HON'BLE HIGH COURT OF MADRAS DISMISSED THE WRIT PETITION OF BPEF UNION AGAINST THE RECOGNITION OF P3 UNIONS

HON'BLE HIGH COURT OF MADRAS DISMISSED THE WRIT PETITION OF BPEF UNION AGAINST TRADE UNION FACILITIES OF P3 NFPE & FNPO UNIONS

Hob'ble Justice F.M.Ibrahim Kalifullah delivered the judgment making it categorically clear that the recognition granted to Unions and Associations under Rules 7 and 8 of CCS RSA Rules, 1993 cannot be cancelled until the process of next verification is completed.

The trade union facilities of P3 Unions will be restored fully by the Department immediately within a day or two. The copy of Judgment is placed here for the benefit of all members.

87% DEARNESS ALLOWANCES CAN BE INCLUDED FOR WAGES OF CASUAL LABOURERS

Rates of Dearness Allownces applicable w.e.f. 1.1.2010 in the Pre-Revised Scale of Pay [5th CPC] viz., 87% DA has been ordered by the MOF

 

Casual labourers who are not yet granted with the Minimum of 6th CPC Wages will get the benefit of at least the Dearness Allowances included in their wages. The issue of applying 6th CPC wages is pending with the JS&FA for a decision. Anyway our comrades can take advantage of the undermentioned order to at least get the refixation of wages of Casual labourers / Contingent etc  on the basis of full DA installments granted to Government Employees. The orders of the MOF as endorsed by the Department of Posts is reproduced below:

Government of India

Ministry of Communications and Information Technology

Department of Posts

Dak Bhavan, Sansad Marg

New Delhi – 110001

 

No.8-3/2009-PAP                                                                                                             Dated:- 27.04.2010

All Chief Postmaster General

All Postmaster General

All Director/Deputy Director of Accounts (Postal)

 

Subject:- Rates of Dearness Allowance applicable w.e.f. 1.1.2010 to the employees of Central Government and Central Autonomous Bodies continuing to draw their pay in the pre-revised  scale as per 5^th CPC.

The undersigned is directed to forward herewith a copy of O.M. No.1(3)/2008-E.II (B) dated the 31^st March, 2010, received from Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure on the subject mentioned above for information / guidance and necessary action.

Sd/-

(G.K.Mukherjee)

Section Officer (PAP)

 

 

No.1(3)/2008-EII(B)

Government of India

Ministry of Finance

Department of Expenditure

 

New Delhi, the 31^st March, 2010

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:- Rates of Dearness Allowance applicable w.e.f. 1.1.2010 to the employees of Central Government and Central Autonomous Bodies continuing to draw their pay in the pre-revised scale as per 5^th CPC.

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department's O.M. of even No. dated 29^th September, 2009 revising the Dearness Allowance w.e.f. 1.7.2009 in respect of employees of Central Government and Autonomous Bodies who continue to draw their pay and allowances in the rpe-revised scales of pay as per 5^th Central Pay Commission.

2. The rates of Dearness Allowance admissible to the above categories of employees of Central Government and Central Autonomous bodies shall be enhanced from the existing rate of 73% to 87% w.e.f. 1.1.2010. All other conditions as laid down in the O.M. dated 3^rd October, 2008 will continue to apply.

3. The contents of this Office Memorandum may also be brought to the notice of the organizations under the administrative control of the Ministries/Departments which have adopted the Central Government scales of pay.

Sd/-

(R.Prem Anand)

Under Secretary to the Government of India

--
K.Ragavendran
Secretary General NFPE

DOPT ORDERS ON ACR GRADING FOR CONSIDERATION OF DPC

DOPT ORDERES ON ACRs WITH BELOW BENCHMARK GRADING CONSIDERED IN PAST DPCs

Dear Comrades,

DOPT has issued another clarificatory orders on the issue of ACRs with below benchmark grading considered in past DPCs closely on the foot steps of its recent orders on 13.04.2010 making it mandatory to supply the adverse entries in ACRs prior to 2008-09 to the officials for facilitating those officials to make representations if any for the consideration of the Reviewing Authority.

However,, the presnt clarificatory orders dated 27th April 2010 of the DOPT is to make the Officers guarded against granting such promotions if any from a retrospective date based on the upgradation of the grading by the competent authority based on the judgment of the Supreme Court in the Dev Dutt Vs Union of India case. The DOPT has cautioned all the Officers to take advantage of another judgment of the same Supreme Court in the Union of India Vs A.K.Goel & others case and the latest referals to a larger bench of the Supreme Court of India on the face of contradictory judgments of Supreme Court in the past.

This laterst clarificatory orders takes away the benefit of getting the benefit of promotion from a retrospective date even though the Reviewing Authority upgrade the benchmark on representation from the official agains the negative grading made in the ACRs. Therefore this is a negative order.

The full text of the orders of the DOPT can be downloaded by clicking the link below:

http://persmin.gov.in/writedata/CircularNotification/ScanDocument/21011_1_2010-Estt.-A.pdf



--
K.Ragavendran
Secretary General NFPE

P4 CHQ WRITES TO DEPARTMENT SEEKING MODIFICATIONS IN POSTMAN WORK NORMS

P4 CHQ HAS WRITTEN A LETTER TO DEPARTMENT OF POSTS SEEKING IMPROVEMENT / MODIFICATION IN THE POSTMEN WORK NORMS

The copy of letter in this regards written by Comrade Ishwar Singh Dabas General Secretary AIPEU Postmen & Group D CHQ to the Department is reproduced below for information:

No. P-IV/CHQ/Postman Norms/2010 Dated 22nd April 2010

To

The Deputy Director General [Estt]

Department of Posts

Dak Bhawan

New Delhi – 110001

Sub: Improvement in the Postmen establishment norms – regarding.

