Monday, October 31, 2011

BSNL plans to trim landline operations, cut jobs

State-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) plans to sharply scale down the manpower strength of its beleaguered landline business, which accounts for nearly 65% of its 2.77 lakh-strong workforce, in one of the boldest moves to transform the loss-making telco into a nimble, profit-making organisation.

"Poor revenues coupled with a steep reduction in the number of landline connections over the past three years from some 34 million to under 25 million has made a sizeable number of positions and functions in the consumer fixed access (CFA) division redundant. A review of the manpower requirement is underway, but we are yet to take a call on which positions to retain and which to abolish," a top company executive with direct knowledge of the development told ET.

At present, BSNL is doing an internal assessment of whether its loss-making landline business justifies the existence of innumerable phone mechanics,telecom technical assistants, regular mazdoors and junior telecom officers who collectively number more than a whopping 1.5 lakh on its rolls.

The number of staff functions in the CFA business is directly linked to the number of active landlines. But the growing instances of people surrendering their landlines has induced BSNL's senior management to consider outsourcing a host of activities, including operations & maintenance.

Source : EconomicTimes
Posted by : AIPEDEU,Orissa Circle.

Highlights of draft Post Office Bill 2011

1. Opening of market by reducing the exclusive privilege of Central Government:

Gradual opening of the market by phase wise removal of the monopoly proposed. Exclusive privilege reduced up to 150 gm. In case of letters and up to 50 gm. in case of express mail. Couriers can carry letters even within 150 gm and 50 gm ( the reserve area) subject to them charging twice the postal rates for letters and twice the rates for express service.

2. Sunset clause:

A 15 years SUNSET clause for complete removal of exclusive privilege in express service and Parliamentary Review of exclusive privilege in case of letters is proposed.

3. Universal Service Obligation of the Central Government:

As proposed, USO is defined as the obligation of the Central Government to provide, through the Department of Posts, basic postal services at reasonable access, affordable price and with specified service parameters throughout the country. Commitment to provide postal service, delivery and access to post office 6 days of the week except holidays.

4. Definitions:

Definitions of certain ‘terms’ are proposed keeping in view the definition adopted by different countries, as also the requirement of customers i.e.
a)         “postal services” means services provided by the Central Government or on its behalf and includes services related to
(i)         handling of addressed letters,
(ii)        handling of addressed parcels and packages,
(iii)       handling of addressed press products,
(iv)       handling of these articles as registered or insured mail,
(v)        express services for these articles,
(vi)       handling of unaddressed articles,
(vii)      Value Payable Post,
(viii)     money remittance
(ix)       Post Office Counter Services
(x)        services on behalf of any Ministry or Department of the Central or State Governments, or services on behalf of any other organization
(xi)       other services not specified elsewhere;

b) “courier services” means services related to the handling of articles of mail i.e. collection, sorting, dispatch, conveyance and delivery including
(i)         handling of addressed letters subject to provisions in Section 4,
(ii)        handling of addressed parcels and packages,
(iii)       handling of addressed press products,
(iv)       express services for these articles subject to provision in Section 4
(v)        handling of unaddressed articles,
c)         “express services” means postal / courier services related to handling of articles of mail and expedited delivery within a clearly specified and declared time limit with confirmation of receipt and with or without endtoend integration to ensure track and trace and a record of delivery ;

d)         “Registered Courier” means any person registered as such under Section ‐‐‐ and includes his employee or agent or assignee;

e)         “Licensee” means a Registered Courier who has been given license under Section ‐‐;

5. Registration and Licensing:

The Central Government may grant registration to any person undertaking the provision of any courier service in India, who shall be called a Registered Courier. The Central Government may also grant license to any Registered Courier, who shall be called a licensee, for providing certain specific services. There is no registration fee or license fee. Licensing conditions involve adherence to quality, guarantee relief to customers in case of any deficiency in service and commitment to ensure confidentiality and security of letter. All operators will require registration for providing any type of courier service in India. But license will be required only for reserve area, USO and letter mail.

6. Registering Authority:

It is proposed that Central Government shall appoint Registering Authority, in such manner and to perform such functions, as may be prescribed.

7. Appellate Authority:

An Appellate Authority is proposed for redressal of grievances of any person aggrieved by an order of Registration Authority.

