Phone: 011-23743667Email: postaljcm.staffside@gmail.com

JOINT CONSULTATIVE MACHINERYPOSTAL DEPARTMENTAL COUNCIL

(STAFF SIDE)D-2 Telegraph Place, Bangal Sahib Marg, New Delhi - 110001

Leader: K. V. Sridharan Secretary: Giriraj Singh

Ref: JCM/DC/2011 Dated – 28.09.2011

To,

The ChairmanPostal Departmental Council JCMDak BhawanNew Delhi - 110001

Sub: - Subjects for discussion from the Staff side in the meeting of Departmental Council JCM

Ref: - Your letter No. 6/02/2011-SR dt. 13.09.2011

Sir,

The list of new subjects which contains the subjects not discussed in the last meeting and also the new subjects in two annexures for discussion in the ensuing meeting of Postal Departmental Council Meeting of the Joint Consultative Machinery is enclosed herewith in Triplicate.

With kind regards,

Yours faithfully,

(Giriraj Singh)Secretary – Staff Side

Encl: List of subjects in Two Annexures in triplicate

ANNEXURE - 1ITEMS WHICH WERE PLACED IN THE LAST DEPARTMENTAL COUNCIL

MEETING HELD ON 11.08.2010 BUT COULD NOT BE DISCUSSED DUE TO PAUCITY OF TIME AND ALSO REMAINING UNSETTLED

1. Item No. 71Removal of eligibility Ceiling of Pay of Rs.6800 [Pre-revised] for performing OT Duty.Operative staff in RMS/POs whose basic pay was below Rs. 6800/- [pre-revised] only is made eligible to perform OT Duty and this ceiling is causing serious operational difficulties as there is heavy shortage of staff. In certain Units staff is not available with less pay range to perform OTA. In this situation mails subjected to detention for more than 24 hours. The Staff Side urges for removing such ceiling and brings all operative PA/SA officials, irrespective of their pay range, to be engaged for performing Over Time Duty to meet the operational requirements.

2. Item No. 72Waival of Recovery of paid OTA.In Circles like Gujarat, UP, Maharashtra & Chhattisgarh, OT duty was ordered and OTA also was paid for some officials in pay level exceeding pre-revised pay Rs.6800/-. As directed vide DOP letter No. 10-16/2004 PE-II dated 31-5-2005, the responsibility was fixed on officers who ordered OTA to the officials in the above cases. This direction of Directorate has been grossly mis-interpreted and even the clerks prepared the OTA bills and or verified the bills etc at HRO/SRO are also held responsible and thus sheltering the SSRM who sanctioned the bills on his signature.

(i) The Department is not at loss as officials drawing even higher pay have not been allowed any higher rate.

(ii) Even granting of compensatory off would have cost more.(iii) Majority of officials and officers have retired.(iv) A huge sum of OTA paid, if recovered from concerned clerk is not justified.

In view of above the Staff Side urges that the above recovery be totally waived or else the recovery be ordered from the Officer who sanctioned the bills against the rules.

3. Item No. 74NORMS IN CRC, SPC, EPP & LOGISTICS:- Norms in CRC , SPC, EPP & Logistics are still not fixed. In Circles/Divisions the authorities are harassing the staff for Norms of 1000 articles in a day sets. It is not uniformly practicable to perform 1000 articles in 8 hrs duty. Authorities are of the view that the norms of 1000 in CRC/SPCs, EPP & logistics is fixed by the Directorate. So far no decision has been taken in consultation with the Staff Side in this regard. It was reported that Circle authorities have ordered reduction in staff strength in CRCs taking 1000 articles norms. Harassment to the staff by ordering Dies non, issuing charge sheets and transfer of officials are reported from various Circles. Urgent steps may be taken to fix the norms in CRCs, SPSs, EPP & logistics on scientific basis in consultation with the Staff Side.

4. Item No. 75LONG DISTANCE SCHEDULES OF MMS :- India post in recent past engaged private vehicles for conveying Mails/Parcels etc. to long distance places instead of utilizing MMS vehicles. Our MMS vehicles are not utilized for effective dispatch of mails to the long destinations. It would certainly improve efficiency for mail delivery if our System of Transport Services are utilized for long distance Schedules. Effective steps may be taken for

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engaging MMS Schedules for conveying mails/Parcels/logistics to long distance places instead of Private Vehicles.

5. Item No. 76DIVERSION OF MMS VEHICLES:It is often reported that the vehicles allotted to MMS for operational purposes are diverted as inspection vehicles for SSPOs, and Circle /Regional offices. This adversely affects the efficiency of the Mail delivery. Effective steps may be taken to guard against the misuse/diversion of MMS Vehicles which are allotted for operational purpose.

6. Item No. 77HOLDING OF EXAMINATION FOR FILLING UP THE POSTS OF AMM IN MMS.:- IMM & AMM grades in MMS were merged into AMM w.e.f. 1.1.1996 since then no examination for the posts of AMM has been held. Examination for the promotion to the pre-merged cadre was being held every year along with the examination for promotion to IPI/IRM. This is the only channel of promotion for the clerical staff of MMS. Most of the posts in AMM cadre are lying vacant. Examination for promotion to AMM cadre may be held at an early date.

7. Item No. 78HOLDING OF DPC FOR FILLING UP THE POSTS OF DEPUTY MANAGER MMS:- There are four posts of Deputy Manager of MMS. DPC for promotion to the cadre has not been held since long. Officials who are eligible for promotion are retiring without getting promotion. DPC for Deputy Manager MMS may be held at early date.

8. Item No. 79Posting of outsiders in the Accountable branchesOutsiders should not be posted in the accountable branches as it would be difficult to fix the responsibility in the case of loss of any accountable article.

9. Item No. 80On appointment to the grade of Supdt. Stg in RMS. There are 4 posts of Supdt. Stg ( Gazetted Group-‘B’) in RMS to be filled by General Line officials of RMS on All India basis. But since years together these posts are being manned by ASP cadre (in officiating capacity as Gazetted Group –‘B’) or by regular Gazetted Group-‘B’ officials promoted from ASP cadre or through exam. This is irregular and snatches away even the most minimum promotional avenue available to the General Line Officials of RMS. The Staff Side urges for issuing necessary instructions against utilization of non-General Line officials against such employment of Group B vacancies earmarked for us.

Incidentally the feeder cadre of Supdt Stg is HSG-I (non-gazetted Group-‘B’) with Pay Band + Grade Pay of 9300-34800 + 4600. The same Pay scale has been shown for Supdt Stg vide DG Posts No. 4-4/2008-PCC dated 23.04.2009. It needs to be rectified and shown as 9300-34800 + 4800 & 5400 (after 4 years) as in the case of Postal Supdt. Similar treatment may also be given to AD(R).

Similarly out of 4 posts of AD Recruitment earmarked for the Postal Administrative Offices Employees in Group B Cadre three posts are kept vacant for years together. The Staff Side urges for immediate filling up of these posts.

10. Item No. 823

Regarding regularization of adhoc promotions made in the cadre of HSG-I i) Due to non-availability of eligible candidates for promotion to HSG-I cadre, efforts were made by the Dte. to relax the norms of eligibility of regular service of 3 years in HSG-II, first by giving notional promotions then reducing 3 years to 2 years and subsequently to 1 year and lastly with a condition that one should be in HSG-II (without prescription of any length of service) As such on each occasion some posts were filled but soon became vacant due to early retirements etc.ii) To redress this problem, the Dte started giving adhoc promotions by its No. 4-16/2002-SPB-II dtd 20.11.2006 till latest orders of even No. dtd 01.05.2009. But due to these adhoc promotions HSG-II posts from which these are made, cannot be treated as vacant. At the same time all the HSG-I posts against which adhoc promotions are made can only be termed as vacant. iii) Therefore, it is suggested that till the new Recruitment Rules for HSG-I are framed, present adhoc promotes to the cadre of HSG-I who has completed say 1 year of adhoc promotion may be absorbed in the cadre of HSG-I on regular basis by regularizing their adhoc promotion from the date they joined HSG-I cadre on adhoc basis. This will help to fill up HSG-I vacancies to some extent and at the same time do away with issuing of extension orders at regular intervals. At the same time more HSG-II vacant posts will become available for LSG cadre.iv) Further the ICIR and Audit objected the pensionary benefits to the Adhoc promotees in HSG-I and their last pay drawn was not taken into account for computation of their pension and other benefits. This is highly irregular.

11. Item No. 83Regarding acute shortage of ‘C’ bags :-An acute shortage of ‘C’ bags is being faced in RMS/Post offices due to short supply of ‘C’ bags. Only low-quality polythene bags are being supplied having very short span of life. This hampers the work. Moreover sometimes NSPCs need bigger bags than C-1 size for its business which are not available. Therefore it is required that this problem of acute shortage of ‘C’ bags as well as availability of big size ‘C’ bags needs to be solved at the earliest.

