Thursday, February 28, 2013


EDITORIAL POSTAL CRUSADER: MARCH-2013

STRIKE IS OVER, BUT THE STRUGGLE WILL CONTINUE.
WE ARE ON THE RIGHT PATH

          The two days historic strike that shook the country is over. About twelve crores workers participated in the strike. About ten lakhs Central Government employees including five lakhs postal and RMS employees joined the mass upsurge of the Indian working class. In many states the strike turned into total bundh and in other parts of the country also it affected all the sectors of industry and other service sectors. The total unity and commitment exhibited by the entire trade unions has no parallel in the history of our country.

          The Central Government tried to ignore or underestimate the strike in the initial stage. But the largest mobilistaion of the workers throughout the length and breadth of the country, compelled the Government to negotiate with the leaders at last minute. The first round discussion held with the cabinet Minister for labour, Sri Mallikarjun Kharge and second round discussion with the Group of Cabinet Ministers headed by Sri. A. K. Antony, Defence Minister, failed as the Government simply sought more time and was not ready to settle any of the demands raised by the unions and appealed the leaders to call off the strike. The Secretary, Department of Posts also made a similar appeal to call off the strike, even when the main demands raised by the Postal JCA (NFPE & FNPO) remained unsettled.

          In addition to the demands raised by the Central Trade Unions, the Confederation of Central Government Employees & Workers and the Postal JCA has raised the demands of constitution of seventh Central Pay Commission, merger of 50% DA with pay, removing the restriction on compassionate appointments, filing up of all vacant posts, Departmentalization of GDS and related issues, Revision of wages of casual labourers and regularization, scrapping of PFRDA bill, raising the bonus ceiling limit, grant of five promotions, OTA revision, abolition of posts, outsourcing, contractorisation, privatization, cadre restructuring etc. also in the strike notice served to the Government and the Department of Posts. Government was not ready to settle any of the above demands and hence the question of calling off the strike did not arise at all.

          In the Postal the strike was conducted under the banner of Joint council of action (JCA) comprising NFPE & FNPO. The Strike was near total in majority of the circles and about 60 to 80% in the remaining circles. The entire Postal and RMS services were paralysed for two days. Both Departmental employees and Gramin Dak Sevaks exhibited perfect unity in the strike. NFPE and its affiliated unions including GDS had already conducted a one day strike on 12th December 2012. Naturally, there was apprehension about successfully organizing two days strike within a short span of two months. But the mass scale participation of the employees in the two days strike proved that workers are ready even for still higher form of action, if the Government is not ready to settle their genuine and legitimate demands.

          What next is the question before us and working class of our country. Even though the two days strike is over, we have no other go, except carrying forward the struggle with added vigour taking inspiration from the mass sanction and determination of the workers at large. There is no short cut. As correctly pointed out by Late Com. K. G. Bose who revolutionized the P&T Trade union movement- “the organized trade union movement has drawn lessons that all illusions about the Government policies should be given up and has come to the conclusion that it is not a question of appealing to the sense of injustices of the Government, but the relative strength of the organized movement and the forces combating it, which will decide their future”.

          The Government and the ruling class will try their best to implement their policies by retaining the power and their supremacy over the people of the country and working class. But history has taught us that they cannot continue their anti-people, anti-worker policies forever. A day will come and the balance of power will definitely change in favour of the toiling masses of this country and the ruling class and their neoliberal policies will be thrown to the dustbin of history and an alternative force with alternative policies shall emerge defeating the policies of the present day ruling class. The alternative policy will never be the imperialist globalization polices. It will be a policy which will lead us to the path of socialism. That day shall come, no sooner than later. Such a change is not easy. We have to suffer and be ready for bigger sacrifices. NFPE is committed to this task.

          The power-that-be should not be under the illusions that the working class will not go for another strike in the near future. They should clearly understand that-“the fire that is burning with flames and the fire that is burning beneath the ashes, are both fire”. The fire beneath the ashes may burst out at any time again as a wild fire. The growing anger, protest and discontentment among the common people and workers may burst out at any time. No Government on earth can withstand such a mass upsurge of the common people and the toiling masses. Government should take note of the writings on the wall. Brutal killing of the workers, severe victimizations and using the force to suppress the protest, may not succeed.

          Comrades, the path before us is not full of roses, but full of obstacles and of sufferings. But we are sure that at the end of the tunnel, there will be light. If winter comes, can they prevent the onset of the spring? Let us move forward unitedly with the working class of our country and let us loudly proclaim without any hesitation that – “We are on the right path”.



