Small Savings Interest may reduce - Government considereing to link with prevailing market rate.

The government is considering to deregulate interest rates on small savings schemes like public provident fund (PPF) and post office deposits, linking them to the prevailing interest rates in the markets.

The move will reduce returns on such schemes. At present, the interest rates on small savings schemes are fixed by the government, which are normally higher than the prevailing interest rates in the market. For example, the interest rate on PPF is 8%, which is tax-free, while that on the other similar instruments like bank deposits are lower.

The post-tax return on bank deposits is around 5.5% for those who fall in the highest tax bracket of 30%.

Towards this end, the government has set up a committee under the Reserve Bank of India deputy governor Shyamla Gopinath — to suggest the ways and means — for deregulating interest rates on small savings schemes. Small savings schemes mobilise huge amount of funds as they offer higher interest rates.

According to the Budget estimate, in 2010-11, these schemes may fetch Rs 50,300 crore, taking the total mobilisation to Rs 7,57,000 crore.

Funds mobilised under small savings schemes are disbursed to the central and state governments as debt. As the cost of the small savings funds are high, state governments pay higher interest rates (9.5%-10%) on the loans taken from these schemes compared to other sources in the market.

The 13th Finance Commission headed by former finance secretary Vijay Kelkar had suggested to bring down the interest rates on outstanding loans to 9% by the end of 2009-10.

But for this, the interest rates on small savings should also be brought down.

At the same time, according to the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, states cannot borrow from open market beyond 4% of their fiscal deficits. Therefore, states are not able to benefit from prevailing lower interest rates in the market and take higher-interest loans from small savings.

The committee will also examine the new investment opportunities for the funds mobilized under small savings schemes. At present, the funds could be invested only in the central and state governments special securities. Committee will also review the administrative arrangement including the cost of operation.

Source : Times of India

Not taking care to write/maintain CRs - Department failed to ensure fair and efficient career management for their employees- CIC Decision

CIC Appeal No. CIC/DS/A/2010/000298 dated 26/05/2010

The appellant Shri R.K. Talwar, vide his RTI request, enclosed as per Annexure-I, dated 14/09/2009, sought information from CPIO, Department of Posts through 23 points largely pertaining to the non-traceability of his ACRs. Due to this, his son Shri Amit Talwar, Architectural Assistant Grade I, could not be considered for promotion by the Screening Committee which met on 26/03/2008.

2. The CPIO, vide his order of 09/10/2009 asked the appellant to deposit the prescribed fee of Rs.42/- for copies of documents sought by him. He, however, informed that documents sought under Sl.Nos.6,7,20&21 were not available in the office of the Senior Architect(P).

3. In respect of para 23, the CPIO clarified that ACRs of officials working under the office of enior Architect(P) were written in duplicate and original copies were forwarded to DOT from ime to time.

4. Not being satisfied by the order of the CPIO, the appellant preferred first appeal dated 4/11/2009 to the first Appellate Authority.

5. The first Appellate Authority vide order dated 01/12/2009 provided additional larifications in respect of information sought through paras 2(b)&(c), 20, 21&22.

6. Being aggrieved and not be satisfied, the appellant has come before the Commission.

7. The matter was heard today. The appellant and respondents were present as above. Both arties presented arguments before the Commission. The appellant provided copy of Department f Personnel & Training OM No.22011/5/86-Estt.(D) dated 10/04/1989 – para 6.2.1 which clearly rovides for action to be taken in case CR for a particular year(s) is not available – para (c) of the aid OM.

8. The appellant also drew the attention of the Commission to Annexure VI and Annexure X f his appeal wherein he has enclosed relevant paras of the P&T Manual which prescribe custody nd handling of confidential reports which procedure was evidently not followed in this case thereby leading to loss/un-traceability of Shri Amit Talwars CRs and for which reason he was not considered for promotion in the fore-mentioned DPC thereby denying him promotion opportunity along with his peers.

9. The respondents could not offer any explanation as to why these procedures had not been followed. They neither could provide copy of dispatch and movement register vide which the duplicate CRs of Shri Amit Talwar had been forwarded to DOT.

DECISION

10. After hearing the arguments presented by both sides and after perusing the facts on records, it is evident that the Department has not adhered to the prescribed procedure in respect of maintenance and movement of ACRs. The Commission drew the attention of the respondents to the 27th Report for the year 1976-77 by the UPSC wherein it is observed “It is the considered view of the Commission that the question of systematic recording and maintenance of character rolls should receive the urgent and careful attention of the Government, so that Government servants are not denied their legitimate promotions on account of administrative lapses. It will be appreciated that the character rolls form the basis of selection for promotion and would, therefore, have a significant effect on career management. It is also necessary to take steps to ensure the utmost objectivity in the writing of character rolls, so that uniform standards could be applied in assessing the officers and selecting them for promotion. The Commission suggests that in order to attend to these matters and to ensure that no Departmental Promotion Committee meeting is delayed due to the absence and incompleteness of character rolls, a Special Cell should be set up in each Ministry/Department entrusted with the task of maintaining up-to-date seniority lists and character rolls of all officers.”

11. Department of Posts may like to re-visit the procedure currently followed by them in this matter keeping in view the guidelines issued by the Government and the UPSC from time to time and take action accordingly.

12. In keeping with the spirit of the RTI Act, the Appellate Authority has offered to write to BSNL regarding non- availability of the missing CRs and urge them to take action as per the above mentioned Department of Personnel & Training OM of 10/04/1989.

