MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE CONSTITUTED TO LOOK INTO ISSUES RELATING TO MAIL NETWORK OPTIMIZATION PROJECT

 

            In accordance with the instructions issued vide Directorate memo No.08/9/2011-SR dated 12.7.11, the Committee constituted to look into issues relating to Mail Network Optimization Project met on 27.09.11. The meeting was attended by the following:

 

(i)         Ms. Manjula Prasher, Member (Operations)

(ii)        Ms. Shanthi S. Nair, CPMG, TN Circle

(iii)       Shri Rishikesh, Director (Mail Management)

(iv)       Shri M. Krishnan, Secretary General (NFPE)

(v)        Shri D. Theagarajan, Secretary General (FNPO)

 

2.         The terms of reference of the Committee were as follows:-

 

"The Committee will review the mail arrangement made as sequel to creation of Speed Post Hubs which, as represented by Staff Side, are causing delay as compared to the position prevailing earlier. The committee will also review the formation of L-1 and L-II in regard to First Class Mail". 

 

3.         Member (Operations) apprised the representatives of the staff side on the initiatives taken as part of Mail Network Optimization Project to improve the quality of Speed Post operations. She also stated that improvement in quality of mail related services was the key objective of the project, and hence, the staff side should fully cooperate with the administration in this endeavour. She further informed that cases relating to delay and back-routing of mail in certain areas have been reviewed and necessary action is being taken. For this purpose, mail arrangements have already been revised in case of HP, Haryana, Punjab, UP, Uttarakhand and AP Circles. Cases relating to other Circles are also being examined.

 

4.         It was informed that instances of delay and back-routing of mail relating to Speed Post operations brought to the notice by the staff side are being looked into and necessary action is being taken for revision in existing mail arrangements wherever necessary. The staff side was also requested to give concrete suggestions on any particular area where improvement is needed. These suggestions would be sent by the staff side within a week. The staff side also agreed with the concept of new sorting hubs for Speed Post operations and opined that at best, a few more intra-Circle Speed Post hubs might be required to strengthen the operational network.

 

5.         The features of performance monitoring tool, such as Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) website and analysis of performance of the Circles through video conference were explained in detail to the staff side. The staff side appreciated the efforts made in this area.

 

6.         Member (Operations) informed that implementation of the network redesign concept for First and Second Class mail was equally crucial. The proposed network redesign seeks to minimize fragmentation in the processing of mail across the existing network, streamline processes followed in the mail offices, provide new tools and equipments for use in mail offices and put in place a technology-enabled environment for mail operations.

 

7.         The staff side demanded copies of the reports submitted by the Consultants on restructuring of Speed Post and First Class mail network. It was agreed that relevant sections of the reports pertaining to operational restructuring would be provided to the staff side.

 

8.         The staff side agreed and appreciated the concept for network redesign for First Class mail. However, they expressed their apprehensions about transfers of the staff concerned in near future. They requested that an assurance may be given that the staff concerned will not be transferred for a specific period.

 

9.         It was decided that the Committee would again meet on 10.10.11 to discuss issues relating to improvement in Speed Post operations based on the suggestions received from the staff side and the Heads of Circles, if any, and implementation of the network redesign concept for First and Second class mail.        

 

            The meeting ended with a vote of thanks to the Chair.

 

 

--
M.Krishnan
Secretary General NFPE

GUIDELINES REGARDING GRANT OF 'VIGILANCE CLEARANCE'

TO MEMBERS OF CENTRAL CIVIL SERVICES / POSTS.

 

 

No.11012/11/2007-Estt.A

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, PG & Pensions

Department of Personnel & Training

New Delhi dated 27th September, 2011

 

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

 

Subject: Guidelines regarding grant of 'Vigilance Clearance' to members of Central                Civil Services / Posts.

 

            The undersigned is directed to say that it has been decided by the Government that officers who have not submitted the Annual Immovable Property Returns by the prescribed time would be denied vigilance clearance and Will not be considered for empanelment for senior level posts in Government of India.

