Monday, July 11, 2011
TAMILNADU GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE'S NEW HEALTH INSURENCE SCHEEM
Government of Tamilnadu entrusted their responsibility of assuring health care to all their employees family numbering in whopping 13lacs. This scheme envisages medical assistance for Major surgeries/critical illnesses to the employees and their family members up to 2 lacs for a block of four years on floater basis.
Period of Insurance:
The Period of Insurance would be for four years from 11-06-2008 to 10-06-2012 or up to the Date of Retirement of the Employee which ever occurs earlier.
Sum Insured:
The Sum Insured is Rs.2,00,000/- [Rs.Two lakhs] for a entire period of Four Years for the entire family on floater basis. This scheme covers the employees of
Tamilnadu Government
State Public Sector Undertakings
Local bodies
State Government Universites
All Statutory Boards under TN govt.
As per the Policy:
Family includes the Employee, and the members of his or her family who are eligible for assistance under the Scheme as detailed below:
(i) legal spouse of the Employee;
(ii) Children of the Employee - till they get employed or married or attain the age of 25 years whichever is earlier and dependent on the Employee;
(iii) the parents of the Employee, in the case of unmarried employee until the Employee gets married;
Period of Insurance:
The Period of Insurance would be for four years from 11-06-2008 to 10-06-2012 or up to the Date of Retirement of the Employee which ever occurs earlier.
Sum Insured:
The Sum Insured is Rs.2,00,000/- [Rs.Two lakhs] for a entire period of Four Years for the entire family on floater basis. This scheme covers the employees of
Tamilnadu Government
State Public Sector Undertakings
Local bodies
State Government Universites
All Statutory Boards under TN govt.
As per the Policy:
Family includes the Employee, and the members of his or her family who are eligible for assistance under the Scheme as detailed below:
(i) legal spouse of the Employee;
(ii) Children of the Employee - till they get employed or married or attain the age of 25 years whichever is earlier and dependent on the Employee;
(iii) the parents of the Employee, in the case of unmarried employee until the Employee gets married;
Distribution and collection of phone bills of BSNL through line staff
BHARAT SANCHAR NIGAM LIMITED
(A Government of India Enterprise)
Corporate Office (Revenue Management Branch - CFA)
2nd floor, Room No. 216, Eastern Court, Janpath,
NEW DELHI-110 001
To
All Heads of Telecom Circles/
Metro Telephone Districts Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited.
No.2-4/2006-BSNL/TR/Pt. dated: 24-06-2011.
Subject: Distribution and collection of phone bills of BSNL through line staff.
Kind reference is invited to this office letter of even No. dated 12-09-2008 through which the approval of Competent Authority was conveyed for allowing line staff to collect and distribute phone bills of BSNL on the incentive rate of Rs.2/- (Two) per bill for delivery and Rs.3/- (Three) per bill for collection, on certain terms and conditions as indicated therein.
The instructions contained in the letter mentioned above are hereby re-iterated for wide circulation in all the SSAs of your Circle, so that the benefit of the scheme is availed off by maximum members of the line staff.
Moreover, it has been desired to have monthly reports on achievement made through the scheme from all Circles (SSA wise), for the ensuing three months i.e., July, August and September 2011. It is requested to ensure that the reports for these three months are sent to this office positively by 15th on the month following the month of report in the format given below.
(A Government of India Enterprise)
Corporate Office (Revenue Management Branch - CFA)
2nd floor, Room No. 216, Eastern Court, Janpath,
NEW DELHI-110 001
To
All Heads of Telecom Circles/
Metro Telephone Districts Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited.
No.2-4/2006-BSNL/TR/Pt. dated: 24-06-2011.
Subject: Distribution and collection of phone bills of BSNL through line staff.
Kind reference is invited to this office letter of even No. dated 12-09-2008 through which the approval of Competent Authority was conveyed for allowing line staff to collect and distribute phone bills of BSNL on the incentive rate of Rs.2/- (Two) per bill for delivery and Rs.3/- (Three) per bill for collection, on certain terms and conditions as indicated therein.
The instructions contained in the letter mentioned above are hereby re-iterated for wide circulation in all the SSAs of your Circle, so that the benefit of the scheme is availed off by maximum members of the line staff.
Moreover, it has been desired to have monthly reports on achievement made through the scheme from all Circles (SSA wise), for the ensuing three months i.e., July, August and September 2011. It is requested to ensure that the reports for these three months are sent to this office positively by 15th on the month following the month of report in the format given below.
Retirement age across the world - ILC Report
Retirement age across the world - ILC Report
Policy Reforms in Ageing Health and Innovation in OECD Countries
NON-HEALTH RELATED
Pension Reform
One very common policy response to increased longevity is pension reform to ensure the future sustainability of pension systems while ensuring that older people receive adequate retirement income (OECD, 2009). The most common measures taken are raising the state pension age, scrapping or limiting the possibility of early retirement and encouraging personal (individual/employer) pension provision (OECD, 2009; OECD, 2006).
Almost all OECD countries have made changes to state pension age; those with a state pension age below 65 are in the process of raising it such as Japan, Korea and the Czech Republic, whereas countries such as the UK, Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands that already have a state pension age of 65 are increasing it (OECD, 2009; Guardian, 2010). However, it is important to note that most while the state pension age guides retirement, many people retire before reaching it, while others choose to continue working (Berry, 2010). Many countries including Portugal, Turkey, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Sweden have cut future benefits, although many have targeted cuts so that poorer people are not adversely affected (OECD, 2007). A number of OECD countries, such as France, Hungary, Poland, Portugal and Germany have made personal pension provision more attractive through favourable tax treatment, while other countries such as New Zealand and the UK have introduced or are introducing opt-out personal pension schemes for people without access to employer based schemes (OECD, 2009).
When it comes to incentivising early or later retirement, there are differences (OECD, 2009). Countries can however take different options; for example Germany retains state funded early retirement which acts as an incentive, whereas the UK abolished it a long time ago and incentivises people to retire later by improving pension entitlements for those who defer their state pension (Muller-Camen et al, 2011).
While some OECD countries such as the USA do not have a default retirement age, many do. Until recently, the UK had a default retirement age of 65, which meant that an employee could be forced to retire at 65 even if they did not want to (BIS, 2011) The scrapping of the default retirement age was warmly welcomed by older people’s organisations and trade unions and cautiously welcomed by employers; retirement will now become the subject of negotiation between employee and employer (BBC News, 2010a).
Policy Reforms in Ageing Health and Innovation in OECD Countries
NON-HEALTH RELATED
Pension Reform
One very common policy response to increased longevity is pension reform to ensure the future sustainability of pension systems while ensuring that older people receive adequate retirement income (OECD, 2009). The most common measures taken are raising the state pension age, scrapping or limiting the possibility of early retirement and encouraging personal (individual/employer) pension provision (OECD, 2009; OECD, 2006).
Almost all OECD countries have made changes to state pension age; those with a state pension age below 65 are in the process of raising it such as Japan, Korea and the Czech Republic, whereas countries such as the UK, Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands that already have a state pension age of 65 are increasing it (OECD, 2009; Guardian, 2010). However, it is important to note that most while the state pension age guides retirement, many people retire before reaching it, while others choose to continue working (Berry, 2010). Many countries including Portugal, Turkey, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Sweden have cut future benefits, although many have targeted cuts so that poorer people are not adversely affected (OECD, 2007). A number of OECD countries, such as France, Hungary, Poland, Portugal and Germany have made personal pension provision more attractive through favourable tax treatment, while other countries such as New Zealand and the UK have introduced or are introducing opt-out personal pension schemes for people without access to employer based schemes (OECD, 2009).
When it comes to incentivising early or later retirement, there are differences (OECD, 2009). Countries can however take different options; for example Germany retains state funded early retirement which acts as an incentive, whereas the UK abolished it a long time ago and incentivises people to retire later by improving pension entitlements for those who defer their state pension (Muller-Camen et al, 2011).
While some OECD countries such as the USA do not have a default retirement age, many do. Until recently, the UK had a default retirement age of 65, which meant that an employee could be forced to retire at 65 even if they did not want to (BIS, 2011) The scrapping of the default retirement age was warmly welcomed by older people’s organisations and trade unions and cautiously welcomed by employers; retirement will now become the subject of negotiation between employee and employer (BBC News, 2010a).
India Post to lose its monopoly; govt. forces courier cos to charge double rates
NEW DELHI: A planned overhaul of a 113-year-old postal law proposes to end government monopoly completely in the next decade and a half, but, ironically, sets the clock back for courier companies, which are governed by a different policy at present. The draft Post Office Bill 2011 aims to open the letter mail segment to the private sector in 15 years by withdrawing all exclusive rights to India Post and removing all pricing curbs on private courier companies. The Department of Posts has sent the draft bill for cabinet approval to replace the archaic Indian Post Office Act 1898. The amendment will also provide greater legitimacy to the courier industry.
"Considering the role of couriers in the present economy, opening up the letter mail sector to them will not only accord legitimacy to the private operators but also would be recognition of market reality ," said an official in the department privy to the cabinet note. Courier companies are not celebrating , though. They say the transition regime proposed is too harsh and could end up killing the over Rs 7,000-crore domestic industry that engages nearly one million workers and pays Rs 1,200 crore in service tax.
In the run-up to the complete deregulation , the draft bill has proposed to open the express mail segment (EMS) with a "reserve area" of 50 gm for all articles at a price multiple of twice the government EMS rate. That is, a courier firm will have to charge at least Rs 50 for a package weighing up to 50 g, which is twice the Rs 25 charged by India Post for its Speed Post service for a similar package. At present, couriers are allowed in the EMS segment without any restriction or price, making the market fiercely competitive. The reserve area regulation will give India Post time to prepare for a more competitive regime.
"The proposal to have a reserve area for EMS is unfair and will lead to anti-competitive behavior by the postal department," said Vijay Kumar, chief operating officer, Express Industry Council of India . It could lead to the extinction of the courier industry, he said. Introduced in 1986, Speed Post is the only EMS service provided by India Post. The department has strongly defended the proposal to impose a reserve area by citing international examples. Globally, postal deregulation has been in phases and exclusive rights for state-run postal business still exist in many countries. In India, the courier industry has run ahead of the postal laws because it was allowed under the foreign direct investment regime, which allows 100% overseas investment in the business. International courier companies, such as DHL , TNT, FedEx and UPS , secured FIPB approval under the 100% FDI route.
The bill will now recognize them under the postal law, but the proposed transition turns the clock back somewhat by imposing restrictions that did not exist earlier. "Over 60% of the business for small- and medium-sized courier business in India is dependent on document delivery, which is typically within the 50 gm weight segment ," said RK Saboo, deputy managing director, First Fight Couriers. The proposal was retrogade and would force small courier firms to close down, he said.The private industry is also not enthused by the entry in the normal mail business, or letter mail segment , where the draft bill has fixed a reserve area of Rs 150 gm for all registered couriers at a price multiple of Rs 2 times the postage of letter mail. The industry says India Post service is highly subsidized , which industry says will make it difficult for it to compete. The bill, which is likely to be introduced in the forthcoming monsoon session of Parliament, has also proposed to simplify registration and licensing of couriers without charging any fees. Most large domestic courier companies in the country like DTDC, First Flight and Skypak are all registered with the Registrar of Companies.
"Considering the role of couriers in the present economy, opening up the letter mail sector to them will not only accord legitimacy to the private operators but also would be recognition of market reality ," said an official in the department privy to the cabinet note. Courier companies are not celebrating , though. They say the transition regime proposed is too harsh and could end up killing the over Rs 7,000-crore domestic industry that engages nearly one million workers and pays Rs 1,200 crore in service tax.