13. The CPIO is directed to provide an affidavit to the Commission in respect of the missing information sought vide points 20, 21 & 22 of the RTI application, within 04 weeks of receipt of this order.

14. A copy of the same may be provided to the appellant.

15. It would be in fitness of things to note that it is unfortunate to see a young executive of Department of Posts/BSNL running from pillar to post in his quest to complete an administrative requirement to ensure his career progression whereas the responsibility of the same lies squarely with the public authority to ensure fair and efficient career management for their employees. There has been considerable apathy in handling this case by the public authorityfor which the appellant has had to pay dearly in terms of losing time and opportunity for timely promotion.

16. Accordingly, the matter is closed at the Commission’s end.

(Smt. Deepak Sandhu),Information Commissioner (DS)

CIC Decision No CIC/DS/A/2010/000298 dated 26/05/2010

- Courtesy: Postal Staff Corner

“JCM DEPARTMENTAL COUNCIL MEETING

WILL BE HELD ON 27th AUGUST, 10 A.M.

THIS IS ONE OF OUR MAJOR DEMAND

IN THE 13th JULY,

STRIKE CHARTER OF DEMANDS”

THE DEFERRED STRIKE AND THEREAFTER

The proposed indefinite strike from 13th July 2010 by the Joint Council of Action of Postal & RMS Employees comprising National Federation of Postal Employees (NFPE), Federation of National Postal Organisations (FNPO) and Gramin Dak Sevaks Unions has been deferred following prolonged discussion on 12th July 2010 between Secretary, Department of Posts and the JCA Leaders. The positive approach of the Secretary (P) throughout the discussion and the time bound assurances given by the Administration are well appreciated and hence the staff side decided to reciprocate in the same sprit which resulted in averting the strike.

In the last meeting of the National Council (JCM) the Cabinet Secretary who is the Chairman of the JCM has stated that “it has been the endeavour of the Government to address the problem of the employees as effectively as possible” and resolved that “the Govt. is to maintain a sustained level of contact with the staff side to take forward the process of consensus building and collaborative endeavour in achieve goal of higher productivity, efficiency and staff welfare”. Unfortunately this sprit of mutual trust and understanding has not been there in the Department of Posts of the last more than two years and all the forums of negotiations have been either defunct or shutdown. The main reason which compelled the staff side to resort to indefinite strike action was non functioning of the negotiating forums and complete cut-off of channel of communication on issues affecting the staff. Now that the Secretary (P) has made it clear that the channel of communication will be opened and all the negotiating forums will be revived. We hope that time bound settlement of issues will take place and the assurances given by Secretary (P) will be translated in to action.

The positive assurances given by Secretary (P) such as time bound filling up of vacant posts upto 2009 , no privatization, no closure of Post Offices , no violation of RMS agreement , review of outsourcing orders , holding of departmental council meetings and GDS Committee meetings , completion of cadre restructuring before December, 2010, settlement of GDS issues such as pension (Annuity Scheme), Medical Insurance, separate meetings to redress the grievances of Postmen, Group ’D’ staff , settlement of MMS , Casual Labourers and System Administrators issues, MACP related issues, are to be implemented without much delay. We understand that the Postal Board has initiated positive action on the above assurances and things have started moving.

We on our part are always ready to extend our whole and constructive co-operation for improving the productivity and efficiency of the India Post and also for improving the welfare of the employees. We fully aware that in this era of globalization India Post is facing stiffest challenges and competitions’ from other stakeholders , especially in mails sector , and a joint move by both the administration and the staff side is the need of the hour. Implementing the above assurances in its true spirit will definitely go a long way in further strengthening the relation between both sides which may ultimately lead to increase productivity and efficiency of India Post. Any violation of the assurances may result in large scale resentment among the staff which may eventually result in break down the peace and tranquility in Postal Services.

************

DEPARTMENT ISSUED ORDERS FOR FILLING UP OF PA/SA VACANCIES UP TO DECEMBER 2010 ONE OF THE MAJOR DEMAND IN THE STRIKE CHARTER OF DEMANDS SETTLED

Cadre Restructuring

GOVERNMENT FINALIZES A NEW SCHEME FOR INTEREST SUBSIDY FOR EDUCATION LOANS

Ministry of Human Resource Development has finalized the modalities for implementation of a new Central Scheme to provide full interest subsidy during the period of moratorium on educational loans for students belonging to economically weaker sections (with parental family income from all sources of less than Rs.4.5 lakh annually) from scheduled banks under the Educational Loan Scheme of the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) for pursuing courses of studies in professional/technical streams from recognized institutions in India. The modalities have been finalized in consultation with the Indian Banks’ Association. The Scheme is effective for all IBA approved educational loans sanctioned in form of eligible students’ in respect of approval course of studies from the academic year 2009-10.

Under the Scheme, proof of income is required to be certified by authorities to be designated by the State Governments. Accordingly, the Ministry has written to all Chief Secretaries of States/Union Territories to intimate the designated authority/authorities (at the District/Sub-District/Block, etc. levels) to the District Level Consultative Committee (DLCC) so that banking authorities at the branch level where students would be approaching for availing the benefit of the scheme would be aware of the same.

