Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Monday, December 30, 2013
Monday 30 December 2013
NEW YEAR, NEW HOPES.
WE ARE ON THE STRUGGLE PATH
By the time this issue of “Postal Crusader” reaches your hand, an eventful year 2013 will be over and a new year 2014 is born. From our experience in the past, especially during the last year, we can definitely say that the year 2014 shall be an year of struggle for betterment of the living conditions of the common people of our country and the toiling masses including the Central Government Employees & Postal employees.
General election to the Parliament is scheduled to be held in the year 2014. The ruling class and also the corporate media have started their campaign, well in advance, in support of those who are ready to carry forward the rigorous implementation of neo-liberal globalisation policies. We have witnessed that when it comes to policy of liberalisation, privatisation and globalisation, both UPA and NDA Government are two sides of the same coin. Concerted efforts are being made by the corporate media to relegate the issues raised by the working class in February 20,21 All India Joint Strike and 2013 December 12th massive Parliament March to the background. We should identify our friends and foes from our own experience and shall frontload the working class issues and conduct intensive campaign against those who are in favour of neo-liberal policies and also in support of those who are opposing the anti-people, anti-labour policies of the ruling class. Remember, in democracy ballot is more powerful than bullet. Let us use this weapon prudently and discreetly and move forward in our struggle by further strengthening those forces who are continuously fighting against this neo-liberal policies and for the cause of working class.
Eventhough the Government has announced constitution of 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC), the terms of reference and appointment of chairperson etc. are yet to be finalised. The unanimous proposal on terms of reference submitted by the staff side includes date of effect from 01-01-2014, DA merger, Interim relief, inclusion of GDS, statutory pension to those employed after 01-01-2004, minimum wage as per 15th ILC formula, settlement of anomalies and cashless, hassle free medical facilities. Now the ball is in the court of Government. In case the Government deliberately delay the appointment of CPC or reject the terms of reference submitted by the staff side, confrontation shall become inevitable.
Postal employees have put up stiffest resistance to the Government’s policy, to privatise the Postal sesrvices by amending Indian Postoffice Act 1898 for granting licence to private couriers, to close down 9797 departmental post offices, to merge about 300 RMS sorting offices and also to continue the ban on recruitment. Postal department is the only department where mass-scale recruitment and promotion through departmental examinations has taken place. The united struggle under the banner of JCA has prevented the Government to a great extent from implementing the neo-liberal policies in the Postal Sector.
Regarding 7th CPC, Postal employees have every right to get a better deal from Pay Commission and Government. The pay scales of each category of Postal and RMS employees including Gramin Dak Sevaks should be upgraded taking into consideration the fact that the cadre of PA, SA, Postmen, Mail guard, MTS exchanging mails and clearing letter boxes, Gramin Dak Sevaks are all unique to the Postal Department. Further IT modernisation project will be rolled out in full swing in 2014 and the skill of the postal employees including GDS in dealing with high technology will be further enhanced. Due to non-creation of additional posts in commensurate with the increase in workload due to introduction of new schemes and procedures and also due to abnormal delay in filling up of vacant posts, the workload of the Postal and RMS employees have increased manifold and this factor of extra-productivity should be taken into account while deciding the pay scales of postal and RMS employees including GDS.
Three lakhs Gramin Dak Sevaks and Casual, Part-time, Contingent employees are the worst sufferers of the Postal department. NFPE & FNPO has already decided to go for indefinite strike, if the Government rejects our demand for inclusion of GDS in the ambit of 7th CPC and revision of wages and regularisation of casual labourers.
NFPE & AIPEU-GDS (NFPE) had filed a writ petition in the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India praying for implementation of the 1977 Supreme Court judgement declaring GDS as civil servants and grant of all benefits of departmental employees to GDS. The Hon’ble Supreme Court has ordered the Delhi High Court to consider and decide the case and the writ petition is accordingly transferred to Delhi High Court. Thus the final legal battle for departmentalisation of GDS has begun and 2014 will be a turning point in the history of GDS
.