In the run-up to the complete deregulation , the draft bill has proposed to open the express mail segment (EMS) with a "reserve area" of 50 gm for all articles at a price multiple of twice the government EMS rate. That is, a courier firm will have to charge at least Rs 50 for a package weighing up to 50 g, which is twice the Rs 25 charged by India Post for its Speed Post service for a similar package. At present, couriers are allowed in the EMS segment without any restriction or price, making the market fiercely competitive. The reserve area regulation will give India Post time to prepare for a more competitive regime.
"The proposal to have a reserve area for EMS is unfair and will lead to anti-competitive behavior by the postal department," said Vijay Kumar, chief operating officer, Express Industry Council of India . It could lead to the extinction of the courier industry, he said. Introduced in 1986, Speed Post is the only EMS service provided by India Post. The department has strongly defended the proposal to impose a reserve area by citing international examples. Globally, postal deregulation has been in phases and exclusive rights for state-run postal business still exist in many countries. In India, the courier industry has run ahead of the postal laws because it was allowed under the foreign direct investment regime, which allows 100% overseas investment in the business. International courier companies, such as DHL , TNT, FedEx and UPS , secured FIPB approval under the 100% FDI route.
The bill will now recognize them under the postal law, but the proposed transition turns the clock back somewhat by imposing restrictions that did not exist earlier. "Over 60% of the business for small- and medium-sized courier business in India is dependent on document delivery, which is typically within the 50 gm weight segment ," said RK Saboo, deputy managing director, First Fight Couriers. The proposal was retrogade and would force small courier firms to close down, he said.The private industry is also not enthused by the entry in the normal mail business, or letter mail segment , where the draft bill has fixed a reserve area of Rs 150 gm for all registered couriers at a price multiple of Rs 2 times the postage of letter mail. The industry says India Post service is highly subsidized , which industry says will make it difficult for it to compete. The bill, which is likely to be introduced in the forthcoming monsoon session of Parliament, has also proposed to simplify registration and licensing of couriers without charging any fees. Most large domestic courier companies in the country like DTDC, First Flight and Skypak are all registered with the Registrar of Companies.
Post Office Savings Accounts to be taxed from current fiscal
The government has decided to levy tax on the interest obtained on Post Office savings schemes from the current financial year.
The Central Board of Direct Taxes ( CBDT )) has brought out a notification in this regard recently, which stipulates that any interest earned beyond Rs 3,500 (in case of individual accounts) and Rs 7,000 (in case of joint accounts) will be taxable from the running fiscal.
The CBDT-- which is the administrative authority of the Income Tax Department-- has issued the notification to all the tax collection ranges across the country for implementation.
Taxpayers will have to reflect this investment on their income tax returns.
"Taxpayers who now invest in the post office saving accounts schemes will now have to show the interest earned on this scheme while filing their income tax returns. Interest upto Rs 3,500, in case of single accounts and and Rs 7,000 in case of joint accounts, is exempted," a senior I-T official said.
The Assessing Officer (AO) will compute the tax on the interest earned, beyond the exemption limit, accordingly, he said.
The current interest rates for Post Office savings deposits is 3.5 per cent per annum.The minimum investment limit in this scheme is Rs 50 while the maximum limit is Rs one lakh for an individual account and Rs 2 lakh in case of a joint account.
The Central Board of Direct Taxes ( CBDT )) has brought out a notification in this regard recently, which stipulates that any interest earned beyond Rs 3,500 (in case of individual accounts) and Rs 7,000 (in case of joint accounts) will be taxable from the running fiscal.
The CBDT-- which is the administrative authority of the Income Tax Department-- has issued the notification to all the tax collection ranges across the country for implementation.
Taxpayers will have to reflect this investment on their income tax returns.
"Taxpayers who now invest in the post office saving accounts schemes will now have to show the interest earned on this scheme while filing their income tax returns. Interest upto Rs 3,500, in case of single accounts and and Rs 7,000 in case of joint accounts, is exempted," a senior I-T official said.
The Assessing Officer (AO) will compute the tax on the interest earned, beyond the exemption limit, accordingly, he said.
The current interest rates for Post Office savings deposits is 3.5 per cent per annum.The minimum investment limit in this scheme is Rs 50 while the maximum limit is Rs one lakh for an individual account and Rs 2 lakh in case of a joint account.
Friday, July 8, 2011
BPM SELECTIONS IN GUDUR DIVISION
The Following selections are made in the GDSBPM CADRE in Gudur Division
D.RAMANAMMA Selected as BPM Yakasiri B.O A/w Naidupeta Marks : 435
M.HEMANTH KUMAR BPM DG PATNAM A/w Mallam Marks : 437
G.MADHURI BPM U.V.PALEM A/w Chillakur Marks :443
CH.SANKARAIAH BPM RAMAPURAM A/w Tada Marks :379
NFPE CONGRATS ALL THE NE RECRUITEES
D.RAMANAMMA Selected as BPM Yakasiri B.O A/w Naidupeta Marks : 435
M.HEMANTH KUMAR BPM DG PATNAM A/w Mallam Marks : 437
G.MADHURI BPM U.V.PALEM A/w Chillakur Marks :443
CH.SANKARAIAH BPM RAMAPURAM A/w Tada Marks :379
NFPE CONGRATS ALL THE NE RECRUITEES
Banking, telecommunication, logistics, IT firms and business associations expressed a wish to join hands with India Post to market their products.
While public sector banking institutions talked about retailing of loan products, mutual funds and other novel age financial products, the logistics division sought to offer services to semi-urban and rustic regions for consumers.
Central administration ministries and state administrations hinted that post offices be utilized to deliver social security plans including the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.
Communications Minister Kapil Sibal stated that this will assist the department of posts to build up the future biz model and its incorporation with the technological structural design of the country.
India Post 2012 Project aims at altering department of posts into a technology permitted, independent market head.
While public sector banking institutions talked about retailing of loan products, mutual funds and other novel age financial products, the logistics division sought to offer services to semi-urban and rustic regions for consumers.
Central administration ministries and state administrations hinted that post offices be utilized to deliver social security plans including the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.
Communications Minister Kapil Sibal stated that this will assist the department of posts to build up the future biz model and its incorporation with the technological structural design of the country.
India Post 2012 Project aims at altering department of posts into a technology permitted, independent market head.
POST OFFICE SAVINGS ACCOUNTS TO BE TAXED FROM CURRENT FISCAL.
NEW DELHI: The government has decided to levy tax on the interest obtained on Post Office savings schemes from the current financial year.
The Central Board of Direct Taxes ( CBDT) has brought out a notification in this regard recently, which stipulates that any interest earned beyond Rs 3,500 (in case of individual accounts) and Rs 7,000 (in case of joint accounts) will be taxable from the running fiscal.
The CBDT-- which is the administrative authority of the Income Tax Department-- has issued the notification to all the tax collection ranges across the country for implementation.
Taxpayers will have to reflect this investment on their income tax returns.
"Taxpayers who now invest in the post office saving accounts schemes will now have to show the interest earned on this scheme while filing their income tax returns. Interest upto Rs 3,500, in case of single accounts and Rs 7,000 in case of joint accounts, is exempted," a senior I-T official said.
The Assessing Officer (AO) will compute the tax on the interest earned, beyond the exemption limit, accordingly, he said.
The current interest rates for Post Office savings deposits is 3.5 per cent per annum.
The minimum investment limit in this scheme is Rs 50 while the maximum limit is Rs one lakh for an individual account and Rs 2 lakh in case of a joint account.
The Central Board of Direct Taxes ( CBDT) has brought out a notification in this regard recently, which stipulates that any interest earned beyond Rs 3,500 (in case of individual accounts) and Rs 7,000 (in case of joint accounts) will be taxable from the running fiscal.
The CBDT-- which is the administrative authority of the Income Tax Department-- has issued the notification to all the tax collection ranges across the country for implementation.
Taxpayers will have to reflect this investment on their income tax returns.
"Taxpayers who now invest in the post office saving accounts schemes will now have to show the interest earned on this scheme while filing their income tax returns. Interest upto Rs 3,500, in case of single accounts and Rs 7,000 in case of joint accounts, is exempted," a senior I-T official said.
The Assessing Officer (AO) will compute the tax on the interest earned, beyond the exemption limit, accordingly, he said.
The current interest rates for Post Office savings deposits is 3.5 per cent per annum.
The minimum investment limit in this scheme is Rs 50 while the maximum limit is Rs one lakh for an individual account and Rs 2 lakh in case of a joint account.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Minutes the meetings.taken Secretaryof(P)/Memberby(operations)with PostalJoint Council of Action comprisingNationalFederationof Postal Employees(NFPE),Federation NationalPostalOrganizationsof(FNPO) (alongwith theiraffiliatedassociations), India Postal Extra DepartmentalAllEmployeesUnion( AI P E D E Ua n d N a ti o n aU n i o no f Gr am inDak Sevaks( NUGDS)on 27.06.2011,)l,2 9 . 0 6 . 2 0 1 1 ,0 .0 6 .2 01 a n d 0 1 .07.2011.3'1
The 25 pointCharterof Demandsservedby JCA was discussed the meetingsinheld underthe Chairpersonship Secretary the dates indicatedofonabove. Thegistof discussions as follows.is
ItemNo. 1
The mail arrangementmade in the wake of creationof Speed Post Hubs andwhich, as represented Staff Side, are causing delay as comparedto thebypositionprevailingbefore,will be reviewedby a CommitteeincludingSecretaryGeneralof both NFPE and FNPO. As regards,first class mail, the questionofforming L-l and L-2 will be reviewedalong with the Staff Side by forming aCommittee.Regardingclosure/merger Post Offices,ofthe Staff Side requestedthat wheneverthere is a closureof a PostOffice,thereshouldbe a simultaneousrelocation PO in the new emergingofareasetc. The view pointof the StaffSidewas agreedto. As regardschange of designation sorting Postman,it wasofagreedto issuea clarificatoryorderin consultation MailsDivision.with
I t e mN o . 2
On the issueof grantof civilservantstatusto GraminDak Sevaks,the StaffSidewas apprisedthat it was not withinthe competence the Department take aoftoview in the matter. As regards,scrapping new recruitmentofrulesfor PostmanCadre,relaxation normsfor cash handling,ofstoppingreduction TRCA in caseofreductionin work load, removalof ceiling in the matter of compassionateofappointment,adjustment part time casual labourersofand contingentworkersagainst Gramin Dak Sevaks' posts, it was agreed to have a re-look by theDepartment. the persistentOndemands StaffSide,the Chairpersonofagreedtosend a proposal the Ministry Finance enhancement ceilingof bonustotoofforof'3500in case of GraminDak Sevaks.
I t e mN o . 3
In regardto casuallabourersengagedpriorto 1993,it was agreedto settletheircasefor paymenton pro rata basiswithinone month.Post 01l}gl19g3caseswillalso be takenup with Ministry Finance for setflement.ofetc
ItemNo.4
inthat revision OSA rates is underconsiderationofThe StaffSide was apprisedwith IFW and is being pursuedclosely. As regardsOTA, the StaffconsultationofSide was of the view that though it may not be within the competence theshouldbe punishedon the groundDepartment revisethe OTA, but no officialtothe earlierinstructionsof non-pedormance OTA. lt was agreedto reiterateofissuedon the subject.
