Friday, July 29, 2011

CAT case relating to Grade Pay of IPs

O.A. No. 381/2010 came up for hearing before the Tribunal on 27.07.2011. When the proxy Respondent's counsel sought adjournment on health grounds, the Tribunal adjourned the case to 08.08.2011 making it clear that no further adjournment will be permitted.

Review of Cadre Structuring in respect of Inspector, Posts Cadre

No. CHQ/IPASP/ROC                                    Dated 25.07.2011

To
        The Director General,
        Department of Posts,
        Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg,
        New Delhi-110001
Sub: Review of Cadre Structuring in respect of Inspector, Posts Cadre
Ref: Postal Directorate Letter No.1/4/2010-SR dated 12.07.2011
Respected Madam,

        Your kind attention is invited to our letter of even no. dated 08.07.2011 (copy enclosed) on the above mentioned subject.
        The Department has constituted a committee to examine the issue of cadre restructuring of Group "C" employees vide Office Order under reference. THE Committee will formulate the prpposals by 30.08.2011.
        In the past, we had attended informal meeting called by Shri A. K. Sharma, the then DDG (Estt.) in January-2011 alongwith JCA leaders. Hence, it is requested that our review proposal submitted on 08.07.2011 may kindly be ordered to be considered by the Committee formed on 12.07.2011 and our association should also be nominated as amember on the staff side.
        We hope that our proposal will be considered and formulated by the Committee constituted on 12.07.2011.

                                                                                                         Yours sincerely,
                                                                                                          (Roop Chand)
                                                                                                        General Secretary

New website launched and Online registration for Central Government Holiday Homes and Touring Officers Hostel


DIRECTORATE OF ESTATES,
M/o URBAN DEVELOPMENT,
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
IMPORTANT NOTICE

Holiday Homes and Touring Officers Hostel
(Launch Date : 01-August-2011)
This site is getting ready for use. Online registration and other services at this website will be available from 01-August-2011. Through this website, from 1st August 2011 onwards you will be able to register for new applications and see the status of applications registered in previous version.



Source: http://holidayhomes.nic.in/

Organizing frequent meetings/melas on holidays and Sundays – denial of legitimate rights to the employees to avail Sundays etc.

Government of India
Department of Posts
SR Section
No. 16/56/2011-SR July 8, 2011
To

All Heads of Circles

Subject: - Organizing frequent meetings/melas on holidays and Sundays – denial of legitimate rights to the employees to avail Sundays etc.

Sir/Madam,

            I am directed to state that the issue of organizing frequent meetings/melas on holidays and Sundays, thus depriving the employees of their legitimate right to avail the break was considered in a meeting taken by Secretary to discuss charter of Demands served with the notice of indefinite strike w.e.f. 05.07.2011 by Postal Joint Council of Action.

2.         While in certain circumstances it may be unavoidable strategically beneficial for the Department to hold meetings/melas etc on holidays and Sundays, it may not be done so in a routine manner. Needless to say, the weekly break and holidays etc. have their own significance and it may be kept in view while calling the officials for duty during the break.

3. This may be brought to the notice of all concerned.

Yours faithfully,
                                                                       Sd/-
(Subhash Chander)
Director (SR & Legal)
Telefax: 23096021



--

Increase in the number of chances to appear in the Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LGO Examination) to fill up the posts of Postal Assistant/Sorting Assistant.

No. 60-10/2011-SPB-I
Government of India
Ministry of Communications & IT
Department of Posts
Dak Bhavan, New Delhi – 110116
Date the 26th July, 2011
To

 All Chief Postmaster General
 All Postmaster General
Director, Postal Staff College, Ghaziabad, U.P
Chief General Manager, Postal Life Insurance Directorate,
            Chankyapuri, New Delhi
Director, Postal Life Insurance, Kolkata
 All Directors, Postal Training Centres

Subject: Increase in the number of chances to appear in the Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LGO Examination) to fill up the posts of Postal Assistant/Sorting Assistant.

