Tuesday, November 30, 2010
India Post's gadgets to streamline NREGA payment
NEW DELHI: India Post will provide gadgets such as biometric fingerprint scanners , magnetic strip readers and thermal printers to its 1,30,000 rural offices to smoothen the process of verification and payment under the national rural employment guarantee scheme . It has charted out an ambitious rural information technology (IT) plan that will make the wage disbursement under the scheme paperless, said an official with the department who asked not to be named. Although NREGA is administered by the ministry of rural development, payments under the UPA government’s flagship job safety programme are routed through the postal network and bank branches. The postal department services more than half of the wage earners under the scheme in most states of the country.
The government has allocated Rs 40,100 crore for NREGA in 2010-11 . It is estimated that the rural development ministry will be able to utilise only about Rs 35,000 crore in the current year. A total of 179,43,189 families have been provided employment under the scheme till June 30 this year. The devices offered to the post offices will have an in-built global positioning system (GPS) to determine the frequency of the postal staff’s visits to the villages, which will ensure accountability on the part of the branch post masters. This will also help the department map its delivery territory.The move will help the hugely popular scheme to check leakage of funds owing to fake attendance under the scheme. In some states of North East, it was found that funds were transferred under the scheme to even doctors and engineers. In Uttar Pradesh alone the leakage is estimated at . 850 crore annually.
The department has invited participation of private players in this regard. The IT revamp, which will happen in phases, is expected to be completed in two years, said an official with the ministry of communications and information technology.To ensure that the process is made hassle-free , the devices will have portable web cameras with enabling features such as bluetooth and wifi access for seamless transfer of data that may be required under the verification process for accounts.Transactions under the scheme will happen only when the wage earner’s biometric information is matched with data stored in the department’s electronic database.“Our devices will be compliant with standards issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India,” said YP Rai, deputy director general (rural business) at India Post.As network availability in most rural areas is inconsistent, the devices will have facility to function both online and offline. To address the problem of inadequate power supply, the devises will have an in-built battery with solar chargers.
FMC REVISED W.E.F 24.11.2010
Government of India
Ministry of Communications & IT
Department of Posts
(Establishment Division)
Dak Bhawan Sansad Marg
New Delhi – 110001
Dated the 24-11-2010
Postmaster General
General Managers (Finance)
Director of Accounts Postal
Subject: - Revision of Fixed Monetary compensation (FMC) to delivery staff and remuneration to other staff
Sir/Madam,
I am directed to refer to Directorates letter of even number dated 4-9-2002 and 28.1.2003 on the above subject.
2. The Department has received a number of references from the staff Associations requesting for upward revision of fixed Monetary compensation (FMC) admissible to Postmen staff. A Committee of Senior Officers was constituted for looking into the issue and the report of the Committee has been examined carefully in consultation with integrated Finance wing and the Competent Authority has ordered enhancement of the Fixed Monetary compensation (FMC) admissible to Postmen staff. The details are as under:
Sl. No. | Item | Existing Rate | Revised Rate |
(a) | When One Postman performs duty of an absentee Postman by combination of duties | Rs.29 per day | Rs.50 per day |
(b) | When two Postmen perform duty of an absentee Postman by sharing the beat | Rs.14 per day | Rs.24 per day |
3. The competent Authority has also ordered fixation/revision of Holiday Monetary Compensation payable to Postmen Staff and other Departmental staff brought on duty on 2nd consecutive Holiday if three consecutive holidays occur as shown under:
Sl. No. | Category of Departmental Employees | Rate of Remuneration |
1. | Supervisor | Rs.85 per holiday for 4 hours |
2. | Postal Assistant | Rs.85 per holiday for 4 hours |
3. | Postmen/Sorting Postmen | Rs.85 per holiday |
4. | Multi tasking staff | Rs.60 per holiday for 4 hours |
4. All other conditions for payment of Fixed Monetary compensation (FMC) issued vide OM No.10-23/87-PE.I dt. 21.12.93 and delivery of Unregistered letters on holidays issued under 9-25/92-CI dt. 10.9.92 will remain unchanged.
5. The Expenditure on account of revision has to be met from the allocated funds of the units under the prescribed Head of account.