Ref: DoP Order No.9-1/2005-W.S.I/PE.I Dated 5.2.2010

Sir,

This Union is constrained to bring the following factors to your kind notice to seek necessary modifications / changes in the Revised Norms for Postmen Establishment:

1. Delivery of unregistered mail [other than multi-storied building] is given a time factor of 0.72 Minutes causing a reduction of 0.03 Minutes per letter. We have actually demanded upward revision to 1.00 Minute per article but however there is no scientific justification for reducing the existing time factor. The earlier time factor at least has to be restored.

2. Delivery of unregistered Mail in Multi-storied buildings has been given a time factor 0.42 Minutes after reducing the ad-hoc time factor earlier allowed viz., 0.77 Minutes. In fact despite instructions, all tenants in multi-storied buildings are not providing for letter-boxes in the ground floors. Therefore there is no need for providing separate time factor for letters pertaining to multi-stories buildings at present. The time factor allowed so far for letters without any distinction as general and multi-stories should be allowed to continue until such time that all tenants are keeping letter-boxes in the ground floor of the buildings.

3. Time factor for Customs Duty Articles are reduced from the existing 4.50 Minutes into 3.00 Minutes. This is highly unscientific since these articles also involve additional work including cash transactions. Therefore the earlier time factors of 4.50 which was also determined by the Work Study Unit in the year 2008 vide F.No.9-1/2005-IWSU/PE-I dated 7.10.2008 should be continued.

4. Time factor for Money Orders was 4.00 Minutes earlier which was reduced as 3.85 for Paid MOs and 2.50 Minutes for Unpaid MOs. This distinction as paid and unpaid is unnecessary since the calculations involved from the time of taking possession of MOs to making returns the work of the Postmen do not undergo any change. More over the reduction from 4.00 Minutes to 3.85 Minutes is also unscientific. The norms worked out by the Work Study Unit are to be revised once again restoring status-quo-ante.

5. The Time factor provided for distance travelled by foot as well as bicycles in congested areas is most unscientific. Earlier it was 18 Mts and 9 Mts respectively for foot and cycle and the increase of 1 minute only is not commensurate with the level of increase of congestion in traffic and people nowadays. It should be revised as 25 Minutes and 15 Minutes respectively for both Foot and Cycle in congested areas.

6. The time factor provided for Returns by Postmen viz., 0.20 Minutes is not commensurate with the new work added to Postmen. A minimum of 0.30 Minutes for Returns shall be provided for Returns.

7. Several new work are now and then added to Postmen like Sale of Postal Stationery; Collection of Data in separate forms; Collection of surplus cash from sub offices to HO; Collection of Electricity, Water Bills etc; Collection of Speed Post Articles etc and therefore the minimum Returns shall be 0.40 Minutes. No time factor has been finalised by the Work Study Unit for such works. It is necessary to decide separate work norms for such work items.

8. The time factor specified for different categories notwithstanding a ceiling specifying the maximum distance of a postmen beat should be fixed. Now there is no such crieteria and this is resulting in some beats with unscientific distances like more than 50 Kilometres. To cite an example we can point out that the distance of a beat in Delhi Sultanpuri Post Office is more than 50 Kilometres. No beat should be more than 13 Kilometres in urban areas and more than 16 Kilometres in rural areas. Forming beats beyond such a distance is unscientific. Such a restriction is to be incorporated into the Postmen establishment norms.

9. Similarly, appropriate distance factor and maximum number of articles to be entrusted shall be determined for the Speed Postman Beats also. At present no such norms are fixed and in many places the distance traversed by Speed Postmen is beyond reasoning. The number of Speed Post Articles also entrusted without any limit and thus resulting the total work hours per day is beyond 8 Hours, which is against the law.

10. Several new duties are now entrusted to Postmen as per the Directorate Order Dated 7.10.2008 under the head 'Revised Duties of Postmen / Delivery Staff' for which no time factor is specified. These new duties coming under Revised Duties are the work presently performed by Postal Assistants and therefore the same time factor in vogue for these items of work shall be included for the Postmen Work Norms also and the calculation of total work norms for Postmen establishment shall be determined taking into account these Revised Duties also. Comprehensive Orders in this behalf are to be issued by the Postal Directorate.

This Union would highly appreciate for your kind intervention for subjecting the above time factors for reconsideration and improvement.

Thanking you,

Yours faithfully,

Sd/-

[Ishwar Singh Dabas]

General Secretary

--
K.Ragavendran
Secretary General NFPE

NEW POSTMAN - MAILGUARD - MSE UNIFORM

UNIFORM CLOTH COLOUR AND DESIGN CHANGED FOR POSTMAN -MAILGUARD - MULTI-SKILLED EMPLOYEES.

Khaki colour cloth reintroduced.

New Design as per DOPT specification shall have two pockets with clover flaps. Sleeves will be either full or half as per the climatic conditions.

India Post logo of 14x7 cm size shall be stiched just above the left pocket.

Plastic name plate with black background and name inscribed in white bi-lingual shall be affixed just above the right pocket on the two thread eyes / fasteners to be got stitched as in the picture.

