Friday, December 31, 2010

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011

  Our Association wishes its members & viewers

a very happy and prosperous

NEW YEAR 2011


Issue of combined All India Seniority List of Inspectors, Posts from 1999

No. CHQ/IPASP/SL/2010 Dated: 31.12.2010


To
The Director General
Department of Posts
Dak Bawan, New Delhi 110001

Sub: Issue of combined All India Seniority List of Inspectors, Posts from the year 1999 -reg.

Respected Madam,

It is brought to your kind notice that the Department of Posts has issued combined All India Seniority of Inspectors, Posts up to the year 1998 and the same is also available on the website of India Post. Civil list of IPoS Group “A” has been updated by the Department up to 03.09.2009 and the same is also available on the website of India Post.

2. It is therefore, requested to kindly arrange for issue of combined All India Seniority List of Inspectors, Posts from the year 1999 onwards and make them available in the website of India Post so that IPs/ASPs may be aware of their seniority position in the All India Seniority list and point out irregularity if any.

An early action in this regard will be highly appreciated.

Yours sincerely,

(Roop Chand)
General Secretary

Identification of Posts of HSG I (IP Line) for PM Grade III in Kerala Circle

No. CHQ/IPASP/PMC/2010 Dated: 31.12.2010


To
The Director General
Department of Posts
Dak Bawan, New Delhi 110001

Sub: Identification of Posts of HSG I (IP Line) for Postmaster Grade III in Kerala Circle –reg.

Ref: Directorate letter no. 13-2/2010-PE I dt. 25.11.2010

Respected Madam,

It is brought to your kind notice that Chief Postmaster General, Kerala Circle has identified all posts of HSG I (IP Line) for Postmaster Grade III in violation to instructions of the Directorate letter cited in the reference. Due to this there is great resentment among IPs/ASPS of Kerala Circle. Your good self is well aware that all posts of Postmaster Grade I, II and III are to be carved out from the existing General Line cadre posts. At present 141 posts of HSG I are earmarked for the IP Line officials which are part of promotional avenue for the Inspectors, Posts. Other Circles are carving out only from the existing General Line posts.

2. In view of the above, it is requested to kindly arrange for issuing directions to the Chief Postmaster General, Kerala Circle that only HSG I posts of General Line cadre should be identified for Postmaster Grade III and not HSG I posts of IP Line.

Hoping for positive action please.

Yours sincerely,

(Roop Chand)
General Secretary

Copy to: -

The Chief Postmaster General, Kerala Circle, Thiruvanathapuram 695033 for information and necessary action.

Revision of rates of remuneration for performing duty as Invigilators

No. CHQ/IPASP/011/2010 Dated: 31.12.2010


To
Ms. Radhika Doraiswamy
Director General
Department of Posts
Dak Bhawan
New Delhi 110001

Sub: Revision of rates of remuneration for performing duty as Invigilators in the examinations.

Respected Madam,

Our Association had taken up the issue of revision of rates of honorarium for performing duty as Invigilators in the examinations vide our letter of even no. dt.01.11.2010. However, rates of remuneration have not been revised so far. Directorate did not bother even to acknowledge the said letter.

2. Your good self is requested for revision in rates of remuneration for performing duty in conduct of all Departmental examination such as invigilators, supervisors etc.

A line in reply will be highly appreciated.

Yours sincerely,

(Roop Chand)
General Secretary

Supply of Laptop to all IPs/ASPs

No. CHQ/IPASP/Laptop/2010  Dated: 31.12.2010




To

Ms. Radhika Doraiswamy
Director General
Department of Posts
Dak Bawan, New Delhi 110001

Sub: Supply of Laptop to all IPs/ASPs –reg.

Respected Madam,

Our Association conveys its gratitude for supplying Laptop to all IPs/ASPs working as Sub Divisional heads. Your good self has also attended the open session of our All India Conference held at New Delhi on 3rd April 2010. It was informed by your good self in the All India Conference that Laptops will be supplied to all the IPs/ASPs.

2. Our Association urges to consider supply of Laptops to remaining IPs/ASPs who are working in various capacities other than as Sub Divisional heads as assured by your good self in the interest of service to enhance the productivity and efficiency in quality of service.

An early result oriented action is expected very much in this regard.

Yours sincerely,

(Roop Chand)
General Secretary

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Revised Rule 87 of POSB Man. Vol -I & Rule 50 of POSB Man. Vol -II

Postal Directorate has devised new procedure for payment of amount of SB/SC in the name of deceased depositors/ holders vide SB ORDER NO. 25/2010 issued under No. 113-7/2008-SB dated 24-12-2010.