29TH ALL INDIA CONFERENCE, THIRUVANANTHAPURA - INVITATION & PROGRAMME









Wednesday, February 27, 2013


CIRCULAR OF CONFEDERATION ON STRIKE AND SCOVA MEETING




Circular No. Conf/23/2013                                                                         Dated: 25.2.2013

Dear Comrade,
                                     The 48 hour two day General Strike
                The two days strike, for which the call was given by the Joint Platform of Trade Unions in the country through the National Convention held at New Delhi on 4th September, 2012 was a tremendous success.  Not only the workers in the country but also common people supported the strike action in many States.  It is estimated by the Central Trade Unions that more than 10 crore workers might have participated in the strike.   In other words more than 50 crore people of the country supported the action.  The overwhelming response in the mightiest strike action  ever of the Indian working Class is indicative of the growing anger against the economic policies pursued by the Government. There had been constant and continuous increase in the prices of basic needs of the common people i.e. food items, gas, diesel, gas, coal electricity etc. in the last two years.  The inflation in the economy continued unabated despite the assurance held out by the rulers, as a matter of course. to contain it. 
Every decision of the UPA II Government has fuelled the inflation in the economy and consequent rise in prices of all essential commodities.  Despite the lathi charge and arrest of the workers in certain parts of the country, the strike had been by far peaceful.  Leader  of the Haryana Roadways Corporation affiliated to AITUC was killed in Ambala Transport Depot in a tragic incident when the Transport authorities decided to take a bus from the depot against the opposition of the workers. Most of the State Governments especially the TMC led West Bengal State Govt. Did their best to suppress the strike action without success.   
          All vital sectors viz. Bank, Insurance, Central and State Government offices, Industrial Establishments, Ports and Docks, Surface Transport except Railways and Airlines, Power  etc. remained paralysed.  The Central Government employees on the call of the Confederation of CGE and workers responded magnificently.  There had been apprehension of the extent of participation in the two day strike action especially after the one day strike on 12.12.2012 on the 15 point charter of demands.  The report we have received at the CHQ proves that the apprehension was totally misplaced and the number of employees who participated in the 20th and 21st Feb. 2013 was more than we could elicit on 12thDecember. 2012.  No doubt in some of the organisation, the strike participation on comparison with 12th December, was less.  But this has been more than made up by the other organisation who could improve their position of participation on 20th and 21st.  We append hereunder the Press Statement we issued on 21st Feb. on the basis of the reports we have received through telephone and SMS.
          The unprecedented participation of workers in the strike had been the manifestation of the people's resentment  to the economic policies of the Government which has virtually made the poor poorer and the rich richer. They have asserted in no uncertain terms that these policies must be reversed at all cost for India to remain a sovereign republic. The recent decisions of the Government to allow FDI in Pension, and increase FDI foray  in the Banking and Insurance Sector will bring back the country to serfdom.  The struggle will have to continue and the campaign against the policies must pick up further momentum in the months to come.
        There had been continuous propaganda by the Government through electronic media that the Government employees do not have the right to strike and not only "dies non" but disciplinary action will also be taken against the striking employees.  It has been proved on a number of occasions that the vindictive actions will be resorted to by the Government when the unity is disrupted and the strike participation for one reason or other dwindle.  The greatest safeguard against such barbarous  and vindictive actions is to preserve our unity and determination and tread the path of struggle with cent per cent participation.  Campaign amongst the mass of the employees to bring home the pernicious impact of the economic policies in the day to day life and standard of living is a pre-requisite for the success of the strike action.  Wherever, this has been done,  it has paid rich dividends.
          We must review the two day strike action as soon as possible.  Since the Conference of the Confederation  is due in the month of April, it may not be possible to convene the National Executive meeting immediately.   We are planning to meet in the Sectt. and in order to enable us to conduct a proper review,  we need the following information both from the State Committees and the Central HQrs of the affiliated Association.  The format is given in the annexure to this communication.  Kindly ensure that the reports are sent to us by 10th March, 2013.
                With greetings and once again conveying our sincere gratitude and congratulations to all the affiliates, State Committees and the Active workers and leaders who made the strike a magnificent success.
                