Sir/Madam,

            I am directed to refer to the Directorates letter No. 37-63/98-SPB-I (Pt) dated 20/26.8.1999 regarding increasing the number of chances to appear in the Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LGO Examination) to fill up the posts of Postal Assistant/Sorting Assistant from 5 to 6. The matter has since been reviewed and it has been decided by the competent authority to increase the number of chances for OC candidates to appear in the Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LGO Examination) to fill up the posts of Postal Assistant/Sorting Assistant from 6to 8. It has also been decided to increase the chances for SC/ST candidates to appear in the said examination to 10 provided there are vacancies reserved for candidates belonging to SC/ST and in case any SC/ST candidate is appointed on the basis of his/her 9th or 10th chance he/she shall be appointed against the vacancy reserved for SC/ST, as the case may be, irrespective of his/her merit in the examination.

2. It is requested that these instructions may be given wide publicity immediately.

                                    Yours faithfully,
                                    Sd/-
                                    (B. P. Sridevi)
                                    Director (Staff)

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Appointment of surplus IPs for the year 2009 allotted to different Circles

No.CHQ/IPASP/AOSC                                                                  Dated 25.07.2011


To
     Ms. Radhika Doraiswamy
     Secretary to the Govt. of India
     Department of Posts
     Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg
     New Delhi-110001 

Sub: Appointment of surplus IPs for the year 2009 allotted to different Circles

Ref: Memo No. A-34013/01/2009-DE (Pt.1) dated 30.06.2011

Respected Madam,

        It has come to the notice of the Association that due to delay in  induction training for    departmental IPs and shortage of Inspectors Posts , some Circles (MP & Orissa) have given them adhoc appointment as Inspector Posts pending induction training.
2.    There is no uniformity in the Circles for adhoc appointment as Inspector Posts. The department is already giving appointment to PS Group 'B' officers without induction training at PSCI Ghaziabad. Due to shortage of staff , the department is also giving appointment to direct recruited PAs/SAs without induction training.
3.    You are well aware that scheme for allotment of surplus qualified candidates in IP examination was started by the department in the year 2007 due to shortage of manpower in Inspector Posts cadre and the same has since been discontiued vide Dte.O.M. No. A-34020/01/2007-DE dated 21.07.2011.
4.   In view of above facts, it is requested to kindly arrange for issue of instructions to all Circles for adhoc appointment of surplus qualified IPs pending induction training due to shortage of manpower in Inspector Posts cadre.


                                                                                                      Yours sincerely,

                                                                                                      (Roop Chand)
                                                                                                      General Secretary

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Promotion and postings to the Grade of Member, Postal Services Board, IPoS, Group "A"

Postal Directorate has issued following promotion and postings to the Grade of Member, Postal Services Board, IPoS, Group "A" :-
S No.    Name of the officer                          Present post                                        Posting on promotion
1.       Ms. Suneeta Trivedi                            CGM (BD & M)                             Member (Planning)
             (IPoS-1978)                                      BD Directorate
2       Ms. Yesodhara Menon                        CPMG, Karnataka                          Member (Personnel)
             (IPoS-1978)
 3.     Maj. Gen. A.R.A. Sah                         Addl. D. G.                                   Member (PLI) and   
             (IPoS-1978)                                      APS Directorate                        Chairman Investment Board

TRANSFER AND POSTINGS IN THE GRADE OF HAG & SAG OF IPoS GROUP "A"

Postal Directorate has issued following transfers and postings in HAG & SAG vide No. 1-1/2009-SPG dated 25.07.2011.
1. Sh. Y. P. S. Mohan (IPoS-1979)                 CGM (BD & Mktg.), BD Directorate
2. Ms. Hilda Abraham (IPos-1979)                  CPMG, Karnataka Circle
3. Ms. Devika Kumar (IPos-1981)                   CPMG, Orissa Circle (ON downgraded post of SAG)

Extension of Risk Allowance till 31.12.2011

No.21012/01/2008-Estt.(Allowance)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, PG. & Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training
New Delhi, dated 19th July, 2011.