 

2.         Accordingly, in this Department's OM No. 11012/11/2007-Estt.A dated 14.12.2007, laying down guidelines regarding grant of vigilance clearance to members of Central Civil Services / Posts, in para 2 a new sub-para (f) will be inserted as under:

 

(f)        Vigilance clearance shall be denied to an officer if he fails to submit his annual immovable property return of the previous year by 31st January of the following year, as required under Government of India decisions under Rule 18 of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rule, 1964.

 

sd/-

(U.S.Chattopadhyay)

Under Secretary to the

 Government of India

--
M.Krishnan
Secretary General NFPE

LGO SELECTED CANDIDATES NEED NOT WAIT FOR INDUCTION TRAINING!

 

Sub: Induction Training to PA LGO Candidate.

D.G. Posts No. 1-19/2010-Trg dated 28.09.2011

            It has been ordered vide Postal Directorate vide letter No. 60/11/2011-SPB-I dated 16.-9.2011 that the PA/SA LGO candidates selected through departmental examination will be imparted a brief in-house  training of two week, pending regular Institutional Induction Training at Postal Training Centres. It has been further stated that the two week's training shall be finalized by the Heads of the Circles in consultation with the Training Division.

2.         In respect of direct recruit PAs/SAs, para (5) of Postal Directorate letter No. 60-9/2010-SPB-I dated 10.11.2010 had stated that" pending their training by chalking out the course as far as posting orders and commence their in-house training by chalking out the course as far as possible based on the PTC syllabus depending on the resources available with them". Accordingly, direct recruit PAs/SAs were imparted in-house training at Circle level before they were deputed to PTCs. It, is therefore, requested that the PA/SA LGO candidates  selected through departmental examination may also be imparted in-house training of two weeks similar to the one done in respect of direct recruit PAs/SAs.

 Sub:          Appointment of officials qualified for Promotion in the LGO           Examination      in      Postal Assistant/Sorting Assistant cadre   against the vacancies of the        years 2009-2010.

D.G. Post No. 60/11/2011-SPB-I dated 16^th September,2011.

            I am directed to refer to the Chief Postmaster General, Maharashtra Circle's D.O. letter No. STA/28-4(1)/11-121 dated 09.08.2011and Chief Postmaster General UP Circle's D.O. No. Rectt./M-12/Trg./2010/6 dated 30.05.2011wherein they have suggested that the candidates who are to be promoted on the basis of LGO examination may be allowed to be promoted pending their training.

2.         The matter has been examined in the Directorate .In view of the acute shortage of PSs/SAs and likely hood of delay in imparting training to officials to be promoted on the basis of LGO examination, it has been decided by the competent authority that a brief training of two weeks shall be imparted by the Circles to the said officials. The two week's training shall be finalized by the Heads of the Circles in consultation with Deputy Director General (Training). Pending their training, Circles are advised to issue their promotion and posting orders and commence their in-house training by chalking out the course as far as possible based on the PTC syllabus depending on the resources available with the respective Circles. All such officials may be deputed for training as soon as the seats become available in the PTCs. The in house training to be imparted to the candidates by the Circles in no way may be treated as substitute for the formal training to be imparted by PTCs unless it is so vouched by Training Wings/PCTs. Till they are trained by PTCs, they may not be detailed on sensitive seats nor deputed to man the counters. For instance, the Circles may utilize their services in back office under effective supervision and in turn the already trained PAs/SAs may be deputed on the counters.

3.         The receipt of the letter may please be acknowledged.

 

 

 

 

 

 

--
M.Krishnan
Secretary General NFPE

CENTRAL JCA MEETING ON MNOP HELD ON 29.09.2011

Com. M. Krishnan Secretary General NFPE and Com. D. Theagarajan Secretary General FNPO explained the gist of discussion held in the MNOP committee held on 27.09.2011. After detailed discussions the following decisions are taken.