All Scheduled member banks of the IBA have also been advised to take necessary action to adopt and implement the Scheme so that the benefits of the Scheme accrue to the eligible students. Canara Bank is the nodal Bank, for the member Banks of IBA, for claiming reimbursement of interests credited to student accounts.

The details of the Scheme as well as the above communications are available on the website of this Ministry at www.education.nic.in.

All eligible students who wish to avail of the benefits of the Scheme are advised to approach the respective bank branch from where they availed of the education loan and complete the necessary formalities including obtaining the certification in respect of annual family income from the competent authority at the Block / Tehsil / District Level, so that the individual student accounts could be credited with the interest due on the Loan for the academic year 2009-10 onwards.

NPS HAS A TAX EDGE, BUT WATCH OUT FOR ANNUITIES

The New Pension Scheme (NPS) is likely to get a makeover if the revised Direct Tax Code is implemented. However, the government is doing its bit tolure investors to take a close look at the NPS. Recently, the government announced the ‘Swavalamban’ scheme through which it would add Rs 1,000 co-contribution every year for the next three years for everyone who joins the New Pension Scheme in this financial year. Any NPS subscriber who invests Rs 1,000-12,000 per annum between April 1, 2010 and March 31, 2011, will get Rs 3,000 free from the government.

The likely DTC impact

The revised DTC, if implemented without any changes, will keep the NPS out of the tax net. This new change will make the NPS an attractive investment opportunity. The government has proposed EEE (exempt-exempt-exempt) method of taxation for NPS, which implies the NPS will be exempt from taxes at all the three stages of deposit, appreciation and withdrawal. Earlier, the NPS proceeds were taxable at maturity.

Advantages

One of the major advantages is also the lowest fund management charge, which is Rs 99 per lakh (0.0009%) compared to charges of a pension plan offered by an insurance company, which is around 0.75-1.75% per year. This low-cost structure makes it more attractive than most annuity/pension plans offered by insurance companies, financial advisors say. The custodian charges are in the range of 0.0075% to 0.05%. Despite all charges, the cost of investment is cheaper than charges of mutual find and ULIPs.

How does it work?

Investors have an option to choose their investment mix among three categories. The first one (E) refers to high investment exposure in equity, which targets investors with a high risk appetite. Equity investment, however, is capped at 50%, which mainly comprises index funds. The second option (C) is high exposure in fixed income instruments, which targets investors of a moderate risk profile. These instruments include liquid funds, corporate debt instruments, fixed deposits and infrastructure bonds. The last option is pure fixed investment products (G) which offer low returns. Ideally, you should start investing for your retirement in your early thirties. If you have the advantage of longer investment horizon (20 years plus), equity is the best option to start with. But in the case of the NPS, you have to buy a life annuity offered by life insurance companies. The NPS requires the investor to use the retirement corpus to buy annuities to avoid taxation. As per the existing stipulations, you have to invest 40% of the corpus in annuities.

Other alternatives

Annuity plans which don’t return the purchase price offer 8-9% and the ones that return the purchase price offer 50% a year are other options. Any bank deposits over five years, which offered 10% a couple years ago, offer around 8-8.5% today because of a decline in interest rates. There are other assured monthly income options like the Senior Citizens’ Savings Scheme (SCSS) which offer 9%, PPF at 15% and the post office monthly income scheme at 8%.

Courtesy : Economic Times

COMBINATION OF DUTY TO GDS - CLARIFICATION NOTHING NEW

No.6-1/2009-PE-II

Government of India

Ministry of Communications & IT

Department of Posts

(Establishment Division)

Dak Bhawan, Parliament Street

New Delhi-110001

Dated 15-07-2010

The Chief Postmaster General
UP Circle
Lucknow—226001

Sub: Combined Duty Allowance to Gramin Dak Sevaks employees who perform the duties of Gramin Dak Sevaks Branch Postmasters in addition to their own duties.

Sir,

I am directed to refer to your letter no.Estt/M-377/34/GDS/Corr./2009/1 dated 24-06-2010, on the above mentioned subject.

2. The issue has been examined. DG Posts letter no.14-11/1988-PAP dated 16-07-1990 provided for payment of Rs.50 as combined duty allowance to GDS MD/MC who perform the work of EDBPM in addition to their normal charge of duties. It was also clarified that, GDS Mail Deliverer/Mail Carrier are not eligible for this Combined Duty Allowance if they perform duties other than that of GDS BPMs

3. As per the recommendations of One—man Committee and approved by the government, the GDS MD/MC attached with the addition duty of another Gramin Dak Sevak, revised rate of allowance will be at the rate of Rs.25 per day subject to a maximum of Rs.625 per month. Accordingly, the Mail Deliverer/Mail Carrier entrusted with the duties of BPMs in addition to their own work, are eligible for this additional remuneration as compensation. However, they will not be eligible for any Combined Duty Allowance which is now paid to Branch Postmasters towards delivery and conveyance work

To cite an illustration, if a Branch Post Office has one BPM and one GDS MD/MC on its establishment. In the event of GDS MD/MC performing the duties of Branch Postmasters in addition to his own, he will be eligible for a compensation of Rs.25 per day subject to a maximum of Rs.625 per month in addition to his normal Time Related Continuity Allowance. However, he will not be eligible for further Combined Duty Allowance paid to Branch Postmasters.

4. This issues with the approval of DDG(Establishment).

Yours faithfully

(K Rameswara Rao)

Assistant Director General (Estt.)