12. Item No. 84Promotion of Lower Grade Officials to the cadre of PA/SA under the incentive schemeThe incentive scheme for promotion of clerks ( PA/SAs) in accordance with Directorate letters No. 60/11/62- SPB –I dt 30-5-1963 and 62/24/63-SPB-I dt 9-4-1964 is not being implemented for the last 8 years and was last implemented in the year 1999. Due to non-implementation of the scheme many eligible officials are losing their chances of promotion. The Staff Side urges for necessary instructions to all concerned to take necessary action in this regard for facilitating early promotion under this Rule to eligible officials.

13. Item No. 85Change of nomenclature of cleaners in M.M.S.The officials who are in the pay band 4860-20200 in the Mail Motor Service and who assist the Motor Mechanists in maintenance of vehicle are now being called cleaners/motor vehicle cleaners. In the background of changing social environment and improving economic conditions the nomenclature” cleaner/motor vehicle cleaner” given to them looks rather out of date and requires a change. It is requested to examine the issue and change their nomenclature as Assistant Mechanic/ Helper.

14. Item No. 86Payment of interest accrued after 31-3-2004 on the delayed Refund of GPF contribution to temporary status casual labourers.

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No payment of interest accrued after 31-3-2004 on the GPF Contribution quantum was made to the temporary status casual labourers in the Delhi and Uttar Pradesh circles even though the GPF Contributions were refunded to them much after 31-3-2004 on introduction of New pension scheme. The Staff Side urges for early orders for payment of interest for the period from 31.03.2004 to the date of actual payment.

15. Item No. 87Change of Recruitment Rules ensuring parity in recruitment to the posts of Postmen and Mailguards in the Department of Posts. The prevalent discrimination in the matter of recruitment to the cadre of Postmen from among the GDS officials of the postal wing and to the posts Mailguards from among the GDS officials of RMS wing the desire that the same will be ended at the earliest. It is known that the cadre of postman and mailguard is identical. However there exists discrimination between Postal and RMS wing in the matter of recruitment to the above posts from amongst the GDS staff while. the posts of postmen are reserved to the extent of 50% to the GDS officials in the Postal Side ( 25% seniority cum fitness 25% with examination) while 50% of Postmen vacancies only are reserved and allotted to Group’D’ staff in postal side, the 75% vacancies are allotted RMS Group ‘D’ and GDS 25% (only with examinations). This discrimination is causing discontentment among the GDS staff in RMS who found themselves stagnated for years without any real chance of absorption in the cadre of Mailguards. It is requested for early removal of this existing discrimination in order to ensure parity between the GDS officials of Postal and RMS wings.

16. Item No. 88Non-filling up of GDS MM vacancies in RMS . The GDS MM vacancies in all circles are not being filled for the last ten years even though some instructions from Directorate for filling up GDS MM Vacancies in RMS. The GDS MM vacancies which are available in good numbers in RMS all circles are not being filled up. In this case the eligible paid substitutes/casual labourers are deprived of the chance of regularization. this situation is not only causing a heart-burn in the prospective beneficiaries but also unjustly keeping then away from accumulating much valuable service benefit. It is requested kindly to instruct the concerned to fill the vacancies without any further loss of time.

17. Item No. 90Revision of OTA RatesPostal Department is an operative Department like Railways. It is known that the employees of Railways are having their own unique OTA Rates for the OT Duty performed by its staff and they are not bracketed with the rest of the Government Employees. Therefore the non-increase of rate viz., Rs. 15.85 per hour has no adverse effect on the employees of Railways. The Staff Side urges for computation of a separate OT Rate as applicable to Postal Employees which is also an operative department like Railways.

16. Item No. 92Non- Conduction of examination for filling up of vacant Mailguard Posts in several Circles.It is known that the Mailguard posts will be filled by conducting an examination at Divisional level . The 50% vacancies would be earmarked for DP quota meant for Mailmen and the remaining 50% vacancies would be earmarked for the promotion of GDS employees which comes under DR. Due to delay in release of ADR since 2006 to 2008 the DR vacancies could not be filled up. There is no objection to fill up the vacancies earmarked for DP quota among Mail Man. Several Circles complained to the CHQ that the examinations for filling up of vacant Mailguard posts (earmarked

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for DP quota) since 2006 have not been conducted which is creating unrest among the Mail Man. Now the Screening Committee had also cleared ADR for 2006 to 2008. Therefore it is requested to issue instructions to all Circles for conduction of examinations for filling up of vacant Mailguard Posts without further delay.

17. Item No. 94Request for exemption of Group’D’ posts from the purview of screening committee While filling up of the posts from 2000-2008All posts in different cadres will have D.R. and D.P. quota for filling up of posts except in the cadre of Group 'D' for which all the posts are being filled up from among the GDS and Casual Labourers in the ratio of 75% and 25% respectively by treating them as outsiders (D.R). A reference to the Action Taken Report circulated by the Department of Posts in the high level meeting held by the Secretary [P] with the Staff Side on 13/01/2009 mentions categorically that Group D posts are not covered under Screening Committee. However it can be seen that while filling up of Group 'D' during the period from 2000 to 2008, invariably 2/3rd posts were abolished and either 1/3rd vacancies alone were filed up or even that were not filled up on many years. In fact the vacancies of Group 'D' are filled without examination as per seniority cum fitness through DPCs and hence they come under promotional quota (D.P) only. A reference to the judgment of Honourable High Court of Kerala No. 3618 & 4956 of 2006(S) dt 22-3-2007; OA 33162 of 2009 (S) dated 23.12.2009 as well as the decision of the Honourable Ernakulam CAT No. 346/2005 dt 2-11-2007 would highlight this aspect. The Staff Side therefore urges for release of all the vacancies wrongly abolished during the years 2000-2008 for filling up from amongst the GDS and TS Casual Labourers.

18. Item No. 96Liberalization of syllabus for the LGO Examination for PACO Cadre in Circle Administrative Office including the O/o the DPLI Kolkata Syllabus reflecting workable knowledge soothing to the needs of Circle Administrative Offices requires prompt attention and implementation as Question papers of LGO Examination for Circle Administrative Office in some Circle are often becoming of higher standard. An uniform pattern of question through a centralized system may be effective. PLI matters should be included in the syllabus. 19. Item No. 97Creation of more LSG/HSG-II/HSG-I Posts for Circle Administrative Offices including DPLI Circle Administrative Offices have not been properly provided with sufficient number of LSG/HSG-II and HSG-I Posts. As a result while many officials are being deprived in COs/ROs and DPLI, their counterparts in Postal & RMS operative offices are getting promotion much earlier causing the feelings of discrimination.

20. Item No. 98Huge shortage of Staff in Circle Administrative Office in PACO Cadre There was no employment in Circle Administrative Offices since long. Implementation of TBOP/BCR for Circle Administrative Office w.e.f 26.6.93 at the cost of 10% of reduction of staff, started gradual implementation only w.e.f 2000 & in the mean time the concept of Screening Committee was imposed creating a lot of difficulties. During the last 10-12 yrs, staff strength in Circle Administrative offices has drastically been reduced. Many new schemes including “Project Arrow” are being implemented. PLI /RPLI business is also increasing manifold, but huge shortage of staff in Circle Administrative Office is not being properly felt.

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While the concept of reduction of volume of Mails cannot be treated as true for the operative offices, as although letter Mails are decreasing, Business Mails are increasing, the work of Circle Administrative offices does not at all depend on the Volume of Mails. Vast areas of Postal Operations with so many new premium products including successful implementation of project arrow, service conditions of the Postal staff of a Circle as a whole, Disciplinary proceedings, specialized knowledge of Control and functioning of Savings Bank affairs and roaring growth of PLI /RPLI business require more and more staff for Circle Administrative Offices and reduction in Mail Volume and Lesser traffic, have no bearing with staff requirement of Circle Administrative Offices. But this basic truth is not being recognized by the Postal Directorate. While the order of re-introduction of short duty staff scheme has been issued on 14.8.2008 “to cope with the acute shortage in Post Offices and RMS Offices, the aspect of shortage staff of Circle Administrative Office has not been considered whereas the situation deserves so. 21. Item No. 99Future of Director PLI office KolkataSince long past the staff of Director PLI office Kolkata have been used to listen that the office would be computerized which have not been proved true up to this date. In recent past it was informed by CGM, PLI Dte. New Delhi through the meetings held on 14-3-2008 and 28-8-2009 that the role of the said office will be reworked and this office can work as a backup office for P.L.I. Even on one meeting with the local authority and staff side Member (PLI) also remarked as above though neither clear picture nor any information has come to light so far. So the staff side is very much eager to know about the aim of the Department of Posts regarding Director PLI Office, Kolkata.

22. Item No. 100Providing additional hand to single handed offices due to decentralization of RD Work etcBased on the subcommittee constituted under the scheme of JCM and compulsory arbitration to deal with the items, it was approved to take action immediately. The Secretary (P) and chairperson vide note No. 6-2/2006-SR dt. 23.7.06 ordered to frame norms for all items of work handled in the smaller offices so that proper redeployment of staff can be made to needy offices. But even after 3½ years no action has been initiated. Immediate action is requested.