8. Setting up Extra Territorial Offices of Exchange (ETOE) and International mail Processing Centers (IMPC) abroad:

Central Govt. may establish ETOEs/IMPCs in other countries for providing international Mail Services including express and parcel services subject to arrangements with such Postal Administrations regarding terms and conditions.
Courtesy: indiapost.gov.in
Posted by : AIPEDEU,Orissa Circle.                                                                                                                                                           

Saturday, October 29, 2011

POSTING OF WIFE AND HUSBAND AT THE SAME STATION

Concerning the posting at the same place of husband and wife who are working in Government service, the transfer issues have been raised in Parliament on several occasions. In 1980s these demands began to show its seriousness, because the percentage of women employees were increased in joining the Government services. The Central Government also observed this issue from various forums, a circular had been issued by the Department of Social Welfare in Feb 1976 to all Head of Departments to give serious consideration to the requests of posting of husband and wife at the same station. In order to that order, lot of women employees started to send their request to transfer at the place where their husbands are posted.
The Central Government gave its utmost importance to this issue and as far as possible and within the constraints of adminstrative feasibility, the husband and wife should be posted at the same station to enable them to lead a normal family life and to ensure the education and welfare of thier children. The Department of Personnel and Training issued an OM on 3.4.86, in accordance with the guidelines and instructions in the order given by the Government, all cadre controlling authorities should consider such requests with the utmost sympathy.
The Department of Personnel and Training issued various office memorandums regarding this matter from time to time. The motive of the Government on the petitioners, said in the orders repeatedly, to give utmost importance attached to the enhancement of women’s status in all walks of life and to enable them to lead a normal family life as also to ensure the education and welfare of the children.


Till recently, the persmin has issued total of six orders pertaining the above subject on its website. After implementation of the 6th CPC, the last order has been issued on 30.09.2009. The order said that “On the basis of the 6th CPC reprot, Government servants have already been allowed the facility of Child Care Leave which is admissible till the children attain 18 years of age”. The consolidated guidelines concerened this subject has been provided in the OM dated 12.06.1997. The consolidated guidelines has been amended and published in the last order after implementation of 6th CPC.
In the main guidelines, ”The husband & wife, if working in the same Department and if the required level of post is available, should invariably be posted together in order to enable them to lead a normal family life and look after the welfare of their children especially till the children attain 18 years of age. This will not apply on appointment under the central Staffing Scheme. Where only wife is a Govt. servant, the above concessions would be applicable to the Govt. servant. Complaints are sometimes received that even if posts are available in the station of posting of the spouse, the administrative authorities do not accommodate the employees citing administrative reasons. In all such cases, the cadre controlling authority should strive to post the employee at the station of the spouse and in case of inability to do so, specific reasons, therefor, may be communicated to the employee”.

Posted by : AIPEDEU,Orissa Circle.

UPU – Some facts about Congress and Postal Operations Council

Countdown to Doha: 25th Universal Postal Congress

The countdown to the 25th UPU Congress in Doha (Qatar) has begun. This important event will be held from 24 September to 15 October 2012 at the brand new, state-of-the-art Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC). Some 2,000 participants are expected to attend.
World postal strategy
Every four years, the UPU Congress brings together plenipotentiaries from the organization’s 192 member countries to define the future world postal strategy, the Union’s four-year roadmap, and lay down standards and regulations which facilitate and increase the security of international exchanges of mail and parcels, as well as the          delivery of a broad range of secure and affordable electronic and financial services.
The Congress will also provide a forum for the discussion of important global issues such as sustainable development, trade facilitation, financial inclusion, money transfers, and addressing as important factors for the social and economic development of countries.
Ministerial conference
The plenary sessions will begin on 8 October with a ministerial conference, where heads of government, ministers responsible for postal services, heads of United Nations and other international organizations, and postal sector stakeholders will debate the future of the world's postal services.
Postal Operations Council
The Postal Operations Council (POC) is the technical and operational mind of the UPU and consists of 40 member countries, elected during Congress. The body elects its own chair and meets annually at the UPU’s headquarters in Berne.
The POC’s work programme is geared towards helping Posts modernize and upgrade their postal products and services. It deals with the operational, economic and commercial aspects of the postal business. The body also makes recommendations to member countries on standards for technological, operational or other processes within its competence where uniform practices are essential.
Courtesy : http://www.upu.in
Posted by : AIPEDEU,Orissa Circle.