 This new procedure will be applicable from 1-1-2011 or from the date of receipt of this order.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Employees may not be able to challenge CAT judgements in SC


                                                                                        

            NEW DELHI: Bad news is in store for government employees contesting matters relating to their service conditions in the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) as they may not be able to challenge the judgment in the Supreme Court.

            Government employees not satisfied with CAT orders on their service matters will continue to appeal in High Courts as government's plan to enable them approach the apex court directly has received a thumbs down from the top law officer.

            Recently, the Department of Personnel had asked the Law Ministry whether the present system of CAT orders being challenged in High Courts be changed to fast track disposal of cases of government employees relating to their service conditions and employment rules.

            The Law Ministry referred the matter to Attorney General Ghoolam Vahanvati who opined against the move saying a 1997 Supreme Court judgment on the issue should continued to be followed.

            "As of now, the buck stops here (on the issue)," Law Minister M Veerappa Moily told PTI when asked to comment on Vahanvati's opinion.

            He said his ministry was trying to find a solution. "But I would not like to add anything more to it," he added.

            When the CAT was established in 1985 by an Act of Parliament, its rules clearly stated that its judgments on service related matters of state and central government employees can only be challenged in the apex court.

            While the same rules is in operation even today, a 1997 Supreme Court ruling held that judicial review is the basic feature of the Constitution and a High Court's power on judicial review cannot be taken away.

            After the judgment, appeals against CAT rulings were entertained in High Courts.

            "The Armed Forces Tribunal Act has been borrowed from CAT. Appeals against Tribunal's orders can only be challenged in the Supreme Court. But in CAT's case, it has become a three tier system...the entire purpose of CAT has been defeated," said a CAT functionary.

            He said while CAT usually disposes off a case in six months, appeal in High Court often takes years.

            "They pay Rs 50 as fee to move CAT, but they have to pay thousands of rupees in High Court...if the matter reaches Supreme Court, the time and cost involved is massive," he said.

Source: Economic Times



Saturday, December 25, 2010

Probationers can be sacked: CAT

A person working on probation can be sacked from service without prior hearing if his or her performance is not satisfactory, the Central Administrative Tribunal has held. 

"A probationer's services could be terminated if his performance is unsatisfactory and the termination would be valid from all angles," the CAT's bench of members Veena Chhotray and Shanker Raju said in their ruling. 

The country's apex tribunal to adjudicate government employees' dispute on service matters gave the ruling on a petition by a trained graduate teacher, Narbda Singh, a resident of Kushinagar (UP), challenging the termination order from Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS). 

Singh opposed the order saying action was taken without being given an opportunity to present his case or to defend himself and that this had led to violation of the principles of natural justice. 

The KVS justified its decision saying despite several opportunities and reminders he had failed to improve his performance prompting it to take the step under the KVS rules. 

Satisfied with KVS's contentions, the tribunal rejected Singh's plea saying the termination did not violate the principles of natural justice.

 "We do not find any punitiveness and victimisation in the termination order. The unsatisfactory performance is not the foundation of the order but is a motive as per the terms and conditions of the appointment letter.

"Such termination does not require prior hearing or following the principles of natural justice and the right to be heard," the tribunal said. 

Source:Indian Express

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Revision of norms for assessment of workload of the Branch Postmasters.

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS & IT
DEPARTMENT OF POSTS
(Establishment Division)
Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg
New Delhi-110 001
File No.5-1/2007-WS-1(Pt.)                                                                 Dated 16-12-2010

To
          Chief Post Masters General
          Postmasters General
          General Managers (Finance)
          Directors of Accounts (Postal)

Sub:- Revision of norms for assessment of workload of the Branch Postmasters.

Sir/Madam,

I am directed to refer to Directorate letter No.14-6/87-PAP dated 15-07-87 and 15-12-2009 on the above subject.

2.       The staff representatives of Gamin Dak Sevaks have represented that many of the new items of work that have been added recently are not covered by norms for assessment of workload of the Branch Postmasters in point system. One-man committee headed by Shri R.S.Natarajamurti also recommended for conducting work study and prescribing norms for the various items of work undertaken by Branch Postmasters. Therefore, the Department has ordered a work study through Integrated Work Study Unit for recommending norms for new items of work and for revision of existing norms. The report and recommendations of the IWSU has been examined in consultation with Integrated Finance Wing and after a careful consideration, the competent Authority ordered for prescribing the norms for assessment of the workload of the Branch Postmasters in point system. These norms are furnished in the Annexure.