I t e mN o . 5
In the context of items agreed during the last meeting of the DepartmentalCouncilheld on 23.08.2010but on which follow up action was pending,thewere taken:followingdecisions
a) Order will be issued to grant officiatingpay with all benefits to the staffinofficiating HSG-lland HSG-lvacancies.b) Orderswill be issuedto increasethe numberof chancesto appearforLGOsexamination.c) Clarificatoryorder will be issued regardingeligibility appear in LGOtoe xa mi n a ti o n .d) Orderwill be issuedto the effectof dropping confirmationofexaminatione) In the matter of tenure postingof officialsin single and double handedoffices,the Staff Side requested withdrawthe conditionimposedvidetoletter No.8-412005-lNVdated 22.09.32005. The matter is underexamination consultation VigilanceinwithBranch.f) Regarding removal of restrictionin posting of SPM due to minorpenalties/CRentries,the issue is under examination consultationwithinVi g i l a n ce ra n ch .Bg) As regardsallowingphysicallyhandicappedofficials appearingin theforDepartmentalExamination lPOs,orderswill be issuedto this effect.likeh) The issue regardingtransferof HSG-I posts to General Line is beingaddressed.powerto grant leaveto staff by HSG-Ii) The issuesregardingadministrativePostmasters be finalized consultation StaffSide.willinwithj) The issue regardingcounting trainingperiodfor benefits promotiontheofu nd e rT B OP /B C Rs u n d e rexam ination.ik) The issues relating to grant of cycle allowance without linking withdistance is under examinationin consultationwith lFW. Meanwhile,d u ri n gth e d i scu ssi o n w i th CGM ( M B) on 11712011, ser viceunion' sstheproposed withdrawrepresentativesissue.toCycleAllowanceforl) Paymentof honorarium drawalof arrearsin respectto of pensionerswill be considered.m) In the matterof counting SpecialofAllowance pay fixationforcasesof POand RMS Accountants, was informedthat the issue is long pendingitbeforethe StandingCommitteeof NationalCouncilof JCM. The issue
which was subjudicebefore CAT ErnakulamBranch and High Court ofKarnataka,has since been disposed and will be lookedinto,in view ofofit.As regards non-drawalof HRA to officiatingSPMs working at officesquarter,instructionshaving attachedhave been reiterated Heads oftoC ircl e s.The protection pay of defunctscale of PO and RMS Accountantsofisunderexamination consultation lFW.inwithThe issue of anomalyin fixingof pay in respectof officialspromotedon1 .1 .1 9 9 6 n d sre fe rre d M inistr y Finance.statoofRegarding admissibilityof ConveyanceAllowance to PRI(P)/SystemAdministrators,clarificatoryordershavebeen issued.powersof LSG, HSG-Iland HSG-IThe issueof enhancement financialofPostmaster underexamination consultationisinwith lFW.The issue regardingfixing of norms\timefactors in case of Postal StoresDepots and Circle Store Depots will be taken on introductionoftechnology.Clarificatoryorders have been issued in the matter of grant of roadmileageallowanceto the staff entrustedwith the work of clearanceofc h e q u e s.The issue regardingenhancement honorarium engagingofficialsofforindepartmentalexaminations underexamination consultationisinwith lFW.Clarificatoryorders have already been issued for payment of fixedconveyanceallowance marketingtoexecutives.The issueof revision cash allowance the SPMs handlingoftocash in theabsence treasurer underexamination consultationofisinwith lFW.Grant of treasuryallowanceto all PAs irrespective their status of grantofof MACP is underexamination consultationinwith lFW.The issue of arbitraryand forcibleallotmentof Staff Quarterswill berelookedinto.
I t e mN o .6
The demandof Staff Side regardingcadre restructuringwas discussedand theChairpersonagreedto reconstitute Committeeaunderthe Chairmanship DDGof(P). The Committee formulate proposal 31.08.2011.willtheby
I t e mN o .7
In regard to decentralizationof Postal Accounts work, the Staff Side wasapprisedthat no decision has been taken in this regard as yet. However,Separateminuteswill be issuedin respectof PostalAccountsWing. As regardsPLI/RPLIissuesof CircleOfficestaff,separateminutes be issued.will
I t e mN o .8
has alreadyissuedguidelines fill up vacant Gramin Dak SevakstoDepartmentposts. Suitableinstructionshave also been issued in the matter of impartingnewlyrecruitedPA/SAs.trainingto
I t e mN o .9
The Chairpersonagreed to reconsiderthe eligibilityof officials opting forPostmastersCadreto appearin lPOs and Group"B" examinations. eligibilityTheof PO/RMS Accounts officialsfor opting for Postmastercadre will also bec o n s i d e re d .
I t e mN o . 1 0
The issue will be consideredas a part of cadre restructuring discussedasa g a i n s itte mN o .6
I t e mN o . 1 1
minutes be issued.willSeparate
I t e mN o . 1 2
The StaffSidewas apprisedthat in view of the policyof the Government Indiaofon the subject of refusal of grant of MACP benefit in the event of decliningpromotion, would not be possibleto meet this demand.As regardsfixing ofitnorms,the issue will be examinedkeepingin view the extant rules and dutiesnotified these staff.for
I t e mN o . 13
Staff Car Driversand Artisansbelongto a common categoryand have beenpay scalesapplicable them. The claim of the driversallowedthe prescribedtopay scale equal to PostalAssistantsforhas not been agreedto by the NationalAnomaly Committee. The claim of the Charge Hand for pay scale equal toMasterCraftsmanstandsalreadyrejected Ministry Financeas the cadre isbyofnot in existence.
I t e mN o . 1 4
The divisionalisationSBCOwill be lookedofinto.Regardingledgeragreementbeforecorebanking contributoryandnegligence,instructions alreadyhavebeenissued.
I t e mN o . 1 5
willminutes be issued.Separate
I t e mN o . 1 6
willminutes be issued.Separate
I t e mN o . 1 7
It was agreedto look intothe matter.
I t e mN o . 1 B
Appointment is to renderThe object of the Scheme for Compassionatewho dies in harnessservant,familyof a Governmenttoassistance theimmediateonor retireson invalidation medicalgroundsleavinghis/herfamily in financialforcan be providedonly to fill upto 5% of vacanciesSuch appointmentscrisis.grounds is made strictlyinonAppointment compassionatedirect recruitment.ofwith the guidelineslaid down by the Department Personnel&accordanceofwhich is the nodal Ministryin the matter.The Department Posts isTraining,Asappointments.while makingcompassionatealso followingthese guidelinesjudgement the SupremeCourtof Indiareferred202 respondents,per thehere,ofwere givencompassionateofcandidates TamilNaduCircle,who were wait-listedground.The Apex Court has also clearlyheldonly on humanitarianappointmentin the case that this judgementshould not be treated as precedentfor theofpurpose any othercase or cases.Therefore, judgement the Apex Courtthisofinis not applicable the othercases.
I t e mN o . 1 9
datedvide letterno. 140131031201O-VP 22.6.2011,ln this regard,Department,(copyenclosed)tohas issuedinstructions all the Headsof Circles.
I t e mN o . 2 0
a . The issue is long pending before the StandingCommitteeof NationalbeforeCAT ErnalkulamCouncilof JCM. The issuewhichwas subjudicehas since been disposedof and willBenchand High Court of Karnataka,be lookedinto,in view of it.b . Will be discussed.c . W i l l b e d i scu sse d .examinationofd . As regardsrestoration the date of passingthe Accountantinsteadof date of entry in PA cadre,it wasfor accordingLSG promotionagreedto look into it.
I t e mN o . 2 1
Not discussed.
I t e mN o . 2 2
Orderalreadyissued.
I t e mN o . 2 3
W i l lb e d i scu sse d .
ItemNo.24
agreed to look into the matter and to take some steps forThe Chairpersonliquidating arrears.the
I t e mN o . 2 5
will to instructions be issued allconcerned.Suitable
withthe voteof thanks the Chair.to Themeeting ended
v
PFRDA ACCESS TO POSTAL NETWORK
Use mobile, postal network for more coverage: Pension panel
In order to popularise the social security schemes for the unorganised sector, a Committee on Tuesday suggested PFRDA access the postal department's network and enter into tie ups with mobile phone operators who have vast reach.It is felt the postal department will enable widen the reach of the scheme manifolds, while the telecom operators on their part would help popularising the scheme via SMSs and alerts.
"It can engage with the postal department proactively to increase the number of branches selling NPS. Another option is to appoint the numerous mobile telecommunications service providers...," the report submitted to Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said.
The pension regulator PFRDA had set up a committee under G N Bajpai to suggest measures to fast track and popularise retirement scheme for individuals, including those in the informal sector under National Pension Scheme (NPS).
The Committee said that Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) should be given financial autonomy to help it discharge its duties as an independent regulator and to nurture a pension sector that is "free from controversy or regulatory capture."
Currently, PFRDA acts as an interim regulator and functions under the finance ministry. The Committee also suggested that the government should continue to contribute Rs 1,000 to the Swavalamban scheme (for informal sector) member accounts beyond 2013-14 as announced earlier.
It said that the PFRDA should consider bringing down the minimum annual subscription of Rs 6,000 for the main NPS to Rs 1,000 per year so as to expand its reach and coverage.
While in the Main NPS any one can become member while the Swavalamban scheme is for the informal sector only.
The report said that the PFRDA should work out a comprehensive marketing action plan, including branding programme, to popularise the pension schemes."Promotion of NPS should be a part of the national financial inclusion agenda," the report said. It also said that the PFRDA should look at appointing all categories of distribution agents to distribute NPS and evolve a regulatory framework for penalising misselling.
The Committee also suggested the PFRDA should look for revising the annual maintenance charge of Rs 280 and commissioning of fresh research into calculating the cost of NPS delivery.
In order to popularise the social security schemes for the unorganised sector, a Committee on Tuesday suggested PFRDA access the postal department's network and enter into tie ups with mobile phone operators who have vast reach.It is felt the postal department will enable widen the reach of the scheme manifolds, while the telecom operators on their part would help popularising the scheme via SMSs and alerts.
"It can engage with the postal department proactively to increase the number of branches selling NPS. Another option is to appoint the numerous mobile telecommunications service providers...," the report submitted to Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said.
The pension regulator PFRDA had set up a committee under G N Bajpai to suggest measures to fast track and popularise retirement scheme for individuals, including those in the informal sector under National Pension Scheme (NPS).
The Committee said that Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) should be given financial autonomy to help it discharge its duties as an independent regulator and to nurture a pension sector that is "free from controversy or regulatory capture."
Currently, PFRDA acts as an interim regulator and functions under the finance ministry. The Committee also suggested that the government should continue to contribute Rs 1,000 to the Swavalamban scheme (for informal sector) member accounts beyond 2013-14 as announced earlier.
It said that the PFRDA should consider bringing down the minimum annual subscription of Rs 6,000 for the main NPS to Rs 1,000 per year so as to expand its reach and coverage.
While in the Main NPS any one can become member while the Swavalamban scheme is for the informal sector only.
The report said that the PFRDA should work out a comprehensive marketing action plan, including branding programme, to popularise the pension schemes."Promotion of NPS should be a part of the national financial inclusion agenda," the report said. It also said that the PFRDA should look at appointing all categories of distribution agents to distribute NPS and evolve a regulatory framework for penalising misselling.
The Committee also suggested the PFRDA should look for revising the annual maintenance charge of Rs 280 and commissioning of fresh research into calculating the cost of NPS delivery.