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: - Extension of Risk Allowance till 31.12.2011.

          The undersigned is directed to refer this Department's OM No.21012/0l/2008-Estt.(AL) dated 25-01-2011 vide which payment of Risk Allowance was extended till 30-06-2011. Extension of Risk Allowance for a further period of six months beyond 30-06-2011 has been considered and it has been decided that Risk Allowance may be continued for a further period of six months up to 31-12-2011 or till such time Risk Insurance Scheme is implemented, whichever is earlier.

 All the Ministries/Departments are requested to ensure implementation of Risk Insurance Scheme before 31-12-2011.

sd/-
(Zoya C.B.)
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India


Friday, July 22, 2011

Public Notice - Fake Emails attaching forged certificates issued by Ministry of Finance

Ministry of Finance
Department of Economic Affairs
Administration Division

North Block, New Delhi
Dated 18th July,2011

ADVICE

It has come to the notice of Department of Economic Affairs that some Organisations / People are sending e-mails attaching forged certificates issued by Ministry of Finance by using the names of the officers of this Department, to enable people claim awards / lotteries.

Be it known to all that the Department of Economic Affairs does not issue any certificate to enable people to claim any lottery or award; and therefore any e-mail or any other form of messages, in this regard, should be ignored.

sd/-
(Ashok Kumar)
Under Secretary to Govt. of India

FAQs about Nuclear Power

FAQs About Nuclear Power
Backgrounder

Can a Chernobyl type accident take place in Indian Nuclear Power Plants?
Nuclear power has a very good safety record for a period spanning more than three decades. The Three Mile Island (TMI) accident in March, 1979 and the Chernobyl accident in April, 1986, Have raised apprehensions in the minds of the public all over the world. In the case of TMI, no radiation injury had occured to any member of the Public. In fact all the safety systems had worked as designed and no radioactivity was released to the atmosphere. At chernobyl, 31 people died and they are all plant personnel. However, it must be recognised that the Chernobyl accident occured due to the negligence of operaters who violated the safety procedures. Besides, the Chernobyl reactor is a totally different type. It employed Graphite as a moderator. Graphite is a form of carbon and its combustible property contributed to explosion in the reactor core. Such a sequence of events in the Nuclear plants is not possible and explosion in the core is ruled out as it is cooled and moderated by heavy water. Adequate safety features in the plant are provided to ensure  its safe operation. Paramount importance is given in setting up of nuclear power installations, to the safety of operating staff, public and environment. Safety experts and regulatory personnel are associated at all --- missioning and operation of nuclear power plants. Thus Chernobyl type accident is ruled out in Indian Nuclear Power Plants.

What is India’s 3-Phase Nuclear Power Programme?
In view of the limited fossil fuel availability with the country, the relevance of Nuclear Power in meeting the short and long term needs of our energy was recognised right at the initial stage. From the very beginning, as a long term strategy, the Nuclear Power Programme formulated by Dr. Homi Bhabha embarked on the three stage nuclear power programme, linking the fuel cycle of Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) and Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) for Judicious utilisation  of our limited reserves of Uranium and vast Thorium reserves. The emphasis of the programme was self-reliance and thorium utilisation as a long term objective. The PHWR was chosen due to extensive research and development facilities covering diverse areas for supporting technology absorption.
The 3-stage of our Nuclear Power Programme are :
·         Stage-I : envisages, construction of Natural Uranium, Heavy Water Moderated and Cooled Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs). Spent fuel from these reactors is reprocessed to obtain Plutonium.
·         Stage-II : evisages, construction of Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) fuelled by Plutonium produced in stage-I. These reactors would also breed U-233 from Thorium.
·         Stage-III : would comprise power reactors using U-233 / Thorium as fuel.