Yours fraternally,

K.K.N. Kutty
Secretary General

Annexure
Format for sending report
A.      For State Committees.
(a)    Name of the State.
(b)   Name of the Association/Federations which participated in the strike with percentage of participation.
(c)    Name of the Association/Federation which did not take part in the strike.
(d)   Name of the organisations which participated in the strike despite the call from their CHQ.
(e)   Name of the stations visited by the leaders as part of the campaign.
B.      For affiliates.
(a) Name of the Federation/All India Association.
(b) Number of Units/Bramches
(c) Name of the Unit/Branch which participated in the strike.
(d) Name of the Units.\/brnaches which did not take part in the strike.
(e) Specific reasons advanced by the Units for non participation
(f) Name of the Units visited by the leaders



             
SCOVA MEETING
The 22nd meeting of SCOVA was held at New Delhi on 19th February, 2013. On behalf of the JCM. Staff Side, the Secretary, Com. Umraomal Purohit accompanied by Com. S.K. Vyas, President, Confederation of CGE and workers attended the meeting. The outcome of discussion at the meeting is briefly reported in the Confederation Circular. Please find th Circular by clicking the link below:


ENHANCEMENT OF LIMIT FOR VERIFICATION OF WITHDRAWALS FROM SAVINGS ACCOUNTS MADE AT EXTRA DEPARTMENTAL SUB/BRANCH POST OFFICES AND SINGLE HANDED POST OFFICES-REGARDING.(Click link below for details)

Saturday, February 23, 2013


REVISION OF PPO OF PRE-2006 PENSIONERS/FAMILY PENSIONERS - (I) EVEN IF AGE/DATE OF BIRTH OF SPOUSE IS NOT AVAILABLE, (II) MODEL ADVERTISEMENT FOR USE BY MINISTRIES/DEPARTMENTS.(Click the link below for details)
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SERVICE TAX –ADMISSIBILITY OF SERVICE TAX ON SALE OF SPACE OR TIME FOR PRINTING OF ADVERTISEMENTS ON ITEMS OF POSTAL STATIONERIES INCLUDING MEGHDOOT POSTCARDS.{CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS}
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REVISION IN STANDARD TENDER DOCUMENT FOR CARRIAGE OF MAIL BY PRIVATE MAIL MOTOR SERVICE {CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS}
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FACILITY OF SUBMISSION OF LIFE CERTIFICATE TO ANY BRANCH OF CBS BANK AND SIMPLIFICATION OF PENSIONER’S BANK ACCOUNT PORTABILITY PROCEDURE: CPAO INSTRUCTIONS TO BANKS {CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS}
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REVISION OF CEILING RATES AND GUIDELINES FOR VARIOUS CORONARY STENTS FOR CGHS/CS (MA) BENEFICIARIES. {CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS}

Coming soon, Post Bank of India


The postal department plans to enter the banking business with the Reserve Bank of India deciding to grant new bank licences to entities with credible track-record.

Consultant appointed

Sources said the Department of Posts, which has a strong foot print in rural areas, has appointed Ernst and Young (E&Y) as the consultant for the proposed ‘Post Bank’

“Ernst and Young is expected to submit a detailed project report by April, after which all the necessary measures will be taken up to apply for banking licence,” a source at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology told PTI.

The sources added that the Department of Post (DoP) might need Cabinet approval for setting up Post Bank of India.

Of the 1.55 lakh post offices in the country, around 24,000 district offices may be ready to offer banking services in the next two years.

The DoP is in process of setting up 1,000 ATMs.

“Post Bank shall not only take care of the banking needs of the rural poor but shall also converge with micro-insurance and micro-remittance services of the DoP,” the source said.

As per data shared with Parliament, there were over 26 crore operational small savings accounts in post offices as on March 31, 2012, having deposits worth Rs.1.9 lakh crore.

Courtesy – The Hindu, 23rd Feb, 2013

Friday, February 22, 2013


TO FIX TIMELINE FOR REDRESSAL OF GRIEVANCES. (Click the link below for details}



REPORT BY AIPEU-GDS(NFPE)  ON RAJASTHAN CIRCLE UNION FORMED


On 17-02-2013 AIPEU-GDS (NFPE) Convention has been held at Com. D.P.Diwakar Memorial Hall (Bansi Bhawan), Beawar town, Beawar under the Presidentship of Com.Pusaram Chaudhary, Circle President, Gr.C., Rajasthan Circle.

Com.N.M.Shrimali, Divisional Secretary, Gr.C., Beawar Division welcomed all the Guests and delegates to the Convention and anchored the meeting in a befitting manner.

Com.R.Sivannarayana, General Secretary, AIPEU Gr.C., Com.Ishwar Singh Dabas, General Secretary, AIPEU PM&MTS/Gr.D., Com.Giri Raj Singh, General Secretary, AIRMS MMSEU Gr.C.,  Com.P.Pandurangarao, General Secretary,AIPEU GDS NFPE, Com.Balwinder  Singh, Financial Secretay, Gr.C (CHQ) were attended as Chief Guests and addressed the GDS NFPE comrades of Rajasthan Circle. 