23. Item No. 101Implementation of recommendations of the 5th CPC with regard to payment of cash handling allowance to treasurers and Asstt Treasurers in Post OfficesIn the last departmental council Meeting vide item No.27 in file No.6-1/2002-PAP it was agreed to take up with the sixth CPC and the item was closed with the reply that the matter stands referred to Ministry of Finance. Immediate action is requested.

24. Item No. 102Withdrawal of orders fixing responsibility on DDOs and APM Accounts and Accountants for the overpayment of Pay and allowances to Postmen on account of fixation under Revised pay rules after 5th CPC.

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As per the FR and SR there are distinct rules to recover the overpayments made to the officials while paying the arrears. But misinterpreting the CAT orders the drawing officials are humiliated leaving the entire hierarchy. Therefore, it is urged to withdraw this order immediately.

25. Item No. 103Relaxing minimum qualifying service of 3 years for HSG-II promotionsConsequent on promotion of HSG-II officials to HSG-I as one time measure, in many Circles the posts of HSG-II are vacant as there are no LSG officials available having 3 years of service. The relaxation may be extended to LSG officials also as one time measure so as to enable to fill up the chain vacancies.

26. Item No. 104Allotment of separate code to all officials including GDS for procuring RPLI business and payment of incentive on the spotAs there is no code to the officials the incentive is paid to some other officials. To improve the business separate codes may be allotted to each individual official.

27. Item No. 106Third party risk covers insurance for MMS Vehicles.The issue was discussed in the last Departmental Council Meeting. The then Chairman agreed with staff side to re examine the issue in consultation with nodal ministries. Several reminders on the issue were sent to the Directorate. But no action has been taken in this regard.

28. Item No. 107Payment of OSA and other benefits to MMS Staff on par with RMS Staff:Of late, MMS has introduced long distance schedules in c/w Logistics Service. The drivers are denied OSA and other benefits as in this case of RMS Staff. It is requested to grant of OSA to MMS Driers who work in the Logistics Service.

29. Item No. 108Providing adequate man power in all RMS units68 RMS Divisions in the Country are functioning with 40% to 60% shortage of Staff. This has resulted in poor quality of sorting and lack supervision in Mail offices. Steps may be taken by the Department to fill up all the vacancies.

30. Item No. 109Regularization of RTP Services and ending the discrimination between APS RTP and Other RTPs(i) As per the Directorate letter dated 19.4.96, the implementation of the Ernakulam CAT judgment granting the past RTP service as regular service for all purposes was restricted only to the applicants of the O.A. This is against to the decisions of the various judicial pronouncements that the benefits should be extended to the similarly situated persons.(ii) During 1970 to 1974, even the pre training services of certain officials engaged as postal clerk were regularized. The RTPs were trained and utilized full time in the clerical posts to manage all the works of the post office.(iii) The CAT, Chennai held that the services rendered by the ex RTPs at APS shall be counted as qualifying services for all purposes. The Chennai High Court, on appeal by the department has upheld the decision of the CAT in WP no 37117 to 37119 of 2002 and directed the department to

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extend the benefits. Based on this the service rendered by RTP was regularized for several APS RTPs. (iv) In another case, the Apex court under Civil Appeal No.5739 of2005 filed by Sri M. Mathivanan, Postal Asst, Cuddalore division upheld the decision of extending the benefits and dismissed the appeal filed by the department with costs. Several APS RTPS were regularized based on this also.(v) The Directorate has directed the Circle Heads to collect, compile and furnish details of ex-RTPs deputed to APS to consider for extending the benefits to all similarly situated persons. There after there is no action in this regard.(vi) The RTPs working in APS could thus get their period of RTP Service regularised. The same yardstick is denied to those RTPS who were employed in Post offices and RMS all over India. This causes a grave discrimination between the RTPs employed in one place to another. The Staff side request for ending this discrimination by ordering regularisation of RTP service for all. This demand is pending over decades and there should not be any discrimination between two equals. It is requested to consider the case and cause appropriate orders for counting the past services of the RTP for all benefits.

31. Item No. 110Allot 19% Group B vacancies for General line and permit all Group C officials in Postal, RMS, Admn and Postal A/Cs with minimum 20 years of service to appear the exam by dispensing with present reservation of posts to RMS & Admn staff.The Staff Side had submitted its proposal as far back as in February 2008 referring the pending item in the Postal Departmental Council JCM and communicating the opinions of the internal staff side discussions. In 1993, the staff side was asked to surrender 1/3rd of IPO vacancies for direct recruitment to facilitate higher scales of pay to IPO/ASPOs and during the course of discussions it was indicated that in lieu of this the share of General Line in Group B might be improved. Though the share of PA/SA cadre in IPO was reduced by 1/3rd as stated above, the re-apportionment of Group B did not take place. a) Our proposal is that 62% of Group B vacancies on seniority-cum-fitness and 19% on merit exam basis amongst the IPO line;b) Remaining 19% of Group B should be for General Line [Postal, RMS, Admn and Postal A/Cs] on competitive examination basis for the officials with 20 years of service. Since it is a tough competitive examination there need not be any restriction that only from LSG and above would be permitted. This condition requires to be reconsidered for liberalisation for the following reasons also.After The fifth commission, the department, unmindful of the amendment of the recruitment rules by due notification with the approval of nodal ministries, has plunged into action to the controversial decision in permitting only those officials holding standard LSG post on regular basis, blocking out all TBOP /BCR officials. Earlier bunch of TBOP, BCR officials passed the Group B examination. As such a sudden switch over to standard LSG criteria has caused a concern.

It is therefore requested to permit all the officials having 20 years of clerical service irrespective of the fact whether they are LSG or TBOP to write the Group B exam.

Justification for including Postal A/Cs in the Group B examination by increasing the percentage to 19% is that the JAO examination meant for Accounts wing had been opened to all officials in the DOP. At present, from JAO to JTS/STS cadres more than 70% posts are enjoyed by DOP officials belonging to other wings (including IPOs/ASPs), than Postal Account and thus the promotional

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avenue/opportunity of PAO officials has considerably shrunk. Under these circumstances, keeping the PSS Group B examination limited to Postal Assistants and IPOs is highly unjustified and must be opened to all officials of DOP; also reallocation and redistribution of PSS Group B posts to IPOs/ASPs on one hand and to others from DOP on the other hand must be done so that brighter elements shall have better opportunity for the wellbeing of the Department also.

32. Item No. 111ACP Scheme to wiremen and electrical staffThe Staff Side contention is that there is no justification whatsoever to leave out the categories of wiremen and electrical staff from the purview of ACP, since they are not covered under any other scheme of financial upgradation. As in the case of non-test category Group D for whom the TBOP/BCR was not applicable, the Department extended the scheme of ACP earlier. Similarly these categories also should have been covered under ACP Scheme and non-grant of ACP is an anomaly that has to be settled. The Staff Side urges at least apply the MACP Scheme to these sections of employees.

Further the discrimination between the workmen and wireman in pay band should be removed since both of them are performing the similar type of duties in post offices.

33. Item No. 112Streamlining the work of Cash Certificates and causing uniform work procedure.Expediting the Work Study in r/o Cash Certificate and fixing reasonable out-turn for various works in computer has become a necessity in the DAP Offices. More over causing uniform procedure to be followed in all PAOs in r/o these works so that the habit of issuing oral instructions at various levels can be avoided and PAO officials can be safe- guarded from penalty. The Staff Side also urges to stop moves of outsourcing of C.C. Works in PAOs and fixing of Supervisory responsibility to PAO officials for those works already outsourced.

34. Item No. 113Instructions to stop Irregular Rule – 37 TransfersMany Officers in different circles wrongly award Rule-37 Transfer to some officials by way of disciplinary action. More over the application of Rule-37 has been clearly defined under the said Rules. Rule-37 cannot be used for reasons beyond that are specified in the Rule-37. The Staff Side urges for issue of suitable general instructions to all concerned to be cautious in this matter to avoid violations.

35. Item No. 114Cause full-fledged functioning of newly opened PAOs.The three newly formed PAOs of Raipur (from Bhopal) Ranchi (from Patna) and Dehra Dun (from Lucknow) which were notified 5 years back have became fully functional. Therefore the Staff Side urges for settling the issue of sending man power as in the following order of preference and not to send anybody against his will to avoid unrest:1. Volunteers from parent PAO,2. Volunteers from other PAOs,3. Volunteers from other wings of the Dept of Posts, and further:4. Transfer vacant posts to newly formed PAOs and recruit through SSC, and 5. Until such time officials from parent office be sent on Deputation for 180 days.

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Ensure fully functional the erstwhile formed PAOs, like Jammu, Guwahati, Shillong, Sundar Nagar etc with their full sanctioned strength, giving preference to volunteers if any or with Direct Recruitment.

