanctioned in spite of the eligibility under the tightened guidelines of DOPT;

 

were considered by the Postal Joint Council of Action of NFPE and FNPO. It has been decided that a call attention is required to the Department of Posts on all these issues. Therefore the Postal JCA has called upon the rank and file to organize the following two programmes:

 

29.06.2009: Mass Dharna in all Divisions / Branches jointly by the NFPE and FNPO organizations;

 

3.7.2009: On the day of opening of Budget Session of Parliament, there shall be a Massive Demonstration in front of Dak Bhawan and a Joint Memorandum would be submitted to the Honourable Minister of Communications & IT and also the Honourable Minister of State for Communications & IT in Delhi.

 

The JCA Circulars have already been sent by post to all Circle Secretaries with a request to circulate copies to all branches. The Postal JCA calls upon all NFPE and FNPO unions to observe this Programme of Action with all zest and vigour through maximum mobilization of employees.

 

 

COMRADE JOSHI PASSAS AWAY

COMRADE V.S.JOSHI - FORMER ALL INDIA PRESIDENT OF R3 NFPE UNION BREATHED HIS LAST ON 14.06.2009

 

THE SAD NEWS CAME TO HEADQUARTERS ONLY YESTERDAY THROUGH CIRCLE SECRETARY R3 KARNATAKA CIRCLE

 

Dear Comrades - Comrade V.S.Joshi was our former R3 CHQ President and Circle Secretary of R3 Karnataka Circle. He was also the Leader of the Regional Council JCM Karnataka Circle for a long time until the recent reorganisation of JCM. He lived in Hubli and always maintained lively contact with our movement despite his retirement long back. He was suffereing from jaundice for the past one year and under treatment. He was admitted in hospital recently and was recouperating but suddenly developed complications and passed away on 14th June 2009. He was an ardent and committed trade union leader. His mind always was with the downtrodden sections like Casual labourers, GDS and Group D employees. He used to keep correspondences even after his retirement from service on important issues affecting these downtrodden sections with the CHQ and Federation. Even last month the Federation had received two letters from Comrade Joshi on the plight of Group D employees by allocation of very heavy work without consulting the staff side. As a Circle SEcretary and as an all India President he always played his unique role in consolidating the movement of NFPE. His demise is an irreparable loss to the entire movement of NFPE. National Federation of Postal Employees dips its banner in respect and memory of this senior departed leader of our movement.

 

 

--
K.Ragavendran
Secretary General NFPE

POSTAL JCA CALLS FOR TWO PHASED PROGRAMME OF ACTION

POSTAL JOINT COUNCIL OF ACTION OF NFPE AND FNPO FELT THE URGENCY OF SOME DEMANDS INCLUDING THE DELAY IN IMPLEMENTATION OF GDS COMMITTEE REPORT AND DECIDED TO ORGANISE A TWO PHASED PROGRAMME OF ACTION

NATIONWIDE DHARNA AT ALL DIVISIONAL AND BRANCH LEVEL ON 29.06.2009

MASSIVE DEMONSTRATION BEFORE DAK BHAWAN IN DELHI ON 3.7.2009 ON THE DAY OF OPENING OF BUDGET SESSION OF PARLIAMENT

THESE PROGRAMMA OF ACTION IS FOR CALLING THE ATTENTION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF POSTS AND GOVERNMENT TO ACT FAST IN SETTLEMENT OF BURNING ISSUES IMMEDIATELY

POSTAL JCA CIRCULAR IS REPRODUCED BELOW - CIRCLE / DIVISIONAL / BRANCH SECRETARIES ARE REQUESTED TO TAKE THE PROGRAMME CALL VERY SERIOUSLY AND MOBILIZE OUR FULL STRENGTH