SPECIALITY OF JULY 2011
In july 2011, we witness ,
5 Sundays
5 Saturdays
5 Fridays
This happens once in Every 823 Years
With Best wishes to all for this wonderful month
UNIQUE ID PARTNERS DEPT OF POSTS
In a bid to achieve the Aadhaar's enrollment target of 60 crore citizens by 2014, UIDAI is joining hands with Department of Posts (DoP) to launch its ambitious enrollment project with the help of over 5,000 post offices across the country.
"The enrollment project will be launched on July 19. We have an opportunity to use post offices for inclusive growth through this partnership. If we understand the road ahead, the post offices will be the centre for empowering people," a top telecom ministry official said.
The new partnership will add to the existing infrastructure of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), which has over one million enrollment centres in nine states.
UIDAI aims to leverage DoP's existing infrastructure to reach out to masses for providing 'Aadhaar' numbers. "DoP doesn't have to adopt camp-based model (setting up enrolment units in urban or rural areas), which otherwise is expensive. It can use DoP's infrastructure," the official added.
The tardy pace of implementing 'Aadhaar' enrollment project prompted UIDAI to forge partnership with DoP. Many vendors complained of state governments awarding bids to the lowest bidders.
The low bidding led to the pullout of many firms in the government's multi-crore citizen service centres scheme. "This delayed the process of Aadhaar enrollment," he said.
Another reason for UIDAI tying up with DoP is the problem of duplication of enrollments as multiple agencies were hired in one district or a block. One more glitch is the wrong entry of demographic data as was done in election card, he added.
"No enrollment agency is interested in correcting data entered wrongfully because they don't get money to correct the information," the source said.
The UIDAI aims at allotting the unique identification number to one billion people. Three crore people have been enrolled so far. A further one crore unique identification numbers are ready to be assigned.
As many as 18 lakh cards had already been issued. The UIDAI will issue 10 lakh unique identification numbers daily from this October.
For enrollment in Aadhaar, personal details such as name, address, date of birth and gender will be sought. Besides, applicant's photograph, impression of retina and thumb will also be recorded.
"The enrollment project will be launched on July 19. We have an opportunity to use post offices for inclusive growth through this partnership. If we understand the road ahead, the post offices will be the centre for empowering people," a top telecom ministry official said.
The new partnership will add to the existing infrastructure of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), which has over one million enrollment centres in nine states.
UIDAI aims to leverage DoP's existing infrastructure to reach out to masses for providing 'Aadhaar' numbers. "DoP doesn't have to adopt camp-based model (setting up enrolment units in urban or rural areas), which otherwise is expensive. It can use DoP's infrastructure," the official added.
The tardy pace of implementing 'Aadhaar' enrollment project prompted UIDAI to forge partnership with DoP. Many vendors complained of state governments awarding bids to the lowest bidders.
The low bidding led to the pullout of many firms in the government's multi-crore citizen service centres scheme. "This delayed the process of Aadhaar enrollment," he said.
Another reason for UIDAI tying up with DoP is the problem of duplication of enrollments as multiple agencies were hired in one district or a block. One more glitch is the wrong entry of demographic data as was done in election card, he added.
"No enrollment agency is interested in correcting data entered wrongfully because they don't get money to correct the information," the source said.
The UIDAI aims at allotting the unique identification number to one billion people. Three crore people have been enrolled so far. A further one crore unique identification numbers are ready to be assigned.
As many as 18 lakh cards had already been issued. The UIDAI will issue 10 lakh unique identification numbers daily from this October.
For enrollment in Aadhaar, personal details such as name, address, date of birth and gender will be sought. Besides, applicant's photograph, impression of retina and thumb will also be recorded.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Post offices to offer core banking solution by next year
New Delhi: In a major exercise to boost its profitability, the Department of Posts (DoP) plans to introduce core banking solution besides setting up India Post ATMs and debit cards for its customers. "We have set target of bringing in core banking solution by 2012. It will ensure smooth online transactions. We are giving some e-payment services, but they are fragmented," a top offical from Department of Post said. He added that the work for setting up 1,000 India Post ATMs was in advanced stage and DoP had already held parleys with vendors on this front. "We will also issue debit cards to our existing savings account-holders," the source added. The DoP is tying up with banks so that customers can use their India Post debit card at any ATM machine pan-India. With a network reach of over 1.44 lakh post offices, DoP hopes to transform itself into a post bank. "Yes, this is very much possible. We are offering three-fourth of a bank's services and have the widest reach. The infrastructure is almost ready. In fact, we have given this proposal to the Ministry of Finance and are waiting for its comments," he added. The lack of modern banking facilities in rural areas and dependence of villagers on informal sector for their credit requirements prompted government to establish a post bank.
Sibal Holds Round Table Consultations on Partnering India Post: 2012 & Beyond
Sh. Kapil Sibal, the Union Minister of Communications and Information Technology held a Round Table Conference here today with the stakeholders to deliberate upon “Partnering India Post: 2012 and Beyond”. Opening the deliberations Shri Sibal said that this conference has been organized to enable this national asset to play a bigger and effective role in the socio and economic development of the nation. The deliberations will help understand the areas, methods and challenges for developing a symbiotic and long term relationship between India post and key stakeholders. This will also help department of posts to develop the future business model and its integration with the technological architecture of India post 2012 project - an ambitious programme of computerizing and digitally connecting the entire postal network which is likely to further strengthen our potentials and the capabilities.
Key Stakeholders from Banking/ Insurance/ Telecom/ FMCG/ IT/ e-Commerce/ Logistics/ Publications/ Financial Institutions/ Government Ministries & Departments/ Industry Associations/ Academic sector participated in the Round Table conference and engaged into discussions to give shape to the India Post 2012 Project and explore strategic tie-ups with India Post as follows:-
Public sector banks for retailing of loan products, mutual funds and other new age financial products including micro-insurance, micro-lending, livelihood linkages, pensions, and remittances etc.
E-commerce portals.
Logistics for semi-urban and rural areas for consumer or FMCG goods.
Logistics for print media companies or distance education universities / institutions.
Central Government Ministries and State Governments for data collection services, delivery of social security schemes like MGNREGS, NRHM etc through Post Office system.
India Post 2012 Project aims at transforming Department of Posts into a “Technology Enabled, Self Reliant Market Leader.” This translates into 5 initiatives covering increased market share and revenues, new products and services, improved services delivery, motivated workforce and rural development.
India Post with its vast network of 1.5 lakh Post-Offices and the huge bouquet of services including mails, logistics, finance, deposits, insurance, savings and retailing, have the potential to play an extremely vital role in accelerating economic growth.
The participants from across the industry sectors put forth a number of ideas for symbiotic strategic tie-ups, beneficial for both India Post and business partners which were duly appreciated by Shri Kapil Sibal, Hon’ble Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Government of India making the Round Table conference a success. Shri Sachin Pilot, Hon’ble Minister of State for Communications & IT, Government of India summarized the deliberations of the round table conference at the end of the conference.
Concluding the deliberations the Minister of State for Communications and IT, Shri Sachin Pilot said that today’s consultations show that Department of Posts belongs to all. This should be a beginning for new endeavours, financial inclusion and opportunities for rural masses.
About seventy representatives of various Departments, PSUs, Banks and corporate world participated. Secretary, Department of Posts and senior officers of the Department were also present.
*****
Sh. Kapil Sibal, the Union Minister of Communications and Information Technology held a Round Table Conference here today with the stakeholders to deliberate upon “Partnering India Post: 2012 and Beyond”. Opening the deliberations Shri Sibal said that this conference has been organized to enable this national asset to play a bigger and effective role in the socio and economic development of the nation. The deliberations will help understand the areas, methods and challenges for developing a symbiotic and long term relationship between India post and key stakeholders. This will also help department of posts to develop the future business model and its integration with the technological architecture of India post 2012 project - an ambitious programme of computerizing and digitally connecting the entire postal network which is likely to further strengthen our potentials and the capabilities.
Key Stakeholders from Banking/ Insurance/ Telecom/ FMCG/ IT/ e-Commerce/ Logistics/ Publications/ Financial Institutions/ Government Ministries & Departments/ Industry Associations/ Academic sector participated in the Round Table conference and engaged into discussions to give shape to the India Post 2012 Project and explore strategic tie-ups with India Post as follows:-
Public sector banks for retailing of loan products, mutual funds and other new age financial products including micro-insurance, micro-lending, livelihood linkages, pensions, and remittances etc.
E-commerce portals.
Logistics for semi-urban and rural areas for consumer or FMCG goods.
Logistics for print media companies or distance education universities / institutions.
Central Government Ministries and State Governments for data collection services, delivery of social security schemes like MGNREGS, NRHM etc through Post Office system.
India Post 2012 Project aims at transforming Department of Posts into a “Technology Enabled, Self Reliant Market Leader.” This translates into 5 initiatives covering increased market share and revenues, new products and services, improved services delivery, motivated workforce and rural development.
India Post with its vast network of 1.5 lakh Post-Offices and the huge bouquet of services including mails, logistics, finance, deposits, insurance, savings and retailing, have the potential to play an extremely vital role in accelerating economic growth.
The participants from across the industry sectors put forth a number of ideas for symbiotic strategic tie-ups, beneficial for both India Post and business partners which were duly appreciated by Shri Kapil Sibal, Hon’ble Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Government of India making the Round Table conference a success. Shri Sachin Pilot, Hon’ble Minister of State for Communications & IT, Government of India summarized the deliberations of the round table conference at the end of the conference.
Concluding the deliberations the Minister of State for Communications and IT, Shri Sachin Pilot said that today’s consultations show that Department of Posts belongs to all. This should be a beginning for new endeavours, financial inclusion and opportunities for rural masses.
About seventy representatives of various Departments, PSUs, Banks and corporate world participated. Secretary, Department of Posts and senior officers of the Department were also present.
*****
Monday, July 4, 2011
CONFEDERATION CIRCULAR NO.13 DATED 30TH JUNE, 2011
Dear Comrade,
In continuation of our circular letter No 12, we are to inform you that the proposed National Convention will be held at MPCU Shah Auditorium, New Delhi on 22-07-2011. We give hereunder the quota of delegates for each state and request the state committees to initiate steps to identify comrades as delegates and book tickets for them. We send herewith a copy of the draft letter to be submitted to the Prime Minister obtaining signature from the employees. The draft may come up for discussion at the convention. The convention will also discuss and decided future course of action in the matter. Kindly inform us the addition if any you would like to propose to the draft petition.
With greetings, Yours fraternally,
K.K.N.Kutty,
Secretary General
Quota of delegates
Kerala-2, Tamilnadu-10, Andhra Pradesh-10, Karnataka-5, Mumbai-15, Vidharba-10, Madhya Pradesh-15, Orissa-5, West Bengal-10, North Eastern Region-5, Bihar-5, Jharkhand-2, Chattisgarh-2, Uttar Pradesh-30, uttarakhand-2, Rajesthan-15, Gujarath-10, Punjab-3, Haryana-2, Delhi-15 ,J&K-1
Draft Petition addressed to the Prime Minister
For Signature campaign.
To
The Prime Minister of India,
New Delhi
SUB: REQUEST FOR SCRAPPING OF PFRDA BILL
Sir,
We submit this Petition to bring to your kind notice and through your good office to the attention of the Honorable Parliamentarians of our country certain aspects of the re-introduced PFRDA bill, which will have adverse impact on the exchequer in general and on the prevailing service conditions of the Civil Servants. We pray that our submissions in this regard may please be caused to be considered earnestly and the implication of the provisions of the bill critically analyzed and examined and take decision to kindly withdraw the Bill from the Parliament.
