Monday, October 28, 2013

UPU News : Forum shines light on postal financial inclusion potential

28.10.2013 - CLOSING THE UPU’S TWO-DAY GLOBAL FORUM ON FINANCIAL INCLUSION ON FRIDAY 25 OCTOBER, UPU DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL PASCAL CLIVAZ URGED STAKEHOLDERS TO CONTINUE WORKING WITH POSTS TO HELP THEM PROVIDE MILLIONS OF UNBANKED PEOPLE EASIER ACCESS TO FINANCIAL SERVICES.

Representatives of donor organizations committed to financial inclusion also attended the forum, including Megan Oxman (onscreen) from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

“Let us continue the dialogue and undertake concrete and far-reaching actions to drastically reduce money transfer costs by linking service to access for those populations excluded from the banking system,” said Clivaz at the end of the two-day forum in Geneva attended by some 200 participants from more than 70 countries.
He also had a message for governments: “More than ever the Post is an instrument of public service and a formidable tool for social and economic integration. Invest in your postal network and position postal services at the heart of your development and economic growth strategies.”

WHAT CENTRAL BANKS CAN DO

One of the forum’s sessions invited representatives from central banks, especially in developing countries, to talk about the challenges Posts face in banking more people.
Speakers recognized that Posts’ far-reaching networks, client base, and trustworthiness make them engines for financial inclusion. They agreed to help with regulations, but urged Posts to innovate.
Burundi’s Innocent Ndabarushimana assured the central bank is working to update the country’s laws to take better advantage of the Post’s rural network. “You don’t want a regulator that is so strict it limits innovation,” he explained.
Central banks’ expectations of Posts will depend on countries’ existing levels of financial inclusion, explained the session’s moderator, UPU economist José Ansón, but he is optimistic central banks will cooperate as much as possible to meet their needs.
“There is institutional willingness to accommodate the postal network into the financial system,” he said. “The central banks realize their frameworks must be flexible enough to allow innovation, but rigorous enough to avoid economic risk.”
Clivaz urged central banks to create the conditions for postal services to be key players in financial inclusion. He recalled World Bank data showing that Posts offer the lowest prices for money transfer services and are already contributing to reducing overall prices generally.
The global forum on financial inclusion for development was organized by the UPU, the Swiss government and the International Organization of la Francophonie.
Posted by: AIPEU-GDS (NFPE) Odisha Circle.                                           

DRAFT TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR 7th CPC:

Finalized by the Staff Side at the meeting on 25.10.2013.

A.     To examine the existing structure of pay, allowances and other benefits/facilities, retirement benefits like Pension, Gratuity, other terminal benefits etc. to the following categories of employees.

1  Central Government employees – industrial and non  industrial;
2   Personnel belonging  to  All India services;
3   Personnel belonging to the Defence Forces;
4  Personnel called as Grameen Dak Sewaks  belonging to     the Postal Department;
5   Personnel  of Union Territories;
6  Officers and employees of the Indian Audit and Accounts  Department;
Officers and employees of the Supreme Court;
8  Members of Regulatory bodies (excluding RBI) set up  under Act of Parliament.

B.   To work out the comprehensive revised pay packet for the categories of Central Government employees mentioned in (A) above as on 1.1.2014.

C.  The Commission will determine the pay structure, benefits facilities, retirement benefits etc. taking into account the need to provide minimum wage with reference to the recommendation of the 15thIndian Labour Conference (1957) and the subsequent judicial pronouncement of the honorable Supreme Court there-on, as on 1.1.2014.

D.   To determine the Interim Relief needed to be sanctioned immediately to the Central Government employees  and  Pensioners mentioned in (A) above;

E. To determine the percentage of Dearness allowance/Dearness Relief  immediately to be merged with Pay and pension 

F.     To settle the anomalies raised in various fora of JCM.

G.   To work out the improvements needed to the existing  retirement benefits, like pension, death cum retirement gratuity, family  pension and other terminal or recurring  benefits maintaining parity amongst past, present and future pensioners and family pensioners including those who entered service on or after 1.1.2004.