CIRCLE SECRETARIES ARE REQUESTED TO TAKE PHOTOSTAT COPIES OF THIS CIRCULAR AND CIRCULATE TO ALL DIVISIONS AND BRANCHES

Postal Joint Council of Action

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF POSTAL EMPLOYEES

1^st Floor, North Avenue Post Office Building, New Delhi - 110001

FEDERATION OF NATIONAL POSTAL ORGANISATIONS

T-24, Atul Grove Road, New Delhi – 110001

JCA/1/2009 Dated 18^th June 2009

To

All General / Circle Secretaries

NFPE & FNPO Union

MASSIVE DHARNA / MASS DEMONSTRATION ON THE OPENING OF BUDGET SESSION OF PARLIAMENT

The Postal JCA of NFPE and FNPO Federations call upon the entirety of Postal Employees to organise a massive Dharna jointly under the banner of Joint Council of Action on 29.06.2009 at the level of Divisions / Branches for calling the attention of the Department of Posts to the following burning issues. As far as the Delhi Circle is concerned, there shall be a massive demonstration in front of Dak Bhawan during lunch hour on 3.7.2009, the first day of Budget Session of Parliament. A Memorandum on the following items shall be submitted to the Honourable Minister of Communications & IT and Honourable Minister of State for Communications & IT by the JCA on 3.7.2009.

The Burning issues that shall receive focus:

1. Early implementation of GDS Committee recommendations with the suggestions of staff side duly incorporated.
2. End discrimination in bonus quantum ceiling between regular and GDS as per the Bonus Act amendment.
3. Remove the arbitrary cap of 60 days in PLB for Postal Employees.
4. Fill up ADR vacancies of 2005-06 & 2006-07 in all wings and of all cadres including Multi Skilled employees.
5. Expedite Cadre Review of all cadres in Department of Posts.
6. Stop abolition of Postmen posts and beats and stop harassment of delivery staff and instructions in violation of P&T Manuals in Project Arrow Offices.
7. Cancel the order for compulsory pay disbursement through bank cheques and direct credit system.
8. Re-fix the eligibility for OTA proportionately to the 6^th CPC wage level and clear all pending OTA bills.
9. Re-fix the wages of all Casual labourers and Part Time Contingent / RRR employees on the basis of the 6^th CPC wages.
10. Grant Child Care Leave to all eligible Women Employees.

All our Divisions and Branches are called upon to take the programme call very seriously and mobilise our full strength behind the call.

With Greetings,

[D.Theagarajan] [K.Ragavendran]

Secretary General Secretary General

FNPO NFPE

* All Circle Secretaries are requested to take Photostat copies of this JCA Circular and send to all divisions and branches immediately.

--
K.Ragavendran
Secretary General NFPE

POSTAL DEPARTMENT's NEW CORPORATE POLICY

CORPORATE PLAN OF DEPARTMENT OF POSTS

 

CORPORATE PLAN OF DEPARTMENT OF POSTS EXHIBITED IN THE DEPARTMENT WEBSITE

 

 

Department of Posts has announced a Corporate Plan in its website. It is stated that this Corporate Plan is due to Major Change in Postal Policy. The major change in policy is attaining self sufficiency within the next five years as the Government of India may not find it feasible to subsidize the postal operations any more.

 

The Corporate Plan declares some goals. These Goals are:

 

1. Post within easy reach of all by year 2013-14.

2. To be a focal point for delivery of all social security schemes of the State

by the year 2011-12.

3. To be a self-sustaining organization by the year 2013-14.

4. To increase financial inclusion of the unbanked population by at least 10%

by the year 2013-14.

 

The declared Goals are good. They try to concentrate on core postal functions and POSB. But these goals are expected to be arrived at by depending on mainly the Franchisee outlets and not on recruitment of staff or opening of new post offices. The Corporate Plan clearly states " The objective of providing basic postal facilities within easy reach (defined as within 1.5 km) cannot be achieved by opening more post offices. The objective of opening of post offices would be expensive and would go against the other objective of financial self-sufficiency. Accordingly, the strategy would be more on giving out franchisees to individuals, shops, institutions, etc. This would reduce the cost of achieving this objective, besides bringing in additional revenue to the Department."