In short, 2014 is going to be an year of struggle and advancement of the working class of India and also the Central Government employees including Postal, RMS & GDS employees. Let us welcome the new year with a pledge to continue our fight for a better tomorrow.
Friday, December 27, 2013
Friday 27 December 2013
Revised Delivery Norms for Speed Post
D.G. Posts No. 13-45/2008-D dated 10/11/.12.2013
D.G. Posts No. 13-45/2008-D dated 10/11/.12.2013
The
norms for delivery of Speed Post articles have in the past been revised
from time to time and are also contained in the Citizen’s Charter of
the Department. The existing delivery norms for Speed Post are follows:
(a) Local (within municipal limits) : 2 days
(b)
Between one to another metro city (included the six metro cities i.e.
Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad) and limited to
Municipal limits of these cities: 2 days
(c) Rest of the country: 4 to 6 days.
2.
The norms mentioned above are further qualified by stating that they
exclude the day of posting, Sundays and Holidays that they denote
maximum time and apply only to the articles booked before the cut-off
time.
3.
The matter relating to revision of the existing norms for delivery of
Speed Post articles was under consideration of this Directorate, and the
following has been decided in this regard:
(a)
New delivery (transit) norms have been worked out on a city-to-city
basis for 87 cities where Speed Post Sorting Hubs are located
(excluding 1 CBPO & 2 CBPO). The new delivery norms are
being circulated to all concerned by e-mail along with this O.M. The
same may be downloaded.
(b) The new norms for a pair of cities have been prescribed in terms of a range. For example,
the delivery norms between Mumbai and Pune is “1 to 2 days, i.e. D+1 to D+2 where “D” is the day of booking.
(c) The new norms would be restricted to the municipal limits of a city (covering only TD PIN codes) under reference.
4. The new delivery norms for Speed Post would be subject to the conditions that:
* They are limited to 87 cities, and municipal limit within these cities,
*
They do not apply to the articles booked after the cut-off time on a
day(normally) taken as 3 or 4 pm for booking counters at post offices or
as decided by the Circle concerned) and an extra day may be added
in such cases,
* The delivery norms do not include Sundays and holidays,
* Delay occurring due to curfew, bandh or strike in a particular city mayadversely affect delivery norms,
*
Delay occurring due to cancellation of flights/trains/buses/other means
of transport for carriage of mail or off-load / non-carriage of mail
by the carriers due to any reason is beyond the control of the
Department, and therefore, the same may adversely affect delivery norms.
*
Beyond the cities mentioned under the delivery norms document, extra
days may be required which would vary from place to place..
5.
Circles may give wide publicity to the new norms among the public and
display the norms in the shape of a matrix of prominent/frequently-used
destinations at the post office as display of entire matrix perhaps may
not be possible.
6.
The new delivery norms would also be placed on India Post website in a
user-friendly format so that a user could easily find delivery/transit
norms between a pair of cities. In the interim, a PDF version of the
document is being uploaded on the Departmental website.
7.
This O.M. supercedes all previous instructions on Speed Post Delivery
Norms issued by this Directorate/Business Development Directorate.
Number of Posts Sanctioned, Filled and Vacant of Regular Civilian Employees in Central Government
The Ministries/Departments are required to fill the vacancies as per Recruitment Rules and extant guidelines. This Department issues instructions from time to time to all Ministries/Departments to fill up the vacant posts on timely basis. The data in this regard is not centrally maintained.
THE BELOW DETAIL WAS SUBMITTED IN A WRITTEN REPLY IN THE PARLIAMENT BY THE MINISTER OF DOPT SHRI V.NARAYANASAMY ON 12TH DECEMBER 2013 TO A QUESTION REGARDING THE NUMBER OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES IS CONSTANTLY DECREASING DUE TO NON-FILLING UP OF VACANCIES FOR THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS...