What are India’s available energy resources?
India's available energy resources are shown in the following table :
Identified Energy Reserves
Coal
186
billion tonnes
Lignite
5,060
million tonnes
Crude Oil
728
million tonnes
Natural Gas
686
billion Cu-m
Uranium
78,000
tonnes
Thorium
3,63,000
tonnes
Hydro
84,000
MW at 60 % PLF
Renewables
Biomass
6000
MWe
Wind, Solar etc.
20,000
MWe


How is environment surrounding Nuclear Plant is monitored?
This is done by the Environmental Survey Laboratory (ESL) set up well before starting the operation of the plant. The ESL collects data on forest, flora and fauna, marine products, food and air etc., to set up base level data on their quality prior to commencement of the operation of the plant. Samples are drawn and regularly analysed to ascertain the status on a continuos basis. The ESL functions independent of plant authorities and the data collected is checked by the regulatory authorities for control purposes.


Source : PIB

Visit to the Postal Directorate by the General Secretary

Today, I accompanied by Sh. S. Ravi, AD (RB) & Sh. Ajit Kumar, ASP (PMU) met with Sh.V. K. Tiwary, DDG (Rectt.& Pet.) holding additional charge of DDG (Estt.) in his chamber on the advice of the Secretary (Posts). Sh. Raj Kumar, Director (Estt. & DE) was also present during the course of the meeting.
All issues included in our charter of demands were discussed in detail. The DDG (Rectt. & Pet.) heard our views positively and assured us that files on all issues in the charter of demands are under process by the Department.We stressed for upgradation of GP of IP from Rs.4200/- to Rs. 4600/- and as well as review of cadre restructuring in respect of Inspector, Posts cadre. 
SR Division of the Postal Directorate has called for action taken report on our charter of demands from all concerned Divisions on 18.07.2011. Formal meeting to discuss our charter of demands is likely to be conducted by the Department shortly.
                                                                                                                            ROOP CHAND 
General Secretary                                                                                                                

Inspector of Posts Examination - allotment of Surplus Qualified Candidates

Copy of Postal Directorate O.M. no. A-34020/01/2007-DE dated 21.07.2011 is reproduced below:-

                                                OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Sub: Inspector of Posts Examination - allotment of Surplus Qualified Candidates

The Competent Authority has decided that the Surplus Qualified Inspectors scheme which was introduced vide this office letter of even number dated 13.04.2007 and dated 20.04.2007 is hereby dropped.

2.    The above order is effective from the Inspector of Posts Examination 2011 which will be held on 3rd and 4th September 2011.

Sd......
(L.Mohan Rao)
Assistant Director General (DE)

Allocation of candidates to Postal Circles nominated for appointment as Inspector of Posts by SSC on the basis of Combined Graduate Level Examination-2010

124 out of 136 candidates have been allocated to various Postal Circles on the basis of merit cum option for appointment as Inspector of Posts after completion of pre-appointment formalities by concerned Postal Circle vide Postal Directorate No. 7-3/2011-SPB-II dated 21.07.2011.
For more details, please see www. sahuliyat.com

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Special Drive to fill up vacant posts of SCs/STs/OBCs/PWDs

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Special Drive to Fill up Vacant Posts Of SCs/STs/OBCs/PWDs

     The Government has launched a drive to fulfil the backlog vacancies of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and OBCs and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). The number of backlog vacancies is 57947. The bifurcation is : SC- 15323, ST – 20301, OBC – 15323 and PWD – 7000. This follows review of the vacancy position in these categories by the Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances & Pension, Shri V. Narayansamy recently. All Ministries/Departments have been directed to fill up all the vacant posts in these categories by March 31, 2012.
     The Government has been concerned about non-filling up of large number of backlog vacancies reserved for SCs/STs/OBCs/PWDs. Two Special Recruitment Drives – one for SCs, STs and OBCs another for PWDs were launched in 2008 and 2009 respectively. The Drives enabled various offices to fill up about 26750 backlog vacancies.
Source: PIB

Friday, July 15, 2011

Voluntary retirement tendered by Ms.Aruna Jain (IPoS-1981)

Postal Directorate No. 13-2/2010-SPG Dated 15.07.2011

The President is pleased to accept the notice dated 09.06.2011 of voluntary retirement tendered by Ms. Aruna Jain (IPoS-1981), the then DDG (Training), Postal Dte. now PMG, Jodhpur (designate), under Rule 48 (A) of CCS (Pension) Rules,1972 and permits her to retire voluntarily from Govt. service w.e.f. 07.09.2011 (F/N).