For women employees, the unform shall be khaki blouse / saree or Salwar / Kameez with khaki dupatta. India Post logo shall be got stitched on the right blouse sleeve 5" just below the shoulder. Plastic name plate to be affixed on the saree palloo / dupatta on the left side.

Full Orders of the Department together with the new uniform design and the Logo of the Department model are furnished for the information of the members.

NEWS FLASH - BPEF UNION'S WRIT PETITION DISMISSED BY HON'BLE MADRAS HIGH COURT

HERE IS A NEWS FLASH - THE WRIT PETITION FILED BY BPEF UNION IN MADRAS HIGH COURT AGAINST THE TRADE UNION FACILITY OF P3 UNIONS OF NFPE & FNPO AND IRM&ASRM UNION STANDS DISMISSED TODAY

 

Dear Comrades,

 

HAIL THIS LEGAL VICTORY

 

As already intimated by our websites, the Writ Petition filed by the BPEF Union in the Hon'ble High Court of Madras came up for hearing today. The Interim injunction granted to the trade union facilities of P3 NFPE Union and FNPO Union was opposed by our Advocate. The Government Advocate also presented the case of the Government side. On hearing the arguments of our Advocate, the Honourable Judge dismissed the WRIT PETITION filed by the BPEF Union and ordered immedieate restoration of trade union facilities to P3 Unions of NFPE and FNPO and also the IRM&ASRM Union which was cancelled based on the Interim Injunction granted by the Hon'ble Madras High Court recently.

 

In addition the Honourable Judge ordered that whole process of Re-verification has to be concluded within a period of three months - This means there is no stay to the ongoing process of Re-verification and the  process will continue as usual.

 

NFPE hails this legal victory as the 'victory of the Postal Employees' who have always stood for honest trade unionism and opposed all types of machinations to scuttle the recognition of historic Federation and its Affiliated Unions and Associations. This legal victory should be a lesson to all forces who feel happy to see the trade union facilities temporarily withdrawn by the Administration on the face of Interim Injunction. Such types of joy aimed against our movement will only be short-liven as in the present case.

With this restoration of trade  union facilitiy and the direction of the Honourable Court for completion of Re-verification process, NFPE calls upon all the Divisional and Branch Secretaries to complete the process of submission of Declaration Forms with 5 lists with their signature at the bottom of each page today itself - Remember today [26.04.2010] is the last day of submission to the Divisional Heads.

 

CELEBRATE THIS LEGAL VICTORY - ENSURE OUR ORGANISATIONAL VICTORY WITH YOUR MAXIMUM SUBMISSION OF MEMBERSHIP FORMS TODAY ITSELF.

 

--
K.Ragavendran
Secretary General NFPE

SUBMIT MEMBERSHIP DECLARATIONS AS SCHEDULED ON 26th APRIL 2010

LAST DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF MEMBERSHIP DECLARATIONS IS 26.04.2010 [MONDAY]

Dear Comrades!

 

There is no change in the Reverification schedule. Therefore our Divisional / Branch Secretaries are requested to submit all the Membership Declaration forms with 5 copies of Membership Lists duly signed in each page of the Membership list by the Divisional / Branch Secretary well in time on 26.04.2010 to the Divisional Head.

 

Do not believe in rumours as the re-verification process is not stayed. A Writ Petition was once again filed by one of the Bhartiya Unions in Honourable High Court of Madras and an interim injunction is granted for the trade union facilities of P3 NFPE; P3 FNPO; and IRM&ASRM Union. Due to this Interim injunction the Department had cancelled the trade union facilities of the above three unions. But the Re-verification process is continuing and there is no change in the date of submission of Membership Declarations to the Divisional Head. Please go ahead and file all the Membership Declaration Forms with 5 copies of membership lists with the signatures of Divisional / Branch Secratary in each page.

 

P3 NFPE and P3 FNPO  have filed their counter affidavits in the Honourable High Court of Madras and the above case is coming up for hearing on Monday the 26th April. We have information that the Department had already prepared the brief and based upon that the Government Advocate also is expected to place the stand of the Government clearly in the Court on Monday. Our Advocate will also argue our case. All efforts are on for arguing against continuation of the interim injunction.

 

The entire rank and file are informed that we are taking all efforts to overcome the situation created by the Bhartiya Union with regard to the cancellation of trade union facilities of P3. NFPE as a Federation also has decided to implead in the said case to defend the positions of the Federation and its affiliates.

 

However all Divisional / Branch Secretaries are once again requested to concentrate on the job at hand and complete the task of submission and subsequent verification of membership most successfully. We are confident that the Bhartiya Unions would be shown their position by the Postal Employees after the ongoing verification.

 

ENSURE OUR SUCCESS - BE ALERT - SUBMIT ON 26.04.2010 - VICTORY IS OURS

 

--
K.Ragavendran
Secretary General NFPE

IMPATIENCE OF BUREACRACY IN DEALING STAFF REPRESENTATIONS EXHIBITED BY GOVERNMENT ORDER

IMPATIENCE OF BUREACRACY IS GROWING

 

The only opportunity available to Government staff to represent against any injustice perpetrated is through Representations to different Authorities in the Government Machinery - This basic right is also being curtailed now on the plea that such representations are bogging down the Official Machinery!!

 

DOPT issued an order on CCS Conduct Rules 1974 on submission of representations by Government Servants on 19th April 2010 curtailing the rights of Government Employees to represent by restricting the Officers from considering any representation made beyond two times on the same issue - Even the second representation should be ignored if not new points are brought to the notice by the representing officials.