We submit the following for your critical and objective analysis of the Bill :
1. The concept of old age security for civil servant in the form of pension has a very ancient origin dating back as early as third century BC, the quantum being half of the wages on completion of forty years blemishless service to the king.
2. In the last century, one of the measures taken by the colonial rulers to attract talented personnel to the Royal service was the introduction of pension scheme for civil servants `in 1920. The Royal commission through its various recommendations improved the scheme and the 1935 Government of India Act provided it statutory strength.
3. The land mark judgment of the Supreme Court in D .S. Nakara and others Vs. Union of India (AIR-1983-SC-130)(applicable to the Central and State Government employees, teachers, and all stake holders of pension system) conceptualized pension stating that pension is neither a bounty nor a grace bestowed by the sweet will of the employer, but a payment for the past services rendered. It was construed as a right step towards socio-economic justice and a concrete assurance to the effect that the employee in his old age is not left in the lurch.
4. The fifth Central Pay Commission which was set up by the GOI in 1993 to go into the wage structure and pension scheme of the Central Government employees referring to the Judgment of the Supreme Court cited, observed (Para 127.6) that " pension is the statutory, inalienable and legally enforceable right earned by the civil servant by the sweat of the brow and being so must be fixed, revised, modified and changed in the way not dissimilar to salary granted to serving employees."
5. The guiding principle adopted in determining of pay package of civil servants is to spread out the wage compensation over a long peiord of time whereby wages paid out during the work tenure is low in order to effect payment of pension on retirement. As such civil service pension is rightly termed as deferred wage. While in the organized private sector the employer is required to contribute equal share to the Provident Fund of the employees, the Government neither contributes to the Provident Fund of the civil servants nor takes any pension subscription from him.
6. In an unwarranted intervention in the Statutory defined benefit Pension system, the IMF in their work paper (WP/01/125,(2001) propounded the creation of a pension fund by eliciting from the Wage earners at the earliest stage of their employment so as to fetch an annuity decent enough to sustain him at the old age. In fact it was a suggestion for a retrograde change over from the defined benefit pension scheme to a defined contributory system. While suggesting so, they have categorically stated that India does not suffer demographic pressure
experienced by major countries, for India's population beyond the age of 60 was about 7% in 2004ch rose to 8.6% in 2010 and is estimated at 13.7% in 2030 and 20% in 2050.
7. The New contributory pension scheme enunciated by the Government of India and adopted by most of the State Governments is covered by the PRFDA bill. The bill inter alia, envisages a social security scheme for all who desire to have an annuity at his old age which is voluntary and not mandatory. However, in the case of Civil Servants, who are recruited to Government service after the prescribed cut -off date ( 1.1.2004 in GOI service) the scheme is mandatory in as much as the employee is bound to subscribe 10% of his emoluments to the Pension Fund and the Govt. being the employer would contributes equal amount. No employee is entitled to opt out of the scheme.
8. Despite the inability to bring in a valid enactment, the Central and all State Governments other than those of West Bengal, Kerala and Tripura through illegal executive orders decided to impose the contributory pension system arbitrarily on the Central and State Government employees .While the Govt. of India notification excluded the personnel in the armed forces and para-military establishments, the Governments of the Left ruled States of West Bengal, Kerala and Tripura consciously continued with the existing defined benefit pension system.
9. The PRFDA Bill stipulates that there will not be any explicit or implicit assurance of the benefit except market based guarantee. The subscriber is thus exposed to the following risks at the exit.
a) If there is a major market shock, the subscriber to the New Pension scheme may end with no ability to purchase an annuity.
b) Since annuity is and cannot be cost indexed, the real worth of the annuity might fall depending upon the inflationary pressure on the economy.
c) As per the scheme, the subscriber is to make the choice of investment portfolio. The Civil Servant being mostly uninformed in finance and investment related matters, he might end up in making wrong choices which would eventually rob him of the old age pension.
d) The subscriber is perforce to contribute to the charges of the investment managers, whose priority often is as to how much profit they could make through investment of the huge corpus of pension fund in the volatile share market.
10. The pension fund created by the employees' subscription and the employers' contribution which directly flows from the exchequer ( which is nothing but tax revenue of the Govt.) is made available for the stock market operations which is not only unethical but also blatant diversion of public fund for private profit, both Foreign and Indian capitalists.
11. In the case of Civil Servants recruited after the cut-off date, the new scheme replaces the existing much better "defined benefit" pension scheme. In the process, the Government has created two classes of civil servants viz. the one with a defined benefit pension scheme and the other with the contributory pension scheme in which the employee is to part with 10% of his emoluments to become entitled for an old age social security subject to the vagaries of share market permits. Since in both the cases, the pay, allowances, perks, and other benefits, privileges, duties and responsibilities are the same it amounts to wanton discrimination of one against another which is not sustainable in law, rather violative of the existing constitutional provisions.
12. The wage structure presently designed for those who are recruited prior to the cut- off date and after is on the same premise and is depressed to enable the Govt. to meet the pension liability in future. By imposing the new contributory pension scheme on the employees who are recruited after the cut off date the Govt. not only denies the statutory defined pension benefit to them but also compel them to contribute for earning an undefined annuity, which must be characterized as highly discriminatory.
13. Those who are covered by the contributory pension scheme will become entitled for an annuity, a portion of the accumulated contribution is able to purchase, basing upon the accretion to the fund from the investment. There is, however, no guaranteed minimum amount of pension for those who are covered by the new scheme, whereas the civil servants covered by the existing scheme do get a defined and guaranteed minimum pension and on his death his family members (wife, widowed and unmarred daughters and unemployed sons below the age of 25) become entitled for family pension. The discrimination factor is thus compounded.
14. The PFRDA Bill when enacted, it is rightly feared, will empower the Government to alter or even deny the present employees and pensioners the statutory defined pension benefit as has been done in the case of those who are appointed after the cut-off date.
15. It is stated that the prime objective of the introduction of the contributory pension scheme is to substantially reduce the outflow on account of pension liability. The major pension liability of Government is accounted for by Armed Defence personnel. They are however excluded from the purview of the contributory pension scheme. The personnel in the Para Military forces are also excluded from the ambit of the new Scheme. While doing so, (no doubt to attract the people to serve in the armed forces for security of the Nation) the Govt. is bound to meet the pension liability from the consolidated fund of India. The argument advanced by the Govt. to cover the Civil Servants in the ambit of the new Pension scheme has been found to be unsustainable by the study commissioned by the 6th CPC. Shri S. Chidambaram, Actuary, in his report, (Annexure to "A study of Terminal benefit of Central Government employees by Dt. K. Gayatri, Centre for Economic Studies and policy, Institute for Social and Economic change, Nagarbhavi, Bangalore) has pointed out that the Government liability on account of contributory pension scheme would in effect increase for a period spanning for the next 34 years from the existing Rs. 14,284 Cr. To Rs. 57,088 Cr. ( 2004-2038) and is likely to taper off only from 2038 onwards. The exchequer is bound to have an increased outflow for the next 34 years and will be called upon to bear the actual pension liability of defence personnel and personnel of para military forces, besides making the contribution to the Pension fund of the Civil Servants recruited after the cut off date. The specious plea that the exchequer is bound to gain due to the contributory pension scheme is therefore not borne from facts.
16. of the present pension liability of the Govt. of India, which in 2004-05 was 0.51% of the GDP, 0.26% is accounted for by the Defence (which is 50% of the total pension liability.) The study report of the Centre for Economic Studies has concluded that the pension liability as a percentage to GDP which is just 0.5% presently is likely to decline given the growth rate of Indian economy.
17. Since most of the State Governments have chosen to switch over to "contributory pension scheme" , in fairness ( from the Study conducted by the Centre for Economic Studies and policy) it can be concluded that the pension liability of all the State Governments are bound to increase to three times of what it is today by 2038.
18. The first version of the PFRDA Bill was placed before the Parliament by the NDA Government in 2003. The 6th CPC set up the Committee to go into the financial implication on account of the increasing number of pensioners and suggest alternative funding methodology in 2006. The said Committee came to the inescapable conclusion (report submitted in 2007) that "the existing systems of pension are increasingly becoming complicated after the introduction of the New Pension scheme" and warned that "caution has to be exercised in initiating any further reforms" In the light of the conclusion of the said study report which revealed the fact of serious escalation in the pension payment outflow, the rationale of the re-introduction of the PFRDA bill in 2011 covering the civil servants is incomprehensible. Undoubtedly, the Bill when enacted into law will through the existing pensioners to a financially insecure future and the existing workers to the vagaries of the stock market. We, therefore, earnestly pray to your good-self to bring back all the civil servants including teachers irresespective of the date of entry into Government service as also those irregularly appointed within the ambit of the existing statutory defined pension benefit scheme. We may, in fine, quoting the concluding paragraph (Page 76 of the report of the Centre for Economic Studies and Policy – Institute for Social and Economic Change) of the Committee set up by the 6th CPC
"Mainly given the fact that the future liability although may be large in terms of absolute size is not likely to last very long and does not constitute an alarmingly big share of the GDP which is also on the decline. It appears that pursuing the existing 'Pay as you go' to meet the liability will be an ideal solution."
appeal you, for the detailed reasons adduced in the foregoing paragraphs, that the new pension scheme enshrined in the PFRDA Bill may be withdrawn from the Parliament both in the interest of the Civil Servants and the exchequer.
With regards,
Faithfully,
Dear Comrade,
In continuation of our circular letter No 12, we are to inform you that the proposed National Convention will be held at MPCU Shah Auditorium, New Delhi on 22-07-2011. We give hereunder the quota of delegates for each state and request the state committees to initiate steps to identify comrades as delegates and book tickets for them. We send herewith a copy of the draft letter to be submitted to the Prime Minister obtaining signature from the employees. The draft may come up for discussion at the convention. The convention will also discuss and decided future course of action in the matter. Kindly inform us the addition if any you would like to propose to the draft petition.
With greetings, Yours fraternally,
K.K.N.Kutty,
Secretary General
Quota of delegates
Kerala-2, Tamilnadu-10, Andhra Pradesh-10, Karnataka-5, Mumbai-15, Vidharba-10, Madhya Pradesh-15, Orissa-5, West Bengal-10, North Eastern Region-5, Bihar-5, Jharkhand-2, Chattisgarh-2, Uttar Pradesh-30, uttarakhand-2, Rajesthan-15, Gujarath-10, Punjab-3, Haryana-2, Delhi-15 ,J&K-1
Draft Petition addressed to the Prime Minister
For Signature campaign.
To
The Prime Minister of India,
New Delhi
SUB: REQUEST FOR SCRAPPING OF PFRDA BILL
Sir,
We submit this Petition to bring to your kind notice and through your good office to the attention of the Honorable Parliamentarians of our country certain aspects of the re-introduced PFRDA bill, which will have adverse impact on the exchequer in general and on the prevailing service conditions of the Civil Servants. We pray that our submissions in this regard may please be caused to be considered earnestly and the implication of the provisions of the bill critically analyzed and examined and take decision to kindly withdraw the Bill from the Parliament.
We submit the following for your critical and objective analysis of the Bill :
1. The concept of old age security for civil servant in the form of pension has a very ancient origin dating back as early as third century BC, the quantum being half of the wages on completion of forty years blemishless service to the king.
2. In the last century, one of the measures taken by the colonial rulers to attract talented personnel to the Royal service was the introduction of pension scheme for civil servants `in 1920. The Royal commission through its various recommendations improved the scheme and the 1935 Government of India Act provided it statutory strength.