H.   To recommend methods for providing cashless/hassle-free Medicare facilities to the employees and Pensioners including Postal pensioners.
Posted by: AIPEU-GDS (NFPE) Odisha Circle.

Saturday, October 26, 2013

CENTRAL WORKING COMMITTEE MEETING - AIPEU GDS (NFPE) - KOLKATA

  1. AIPEU –GDS(NFPE) 2nd Central Working Committee meeting is held today in Kolkata GPO Auditorium, Kolkata.

Before commencement of the meeting, National flag hoisted by Com.Sibsankar Roy, Veteran Leader, , CGE Advisory Committee Member, West Bengal, NFPE flag hoisted by Com.M.Krishnan, Secretary General, NFPE, AIPEU-GDS(NFPE) flag by Com. Bijoy Gopal Sur, All India President, GDS NFPE.  After that  all leaders paid homage to departed comrades and floral tributes.

The CWC meeting Presided by Com.Bijoy Gopal Sur, All India President, AIPEU GDS (NFPE). From the Reception Committee Comrade Shambu Chakraborty invited guests and leaders to the dais. Com.M.Krishnan, Secretary General, Com. Pijush Roy, Secretary, CoC, WB Circle, NFPE, Com. Sibsankar Roy, Veteran Leader, WB, Com.Somnath Mukherjee, Casual Labourer Union President, Com.S.K.Bardan, President (CHQ), R-III., Com.Giriraj Singh. General Secretary, R-III, Com. Pranab Bhattacharjee, General Secretary, AIPAOEU, Com. Tapandas Gupta, President, AIPEU Gr.C., WB, Com. Janardhan Majumdar, Circle Secretary, Gr.C.,  Com. Nirmal C. Dey, Circle Secretary, P-IV., Com. Sanjay Chakraborty, Circle Secretary, R-IV., Com. Gowtham Kundagrami, Circle Secretary, AIPCPCCWF were present.

Com.M.Krishnan inaugurated the CWC meeting and Com.Pijush Roy, Com. Giriraj Singh, Com.Pranab Bhattacharjee addressed in the session.

Subject Committee meeting Chaired by Com.Bijoy Gopal Sur, All India President, AIPEU GDS (NFPE), Com. Jai Prakash Singh, Working President (CHQ), Com. P.Pandurangarao, General Secretary are also on the dais.











All the Working Committee members participated in the discussion on the agenda and deliberate their speeches in detail. All the members are unanimously resolved the decisions of the CWC meeting.

The CWC meeting concluded with the vote of thanks by Com. Sachidanada Bishwas, President, Gr.C., GPO Branch.
Posted by: AIPEU-GDS (NFPE) Odisha Circle.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

POSTAL JCA LETTER TO JCM LEADERS ON GDS ISSUE

As was decided in the PJCA meeting held on 19-10-2013, the Secretaries General of NFPE & FNPO wrote to JCM, National Council leaders to compel the Govt to include GDS issues in the terms of the reference of ensuing 7th Central Pay Commission.
Copy of the letter:
Posted by: AIPEU-GDS (NFPE) Odisha Circle.

NFPE - FEDERAL SECRETARIAT MEETING DECISIONS --

Federal Secretariat meeting of NFPE held on 19-10-2013 in New Delhi. Secretary General, NFPE office bearers, General Secretaries of NFPE attended and meeting presided by Com.Giriraj Sing, President, NFPE.
The following decisions were taken :
DECISION OF THE NFPE FEDERAL SECRETARIAT MEETING HELD AT NEW DELHI ON 19.10.2013

1. The decision taken by the Postal Joint Council of Action (NFPE & FNPO) to go on nationwide indefinite strike on the following demands is discussed and fully endorsed.
        (a)   Inclusion of GDS under the purview of 7th CPC
        (b) Revision wages w.e.f. 01.01.2006 and regularization of casual, part-time and                      contingent employees.
       (c)  Grant of 50% DA merger to all employees including Gramin Dak Sevaks.