 

No proper study of Franchisee system has been made and no opportunity was given to the staff side to look into the franchisee working scheme with transparency so far. The stand of the NFPE on this issue had been amply communicated to the Department. Despite our insistence no purposeful meeting is being arranged by the Department for mutual discussion nor the blue print of full operations of all the franchisees have been supplied to us.  Now blindly the Department want to go ahead with more and more expansion of Franchisee schemes by offering to shops, institutions etc in addition to the individuals. They are the masters and we are the slaves and slaves require no convincing.

 

The Department had estimated that the value of USO [Universal Service Obligation] compensation was Rs.668 crores for 2004-05. The Document says that the funding of USO could be from: (i) Government funding--- the government is responsible for funding any deficit incurred in operation of universal postal services;(ii) Industry funding-- in this model, other postal players pay a fee for the operation of universal postal services by the public postal operator;(iii) Reserved price area-- a specific area of service reserved for the universal service provider so that revenues from reserved area help in 11 financing the universal postal services. The reserved service area must be clearly defined on the basis of three elements: (a) class of service (b) item weight (c) price protection for reserved services. These are issues which need to be given a legal basis by having them incorporated in the Indian Post Office Act.

 

But the big question is as to whether the Government has got the will to legal protection of letter mail monopoly etc by suitable amending the PO Act which it could not do on the face of stiff opposition from the corporate courier lobby. Three times such legislation was attempted in vain. Protection of letter mail monopoly; protection upto 500 grams for letters; protection of letters up to 300 grams all got diluted upto 150 grams but that too not could not be legislated.

 

A growth trajectory has been aimed at. It is also said that to achieve the projected growth it would require: (a) improving the quality of service by streamlining operations, and (b) working with stakeholders to increase the mail flow through the India Post system. We have no issue with improving the quality of service to customers but the interpretation of quality service differs between the staff side and the official side. The method adopted to improve the delivery efficiency in Project Arrow Offices by reducing the number of deliveries or reducing the number of postmen by the Administrative Officers at different levels are certainly at a different wavelength in contrast to our own wavelength of quality service to public. Quality service by not providing sufficient hands means quality service by magic in their interpretation. There is no meeting ground and there is no sincere attempt to reach a meeting ground. They perhaps think that they alone are ordained by nature to think and create and the workers are ordained to carry out without murmur anything and everything. Project Arrow bears full stamp of this approach. We do not know as to whether the Corporate Plan is going to be different at all!

 

The Corporate Plan spells out that the Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI) which was started in 1995, may be further strengthened, if need be, by setting up a company. This means corporatisation / privatisation of PLI/RPLI functions.

 

The entire Corporate Plan of the Department of Posts is available by clicking the following LINK. All our rank and file comrades are requested to go through the whole Corporate plan and send their considered view points in writing preferably by E-mail to nfpehq@gmail.com

http://www.indiapost.gov.in/Draft_Outline_of_Corporate_Plan_for_India_Post..pdf
--
K.Ragavendran
Secretary General NFPE

NFPE R4 ALL INDIA CONFERENCE AT INDORE

AI RMS & MMS EMPLOYEES UNION - MAILGUARDS & GROUP D 31ST ALL INDIA CONFERENCE AT INDORE [M.P] FROM 8.6.2009 - 10.6.2009

Dear Comrades - The 31st AIC of NFPE R4 Union was held in Indore [Madhya Pradesh] in a grand manner. The Reception Committee headed by Chairman Shri.Pramod Tandon and General Secretary Comrade L.R.Malviya have organised the conference in a nice manner. The Open Session of the AIC was inaugurated by the Comrade K.Ragavendran, Secretary General NFPE and addressed by the NFPE President Com.D.K.Rahate and General Secretaries of P4 R3 and GDS Comrade Ishwar Singh Dabas, Giriraj Singh and S.S.Mahadevaiah and also by Comrade S.K.Nema Organising Secretary of P3 CHQ. Comrade O.P.Gupta former Secretary General of NFPTE was the Chief Guest. Shri.Tulsi Salawat Member of the Legislative Assembly of Madhya Pradesh greeted the Open Session as a Special Guest.