Proposal for collection of annual voluntary subscription for development of sports activities in Orissa Circle


Department of Posts, India
Office of the Chief Postmaster General, Orissa Circle
Bhubaneswar-751001
No. S. Cell / 1 – 4 / 2009 – 2011,                                                                   Dated at Bhubaneswar the 21.09.2011
To
The PMG, Sambalpur / Berhampur (GM)
The Asst. Director ( Accounts ) , C O, Bhubaneswar
All SSPO / SPO / SSRM / SRM
Sr. PM / PM, Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Berhampur

Sub:        Proposal for collection of annual voluntary subscription for development of sports activities in Orissa Circle

                Orissa Circle Sports Board Meeting was held on 12.09.2011 at Circle Office , Bhubaneswar under the Chairmanship of the Chief PMG, Orissa Circle.
In the meeting, it was felt necessary  by all the members that for achieving best result in the higher level competition, our sports team should be provided with standard kits which is possible through full support and cooperation of the employees.
Keeping in view this proposal, it was agreed by members including union representatives in the meeting to raise fund through a voluntary annual subscription from all the employees including GDS staff as under.
1.             GDS       -                                                               Rs.10/-
2.             Gr.-C/Postman/Multi-Skilled employees -      Rs.25/-
3.             Gr.-A / B -                                                               Rs.50/-
The amount of subscription shall be taken from the pay of July every year as per the willingness of the official concerned.
Proforma of willingness is enclosed for taking necessary action by the D D Os concerned.
The Divisional Superintendents are requested to give it a wide circulation among the GDS employees working under them in Oriya language.
Sd/-
( B N Mishra )
Asst. Director (Sports) & Secretary, OCPSB
For Chief PMG, Orissa Circle
Bhubaneswar – 751 001

U N D E R T A K I N G
I Shri / Smt. ________________________________________________________________ working as _______________________________________________ agree to subscribe a sum of Rs.10/- / Rs.25/- / Rs.50/- Rupees _________________________________________ towards annual subscription to Orissa Circle Sports Board, O / o the Chief PMG, Bhubaneswar. The amount may be recovered from my salary.

Place:
Date:                                                                                                                                                           Signature of the Govt. Servant
Posted by : AIPEDEU, Orissa Circle.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Sale of UPSC Application through designated Post Offices:- Regarding


Sale of application forms through Post Offices has been discontinued.
 Department of Posts, India
Office of the Chief Postmaster General,
Orissa Circle, Bhubaneswar-751001
No. BD/27-2/2010                                                                                                                   Dated at Bhubaneswar, the 24.10.2011
To
The Postmaster General,
Berhampur(GM) / Sambalpur Region.
                All SSPOs/SPOs in Head Quarter Region.

Sub:-    Sale of UPSC Application through designated Post Offices:- Regarding
Ref:-     BD & Marketing Directorate’s OM  No.36-22/2010-BD&MD dtd.11.10.2011.

A copy of the Directorate Office Memorandum bearing No.36-22/2010- BD&MD dtd.11.10.2011 on the above subject is sent herewith for information, guidance and taking further necessary action at your end in respect of your Unit/Division.
I am directed to request you to issue suitable instructions to all concerned staff of designated post offices to follow the guidelines contained in the referred letter on the subject and make necessary to stop selling UPSC application forms with immediate effect and arrange to return unsold stock of UPSC application forms. The unsold stock shall be immediately returned to UPSC by EPP.
 It is also requested to send the details of EPP charges for dispatch of old application forms to UPSC for enabling this office to send a consolidated statement on expenditure to CPMG, Delhi Circle to claim the same from UPSC.
                A detailed report on compliance of this referred letter may be sent to this office by 28th October-2011.
Encl: As above
 Asst. Director (BD & Mktg.)
For Chief PMG, Orissa Circle
Bhubaneswar-751 001
Copy for information and necessary action to:
The  General Manager, BD & Marketing Directorate New Delhi-1 w.r.t Directorate’s OM  No.36-22/2010-BD&MD dtd.11.10.2011.
 Asst. Director (BD & Mktg.)
For Chief PMG, Orissa Circle
Bhubaneswar-751 001
No. 36-22/2010-BD&MD
Department of Posts
Business Development & Marketing Directorate
Dak Bhawan, New Delhi- 110 001
 Dated 11th Oct 2011
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
 Subject:          Sale of UPSC Application through designated Post Offices  
                       This is regarding sale of UPSC Application forms through Post Offices. UPSC has decided to receive applications only through online mode for all future examinations (scheduled to be held from January 2012). Sale of application forms through Post Offices has been discontinued. UPSC has already communicated to all designated Post Offices vide their letter no. 2/3/2011-FSMC dated 05.09.2011 (copy enclosed). In view of this, Circles are requested to take necessary action as given below:
i.            All designated Post Offices will stop selling UPSC application forms with immediate effect. The unsold stock shall be immediately returned to UPSC by EPP. Dispatch of unsold stock from all designated Post Offices should be completed by 20th October 2011.
ii.          Circles will intimate Delhi Circle about details of EPP charges for return of application forms to UPSC by all designated Post Offices under their control latest by 31stOctober 2011. Delhi Circle will raise consolidated bill to UPSC for EPP charges by 7th November 2011 with copy to BD&MD. 
2.         A detailed report on compliance of this OM may be sent by 21st November 2011.
Encl:    As above
(Alka Jha)
General Manager (BP)
All Heads of Circles
Copy to:
1.           Shri Rakesh Kumar Gupta, Additional Secretary, UPSC, Dholpur House,  Shahjehan Road, New Delhi       110069 w.r.t. his DO letter no. 2/1/2011/FSMC.
2.           Shri V.P.Singh, Joint Secretary, UPSC, Dholpur House, Shahjehan Road, New Delhi 110069.
3.          Shri Y. Sharma, Assistant Director (BD), Delhi Circle, Meghdoot Bhawan, New Delhi – for action on para 1 (ii).
Posted by : AIPEDEU, Orissa Circl