 

This shows the impatience and growing intolerence of bureacracy towards dealing the representations from staff, which is a basic democratic right so far available to us.

 

This stand of the Government will force large number of officials to approach for remedy in Central Administrative Tribunals and Higher forums of Judiciary in future.

 

For the full text of the Government Orders please click on the Link Below:

 

http://persmin.gov.in/writedata/CircularNotification/ScanDocument/11013_4_2010-Estt.(A).pdf

 

 

T

--
K.Ragavendran
Secretary General NFPE

RE-VERIFICATION PROCESS NEARING COMPLETION - BE ALERT AND SUBMIT BEFORE 26.04.2010

Re-verification of Membership Process is nearing completion and all the Membership Declaration Forms obtained from our members are to be submitted to the Divisional Heads before 26.04.2010.

 

All Divisional and Branch Secretaries are requested to be alert and submit the Membership Declaration forms along with 5 list of Members signed duly at the bottom of each page by the Divisional / Branch Secretaries at the earliest before 26th April 2010.

 

No need to wait till the last hour - Submit all the collected Declarations as early as possible, even one or two days well in advance - Any left out membership declartion forms can be collected and separately submitted before 26th April.

 

BE ALERT - BE VIGILANT - BE QUICK - COMPLETE THE TASK IMMEDIATELY - THERE IS NO CHANGE IN RE-VERIFICATION SCHEDULE ALREADY ANNOUNCED BY THE DEPARTMENT - ENSURE THE STATUS OF NFPE UNIONS.

--
K.Ragavendran
Secretary General NFPE

PROJECT ARROW BAGS THE ORGANISATION CATEGORY PM AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION - IT IS TIME TO HEAR THE WOES OF PROJECT ARROW EMPLOYEES

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will inaugurate the 5th Civil Service Day

in the national capital on Wednesday.

Dr Singh, on this occasion, will also give away the 'PM Award for Excellence in

Public Administration' for the year 2008-09. 

Government of India. Project Arrow - Transforming India Post, Government of India

bags the award in the organization category.

Under this scheme of awards instituted in 2006, all officers of Central and State Governments individually or as group or as organization are eligible. The award includes a medal, scroll and a cash amount of Rs. one lakh. In case of a group, the total award money is Rs. five lakh subject to a maximum of Rs. one lakh per person. For an organization this is limited to Rs. five lakh.

An exhibition showcasing the various award winning initiatives will be put up. Books written by the Civil Servants during the last five years will also be displayed.

The day is being observed by all the Central Civil Services to rededicate and recommit themselves to the cause of the people. It provides a unique opportunity for introspection as also chalking out future strategies to deal with the challenges being posed by changing times.

 

Full Credit goes to the Postal Employees all over the Country who unmindful of heavy staff shortage - unbearable work load - threats of punishments if they dont perform 100% delivery etc performed to the best of their ability to facilitate the Department of Posts bag this prestigious Prime Minister Award for Excellence in Public Administration.

 

We hope that at least hereafter the demands of the Postal Employees like full complement strength of staff in Project Arrow and for stopping all oral instructions by Officers against the Departmental Rules and Regulation in the name of 100% delivery will be sorted out by the Department. We hope the representations from NFPE on several issues arising out of Project Arrow will receive full attention of the Postal Board.

 

Full News can be obtained by clicking the Press Information Bureau Link Below:

 

http://www.pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=60551 

--
K.Ragavendran
Secretary General NFPE

AIR TRAVEL BY LTC TO NER EXTENDED FOR TWO MORE YEARS

GOVERNMENT EXTENDS THE BENEFIT OF AIR TRAVEL UNDER LTC TO NORTH EASTERN REGION

 

It is the LTC season now and thousands of Government Employees are exhausting their LTC of the previous bloc. At this time the Government has extended the benefit of Air Travel under LTC to Government Employees to the North Eastern Region. The benefit is now extended for another Two years beyond 1st May 2010. The Orders issued by the DOPT on this matter can be downladed by clicking the Link Below:

http://persmin.gov.in/writedata/CircularNotification/ScanDocument/31011_4_2007-Estt(A).pdf
--
K.Ragavendran
Secretary General NFPE

Modified ACP Scheme - Modifications and Improvements sought by NFPE

NFPE DELEGATION MET MEMBER [P] INFORMALLY AND REQUESTED FOR PARITY WITH RAILWAY DEPARTMENT ON MACP ISSUES

A Delegation of NFPE met the Member [P] yesterday and discussed about the orders issued by Department of Railways for grant of MACP based on 'Average' grading in ACRs and for grant of Stepping up of pay to Senior Officials to the level of Juniors recruited on or after 1.1.2006 as in the case of Department of Railways. Member [P] assured to look into these issues.NFPE Delegation met the DDG [Estt] and requested for corrections in the MACP orders issued by the Department on the point of change of PB-1 into PB-2 while upgrading to GP 4200/- and above. We also requested grant of 4200 GP on 3rd MACP to Work shop staff who are already on 2800/- GP under the earlier ACP Scheme.The issue of discounting of erstwhile LDC to UDC promotion granted to SBCO Staff while considering MACP also discussed with the DDG [Estt]. The DDG assured to consider all the points raised by the NFPE.