1. Regarding the already implemented Speed Post Hubs the following modifications may be sought for positive decision.

(a) More intra circle hubs should be opened to reduce back routing and delay. Circle Secretaries of R-3 and R-4 Unions (NFPE&FNPO) should give concrete proposals regarding additional hubs required and also for change of jurisdiction from Postal Side to RMS .Report from Circles Secretaries should reach the General Secretaries /Secretary Generals before 5.10.2011.

2. Regarding first class mails hub (L1,L2) the meeting came to the unanimous conclusion that if the L-1,L-2 is implemented the following will be position:

(a) Most of the L-2 office will face closure in the near future due to fall in mail volume.

(b) In major metros/cities all the existing sorting offices and Divisions will be merged and closed.

(c) There will be large scale transfer and displacement of staff affecting their career prospective at large. Large number of Mailman staff and GDS may become surplus in metro/cities.

(d) L-1,L-2 will result in unnecesary back routing and avoidable delay in transmission/delivery of mails.

In view of the above the meeting decided to oppose implementation of L-1 and L-2 .

It is also decided to prepare for another industrial action if the department go ahead with implementation of L-1, L-2 inspite of our opposition. It is decided to approach the Hon`ble Minister for Communications & IT through MPs and appraise him, of the gravity of the situation and request intervention.

In the meantime the Secretary Generals shall prepare a detailed note explaining the above impact of L-1, L-2 for educating the rank and file membership.

REMOVAL OF CEILING OF MAXIMUM BALANCE TO BE RETAINED IN A POST OFFICE       SAVINGS ACCOUNT- AMENDMENT TO RULE-4 OF THE POST OFFICE SAVINGS ACCOUNT RULES 1981 REGARDING. {SB ORDER NO. 20/2011}

 

 

 

No. F.No.113-23/2005-SB

Government of India

Ministry of Communications & IT

Department of Posts

Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg,

New Delhi-110001,

 

Dated: 27.09.2011

To

             All Heads of Circles/Regions

             Addl. Director General, APS, New Delhi.

 

Sub:    Removal of ceiling of maximum balance to be retained in a post office  savings       account- amendment to Rule-4 of the Post Office Savings Account Rules 1981             regarding. {SB ORDER NO. 20/2011}

 

Sir / Madam,

 

            The undersigned is directed to say that issue of removal of ceiling of Rs.1 lac in single savings account and Rs.2 Lac in Joint Savings Account fixed in the year 2000 was under consideration in the Min. of Finance (DEA). This issue was linked to the benefit of exemption in Income Tax on the interest earned in Post Office Savings Account under Section10(15) (i) of Income Tax Act, 1961 by the CBDT and Min. of Finance (DEA). After sustained efforts on the part of this Directorate, Min. of Finance (DEA) has now amended Rule-4 of the Post Office Savings Account Rules 1981 vide G.S.R.681(E) F.No.2/5/2006-NS-II dated 15.9.2011 (copy enclosed). Some major benefits of this amendment are given below:

 

 

(i)         From 1.10.2011, there will be no limit for retaining balance in single as well as joint savings account.

 

(ii)        A depositor or depositor(s) can deposit any amount into single as well as joint savings account.

 

(iii)       Maturity value of any savings instrument can be credited into savings account of the depositor standing in the same post office irrespective of the balance in the account.

 

(i)         Any cheque either issued by Postmaster or any other authority irrespective of any amount can be credited into post office savings account irrespective of the balance in the account.

 

(ii)        From the Financial year 2011-12, Interest income of Rs.3500/- in the case of single account and Rs.7000/- in case of Joint account will be exempted from Income Tax. (Section 10(15) (i) of Income Tax Act, 1961 amended vide Notification No. 32/2010 {F.No. 173/13/2011-IT A.I}/S.O.1296(E) dated 03.06.2011)

 

(iii)       It is the duty of the depositor(s) to show the interest income earned from Post Office Savings Account(s) beyond the limit prescribed above in the Income Tax return and pay due Income Tax.

 

1.         It is requested that all field units may be directed to give wide publicity to these changes in the shape of Public Notice and printing of leaflets.