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

EMPLOYER - EMPLOYEE RELATIONSHIP - INDIA IS APPRECIABLE

MELBOURNE: A new survey has found that the "positive relationship" between the staff and management has increased in countries like India and China, whereas Australia dropped four places to take the 13th spot on the list.

According to ORC International's annual workplace engagement index, just under half (48 percent) of Australian workers reported a positive relationship this year, which is 6 per cent less than last year, News.co.au reported.

The survey conducted on almost 10,000 workers surveyed them on their attitude towards their organisation, as well as whether they felt a sense of loyalty towards their job and whether they were willing to go beyond their usual duties to help their organisation to achieve its goals.

The survey found that while India and China's rankings jumped by at least eight places from last year's survey, to occupy the top two places on the list of 18 countries, merely 38 per cent of Australian employees said their manager inspired them to be effective in their job.

Countries with a lower percentage of positive relationships between the staff and management than the global average of 53 per cent, occupied the seven lowest spots on ORC's Employee Engagement Index ( EEI)

ORC International's Global Engagement Index for 2011:

1. India 2. China 3. Brazil 4. Switzerland 5. USA 6. Austria 7. Canada 8. Netherlands 9. Germany 10. Russia 11. Singapore 12. Italy 13. Australia 14. Spain 15. France 16. Hong Kong 17. UK 18. Japan
Source : some other web pages.
Posted by : AIPEDEU,  Orissa  Circle.

Decision to align small savings returns with mkt rates by March

NEW DELHI: With declining small savings collection, the Finance Ministry is likely to decide by the end of this fiscal on aligning returns on such schemes with market interest rates, as recommended by a government panel.
"We are looking into the recommendations of the Shyamala Gopinath Committee and a decision will be taken by March end," said a senior Finance Ministry official.
Small savings schemes run by post-office, which are a major source of government's borrowings, are loosing sheen as interest rates offered on bank deposits are more attractive. Rates offered by banks are on rise ever since the RBI has been increasing its key policy rates.
The Gopinath Committee has suggested various measures to make the schemes popular, including aligning the interest rates to market and bringing interest rate on post-office deposits up to par with a saving bank account.
"Benchmarking of interest rates on small saving schemes deposits to rates of Government securities (G-secs) is being actively looked into," the official added.
He said the thinking in the government was to have a floating rate of interest on such savings. "We are looking at combining some of the schemes into one and the rates will be revised every year," he said.
The returns on small savings, like post office time deposit schemes and Monthly Income Scheme, vary between 6.25- 8 per cent. While savings banks accounts fetch a interest rate of 4 per cent calculated on daily basis, a Post office savings account gives an interest rate of 3.5 per cent annually.
Aligning these rates to market rates or Government securities will take the returns to over 8 per cent.
The government had to increase its market borrowing programme to make up for the shortfall in collections from the National Small Saving Fund (NSSF).
The Centre had initially estimated that NSSF would yield around Rs 24,000 crore, but there was net outflow of Rs 35,000 crore from the corpus during April-September.
Reforms in the small savings schemes is long due as the government has not acted on similar recommendations of Y V Reddy Committee report submitted in 2001.
Besides other recommendations, the Gopinath Committee had suggested that interest rate for one-year small deposit scheme should go up to 6.8 per cent from 6.25 per cent and introduction of 10-year National Saving Certificate scheme.
The official also said the issue regarding taxing returns on the small savings schemes, would be considered by the government while firming up the Direct Taxes Code (DTC), which seeks to replace the Income Tax Act, 1961.
Source : The Economic Times, October 23, 2011
Posted by : AIPEDEU, Orissa Circle.                                                                                                                                                         