6. These orders will take effect from the date of issue.
7. This issues in concurrence with the Integrated Finance Wing vide their diary number 286/FA/10/CS dated 24.11.2010.
Sd/-
(K. Rameswara Rao)
Asst. Director General (Estt)
SYSTEM ADMINISTRATORS COMMITTEE
Ministry of Communications & IT
Department of Posts
(SR Section)
Parliament Street
New Delhi 11001
Dated – 19 July, 2010
Subject: - Secretary (P)’s meeting with Postal Joint Council of Action on 12.07.2010 at 11 hrs. in Dak Bhawan- Item No. 12 creation of System Administrators Cadre and financial compensations for special work performed by System Administrators
Please refer to minutes of Secretary (P)’s meeting dated 12.07.2010 on the above – mentioned subject.
2. It was decided to constitute a Committee comprising DDG (Estt), DDG (P) and DDG (Technology) to consider creation of System Administrators cadre. As regards grnat of Road Milleage Allowance, the matter was reported to be already under examination.
3. In the light of the above, a Committee comprising the following is constituted to consider the creation of System Administrators Cadre
DDG (Estt.) Chairman
DDG (P) Member
DDG (Tech) Member
The Committee will submit its report within 3 months of its formation.
Sd/-
(Subhash Chander)
Director (SR & Legal)
DDG (Estt)
DDG (P)
DDG (Technology)
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Postal News from around the world
1. The Manchester Evening News has reported that "Union bosses are stepping in to sort out problems which postal workers fear will bring Christmas deliveries to a grinding halt. Workers at the Wardley sorting office, which serves Walkden, Swinton, Boothstown and Little Hulton, claim they are struggling to deliver mail under a new regime and have called in their union leaders to mediate. New working practices are being rolled out across the country, which staff at Wardley sorting office, on
Shield Drive
, on the Wardley Industrial Estate, say is stretching the system to breaking point."
2. Post & Parcel has reported that "Russian Post has increased staff wages by 7% during the first nine months of 2010. For the entire year, Russian postal employees will enjoy a rise of up to 12%, it has been reported."
3. Havana Times has reported that "The Cuban Postal Company decided to temporarily suspend the sending of postal packages to the United States, where only regular and certified correspondence that does not contain any type of object will be able to be sent. The measure comes after the announcement of exceptional security measures taken by the US Postal Service in the face of recent terrorist threats in that country, limiting the reception of packages that weigh over 16 ounces, reported IPS."
4. Japan Today has reported that "The ruling Democratic Party of Japan has decided to carry forward bills to roll back postal privatization measures."
5. According to the Daily Mail,, around three Post Offices are closing down every week in U K and 900 could disappear by next year, shocking research revealed yesterday. The massive number of closures is a major embarrassment for a government which has repeatedly promised to protect the network. Since January, 161 Post Offices have hung up the ‘Closed’ sign, with many saying it is simply impossible to make enough money to continue trading. The list of closures, seen by the Daily Mail, shows branches are shutting up shop everywhere from remote Scottish islands to the north Cornwall coast. In all cases, they are listed as ‘long-term temporary closures’, which means Post Office Limited is trying to find a new sub-postmaster. But the Communication Workers’ Union yesterday insisted that was ‘a code for closed’ while the company ‘can still claim there are no closures’. In most cases, a sub-postmaster decides to retire, and the struggle to find a replacement proves impossible. Billy Hayes, general secretary of the CWU, said Post Offices are closing at ‘an alarming rate’, and predicts the number could hit 900 between April 2010 and April 2011. He said: ‘Post Offices are closing at an alarming rate but don’t register until it is too late because they are misleadingly classed as temporary closures.’ It comes after a savage programme of closures masterminded by Labour which saw Post Offices disappear in their thousands. In 1997, there were 19,000 in Britain. By 2010, there were just under 12,000. Since coming to power, Edward Davey, the Postal Affairs Minister, has repeatedly promised: ‘There will be no programme of closures.’ Yesterday he described the figures from the CWU as ‘misleading’, and said they failed to take into account the fact that the closures may be temporary.
6. Voice of Vietnam News has reported that "The 17th ASEAN Post and ASEAN Post +4 summits is being held in the Furama Resort in the central city Da Nang from November 25-27. The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Office of PosMalaysia, Dato Syed Faisal Albar is presiding over both summits. Attending the 17th ASEAN Post summit are representatives from the postal departments of 9 ASEAN countries. They are discussing ways to enhance electronic transactions in the region and around the globe, the projects hopes to develop electronic commerce within ASEAN and international electronic money transfers. Attendants to the summit are also focusing on proposals from the private sector and developing new projects in the field of postal finance and marketing strategy for the express mail service and electronic commerce."