36. Item No. 115Extending /expanding modernization in PAOs. Extending/expanding the modernization and allowing due share of structural betterment/face-lift to PAOs on a/c of Project Arrow is proposed by the Staff Side.

37. Item No. 117RELAX MINIMUM-QUALIFYING SERVICE FOR HSG II PROMOTION

(i) It was assured during the talks held on 19.4.07 to relax minimum qualifying service for HSG II promotion in order to fill up the HSG II posts in the absence of eligible LSG officials.

(ii) Further DOPT vide its OM No, 28036/01/2007-Estt (D) dt 14.11.08 delegated the power of relaxation to concerned Ministries/Department in respect of Group C & D posts. Hence this may please be considered.

38. Item No. 120ANOMALY IN THE PREPARATION OF PA GRADATION LIST DATE OF CONFIRMATION SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN NOW AND DATE OF APPOINTMENT BE TAKEN FOR CONSTRUING SENIORITY. FIXING SENIORITY BASED ON THE DATE OF CONFIRMATION IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL AND DISCRIMINATORY & DROPPING OF CONFIRMATION EXAMINATIONIn many divisions, the confirmation was not exercised for many years after the introduction of TBOP, and only Divisional Gradation list was maintained. When a new Circle gradation list is now prepared, it should be on the basis of present rulings and since the confirmation was delinked from seniority, this should not be insisted. It is requested to reconsider the issue once again based on the Apex court judgment and the recent pronouncement of the CAT, Bangalore.

39. Item No. 127 ENSURE SPEEDY VERIFICATION OF CASTE Ensure speedy verification of caste at Govt. level and settle/deal it as done in other Central Govt. Depts. situated in Nagpur/Maharastra, and not to target PAO officials belonging to or originating from Nagpur alone.

40. Item No. 133APPLICATION OF MACP CONDITIONS PROSPECTIVELYPast declination of any promotion to LSG or HSG-II by officials should be ignored and the condition in the MACP orders that declining promotion would delay the grant of MACP until the acceptance of the declined promotion should be applied only prospectively. This is to benefit the officials who declined their promotion for certain reasons before introduction of MACP Scheme.

This concession would protect thousands of Postal Employees from deprivation of their Modified ACP upgradations in the background of switching over from TBOP/BCR Scheme to MACP Scheme.

41. Item No. 134

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MERGER OF DESPATCH RIDERS WITH THE DRIVERSAs the Recruitment Rules for the Drivers and Despatch riders are one and the same, the benefits applicable to Drivers shall be extended to Despatch riders duly amalgamating both the cadres.

42. Item No. 135ALLOWING LIFT OPERATORS TO SIT THE LGO EXAMINATIONThe Department has written to Staff Side that the issue of allowing lift operators to sit in the LGO exam will be considered at the time of revising the recruitment rules of PA/SA cadre.

ANNEXURE – 2

NEW ITEMS FOR DISCUSSIONS

1. Non- absorption of Lift-operators: For the past several years no lift operator was absorbed in the department. For example more than 5 lift operators working at Howrah HPO building for the past fifteen years were not absorbed. Necessary instructions may kindly be issued to all the Heads of Circles for absorption of lift operators in their Circles.

2. Relaxation of Educational qualification in respect of widow applicant for compassionate appointment:

After 6th CPC, MTS recruitment rule is amended and minimum Educational qualification fixed as Matric. This may be applicable for fresh/direct recruits but for the widows the relaxation as provided in the Ministry of Personnel letter No: 14014/6/94-Estt-D/dated 9-10-1998 read with instructions under para 6B relaxation (b) & (d) shall be ensured.

3. Request for Creation of more Intra Circle Hubs:

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After optimisation of Speed Post network many Intra Circle Hubs were closed by the Directorate. This has caused abnormal delay of Intra Circle mails for instance a letter posted at Tuticorin HO for Tuticorin sub-office is unnecessarily sent to Madurai for further processing. This may be avoided by creating some sub-hubs in important towns’ and cities.

4. Request for correct identification of Speed post Hubs: 89 Speed Post Concentration centers were identified throughout the country. Some of the centers were identified without considering the geographical condition of the centre. For instance in AP circle, Kurnool is identified as Speed Post Hub instead of Guntakal. Another example in WB Circle Burdwan is fixed as Hub instead of Asansol. Like this many unimportant places were identified instead of the important towns/cities. Hence the Directorate is requested for the change of identification of Speed Post Hubs for the improvement of the business and also for quick delivery of mails.

5. Request to issue instructions to the Heads of circles to follow the Directorate order in respect of Speed Post Norms:

The Directorate had fixed speed post adhoc norms 1000.Many circles interpreting these norms on their own. For example in Bihar the circle administration fixed speed post norm 3000 for Night set which is humanly not possible and also is unscientific. Hence suitable instructions may please be issued to the Heads of circles to follow the Directorate orders in respect of speed post norms.

6. Request to extend the Station Tenure to Senior Manager Cadre in MMS: Due to non- convening of DPC many senior managers are working in the same office/station for years together without any tenure thus functioning of MMS is badly affected. They have developed vested interest. Hence it is requested for suitable action to convene DPC for senior managers to implement tenure as a policy decision.

7. Request for change in the MACP Rules to grant financial up gradation to the promotees: Now the procedure followed in MACP to consider all promotions obtained through competitive examinations also as regular promotions and thereby reducing the number of available financial up gradation, is causing discrimination between the direct recruits and promotees. If a Group D official gets promotion as Postman by competitive examination and then PA by another competitive exam he will get only once a financial up gradation as against three to his counterpart “direct recruits” in that cadre. Hence suitable action is requested to make changes in the MACP rules for grant of three financial up gradations to the promotees in our department because the promotions in our department are competitive in nature unlike qualifying examinations in other departments.

8. Recovery of Huge amounts from the officials in the name of contributory negligence: The Directorate has issued instructions Vide DG No 14013/03/2010-VP dated 22-06-2011 to the Heads of Circles on the above subject. But here is no impact of the orders on the Disciplinary authorities and the harassment of recoveries continues and the allegations are flimsy in nature. Actually the Divisional heads and inspecting officers are contributing for the frauds in Sub offices after decentralization of SB work and misappropriation of Govt. Money. But the officials at Head offices are charge sheeted and amounts recovered arbitrarily severally making them incapacitated. The officials on the verge of retirement are the scapegoats as they are forced to credit the amounts to get their pensionary benefits. In most of the cases the charge sheeting authority is directly responsible for the contributory negligence and the CLI/RLI supports the authorities only. The

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appeals and petitions did not help the aggrieved and in no case they were disposed in a practical perspective. The main offenders were dealt with casually and before proceeding against the main offenders action is being initiated against the subsidiary offenders.

We request for issue of speaking orders on the subject in detail to safe guard the innocent and frustrated officials.

9. Non adherence to the DG orders in reconsidering the bench Mark for promotion to MACP: A kind reference is invited to the DG letter No 4-7/MACPS/2009-PCC dated 01-09-2010, wherein instructions have been issued to the circle to constitute Scrutiny Committee to review the bench mark for promotion to the MACP II and III. Circles like A.P. J&K the bench mark were not reviewed and the scrutiny committees stick to the old benchmark against the spirit of the orders and many officials did not get the promotion.LSG, but not considered for the promotion to MACP. The officials promoted to the MACP were placed in the Pay Band I instead of Pay band-II, though clarification was already issued by the DOP&T and Department.

Clarificatory orders are requested.

10. Incentive Structure for handling UIDAI (Aadhar) cards to the PO staff:In A. P. Circle orders were issued fixing the incentive for handling the UIDAI cards to the delivery staff and back office staffs vide CPMG NO AP/UIDA/Registrar/2011 dated 6-9-2011

Based on the Govt. of A. P. rates for the skilled worker and norms were fixed by the Directorate, temporarily. The matter was referred to the Directorate for fixing permanent norms. It is requested for calculations of work load based on the permanent norms by the Directorate.

11. Delinking the quarters of C&B class offices where standard accommodation was not provided: In C& B class offices one or two rooms were provided in rental buildings as quarters and the HRA foregone by the officials is more than the House rent paid to the building. After computerization there is no space for keeping the UPS and batteries and computer installations and the quarter portion is used for the office as the SPM is not in a position to reside in it. It is requested either to provide standard accommodation or delinking the quarters wherever it is feasible as per the security point.

12. Stop decentralization of PLI proposals acceptance work and decentralization of After Sales Services of PLI/RPLI:

Decentralization of PLI/RPLI proposal acceptance work was done through Directorate’s order dtd 09.05.2003, the same was rolled back due to lack of man power, Hardware and with the apprehension of deterioration of “After Sale Service” and the said order was issued on 20.09.2006. Hon’ble Secretary(P)’s meeting with Postal Joint Council of Action on 12-07-2010 at Dak Bhawan minuted that “The proposal to be considered by the PLI Directorate and any problem in this regard to be reported to Secretary(P) within a week”. While the subject matter was an item at SL.No.95 in the Departmental Council meeting of 27-08-2010, it could not be discussed in the said meeting.