3.       These norms will come into effect from the date of issue of this order and have to be applied for all reviews conducted thereafter.

4.       The norms may be communicated to all the concerned under your control for strict compliance.

5.       This issues in consultation with Integrated Finance Wing vide their Dy. No.303/FA/10/CS dated 15-12-2010.


Yours faithfully,
Sd.x.x.x.x
(K.RAMESWARA RAO)
Asst. Director General (Est.)


                                                                                                         





ANNEXURE

NORMS PRESCRIBED FOR ASSESSMENT OF WORK LOAD OF
 BRANCH POST MASTERS IN POINT SYSTEM


S.No

Norms of work

Points

Standard prescribed

1.
Handling of unregistered articles
1 point of work load
For every 25 unregistered articles handled in a day

2.
Handling of registered articles
1 point of work load
For every 22 registered articles handled in  month

3.
Handling of Money Orders
1 point of work load
For every 15 Money Orders handled in a month

4.
Sale of postage stamps
1 point of work load
For every Rs.900- worth of stamps sold in a month

5.
Handling of cash (*)
1 point of work load
For every Rs.20,000- cash handled in a month

6.
Savings Bank / NSC transactions
1 point of work load
For every 10 transactions in a month

7.
Rural Postal Life Insurance transactions
1 point of work load
For every 10 transactions in a month

8.
Collection of Telephone or any other bills
1 point of work load
For every 20 bills collected in a month

9.
Disbursement of Old age pensions through Money Orders
1 point of work load
For every 15 old age pension Money Orders disbursed in a month

10.
Disbursement of Old age pension through savings bank accounts
1 point of work load
For every 10 old age pension through savings bank in month
11.
Accounts work and receipt and dispatch of mails in a month

--

Fixed 14 points per month

                                               
NOTE

1.
The assessment of the work load of the Branch Post masters has to be done in respect of items 2 to 10 on the average of 4 quarterly months statistics. The statistics should be collected from the month following the month in which enumeration returns are collected.
2.
In respect of unregistered articles handled the Branch Postmaster has to furnish 3 days figures in the middle of the month, and the inspecting officer has to collect statistics for 2 days in the middle of the week. The least of the average has to be adopted for assessment of work load.
3.
Unregistered articles handled includes the No. of unregistered articles received for delivery  and posted for dispatch from the Branch Post Office.
4.
Registered articles handled includes Registered letters, Parcles, Speed Post articles and Value Payable articles received for delivery and Registered letters / parcels posted for dispatch.
5.
Money Orders handled includes all sorts of Money  Orders received for payment and MOs issued from the Branch Office.
6.
Savings Bank transactions include opening, deposit and withdrawal / closure of Savings Bank, Recurring Deposit and Time Deposit accounts.

7.
RPLI transactions include collection of RPLI premium for procurement of new Business and collection of renewal premium.
8
Mahatma Gandhi NREGA is not covered by the present norms and the transactions on account of disbursement of NREGA payments to the beneficiaries and the cash handled should be excluded from the statistics for assessment of workload.
9.
(*) For cash handled orders have been issued already on 15-12-2009. The term "Cash handled" constitute cash handled on account of Money Orders issue / payment, deposits / withdrawals of SB/RD/TD accounts, RPLI premium collection, bills collection and bills payment other than salary paid to GDS staff working in the Branch Office. The cash received as Remittance from Account Office and Remittance sent to Account Office has to be excluded.
10.
14 points is given in lump per month for receipt of Branch office Bag, verification of contents including verification of remittance, writing of BO journal, BO account, preparation of BO Daily Account, tallying of closing balance and dispatch of BO bag including remittance of surplus cash to Account Office.
                                                                                                      SD.x.x.x.x
                                                                                         (K.RAMESWARARAO)
                                                                                  Asst. Director Genl.(Est.)

GREETINGS

Association greets its members and their familes

"Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2011"

Association Writes to Department on Postmaster Cadre

No. CHQ/IPASP/PMC/2010 Dated: 23.12.2010


To
Ms. Radhika Doraiswamy
Director General
Department of Posts
Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg
New Delhi-110001

Sub: Introduction of Postmaster Cadre in Postal Wing.

Ref: Postal Directorate No. 4-17/2008-SPB-II dated 22nd November, 2010

Respected Madam,

The Department has issued the above notification introducing Postmaster cadre in Postal Wing. At the outset, we wish to place on record that we are not against to the introduction of Postmaster’s cadre but seek certain clarifications in the interest of our cadre and Department. The following are the few points which require immediate kind attention of the Department

It is perceived from the said notification that posts for different categories in the hierarchy are to be carved out only from the General Line posts and as such IP Line cadre should not have any cascading effect.