We are placing some of the important issues arising out of the implementation of MACP Orders to Postal Employees and the nature of action being taken by NFPE for effecting modifications / improvements in the MACP Scheme:

MACP: Modifications – Improvements – and Clarifications

NFPE as well as the Staff Side have unanimously decided to embrace the Modified ACP Scheme in lieu of TBOP / BCR after much internal discussions and consensus. We were aware of certain negative in-built aspects in the MACP Scheme but without getting into the scheme we will not be able to attempt modifying or improving the scheme. MACP Scheme has been now extended to the Postal Employees. We are dealing with the following issues:

1. Benefit of MACP to Promotees: The promotion from one cadre to another through competitive departmental examinations also is taken as REGULAR PROMOTION under the ACP / MACP Schemes. This reduces the number of MACP benefit to Promotees. The Group D promoted as Postmen / Mailguard first and then as PA/SA will be deprived of two financial upgradations under these Rules. NFPE has taken up this issue with the Secretary Staff Side JCM National Council and Confederation leaders for discussions with the Government for modification of this contention. In our opinion 'REGULAR PROMOTION' means only those promotions an official can get by virtue of his seniority-cum-fitness in his own cadre and not the promotions an official can get only by writing an examination. Therefore all promotions attained by examinations from one cadre to another shall be excluded from the contention of REGULAR PROMOTION for the grant of three ACP financial upgradations. If this point is clinched then all Promotees from Group D to Postman / Mailguard or from LGO to PA/SA or from PA/SA to IPO etc would be eligible for all the three financial upgradations thereafter. NFPE is pursuing this issue with the Staff Side.

2. Hierarchical benefit under MACP: Hierarchical promotion system available for a cadre in a department and Financial Upgradations under the ACP Scheme were identical earlier. But the 6^th CPC has twisted this factor and recommended for de-linking the ACP from the hierarchy of promotions available to officials. Government also while increasing the number of upgradations from 2 to 3 under MACP Scheme, accepted the new factor of de-linking the hierarchical promotion from the MACP as recommended by the 6^th CPC and ordered that all MACP upgradations will be only to the next Grade Pay. This is causing damage to some categories of employees whose regular promotions are for higher Grade Pay because these officials will get only the next Grade Pay and not the Grade Pay to which he can go under REGULAR PROMOTION. For example the Work Shop Staff of MMS whose entry grade is PB-1 with 1900 GP are getting their hierarchical promotion to GP 2400. But under MACP they will get upgradation only to GP 2000/- and not 2400/-. This issue has been taken up by NFPE with the Staff Side and Confederation for discussion with Government and for modification.

3. Benchmark: Bench-mark 'Good' is compulsory for financial upgradation beyond the level of Grade Pay 2800/- as per Para 17 of Annexure-I of MACP Orders. This means all upgradations beyond PB-1 will require the benchmark 'Good' grading. The Railways have issued an orders instructing '…averaging ACRs ratings as followed in case of normal DPC be adopted with reference to the respective benchmark for MACP purposes'. NFPE has written to Department of Posts enclosing a copy of the Railway Ministry Orders demanding grant of MACP on 'Average' Grading in ACRs. NFPE has written to Confederation also to take up this issue with the DOPT for extending this benefit to all other CG employees like Railways. We have also earlier discussed the matter of benchmark with the Department and on the grounds that 'Average' was not a negative remark in the CRs as per the earlier situation, the same should not be held against the official now for granting MACP. The DOPT has subsequently issued an order for supply of the ACR Grading prior to 2008-09 for representation if any from officials before the meeting of DPCs and appropriate action by the Reviewing Authority. In the Department of Posts however there was no system of automatic review of CRS by a Reviewing Authority and all these points were discussed with the Department for not applying the benchmark retrospectively for grant of MACP. Now after the Railways issuing the order for taking 'Average' grading sufficient for grant of MACP, NFPE has renewed its efforts to get similar orders for the Postal Employees also.

4. Better Benefit under other Promotional Schemes: There are cases wherein the officials may be eligible for better financial benefits under different financial upgradation schemes like 2 ACP Scheme or TBOP/BCR Schemes that what is available under the latest MACP Scheme. For example, a Promotee from Group D to Postman and then from Postmen to PA/SA has got his TBOP already, he would not be eligible for any more financial upgradations under the MACP Scheme. But if the official continues in TBOP/BCR Scheme itself, he will be eligible for BCR upgradation on completion of 26 years of PA/SA Service. For such officials the TBOP/BCR would be better than MACP if we could not effect necessary changes in the MACP Scheme by discounting examination based promotions against number of MACP upgradations. A consensus amongst the Staff Side was reportedly arrived at to demand option for such employees either to remain under old upgradation schemes or going over to MACP Scheme whichever is beneficial.

5. MACP Scheme to Drivers: The DOPT orders mentions that existing time-bound promotion scheme, including in-situ promotion scheme, staff car driver scheme etc cannot run concurrently with the MACPs. NFPE has written to Confederation that the promotion scheme to drivers' viz., 9:15:5% Selection Grade is not an automatic promotion scheme but only prescribes the eligibility to be considered for promotion on completion of 9 years and 15 years of service and the top most 5% only get the selection grade. In fact no driver in our department is getting his first or second promotion in 9 years or 15 years. Therefore they should be extended with the benefit of MACP scheme on the same understanding that the Drivers will get ACP if they don't get the regular promotion within 10, 20 and 30 years. We will pursue the issue.