The
Minister said that the details of the number of posts sanctioned,
filled and vacant of Regular Civilian Employees in Central Government
& Union Territory Administrations as per the ‘Brochure on Pay and
Allowances of Central Government Civilian Employees for 2009-2010,
2010-2011 and 2011-12 brought out by the Ministry of Finance (Department
of Expenditure), as on 1st March of the relevant year are as under:
| As on | Number of sanctioned posts | Number of incumbents in position | Number of vacant posts |
| 1.3.2010 | 3602295 | 3068359 | 533936 |
| 1.3.2011 | 3663529 | 3081938 | 581591 |
| 1.3.2012 | 3684543 | 3084530 | 600013 |
The Ministries/Departments are required to fill the vacancies as per Recruitment Rules and extant guidelines. This Department issues instructions from time to time to all Ministries/Departments to fill up the vacant posts on timely basis. The data in this regard is not centrally maintained.
Monday, December 23, 2013
Eye tests in CGHS empanelled hospitals labs
Eye tests in CGHS empanelled hospitals labsWhile answering to a question about the issue of visiting Eye Specilists in CGHS dispensaries in the Rajya Sabha on 17th December 2013 by the Minister of Health and Family Welfare Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad as follows…
The Eye specialists refer CGHS beneficiary patients for eye tests to CGHS empanelled private hospitals / eye clinics for getting the prescribed tests done. The beneficiary is at liberty to go to any empanelled centre of his choice for getting the prescribed tests done without any prior permission from Department / CGHS Wellness Centre provided the tests are as per CGHS approved list and for which a CGHS approved rate is available. The list of empanelled hospitals / eye clinics are available at the CGHS website http://msotransparent.nic.in .
Eye Specialist do advise for Fundus Photo Tests. However, since these particular tests are not included in the existing approved list of CGHS, pensioners are required to obtain prior permission from the Competent Authority as per the financial powers to undergo these tests at empanelled private hospital / eye clinic. They are also entitled facility at the empanelled centres on the basis of permission letter issued by CMO- In charge of CGHS Wellness Centre.
Fundus Photo tests have been included in revised list of CGHS treatment procedures prepared for the next empanelment process.
Source: http://90paisa.blogspot.in/2013/12/eye-tests-in-cghs-empanelled-hospitals.html
Confederation sought merger of 100 percent DA with effect from Jan 2014Confederation sought merger of 100 percent DA with effect from Jan 2014
A workshop organised by the
Confederation of Central Government Gazetted Officers’ Organisations,
Tamil Nadu region, has finalised the common minimum demands to be placed
before the 7 Central Pay Commission, including a just and equitable pay
at the entry level of Group ‘B’ officers.
It was also agreed upon at the workshop
here on Saturday to demand a joint consultative machinery to redress
their grievances and a minimum of five promotions during their tenure —
from entry to Group ‘B’ level either by promotion or direct recruitment.
The workshop for the constituents of the
Confederation sought merger of 50 per cent dearness allowance for all
purposes with effect from January 1, 2011 or 100 per cent DA with effect
from January 1, 2014 for the serving officers. Other demands included
free and hassle-free medical facilities to Group ‘B’ officers and
adequate travel entitlements.
Monday 23 December 2013
NEW DELHI, December 19, 2013
The central government is likely
to constitute the 7th Pay Commission for revising the salaries of its
over 50 lakh employees before the start of process of next general
elections due in May, 2014.
“The Finance Ministry is working
out a Cabinet proposal for constitution of the 7th Pay Commission which
could be taken up for consideration in the next couple of weeks,” a
source said.
According to information
available, the government’s intention to constitute 7th Pay Commission
before going for polls is clear as it has made provision of Rs. 3.5
crore in the second supplementary demands for grants in this regard
which was approved by Parliament in the just concluded Winter Session.
Earlier in September this year,
Finance Minister P. Chidambaram had announced that Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh has approved setting up of the 7th Pay Commission.
According to the announcement, the
Commission will be mandated to submit its report in two years time and
its recommendations would be implemented from January 1, 2016.
However, after that announcement, no formal proposal was put up before the Union Cabinet for constitution of the Commission.
As per the practice, the
Commission is headed by a former Supreme Court Judge and its other
members would include experts and officials.