Neither any information nor any discussion over the decentralization of PLI/RPLI held before 01-07-2011.On 01-07-2011, staff side agreed that decentralization was okay to the extent of acceptance of proposals, issuance of premium Receipt Books and policy documents in case of RPLI. More than

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16 Lakh RPLI policies were lapsed during 2009-2010, although decentralization of RPLI work in respect of acceptance of proposals and issue of PR Books and policy documents were done long ago whereas the number of Postal Life Insurance Policies (PLI) nurtured within the fabric of century old centralized structure lapsed during the same period was 102 only. In the light of RPLI experience, Centralization of the work of proposals, acceptance and issuance of policy documents in respect of PLI in COs and ROs are the need of the hour. Better after sale service for PLI & RPLI can always be ensured by Linking Divisional offices to Circle offices through online connectivities PLI Directorate’s order bearing No.25-1/2011-11 dtd 06.07.11 decentralising the after sale services need to be modified and altered.

13. Stop outsourcing the data entry work of new PLI/RPLI proposals and issuance of policy bonds: Experience of Schedule postings and UA clearance is worst. Crores of rupees were taken by the vendors but the works were not done properly.

Acceptance of proposals and issuance of policy bonds require a thorough and updated knowledge for checkup. Only Departmental staff should be utilized for such items of work.

14. Reassessment of the Role of the office Superintendents working in Circle Administrative offices including the office of the DPLI and upgradation of them as the holder of Gazetted Group-B posts:

The office Superintendent of every office of the head of the circle, i.e., O/o the CPMG has long been entrusted with the general administration of the office including deployment of Group C officials. So, is the case of the office of the DPLI.

All cases relating to the office or office staff pass through the office Superintendent. That is why, he has to possess an intimate and proper knowledge of the nature of work performed in almost 25 Sections including important sections Like P & SR, Accounts and pension, Budget Establishment, Planning, Investigations PLI, SB, Staff, Vigilance, Technical, Business Development and Marketing, Mails etc. Thus, Office Superintendent acts as Liaison between the staff and the officers.

So, the office Superintendent of every-circle office needs to be elevated as Gazetted officer previously ASPOs were promoted to HSG-I. Now these ASPOs have already been declared as Gazetted Officers whereas the HSG-I office Superintendents are still being recognized as Non-Gazetted Group-B which is unjust.

15. Promotion of senior most HSG-I in each regional office as office Superintendent: There are 37 regional offices where administrative staffs are working. There is no office Superintendents in all the regional offices who are working with due recognition. Senior most HSG-I officials should be declared as Office Superintendents.

16. Transfer liability of the staff of SBCO As assured during the talks, transfer liabilities to SBCO staff may be restricted to divisional level in order to mitigate the hardship due to transfers after completion of tenure.

17. Stop penalizing the SBCO employees by imposing recovery of loss irrationally for frauds committed in the savings schemes in sub/branch offices.

The staffs of SBCO are actually exercising the decentralized audit and accounts duties and their work actually start after accounting of the transactions. Whereas, in many cases they have been

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proceeded with charges under contributory factors for recovery of loss sustained to the department. It is requested to cause necessary orders protecting the SBCO staff.

18. Release the Pension/DCRG of employees against whom minor penalty proceedings concluded after retirement:

As per the DOP&T OM No. 110/9/2003-AVD-I dated 13-04-09 and the endorsement by DOP vide letter. no. 4-4/09-Pension dated 04-06-2009 the minor penalty proceedings cannot establish the grave misconduct or negligence leading to the withdrawal/withholding/recovery of pension/gratuity as a result of minor penalty proceedings instituted against a charged officer during his service and which had continued after his retirement. But this changed position has not been put to implementation in the field units, causing great misery and mental tension and financial trouble to the retired employees and their families. Hence, suitable instructions should be given to the field units not to withdraw/withhold/recover pension/gratuity in the case of minor penalty proceedings instituted against the charged official during his service and continued even after his retirement, irrespective of the fact that there is a pecuniary loss, as the minor penalty proceedings continued after retirement cannot establish grave misconduct or negligence warranting a cut or withholding of pension or recovery of pecuniary loss.

19. Pay protection to employees who seek transfer to a lower post under FR 15(a)/transfer under Rule 38:

DOP&T Lr. No. 16/6/2001-Estt Pay I Dated 14-02-2006 and DOP&T Lr. No. 16/6/2001-Estt. Pay I Dated 04-01-2007 regarding the pay protection to the employees who seek transfer to a lower post under FR 15(a) has been implemented in the Departments under Government of India except the PA wing of the Department of Posts.

P&T Manual Vol. IV Rule 37 stipulates that “All transfers must be subject to the conditions laid down in Fundamental Rules 15 and 22.” Rule 38 dealing with transfer at one’s own request stipulate certain conditions regarding seniority. There is no condition stipulated for denial of pay protection. PA wing has withdrawn the clarification issued by it allowing the pay protection vide the DOP PA Wing Lr. No. 12(1)/07/PA-Admn. I/136 dt.16-05-08 through its letter No. 12(1)/2007/PA-Admn.1/302to323 dated 10-07-2009, causing enormous loss to the officials. This action goes against the orders issued by the DOP&T.

Hence, It is earnestly requested to cause orders rescinding the PA wing letter dated 10-07- 09 and restore the PA wing clarification vide its letter dated 16-05-2008, which is in tune with the clarifications issued by the C&AG vide its Circular No. 25/NGE (Entt)/23- 2007 Dated 13- 10-2008, allowing the pay protection.

20. Construction of Departmental Buildings to Postal Accounts Offices at Hyderabad, Trivendrum and Patna:

PAOs are functioning in rented buildings paying huge amounts of rents every month. These rented accommodations are unfit for accommodating a Government office. For example at Hyderabad the rented accommodation is lacking even the basic amenities like parking. During rainy season water will seep through the walls damaging the records, there is always danger of short circuit due to bad wiring. The Patna PAO though housed in a Departmental building the place is not sufficient. It requires more space. Hence, it is very essential to expand it by constructing two more floors vertically. In Trivendrum the PAO is functioning from rented building with lot of functional constraints. Hence, it is requested to take up the construction of departmental buildings for PAOs.

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21. Enhancement of Allowances w.e.f 1.1.2011As per Recommendations of VI CPC report, in page No. 254, 255 para.4.21.81, whenever DA is raised to more than 50% Allowances be increased by 25%. DOP&T has issued orders in this regard on Tuition fee and Hostel fees, Cash Handling Allowance and Special Allowance. But there are other Allowances and advances which also require to be increased by 25% on DA crossing 50%. These allowances are to be increased automatically but in the absence of specific orders from Directorate, Circles are reluctant to increase these allowances i.e Cycle Maintenance Allowance , Tribal Area Allowance, Hill Area Allowance, Bad climate Allowance, Washing Allowance, Nursing Allowance etc.

DOP has to issue orders in this respect.

22. Providing administrative power to relieve officials on EL up to 3 days by HROsHead Record Officers working in Railway Mail Service are non Group `B officers. More than 50 SAs are working under his control. In case of emergency if an official has no casual leave at his credit and he applies for Earned Leave he is not relieved till the sanction of leave is received from Divisional Head. If the Divisional Head is at another place or when the Divisional office is closed, the Head Record Officer may be authorized to relieve the official in case of emergency.

23. Extension of medical facilities for the treatment of employees and their families: The names of the followings hospitals are proposed in the RC(JCM),West Bengal Circle.i. Wockhard(Fortis) Kidney Centre,Kolkata

ii. Kothary Medecal Research Centre,Kolkat iii. A.M.R.I,Kolkata iv. Apollo Gleanagles Hospital,Kolkata v. Anandalok,Siliguri vi. Paramount Hospital,Siliguri

Accordingly, the matter was taken up with the Directorate by the West Bengal administration Vide letter No. A&P/A/M-1/RLG/Part-III dt.12/01/2010 and Directorate replied vide no. 1/2006-Medical (pt) dt 16.02.2010 that the proposal is required to be taken up with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Still the issue remains pending.

24. To fill up the Time scale Driver Post at MMS: Residual vacancies for the year 2001 onwards for PA/SA cadre were filled up. But in respect of residual vacancies for T/S driver posts for the year 2001 onwards, no instruction was issued by the Directorate. So a positive action is warranted to fill up the residual vacancies from the year 2001 onwards.

25. Revival of Bandel and Barasat RMS in West Bengal Circle: Inspite of the latest agreement at Directorate level for non-merger of RMS offices with 10000 or more articles, the same agreement is not being followed in West Bengal Circle particularly, in Bandel and Barasat. The list which was circulated by the Directorate, the name of those two offices was not reflected. It is requested to revive both RMS.

26. Problem arisen subsequent on centralization of Tax related works at HO in S. B. branch.Consequent upon the sudden centralization of the following works at HO level, there are many problems erupted which requires immediate solution.

i) Issue of Form 16 A (TDS) to agents.ii) Filing of income TAX (TDS) returns in each quarter.