Shri NorathMali, Supdt. of Post Offices, Beawar Division invited as Guest of Honour and addressed the GDS session. Com.Hari Parasad Diwakar, Circle Secretary, Gr.C., Com.Kumar, Circle Secretary, P-IV were also present and organized the meeting.

About 250 GDS comrades representing from 13 divisions attended and graced the formation of Circle Union of AIPEU-GDS(NFPE), Rajasthan Circle.











A 15 member Organizing body has been constituted for AIPEU-GDS (NFPE) Circle Union, Rajasthan Circle.

President :              Com.Ramchander, Chahar, Jhunjunu
Vice President:      Com.Naval Shrimalik, Beawar dn.
                                   Com.Azizkhan, Sirohi dn.
                                   Com.Arunkumar, Jaipur city dn.
Secretary:               Com.Roshanlal Meena, Udaipur dn.
Asst Secretary:     Com.Kishan dutt pujari, Bewar dn.
                                  Com.Lokesh sharma, Jaipur dn.
                                  Com.Chetanlal pali, Pali dn.
                                  Com.Narendersingh, Jodhpur dn.
                                  Com. Omprakash rajpurohit, Pali dn.
Fin. Secretary :     Com.Mukeshmeena, Ajmer dn.
Asst.Treasurer:    Com.Mahendrakumar Tammar,Jaipur dn.
Orgg Secretary:   Com.Hemanthkumar Meghwal, Udaipur
                                 Com.Ramanand, Jhunjunu dn.
                                 Com. Gorab singhwi, Chitturgarh dn.

AIPEU-GDS(NFPE), Bewar Division Union is also formed and a new set of office bearers were elected unanimously.

AIPEU-GDS(NFPE) CHQ conveys its heartfelt greetings and congratulations to all the Comrades of NFPE and GDS, Rajasthan.

ENGAGEMENT OF WORKERS THROUGH CONTRACTORS BY THE MINISTRIES AND DEPARTMENTS OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT.
O.M.  No. 14(113) Misc. RLC (Coord)/2012 Dated:- January 23, 2013 from Ministry of Labour and Employment

Subject: Engagement of workers through Contractors by the Ministries and Departments of Central Government.
It has been noticed in the recent past that a large number of workers are being engaged on contract by various central Government Ministries and Departments. Parliament Questions have been received in this regard apart from various complaints relating to non-compliance of various provisions of law. These include wages and social security benefits flowing out of various legislations.
Similarly in cases where the workmen employed by the contractor perform the same or similar kind of work as the workmen directly employed by the principal employer of the establishment, the wage rates, holidays, hours of work and other conditions of service of the workmen of the shall be the same as applicable to the workmen directly employed by the principal employer of the establishment on the same or similar kind of work.
You may be aware that Government has enacted. the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970 and central rules made
Section 24 Other offences.—If any person contravenes any of the provisions of this Act or any rules made thereunder for which no other penalty is elsewhere provided, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both. .provide penalty for contravention of other offences shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.
It is also noticed that some establishments are engaging contract workers in the employments which have been prohibited under section 10 of the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970. Some principal employers and contractors are violating the provisions of Act & Rules.
In view of above, the employing departments are hereby notified to ensure the compliance of the provisions of the Act & Rules in all establishments including PSUs under them.
sd/-
(B.K Sanwariya)
Chief Labour Commissioner (C)

SIMPLIFICATION OF PENSION PROCEDURE - AMENDMENT IN PARA 15 AND PARA 16 OF “SCHEME FOR PAYMENT OF PENSIONS TO CENTRAL GOVT. CIVIL PENSIONERS BY AUTHORISED BANK".
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure
Central Pension Accounting Office
Trikoot-II, Bhikaji Cama Place
New Delhi.

CPAO/Tech/Simplification/2012-13/325                                            Dated : 18.02.2013

Office Memorandum

Subject: - Simplification of Pension Procedure - Amendment in para 15 and para 16 of “Scheme for payment of pensions to Central Govt. Civil Pensioners by Authorised Bank".