Clarification not to benefit the GDS workers
A Real Face of Selective officers in Department of Posts

No.6-22/2010-PE-II

Government of India

Ministry of Communications & IT

Department of Posts

(Establishment Division)

Dak Bhawan, Parliament

Street New Delhi-110001

Dated 15-07-2010

The Chief Postmaster General
Kerala circle,
Thiruvananthapuram. 695033

Sub: Implementation of Recommendations of Shri R.S. Nataraja Murti Committee.

Madam,

I am directed to refer to your letter no.Est/66-2/2009-dlg dated, 11-5-2010 on the above mentioned subject.

2 The points raised by the Circle have been examined and the followingclarifications are provided.

Points on which clarification sought

1.Whether the benefit of fitment is admissible to Gramin Dak Sevaks officials whose scale of pay changed after 1-1-2006 due to transfer of redeployment. Similarly the above order is silent on protection of allowances

Position

The order dt. 9-10-2009 makes it clear for providing fitment at the time of fixation based on the TRCA drawn as on 1-1-2006 and it can not be applied to the GDS for change of pay scale after crucial date either due to transfer or redeployment. Such cases of fixation have to be guided by Dte letter no.14-16/2001-PAP (Pt) dt. 11-10-2004. Further, the OM dated 09-10-2009 is only about revision of TRCA and it has not revised or annulled the earlier order issued regarding protection of allowances in the case of reduction of workload or redeployment. The instructions issued in the letter no. 14-16/2001-PAP(Pt) dt.11-10-2004 are still in vogue and not Superseded or modified.

Points on which clarification sought

2.Prior to introduction of he above order GDS SPM/BPM doing mail conveyance are not entitled for combined duty allowance it the work is entrusted due to short fall n workload for justifying retention of Higher TRCA. Similarly, if the incumbent is working on protection of allowance they are not entitled to combined duty allowance. But the latest order is not clearly stated the position.

Position

The contention of the Circle appears to be not in order. The earlier order issued on 17-12-1998 provides that “the delivery and conveyance allowance to EDSPMs/EDBPMs who have been entrusted the additional work of conveyance of mails or delivery will be increased form the existing Rs.50 per month to Rs.75 per month. The flat rate of Rs.75 may be paid to all EDSPMs/EDBPMs to attend to conveyance/delivery or both.”

Therefore, payment of combined duty allowance is not connected to workload on account of delivery or conveyance or both. But the same is paid as compensation towards entrustment of additional work of conveyance/delivery or both. One—man Committee recommended revision of combined duty allowance to Branch Postmasters and separated conveyance work/delivery work and recommended payment of combined duty allowance for each item of work. Again, this was not related to workload of BPMs but towards entrustment of additional work of delivery/conveyance or both.

As per the order dated 11-10-2004, if the BPMs who is in a higher TRCA gets dropped in the workload, Combination of duties or mail delivery/mail conveyance has to be examined and to ensure that total workload of the post does not exceed 5 hours and in such cases only where the allowance is protected and additional work is given to him in such cases only combined duty allowance was not admissible.

However, One—man Committee recommended revision of combined duty allowance. This is applicable even in the cases of BPMs whose allowance has been protected and if they are doing conveyance/mail delivery work or both..

Points on which clarification sought
3. Kindly clarify whether GDS MDs are also entitled for combined duty allowance.

Position
As per the recommendations of One-man Committee and approved by the Government, the GDS MD/MC attached with the addition duty of another Gramin Dak Sevak, revised rate of allowance will be at the rate of Rs.25 per day subject to a maximum of Rs. 625 per month. Accordingly, the Mail Deliverer/Mail Carrier entrusted with the duties of BPMs in addition to their own work, are eligible for this additional remuneration as compensation. However, they will not be eligible for any Combined Duty Allowance which is now paid to Branch Postmasters towards delivery and conveyance work.

To cite an illustrations, if a Branch Post Office has one BPM and one GDS MD/MC on its establishment. In the event of GDS MD/MC performing the duties of Branch Postmasters in addition to his own, he will be eligible for a compensation of Rs.25 per day subject to a maximum of Rs.625 per month in addition to his normal Time Related Continuity Allowance. However, he will not be eligible for further Combined Duty Allowance paid to Branch Postmasters.

In regard to clarification sought at item no. 4 of your letter, it is not clear whether he is exchanging mail with Account office or at an Intermediary office. The Circle is therefore requested for providing full details as to how a Branch Postmasters can make exchange in one way, and whether exchange is at a Bus stand or Railway station, or at Account office. The circle has to provide specific instances of four or five cases for further detailed examination.

This issue with the approval of Member (Personnel)

Yours faithfully

(K Rameswara Rao)

Assistant Director General (Estt.)

TRANSFERS OF GDS - REVISED ORDERS CONTAINS NO NEW THING

File no. 19-10/2004-GDS (part)

Government of India

Ministry of Communications & IT

Department of Posts

(Establishment Division)

Dak Bhawan, Parliament Street

New Delhi-110001

Dated 21-07-2010

All Chief Postmaster General

Postmaster General

Sub: Limited transfer facility to Gramin Dak Sevaks.

Sir/Madam,

I am directed to refer to this office letter no. of even dt 17-7-2006 on the above mentioned subject.

2. One-men Committee with Shri R.S. Nataraja Murti as Chairman, for examining Gramin Dak Sevaks system, studied the above issue and made recommendations in para 16.12.1 of the report.