Meanwhile, the government is also
believed to have approved fixing minimum pension of Rs 1,000 per month
under the Employees’ Pension Scheme 1995 (EPS-95) run by retirement fund
body Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).
The government is also understood
to have cleared maximum basic wage ceiling of Rs. 15,000 per month for
deduction of Provident Fund from existing Rs. 6,500 per month for
private sector workers, in general, covered under schemes run by EPFO.
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Friday, December 20, 2013
Thursday, December 19, 2013
MACP-An Unsettled Issue Of Sixth Pay Commission Recommendation.
MACP is said to be the abbreviation of Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme, but many central government employees feel that it is Meaningless Assured Career Progression Scheme. The main objective of introducing ACP scheme was to grant financial benefits for the govt servants, those who are not getting promotions due to lack of promotional avenues. Before the introduction of ACP scheme in 1999, many central government employees retired from service without getting even single promotion in some departments. The worst part of this story is, apart from not getting promotion, they were not even been granted annual increment for many years until their retirement, as they reached the maximum of their Pay Scale. Working without any promotion and increment until the retirement is pathetic. It was the prevailing situation till the date of introducing ACP scheme.Financial up gradation under ACP Scheme
Upon introduction of ACP scheme, central government employees were granted two financial up gradation on the completion of 12 years and 24 years of regular service respectively in the same post. According to the ACP Scheme, the central government employees were to be granted next higher pay scale of their Promotional Hierarchy as financial up gradation under ACP Scheme. So the pay equalant to the promotional post had been ensured under ACP scheme for the government servants after completion of 12 and 24 years of regular service if they were not granted regular promotion. Many central government employees were benefited by this scheme where there were no promotional avenues available for them.
Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme (MACPS)
The Sixth CPC recommendation on ACP scheme and government’s decision gave all the central government employees surprise and shock both. The Sixth Central Pay Commission in Para 6.1.15of its report, has recommended Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme (MACPS). As per the recommendations, financial up gradation would be available in the next higher grade pay whenever an employee has completed 12 years continuous service in the same grade. However, not more than two financial upgradations shall be given in the entire career, as was provided in the previous ACP Scheme. The Scheme will also be available to all posts belonging to Group “A” whether isolated or not. However, organised Group “A” services will not be covered under the Scheme
The Government has considered the recommendations of the Sixth Central Pay Commission for introduction of a MACPS and has accepted the same with further modification to grant three financial upgradations under the MACPS at intervals of 10, 20 and 30 years of continuous regular service. The surprise was that, government’s consideration for modifying the ACP scheme to grant three financial up gradation for central government employees on completion of 10,20 and 30 years of regular service. But its decision to grant immediate next higher Grade Pay in the hierarchy of Grade Pay instead of Promotional Hierarchy is the shock for everyone.
The MACP Scheme envisages merely placement in the immediate next higher Grade Pay in the hierarchy of the recommended revised Pay Bands and Grade Pay. For example, if a govt servant appointed as LDC in the grade pay of Rs.1900/-, he will be granted Rs.2000/- Grade Pay as first MACP after completing 10 years of regular service though this Grade Pay is not in the promotional hierarchy of the individual concerned. Whereas the first financial up gradation to be granted under ACP Scheme will be Rs. 2400/- Grade Pay on completion of 12 years of regular service as ACP was granted on the basis of promotional hierarchy. As a result of this the Modified ACP Scheme has not served the purpose that it was supposed to. So the Modified Assured Career progression Scheme needs to be modified again. The financial up gradation has to be granted on the basis of Promotional Hierarchy of posts instead of hierarchy of Grade Pay.
The decision of Joint Committee of MACP Scheme
The Staff Side of National Anomaly committee also reiterated their demand in the last meeting of the Joint Committee of MACP Scheme held on 15.03.2011 under the Chairpersonship of the Joint Secretary (Estt), DOPT that the financial up-gradations under the MACP Scheme should be granted in the promotional hierarchy of posts instead of the Grade Pay hierarchy. The Staff Side stated that the erstwhile ACP Scheme was implemented on the recommendations of the 5th CPC and, as such, has become a part of the service conditions of the employees. The Staff Side, therefore, contended that the Government cannot impose the MACP Scheme thereby altering the service conditions to the detriment of the employees.