6. Discounting of erstwhile LDC to UDC promotion for SBCO officials: The Administration has refused the benefit of financial upgradation under MACP to many SBCO Officials who were earlier promoted from LDC to UDC in the Department of Posts. Such promotions have to be discounted because of the fact that erstwhile LDC and UDC have been merged into a single cadre of PA/SA for SBCO staff and any earlier promotion granted between such merged grades have to be discounted for the purpose of MACP Scheme as per the understanding of the MACP Orders. NFPE has written to Department of Posts for issue of necessary clarificatory orders on this issue.

7. Grant of next Grade Pay under MACP for Workshop Staff: As per the MACP Orders the next Grade Pay in the hierarchy of Pay Band and Grade Pay has to be granted under financial upgradation. In the Ministry of Railways the Workshop staff who were earlier granted 2^nd ACP under the earlier ACP Scheme in the pre-revised pay scale of 4500-7000 are fitted into the 6^th CPC recommended PB-1 with GP 2800. Such officials on eligibility to get their 3^rd MACP under the new MACP Scheme are awarded with the next Grade Pay of 4200/-. Similarly placed MMS Workshop staffs are not granted with the same benefit but clarifications are pending at the level of the Postal Directorate on this issue. NFPE has written to Department of Posts for extending the same benefit under MACP as like Railways to the MMS workshop staff.

8. Contradictory Clarification: In the meanwhile a contradictory clarification by the DOPT is causing confusion and denial of MACP to officials. The DOPT had clarified in contradicting its original orders on MACP stating that on completion of 30 years of service or 10 years from the date of second promotion / upgradation, whichever is later. This 'whichever is later' phrase in the clarifications is to be removed. Now the issue has been reportedly referred to Pay Commission Cell for clarification. NFPE has already taken this matter to the knowledge of Confederation for getting the contradiction cleared by DOPT.

Many of the issues related to MACP will be discussed in the Sub-Committee formed by the Official Side at the level of the National Council JCM. This Sub-Committee had been formed after the Staff Side raised the issues related to MACP in the National Anomaly Committee meetings.

--
K.Ragavendran
Secretary General NFPE

CONGRATULATIONS BSNL WORKERS & OFFICERS

JOINT ACTION COMMITTEE OF  BSNL ASSOCIATIONS CALLED OFF THE STRIKE AFTER SETTLEMENT WITH THE

HONOURABLE MOC&IT

After hectic and protracted discussion for more than two hours with Shri Raja, Minister of Communications & IT, agreement was reached on the demands raised by the Joint Action Committee. Accordingly the JCA met and decided so call off the strike. JAC requests all the workers to resume duty immediately. NFPE congratulates the BSNL Workers for their success of the Strike. The press release issued by Joint Action Committee can be downloaded by clicking the link below:

http://www.bsnleuchq.com/strikepress.pdf

--
K.Ragavendran
Secretary General NFPE

GLORIOUS STRIKE BY BSNL EMPLOYEES AND OFFICERS LAUNCHED TODAY MORNING

Glorious Nationwide Indefinite Strike by BSNL Employees and Group 'B' Officers with massive response commenced today morning at 6.00 P.M.

Comrade V.A.N.Namboodiri General Secretary BSNLEU informed our Federation that a total response by both Employees and Group 'B' Officers from all Circles to the Call of the Joint Action Committee of BSNL Associations / Unions has been recorded.

NFPE once again congratulate the striking BSNL Employees and Officers and wish them all Success in their just struggle.

NFPE again reminds the Circle Unions and Divisional and Branch Secretaries to take all out efforts to mobilize our Postal Workers in solidarity demonstrations throughout the country in support of the BSNL employees who are our own brothers and sisters in the joint P&T Family and got bifurcated due to the privatization policy of the Government. The present attack of larger disinvestment of BSNL and plans for retrenchment of one lakh BSNL Workers cannot be tolerated.

ORGANISE SOLIDARITY DEMONSTRATIONS OF POSTAL WORKERS TO THE STRIKING BSNL EMPLOYEES AND OFFICERS - INVITE THE LEADERS OF JOINT ACTION COMMITTEE TO OUR DEMONSTRATIONS FOR ADDRESSING - EXTEND ALL SUPPORT TO THE BSNL COMRADES IN THEIR HOUR OF S TRUGGLE FOR SURVIVAL.

EXTEND TOTAL SOLIDARITY TO BSNL WORKERS ON INDEFINITE STRIKE FROM 20TH APRIL

JOINT ACTION COMMITTEE OF BSNL ASSOCIATIONS / UNIONS ORGANISES A JOINT INDEFINITE STRIKE OF BSNL EMPLOYEES FROM 20.04.2010

INDEFINITE STRIKE IS ON A 7 POINT CHARTER OF DEMANDS INCLUDING OPPOSITION TO DISINVESTMENT OF 30% SHARES / PRIVATIZATION OF BSNL AND SCHEME FOR MASSIVE RETRENCHMENT OF ONE LAKH EMPLOYEES IN THE NAME OF VOLUNTARY RETIREMENT; SETTLING ITS ABSORPTION ISSUE ETC.