The AIC unanimously elected its CHQ Office bearers headed by Comrades G.A.Godkhe [CHQ President]; P.Suresh [General Secretary]; and K.K.Sharma [Treasurer CHQ]. More than 700 Delegates and Visitors attended the AIC. The Conference adopted a resolution to organise appropriate movement under the banner of the NFPE for winning the important demands of the Postal Employees.

National Federation of Postal Employees extends a warm welcome to all the newly elected office bearers in the 31st AIC.

BON VOYAGE COMRADE KVS

COMRADE K.V.SRIDHARAN GENERAL SECRETARY AIPEU GROUP 'C' has gone to attend an International Seminar in Bangkok [Thailand] from 8th to 11th June 2009 on an invitation from the Union Network International - Asia Pacific Regional Organisation. These Conventions will focus attention on Postal and Logistics operation of Postal Organisations and will look into the problems in the background of International Financial Crisis. These Conventions will be represented by leaders and representatives of Postal Trade Union Organisations from Thailand, Vietnam, Mangolia, Malaysia, Singapore, Nepal, Srilanka, Korea and Japan besides India. It will be a rich experience and NFPE greets P3 General Secretary Comrade KVS on this occassion of his participation in the International Seminars. Bon Voyage to Comrade KVS.

DOPT WITHDRAWS ITS EARLIER NEGATIVE OM

NO WITHHOLDING OF PENSION DUE TO MINOR PENALTY PROCEEDINGS ANYMORE

 

 

Draconian unilateral orders of the DOPT vide its OM Number dated 31.07.1987 facilitating withdrawal or withholding of pension against officials for even as a result of minor penalty proceedings has been struck down by the Principal Bench CAT Delhi. Consequently the DOPT has recently withdrew its OM dated 31.07.1987 and restored its earlier OM No.134/10/80-AVD-1 Dated 28.02.1981. Accordingly pension or gratuity cannot be withheld or withdrawn in lieu of Minor Penalty Proceedings any more. The Divisional Secretaries are requested to take this into consideration and help any official who is affected presently due to withholding of pension / gratuity etc on account of minor penalty proceedings. The latest orders of the DOPT in this matter are available by clicking the Link Below:

 

http://persmin.gov.in/WriteData/CircularNotification/ScanDocument/110_9_2003-AVD-1.pdf

 

--
K.Ragavendran
Secretary General NFPE

CONFEDERATION INTERVENES

CONFEDERATION HAS WRITTEN A LETTER ON BONUS CEILING DISCRIMINATION FOR GDS TO DOPT AND SECRETARY DOP ON OUR REQUEST

CONFEDERATION ALSO HAS WRITTEN TO DOPT AND EXPENDITURE SECRETARY AND ALSO TO SECRETARY DOP ON POSTMASTERS' CADRE CREATION

Dear Comrades - The Confederation Secretary General has written two letters to DOPT / Expenditure Secretary and also to the Secretary Department of Posts on GDS Bonus Ceiling issue as well as the issue of creation of Postmasters' Cadre. The letters are reproduced below for the information of our members. However our Divisional / Branch Unions are requested to move the CAT and obtain necessary stay orders against causing any recovery either from the GDS or from the Accountants / DDOs since the payment was caused only on the basis of the superceding orders of the Directorate dated 21.10.2008 in supersession of orders dated 15.10.2008. But for the superseding orders no payment would have been caused by the DDOs and therefore there is no fault on the HOs in making the payment. As we are getting reports from one or two circles that orders are being issued for effecting recovery from DDOs / Accountants in the background of stay orders obtained by the GDS in different courts. Therefore this precaution of moving the courts for getting the stay orders is suggested pending our attempt to resolve the issue at the level of the DOPT / MOF through the Confederation. The letters written by the Confederation are reproduced below for information:

CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES & WORKERS
New Delhi – 110027


No.F1-15(A)/09 Dated 5th June, 2009

To
1. Secretary
Department of Posts
Dak Bhawan
New Delhi – 110001

2. Secretary
DOPT
North Block
New Delhi - 110001

Sub: Creation of Postmasters Cadre with revised Recruitment Rules – as a part of restructuring of Postal Cadres.