 

2.         This issues with the approval of DDG (FS).

 

Yours faithfully,

(Kawal Jit Singh)

Assistant Director (SB)

 

--
M.Krishnan
Secretary General NFPE

CADRE REVIEW MEETING

As scheduled, the meeting on cadre restructuring was held in the Postal Directorate on 28.9.2011 under the chairmanship of Dr. Salim Haque, DDG (P). Sri Alok Saxena, DDG (Tech), Sri Rajkumar, Director, Staff, Ms Kalpana, Director, Establishment, Sri Subash Chander, Director, SR & Legal, & Sri Surendrakumar, ADG (PCC) were present on behalf of the official side. The Staff side represented by Sri K.V.Sridharan, General Secretary, P3, Sri D.Kishanrao, General Secretary, P3 FNPO, Sri Giriraj Singh, General secretary, R3 NFPE, Sri D.Theagarajan, General Secretary,R3 FNPO, Sri Iswar Singh Dabas, General Secretary P4, NFPE and Sri T.N.Rahate, General Secretary,P4, FNPO.

The Chairperson expressed the delay in convening the first sitting and assured that the process shall be completed before 31.10.2011 by having two further continuous sittings. It was categorically mentioned by the official side that the proposals for cadre review shall be based only on functional justification and not merely on the percentage basis. Further, they are not in the opinion to suggest forming many new cadres as it will tantamount against the principle accepted by the Govt after implementing the Sixth Pay Commission.

The staff side presented their proposals in each cadre and also the justification for the need of cadre review. It was decided to redraft the proposals by incorporating the various changes taken place in the recent past. The Staff side assured to submit its revised proposals before 7.10.2011. The views of the Staff side demanded discussions on the draft finalized by the former chairman of the committee on cadre review and place it was well taken note of by the official side.

The Chair person declared that next sitting will be held on 12.10.2011 at 14.30 hrs in the Directorate.

--
M.Krishnan
Secretary General NFPE

MEETING NOTICE FOR CADRE RESTRUCTURING COMMITTEE

MEETING NOTICE FOR CADRE RESTRUCTURING COMMITTEE

A meeting of `Cadre Restructuring Committee for Group `C` employees to be held under the Chairmanship of DDG (P) on 29.09.11 at 15 hrs has been preponed to 28-9-2011 at 14 hrs.in Meeting Room No. 347-D of Dak Bhawan. All the Members of the Committee are requested to make it convenient to attend.

---sd--

(Subhash Chander)

Director (SR & Legal

MNOP COMMITTEE MEETING 27.9.2011

MNOP committee meeting is held today (27.9.2011) in the Dak Bhawan. Mrs. Manjula Prashar Member (Operations) and Chairperson of the committee presided. Mrs. Shanthi Nair, Chief PMG, Tamilnadu Circle, Shri Rishikesh, Director, Mails, Com M.Krishnan, Secretary General, NFPE and Sri D. Theagarajan, Secretary General, FNPO attended the meeting which lasted for 4 ½ hours.

Regarding already implemented speed post hubs, it is decided to call for proposals from Chief PMGs seeking necessary further changes in the system such as opening of more intra circle hubs, change of administrative jurisdiction to RMS etc. The Federations shall also submit their circle wise proposals for improvement of the speed post hub system.

Regarding implementation of first class mail hubs (L1, L2 ) , the official side wanted the Staff side to agree to its implementation. They told that existing sorting work in the L2 offices will not be disturbed. Hence, there will not be much change in the existing set up. Barcoding, track and trace in the L1 offices will improve the efficiency and customer satisfaction.

The Staff side vehemently opposed its implementation as it will result in large scale closure of sorting offices and also dislocation of existing staff in addition to avoidable delay in transmission/ delivery of articles. There was no consensus arrived. The item will again be discussed in the meeting proposed to be held on 10.10.2011.