In this regard the Judgment of Hon’ble Central Administrative Tribunal, Chandigarh has been upheld by the Honble High Court of Punjab and Haryana at Chandigarh. In a separate case filed in CAT, Principle Bench, New Delhi, to grant next promotional Grade Pay under MACP Scheme, the Honble CAT gave its Judgment in favour of applicants based on the judgments of above cases. The appeal against the judgment of Honble High Court of Punjab and Haryana has been dismissed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court.
Almost all the Federations have demanded the Central Government to issue necessary instructions for granting financial up gradation under MACP scheme on Promotional hierarchy as per the Court Order. So it is high time for the government to come forward to issue the necessary order to grant financial up gradation under MACP scheme in Promotional hierarchy to make this scheme serve its purpose and avoid confusion.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Tuesday 17 December 2013
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF POSTAL EMPLOYEES
ALL INDIA POSTAL EMPLOYEES UNION GDS (NFPE)
FLASH! FLASH!! FLASH!!!
FIRST MILESTONE ON legal fight for GDS DEPARTMENTALISATION
Hon’ble Supreme Court of India has ordered the Delhi High Court to decide the prayer of NFPE & AIPEU-GDS (NFPE) in writ petition No. 1003 of 2013 to treat the three lakhs Gramin Dak Sevaks as civil servants for all purposes at par with other regular employees as per 1977 SC Judgment & to quash the GDS (Conduct & Engagement) Rules 2011.
This is a TURNING POINT IN THE HISTORY OF GDS
NFPE & AIPEU-GDS (NFPE) DID IT
FINAL LEGAL BATTLE HAS BEGUN
We shall fight for GDS both legally and organizationally
Join AIPEU-GDS (NFPE) and strengthen further the fight for the cause of GDS. Nobody can break the unity among NFPE & GDS. Isolate and expose those renegades who betrayed GDS and joined anti-NFPE camp and tried to break the unity between GDS & NFPE. Participation of more than 10000 GDS in the GDS (NFPE) Parliament March proved that we are already recognised by the GDS Employees all over India.
Donate Liberally to NFPE Legal Expense Fund
The National Federation of Postal Employees and the All India Postal Employees Union (Gramin Dak Sevaks) had approached Hon'ble Supreme Court of India by way of filing Writ Petition (C) No.1003 of 2013. There were two basic prayers apart from the consequential prayers in the Writ Petition. These prayers are:-
“(i) that a direction be issued to the Respondent to treat the Gramin Dak Sevaks as Civil Servants for all purposes at par with the other regular members of the civil services and regular employees in relation to all service matters including the pension and all retiral benefits, and
(ii) the Department of Posts, Gramin Dak Sevaks (Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 2011 be declared invalid and unconstitutional.”
The matter was heard at some length on 13.12.2013 in Court No.2 as Item No.8 before a Bench comprising of Hon'ble Mr. Justice R.M. Lodha & Hon'ble Mr. Justice Shiva Kirti Singh. The Federation and the Union were represented before the Hon'ble Supreme Court by Shri M.R. Calla, Senior Advocate [Former Judge of Rajasthan High Court & Gujarat High Court] along with Shri Uday Gupta, Advocate. Their Lordships were of the view that the issues raised in the Writ Petition are of importance and keeping in mind the fact that about 3 lakhs persons are serving as Extra Departmental Agents (Gramin Dak Sevaks) and are posted at various places in the Country, the issues raised can be considered by Hon'ble Delhi High Court and this would also avoid multiplicity of legal proceedings.
Hon'ble Supreme Court vide its Order dated 13.12.2013 directed as under :-
(i) That Writ Petition (C) No.1003/2013 be transferred to Hon'ble Delhi High Court for consideration;
(ii) That Registry of Hon'ble Supreme Court to transmit the entire record and proceedings to Hon'ble Delhi High Court;
(iii) That Registry of Hon'ble Delhi High Court to register the Writ Petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India and proceed with the matter.