1. In view of para 5(VI) & 5(VII) of said notification, it is understood that all 116 posts of Sr. Postmaster grade presently held by IP Line officials are to be filled partly from HSG-I (General Line) and partly from IP Line officials. The officials in PS Gr.”B” & Sr. Postmaster grade would be eligible for induction in IPoS, Group “A” on the basis of a consolidated eligibility list. Both these paras of the notification are in gross violation of equality provided under Article 14 and 21 of the Constitution as different parameters have been adopted for promotion to Sr. Postmaster from HSG-I which is on the basis of promotion on the one side and IP Line which is through LDCE on the other side.

2. Furthermore, the demand of other trade unions to fill up 100% posts of Sr. Postmasters and Chief Postmasters only from officials of Postmaster cadre (HSG I General Line) is baseless and hence categorically refuted.

3. This Association would like to recall that hitherto also there were two separate cadres i.e., Postmaster Group B and Postal Superintendent Group B which were merged to form composite cadre called PSS Group “B”. Due to unification of two cadres, the General Line officials were allowed to share 6% of the total posts worked out after merger. In this regard, Gazette notification was issued codifying the recruitment rules and subsequently LDCE was introduced for 25% of the vacancies out of which General Line officials still enjoying the share of 6%.

4. Apparently the new proposal is only attempt to revive old pattern viz. Postmaster Group B and Postal Superintendent Group ‘B’ as two independent cadres. This whole process of notifying the introduction of separate cadre of Postmaster has been done by the Department without consulting our Association. Resultantly, there is resentment and confusion in the Inspector, Posts cadre which is otherwise also directly or indirectly affecting the efficiency of the Department.

5. Now, since Directorate has issued notification so it would be only fit and proper if no further share from 649 posts presently held for promotion by non selection against 75% quota is allowed. However, Department may fill up 75% Sr. Postmaster posts from 165 (19% of total 866 PSS Group "B") posts presently allotted for promotion by LDCE for IPs and 25% of 52 (6% of 866) posts presently kept reserved for promotion for General Line officials. In this event, even Department will not have to call for options from IP Line officials working in PS Group "B" cadre and they can be easily adjusted and posted as Sr. Postmaster on 116 posts for which Department is also very much inclined.

6. 25% of vacancies in Senor Postmaster grade have been earmarked for HSG I (General Line) officials through promotion. Hence, recruitment rules of PS Group B cadre may be modified and provision may be made in the recruitment rules of PS Group B that 6% of total posts to be filled on the basis of same Departmental examination from General Line officials with 5 years regular service in LSG and above shall be reduced to the extent of number of posts occupied by the General Line officials in Senior Postmaster grade in Postmaster cadre.

7. In some Circles, Chief PMsG have identified posts of HSG I of IP Line for Postmaster Grade III which is in violation of the instructions contained in notification ibid. For the present 141 posts of HSG I Postmasters are earmarked for the IP Line officials which are part of promotional avenue for the Inspector, Posts. Order issued by the Department on formulation of Postmaster cadre is silent on the issue as to how these 141 posts will be retained for IP Line. The Association urges the Department to consider this issue and issue orders immediately that these 141 posts of IP Line remain in subordinate capacity in HSG I for IP Line officials.

8. It will be in the betterment of things if a meeting is arranged to discuss the issues concerning Inspector, Posts cadre. Until and unless this is done, the effects will lead to confusion resulting in resentment, frustration in the already depressed and ignored Inspector, Posts cadre.

Yours Sincerely,

(Roop Chand)
General Secretary

Protest against the indifferent attitude of the Department towards upgradation of GP from Rs.4200/- to Rs. 4600/- for IPs

To

Ms. Radhika Doraiswamy
Director General
Department of Posts
Dak Bhawan
New Delhi 110001

No.CHQ/IPASP/SCPC dated 23-12-2010

Sub: Protest against the indifferent attitude of the Department towards upgradation of Grade Pay from Rs 4200/- to Rs 4600/- for Inspector, Posts.

Ref:- Postal Directorate No. 4-12/2009-PCC dated 22-03-2010

Respected Madam,

The Central Working Committee meeting of the Association was held at Ambaji (Gujarat) on 16th and 17th December 2010. During the meeting, the CWC registered its concern towards the inordinate delay in processing the demand of the Association for higher grade pay to IP on par with inspector cadre in other Central Government departments/ministries. While all other Departments/Ministries show positive action towards their inspectors, the DOP is alone showing a negative approach on our cadre. All Inspectors and Assistant Superintendents Posts are very much aggrieved and frustrated due to the inaction and indifferent attitude of the Department of Posts towards this cadre.