MOST URGENT

All Circle secretaries of RMS unions are requested to send their proposals regarding the changes required in the existing speed post hub system in their circle ie. Opening of additional intra circle hubs, change of jurisdiction to RMS etc to the respective General Secretaries and also to the Federations before October 5 repeat 5^th October 2011.

PL TREAT THIS AS MOST URGENT AND IMPORTANT. Proposals will be finalized in the proposed 10^th meeting. Proposals received after 5^th October will not be considered.

M.Krishnan, D.Theagarajan,

Secretary General NFPE Secretary General, FNPO

LICENCE FEE RECOVERABLE FROM PRIVATE PERSONS, NON-GOVERNMENT OR    ORGANISATIONS AND INELIGIBLE /COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENTS IN RESPECT OF    GENERAL POOL OFFICE ACCOMMODATION

 

No.18015/1/2010 Pol.III

Government of India

Directorate of Estates

Nirman Bhawan. New Delhi

Dated 29th August, 2011

 

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Sub: Licence Fee recoverable from private persons, non-government or        organisations and ineligible /commercial departments in respect of      General         Pool Office Accommodation.

            The undersigned is directed to refer to this Directorate's OM No.18015/1/2007- Pol-II dated 19th June, 2009 on the subject noted above and to say that it has been decided to revise the rates of licence fee to be recovered from service departments / entities like banks/post offices which are operating from General Pool accommodation allotted by the Directorate of Estates, as under :

                Name of Organisation Revised rates of licence fee per sq. mt per month (from 01.04.2011 to 31.03.2014)

 

            Post Offices Rs. 167.00

            Banks            Rs. 455.00

 

            Others           Market rate of licence lee as prescribed by                                                                     Government from time to time.

            These rates are effective from 01.04.2011 to 31.03.2014.

            This issue with the concurrence of Finance Division to the M/o Urban Development vide their Dy. No.346/DFA/FD/2O11 dated 03.08.2011.

  sd/-

(R.N.Yadav)

Deputy Director of Estates (Policy)

--
M.Krishnan
Secretary General NFPE

MEETING ON CADRE RESTRUCTURING COMMITTEE

 

          A MEETING OF `CADRE RESTRUCTURING COMMITTEE FOR GROUP `C` EMPLOYEES WILL BE HELD UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF DDG (P) ON 29.09.11 AT 15 HRS IN MEETING ROOM NO. 347-D OF DAK BHAWAN. ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE ARE REQUESTED TO MAKE IT CONVENIENT TO ATTEND.

--
M.Krishnan
Secretary General NFPE

DEPARTMENT ISSUED ORDER ON DECLINING PROMOTION TO POSTMASTER GRADE-I

►        Declining promotion to Postmaster Grade-I by the officials declared     successful in Postmaster Grade-I Departmental Competitive         Examination held on 12.06.2011.

D.G. Posts No. 4-24/2011-SPB-II dated 26 Sep, 2011.

            I am directed to refer to Directorate's letter of even number dated 9.8.2011 on the above subject and to say that in the aforesaid letter the Circles were advised that declination of appointment by the candidate to the post of Postmaster Grade-I after passing the Departmental examination, but before his appointment ,may be accepted.

2.         References are being received seeking clarification with regard to acceptance of declination of appointment by the candidate to the post of Postmaster Grade-I after issue of order of appointment but before joining by the candidate to the post of Postmaster Grade-I.

3.         The Directorate's letter of even number dated 9.8.2011 is very clear. Declination of appointment by the officials can be accepted by the Circles only if the same is received before issue of order of appointment. No deviation is permissible in the matter.

--
M.Krishnan
Secretary General NFPE

OBSERVATION OF HONOURABLE SUPREME COURT ON RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT, 2005 IN CIVIL APPEAL NO.6454 OF 2011, ARISING OUT OF SLP (C) NO.7526/2009 IN THE CASE OF CENTRAL BOARD OF SECONDARY EDUCATION AND ANR.VS. ADITYA BANDOPADHYAY AND ORS.{http://circulars.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02rti/1_18_2011-IR.pdf}

--
M.Krishnan
Secretary General NFPE

FAMILY PLANNING ALLOWANCE TO CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES – FAQ

            Family Planning Allowance, it is one of the severe steps taken by the Central Government to check growing population. At that time incentives were announced to Government employees, those having three children. In the following days it was reduced to two children.