See Order below:
ITEM NO.8 COURT NO.2 SECTION X
S U P R E M E C O U R T O F I N D I A
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) NO(s). 1003 OF 2013
NATIONAL FED. OF POSTAL EMP. & ANR Petitioner(s)
VERSUS
UNION OF INDIA Respondent(s)
(With office report )
[FOR PREL. HEARING]
Date: 13/12/2013 This Petition was called on for hearing today.
CORAM :
HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE R.M. LODHA
HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SHIVA KIRTI SINGH
For Petitioner(s) Mr. M.R. Calla, Sr. Adv.
Mr. Uday Gupta, Adv.
Ms. Shivani M. Lal, Adv.
Mr. M.K. Tripathi, Adv.
Ms. Pratiksha Sharma, Adv.
Mr. Ankit Achariya, Adv.
Mr. Mohan Pandey,Adv.
For Respondent(s)
UPON hearing counsel the Court made the following
O R D E R
Writ Petition is disposed of in terms of the signed order.
(Rajesh Dham) (Sneh Lata Sharma)
Court Master Court Master
(signed order is placed on the file)
IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA
CIVIL ORIGINAL JURISDICTION
WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) NO. 1003 OF 2013
NATIONAL FED. OF POSTAL EMP. & ANR. Petitioner(s)
VERSUS
UNION OF INDIA Respondent(s)
O R D E R
This is a Writ Petition filed under Article 32 of the Constitution of India by the National Federation of Postal Employees and All India Postal Employees Union GDS (NEPE). The principal prayers in the Writ Petition are, (one) that a direction be issued to the respondent to treat the Gramin Dak Sevaks as Civil Servants for all purposes at par with the other regular members of the civil services and regular employees in relation to all service matters including the pension and all retiral benefits, and (two) the Department of Posts, Gramin Dak Sevaks (Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 2011 be declared invalid and unconstitutional.
2. Having regard to the controversy raised in the matter, we are satisfied that the grievance of the petitioners can be adequately considered by the High Court under Article 226 of the Constitution of India.
3. Since about three lakh persons serving as Extra Departmental Agents (Dak Sevaks) are concerned about the subject matter and they are spread all over the country, we are satisfied that to avoid multiplicity of proceedings in different High Courts, it would be appropriate that the matter is considered by one High Court.
4. We, accordingly, transfer this Writ Petition to the Delhi High Court for consideration.
5. The Registry shall transmit the record and proceedings of the Writ Petition to the Delhi High Court.
6. Upon receipt of the record and proceedings of the Writ Petition, the Registry of the Delhi High Court shall register the Writ Petition and proceed with the matter accordingly.
7. So far as this Court is concerned, Writ Petition stands disposed of.
......................J.
( R.M. LODHA )
......................J.
( SHIVA KIRTI SINGH )
NEW DELHI;
DECEMBER 13, 2013
Donate Liberally to NFPE Legal Expense Fund
To
1) All General/Circle/Divisional Secretaries of NFPE affiliated unions
2) All Members & Well wishers of NFPE
Dear Comrades,
As you are aware for filing a writ petition in the Hon’ble Supreme Court and also to conduct the case in the Delhi High Court, a huge amount is required. NFPE’s financial position is not sound. We request all the General/Circle/Divisional Secretaries of NFPE & AIPEU GDS (NFPE) and also rank and file members and well-wishers to donate liberally towards Court Case Expenses Fund. The amount may be remitted to the following address.
SECRETARY GENERAL/FINANCE SECRETARY
National Federation of Postal Employees (NFPE)
1st Floor, North Avenue Post office Building
NEW DELHI – 110001
Donation of Rs. 500/- and above will be published in the “Postal Crusader” with Name/Division/Circle
With fraternal greetings,
(M. Krishnan) (P. Pandurangarao)
Secretary General General Secretary
NFPE AIPEU-GDS (NFPE)
Mob: 09447068125 Mob: 09849466595
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