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iii) Verification of deposit schedules of all the agents (attached to HO SO & BOs) every month.

In fact more than 20 to 25 agents are functioning in major LSG, HSG II offices and under one HO, it will be more than 800 to 1000 SAs. As such, accumulation of the works connected mentioned in para supra will cause many practical difficulties to oversee the functioning of agents. It is learnt that in addition to the above, orders have been issued for maintaining the asset management register in respect of HO, SO & BO at HO itself. This will cause unbearable work brunt and will result in many omissions/commissions in maintaining such records.

It is therefore requested to kindly reexamine the whole issue by considering the practical difficulties as explained and restore status quo ante.

27. Posting of in charge of BPC – regardingIn accordance with the Directorate letter No. 16-10/2000 BD dt. 19.10.2010, the in charge of the BPC should be posted among the BCR officials for the transactions above one to 10 lakhs.

Since the cadre of BCR is not in existence, the post required to be manned by HSG II officials or above.

It is therefore requested to create or upgrade the posts of in charge of BPC to the level of HSG II and HSG I at the earliest based on the functional requirements.

28. Arbitrary recovery of Postage in case of foreign articles returned due to non availability of service

Some foreign articles after booking are returning sometimes by exchange offices due to non availability of service to a particular country. In such cases, the entire postage paid pertaining to foreign countries is being recovered from the officials who booked the articles at counter which causes a concern. Since the article is returned from our own territory and not forwarded to any foreign destination, it is unjust and arbitrary to recover the entire foreign postage rates. But it can be restricted to the inland's rate.

While the issue was discussed in the RJCM, the Chief PMG Maharashtra informed that he has referred the same to Directorate vide his letter No Tech/83/RCM/08 dt 11.2.08 if the computer is not updated and the mistake occurs, the entire postage should be waived.

It is therefore requested to examine this issue and cause suitable orders not to recover any excess amount from the officials who booked such articles across counters and waived the charges if the mistake is due to computer error.

29. Request for procurement and supply of scanner to HOs & SOs in Maharashtra Circle for effecting MSEDEL bills on e-payment.

The Electric bills accepted at BOs/SOs if rebooked they could not be scanned due to non availability of scanner to scan more than 13 digit bar code numbers. When the issue was taken by the circle union the circle office intimated that the bills can be accepted in Meghdoot e-payment module. While accepting the bills manually the BPM at BO as well as PA at SO should have to write more than 50 Digit numbers which is time consuming as the bills are receiving in hundreds daily during last week, the staff are suffering and find it very difficult to cope up with the work within the duty hours. When such a lengthy bar code numbers consisting 50 letters are written in manual there is

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every possibility of writing wrong numbers in the pressure of work which will create unwarranted complaints and court cases in future.

It is therefore, requested either to provide scanner which can scan any number of letters or instruct the concerned to reduce the number with in 13 and till such time the acceptance of bills can be stopped in post offices.

30. Delivery/Remarks on Speed Post articles pertaining to Pass Port – Clarifications sought for.In accordance with Dte letter No. 57-01/2010- BD & MD dt. 01.06.2010, the article containing Passport booked under Speed Post can be delivered to the addressee or his authorized agent. Whereas Speed Post article containing passport which is an addressee specific article on which “not to be redirected, to be delivered to the addressee only” etc are printed. For delivery of Speed Post articles containing pass port addressed to a person in his old house, there is no specific instruction that the articles can be delivered to him on proper identification on the strength of his identify card. There is no option for return of the articles with a standard remark in such cases.

Since these issues were erupted in some places and the officials have been preceded as per the whimsical decision of the divisional heads, suitable clarification may please be issued on these issues at the earliest.

31. Irregularities in the accounting procedure in post offices – case of Delhi CircleThere is a huge pendency out of account vouchers even exceeding lakhs of rupees in all most all the offices in Delhi Circle. The payments made to Electricity bills, Telephone bills, Water bills etc are being kept under out of account of the post offices months together till the vouchers are counter signed by the divisional heads. This practice of keeping unaccounted items may result in frauds and also the possibility of misplacing the vouchers resulting loss to the officials.

It is a general practice in almost all the circles whatever the charges paid in respect of Electricity bills, Telephone bills, payment of taxes etc will be sought under the OE Head and charged then and there in anticipation of divisional head’s approval.

32. Control over Speed Post centers – regardingA kind attention is invited to the discussions on Charter of Demands held in month of June 2011 and it was assured by the Chair person that all speed post centers shall be brought under the control of RMS in cases which are now under the control of Postal divisions. No orders have been issued so far and in many postal divisions like Punjab, Himachal Pradesh etc. the Postal operative staff despite shortage in the divisions are forced to work in speed post hub under the control of Supdt. of POs.

33. Discrimination in the maximum limit of PLI policy to physically challenged officials.The Department has enhanced the maximum limit of PLI policy to the individual up to 10 lakhs. Whereas, the same enhancement has not been extended to physically challenged officials and their maximum ceiling of one lakh is being continued. The enhancement, at least would have been considered for Postal officials who are physically challenged and working in the department.

It is therefore requested to kindly consider our request and cause appropriate decisions to apply the enhancement for physically challenged officials working in the department of posts.

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34. Postal Assistant Direct recruitment – compulsory education in regional language – regardingAccording to the recruitment rules for Postal Assistants the candidates from direct market should compulsory possess the educational qualifications with regional language.

In southern parts of the Nation particularly in the border areas of two different states, the state governments have given option to choose their regional language. For example, Munnar & Idukki areas in Kerala Circle, many would possess educational qualifications in Tamil instead of Malayalam for which they have not been selected as Postal Assistants under the existing rules.

Further many are imparting educations in Kendriya Vidyalaya where in the regional language is not compulsory. The highly qualified candidates coming out from Kendriya Vidyalaya could not apply for Postal Assistant cadres as per the existing rules.

It is suggested to consider introduction of an awareness test in regional language as if in the form of computer appreciations and data entries instead of making compulsory of education in regional language.

35. Increase in the number of LRPAs in operative offices After the implementation of Child Care leave to women employees up to 720 days as the welfare measure, the absenteeism in the operative offices enhanced more which is inevitable. The present percentage of LRPA to the extent of 11% is totally insufficient and it requires revision to ensure uninterrupted services in the counters.

It is therefore requested to kindly consider the same based on the functional justification and increase the percentage of LRs at the earliest.

36. Reduction of tenure in the Naxalite threat areas in Baster division, Chattishgarh circleSome southern end in Baster division like Awatalli, Bijapur, Bhopalpatnam, Kaudi etc are always in panic which are situated in the areas dominated by Naxalites, the staff employing in these Post offices are always in tension and terror. The tenure for such Post offices if reduced to one year and there is change in every R. T, the sufferings of individual will be shared and they will have a hope for relief within one year.

The reduction of tenure in such disturbed areas may please be considered on humanitarian grounds and orders for that effect may be accorded at the earliest.

37. Grant of Split Duty Allowance – Clarification requested.The officials residing beyond 5 kms have not been drawn with split duty Allowance even though they are entitled by other conditions. Similarly, the officials residing outside the municipality limits even though such area comes within 5 kms are also denied of these allowance. Both the conditions are practically not feasible resulting in denial of dues and defeated the very purpose of grant of such allowance.

It is therefore requested to kindly consider and cause appropriate clarification for removing such conditions and draw split duty allowance to all on the basis of other conditions.

38. Unjust Clarification issued on encashment of earned leave in connection with availing LTC– Payment of difference

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The Directorate has clarified on the subject vide it’s letter cited above in the reference denying difference of pay like DA arrears etc for the encashment of leave period and only the pay admissible on the date of availing of LTC and Dearness Allowance admissible on that date is only criterion and no arrears should be paid.

The clarification is unwarranted and unjustified. In all C. G. Departments, the arrears of Dearness Allowance are being paid in such cases.

It is therefore requested to kindly reconsider the issue and withdraw the clarifications and provide DA arrears for the encashment of Leave periods on LTC.

39. Non inclusion of School bag/rain Coat for reimbursement under Children Education Allowance.

It is clarified by the department that the reimbursement of school bags and rain coats are not reimbursable as per the DOPT orders dt. 02.09.2008. It is pertinent to note that there was no specific mention in the said order dated 02.09.2008 about inadmissible of such items. School bags and rain coats are part and parcel of educational expenses.

It is most opt to state the Railway Ministry vide order dated 14.07.2009 has specified the items which are brought under the Children Education Assistance Scheme in which all expenses related to school items spent for Children are reimbursed.

For example uniform items like tie, Sweater, innerwear, shirt, suiting, pant, belt, shoes etc, all fees paid outside school for dance, music, sports etc, extracurricular activities like painting, drawing etc are brought under the category of reimbursement under the scheme.

As such, it is requested once again to review the decision and cause appropriate orders for the entitlement of school bags, rain coats etc which are part of items for school education.