2.  Reviewed the arrangement made for conducting the inaugural ceremony of the year long Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of NFPE on 24th November 2013. The Venue of the function will be MP’s club Hall, North Avenue, Near NFPE office, New Delhi. The function will be arranged at 4 PM. Leaders and other member of NFPE and Leaders of fraternal organizations will be invited to the function.

3. Reviewed the arrangement made for the successful conducting of the GDS Parliament March on 11th December 2013 under the banner of AIPEU-GDS (NFPE) Decided to extend full support to make the programme a historic success.

4.      Decided to ensure participation of delegates as per quota fixed from all the affiliates of NFPE in theAll India Trade Union Education Camp organized by Confederation at Mumbai on 15th & 16th November 2013. NFPE Circle Union shall raise maximum funds for meeting the expenditure for accommodation of NFPE delegates. For other details please see websites. Delegate fee is Rs. 600/- per delegate.

5. Decided to ensure maximum participation of lady delegates on the All India Women’s convention of Confederation to be held at New Delhi on 25th & 26th November 2013. Accommodation is being arranged by Reception Committee. As the weather will be cold in Delhi, all delegates are requested to bring warm clothes also. Delegate fee is Rs. 600/- per delegate. For other details please see websites.

6. Decided to extend all support to the newly formed “All India Postal & RMS Pensioners Association”under the leadership of Com. D. K. Rahate, Chairman (Ex-President, NFPE) Com. Narasimhan, Vice Chairman (All India Vice President, Confederation and Ex-NFPE) and Com. K. Raghavendran, General Convener (Ex-Secretary General, NFPE). It is decided that all Circle/Divisional unions of NFPE affiliated unions shall make special efforts to form the Divisional/District/circle branches of the Pensioner’s Association in a phased manner before the end of December 2013.

7. Com. M. Krishnan, Secretary General, Confederation and NFPE will be attending the Trade Union Congress organized by “Southern Initiative on Globalization and Trade Union Rights (SIGTUR)” at Perth (Australia) from 2nd to 6th December 2013.

8. See the decision of the Central JCA meeting (NFPE & FNPO) held on 19.10.2013, published separately.

Yours fraternally,

 (M. Krishnan)
Secretary General


Tuesday, October 22, 2013

AIPEU GDS (NFPE) - PARLIAMENT MARCH ON 11-12-2013

SELECTION OF GDS THROUGH SELECT PANEL - CLARIFICATION ISSUED BY DIRECTORATE

Copy of Directorate memo :
No. 19-14/2010-GDS dated  18 October,  2013.....
is reproduced herewith for information to all members.
Subject:- MAINTENANCE OF SELECT PANEL WHILE FINANLIZING THE SELECTION OF VARIOUS CATEGORIES OF GRAMIN DAK SEVAKS.
I am directed to refer your office letters No. STA/22-12/BG-West/III dated 12.03.2013 & 26.06.2013 and this Directorate letter No. even dated 25.06.2010 on the subject cited above and to clarify the doubts as follows:-
S.No.
                    Point of doubt
                 Clarification
1
If the approved candidates in the merit list declined to accept the offer of appointment and still there are number of eligible candidates in the merit list, whether the selection may be made by listing another select panel of 5 more candidates applied to the original notification or re-notification is to be issued in such cases?
No. In case all five approved candidates decline, the select panel gets exhausted and, therefore, in such cases selection process is to be initiated afresh.
2
A panel of 5 candidates was finalized during December 2012. First candidate did not turn up and the next meritorious candidates was selected and appointed on 16.01.2013. But he was terminated from service w.e.f. 01.04.2013 for his unsatisfactory work. Whether third candidate in the panel of selection made in the said case may be appointed or to go again for fresh appointment by fresh notification?
Apart from the contingencies mentioned in Para 6(i) to (iii), the select panel may be utlized in other contingencies as well provided the select panel is valid reckoning one year from the date of finalization of the select panel initially.
This issues with the approval of the competent authority.
Sd/-
(Surender Kumar)
Assistant Director General (GDS)