Sir,

Restructuring of Postal Cadres as recommended by the VI CPC is at present being considered by your Department. The National Federation of Postal Employees have requested you vide their letter No.PF-32/2009 dated 3.2.2009 that the proposal about the creation of a Postmasters' Cadre and the amended Recruitment Rules [RRs] may be supplied to them so that they are enabled to offer their comments and also discuss with you.

This has not been done. As a matter of fact the amended RRs for Postmasters' Cadre has been unilaterally forwarded to DOPT for their approval without any consultation with Staff Side.

I am, therefore, to urge upon you that before DOP&T considers the proposed RRs for the post of Postmasters' newly being created, these proposals are intimated to NFPE and discussed with them so that complete transparency is observed in restructuring of Postal Cadres.

Thanking you,

Yours faithfully,
Sd/=

[K.K.N.Kutty]
Secretary General


CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES & WORKERS
New Delhi – 110027

No.F1-15(A)/09 Dated 5th June, 2009

To
1. Secretary
Department of Posts
Dak Bhawan
New Delhi – 110001

2. Secretary
Department of Expenditure
North Block
New Delhi – 110001

3. Secretary
DOP&T
North Block
New Delhi – 110001

Sub: Grant of enhanced bonus ceiling or Rs.3500/- to Gramin Dak Sewaks of Postal Department.

Ref: Deptt. of Expenditure OM No.7(23)/EIII-A/2007 Dated 10.10.2008
Deptt.of Posts letter No.26-04/2008-PAP Dated 15.10.2008
Deptt. of Posts letter No.26-04/2008-PAP Dated 21.10.2008
Deptt. of Posts (Estt. DN) letter No.26-04/2008-PAP dated 9.2.2009.


Sir / Madam,

Consequent on amendment to Section 2(13) and Section 12 of Payment of Bonus Act, 1965 enhancing the calculation ceiling effective from 1.4.2006, the Government of India had decided that calculation of payment of PLB & Adhoc Bonus to all eligible Central Government Employees be revised to Rs.3500/- from earlier ceiling of Rs.2500/- with effect from 1.4.2006 i.e., from the year 2006-07 onwards (OM Dated 10.10.2008).

The Gramin Dak Sewaks of Postal Department were also getting the PLB at the calculation ceiling of Rs.2500/- up to financial year 2005-06, should have been granted the revised calculation ceiling of Rs.3500/- for years 2006-07 onwards. This was not done which caused indefinite fast by Postal Joint Council of Action.

The Department of Posts vide their above cited letter dated 15.10.2008 clarified that the revised calculation ceiling of PLB i.e., Rs.3500/- may be extended to the regular employees of the Department of Posts (only).

However, the Department of Posts (Estt. Division) have forwarded a copy of Department of Expenditure OM Dated 10.10.2008 for information and necessary action in supersession of their letter Dated 15.10.2008.

It is reported that six out of 22 circles of Postal Department granted revised calculation ceiling of PLB to Gramin Dak Sewaks treating them as done before. Many other Circles preferred clarifications. After waiting for some months, the Department of Posts issued a clarificatory orders dated 9.2.2009 to deny the benefit to Gramin Dak Sewaks.

The result is that 16 Circles of Postal Department have not granted calculation ceiling of PLB to Gramin Dak Sewaks and in six circles action is being taken to effect recovery of bonus paid for years 2006-07 onwards. This is being done on the plea that revised calculation ceiling is applicable to eligible Central Government Departmental Employees and Gramin Dak Sewaks are not Central Government Employees.