Over Three Kilogram Gold Coins Sold by Post Offices in Delhi on Dhanteras

On the occasion of Dhanteras  yesterday   three  and a half kg gold was sold by selected 23 post offices in Delhi circle. The gold coins in various denominations were available for sale as per price given against each denomination.
The price of gold coins as on 24-10-2011 (after applicable discount and 1% tax) was as follows:
Weight slab
Price (in Rs.)
0.5 gm
1716.71
1 gm
3155.7
5 gms
15058.76
8 gms
23839.9
10 gms
29767.5
20 gms
58946.18
50 gms
146255.9
 The price of gold coins for today (25-10-2011) (excludes applicable discount & 1% tax) is as follows:
Weight slab
Price (in Rs.)
0.5 gm
1798.31
1 gm
3307.14
5 gms
15789.00
8 gms
25130.53
10 gms
31378.50
20 gms
62469.72
50 gms
155828.80
   “THE DIWALI – BELIEVE IT OR NOT OFFER”
(from 5th Oct, 2011 to till 30th Nov, 2011).                                                           
SLAB
Buy upto 5 grams
5.5 grams – 20 grams
20.5 grams – 50 grams
50.5 grams – 100 grams
More than 100 grams
% DISCOUNT
5.00%
5.50%
6.00%
6.50%
7.00%
Source : PIB Release, October 25, 2011
Posted by : AIPEDEU,Orissa Circle.                                                                                                                                                          

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Friday, October 21, 2011

CIRCLE UNION WRITES TO THE CPMG REGARDING AUDIT RECOVERY OF KHURDA STAFFS


            ALL INDIA POSTAL EXTRA DEPARTMENTAL EMPLOYEES’ UNION
                                                      Orissa Circle Branch
                              Po: - Alba (Orissa) Dist: - Kendrapara – 7 5 4 2 1 7
                            Phone (06729) 220058 (R) 221630 (O) Fax- 221210
                                E mail – Orissadakparivar@rediffmail.com 
                              Website: www.orissadakparivar.blogspot.com
NO: ED/DAP/2011                                                                        Dated: 21.10.2011

To
     Ms. Devika Kumar, IPoS
     Chief Postmaster General, Orissa Circle
     Bhubaneswar- 751001

Sub: Irregular recovery by DDOs from the TRCA of GDS on the plea of Audit objection request for kind inference – regarding.

Respected Madam,
        This has a kind reference to the directorate letter No: 6-1/2009 PE. II , Dated: 09.10.2009 regarding drawal and payment of enhanced TRCA to Gramin Dak Sevaks with effect from 01.01.2006. In accordance with the instructions contained there in the DDOs in Odisha Circle effected payment of 40% arrear amount. The said payments were to be completely verified by the DAP audit for which the divisional heads were asked by the director of accounts (Postal), Cuttack to submit the following records.
  1. Fixation Chart as on 01.01.2006
  2. Workload as on 31.12.2005
  3. Photo copy of A roll as on 01.01.2006
  4. Photo copy of A roll as on 01.04.2004
But, instead of complying to audit the DDOs again effected payment of the rest 60% arrear amount which perhaps completed the DAP to raise objection and now, as known to this union recovery of Rs. 1000.00 (one thousand only) each from 75 Gramin Dak Sevaks under Khurda HO has been effected from the TRCA of September 2011 by the Senior Superintendent of Post offices, Puri Division.
        Secondly, it is regretted to intimate that the Gramin Dak Sevaks who are retiring after 01.l0.2006 are also not getting their arrear dues.
        In this connection, we may not commit a mistake in drawing the kind attention of the Chief Postmaster General towards the instructions contained in directorate letter No: 14-16/2001/PAP(PT), Dated: 11.10.2004 specifying protection of TRCA in case of subsequent reduction in workload in the Gramin Dak Sevaks.
        Further to intimate that the TRCA fixation in Kalahandi Division has not been done correctly for which the 80% Gramin Dak Sevaks of the division were given short payment.
        Under the facts and circumstance, we would like to request Madam Chief Postmaster General to kindly give her personal attention,
i.                     To direct all SPOs / SSPOs / DDOs in Odisha Circle to comply the audit requirements as above.
ii.                   To direct SSPOs, Puri division to stop recovery from the TRCA of poor Gramin Dak Sevaks under Khurda HO
iii.                  To direct all SPOs / SSPs / DDOs / in Odisha to give justice to the Gramin Dak Sevaks who have already retired after 01.01.2006 by effecting payment their legitimate dues.

A line of replay on the nature of action taken is highly solicited.

     With best regards
                                                                                      Yours Faithfully

                                                                                       ( N.C. Singh )
                                                                                     Circle Secretary