3. The land mark judgment of the Supreme Court in D .S. Nakara and others Vs. Union of India (AIR-1983-SC-130)(applicable to the Central and State Government employees, teachers, and all stake holders of pension system) conceptualized pension stating that pension is neither a bounty nor a grace bestowed by the sweet will of the employer, but a payment for the past services rendered. It was construed as a right step towards socio-economic justice and a concrete assurance to the effect that the employee in his old age is not left in the lurch.
4. The fifth Central Pay Commission which was set up by the GOI in 1993 to go into the wage structure and pension scheme of the Central Government employees referring to the Judgment of the Supreme Court cited, observed (Para 127.6) that " pension is the statutory, inalienable and legally enforceable right earned by the civil servant by the sweat of the brow and being so must be fixed, revised, modified and changed in the way not dissimilar to salary granted to serving employees."
5. The guiding principle adopted in determining of pay package of civil servants is to spread out the wage compensation over a long peiord of time whereby wages paid out during the work tenure is low in order to effect payment of pension on retirement. As such civil service pension is rightly termed as deferred wage. While in the organized private sector the employer is required to contribute equal share to the Provident Fund of the employees, the Government neither contributes to the Provident Fund of the civil servants nor takes any pension subscription from him.
6. In an unwarranted intervention in the Statutory defined benefit Pension system, the IMF in their work paper (WP/01/125,(2001) propounded the creation of a pension fund by eliciting from the Wage earners at the earliest stage of their employment so as to fetch an annuity decent enough to sustain him at the old age. In fact it was a suggestion for a retrograde change over from the defined benefit pension scheme to a defined contributory system. While suggesting so, they have categorically stated that India does not suffer demographic pressure
experienced by major countries, for India's population beyond the age of 60 was about 7% in 2004ch rose to 8.6% in 2010 and is estimated at 13.7% in 2030 and 20% in 2050.
7. The New contributory pension scheme enunciated by the Government of India and adopted by most of the State Governments is covered by the PRFDA bill. The bill inter alia, envisages a social security scheme for all who desire to have an annuity at his old age which is voluntary and not mandatory. However, in the case of Civil Servants, who are recruited to Government service after the prescribed cut -off date ( 1.1.2004 in GOI service) the scheme is mandatory in as much as the employee is bound to subscribe 10% of his emoluments to the Pension Fund and the Govt. being the employer would contributes equal amount. No employee is entitled to opt out of the scheme.
8. Despite the inability to bring in a valid enactment, the Central and all State Governments other than those of West Bengal, Kerala and Tripura through illegal executive orders decided to impose the contributory pension system arbitrarily on the Central and State Government employees .While the Govt. of India notification excluded the personnel in the armed forces and para-military establishments, the Governments of the Left ruled States of West Bengal, Kerala and Tripura consciously continued with the existing defined benefit pension system.
9. The PRFDA Bill stipulates that there will not be any explicit or implicit assurance of the benefit except market based guarantee. The subscriber is thus exposed to the following risks at the exit.
a) If there is a major market shock, the subscriber to the New Pension scheme may end with no ability to purchase an annuity.
b) Since annuity is and cannot be cost indexed, the real worth of the annuity might fall depending upon the inflationary pressure on the economy.
c) As per the scheme, the subscriber is to make the choice of investment portfolio. The Civil Servant being mostly uninformed in finance and investment related matters, he might end up in making wrong choices which would eventually rob him of the old age pension.
d) The subscriber is perforce to contribute to the charges of the investment managers, whose priority often is as to how much profit they could make through investment of the huge corpus of pension fund in the volatile share market.
10. The pension fund created by the employees' subscription and the employers' contribution which directly flows from the exchequer ( which is nothing but tax revenue of the Govt.) is made available for the stock market operations which is not only unethical but also blatant diversion of public fund for private profit, both Foreign and Indian capitalists.
11. In the case of Civil Servants recruited after the cut-off date, the new scheme replaces the existing much better "defined benefit" pension scheme. In the process, the Government has created two classes of civil servants viz. the one with a defined benefit pension scheme and the other with the contributory pension scheme in which the employee is to part with 10% of his emoluments to become entitled for an old age social security subject to the vagaries of share market permits. Since in both the cases, the pay, allowances, perks, and other benefits, privileges, duties and responsibilities are the same it amounts to wanton discrimination of one against another which is not sustainable in law, rather violative of the existing constitutional provisions.
12. The wage structure presently designed for those who are recruited prior to the cut- off date and after is on the same premise and is depressed to enable the Govt. to meet the pension liability in future. By imposing the new contributory pension scheme on the employees who are recruited after the cut off date the Govt. not only denies the statutory defined pension benefit to them but also compel them to contribute for earning an undefined annuity, which must be characterized as highly discriminatory.
13. Those who are covered by the contributory pension scheme will become entitled for an annuity, a portion of the accumulated contribution is able to purchase, basing upon the accretion to the fund from the investment. There is, however, no guaranteed minimum amount of pension for those who are covered by the new scheme, whereas the civil servants covered by the existing scheme do get a defined and guaranteed minimum pension and on his death his family members (wife, widowed and unmarred daughters and unemployed sons below the age of 25) become entitled for family pension. The discrimination factor is thus compounded.
14. The PFRDA Bill when enacted, it is rightly feared, will empower the Government to alter or even deny the present employees and pensioners the statutory defined pension benefit as has been done in the case of those who are appointed after the cut-off date.
15. It is stated that the prime objective of the introduction of the contributory pension scheme is to substantially reduce the outflow on account of pension liability. The major pension liability of Government is accounted for by Armed Defence personnel. They are however excluded from the purview of the contributory pension scheme. The personnel in the Para Military forces are also excluded from the ambit of the new Scheme. While doing so, (no doubt to attract the people to serve in the armed forces for security of the Nation) the Govt. is bound to meet the pension liability from the consolidated fund of India. The argument advanced by the Govt. to cover the Civil Servants in the ambit of the new Pension scheme has been found to be unsustainable by the study commissioned by the 6th CPC. Shri S. Chidambaram, Actuary, in his report, (Annexure to "A study of Terminal benefit of Central Government employees by Dt. K. Gayatri, Centre for Economic Studies and policy, Institute for Social and Economic change, Nagarbhavi, Bangalore) has pointed out that the Government liability on account of contributory pension scheme would in effect increase for a period spanning for the next 34 years from the existing Rs. 14,284 Cr. To Rs. 57,088 Cr. ( 2004-2038) and is likely to taper off only from 2038 onwards. The exchequer is bound to have an increased outflow for the next 34 years and will be called upon to bear the actual pension liability of defence personnel and personnel of para military forces, besides making the contribution to the Pension fund of the Civil Servants recruited after the cut off date. The specious plea that the exchequer is bound to gain due to the contributory pension scheme is therefore not borne from facts.
16. of the present pension liability of the Govt. of India, which in 2004-05 was 0.51% of the GDP, 0.26% is accounted for by the Defence (which is 50% of the total pension liability.) The study report of the Centre for Economic Studies has concluded that the pension liability as a percentage to GDP which is just 0.5% presently is likely to decline given the growth rate of Indian economy.
17. Since most of the State Governments have chosen to switch over to "contributory pension scheme" , in fairness ( from the Study conducted by the Centre for Economic Studies and policy) it can be concluded that the pension liability of all the State Governments are bound to increase to three times of what it is today by 2038.
18. The first version of the PFRDA Bill was placed before the Parliament by the NDA Government in 2003. The 6th CPC set up the Committee to go into the financial implication on account of the increasing number of pensioners and suggest alternative funding methodology in 2006. The said Committee came to the inescapable conclusion (report submitted in 2007) that "the existing systems of pension are increasingly becoming complicated after the introduction of the New Pension scheme" and warned that "caution has to be exercised in initiating any further reforms" In the light of the conclusion of the said study report which revealed the fact of serious escalation in the pension payment outflow, the rationale of the re-introduction of the PFRDA bill in 2011 covering the civil servants is incomprehensible. Undoubtedly, the Bill when enacted into law will through the existing pensioners to a financially insecure future and the existing workers to the vagaries of the stock market. We, therefore, earnestly pray to your good-self to bring back all the civil servants including teachers irresespective of the date of entry into Government service as also those irregularly appointed within the ambit of the existing statutory defined pension benefit scheme. We may, in fine, quoting the concluding paragraph (Page 76 of the report of the Centre for Economic Studies and Policy – Institute for Social and Economic Change) of the Committee set up by the 6th CPC
"Mainly given the fact that the future liability although may be large in terms of absolute size is not likely to last very long and does not constitute an alarmingly big share of the GDP which is also on the decline. It appears that pursuing the existing 'Pay as you go' to meet the liability will be an ideal solution."
appeal you, for the detailed reasons adduced in the foregoing paragraphs, that the new pension scheme enshrined in the PFRDA Bill may be withdrawn from the Parliament both in the interest of the Civil Servants and the exchequer.
With regards,
Faithfully,
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Friday, July 1, 2011
STRIKE DEFERRED BY JCA
POSTAL JOINT COUNCIL OF ACTION
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF POSTAL EMPLOYEES
FEDRATION OF NATIONAL POSTAL ORGANISATIONS
ALL INDIA POSTAL EXTRA DEPARTMENTAL EMPLOYEES UNION
NATIONAL UNION OF GRAMIN DAK SEVAKS
NEW DELHI
FLASH NEWS
INDEFINITE STRIKE FROM 5TH JULY DEFERRED
Consequent on the settlement reached between Secretary, Department of Posts and the Staff Side the Central JCA unanimously decided to defer the indefinite strike from 5th July 2011. Positive settlement is reached on major items of the Charter of demands. Gist of the settlement reached on all items of the Charter of demands will be published soon. We have made it clear to the Postal Board that if any violation of the assurances take place, or if orders on the agreed items are not issued without any delay, the Central JCA will commence indefinite strike without any further notice. We have not called off the strike. STRIKE STANDS DEFERRED. WE SHALL ALWAYS BE VIGILANT. Hectic and elaborate discussions took place with the Postal Board on 6th, 7th, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th June 2011 and on 1st July 2011. Secretary Generals and All General Secretaries participated in the discussion.
Central JCA salutes and congratulates all the Circle/Divisional/Branch Secretaries and the entirety of Postal and RMS employees including Gramin Dak Sevaks for the mobilization made by them for the successful implementation of the strike. It is only because of the determination and courage of the grass root level workers the Postal Board is compelled to come for a settlement.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
What is the differences between EPF, GPF and PPF?
EPF / GPF / PPF
EPF- Employees Provident Fund
GPF - General Pension Fund
PPF - Public Provident Fund
GPF - General Provident Fund which is for the Government EmployeesPPF - Individuals can save to a maximum of Rs.70000/- in a year in the account. Account can be maintained in a Post Office.EPF - Employees Provident Fund for Private sector where 12% of Employees share and 12 % of Employer's share of Basic Salary + DA is deducted and remitted to PF Authorities
PF vs PPF: What's the difference ?
1. What is PPF and PF?EPF/ PF (Employees Provident Fund / Provident Fund)
The Employee Provident Fund, or provident fund as it is normally referred to, is a retirement benefit scheme that is available to salaried employees.
Under this scheme, a stipulated amount (currently 12%) is deducted from the employee's salary and contributed towards the fund. This amount is decided by the government.
The employer also contributes an equal amount to the fund.