7. Royal Mail this week announced it will be discounting new or additional direct marketing campaigns throughout March and April next year by as much as 20%, to encourage advertisers to try new direct mail tactics. Mark Thomson, Media Director at Royal Mail, said: "Direct mail is back, pure and simple. It has regained its position as the consumer’s favourite direct marketing channel because people love to receive well targeted, well crafted advertising mail. "And for the advertiser, direct mail’s ROI is performing better and better and the discounts in this sale will help them to benefit from its increasing power even further."
8. The BBC has reported that "The Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority (JCRA) has outlined plans for Jersey Post to face more competition. It has set out goals of developing a more competitive telecoms market, liberalising postal services and working more closely with Guernsey. The JCRA has decided to grant another postal license to TNT Post UK, to ship items for the mail-order industry."
9. Radio Netherlands has reported that "Workers at Dutch postal company TNT are staging a national strike for two days starting Thursday morning. This comes after approximately 8000 postal workers rallied in The Hague last week to protest TNT plans to retrench 3100 staff. Although there is no plan for a rally this time, some 500 postmen are meeting to follow the current debate in the Lower House about the effects of last year’s liberalisation of the Dutch postal market. A petition urging the cabinet to intervene and protect TNT employees will be handed to Social Affairs Minister, Henk Camp, just before the debate."
10. The National Association of Major Mail Users has reported that "Canada Post has introduced Canada Post Comparison Shopper, a one-stop shopping website that helps Canadians instantly find, compare and purchase products online. The site uses a ranking system that filters through over 4 million products from 500 well-known and respected retailers that actually sell to Canadians. The patent-pending system evaluates criteria like price, return policies and customer service to determine which retailer offers the best match for the consumer’s search."
DOPT ISSUED AN IMPORTANT ORDER REGARDING SENIORITY
No.20011/1/2008-Estt.(D)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
(Department of Personnel & Training)
New Delhi, dated the 11th November 2010
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: SENIORITY - Consolidated orders on...
The undersigned is directed to say that instructions have been issued by this Department from time to time laying down the principles for determining seniority of persons appointed to services and posts under the Central Government. For facility of reference, the contents of the important orders on the subject have been consolidated as a compilation "Instructions and Guidelines on Seniority". The number and date of the original O.M.'s has been referred in the relevant instructions* for easy reference to the context. The consolidated instructions include revised instructions on the following:
i. Seniority of persons appointed on direct recruitment from the reserved panel at a later date, specifically when the officers from the subsequent selection panel have already joined. ii. Inter-se seniority of two panels of direct recruits, where more than one selection panel are received from UPSC/SSC through letter of same date.
iii. Fixation of seniority of a person who has been transferred to a lower post under FR 15-A.
iv. Seniority in case of appointment on compassionate grounds
2. Also, certain areas within the existing instructions, which require frequent clarifications, as is evident from the references received from various Ministries/Departments, have also been incorporated under the head "clarification", for reference. This may be brought to the notice of all concerned for information, guidance and necessary action.
3. The consolidated instructions along with Annexure containing O.M.'s referred wlll be issued separately in the form of handbook.
4. Hindi version will follow.
Sd/
(Smita Kumar
Director(Establishment)
Thursday, November 25, 2010
INDIA POST PRESENTATION ON TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS
Presentation on Technological Developments in Department of Posts was held on 23.11.2010 in the presence of Secretary, Department of Posts, Member (Technology), Member (Operations) and other officers of the India Post. The Staff side was represented by Secretary Generals of Federations and General Secretaries of All India Unions.
The presentation was elaborately dealt with the vast changes that are going to take place in the Department of Posts due to large scale induction of Information and communication Technology (ICT). A budget of Rs. 1800 crores has been earmarked for the project which is to be completed by the year end of 2013.
The gist of the presentation can be summed up as follows:
In this era of fast developing Information and Communication Technology, large scale induction and assimilation of modern means of communication has become vital for sustenance and growth of India Post.
Having created a base of more than 12000 computerised Post offices in the country and a pool of trained human resource, India Post is in the process of implementing mass scale computerization and networking of all Departmental Post offices and Branch Post offices on a single integrated and modular platform connected to a National Data Center.
This National infrastructure, so created will enable India Post to provide state-of-the-art ICT services including Mobile remittance and Banking on a core banking platform and provide inclusive banking to rural, remote and hitherto unbanked areas.