2. The department kept on telling the phrase “maintaining parity with other inspectorial cadre” whenever we demanded justified higher grade pay for IP & ASP. Now Inspectors and analogous cadres in other departments/ministries have been granted the higher grade pay of Rs 4600/- unilaterally after implementation of VI CPC. Such type of unilateral increase in pay scale was noticed in other departments/ministries in respect of their Inspectors after implementation of the past many CPCs. When we demand parity, the department in collusion with MOF is speaking entirely a different version. During discussion with DOP on this issue, we were informed that the cadre of ASP (Which is not in existence in other departments/ministries) is an impediment to implementing higher grade to IP. If that is the case, this Association is ready to go for merger of both the posts IP and ASP. The issue of merger of posts of IP and ASP with single Grade Pay of Rs.4600/- was discussed at a length during the course of General Body meeting in the All India Conference of the Association held at New Delhi on 03.04.2010 and 04.04.2010. The Association had come out with a proposal of merger of the posts IP and ASP and detailed discussions took place between the representatives of the Association and DDG (Estt.) on 05.04.2010. The department was convinced about the justified GP of Rs 4600/- on the merged post. Reminders were given to the DOP on 24-06-2010, 09-08-2010 & 07-09-2010 but no action has been taken by the Department till now and it has become the prime grievance of the Association. We also took up this issue in the agenda for periodical meeting on 27.08.2010 but DOP has not fixed date and time for holding of the same so far.

3. Association gave its proposal in writing for merger of the posts of Inspector, Posts & Assistant Superintendent, Posts and designating the merged posts as Inspector, Posts or Assistant Superintendent, Posts as may be decided by the Department but retaining the Gazetted status to the existing incumbents in Assistant Superintendent, Posts grade till their promotion / retirement..

4. If the DOP felt problem in merger of the posts IP and ASP, the CWC was agreed unanimously and came out with an alternative proposal of merger of the post ASP with PS Group B with a Grade Pay of Rs.4800/- with effect from 01.01.2006. As both the posts are Gazetted Group B & difference of Grade Pay is only Rs.200/-. This Association urges upon the DOP to consider merger of the post of ASP with the post of PS Group B with a Grade Pay of Rs.4800/- and in that case the senior will be holding the charge of Division/Office.

5. In case no positive action is forthcoming, the CWC of the Association after a detailed deliberations and discussions, has come out with the following proposal:

“It is unanimously resolved that the Department must meet out the above demand within one month time frame. The CWC with one voice decided that, if no decision is taken by the Department, the Association has no other option except to proceed on with a direct action (Trade Union action) after 31.01.2011. In such circumstances, the responsibility of any adverse effect on services will rest with the Department”

An early result oriented action is requested.

Yours sincerely,

(Roop Chand)
General Secretary

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Central Working Committee meeting at AMBAJI (Gujarat)

As notified, Central Working Committee meeting of the Association was held at Ambaji, District Banaskantha (Gujarat) on 16th and 17th December 2010 under the presidentship of Shri Dinesh khare, President. CWC was attended by 14 Circle branches except Assam, Haryana, H.P., J & K, Kerala, N.E., Orissa and Uttarakhand. CWC was well attended as expected. Shri Janardan Sharma, SSPOs, Meerut and Shri S.Ravi, Asstt. Director (RB), Postal Directorate attended the C.W.C. as special invitees. Meeting was held in cordial atmosphere and agenda of the meeting was discussed. After detailed discussions and confirmation of minutes last CWC/ All India Conference held at New Delhi, following decisions were taken by the CWC unanimously.


1. Upgradation of Grade Pay of Inspectors, Posts from Rs. 4200/- to Rs. 4600/-.


Department is not serious on merger of the post of Inspector, Posts with the post of Asstt. Supdt., Posts. Hence, it was decided by the CWC that the post of Asstt. Supdt., Posts be merged with the post of P.S. Group “B” as both the posts are Gazetted Group “B”. A protest letter in this regard was drafted by the CWC and same will be handed over to the Department by the GS.

2. Restructuring of Inspector, Posts cadre:

CWC decided to take up this issue only after settlement of Grade Pay of Inspector, Posts from Rs. 4200/- to Rs. 4600/-.

3. Revision of rates of remuneration for invigilation duty:

G.S. will issue reminder to the D.G. (Posts) in this regard.