            The sterilization operation which is performed for this is known as tubectomy(for women) and vasectomy(for men). This is a permanent method of family planning, which means once you opt this and undergo this procedure the reversal of the condition is not possible.

            Before 5th CPC the Family Planning Allowance was noted as Personal Pay and 6th CPC has recommended that the rates of Family Planning allowances has been doubled. According to the provisions contained in Finance Ministry's O.M.No. 7(39)/E dated 4th December 1979, O.M.No.6(39)/98-IC.II dated 6th July 1999 and O.M.No.F.No.7(20)/2008-E.III(A) dated 24th September 2008, Central Government employees who undergone sterilization were entitled to a Special Increment. One would get incentive according to the pay scale-grade, not to be absorbed in future increases in pay. The rate of increment was equal to the amount of the next increment due at the time of grant of the incentive and it remain fixed during the entire service.

            We are here try to several informations through simple questions and answers…If there is any differences of opinion please write to us.

Is there any age limit..?

            Yes, Employees must be within the reproductive age group. If male employee should not be over 50 years and his wife should be between 20 to 45 yrs, Female employee should not be over 45 years and her husband must not be over 50 yrs.

Upto how many children is permissible for this allowance..?

The employees should have not more than two surviving children (upto three children prior to 21.07.1999). If twins are born after first surviving child and the number of surviving children crosses the ceiling of two children in second /subsequent delivery (ies) shall also be admissible.

Submission of hospital certificate made compulsory or not..?

            Family Planning allowance would be granted only on production of sterilisation certificate issued by an authorised competent authority of Government hospital or Government aided hospital.

If the operation was prior to employment is eligible..?

            The allowance is not admissible if the operation was prior to joining the Central Government services.

How do know the increment amount..?

            The rate of increment (prescribed in the O.M.) applicable to the post held by you at the time of sterilization.

If spouses died after operation..?

If the employee is drawing allowance and if his spouse dies, allowance cannot be stopped.

Is there any special leave for Family Planning..?

Male Employee:-

 (i) Maximum of 6 working days for vasectomy operation and for second time similar operation another 6 working days.
(ii) Maximum of 21 working days for recanalization operation.
(iii) Maximum of 7 working days to follow the date of operation, if his wife undergoes tubectomy, laproscopy or salpingetomy operation
Female Employee :-
(i) Maximum of 14 working days if she undergoes tubectomy/laproscopy and another 14 days for second occasion.
(ii) Maximum of 14 working days for salpingectomy operation after Medical Termination of Pregnancy.
(iii) One day's Special CL on the day of IUCD/IUD insertion/re-insertion.
(iv) Maximum of 21 working days for recanalization operation. Special CL for one day for her husband's vasectomy operation.

The DA crossed 50%, the allowance also enhanced by 25% or not..?

            No. The allowance not to be absorbed in future increase in pay.

Any time limit for this claim..?

            No. However, claims submitted after 6 months of operation would be treated as delayed claim. For such cases, employee is required to submit the reasons for delayed claim.

            The new rate of this allowance with effect from 1st January 2008 as indicated in the table below…

 

 

Pre-revised Pay Scale	Grade Pay	Rate of Allowance
Upto 4000-100-6000	Upto 2400	210
4500-125-7000	2800	250
Upto 6500-200-10500	Upto 4200	400
7450-225-11500	4600	450
7450-250-12000	4800	500
Upto 9000-275-9550	Upto 5400	550
Upto 10650-325-15850	Upto 6600	650
Upto 12000-375-18000	Upto 7600	750
Upto 15100-400-18300	Upto 8700	800
Upto 16400-450-20900	Upto 8900	900
Upto 18400-500-22400	Upto 10000	1000

 

--
M.Krishnan
Secretary General NFPE