The vast network and infrastructure of India Post, have already enabled it to become the preferred point of inter face between Government and the members of public for delivery of social and economic welfare schemes of the Government of India and various state governments. Introduction of modern ICT will help in timely and transparent delivery of social benefit schemes to the beneficiaries viz. MGNREGS, Indira Gandhi Old Age Pension Scheme (IGOAPS).
Computerised and connected network of Post office on a single integrated platform will also help India Post to retail products and services of other service providers viz. Banks, Government & Non Government financial institutions, Government Agencies and Mutual Fund houses in the rural and remote areas.
India Post has already taken initiative for re-engineering processes and making it compatible to suite the new ICT solutions and customer requirements.
One of the pre-requisite for transformation of India Post is upgradation of the skills of the work force and capacity building. Training of the human resources has been given its due importance and recognition in the project. The Services of the newly recruited 15000 Postal Assistants will also be utilized to the maximum extent. The Branch Post offices will not be provided with computers, instead they will be provided with modern-technology oriented hand devices.
Secretary General, NFPE insisted that the services rendered by the existing System Administrators in maintaining the computer network of more than 12000 Post offices is to be acknowledged in its true perspective and they may be absorbed in suitable posts such as System Assistants while implementing the project. The Secretary Post stated that this aspect will be given positive consideration. While we pointing out the delay in discussion on cadre review proposals, it was assured to finalise very shortly. Introduction of accrual based accounting system is also becomes part of the project. The apprehension about the mass redeployment or surplus has been focussed by us for which the Secretary, Posts assured that there will be no staff movements or reduction.
The Leader Staff side requested to arrange a similar presentation to the Circle Secretaries also for which the Secretary (Posts) responded positively.
The following news were made known to us during the course of discussions and interactions.
(i) For the current financial year, the modernization will be restricted up to B class offices, 628 crores had been allotted for this purpose.
(ii)Single handed offices & BOs will be taken in the next year project.
(iii)For Pilot Project six circles have been identified viz. Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh & Assam. It will come into functioning before August 2011.
(iv) Instead of cost accounting, accrual basis system will be introduced. This is almost implemented in all major organizations including Telecom as per the Government of India decisions.
(v) 1800 ATMs will be established after the introduction of Core banking. Call centers to collection of logistics, MO etc will be formed. Track & trace facilities will be implemented for all services.
(vi) On Phase II, the rest of 16 circles will be completed.
(vii) Softwares are being developed as per the recommendations of 'Accenture'.
(viii) Expression of Interest was segregated to three instruments. One major National level Data server. Second 2600 departmental Post office net week interrogators, third Rural ICP hardware solutions. All net work equipments, connectivity, maintenance will be entrusted to vendor for 24 X 7 (Per week). He is solely responsible for everything. The penalty clause provision has been included.
(ix) Data centre, hire space and installation area will be ours. The rest software, maintenance etc will be entrusted to the providers.
(x) While comparing previous year, 13% revenue has been increased in postal operations.
MAIL NETWORK OPTIMIZATION PROJECT
MAIL NETWORK OPTIMIZATION PROJECT
An interaction with the staff side on Mail Network optimization project also took place during the meeting. It is explained that the scope of the project is to (1) optimize India Post Network from collection to delivery (2) to standardize processes with focus on significant quality improvement & reduction in network complexity (3) put in place an effective performance measurement system through regular reviews (4) improve the ambience of mail offices (5) upgrade processing facilities and improve working condition for employees and (6) make staff and customers proud of being associated with India Post. The key operational areas of the network optimization are (i) Speed Post and (ii) First class mail. First class mail optimization study is in progress.
The interaction mainly concentrated on the newly introduced Speed Post Network optimization programme (hubs). The Staff Side pointed out that the introduction of the speed post hubs has resulted in delay in processing and transmission of speed post articles resulting in delay in delivery. This issue should be addressed on top priority basis and corrective measures to avoid delay should be taken. The staff side further pointed out that while more than 80% of the speed post hubs are functioning under the administrative control of RMS Superintendents, the remaining hubs are controlled by Postal Superintendents. This has created on apprehension in the minds of the RMS employees that in the longer run the identity of RMS will be lost and eventually it will be merged with Post offices. Taking into consideration of this aspect, the Staff Side requested that all the Speed Post hubs should be under the control of RMS Superintendents. The Secretary, Posts assured to consider the request positively.
MEETING WITH DDG (ESTABLISHMENT)
The Secretary General NFPE and General Secretaries of affiliated unions of NFPE met DDG (Estt) on 23.11.2010. The following is the outcome of the meeting.