4. Regular Promotion to P.S.Group “B”:

A list of 140 officers for regular promotion in to P.S. Group “B” cadre has been issued by the Department on 24.11.2010. CWC expressed its satisfaction over release of list by the Postal Directorate in time, due to frequent meetings with the officers in Postal Directorate by the GS.

5. Allotment of surplus qualified IP candidates for the year 2009:

CWC decided that above issue may be taken up with the Department.

6. MACP Scheme:
It came to notice of the CWC that MACP memo has not been issued by Chhattisgarh and M.P. Circles so far. CWC decided to take up above issues with the Department.

7. Merger of IRM/ASRM Association with our Association:

After detailed discussions, it was decided by the CWC that all members of IRM/ASRM Association may become our members by contacting our respective Circle Secretary in this regard. We welcome them for becoming our members as now, there is only single Association in our cadre recognized by the Department.

8. Postmaster Cadre in Postal Wing:

It was decided by the CWC that a protest letter from CHQ should go to the Department. Responsibility for drafting the letter was given to the Circle Secretary, Punjab Circle.

9. Supply of Laptops for all the IPs/ASPs

It was informed by the Secretary, Posts in our All India Conference that Laptops will be supplied to all the IPs/ASPs. However, the same has been supplied only to Sub Divisional IPs/ASPs. CWC decided to take up the issue with the Department for supply of Laptops to remaining IPs/ASPs.

10. Non issue of combined All India Seniority List of IPs from the year 1999:

It was decided by the CWC that above issue will be taken up with the Department.

Elaborate arrangements were made for the conducting CWC at Ambaji (Gujarat) by Shri M.R.Desai, Circle Secretary, Gujarat and his team. CHQ conveys its sincere thanks to them as well to all the CWC office bearers / Circle Secretaries for their co-operation during the CWC..

Karnataka Circle informed the CWC that they will hold next All India Conference at Bengaluru during January/Ferbuary-2012. They are making preparations for it. CWC welcomed their spirit.

Maharashtra Circle came forward for holding next CWC at Shirdi. CWC welcomed their decision and authorized GS to take decision at appropriate time.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Mobile Number Portability w.e.f. 20-01-2011

Telecom Service Providers have made necessary changes in their network for implementation of Mobile Number Portability (MNP). The MNP has been launched in Haryana on 25-11-2010 and it is to be launched in rest of the country w.e.f. 20-01-2011.
Guidelines-for-Mobile-Number-Portability The guidelines for criteria to be adopted for MNP services have laid down by TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India). The consumers will have the choice of selecting their Telecom Service Provider (operator) without changing their number, provided a minimum period of 90 days has elapsed after subscription to the mobile service of the current service provider. For change of service provider i.e. porting, a subscriber has to send a SMS (short message service) from the number he wishes to be ported, to number 1900 whereby a Unique Porting Code (UPC) will be received on SMS from his current service provider. The subscriber will need to apply in the prescribed application form to the chosen new service provider quoting the UPC which will act as a reference while filling up the application form with new service provider. The new service provider will then take action to get the required process completed to enable the subscriber to get connected to his network. Porting has to be completed within 7 working days. TRAI has put a ceiling of Rs. 19/- on porting charges which the new service provider may collect from the subscriber. Post-paid subscribers before making the porting request, have to make sure that their last bill has been paid failing which the request for change to new service provider shall be rejected. In the case of pre-paid subscriber any balance amount left will not be carried forward when the number is transferred to the new service provider.

Steps to be taken for activating MNP:
1. Send a SMS from the Number he wishes to be ported to num 1900.
2. He will Receive a Unique Porting Code (UPC).
3. Apply in the prescribed application form to the chosen new subscriber.
4. Quote the UPC in the application form.
5. New service provider will take the necessary action.
6. Porting has to be completed in 7 Days.
7. Porting Charge is 19 Rs.
8. Post Paid subscribers has to Pay all the due bills.
9. For pre-paid users the balance amount will not carry to new number.

Dearness Allowance is the most eagerly awaited subject now-a-days by the Central Govt. Employees…

In the past, after getting job in the Central Government establishments, they wait for promotion to gain some financial benefits… But today employees eagerly awaits for the announcement of Dearness Allowance twice a year, because…

Even if an employee gets a promotion after a prolonged time, the grade pay and increment is very meager. From Rs.1900 to 2000, from 2400 to 2800, from 4200 to 4600 and from 4600 to 4800….so on, the hike in pay is in between Rs.100 to Rs.400 only and so the financial benefits are not upto their expectation.