HIGH LEVEL NEGOTIATIONS HELD BETWEEN THE JOINT ACTION COMMITTEE OF BSNL ASSOCIATIONS / UN IONS AND HONOURABLE MOC&IT ON 16.04.2010 IN WHICH THE SECRETARY DOT, CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING DIRECTOR BSNL AND OTHER OFFICERS WERE PRESENT DID NOT RESULT IN SETTLEMENT

INDEFINITE STRIKE BY BSNL EMPLOYEES WILL COMMENCE ON 20^TH APRIL 2010

NFPE extends total solidarity to the Joint Acton Committee of BSNL Associations / Unions and greets the entire BSNL Employees for a glorious strike

NFPE Calls upon the Postal Circle Unions and Divisional and Branch Unions to organise solidarity demonstrations in support of BSNL Employees in which the leaders of BSNL Associations and Leaders be invited. NFPE also calls upon the entirety of Postal Workers to extend all possible supportive activities to the struggling BSNL Workers.

--
K.Ragavendran
Secretary General NFPE

MINISTRY OF FINANCE ISSUES OM ON ENHANCEMENT OF FINANCIAL POWERS OF MINISTRIES / DEPARTMENTS

DEPARTMENT OF EXPENDITURE [MOF] ISSUED OM ON ENHANCEMENT OF FINANCIAL POWERS OF MINISTRIES / DEPARTMENTS

Financial Powers of Secretary of Department is enhanced as 20 Crores on Non-Plan Expenditure / Projects

Upto Rs.50 Crores beyond 20 crores shall be finalised by the Standing Finance Committee headed by the Secretary and approved by the Minister -in-charge of the Administrative Ministry and expenditure beyond 50 crores and upto 75 crores shall be finalised by the above Standing Finance Committee with a Member from Department of Expenditure in the Committee with the approval of the Minister in-charge of the Administrative Ministry.

All Non-Plan Expenditure / Project above Rs.75 crores shall be finaised only in the Appraisal Forum at the level of CNE [Committee on Non-Plan Expenditure] comprising of Secretary Department of Expenditure as the Chairman and Secretary Planning Commission and the Secretary of the concerned Department. However depending upon the expenditure quantum the CNE appraisals have to be approved by the Minister in-charge or by the Minister -in-charge and the Finance Minister or by the Cabinet / CCEA.

The text of the MOF Orders is available in the website of the Ministry of Finance or downloadable by clicking the link below:

http://finmin.nic.in/the_ministry/dept_expenditure/DFPR/enhance_power.pdf

DOPT CLARIFICATORY ORDERS ON GRANT OF FINANCIAL UPGRADATION TO STENOGRAPHERS UNDER MACP SCHEME

DOPT has issued a clarificatory orders on grant of upgradation to Stenographers under MACP Scheme

As per the Clarification the DR Assistants / DR Group 'C' Stenographers who have got non-functional grade in the GP Rs.5400/- would only be entitiled for 3rd MACP in the immediate higher grade pay of Rs.6600/- on completion of 30 years of continuous service or on completion of 10 years of stagnation in a single grade pay, whichever is earlier.

Full text of the order is available in the DOPT Website can be downloaded by clicking the Link Below:

http://persmin.gov.in/writedata/CircularNotification/ScanDocument/CSWing/macps.pdf

DOPT ORDERS ON BELOW BENCHMARK GRADINGS FOR ACP

LATEST DOPT ORDERS ON BENCH MARK GRADINGS

DOPT issued orders directing supply of a copy of the grading in the ACR prior to 2008-09 to the concerned officials [only those years of ACR that are relevant for promotion shall be sent] for facilitating the officials to make representation if any against the adverse remarks before placing the ACR before the DPC that is going to consider the official for promotion.

The competent Reviewing Authority shall decide the matter objectively in a quasi-judicial manner by taking into account both the representation of the official and the contention of the reporting Officer if they are still in service. This is emphasised in the order in the background of UPSC ramarking that the views of the Reporting Officers [if they are still in service] not taken into account before deciding on the representation of the Officials. It is also emphasised by UPSC that the Competent Authority shall give specific reason for upgrading the benchmark in APAR [previously ACR] of the official.

Full text copy of the orders published in the DOPT website can be downloaded by clicking on the Link Below:

http://persmin.gov.in/writedata/CircularNotification/ScanDocument/21011_1_2010-Estt.A-1.pdf

DA ORDERS FOR GDS RELEASED BY DEPARTMENT OF POSTS

Department of Posts today released orders for payment of

8% DA to Gramin Dak Sewaks

Following the orders of the Ministry of Finance for payment of 8% additional DA to Central Government Employees w.e.f. 1.1.2010, the Department of Posts today released necessary orders for payment of the same to nearly three lakhs of GDS

Copy of the original orders of the Department is

available hereunder:

No.14-5/2009-PAP

Government of India

Ministry of Communications & IT

Department of Posts

Dak Bhawan, Sansad Bhawan

New Delhi, dated the 12^th April, 2010

To

All Chief Postmasters General

All Postmasters General

All Directors / Dy.Director of Accounts [Postal]

Subject: Payment of Dearness Allowance to Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) at revised rates with effect from 1.01.2010.

Sir / Madam,

Consequent upon grant of another installment of dearness allowance with effect from 01.01.2010 to Central Government Employees, vide Government of India, Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure O.M. No. 1(3)/2010-E.II (B) dated 26^th March, 2010,the Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS), have also become entitled to the payment of dearness allowance on basic TRCA at the revised rate with effect from 01.01.2010.It has, therefore, been decided that the dearness allowance payable to the Gramin Dak Sevaks shall be enhanced from the existing rate of 27% to 35%,on the basic Time Related Continuity Allowance ,with effect from 01.01.2010.