(1) The preliminary (first) sitting of the Cadre Restructuring committee will be held on 26.11.2010 at 3 PM.
(2)The first sitting of the Committee on Postmen related issues will also be held on 26.11.2010.
(3) Regarding the revision of wages of casual labourers it is informed that the file is being sent to nodel Ministry for approval. It is expected to be cleared by the Nodal ministries within 2-3 weeks. The wages will be revised with effect from 01.01.2006.
(4) The Department has issued orders clarifying –
(a) No casual labourers shall be engaged in the Administrative offices i.e. CO/RO/DO/PAO with effect from 1st December 2010.
b) The work of sweepers and scavengers should be combined or the same may be outsourced wherever feasible.
(c) Since duties of waterman, watch and ward, gardening, cleaning etc are now part of duties assigned to Multi Tasking staff, the existing practice of engaging casual laborers as waterman, Gardner, watch and ward and any other miscellaneous category shall be dispensed with effect from 1st December 2010.
THE FOLLOWING ARE OTHER LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
(c) Since duties of waterman, watch and ward, gardening, cleaning etc are now part of duties assigned to Multi Tasking staff, the existing practice of engaging casual laborers as waterman, Gardner, watch and ward and any other miscellaneous category shall be dispensed with effect from 1st December 2010.
THE FOLLOWING ARE OTHER LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
1. Revision of FSC – orders are expected to be released this month itself.
2. Enhancement of Fixed Monetary compensation revising Rs.24/- as Rs.50/- and Rs.85/- for holiday duty will be released next week.
3. The Department has appraised the law ministry about the existence of GS and the promotion on seniority basis to erstwhile Group D now MTS. The law ministry in now approving the revised Recruitment rules. Orders are expected within a fortnight.
4.UPSC has raised some queries on HSG-I Recruitment Rules which had been clarified. The Revised Recruitment Rules will be issued shortly.
5. The file relating to enhancement of OSA has been submitted to J.S. F.A. (Finance) for approval.
6. Direct Recruitment of PA/SAs were completed within couple of days to the extent of around 16000 posts. A Remarkable fast action. We appreciate the decision and decisive action of the department.
CREATION OF POSTMASTER CADRE
The Department has released the recruitment rules for creation of Postmaster cadre. The whole order is reproduced below for the consumption of all members/viewers.
Opinion/Suggestion if any on this issue, please forward the same to P3 CHQ and also to Federation for further discussion with the Department.
MOST IMMEDIATE
No.4-17/2008-SPB-II
Government of India
Ministry of Communications & IT
Department of Posts
Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg
New Delhi – 110001
Dated, 22nd November, 2010
All Chief Post Masters General
Sub: - Introduction of Postmaster Cadre in Postal Wing.
Sir/Madam,
I am directed to say that Department of Posts operates mainly through its about 25500 Departmental Post Offices. The services it offers have grown in the traditional areas of sale of stamps, booking of Money orders and Registered letters as also in Savings Bank functions, especially where Post Offices disburse NREGA wages to beneficiaries. In many post offices these activities are carried out electronically, new services like e-payment, e-post etc is also offered. Further the Department has also entered into agreements with private players like Western Union for money transfers. In the area of mail, both express, parcel and traditional, the Department of Posts faces tremendous competition. It has to offer excellent services by way of continuous upgrades in quality and in the add on value of its mail products, like IOD, national billing, same day delivery of corporate mail etc.
2. In spite of the long existence of the Post Offices and challenges being faced by the Department from private players in the field there had never been an exclusive cadre for Postmasters. The Postal Assistants, LSG/HSG-II, I etc. are posted to man the posts of Postmasters. This system served the Department quite well till some time back. But now in order to improve/upgrade the functioning of the Post Offices, meet the present day requirement of specialization in Postal office management in the wake of introduction of technology, challenges from market and to increase productivity it has absolutely become essential to ensure that key Post Offices are headed by professional managers. Thus, in order to ensure that professionally qualified, trained and meritorious officials head they key Post Offices, it has been decided to introduce a separate cadre of Postmasters comprising the following grades by carving out the posts from existing General Line posts as ordered vide this Directorates letter No. 13-2/2010-PE-I dt. 03.02.2010.