EPF / GPF / PPF
EPF- Employees Provident Fund
GPF - General Pension Fund
PPF - Public Provident Fund
GPF - General Provident Fund which is for the Government EmployeesPPF - Individuals can save to a maximum of Rs.70000/- in a year in the account. Account can be maintained in a Post Office.EPF - Employees Provident Fund for Private sector where 12% of Employees share and 12 % of Employer's share of Basic Salary + DA is deducted and remitted to PF Authorities
PF vs PPF: What's the difference ?
1. What is PPF and PF?EPF/ PF (Employees Provident Fund / Provident Fund)
The Employee Provident Fund, or provident fund as it is normally referred to, is a retirement benefit scheme that is available to salaried employees.
Under this scheme, a stipulated amount (currently 12%) is deducted from the employee's salary and contributed towards the fund. This amount is decided by the government.
The employer also contributes an equal amount to the fund.
Over 120 central government officials under CVC scanner
Over 120 central govt officials under CVC scanner
NEW DELHI: Nearly 121 central government employees, including one from CBI, are under Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) scanner for their alleged involvement in corrupt practices.
Railway ministry topped the list with 23 officials under CVC scanner, 17 are from DoT, 12 from Bureau of Indian Standards, seven from Central Board of Excise and Customs, six each from DDA and MCD among others, a CVC report said.
The anti-corruption watchdog recommended major penalty against three officials from Sashastra Seema Bal, a paramilitary force, and one each from All India Institute of Medical Sciences and the Central Bureau of Investigation.
According to the CVC monthly performance report for May, a recovery of over Rs four crore was effected after technical examination of procurement works carried out by different departments.
"The Commission is deeply concerned over continuing delays in filling the post of Chief Vigilance Officers (CVOs) in several key organisations like Hindustan Shipyard Ltd and Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML)," it said.
The probity watchdog act as country's top body to advise Government of India and take necessary action to check corruption. The CVC is probing various multi-crore scams including financial irregularities in the Commonwealth Games.
The Commission has received a total of 421 complaints related to alleged corruption in government departments
CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL GOVT. EMPLOYEES & WORKERS.
Conf/12/2011 dated 28th June, 2011
Dear Comrade,
Kindly see our website. We have placed a copy of our letter seeking solidarity and support of our sister organizations and affiliates to the postal workers who will commence the indefinite strike action from 5th July onwards. We request all our affiliates and State Committees to organize Lunch –recess demonstration at the respective work spots on 5th July, 2011. The State Committees must ensure that a massive demonstration is organized at the CPMG offices of the State Capital eliciting participation of all CGEs on 8-7-2011 and send the following telegram/savingram to the Secretary-Post, Government of India, Dak Bhawan, New Delhi-110 001 as also to the Communication Minister. Shri Kapil Sibal, Hon'ble Minister for communications, 107, First Floor, Sanchar Bhawan, New Delhi-110 001."We express our solidarity with the striking Postal employees. Urge upon you To hold negotiations with the organizations and settle their demands."The affiliates may kindly issue necessary instructions to all their Branches to carry out the above programme. Copy of the said communication may please be endorsed to the Confederation CHQThe National Secretariat of the Confederation will meet on 30th July, 2011 at Chennai and the first meeting of the National Women's convention will also be held on the same day. Copies of notices are placed hereunder.
PFRDA Bill
The Government could successfully introduce the PFRDA Bill in the last session of the Parliament with the help of the BJP and others in the opposition. The Bill might come up for discussion and enactment in the monsoon session. In the wake of the attempt in this direction by the UPA-I Government, we had taken the decision to organize a day's strike jointly with AISGEF, the School and University Teachers Federations and the AIDEF. We have been in touch with all these organization for venturing into another serious campaign against the present Bill to culminate in an industrial action. Accordingly we have decided to hold a joint convention on PFRDA Bill at New Delhi on 22nd July, 2011. The venue of the convention will be : M.P.C.U Shah Auditorium,Shree Delhi Gujarati Samaj,No.2, Raj Niwas Marg, Civil lines, Ring Road,New Delhi-110 054 (next to Civil lines Metro Station- Yellow Line)The convention will commence at 11-30 AM and shall be concluded at 3-30 PM. The convention have the participation of the representatives from AISGEF, Confederation, AIDEF,School and University teachers Federations, and DREU. Other details will be conveyed in our next circular.
With greetings
Yours fraternally,
KK.N. Kutty,
Secretary General
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
POSTAL JOINT COUNCIL OF ACTION
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF POSTAL EMPLOYEES
FEDERATION OF NATIONAL POSTAL ORGANISATIONS
ALL INDIA POSTAL EXTRA DEPARTMENTAL EMPLOYEES UNION
NATIONAL UNION OF GRAMIN DAK SEVAKS
NEW DELHI – 110001
No. JCA/Postal/2011 Dated : 28.06.2011
To,
___________________
____________________
____________________
Sir,
Sub: Indefinite Postal Strike from 05th July-2011.
The Postal Services in India is the biggest in the world, with a tradition of serving the people of this country for the last 150 years. There are about 1,55,000 Post Offices , 392 Railway Mail Service Sorting Offices. Collection, Processing, Conveyance and delivery of Postal articles including Speed Post , Registered Post, Parcels, Periodicals, Ordinary letters etc. is the main function of the Postal Department. In addition to this the INDIA POST is running the largest Bank called Post offices Savings Bank and also Postal Life Insurance including Rural Postal Life Insurance, as the agency functions of the Finance Ministry, Govt. of India. There are about 5,50,000 employees working in the Postal Department out of which 3,00000 are Gramin Dak Sevaks mostly in the rural Post Offices.
The Postal Joint Council of Action comprising National Federation of Postal Employees (NFPE) , Federation of National Postal Organizations (FNPO), All India Postal Extra Departmental Employees Union (AIPEDEU) and National Union of Gramin Dak Sevaks(NUGDS)' representing 95% of the employees, has decided to go on Indefinite All India Strike from 5th July 2011. The Bhartiya Postal Employees Federation (BPEF) affiliated to BMS has also given separate notice for indefinite strike from 6th July, 2011. The memorandum regarding the decision for indefinite strike was given to the Secretary, Department of Posts, on 20th February 2011 it self and the formal Strike Notice was served on 14.06.2011.Three rounds of discussions with Secretary, Department of Posts, took place on 06.06.2011, 07.06.2011 and 27.06.2011, but failed due to the adamant position taken by the Postal authorities.
The Postal Board has appointed the Chicago-based multi-national Consultancy called Mckinsey for optimizing the mail network of INDIA POST. The Department has now started implementing the Mail Network Optimization Project (MNOP) recommended by the Mckinsey. As a first step speed Post hubs are introduced. As per this scheme the existing 315 National Speed Post Centres (NSPC) has been reduced to 89 speed post hubs. Speed post articles booked for delivery in the same district or nearby districts are unnecessarily
dispatched to hubs situated hundred of miles away for processing. From there articles are again back-routed to the delivery post offices. This has resulted in heavy delay in transmission and delivery of speed post articles. Articles which are delivered on the next day earlier are now delayed for 2 to 5 days. Time bound and speedy delivery could not be ensured and this has resulted in erosion of the customer faith in the Postal services which in turn has resulted downfall in the number of speed post articles booked and also in the revenue realized through speed post.
In-spite of the failure of the Speed Post hub experiment, the department is not ready to revert back to the old system. Instead the Postal Board now proposes to introduce hub system for first class mails including registered articles and also for delivery. The existing 366 mail sorting offices are to be closed and 89 first class mail hubs are to be introduced, just like speed post articles first class mails including registered articles of 5 or 6 revenue districts are to be pooled in hubs situated hundreds of miles away and from there they are processed and back-routed for delivery. Similarly the delivery of letters in urban areas at present done from town sub post offices are to be withdrawn and it will be concentrated in delivery hubs. The department also issued instruction to all Chief Postmaster Generals for closure and merger of 9797 urban post offices in the name of optimization. The introduction of first class mail hubs, delivery hubs and closure of offices will further aggravate the delay in transmission and delivery of postal articles and curtailment of postal facilities to the public. Naturally public will loose their faith in the postal services and will be compelled to depend upon courier services.
The JCA has demanded the Postal Board to roll back the speed post hubs and also to reject the proposal to introduce first class mail hubs and delivery hubs and stop closure of offices. But the Postal Board has taken an adamant stand and is unilaterally going ahead with the implementation of Mckinsey recommendations.
The JCA has also demanded the Postal Board to concede the legitimate sectional demands of the Gramin Dak Sevaks, Casual Labourers and other cadres of the Postal department such as Postal Assistants, Sorting Assistants, Postmen, Mail guard, Multi-tasking Staff, System Administrators, PO & RMS Accountants, Postal Accounts Employees, Administrative Staff, SBCO Staff, MMS and Civil Wing employees. The 25 point Charter of demands submitted to the Secretary, Department of Posts, is enclosed herewith
As employees of all the Federations and Unions irrespective of their union affiliations are participating in the strike, the entire postal services will be paralyzed from 5th July, 2011.
We earnestly solicit your support for the justified demands of the Postal employees and intervention at Government level for settlement of the demands raised in the Charter of Demands.
Yours Sincerely
M. Krishnan
Secretary General, NFPE
D. Theagarajan
Secretary General, FNPO
S. S. Mahadevaiah
General Secretary
AIPEDEU
P.U.Muralidharan
General Secretary
GDS – NUPE
-- M.KrishnanSecretary General NFPE
ENHANCEMENT OF SB ALLOWANCES TO PA'S
Dte Memo No : 113-07 / 2010-SB
SB Order No. 10 / 2011.
Enhancement of SB Allowance to PAs working in Savings Bank Branches.
The undersigned is directed to refer to this office letter of No. 2-2/93-SB Dt. 08.10.2004 (SB Order No. 17/2004) vide which it was conveyed that Ministry of Finance (DEA) has conveyed its approval for increase in the SB Allowance from Rs.60 to Rs.150 & from Rs.30 to Rs.75 per month wef 08.10.04.
02. After implementation of 6th CPC, increase in teh SB Allowance was taken up with MoF (DEA), which has not vide its OM No. 17/1/2001-NS-II Dt. 10.06.11 has conveyed its approval for enhancement of SB Allowance as per the following rates wef 01.09.08.
01. Staff Fully engaged in SB / SC work - present Rs.150 - new rate from 01.09.08 Rs.300.
02. Staff Partially engaged in SB / SC work - present Rs.75 - new rate from 01.09.08 Rs.150.03.
All other conditions for grant of SB Allowances will remain unchanged.
Sd/-S.Manik LakraADG (FS)
SB Order No. 10 / 2011.
Enhancement of SB Allowance to PAs working in Savings Bank Branches.
The undersigned is directed to refer to this office letter of No. 2-2/93-SB Dt. 08.10.2004 (SB Order No. 17/2004) vide which it was conveyed that Ministry of Finance (DEA) has conveyed its approval for increase in the SB Allowance from Rs.60 to Rs.150 & from Rs.30 to Rs.75 per month wef 08.10.04.
02. After implementation of 6th CPC, increase in teh SB Allowance was taken up with MoF (DEA), which has not vide its OM No. 17/1/2001-NS-II Dt. 10.06.11 has conveyed its approval for enhancement of SB Allowance as per the following rates wef 01.09.08.
01. Staff Fully engaged in SB / SC work - present Rs.150 - new rate from 01.09.08 Rs.300.
02. Staff Partially engaged in SB / SC work - present Rs.75 - new rate from 01.09.08 Rs.150.03.
All other conditions for grant of SB Allowances will remain unchanged.