Additional charge as Director (MB)

Postal Dte. No. 2-5/2009-SPG Dated 14.07.2011

Sh. Aman Sharma, DPS, Ghaziabad will hold additional charge of Director (MB), Postal Dte. without extra remuneration until further orders.

Additional charge of ADG (Project Arrow)

Postal Dte. No.4-10/2011-SPG Dated 11.07.2011

Sh. K. Ravi Babu, ADG (Tech.), Deptt. of Posts will hold additional charge of ADG (Project Arrow), Deptt. of Posts with immediate effect and until further orders in addition to his own duties without any extra remuneration.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

IP Examination 2011 to be held on 3rd and 4th September 2011

Scanned copy of Directorate Letter No.A-34012/04/2011-DE dated 14.07.2011 regarding holding of IP Examination 2011 on 3rd & 4th Septemeber 2011 is reproduced below.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Induction Training to IP candidates (Direct & Departmental)

It has been decided by the Postal Directorate that induction Training is to be imparted to all Direct Recruit IP candidates at PTC, Mysore and for all Departmental IP candidates at PTC, Vadodara very soon. The dates for the training programme will be decided by the both PTCs and seats allotted.

IP induction training for all Departmental IP candidates (Merit/Surplus/Qualified/Review result candidates) upto IP Examination 2008 in respect of all Circles and APS will commence at PTC, Vadodara with effect from 01.08.2011 to 19.11.2011 as decided by PTC, Vadodara. In view of this all Circle Secretaries are requested to remain in touch with their Circle Administration to ensure that no Departmental candidate upto IP Examination 2008 is left out for this training.

All surplus IP candidates whose result has been declared by the Postal Directorate on 30.06.2011 (Surplus IP candidates of IP Examination 2009) will get induction training in due course.

Implementation of Second Cadre Review

No. CHQ/ IASP/CRC/2011                                                                                        Dated 11.07.2011


To
Ms. Radhika Doraiswamy
Director General
Department of Posts
Dak Bhavan, N Delhi-110001

Subject: Implementation of Second Cadre Review – reg.
Ref: Our earlier letter of even no. dated 21.01.2009

Respected Madam,

Your kind attention is invited to our letter dated 21.01.2009 (Copy enclosed) on the subject mentioned above.

2. The accepted recommendations of Second Cadre Review, finalized in the year 1990, are pending for implementation even after more than 20 years. The Department has time and again assuring the Association to implement the Second CRC at the earliest. Due to non-implementation of the Second CRC many IPs/ASPs have retired from service without even reaching P.S. Group “B”. After putting more than 26 years of service in IP cadre, IPs/ASPs are still waiting for their regular promotion in P.S. Group “B”.

3. Consequent upon implementation of Postmaster Cadre in Postal Wing, promotional avenue of the staff supervised by our cadre have already been increased but Department has not done anything so far for increasing the promotional avenues as well as to up-grade the Grade Pay of Inspector Posts Cadre from Rs. 4200/- to Rs. 4600/- with effect from 01.01.2006 at par with Inspectors of other Central Government departments.

4. The Association once again requests the Secretary (Posts) to take immediate steps for implementation of Second Cadre Review recommendations which were accepted in the year 1990 and Presidential orders were issued but the same is still pending for implementation.

We hope that positive action will be taken for implementation of Second CRC.