I am, therefore, to request that GDS employees who had been getting the calculation ceiling of Rs.2500/- up to financial year 2005-06 treating them as regular employees of Postal Department for the purpose of PLB may also be treated as regular employees of Postal Department and granted the revised calculation ceiling of Rs.3500/- for PLB for financial years 2006-07 onwards. When this benefit has been extended to contingent employees, it is necessary that GDS are not excluded from this benefit on the plea that they are not Central Government Employees.

Thanking you,

Yours faithfully,
Sd/-

[K.K.N.Kutty]
Secretary General

Encl:
Deptt. of Expenditure OM No.7(23)/EIII-A/2007 Dated 10.10.2008
Deptt.of Posts letter No.26-04/2008-PAP Dated 15.10.2008
Deptt. of Posts letter No.26-04/2008-PAP Dated 21.10.2008
Deptt. of Posts (Estt. DN) letter No.26-04/2008-PAP dated 9.2.2009.

--
K.Ragavendran
Secretary General NFPE

DOPT ORDER ON LTC

ENCASHMENT OF EARNED LEAVE ALONG WITH LTC

 

DOPT has issued orders to permit Government servants encashment of earned leave upto 10 days at the time of availing LTC without any linkage to the number of days and the nature of leave availed while proceeding on LTC.

 

A Click on the Link Below will provide you the full text of the Government Orders:

 

http://persmin.gov.in/WriteData/CircularNotification/ScanDocument/14028_4_2009-Estt.(L)0001.pdf

--
K.Ragavendran
Secretary General NFPE

MORE ORDERS

 

Department of Posts issued its endorsement order dated 20.05.2009 and accordingly the Exercise of Option allowed for officials within one month  up to 19.06.2009.

 

 

Finanace ministry, Department of Expenditure in its order dated 29/01/09 has clarified some issues like: Revised Option for fixation of pay on promotion and method of fixation of pay on promotion / Adhoc Promotion etc; Methodology of rounding off while calculating the 3% rate of increment; and On Grant of Stagnation Increment.

 

Mainly this order is to provide one more option for those employees who got promotion either before or after 1.1.2006 but opted the promotional pay scale from the date of their next increment even before the release of 6^th CPC recommendations, that turned out to be detrimental / financial loss to them. Divisional and Branch Secretaries are requested to widely circulate the under-mentioned order amongst all such employees immediately. Remember the last date of exercising the option is 19.06.2009.

 

Government of India

Ministry of Communications & IT

Department of Posts

 

Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg,

New Delhi – 110001

 

No.4-4/2008-PCC                        Dated 20.05.2009

 

To

 

All Heads of Circles

 

Subject:-Implementation of Sixth Pay Commission of pay and grant increments in the revised pay structure – clarification regarding.

 

Sir/Madam,

 

I am directed to enclose a copy of Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure Implementation Cell O.M.F.No. 1/1/2008-IC dated 29^th January, 2009 on the above mentioned subject for information and further necessary action.

 

2. In this context it is clarified that Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure, Implementation Cell vide their UO No.10/1/2009 dated 15-5-2009 (copy enclosed) agreed to allow exercise of the split option by the eligible employees within one month of the copy of the O.M. cited above is circulated by the Department to the Subordinate / Circle Offices. Accordingly, the officials are allowed to exercise their option by 19-06-2009 i.e. upto one month from the date of issue of this order.

 

Yours faithfully,

Sd/-

(K.Romeswara Rao)

Asst.Dir.General (Estt)

 

TRAVEL ENTITLEMENT FOR LTC BY AIR:

 

DOPT issued orders to restore the travel entitlements for LTC as stipulated vide O.M. dated 23rd September, 2008. The Ministry of Civil Aviation may bring out a scheme on the lines of LTC 80 for travel by business class. The officers and/or their families may chose to travel on LTC by any airline provided the fare does not exceed the fares offered by NACIL (Air India) under their new LTC scheme for business class.