I. Senior Postmaster 116 Posts
(Rs. 9300-34800 + Rs.4800 Grade Pay)
II. Postmaster Gr – III 495 Posts
(Rs.9300-34800 + Rs.4600 Gr. Pay)
III. Postmaster Gr-II 511 Posts
(Rs. 9300-34800 + Rs.4200 Gr. Pay)
IV. Postmaster Gr-I 2097 Posts
(Rs. 5200-20200 + Rs.2800 Gr. Pay)
3. The Recruitment Rules of the above stated grades have since been framed and notified. A copy of the Recruitment Rules called the Department of Posts, Senior Postmaster (Group B Gazetted), Postmaster (Grade ' III and II' – Group B non – Gazetted) and Postmaster (Grade I-Group C non-Gazetted) Recruitment Rules, 2010, dated 9th September, 2010 is forwarded herewith.
4. The number of posts in the various grades of the Postmaster carved out of the existing General Line Posts in various Postal Circles is being issued separately.
5. Thus it may be noted that:
I. A separate cadre of Postmasters has been created at the level of LSG, HSG-II, HSG-I and PS Group 'B' by carving out the cadre from the existing General Line Cadre Posts in Postal Wing and PS Group 'B' and designated as Postmaster Gr –I, Postmaster Gr.II , Postmaster Gr.III and Senior Postmaster.
II. Initial constitution of the various Grades of Postmasters shall be done by inviting options/applications from the existing incumbents of LSG, HSG-II, HSG-I in Post offices and PS Group, 'B'.
III. In subsequent years all the vacancies in Postmaster Gr.I shall be filled up through a Limited Departmental Competitive Examination, From amongst PAs with 5 years regular service in the grade.
IV. All the vacancies in Postmaster Gr. II Posts shall be filled up by promotion from amongst Postmaster Gr. I with 6 years regular service in the grade (including regular service in LSG, if any).
V. All the vacancies in Postmaster Gr. III posts shall be filled up by promotion from amongst Postmaster Gr. II with 5 years regular service the grade (including regular service in HSG II, If any).
VI. 25% of vacancies in the grade of Sr. Postmaster will be filled up by promotion of Postmaster Gr. III with 2 years of regular service in the grade (including regular service in HSG, I if any) and 75% by Inspector of Posts (IPOs) with 6 years of regular service in the grade on the basis of Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE).
VII. The officials in PS Gr 'B' and Senior Postmaster (Gazetted) would be eligible for induction in IPOs, Gr 'A' on the basis of a consolidated eligibility list.
6. To begin with the Postal Circles, as per the provisions of the Recruitment Rules, may call for the options/applications with their bio-data from the willing officials holding the posts in the equivalent grades for appointment as Postmaster grade I, II and III respectively. While inviting for the applications it may be categorically stated that:
I. Once and official submits his application he will not be allowed to withdraw the same. II. Officials who are still left with at least two years of service to retire may only apply in order to avoid their dislocation at the fag end of their service.
III. In the event of their appointment as Postmaster their further career progression will be in the hierarchy in the Postmaster cadre only as per the provisions in the relevant Recruitment Rules and not in the General Line.
7. The applications so received may be scrutinized to find out the eligibility of the applicants. Thereafter the applications of the eligible applicants may be placed before the Screening Committee mentioned under Col. 11 of the respective grades for assessing their suitability based on their ACRs and vigilance clearance provided they attain the minimum bench mark of 'Good' Those who are found suitable they may be arranged in the order of seniority for appointment in respective grade of postmaster as they enjoyed in the General Line.
8. If after filling up the posts as per procedure mentioned in above paragraph certain number of posts still remain unfilled the same shall be filled up by promotion as per the provision contained in col. 12 of the respective Recruitment Rules. It may please be noted that in that event the unfilled posts in Postmaster Gr. I will have to be filled up on the basis of Limited Departmental Competitive Examination. The pattern and scheme for Limited Departmental Competitive Examination to fill up the vacancies in the grade of Postmaster Gr.I would follow shortly.
9. All the Postal circles are requested to follow the time-line mentioned below to fill up the posts of Postmaster:
(i) Date of Issue of Circular calling for the options/applications for appointment as Postmaster Grade I, II and III. - 14.12.2010
(ii) Last date for receipt of options/applications along with bio-data - 15.01.2011
(iii) Completion of scrutiny of applications and obtaining Vigilance Clearance and ACR dossiers. - 31.01.2011
(iv) Submission to Screening Committee. - 10.02.2011
(vi) Submission of the minutes to the appointing authority for approval - 01.03.2011
(vii) Issue of appointment orders - 16.03.2011
10. Thereafter the Postmasters so appointed may be deputed for training immediately in consultation with the Training Division of the Directorate.