Sd/-S.Manik LakraADG (FS)
Monday, June 27, 2011
POSTAL JOINT COUNCIL OF ACTION
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF POSTAL EMPLOYEES
FEDERATION OF NATIONAL POSTAL ORGANISATIONS
ALL INDIA POSTAL EXTRA DEPARTMENTAL EMPLOYEES
NATIONAL UNION OF GRAMIN DAK SEVAKS
NEW DELHI – 110001
DISCUSSION WITH POSTAL BOARD ON 27-06-2011
AGAIN FAILED
DEPARTMENT ADAMANT ON IMPLEMENTING McKINSEY RECOMMENDATIONS
CENTRAL JCA DECIDES TO GO AHEAD WITH THE STRIKE
The third round of discussion held with the Postal Board today (27.06.2011) at 3 PM also failed due to the adamant position taken by the Department. Ms. Radhika Doraiswamy, Secretary, Department of Posts, Sri. P. K. Giopinath, Member (Personnel), Mrs. Manjula Parashar, Member (Operations), Sri. Kamaleshwar Prasad, Member (HR) and other Senior Officers were present. Staff side was represented by Secretary Generals, NFPE, FNPO and other General Secretaries.
Immediately on commencement of the meeting the Staff Side expressed its strong resentment and protest against the decision of the Department to go ahead with the Mckinsey recommendations regarding Mail Network Optimisation Project. The Staff side demanded that the aleady failed experiment of speed post hubs should be withdrawn immediately and the decision to implement first class mails hubs and delivery hubs and closure/merger of offices should be dropped. After heated discussion for about two hours no consensus could be arrived on this important agenda of the Charter of Demands. Hence meeting ended with disagreement.
The Central JCA met after the discussion with Postal Board and took the following decisions: -
1. The JCA unanimously decided to go ahead with the strike decision.
2. Campaign and preparations at grass root level for the strike should be further intensified.
3. The indefinite strike shall commence at 6 AM on 05.07.2011
100% strike should be ensured in all Branches/Divisions and Circles.
5. Strike shall not be withdrawn unless and until result – oriented settlement is reached on important items of Charter of Demands
OPTIMIZATION OR LIQIUDATION ?
The Mail Network Optimization Project (MNOP) has become Mail Network Liquidation Project (MNLP). Implementation of the "Speed Post hub" experiment has resulted in reducing 315 National Speed Post Centres to 89 speed post hubs. Introduction of the "First Class Mail hubs" will result in gradual extinction of 366 RMS Mail Sorting Offices. Delivery hubs will further result in withdrawal of delivery from hundreds of Urban Post Offices. The proposed closure or merger of 9797 urban Post offices will sound the death-knell of Post services. Is it optimization or liquidation?
Department of Posts is paying Consultancy fees to Mckinsey and Mckinsey is not paying any money to the INDIA POST. But the Mckinsey is behaving as if they have purchased the INDIA POST and are the real owner of it. They are passing orders to the employees above the head of departmental officers. Even Heads of Circles are bound to obey Mckinsey. Voice of the right-thinking employees and officers are suppressed and only those support Mckinsey are allowed to run the show.
Creation of hubs has resulted in abnormal delay in conveyance and delivery of speed post articles and everywhere back-routing is taking place. Even articles meant for local delivery are unnecessarily despatched to the hubs situated hundreds of miles away and from there again back-routed to the delivery Post offices causing avoidable delay. Speed post has lost its speed and the faith of public in this premium services has been shaken. Number of articles and revenue has come down. Still the authorities blindly go on repeating that it is a great success. It is just like "operation is successful, but the patient died". The introduction of the first class mails hubs and delivery hubs will be the "beginning of the demise of the Postal Services in India".
Department of Posts is paying Consultancy fees to Mckinsey and Mckinsey is not paying any money to the INDIA POST. But the Mckinsey is behaving as if they have purchased the INDIA POST and are the real owner of it. They are passing orders to the employees above the head of departmental officers. Even Heads of Circles are bound to obey Mckinsey. Voice of the right-thinking employees and officers are suppressed and only those support Mckinsey are allowed to run the show.
Creation of hubs has resulted in abnormal delay in conveyance and delivery of speed post articles and everywhere back-routing is taking place. Even articles meant for local delivery are unnecessarily despatched to the hubs situated hundreds of miles away and from there again back-routed to the delivery Post offices causing avoidable delay. Speed post has lost its speed and the faith of public in this premium services has been shaken. Number of articles and revenue has come down. Still the authorities blindly go on repeating that it is a great success. It is just like "operation is successful, but the patient died". The introduction of the first class mails hubs and delivery hubs will be the "beginning of the demise of the Postal Services in India".
Sunday, June 26, 2011
THE NELLORE DISTRICT P&T EMPLOYEES COOP SOCIETY GENERAL BODY MEETING (26-06-2011)
The Nellore District P&T employees coop society General Body meeting held on 26-06-11 in the premises of Head Post Office, Nellore under the Presidentship of Sri B.Narendra Prasad (Babu).
And a grand function has been conducted in connection with the Retirement of Sri B.N.Prasad in the presence of Sri S.V.Siva Prasad, SSPOs, Ongole, Com.D.Ramasubbareddy (Ex-President, P-3), Sri P.Viswanadham, Post Master, Gudur and Com.Sk.Humayun, All India President & Circle Secretary (AIPEU Postmen & Gr.d).
Sri. Anam Vivekananda Reddy, MLA, Nellore also attended and addressed the function.
Sri B.Naredra Prasad being felicitated
Attendance of members of the Society
Directors and President with Com.D.Ramasubbareddy on the dias.
Com.K.Sudhakar, Vice President addressing.
President being felicitated by the Directors.
Sri B.N.Prasad with his wife on the occassion of 60th anniversary.
Sri B.N.Prasad with family members ...
Sri Anam Vivekananda reddy, MLA adressing
And a grand function has been conducted in connection with the Retirement of Sri B.N.Prasad in the presence of Sri S.V.Siva Prasad, SSPOs, Ongole, Com.D.Ramasubbareddy (Ex-President, P-3), Sri P.Viswanadham, Post Master, Gudur and Com.Sk.Humayun, All India President & Circle Secretary (AIPEU Postmen & Gr.d).
Sri. Anam Vivekananda Reddy, MLA, Nellore also attended and addressed the function.
Sri B.Naredra Prasad being felicitated
Attendance of members of the Society
Directors and President with Com.D.Ramasubbareddy on the dias.
Com.K.Sudhakar, Vice President addressing.
President being felicitated by the Directors.
Sri B.N.Prasad with his wife on the occassion of 60th anniversary.
Sri B.N.Prasad with family members ...
Sri Anam Vivekananda reddy, MLA adressingFriday, June 24, 2011
STRIKE COMPAIN MEETING AT RAPUR
STRIKE COMPAIN MEETING AT RAPUR
Strike compain meeting was conducted at Rapur Po premises on 22-06-2011 at 16.00hrs about 100 postal employees attended.
Sri. Vitapu Balasubramanyam MLC
Sri. Yandapalli Srinivasulu Reddy MLC
Sri. Narasimha Reddy Dist CITU Leader
Sri. K. Sudhakar ACS P-III
Attended and explained the need of strike. Both MLC’s narrated the importance of Postal Department to the common poor people and assured that they will suuport our egitation. Wherever they will attend in public meetings, they will refer about Postal Indefinite Strike and request the public to support it. Com. Narasimha Reddy CITU explained about the disinvestments of Govt organizations and CITU will be with us up to strike ended.
Com. M.Pullaiah Suprime Councillor of GDS union well orgnised the meeting. Com. DSB Purushotham initiated the strike meeting.
After that Com. Ch Ramesh babu BPM Vepinapi, S. Penchalaih BPM Siddavaram who premoted to Postman cadre have been felicitated
GUIDELINES FROM CENTRAL HQRS...
INDEFINITE STRIKE FROM 5.7.2011 - GUIDELINES FOR SECRETARIES AND ACTIVISTS
1. PUBLICISE all CIRCULARS, NOTICES etc., regarding the STRIKE, WIDELY and INTENSELY. NOTICE BOARD should display all these materials every day. Also CIRCULATE to the extent possible.
2. HOLD MEETINGS of the GENERAL BODY, WORKING COMMITTEE, ACTIVISTS as often as possible for CAMPAIGNING.
3. Elect an ACTION COMMITTEE which may consist of 50% of the office bearers and working committee members and 50% activists and elders for individual campaigning and canvassing among the members to perform allied tasks on the eve of and during the strike.
4. PARTICIPATE in all MEETINGS of coordinating bodies – Joint Council of Action.
5. Exhort the members to join the rally, jhathas, Joint meetings, Gate meetings, demonstrations etc in large numbers.
6. Hold informal Lunch hour meetings in canteens, Recreation clubs, maidans and lawns every day and appraise all about day to day developments which are readily available in the web sites of NFPE and our CHQ and appeal for maximum mobilization.
7. Ensure that every one in your unit or office has been approached and talked to, to participate in the indefinite strike.
8. Action committee should evolve methods to ensure that 100% of the members are participating in the strike.
9. CAUTION and CARE SHOULD be exercised in all matters and it should be ensured that the machinery of the Action Committee is in readiness fully prepared to meet any situation that may arise.
10. Above all Maintain Unity and discipline at all levels.
THE BUGLE HAS BEEN SOUNDED.
THE CLARION CALL HAS BEEN ISSUED.
THE LEADERSHIP HAVE IMMENSE CONFIDENCE IN YOU, OUR ACTIVE WORKERS AND
THE STRENGTH OF OUR MIGHTY MOVEMENT OF POSTAL WORKERS.
WE HAVE NO DOUBT AT ALL THAT WE SHALL COME OUT OF THE BATTLE WITH FLYING COLOURS.
1. PUBLICISE all CIRCULARS, NOTICES etc., regarding the STRIKE, WIDELY and INTENSELY. NOTICE BOARD should display all these materials every day. Also CIRCULATE to the extent possible.
2. HOLD MEETINGS of the GENERAL BODY, WORKING COMMITTEE, ACTIVISTS as often as possible for CAMPAIGNING.
3. Elect an ACTION COMMITTEE which may consist of 50% of the office bearers and working committee members and 50% activists and elders for individual campaigning and canvassing among the members to perform allied tasks on the eve of and during the strike.
4. PARTICIPATE in all MEETINGS of coordinating bodies – Joint Council of Action.
5. Exhort the members to join the rally, jhathas, Joint meetings, Gate meetings, demonstrations etc in large numbers.
6. Hold informal Lunch hour meetings in canteens, Recreation clubs, maidans and lawns every day and appraise all about day to day developments which are readily available in the web sites of NFPE and our CHQ and appeal for maximum mobilization.
7. Ensure that every one in your unit or office has been approached and talked to, to participate in the indefinite strike.
8. Action committee should evolve methods to ensure that 100% of the members are participating in the strike.
9. CAUTION and CARE SHOULD be exercised in all matters and it should be ensured that the machinery of the Action Committee is in readiness fully prepared to meet any situation that may arise.
10. Above all Maintain Unity and discipline at all levels.
THE BUGLE HAS BEEN SOUNDED.
THE CLARION CALL HAS BEEN ISSUED.
THE LEADERSHIP HAVE IMMENSE CONFIDENCE IN YOU, OUR ACTIVE WORKERS AND
THE STRENGTH OF OUR MIGHTY MOVEMENT OF POSTAL WORKERS.
WE HAVE NO DOUBT AT ALL THAT WE SHALL COME OUT OF THE BATTLE WITH FLYING COLOURS.
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