The annual increment is only 3% of the basic pay, but the DA which is announced twice a year is much more than that as the DA from January to July 2010 was 8% and from July to Dec was 10% which total of 18%.

The Central Government announces the DA as per the recommendations of the Labour Bureau which calculates the prices of different essential commodities at different places. There was incidence of Government announcing 12%  of additional Dearness Allowance once and 1% additional Dearness Allowance on another occasion. Hence, everyone wants to know the calculations taken for DA in deep.

In the next year – 2011, the DA from January to June will be around 6%. It can be increased upto 7% which depends upon the AICPIN. Anyway, the total DA will surely cross the 50% to 51%or 52% for which the Central Government Employees have to wait for some times.
Source: CGELN

MODIFIED ASSURED CAREER PROGRESSION SCHEME FOR THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES - CLARIFICATION REGARDING.



No. 5034/3/2008-(D) (Vol.II)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
(Department of Personnel & Training) / Establishment (D)
North Block, New Delhi the 1st November, 2010

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:  Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme for the Central Government           Civilian Employees - Clarification regarding.

     A joint committee is set up to examine the anomalies pertaining to the Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme (MACPS) vide Department of Personnel & Training O.M.No.11/1/2010-JCA dated 03-05-2010.

2.      During the joint committee meeting it was pointed out by the Staff Side that the word 'new organization' of the last line of para 24 of Annexure-I of MACPS dated 19.05.2009 was not in consonance with the spirit of the Scheme. The issue has been examined and it is clarified that in case of transfer 'including unilateral transfer on request, regular service rendered in previous organization / office shall be counted alongwith the regular service in the new organization / office for the purpose of getting financial upgradation under the MACPS. However, financial upgradation under the MACPS shall be allowed in the immediate next higher grade pay in the hierarchy of revised pay bands as given in CCS (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008. Para 24 of MACPS stands amended to this extent.

3.      The Staff Side also raised an issue on the 'benchmark' for MACP as given in para 17 of Annexure-I of MACPS dated 19.05.2009, which provides that the financial upgradation would be on non-functional basis subject to fitness, in the hierarchy of grade pay within the PB-1. Thereafter for upgradation under the MACPS, the benchmark of 'good' would be applicable till the grade pay of Rs.6600/- in PB-3. The benchmark will be 'Very Good' for financial upgradation to the promotion to the grade pay of Rs.7600 and above. It was pointed out that in some cases the promotion to the next higher grade was made on the basis of 'fitness' as the method of promotion as specified in the relevant recruitment rules, was 'non-selection'. Therefore, such cases benchmarks should not be insisted upon under the MACPS. The issue has been examined and it is clarified that where the financial upgradation under MACPS also happen to be in the promotional grade and benchmark for promotion is lower than the benchmark for granting the benefits under MACPS as mentioned in para 17 ibid, the benchmark for promotion shall apply to MACP also.

4.      All Ministries/Departments may give wide circulation to the contents of this O.M. for general guidance and appropriate action in the matter.

5.      Hindi version will follow.                                                                  Sd/-
                                                                                                            (Smita Kumar)
                                                                                                            Director (Estt-I)

Monday, December 13, 2010

Syllabus for Departmental Examination in r/o Post Master Grade-I in Postal Wing

Postal Directorate has released syllabus for Departmental Examination in respect of Postmaster Grade I. Copy of orders is reproduced below.
No. 137-8/2009-SPB.II
Government of India
Ministry of Communications & IT
Department of Posts
Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg
New Delhi, Dated the 08 December, 2010
To,
All Chief Postmasters General
Subject: - Syllabus for Departmental Examination in respect of Post Master Grade- I in Postal Wing.
Sir/Madam,
I am directed to refer to Directorate’s letter No. 13-2/2010-PE.I, dated 03.02.2010 whereby a separate cadre of Postmaters has been constituted in the grades of Senior Postmaster, Postmaster Grade-III, Postmaster Grade –II and Postmaster Grade-I, by carving out the posts from existing General Line posts in Postal Wing.
2. Reference is also invited to Directorate’s letter of even number dated 22.11.2010 forwarding therewith copy of Recruitment Rules, namely, Department of Posts, Senior Postmaster (Group B Gazetted), Postmaster (Grade- ‘III and II’ – Group B non-gazetted) and Postmaster (Grade- I Group C non-Gazetted) Recruitment Rules, 2010, dated 9th September, 2010. It was stated inter-alia in the said letter that initial constitution of the various Grades of Postmasters shall be done by inviting options/applications from the existing incumbents of LSG, HSG.II, HSG.I in Post offices and PS Gr, ‘B’. In case, after filling up the posts as per the provisions of the Recruitment Rules certain number of posts still remain unfilled, the same would be filled up as per the provision contained in col. 12 of the respective Recruitment Rules.
3. The Recruitment Rules for the Grade of Postmaster Grade-I provides for filling up of the vacancies by promotion through Limited Departmental Competitive Examination from amongst the Postal Assistants working in Post offices with five years of regular service in the grade. Thus, the unfilled posts, after the initial constitution, if any, and regular vacancies subsequently will be filled up on the basis of Limited Departmental Competitive Examination. The Pattern and scheme for Limited Departmental Competitive Examination decided by the Competent Authority to fill up the vacancies in the grade of Postmaster Grade-I is forwarded herewith as in the Annexure.
4. It is requested that the provisions of the Recruitment Rules and the Syllabus may be brought to the notice of all concerned.
Encl: As above
Yours faithfully,
Sd/-
(Suraj Bhan)
Assistant Director General (SPN)