11. The receipt of the letter may please be acknowledged.
Yours faithfully,
Sd/-
(V. C. Kajla)
Director (SPN)
Tel. No. 23096092
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
REVIEW OF INSTRUCTIONS ON ENGAGEMENT OF CASUAL LABOURERS IN THE LIGHT OF THE GUIDELINES ON OUTSOURCING.
Government of IndiaMinistry of Communications Department of Posts
(Pay Commission Cell)
Dak Bhawan,Sansad Marg,
New Delhi-1100116
No.4-4/2009-PCC Dated: 19 November 2010
SUB: REVIEW OF INSTRUCTIONS ON ENGAGEMENT OF CASUAL LABOURERS IN THE LIGHT OF THE GUIDELINES ON OUTSOURCING.
Attention of all concerned is invited to this Directorate`s OM No. 1-20/2008-PCC dated 24th Sept.,2009 containing revised duties of Multi Tasking Staff Group `C` and letter No. 1-10/2009-PCC dated 07th Sept. 2009 on guidelines and terms and conditions on outsourcing. Secretary (Posts)`s D.O. letter of even number dated 29th October,2010 on engagement of casual labourer may also be referred to.
2. The Department of Posts while designation the erstwhile Group `D` as Multi Tasking Group `C` Staff has prescribed interalia that watch and ward/caretaker duties, and general cleanliness and upkeep of section/unit/office including dusting of furniture, cleaning of building rooms & fixtures, gardening will also be the duties of Multi Tasking Staff Group `C` in addition to duties already entrusted to them.
3. In view of the revised duties assigned to the Multi Tasking Staff, there is a need to streamline the work entrusted to the Casual labourers engaged in the Department of Posts, the Competent Authority has ordered the following:
(i) No Casual labourers shall be engaged in the Administrative Offices i.e CO/RO/DO/PAO w.e.f. 01st December,2010
ii) The work of sweepers and scavengers should be combined or the same may be outsourced wherever feasible.
(iii) Since duties of waterman, watch and ward, gardening, cleaning etc. are now part of duties assigned to Multi Tasking Staff, the existing practice of engaging Casual labourers as waterman,gardener, watch and ward or any other miscellaneous category shall be dispensed with w.e.f. 01st December,2010.
4. The above instructions should be followed in letter and spirit without any deviation. A compliance report of the above aspects may also be sent to this office for information of Secretary (Posts) by 31st December,2010 positively as per the proforma attached with this letter.
Encl:Asabove Sdxxx
(Surender Kumar)
Assistant Director General (GDS/PCC)
PLACEMENT OF SENIORS AT PAR WITH THEIR JUNIORS UNDER TBOP/BCR SCHEMES – CLARIFICATIONS REGARDING.
Sub: Placement of seniors at par with their juniors under TBOP/BCR Schemes – clarifications regarding.
D.G.Posts No 1-03/2007-PAP dated 2nd November,2010
I am directed to refer to your office letter No. A&P/Step-up/PGC/04 dated 11/23.8.2010 and 15.10.2010 on the subject cited above and to intimate that the issue has been examined in this Directorate, a number of times and necessary clarifications/instructions have been issued from time to time. The last such clarifications have recently been issued vide this Directorate letter of even No. dated 03-09-2010 (Copy enclosed for ready reference). All such cases may kindly be dealt with in accordance with these instructions and clarifications which inter-alia clearly envisage that the placement of officials in next higher scale/grade of pay are merely financial upgradations, granted to the officials on completion of 16 years and 26 years of qualifying services, respectively and not on the basis of their seniority. These financial upgradations are personal to the officials concerned and no stepping up of pay of the senior is admissible and/ or placement of the seniors at par with their juniors promoted under TBOP/BCR scheme is not permissible, in any case.
2. It is also informed that such issues, if any should first be taken up with the Circle Office concerned, who may examine the issue and decide /dispose it off the same at their end itself or may take up the matter with this Directorate, if required.
This issues with the approval of the Competent Authority.
Sd/---
Assistant Director General (Estt)
Sunday, November 21, 2010
- I. T. Modernisation project of Dept. of Posts
The Department of Posts has sought ‘Expression of Interest’ for Core System Integrator (CSI) for I. T. Modernisation project on 29.10.2010. The Primary focus of the India Post 2012 is to improve and automate postal services through re-engineering and creation of efficient operations and systems.