3. The recommendations of the Committee were examined by the Department and after a careful consideration, the Competent Authority has ordered the following:

(i) All the five grounds stipulated for allowing the Transfer of Gramin Dak Sevak in para 2 of letter no. 19-10/2004-GDS dt. 17-7.2006 will be retained. The transfer facility can be availed by Gramin Dak Sevaks only once in whole career. However, an exception has been made for women Gramin Dak Sevaks, who availed the transfer facility on the ground of extreme hardship due to a disease and for medical attention/treatment before their marriage, can avail the facility for a second time in the event of their marriage/remarriage.

(ii) Past service of Gramin Dak Sevaks will be counted for the eligibility for appearing in the Departmental Examinations and for Ex-gratia gratuity and will rank junior in the seniority list of new unit.

(iii) However on transfer to a new post, the Gramin Dak Sevaks cannot have any claim for protection in their Time Related continuity Allowance drawn in the old Post. His/her Time Related Continuity Allowance will be fixed at the minimum of the Time Related Continuity Allowance slab of the transferred post, depending upon the work load of the aid post. In the case of Mail carrier/ Mail deliverer/packer, the work load has to be assessed on cycle beat. The transfer has to be approved only if the Gramin Dak Sevkas is willing for the new post, and an undertaking to the effect has be obtained and kept on record. This condition is provided to prevent the misuse of the limited transfer facility so that it can be availed only by those who genuinely need it.

4. All the other conditions laid down in letter no. 19-10/2004-GDS dt. 17.7.2006 will continue to apply.

5. The Heads of circle are requested to keep the above modifications in view while deciding the cases of transfer application of Gramin Dak Sevaks.

6. The contents may be communicated to all concerned for wide circulation amongst the Gramin Dak Sevaks in vernacular understanding.

7. This issues with the approval of Secretary (Posts)

Yours faithfully,

(K. Rameswara Rao)
Assistant Director General (Estt)

MEETING ON MAIL NETWORK OPTIMIZATION HELD ON 15.7.2010

A meeting for the introduction of the project on the Mail Network optimization to the staff unions was organized by the department on 15.7.2010. The staff side representatives of both the NFPE & FNPO federations and General Secretaries of P3, R3 & R4 unions were invited for discussion by the department. The meeting was held under the chairmanship of the Secretary, Department of Posts. The in charge of the Mckensey consultants for the India post was also present.

During the presentation, the official side intimated the following programmes are proposed to be implemented in the mails operations.

1.The main object of the project is to get the core right by’ End to end net work optimization, Significant quality improvement & Rigorous performance management.

End to end network optimization: Optimise India Post’s mail network from collection to delivery.

Significant quality improvement: Standardize and improve processes and reduce network complexity.

Rigorous performance management: Establish an effective management structure using KPIs and regular reviews

2. India Post shall be a trustworthy organization with high quality reliable service with improved working conditions.

3. First start with few projects for big cities and thereafter add more products for the same cities. Finally expand the same to all products across the country. Constant monitoring may be introduced by the Directorate like Project arrow.

4. Speed Post and International Mails were first taken for the project and introduced in six metros viz Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore & Hyderabad. The project has brought some significant improvements over the last six months and improvement could be felt in the process of speed post articles. The Bangalore SPC is the example.

5. While revamping the Speed post operations ( collection to delivery), the consultancy will be suggested about the network design, right processes, network schedule, cut off times, processing windows etc for speed post articles at first and then it will be extended to first class mails in order to ensure the maximum D+ 1 quality.

6.The look feel factors like Uniform branding as well as consistency, standardized interiors and exteriors of buildings and supportive infrastructure, identifying new technologies, upgrading the existing to ensure faster and better services, recognizing star circles, performers and ensuring 100% trained staff on field are the components, the department proposed.

7. The Project team Mckensey has been sought involvement in the process at all levels. Officers from Directorate and circle levels are visiting and personally involving. They are meeting the staff to understand the problem and making changes in the project on the ground itself.

8. The impact of the project is to ensure easier sorting by minimum handling, less workload by reducing the number of bags & missorts between different locations, better equipment, higher throughput by higher processing with improved process design, streamlined workflow by having optimized inflow of mails in the processing centers, prioritized processing based on the time of the day for maximum connectivity, regular interaction and display of SPC’s daily performance, suggestions and feedback encouraged and providing adequate training and incentives for high performers etc.

9.It will reduce the sorter distress ensuring minimum multiple handling from the present large multiple handling; ensuring maximum sorting with only one handling from the present position of pre sorting for all items before final sorting; priority to TD/NTD mails in the sorting reducing the number of bags and missorts between different locations within one city etc.

10. It will ensure 100% scan compliance, both for receipt and delivery. No article can enter or leave sorting area unless scanned. Optimizing sorting cages, reducing multi level sorting and revising sorting logic are in the agenda. Similarly uniform volume inflow will be ensured which leads to less pressure for staff on ground and better connectivity which results therefore better quality.

The following 18 KPIs are developed to create transparency in the process of the scheme.

1. Transit analysis within city.

2. Transit analysis across city

3. Time per leg of transit within city

4. Time per leg of transit across city.

These measures speed and reliability of processing of Speed Post articles from booking to delivery.

5. Scans compliance in the entire network

6. Scan analysis per leg of transit within city.

7. Scan analysis per leg of transit across city.

These measures for each processing step whether articles got scanned as prescribed.