 

The text of full orders can be downloaded by clicking the Link Below:

 

http://persmin.gov.in/WriteData/CircularNotification/ScanDocument/31011_4_2008-Estt.(A)-1.pdf

 

~

--
K.Ragavendran
Secretary General NFPE

NEWS FLASH

DEPARTMENT ISSUED CORRECTION TO ITS ORDER DATED 27.03.2009 ON REMUNERATION TO BE PAID TO GDS ENGAGED AS SUBSTITUTES

 

NFPE MET THE MEMBER [P] AND REQUESTED FOR KEEPING ORDER OF PAY DISBURSEMENT THROUGH CHEQUE/DIRECT CREDIT AND CONSIDER THE OPTION OF POSB AFTER A CONSULTATION WITH STAFF SIDE

 

Dear Comrades - There was an omission in the orders of the Department dated 27.03.2009 on Remuneration payable to GDS engaged as substitutes. The word 'Corresponding Grade Pay" was inadvertently omitted in the orders and that caused confusion to several DDOs - The omission has been set right by the Department by an order of Addendum dated 29.05.2009. Therefore the GDS who work as paid substitutes are eligible for remuneration on the basis of the 'Revised Pay Band of the respective post plus corresponding Grade Pay and plus admissibel DA" for arrears as well as continued duty. The Order of Addendum issued by the Directorate is reproduced below:

 

No.1-20/2008-PCC

Government of India

Ministry of Communications & IT

Department of Posts

Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg,

New Delhi - 110001

Dated 29.05.2009

 

To

 

All the Chief Post Masters General

 

ADDENDUM

 

Subject: Remuneration to be paid to the Gramin Dak Sevaks engaged as substitutes in short-term vacancies of Postmen/Mail Guards and Group 'D'.

 

Sir/Madam,

 

I am directed to refer to this office O.M. of even No. dated 27.03.2009 on the above-mentioned subject.

 

2. The following may ba added in line 2 of Para 3:

 

"plus corresponding Grade Pay" between the words the revised pay band of the respective post and plus admissible DA.

 

3. All other entries hold good.

 

Sd/-

(L.Mohan Rao)

Asst. Director General (PCC)

 

 

PAY DISBURSEMENT THROUGH BANK CHEQUE / DIRECT CREDIT SYSTEM:

 

The Department has unilaterally issued an order for pay disbursement through bank cheques / direct credit to the salary savings accounts of employees maintained in any of the banks governed by RBI regulations.

 

The NFPE has taken up the issue with the Directorate and the following letter was written to the Secretary Department of Posts seeking discussion with the staff side on the matter and keeping the orders under abeyance. We have requested the Postal Services Board Member [P] to consider keeping the order under abeyance. The letter is reproduced below:

 

PF-67-01/2009 Dated 01^ST June 2009

 

To

 

The Secretary

Department of Posts

Dak Bhawan

New Delhi – 110001

 

Sub: Payment of Salary through Bank / Cheque.

Ref: DG Posts Order No.2-1/2007-08-PA[Tech.I] / D-255-34 Dated 14.05.2009

 

 

Sir,

 

This Federation is shocked to see that despite earlier denials by the Directorate that there was no instructions issued to compulsorily pay salary through cheques or direct credit, an order has been now issued directing to pay salary to all employees only through cheques or direct credit in any of the banks governed by the Reserve Bank of India regulations. The decision of the Department is definitely in contravention of the instructions issued by the MOF earlier.

 

It is shocking to see that the option for PO SB Account is also not considered by the Department and no consultations whatsoever was preferred with the staff side. It is very painful that the unilateralism on taking decisions by the Directorate is continued. Difficulties to be faced by the employees working and living in rural and semi-urban areas also have been ignored while taking such decisions.

 

It is requested that the option may be left to the individual employee concerned. It is also requested that pending a discussion with the staff side, the orders issued as above may kindly be caused to be kept in abeyance.

 

A favourable action and a line in reply would receive our high appreciation.

 

Thanking you,

  

Yours faithfully,

Sd/-

[K.Ragavendran]

Secretary General

 

 

 

 

--
K.Ragavendran
Secretary General NFPE