Attention is invited to the provisions contained in paras 15 and 16 of the Scheme Booklet regarding submission of life & other certificates and inter bank / intra bank transfer of pension Account.
2.         Keeping in view the need to make the process of submission of certificates user friendly and in line with the technological advancement in the banking industry, it has been decided to allow pensioner/family pensioner to submit the life certificate as well as other certificates to any branch of the Bank through which his /her pension/family pension is being disbursed.
3.         Further with the introduction of CBS and implementation of CPPC, the pensioner/family pensioner who is desirous of transferring his/her pension account from one branch to another branch (whether local or out station) of the same bank should has the option of putting in his/her request at either of the two branches instead of the present dispensation wherein transfer request is entertained only at the home branch. The transfer application will require mentioning both account numbers (in the old & new branch) with both branch contact details. The branch receiving the application will scan and register the same to CPPC. CPPC will coordinate the continuity of disbursement of monthly pension / family pension without any break.
4.         All banks are hereby directed to follow the above procedural modifications in pension process and issue necessary instructions to all concerned accordingly.
5.         This issues with the concurrence of Department of Pensions & Pensioners Welfare, Ministry of Personnel. Public Grievances & Pensions and Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance.
sd/-
(Vandana Sharma)
Chief Controller (Pensions)


PERMANENT ABSORPTION OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AND EMPLOYEES OF THE UNION TERRITORIES IN THE AUTONOMOUS BODIES OF THE UNION TERRITORIES COUNTING OF SERVICE FOR PENSION.(Click the link below for details}

SPECTACULAR SUCCESS OF TWO-DAYS STRIKE BY C.G.EMPLOYEES ALONGWITH WORKING CLASS OF INDIA

CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL GOVT. EMPLOYEES AND WORKERS

PRESS STATEMENT

About 8 lakhs Central Government employees took part in the 48 hour (two day) general strike yesterday and today organised by the Indian working class as per the call of the Joint platform of 11 Central Trade Unions of the country. Besides 5 lakh Defence Civilian employees are also reported to have participated in this historic action.

The Strike was total and cent per cent in Income tax and Postal departments. The participation ranged from 60 to 90% in other Government of India organisations except in the Central Secretariat. As per the report, the strike was total in Assam, Tripura, West Bengal, Orissa, Bihar Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu, Kerala, Chhattisgarh and 60 to 70% in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and partial in other States.

In Delhi, the Income tax and RMS offices of the Postal Department virtually remained closed. Not a single employee reported for duty in these offices. Many offices of the Civil Accounts and Post offices in Delhi also did not function on these two days.

Many establishments of Printing and Stationery, Indian Bureau of Mines, Geological Survey of India, Medical Depots, Customs, Ground Water Board, ISRO, Directorate of Marketing Inspection, Civil Accounts, Central Public Works Department remained closed throughout the country on both the days.
The National Secretariat of the Confederation places on record its sincere gratitude and appreciation of the efforts undertaken by the State/Branch level leaders to make this historic action of the Indian working class a resounding success by eliciting the total participation of the Central Government employees. The success of the two days strike action will no doubt embolden the employees and workers to chalk out intensified action programme including indefinite strike action to compel the Govt. to rescind the anti-people economic policies pursued since 1991.
K.K.N. Kutty
Secretary General.

Thursday, February 21, 2013

TWO DAYS STRIKE EXHIBITED THE TOTAL UNITY AND PROTEST OF POSTAL & RMS EMPLOYEES


Entire Postal and RMS services came to a standstill

We (NFPE & FNPO) once again extend our warm greetings and congratulations to all Postal and RMS employees who made the two days nationwide strike a thundering success. About 1,50,000 Postal and RMS offices including Branch Post offices remained closed for two days. About more than five lakhs employees including GDS struck work. Though the strike will be over tonight, the struggle against the anti-worker policies will continue. Let us keep this unity and fighting spirit intact.

Unity for Struggle, and struggle for unity

Thank you, Thank you all


M. Krishnan                                                   D. Theagarajan
Secretary General                                           Secretary General
NFPE                                                             FNPO

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

STRIKE TOTAL IN POSTAL AND RMS OFFICES


Central JCA (NFPE & FNPO) congratulates all the Postal and RMS employees including Gramin Dak Sevaks who participated in the two days strike commenced on 20th Feb and made it an All TIME HISTORIC SUCCESS. Please keep up this tempo till 21st evening and ensure cent percent success


M. Krishnan                                                           D. Theagarajan
Secretary General                                                   Secretary General
NFPE                                                                     FNPO   

WITHHOLDING OF 10 PERCENT GRATUITY FROM THE RETIRING GOVERNMENT SERVANTS. CLARIFICATION REGARDING. {CLICK THE LINK BELOW FOR DETAILS}

Tuesday, February 19, 2013


February 20, 21 General Strike

Discussion with Government again failed

Central Trade Unions rejected the Government’s, appeal to call off the strike.

10 Crores workers will participate in the strike.

13 lakhs Central Government employees including 5.5 lakhs Postal employees joining historic two days strike. Entire Postal and RMS offices including Branch Post offices will be completely closed for two days. Ensure cent per cent success.

M. Krishnan
Secretary General
NFPE