8. percent of F scans in Speed Net vs. F Scans in IPS1

9. Percent of F scans in IPS vs. D scans in IPS.

10. Share of Speed Net Delivery Scans vs. IPS F scans (TBD)

These measures for international inbound article with the efficiency of movement at every step before merger with Speed Post.

11. Articles processed per hour per FTE

12 .Staff absenteeism

13. Share of bags without bag labels

14 .Share of articles not processed in SpeedNet

15. Share of articles closed after cut off time

16. Share of missorted articles

17. Share of articles with missing pin codes

18. Share of articles not dispatched same set

These supports achieving better D+x and scan performance.

At Present this project was introduced in six cities. During September, it will be extended to fifteen cities further led by eight Directors (Mail & Speed post). Thereafter the Project team will start working on first class mail. A Speed post manual for further rollout is now developed by the Directorate.

On the above points, the suggestions and view points of the staff side was invited by the chairperson of the meeting. On behalf of NFPE, we posed the question before the Secretary that other than the above, whether was there any hidden agenda in the project. We recorded our apprehension whether the project is with the aim of privatization or corporatization of the postal services. The Secretary replied that there is no hidden agenda and there is no privatization or corporatization programme of any services.

She asserted that the project is only to improve the services and there will be no closure of any sorting offices without consulting the staff unions in case if warranted. The project is similar to that of Project Arrow in order to monitor the mail operations by introducing RFID system and avoiding duplication of work.

We asked the view points of the in charge of Mckensy to detail his experience in the project. He replied that the geographical conditions and functioning are entirely different from Latin America, South East Asian countries and the present Indian system requires some modernization and they are practically studying with the consultation of officers and officials in the work spot.

We informed that after deep study of the materials and discussions among the unions, NFPE will offer our comments and reaction to the department at the earliest.

The opinions of the viewers and the activists on the above points are invited immediately to have a deep study of the above along with the proposals of the department.

Confederation Circular

CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL GOVT.EMPLOYEES & WORKERS. A-2/95,Manishinath Bhawan,Rajouri Garden, New Delhi-110 027
Website:www.confederationhq.blogspot.com. Email:Confederation06@Yahoo.co.in Tel: 011-2510 5324: Mobile: 98110 48303

Conf/15/2010

Dated: 17/07/2010

Dear Comrades,

The National Secretariat of the Confederation met at New Delhi (at Mavalankar Hall, Rafi Marg) on 16^th July, 2010 at 3.30 PM immediately after the convention organized jointly by the AIRF, AIDEF and Confederation to commemorate the 50^th anniversary of the 12^th July, 1960 indefinite strike action of the Central Government employees. The meeting took the following decisions.

A. (i) To participate in the strike action slated for 7^th September, 2010, for which call was given by the Central Trade Unions at the Convention, held at New Delhi on 15^th July, 2010. The Convention was attended by the representatives of all Central Trade Unions, barring BMS and the independent Federations and Associations (including the Confederation of Central Govt. Employees and Workers). The Confederation and its affiliates will serve the strike notice after the National Executive Committee meeting scheduled to be held at New Delhi on 11.8.2010. (Copy of the declaration adopted by the Convention is enclosed. Annexure A)

(ii) The Strike Charter will include the 5 demands adopted by the 15^th July convention of the Central Trade Unions and another 5 demands which are common to all Central and State Government employees. (The charter of demands is enclosed)

(iii) The campaign for the strike action will be jointly organized by the Confederation, All India State Government employees Federation and the All India Defence Employees Federation.

(iv) For making the campaign effective, joint conventions will be organized at all State Capital and other important centres in which the National leaders of all the three Organisations will take part.

(v) The dates for the proposed State Conventions is being finalized and the same will be intimated in a few days' time.

B. The Secretariat has decided to convene the National Executive Committee meeting of the Confederation on 11^th August, 2010 at New Delhi to give impetus to the campaign for the strike preparation. The meeting will be held at the Gandhi Peace Foundation Auditorium, Deendayal Upadhyaya Marg, (Near ITO) New Delhi. (Notice for the meeting is enclosed. Annexure B)

C. (i) The meeting considered a report from the Secretary General of the all India Audit and Accounts Association on the brutal vindictive actions taken by the Audit Bureaucracy against the employees who participated in the 8^th April, 2010 Mass Casual leave programme. According to him about 20,000 comrades have been issued with the charge sheet invoking Rule 14 and 16 of the CCS(CCA) Rules. He also informed the house that there had been no respite to the ongoing victimization against the union functionaries in Kerala, Rajkot, Kolkata and other places. Penalties like reduction in rank, reduction in emoluments, withholding of increments, stoppage of increments etc. were being awarded to a large number of employees, especially in Kerala in culmination of the disciplinary proceedings initiated, besides the dismissal of two comrades who were off bearers of the Kerala Unit. The Accountant General, Shri Ravindran who was the cadre controlling authority in Kerala and who was responsible for the mayhem created in Kerala is presently the Principal Accountant General, Hyderabad and it was reported that he has continued his anti union activities in Andhra Pradersh. The Union in A.P has not been allowed to hold its General Body meeting, the Union is not allowed to function at all, 300 comrades have been issued with charge sheet besides serving show cause notice under Rule 14 and 16 to all the comrades who participated in the Mass Casual leave programme. The meeting has come to the inescapable conclusion that the Audit bureaucracy has replanted itself to the mindset of the 17^th Century and is presently carried by the insensitive bureaucrats like Ravindran . The meeting has, therefore, decided to adopt a resolution to place before the Prime Minister, Finance Minister and the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. (Copy of the resolution adopted is enclosed. Annexure C)