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Products through Post Offices on National Level

The Department of Posts has signed agreements with financial institutions including many other organizations to sell their products through Post Offices in the country. List of products sold at national level is as given below.
Sl.No.
Name of Company/Financial Institution
Description of product/service
1
Western Union Money Transfer
International money transfer to India
2
UTI Mutual Funds
Sale of UTI Mutual Funds through post offices
3
Pension Fund Regulatory & Development Authority
Point of Presence for National Pension Scheme Accounts
4
M/s Nirmal Packaging Systems
Sale of Corrugated boxes and Paper board envelops.
5
M/s Narsingh Dass & Co.
Sale of Tyvek Envelops
6
Ministry of Railways
Booking/cancellation of Railway Reservation Tickets under PRS Scheme
7
CBOP( Now merged with HDFC Bank)
Sale/Purchase of foreign exchange
8
Reliance Money Infrastructure Limited
Sale of Gold Coins
9
BSNL
Sale of recharge coupons Sancharnet Cards etc.
10.
India Post SBI tie-up
Department sells assets and liability products of SBI through identified postal outlets.
11.
NABARD-SHG linkage scheme
India Post has entered into a tie-up with NABARD to disburse micro credit to women self help groups (SHGs) on pilot basis.
The Central and State Governments take various measures from time to time to promote and popularize small saving schemes through print and electronic media as well as holding seminars, meetings and providing training to various agencies involved in mobilizing deposits under the schemes. As part of this ongoing exercise, Government has taken following steps to make the small savings schemes more attractive and investor friendly:-
-Introduction of Bonus at the rate of 5% on the deposits made under Post Office Monthly Income Account (POMIA) Scheme on or after 8th December, 2007 upon the maturity of the deposit.

-The benefit of Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961 has been extended to the investments made under 5-Year Post Office Time Deposits Account and Senior Citizens Savings Scheme, with effect from 01.04.2007.

-With effect from 1.8.2007, the maximum deposit ceilings of Rs.3.00 lakh and Rs.6.00 lakh under the Post Office Monthly Income Account (POMIA) Scheme has been raised to Rs.4.50 lakh and Rs.9.00 lakh
in respect of single and joint accounts respectively.

The penalty on pre-mature withdrawal of deposits under the Post Office Monthly Income Account (POMIA) scheme has been rationalized from 3.5% to 2% on withdrawal on or before expiry of three years and 1% on withdrawal after expiry of three years.

All categories of pensioners have been allowed to open and maintain ‘Pension Account’ under Post Office Savings Account Rules, with effect from 11th July, 2007.

The restriction on opening of more than one account during a calendar month under the Senior Citizens Savings Scheme has been removed with effect from 24th May, 2007.

Opening of “Zero deposit/Zero Balance” accounts for workers employed under NREG Act, under Post Office Savings Account Rules, with effect from 26th August 2008.

Opening of “Zero deposit/Zero Balance” accounts for Old Age Pensioner Account under Indira Gandhi Old Age Pension Scheme, Widows Pensioner Account under Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme and Disabled Pensioner Account under Indira Gandhi National Disabled Pension Scheme with effect from 13th October 2009.

National Savings Institute, a subordinate organization under the Department of Economic Affairs (Budget Division) also maintains its web site i.e nsiindia.gov.in in collaboration with National Informatics Centre to facilitate interface with the public through wider dissemination of information on small savings and on-line registration and settlement of investor’s grievances.

This information was given in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today by Shri Gurudas Kamat, the Minister of Communications and Information Technology.