40. Non counting of training period for increment during pay fixation – regardingIn some circles, the training period prior to regular appointment which were made in between Feb 2006 to March 2006 have not been taken for the drawal of increment as on July 2006 and they have been granted the next increment only during July 2007. If the training period is taken for calculation of period for increment, the official would have been granted with the increment on 1.7.2006. But the due increment on 01.07.2006 has not been granted without considering the training period as service for drawal of increments as per the provisions of FR & SR.

While enquiring the case, it is learnt that in entire Karnataka Circle, the same practice is being adopted. This is highly irregular and against to the orders on the subject.

It is therefore requested to cause appropriate orders to count of training period as qualifying service for those appointed in the first half of the year and having short in service for six months.

41. Ambiguity in the orders granting conveyance allowance to Systems adminstrators.In the recent orders issued to prescribe the conveyance allowance to system administrators, the view point of the staff side that they should be granted only road mileage allowance has not been reflected. Resultantly in many circles, the practice of reimbursement of actual expenses incurred for attending immediate faults to the systems administrators have been stopped and they are now incurring expenditure from their own. This causes a concern. The purpose of taking the subject has

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been totally defeated due to this order. Either they should be brought under the purview of road mileage allowance or the actual expenses incurred by them for their journey should be reimbursed.

42. Enhancement of various allowances by 25% consequent upon the increase of Dearness allowances beyond 50%.

Despite crystal clear orders issued at the time of implementation of sixth CPC recommendation that whenever the Dearness Allowance crosses 50%, the rates of the allowances like cycle, washing, cash handling, DA, split Duty etc shall also be increased by 25% automatically, this has not been given effect in any circle with effect from 01.01.2011. It is brought to our notice that many circle/divisional heads are seeking separate orders for this effect. We received the feedback that in no circle, the spirit of the sixth CPC orders has been followed by enhancing the allowance with effect from 01.01.2011 by 25%

It is therefore requested to kindly cause appropriate instructions to all concerned to implement the hike of 25% in allowances w.e.f 01.01.2011 immediately.

43. Non Payment of Scheduled/Tribal area allowance to the officials working in Jharkhand Circle.Despite there is crystal clear orders for grant of scheduled/Tribal area allowance to central Govt. employees vide Gazette Notification, the officials working in post offices in Jharkhand circle are not being paid with the said allowance.

The State Government issued notification declaring 14 districts as Scheduled area and the state government officials are drawing such allowances.

It is therefore requested to kindly consider the same and cause orders accordingly.

44. Non grant of Training allowance for instructors posted in WCTC of regional head quartersThe training allowance as if granted to instructors working in Postal Training Centre has not been granted to the instructors posted in WCTC centers functioning at regional headquarters even though their nature of duties are similar to that of the instructors working in the training centers.

The reason for non grant of such allowance is stated to be non issue of orders so far from the Directorate for grant of training allowance to them.

It is requested to kindly consider the same and cause appropriate orders at the earliest.

45. Holding of JAO part II Examination – regardingAfter 1992, the examination for JAO part II has not been conducted due to long waiting list of JAO qualified candidates. There are very few part I Qualified hands awaiting for their chance to appear in the part II exam.

It is requested to kindly consider their plea and conduct the exam as one time measure at least so that the part I qualified candidates may be provided a chance for their promotion as AAO.

46. Providing the Auditorium in GPO Mumbai to service unions for holding conferences and seminars

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The Staff side, Maharashtra Circle requested the Chief PMG, to consider in providing the Auditorium situated in GPO Annex building to the members of staff on the occasions like retirement farewell, send off, union meetings and seminars without payment of rent.

The Chief PMG has closed the subject in the RJCM stating that rent has to be paid for union activities as ordered by Director, Mumbai GPO

The rent fixed for the purpose is unaffordable to the unions. The meetings, seminars and functions are conducted only on rare occasions and only on staff welfare for which no rent may be collected from the staff unions. This is nothing but a concession may be extended to recognized service associations to hold the meetings in the premises belong to the department.

It is therefore requested to kindly consider the same and cause orders to provide the auditorium in case if there is no other function to service association on free rent subject to all other usual conditions.

47. Arbitrary & irregular Audit objection and recovery of licence fee from the officials provided with rent free accommodation

The Postal Audit, Kolkata has raised an irregular objection to recover the licence fee from the Sub Postmasters who have been provided with post attached quarters duly misinterpreting the rules under SR 317-B5, FR 45 A & OM dt 20.09.2007 which are applicable only in the case of staff quarters. Post attached quarter is a concession granted to the SPMs and it shall not be brought under the purview of regular staff quarters.

It is therefore requested to intervene and cause appropriate action to stop the irregular recovery from the officials and set aside the irregular objections raised by the audit.

48. Non holding of PO & RMS Accountants ExaminationIn many circles examination for PO & RMS Accountants as not been held since many years by the circle heads.

It is therefore requested to cause instruction to conduct the exam and cause filling up of all vacant Posts.

49. Removal of age limit for appearing IPO examIn respect of the following, there is no age restriction for promotion

i) LSG to PSS Group Bii) IPO/ASPO to PSS Group Biii) PSS Group B to Group A (JTS)iv) Group A (JTS) to Group A (STS)v) Group A (STS) to Director

Further in the recent years many changes have taken place in the area of promotioni) Age limit of 45 years to appear Group B exam removedii) Fixation of seniority for STS at par with direct recruitmentiii) IP surplus qualified introductioniv) Upgradation of ASP posts into Gazetted status

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In Postal the Physically handicapped candidates can be appointed up to 35 years of age. Similarly many Post Graduates and highly skilled candidates entered as GDS in the Department could become Postal Assistants only in between the age of 35 to 40 years. As such, they could not appear the exam.

It is therefore requested to kindly remove the age limit prescribed for appearing the IPO exam as if in the case of PSS Group B.

50. Fill up all supervisory posts in the Postmen cadre like Mail overseer, Head Postmen, Cash overseer and Sorting Postmen

Before introduction of TBOP/BCR Scheme the posts of Mail overseer, Head Postmen, Cash overseer and Sorting Postmen were treated as norm Based supervisory posts in the Postmen cadre and those posts were filled up by granting promotion to the senior most officials. After introduction of TBOP/BCR scheme there was no relevancy for norm-based promotion as the department initially treated the TBOP/BCR as equal to norm-based promotion. Later the department classified that the TBOP/BCR is only financial upgradation and not promotion. In the meantime the charm of supervisor post also lost as there was no financial benefit for those who are in TBOP/BCR. There are norms for creation of the above supervisory posts, For example; under the existing rule a sorting Postmen is to sort 450 letters per hour. Further there is justification for sorting postman against the strength of ten postmen working in the delivery post office. Action may be taken to identify all justified supervisory posts in the postmen cadre and also instructions may be issued to all circle/Divisional heads to fill up all the justified posts in a time bound manner.

51. Make alternative arrangements for excess work instead of imposing additional work on incentive basis

Department of Posts is introducing more and more new work to the delivery staff such as (i) speed post articles for delivery (ii) ADHAR CARD delivery (iii) work related to Election Commission for verification of voters list etc. Small amount of incentive is given for these additional work and the delivery staff are harassed and put to hardship by imposing additional work even when they are having with more than justified normal work. As regards delivery of Aadhar Cards sometime there are huge receiving of Aadhar Cards, Say, between 10000 to 20000 in numbers. To delivery such huge number of articles in a day along with the normal work is humanly impossible. Moreover pressure is exerted on postmen staff for 100% delivery on the same day. Failing to complete 100% delivery, Punishment is awarded on flimsy grounds. Plea of non – delivery due to circumstances beyond the control is always over looked. There should be some maximum limit based on norms i.e; maximum number of letters with reference to the length of beat to be covered during working hours by each postmen so that delivery could be completed conveniently by and correctly. There should be separate arrangement for extra-work above normal duty instead of imposing additional duty on incentive basis

52. Survey of Postmen Beats: -Survey of Postmen beats has never been scientifically carried out so far. There is all-round development by construction of houses, flats and cottage industries etc. The beat length is on increase due to increase in the number of addresses and articles. Action may be taken to conduct fresh survey of beat length of postmen by practical measurement.

53. Evolution of norms for all duties performed by Multi-tasking staff (erstwhile Group –D)

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Consequent on upgradation of Group D posts as Multi-Tasking Staff (Group – C) the workload has increased with multiple duties in addition to the erstwhile duties performed by them. In some offices it has become difficult to complete all duties within the normal working hours despite their best efforts. Time factor for each new job needs to be given to arrive at justification relating to work hours in a day.