(ii) In view of the developments reported by the Secretary General of the All India Audit and Accounts Association, the meeting has decided to call upon the State Committees to organize massive dharna programme on 5^th August, 2010 at all State Capitals in front of the office of the respective Accountant General. It was also decided that a minimum number of 300 comrades must participate in the Dharna programme in each centre of which 100 must be from the IA & AD department. All Affiliated Association./Federations of the Confederation should deploy comrades (the number decided by the State committee) to participate in the Dharna. The Honourable Members of Parliament of the respective State may be invited, apprised of the situation, requested to address the Dharna and take up the issue of victimization with the Government and the C& AG. The Note detailing the vindictive actions in the I A & A. Department as prepared by the Secretary General, All India Audit and Accounts Association is enclosed.(Annexure D) The State Committees will send the following telegram to the Comptroller and Auditor General on 5^th August, 2010 after holding a massive demonstration at the Dharna Venue in which the participation of large number of the Central Government employees may be ensured.

VACATE VICTIMISATION IN ALL OFFICES OF THE IA & AD

. (iii) The National executive Committee which is scheduled to meet on 11^th August, 2010 will decide upon the date of the National Dharna Programme before the Office of the C & AG at New Delhi. The National Dharna programme will have the participation of minimum one thousand activists drawn from different affiliated Associations/Federations of the Confederation.

COMMEMMORATIVE CONVENTION

ON 16^TH JULY, 2010 AT MAVLANKAR HALL, NEW DELHI

As was informed in our circular No.14, the National Convention to commemorate the 50^th anniversary of the 12th July, 1960 All India indefinite strike action of the Central Government employees was held at Mavalankar hall, Rafi Marg, New Delhi on 16^th July, 2010. The convention was jointly organized by the All India Railway men Federation, All India Defence Employees Federation and the Confederation of Central Govt. employees and workers. The convention was presided over by a presidium consisting of Com. Umraomal Purohit, President, AIRF, Com. S.K.Vyas, President, Confederation of Central Government employees and workers, Com. Sailo Bhattacharya, General Secretary, All India Defence Employees Federation. More than 1000 delegates participated in the convention. On behalf of the Presidium, Com. Umraomal Purohit made the introductory speech, followed by the presentation of the Declaration by Com. K.K.N. Kutty, Secretary General, and Confederation. In his presentation, Com. Kutty highlighted the issue of Minimum wage, the concept of DA and the extreme brutality with which the Government suppressed the strike. Com. Srikumar, Secretary General, AIDEF seconded the declaration. Com. Pathak, President, AIDEF presented the Hindi version of the declaration. Com. Shiv Gopal Misra, General Secretary, AIRF,Com. Harbajan Singh, from AIRF, Com. V.A.N. Namboodiri, President, BSNLEU, Com. M.S. Raja, Secretary, Confederation, Com. Parasar, Officiating Secretary General, National Federation of Postal Employees addressed the convention. Thereafter the following veterans were honoured.

Com. J.D. Suryavanshi, AIDEF, Com. Sadasiva Misra, AIDEF, Com. U.M. Purohit (AIRF), Com. Rakhal Das Gupata (AIRF), Com.S.K. Vyas (Confdn.), Com. K.L. Gupta (AIRF), Com. V.A.N. Namboodiri (BSNLEU), Com. R.L. Bhattacharya. (NFPE), Com. Diwakar (NFPE), Com. Rajnath Srivastava, (Confdn) and Com. Pabitra Ranjan Chakraborty (BSNLEU)

The convention unanimously adopted the enclosed declaration and decided to observe the year commencing from 16^th July, 2010 to 15^th July, 2011 as the commemorative year of 1960 strike. The State Committees may take necessary action to carry out the directive contained in the declaration. (Annexure E)

The house observed two minutes silence in memory of those comrades who led the 1960 struggle who passed away and specially in respectful memory of those who laid down their life being the victims of the police brutality.

With greetings,

Yours fraternally,

Sd/-

K.K.N. Kutty,

Secretary General

Annexure A

Declaration adopted at the National Convention of Workers

on 15^th July, 2010 Mavlankiar Hall, New Delhi.

Declaration

Representatives of Central Trade Unions and workers and employees federations having assembled in the 2^nd National Convention of the workers on the 125^th July, 2010, reviewed the joint action programme over five commonly agreed demands as decided in the first historic convention of workers on 14^th September, 2009. This convention considering the review of joint actions, All India protest day on 28^th October, 2009, Massive dharna on 18^th December, 2009 and Satyagraha/jail bharo on 5^th March, 2010 -10 lakh workers participated and also considering the situation arising thereafter adopts the following DECLARATION.

Despite trade unions demanding effective steps to curb price rise, particularly food price inflation, food prices escalating as high as 17 per cent, inflation rising to double digit, government continued to remain totally unresponsive to migrate the deep sufferings of the working people;

Despite the trade unions expressing deep concern at the uninterrupted violation of labour laws and trade union rights, situation becoming grim and repressive every day.

Despite trade union protesting against job loss, underpayment, unbearable living condition, increasing working hours, rampant contractorisation, casualisation and outsourcing, nothing is being doen to prevent the declining living condition and inhuman exploitation of working masses.