Source :AIAIPASP website 
ALL INDIA POSTAL EMPLOYEES UNION
GDS (NFPE)
         CHQ: Dada Ghosh Bhawan, 2151/1, New Patel Road, New Delhi - 110008








 
     President:                      Bijoy Gopal Sur                                   E-mail :         aipeugdsnfpe@gmail.com
    General Secretary:         P. Pandurangarao                         Website: http://www.aipeugdsnfpe.blogspot.com
No.AIPEU-GDS(NFPE)/CIRCULAR-7/2013                                    Date : 18-10-2013
Dear Comrades,
7th Central Pay Commission for Central Govt. Employees – about GDS ….?
            All of you are know well about the announcement of the Govt. on setting up of  7th Central Pay Commission, Confederation of Central Govt. employees is demanding Pay Commission for every 5 years as is the practice in public sector and some State Govts.  The wage revision of GDS is yet to be decided.
            Here, we have to think and analyze the danger regarding the constitution of a separate pay committee, exclusively for GDS. Up to now, the committees formed to look into the service and all such other conditions to the cadre, have not done any good to the GDS. The recommendations or benefits extended to GDS (EDA) were very much limited. Let us talk about Justice Talwar Committee; though it was recommended many benefits to GDS it was treated as a waste and rejected and finally a package was offered. After that the One man Committee headed by a retired officer of the department, made many negative recommendations to ruin the GDS system.
            The above reveals that the constitution of a separate pay committee exclusively for GDS is  mere waste of money and time and is only a face saving measure. GDS system is still being administered by non-statutory rules. We have to fight for the last to include GDS issues in the ambit of 7th CPC.
             The Confederation and NFPE taken a firm stand on this issue. We lost the opportunity at the time of 6th CPC, but this time we are vigilant and ready to sacrifice to any extent. There should be no separate pay committee for GDS and the revision of wages and service conditions of GDS should come under the purview of  7th CPC.
PARLIAMENT MARCH --  11-12-2013
            A right time has come to raise the voice of GDS in front the Govt. to reach all genuine and legitimate demands. Our CHQ calls upon a historic program ‘Parliament March” by entirety of GDS cadre representing from all corners of this country.  It should place a record in the history of postal movement as a  remarkable one and should attract all the working class with its significance.
            It has already been informed to Branch and Divisional Secretaries of all Circles, CHQ office bearers, militant comrades to mobilize the GDS members to our massive program being held at Delhi on 11th December. All the representatives of our Union at division level are requested to make travel arrangements immediately. Circle Secretaries and office bearers are requested to ensure participation as per the quota allotted to the respective circles for the Parliament March. We have to prove our strength with largest participation of GDS members from the divisions.
            Comrades, this is our duty, our demand, our ambition, our goal to raise up to the expectations for GDS. This time we should not loose our opportunity for that we have to strengthen our union with confidence and determination and to move ahead with all tasks.
END OF DISCRIMINATION OF BONUS CEILING TO GDS
            It is very much necessary to recollect the past regarding the discrimination on bonus ceiling to GDS. During 2008 October, Govt decided to enhance the bonus ceiling to all Central Govt. employees from Rs.2500- to Rs.2500 from the accounting year 2006-07. Order was issued on 15-10-2008 interpreting the enhanced ceiling applicable to regular employees only. NFPE & FNPO immediately responded and the JCA started indefinite hunger fast in front of Dak Bhawan for three days.