53. Creation of justified additional posts while implemented new system for delivery work and allowing postmen to write correct remarks for non deliveryWhile implementing delivery hub/speed post hub, project arrow etc by the department factors like justification of additional staff, additional working space and other infrastructure are altogether overlooked. All such schemes are implemented unilaterally at field level without discussing the related issues with the staff side. Department is not looking in to the gravity of 100% delivery in the right perspective. The slogan 100% delivery has become a myth and postmen staff is grilled and punished without listening to the reason for the articles returned. It is the sincere duty of the postmen to visit all the houses where articles are delivered. When some houses are found locked, some addressees changed their residence and some address on the article is incorrect then the postmen has to write the same remarks on the articles. When postmen writes the truth they are ridiculed questioned and viewed with dereliction there is no provision to write such remarks for non – delivery.

54. Grant of uniform and kit maintenance allowancesAt present there is no provision for grant of uniform/Kit maintenance allowance for upkeeping the uniform and other kit items for better appearance and long duration like other uniform wearing staff such as nurses etc. Washing allowance and stitching charge is not a substitute for good maintenance. Action may be taken for grant of uniform and kit maintenance allowance to all uniformed staff.

55. Payment of cash in lieu of uniform and other kit itemsPast experience has shown that there is no transparency in purchasing the uniform cloth and other kit items resulting issue of substandard items which become unserviceable before the time of next due. The staff is ridiculed and feels humiliated. It is suggested that cash may be paid in respect of cloth and other kit items so that employees can purchase and wear best quality uniforms.

56. Payment of TA/DA to mail overseers at par with IPO/ASPOsThe mail overseers when away from headquarters while on their beats in course of the their duties to visit BOs are entitled for night halt allowance @ 75% of DA as admissible to the official per night subject to maximum of 20 nights per month. They are not entitled to TA/DA. IPOs/ASPOs sub division when visiting BOs are getting TA/DA but mail overseers are denied. It is requested to grant TA/DA to Mail overseers also.

57. Providing Security to cash overseersIn these days it may be seen that there are many untoward incidents happening all over the country, while travelling with heavy cash without proper security. Bad elements are always looking for the persons carrying heavy cash without security. Travelling with heavy cash without security may result not only in loss of cash but it is also full of risk. Instructions may be issued to provide adequate security to the cash overseers.

58. Incentive to Mail overseers for procuring RPLI Business

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RPLI work is assigned to mail overseers without any incentive as extra work in addition to his own duty. Moreover procuring of RPLI business is not only tough but also involve extra time to make the rural folk understand the terms and conditions in this regards. RPLI work for mail overseer should be made incentive basis so that they could generate more business in the interest of department by involving extra time.

59. Review of existing norms/providing new time factor for postmen work(a) Norms fixed for delivery of Money orders cannot be applied for e-MOs. E-MOs are having

many digits where as erstwhile money orders have four digits only. No time factor is allotted for the extra time required.

(b) There are many articles coming across in the beat for delivery. To make enquiry for correct disposal it take much time. No time factor is provided for enquiry of incomplete addresses.

(c) There is no time factor for delivery of acknowledgement card of Accountable articles.

60. Restriction for performing double duty by Postmen on Double duty allowance basis10% leave reserve staff against sanctioned strength of Postmen staff working in each unit, which should be kept to meet the exigencies like EL/CL and other emergencies, is not maintained resulting shortage of staff to meet such situations causing resentment and hardship to the staff. If would be pertinent to mention that postmen staff whenever applying for leave even is emergency is not granted leave. Leave applied for is rejected on the plea of shortage of staff. Leave when granted the remaining postmen are asked perform double duty on Double Duty Allowance. The Duty of Postmen is very strenuous and full of exertion. They find it difficult to complete the work relating to their own beat. Extra work allotted is really hard nut to crack. Hence it is requested that double duty should not be given on regular basis but should be restricted to not more than continuous four days at any cost.

61. Providing 10% Leave Reservation strength in all unit for postmen staffNeither combination of beats nor double duty is possible for postmen in addition to their own duty. Whenever postmen goes on leave substitute should be provided to ensure efficiency of the services. It may be ensured that 10% LR Strength of postmen is provided in all units and all vacant posts of LR are filled up immediately.

62. Weight and size limit of express post parcels delivery of by postmenIt has been seen that express Post parcels without weight and size limit are given to postmen for delivery. Maximum weight and size of these parcels should be fixed for delivery by Postman.

63. To keep status – quo in the post of Departmental Stamp VendorIt is requested that this surplus post may not be diverted to the work of postman enmasse. These Stamp Vendor who really deserve some light work may be give such kind of work. The nature of work will be giving assistance to the regular Postal assistance of non responsible nature. Some Stamp Vendor may be deployed for BPC BNPL work specifically to officials in the advance stage of age.

64. Problems related to postal civil wing – request remedial action 1. Filling up of posts in Civil Wing as per CPWD norms as agreed by the Chief Engineer (Civil)

during the meeting with JCA on 1.7.20112. Creation of New Offices in Civil Wing as per work load.

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3. Cadre review in Postal Civil Wing as agreed by the Chief Engineer during the meeting with JCA held on 1.7.2011

4. Issue of transfers and posting guidelines as agreed by the Chief Engineer during the meeting with JCA on 1.7.2011

5. Issuing of orders retaining the designation of Head Clerk in Postal Civil Wing as agreed by the Chief Engineer during the meeting with JCA held on 1.7.2011

6. Forwarding of applications for posts in other departments.7. Though agreed by the Chief Engineer during the meeting with JCA held on 1.7.2011 the

representation of the staff is not being forwarded to the other departments for higher posts. further instructions need to be issued to the Superintending Engineers of Co-Ordination circles for strict following the rules and orders of Directorate.

8. Allowing Civil wing clerical staff for departmental examinations like IPOs/JAO etc.9. Publishing of revised recruitment rules in Postal Civil Wing as agreed by the Chief Engineer

during the meeting with JCA held on 01.07.201110. Non-implementation of Directorate orders in Postal Civil wing Co-ordination circles

effectively as per directions as most of the orders are not given importance. For instance the orders of the Directorate NO. 25-2/2011-SPB-I, dt. 27.01.2011 regarding regularization of Temporary Casual Mazdoors have not been implemented by any of the Superintending Engineer.

65. Unjustified recovery of Children Education Allowance granted to official – C/o Maharashtra Circle

The Audit party has objected and ordered recovery of tuition fee paid to the officials in the case of non submission of original cash receipt and not accepted the other forms like in the form of fee card, cash memo, acknowledgement of receipt of amount by the school on their letter pad, Bank credit slip or any other form which reflects credit of money to school towards education of the child being granted by the institutions. Huge recovery has been ordered for the staff of AMSD and AMPC

The ambiguity is purely due to the clarificatory instructions issued by the dept vide 33-4/2010 – PAP dt. 21.7.2010 in which the ‘cash’ added in front of the word ‘Receipt’ which is not in consonance with DOPT OM dt. 02.09.2008.

It is requested to requested to review the case and issue suitable instructions to all concerned to keep the procedure simple so that the Government servant should have no difficulty in cleaning CEA

66. Payment of Special Allowance to the staff working on MPCMsAfter the Fifth CPC, the issue was discussed by the Staff side and it was agreed to continue the drawal of special allowance to the MPCM Counter Assistants considering their responsibilities and jobs.

The Directorate has clarified vide its letter No. 43/3/97-Tech. dated 21.10.97 to grant the special Allowance only to the Counter PAs. This was issued after the release of the Fifth Pay Commission and discussions thereon. Based on this, the due MPCM allowance is being drawn and paid in many circles.

As such, the withdrawal of the said allowance is arbitrary and unjust. Further the allowance is granted for the extraneous and hard work performed by the Counter PAs and not alone for the computer operations.

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It is therefore requested to withdraw the orders dt. 30.10.08 and allow the drawal of MPCM allowance to the officials deployed at the counter.

67. Decentralisation of Work of PLI/RPLI – Problems to be addressed in Divisional officesThe work of PLI/RPLI has been decentralised from CO to Divisional Unit w.e.f 01-04.2011; but the following issues are to be addressed at Divisional office level

1. Manpower;- Since the creation of a post of PLI/RPLI at divl. Office acceptance of RPLI was performed. The acceptance of PLI has been started w.e.f 01.04.2011. The papers in c/w other works like Maturity Auto Maturity revival Survival Benefit, Issue of Duplicate Deed/PR Book, Loan, Creation of Agency Code etc ,submitted by the insurants were forwarded to the CO For further disposal at their end. Now, all the said works have to be performed at Divl. Level. Additional man power shall be provided.

2. Accommodation: Separate accommodation is required for keeping all the papers and policies under lock and key overnight for safety and security. No such arrangement has yet been made. So, the records are not being kept properly. Policies and other related files are kept in open place.

3. Supervision: Proper supervision of PLI and RPLI work is required. So that OA concerned may consult and take advice regarding different rulings and procedures, whenever necessary. If we follow the similarity with the procedure of work in CO, there should be two supervisors of PLI/RPLI one from administrative line, and another from accounts line.No such arrangement has yet been made.

4. Infrastructure: At least 3 Computers with PLI/RPLI package and broad band facility are required.

If the above are not compiled, it will lead to the fate of decentralization of RD/MIS accounts.

It is requested to cause appropriate action.

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