Desptie the trade union opposing the disinvestment in the profit making public sector, the latest disinvestment being pushed through in Coal India Ltd. BSNL, SAIL, NLC, Hindustan Coper, NMDC etc, the pernicious policy of reckless disinvestment is continuing with impunity.

Despite the Trade union earnestly asking for the setting up of a massive welfare fund for universal comprehensive social security coverage for the unorganized sector workers without any restriction, the fund allocation remained nominal and restrictive provisions continued.

The convention notes with concern, not only protest of the trade unions is being ignored, the policy that accentuates increase in the prices of food grains is being constantly bulldozed, the latest is the deregulation of petroleum pricing linking it with the international market leading to hefty increase in the prices of Kerosene, cooking gas, diesel, and petrol.

The convention reiterates the unanimously formulated demands once again as under:-

Price rise of essential commodities to be contained through appropriate corrective and distributive measures like universal PDS and containing speculation in commodity market.

Concrete proactive measures to be taken for linkage of employment protection in the recession stricken sectors with the stimulus package being offered to the concerned entrepreneurs and for augmenting public investment in infrastructure.

Strict enforcement of all basic labour laws without any exception or exemption and stringent punitive measures for violation of labour laws.

Steps to be taken for removal of all restrictive provisions based on poverty line in respect of eligibility of coverage of the schemes under the unorganized workers social security act, 2008 and creation of National Fund for the unorganized sector to provide for a National Floor level social security to all unorganized workers including the contract/casual workers in line with the recommendation of National Commission on Enterprises in unorganized sector and Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour.

Disinvestment of shares of Central Public sector Enterprises (CPSEs) is not resorted to for meeting the budgetary deficit and instead their growing reserve and surplus is sued for expansion and modernization purposes and also for revival of sick public sector undertakings.

This National Convention of workers, while exercisi9ng its constitutional and democratic right seeks to further its legitimate protest and call for immediate correct of the patently wrong policies that dangerously hurt the interests of the working people and the society as a whole, and to give vent to the feeling of the growing indignation of the working people.

The Convention therefore resolves to call for an All India General Strike on 7^th September, 2010.

The Convention calls upon the entire working people of the country, irrespective of affiliations to make the all in united call for countrywide general strike a total success. If the Govt. does not concede the demands the trade unions will intensify the struggle further and prepare for a March to Parliament.

INTUC AITUC HMS CITU AIUTUC TUCC

AICCTU UTUC LPF.

GDS ANNUITY PENSION SCHEME

The proposal for the introduction of Annuity scheme in lieu of pension for the GDS employees has been cleared by the Ministry of Finance on 15.7.2010. The Postal Board has also approved the same.

The next process for the implementation of the scheme is to get approval from PFRDA. Thereafter the scheme should be notified. Option will be called for among the existing GDS comrades whether he is willing to switch over to the new Annuity scheme or to continue in the present severance amount scheme.

The modalities and the real benefits of the proposed annuity scheme are not made known to us. We should also study the scheme and see the advantages before severing the severance amount scheme. As per the present position, the normal process for the implementation of the scheme will take another three to four months minimum.

Solar-power assisted, pedal-operated cycle rickshaw named Soleckshaw developed by CSIR introduced at Rajasthan Circle

Shri Sachin Pilot, Minister of State for Communications & Information Technology launched an environment-friendly postal delivery vehicle ‘Soleckshaw’ here today. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that it is the endeavour of the Ministry to use green technology for delivering services in efficient and eco-friendly manner. He said that this effort is a step forward towards the Government’s efforts to modernise and digitise the India Post Services under Project Arrow. Availability of this vehicle will add to the efficiency of postal agents and will also give them a sense of pride.

As a Pilot Project, Soleckshaw will be introduced soon in the Project Arrow post offices in a city of Rajasthan. Shri Pilot mentioned that the Ministry would evaluate the performance of the vehicle within few months and will explore the possibility of its expansion on larger scale.

Soleckshaw is a solar-power assisted, pedal-operated cycle rickshaw developed by CSIR. It reduces the rickshaw puller’s effort by providing battery assistance. It is still a zero carbon emission vehicle. The batteries are charged by solar power at charging stations. Technology has been transferred to multiple entrepreneurs and Soleckshaws are currently plying at Delhi (Chandni Chowk), Chandigarh, Jaipur, Durgapur, Ranchi, Kolkata and Ahmadabad.

Recently, M/s Kinetic Motors in association with CMERI (CSIR) has re-designed and developed a modified version of Soleckshaw specifically suitable as a light delivery vehicle, particularly useful for delivery of post, parcels and other postal services both in urban and rural areas.

Some of the features of the vehicle are as follows: Soleckshaw has potential for use as a light delivery vehicle for distribution of dak etc, Emergence of electronic means of communication is changing the profile of post offices and postmen.

A Postman is likely to carry more parcels for delivery than ordinary mails. A survey in Pune found that each postman covers an area of around 40-45 kms and carries an average weight of 10-15 kgs per day. The Soleckshaw is the ideal vehicle to enable transportation of such parcels with a minimum of effort. This is expected to improve speed and efficiency of postal delivery, increase ability to carry more load; distribute other value-added products in rural areas and provide charging facilities for mobile phones in remote areas etc.

- Courtesy: Postal Staff Corner