2. The additional Installment of dearness allowance payable under this order shall be paid in cash to all Gramin Dak Sevaks. The payment of arrears of dearness allowance for the month of January and February, 2010 shall not be made before the date of disbursement of TRCA of March 2010.

3. The expenditure on this account will be debitable to the Sub Head 'Salaries' under the relevant head and should be met from the sanctioned grant.

4. This Issues with the concurrence of Integrated Finance Wing vide their Diary No. 80/FA/10/10/CS, dated 12.04.2010.

Sdxxx

(K. Rameshwara Rao)

Asstt. Director General (Estt)

--
K.Ragavendran
Secretary General NFPE

28th ALL INDIA CONFERENCE OF R3 NFPE AT MYSORE

28th AIC OF AI RMS&MMS GROUP 'C' COMMENCED WITH HUNDREDS OF DELEGATES RAISING SLOGANS TO PROTECT THE RMS DURING THE FLAG HOISTING FUNCTION ON 10.04.2010 IN BELEGOLA 'MYSORE'

COMRADE C.C.PILLAI FORMER SECRETARY GENERAL NFPE INAUGURATED THE SUBJECTS COMMITTEE

SECRETARY GENERAL NFPE AND GENERAL SECRETARIES OF AFFILIATED UNIONS PARTICIPATED IN THE AIC

NFPE GREETS THE ACCOUNTS EMPLOYEES AND OFFICERS ALL SUCCESS IN THEIR GLORIOUS STRUGGLE

BOTH EMPLOYEES AND OFFICERS OF ENTIRE ORGANISED ACCOUNTS ARE ON MASS CASUAL LEAVE STRUGGLE TODAY - 8.4.2010

Hold solidarity demonstrations by Postal Employees in front of Postal Accounts Offices

An end to the permanent disparity time and again created despite acknowledging the parity now and then by the Government is the major demand of the Accounts Employees and Officers - The Government should stop its cat and mouse game and come for a permanent solution to the vexed problem of the Accounts Employees and Officers.

NFPE GREETS THEIR JUST STRUGGLE ALL SUCCESS

INTERIM INJUCTION GRATNED BY HON'BLE MADRAS HIGH COURT FOR TWO WEEKS NOT EXTENDED - RE-VERIFICATION PROCESS CONTINUES AS NOTIFIED

HON'BLE MADRAS HIGH COURT HAD EARLIER ON 24.03.2010 GRANTED AN INTERIM INJUNCTION FOR TWO WEEKS ON A WRIT PETITION FILED BY THE BPEF UNION -

 

BUT THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT INTERIM INJUNCTION IS NOT EXTENDED AFTER THE EXPIRY OF TWO WEEKS BY THE HONOURABLE COURT.

 

Re-verification Process is proceeding as scheduled - Complete the collection and submission of membership declaration forms before 26.04.2010

 

Bhartiya Federation P3 Union filed a Writ Petition in the Hon'ble High Court of Madras for cancellation of trade union facilities to NFPE and FNPO P3 Unions and IRM&ASRM Union. The Petition also challeged the Provisional Recognition granted to NFPE and FNPO.

Hon'ble High Court had granted two weeks injunction on 24.03.2010 but did not grant any stay on the Re-verification Process.

Yesterday the Case was noted for hearing and the AIPEU Group 'C' CHQ had filed its counter affidavit and ready for the hearing.

The hearing however did not take place as large number of cases were in the list – Today the Judge ordered for serving of Notice to all Parties and postponed the hearing without extending the Injunction,

Therefore the Trade Union Facilities of P3 NFPE; P3 FNPO; and IRM&ASRM Association who were Defendents in the BPEF Case which were cancelled based on the interim injunction two weeks back, has automatically stands cancelled and the recognized Unions automatically stands restored with the trade union facilities.

Whenever the hearing will take place, the same will be attended to by the Advocate of P3 CHQ and all efforts would be taken to defend the trade union rights of our organisations. NFPE will shortly take a decision on impleading in the case since the Petition challenges the Provisional Recognition of FEDERARATIONS also.

As matters stand now, [1] The Reverification Process is on as per the schedule and all Divisional and Branch Secretaries are requested to concentrate their work and complete the collection of Membership Declaration Forms and submit them to the Divisional Heads before 26.04.2010; and [2] Trade Union Facilities of recognised unions continue be conferred on the NFPE and FNPO Unions etc and therefore all Comrades are requested not to worry about the propaganda let loose by the BPEF Unions.

KEEP THE MOMENTUM AND COLLECT MEMBERSHIP DECLARATION FORMS FROM ALL OUR MEMBERS –

CONCENTRATE ON THE TASK OF SUBMITTING THEM BEFORE 26.04.2010 ALONGWITH FIVE LIST OF MEMBERS SIGNED AT THE BOTTOM OF EACH PAGE TO THE DIVISIONAL HEAD

AIM TO COLLECT MAXIMUM SIGNATURES AND TRY TO CONVINCE THE BPEF MEMBERS ABOUT THE NEGATIVE ROLE OF BPEF UNION WHICH IS TRYING TO STALL EVERY VERIFICATION PROCESS FOR THE PAST 10 YEARS TO PREVENT MAJOR UNIONS GETTING RECOGNITION AND THEREBY NO REPRESENTATIVE FROM POSTAL COULD GO INTO THE JCM NATIONA COUNCIL TO DISCUSS THE POSTAL EMPLOYEES PROBLEMS.

 

--
K.Ragavendran
Secretary General NFPE