Secretary, Department of Posts held discussions with NFPE & FNPO and decided to restore Rs.3500/- but subsequently the Finance Ministry clarified that GDS can be paid Rs.2500/- only. Court cases were filed to stop recovery. From that day onwards, many agitations were conducted by JCA & NFPE for enhanced bonus ceiling to GDS including it in the strike charter by Confederation also. Negotiations took place, assurances given, persuasion at Ministry level went on, demand placed two times in indefinite strike charter of JCA and discussions held. Discussion with Minister of State for Communications & IT was also held.
            The department’s response towards the demand was luke-warm, lastly, after much debate and discussion, a committee has been formed (ordered by the Ministry of Finance dtd.12.12.2012) to review the sanction of bonus to GDS with Rs.3500- ceiling, on the success of 12-12-2012 strike lead by Confederation and NFPE. The report of the committee was totally favourable to GDS and strongly recommended to sanction the bonus to GDS with Rs.3500- ceiling.
            On 01-04-2013, Postal JCA submitted memorandum to the Department of Posts and discussion took place on 02-08-2013. In the meeting our G/S, Com.P.Pandurangarao along with the Secretary Generals of  NFPE & FNPO categorically analyzed the technical points involved in the pay and ceiling of bonus and requested the Secretary, Posts to send a favourable note to the Finance Ministry. Remaining process was speedily moved and the information of approval of Ministry of Finance reached to Secretary General, NFPE on 25th September through Secretary, Department of Posts. Our CHQ conveys heartfelt thanks to the Secretary, Department of Posts for their sincere attempts to the favour of GDS.
            Comrades, NFPE & JCA along with Confederation had taken such valiant steps for ending the bonus discrimination and it is only because of the efforts made by JCA & NFPE and Confederation, we could achieve the demand.
ORGANIZATIONAL NEWS :
            Under the guidance of NFPE, our Union is firmly and strongly established in 80% of the divisions in almost all the Circles. Divisional Conferences, Circle Council meetings, Circle Working Committee meetings, Regional meetings are going on according to the provisions of our Union Constitution. Participation of GDS members in all the programs of JCA, NFPE and Confederation is being continued with the concept of united movement.
            Our 2nd Central Working Committee meeting is scheduled on 26th October 2013 in Kolkata. Preparations are going on for Parliament March programme. Formulations to include GDS under the purview of 7th CPC are under discussion with sister unions and NFPE. Agitation programs are also being chalked out. With due prominence and the fruitful efforts of NFPE & Confederation leadership, for the first time in the history after the formation of JCM, our prime demands have been placed in the items of agenda by the JCM leaders for discussion at higher levels. JCA wrote letter to Prime Minister of India requesting the GDS issues to be considered by 7th CPC. We are moving ahead with strong confidence and sustained courage for all the betterments for GDS.
Hopefully seeking earnest cooperation of all NFPE unions Gr.C, P-4, R-3, R-4 in the divisions and requesting to take all necessary steps to mobilize the GDS members for 11-12-13 March to Parliament programme. Further requesting the NFPE leaders  of all divisions to participate in the program by leading the GDS members of respective divisions.
                                                                                                                   Yours fraternally,
  