At Present 12,604 Head Post offices & SOs are computerized. The Plan is to computerize all the remaining post offices and also 1,30,000 BOs approximately and connect all Post offices and non various applications seamlessly across the net work.
Currently there are 56 stand-alone applications. India Post 2012 intends to build a core set of integrated application covering key functions as Mail operations Retail, e-commerce operation, Logistics and warehousing, Postal Banking, Financial Services, Postal Life Insurance, Finance HR and customer interaction channels etc. ICT solution to computerize the BOs will be envisaged.
EXPECTED DA W.E.F. 01-01-2011
Central Government employees received 10% DA in addition to 35% earlier,which now stands at 45%.They got the payment as two months arrears for July and August. DA for September was calculated in their regular monthly payments.Through this hike, employees got an increase of Rs700 to Rs900 in their monthly salaries. There was no such increase before this.Let us see some of the reasons. The main reason behind announcing DA is due to increase of prices in essential commodities.’Labour Bureau’-which is under the Central Government takes the statistics of the prices of essential commodities in selected cities and this process is known as AICPIN -i.e.- All India Consumer Price Index. DA is calculated only as per the AICPIN. Regarding next instalment of DA which is to be announced from Jan 2011,numerous speculations are pouring in. DA percentage will be calculated as per the AICPIN from September 2010 to December 2010.Suppose the AICPIN stands at 179 points or more,there are chances of getting 50% DA from Jan 2011. Any way let us assume that the DA will surely cross the 50% which will enable increases in some allowances. Children Education Allowance,Child Care Allowance,Washing Allowance,Cycle Allowance,Cash Handling Allowance,Conveyance Allowance,Split Duty Allowance will also be increased.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
UNITE to ballot Royal Mail postal managers on strike action
UNITE report that 8,500 managers based in head offices at the Royal Mail, Parcelforce and the Post Office will vote on whether to launch a campaign of industrial action. If a simple majority of those who vote support industrial action, Royal Mail managers could be on strike in early December.The ballot is being held in protest at plans to make between 1,500 managers redundant,of which between 300 and 400 managers will be have to go compulsorily. Paul Reuter, national officer for Unite, said:“Managers are so concerned about their futures that for the first time in over 30 years they will vote on industrial action. There have already been 5,000 job cuts over the last five years without any compulsory redundancies. Such a drastic step is not necessary now and Unite will oppose it”.
- Source UNI Bulletin for Nov-2010
DEPARTMENTAL PROCEEDINGS AGAINST GOVERNMENT SERVANTS – CONSULTATION WITH THE UNION PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION FOR ADVICE
No. 39011/12/2009-Estt (B)
Government d India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
(Department of Personnel & Training)
New Delhi, dated the 16th November, 2010
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Departmental proceedings against Government Servants – consultation with the Union Public Service Commission for advice.
The undersigned is directed to say that the existing instructions issued by this Department provide that the disciplinary proceedings taken against Government servants should be processed and completed expeditiously. Occasionally, the charged officers approach the Courts to quash the disciplinary proceedings and in many such cases the courts give direction to the Government to complete the proceedings within a time limit prescribed by the court. In certain instances the Government seeks further time from the court and in certain other instances, the petitioners file contempt petitions for not having completed the proceedings as per the court orders. In many of such cases, the UPSC has to be consulted as per the existing regulations, before the final orders are issued.
2. The UPSC has brought to the notice of this Department that In the above cases, some Ministries / Departments have stated in the affidavit flied before the Court that the matter has been pending with the UPSC and the delay in completing the proceedings was due to the delay In receipt of advice from the UPSC although such cases had been returned by the Commission to the Administrative Ministry to rectify the deficiencies noted by it. In this connection, attention of Ministries / Departments is drawn to this Department's OM of even number dated 10.5.2010 and 14.9.2010 in which it has been reiterated that the Commission generally takes 3-4 months to render its advice after the complete case records have been received by the Commission and that the Ministries / Departments should ensure that the prescribed proforma for sending the case records to the UPSC filled with due care and attention to avoid any back reference by the Commission to rectify the deficiencies. A case may not be taken as delayed on the part of UPSC If the Commission has returned the same to the Administrative Ministry to remove deficiencies.
3. All Ministries / Department. are requested that In cases where the Courts are being apprised the time taken in finalizing a disciplinary proceeding through affidavit, information In regard to the pendency of the matter before the Union Public Service Commission may be correctly projected.
Sd-xx
(CA Subramanian)
Director
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