(P.PANDURANGARAO)
GENERAL SECRETARY
 //copy//

No.AIPEU-GDS(NFPE)/CIRCULAR-7/DS/2013                                            Date : 18-10-2013
AN APPEAL TO ALL BRANCH / DIVISIONAL SECRETARIES OF AIPEU-GDS (NFPE) ON THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF OUR CHQ, NEW DELHI
Dear Comrades,
This is the 18th successive month after the formation of our union AIPEU-GDS(NFPE), well established in more than 300 divisions representing almost all circles, with a solid organizational base. During this period we have conducted our All India conference just after 12 months of its birth in  a very historic manner. Our CHQ conducted series of programs viz., dharna at divisional level, circle level and All India level also. 1st Central working Committee meeting was also held at Hyderabad. 2nd Central Working Committee is scheduled on 26th October in Kolkata. About 6 circulars were sent to all branches, occasional correspondence with Directorate is continued, our magazine “GDS CRUSADER” releasing in an appropriate way from the CHQ having hundreds of regular subscribers, our web site got good appreciation for its regular updation. 
More or less 6 agitation programs we had conducted and rightly attracted the attention of the Department and Government including a very large participation in the 12th December 2012 Central Govt. Employees strike and two General Strikes along with NFPE and Confederation unitedly during this short span of time. Our CHQ joined as petitioner/respondent in the case filed  in Principle Bench, CAT, New Delhi against the abolition of Postman & MTS posts along with P-IV CHQ and succeeded with stay order. These are not happened to be  simple and easy, to say, except with your support, cooperation & encouragement. The vigour of our Union placed GDS in a very prominent place among the entirety of Postal and Central Government employees. With all our energy we have to move ahead with serious tasks in the forth coming times. Series of united and tangible struggles and programs are to be mobilized for  the betterments of GDS in near future.
For all these time and occasion, since the formation of our Union, CHQ has not constrained to set for any financial support from the members or representatives of the union at all levels. Even then our CHQ received some quota and voluntary donations for timely needs and expenses met with some divisions and circle unions. We are running the organization in a well disciplined & methodical way by giving all priorities to the expectations of  GDS cadre. In view of the future course of action & programs already formulated by our CHQ & NFPE, it requires adequate financial support; now our union has to bear with greater responsibility  and to play a vital and dominant role for GDS to mitigate all hardships for 7th CPC and all the other facts are well known to you.  It is needless to say that to organize the 11th December Parliament March itself huge amount is required.
Taking in to consideration many factors involved in the financial position of the CHQ, collect the union subscription from the members for one year or a certain period by issuing necessary and appropriate receipts to the members in the divisions scrupulously and it is advised to maintain membership register in all the divisions.
It is categorically laid in the Constitution of our Union under Article 39, the collection and allocation of subscription is as follows : Rs.10-00 per month from each member
Branch / Division : Rs.5-50p ::   
Circle Union: Rs.2-00 ::
All India Union: Rs.2-00         ::   
Coordination to NFPE Rs.0-50p (as an Associate Member)
We  once again touch your memory that our mammoth program of action PARLIAMENT MARCH is scheduled on 11-12-2013 which requires considerably a huge amount. Hence it is requested to collect the subscription & donation from each and every member and send quota and donation to higher bodies at the earliest and oblige.
Further requesting you take all necessary measures to make the Parliament March historical with large participation of members from your division with flags and banners to show the Govt. and opponents that our Union has grown stronger, militant and vibrant for the cause of GDS. 
Please remit quota and donation to any of the following address :
    
      CHQ Address:
      Com.P.PANDURANGARAO
GENERAL SECRETARY
AIPEU-GDS(NFPE) (CHQ)
2151/1, DADA GOSH BHAWAN
NEW PATEL ROAD
NEW DELHI – 110 008
Financial Secretary Address:
Com.V.MURUKAN
FINANCIAL SECRETARY  
AIPEU-GDS(NFPE)
At CHERAMANGALAM PO
PALAKKAD DN.
KERALA – 678 709
      NFPE Address:
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY
NFPE.
NORTH AVENUE PO BLDG.
NEW DELHI – 110 001
                                                                                                                              Yours fraternally,
                                                                                                                      (P.PANDURANGARAO)

                                                                                                                     GENERAL SECRETARY

FLASH NEWS ------

NFPE & FNPO DECIDED TO GO ON NATIONWIDE INDEFINITE STRIKE IF THE DEMAND FOR INCLUSION OF GRAMIN DAK SEVAKS UNDER THE PURVIEW OF 7TH CENTRAL PAY COMMISSION IS NOT ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT. 

THE MAIN DEMANDS OF THE STRIKE WILL BE ....
(1) Inclusion of Gramin Dak Sevaks under the purview of 7th CPC
(2) Regularisation of Casual, Part-time, Contingent Employees and Revision of their wages with effect from 01.01.2006 (as per 6th CPC wage revision) & Grant of DA
(3) Merger of 50% DA with pay for all employees including GDS
The above decision was taken in the Central JCA Meeting held on 19.10.2013 at New Delhi under the Chairmanship of Shri. T. N. Rahate, President, FNPO.
(M. Krishnan)                                                      (D. Theagarajan)
Secretary General                                               Secretary General
NFPE                                                                                 FNPO