Yours sincerely,

(Roop Chand)
General Secretary

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Special Recruitment Drives for backlog vacancies reserved for SCs/STs/OBCs/PWDs

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Government Launches Drive to fill up Vacant Posts of SCs/STs/OBCs/PWDs
The Government has launched a drive to fulfil the backlog vacancies of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and OBCs and Persons with Disabilities.
This is following a review of the vacancy position in these categories by the Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances & Pension, Shri V.Narayansamy recently. All Ministries/Departments have been directed to fill up all the vacant posts in these categories by March 31, 2012.
The Government has been concerned about non-filling up of large number of backlog vacancies reserved for SCs/STs/OBCs/PWDs. Therefore, two Special Recruitment Drives – one for SCs, STs and OBCs another for PWDs were launched in 2008 and 2009 respectively.
The Drives enabled various offices to fill up about 26750 backlog vacancies but large number of such vacancies are remaining to be filled up.
Source: PIB

Change in Designation of Sorting Postman - Clarification

D.G. Posts No. 25-20/2008-PE.I dated 12th July, 2011.

            Please refer to this Directorate's letter of even number dated 04.05.2011 vide which the post of Sorting Postman has been re-designated as Postman and both Postman and Sorting Postman have been given a common generic designation Postman.

2.         During the meetings of the Staff Federations with the Secretary (Posts), the Federations have raised following issues in connection with the implementation of the ibid order in the fields:
(i)         Circles are either abolishing or redeploying the posts of Sorting Postman. Such    posts may be restored.
(ii)        All the Postman are being put on the job of Beat Sorting at a time.

3.         This is wrong interpretation and implementation of the said order of the Directorate. Nowhere in the order is it mentioned that posts of Sorting Postman are either to be abolished or redeployed and all the Postmen are to be put on the Beat Sorting work at a time. In fact, the order is very lucid that post of Sorting Postman is re-designated  as Postman. Therefore, such abolished or redeployed posts of Sorting Postman may be restored immediately. The designation of the existing Sorting Postman may not be changed.

4.         Further, in the third para of the aforesaid order, it is indicated that concerned Divisional Head or Sr. Postmaster has to work out the exact requirement of Postmen required for Beat Sorting on the basis of the total number un-registered mail received for delivery as per the existing norms. Hence, concerned authorities in the Division to decide the number of Postmen to be put on the Beat Sorting job on the basis of existing norms. Thus, all the postmen are not to be put on the Beat Sorting work at a time. Rather, each one of them should be assigned the said job on turn-by-turn basis while observing the existing norms.

5.         Further, the number of postmen deployed for Beat Sorting should be to ensure that Beat Sorting, is completed one hour before the postmen leave for delivery so that necessary documentations and procedural requirement could be completed, which are necessary for carrying out the delivery effectively.

6.         It, is therefore, requested to please look into the issue personally and ensure correct and effective implementation of the Directorate's order dated 04.05.2011.
7.         It may please be accorded Top Priority.

This issues with the approval of the Competent Authority.


Sunday, July 10, 2011

Indiapost to lose its monopoly ; Govt. forces courier companies to charge double rates

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 Flight 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.
 Source : Economic Times

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).
State pension age in OECD countries
Country Male Female Change
planned?
Notes
Australia 65 63 Yes Women's pension age will gradually rise to 65 by 2014 and both will increase to 67 in stages between 2017 and 2023.
Austria 65 60 No
Belgium 65 65 No
Canada 65 65 No The normal pension eligibility is age 65 but an early pension can be claimed from age 60.
Chile 65 60 No
Czech Republic 62 61 Yes Retirement age will be increased for men to 63 years from 2016 and for women without children from 2019 and to age 59 to 62 for women with children (depending on number of children they have raised).
Denmark 65 65 Yes Government propose to raise the age to 67 over an eight year period starting in 2017.
Finland 63 63 No Under the Employees' Pension Act (TYEL) the retirement age is 63 to 68 years.
France 60 60 Yes Will be raised to 62 over the next eight years.
Germany 65 65 Yes This will increase to age 67 between 2012 and 2029. It is possible in some circumstances to retire at 63 years.
Greece 65 60 Yes There are plans to increase women's age to 65 years.
Hungary 62 62 Yes Retirement age will increase to age 65 for men from 2018 and for women from 2020.
Iceland 65 65 No This is for the public sector. The legal retirement age for private sector employees is 67.
Ireland 65 65 No There is no fixed retirement age for employees. There is a statutory retirement age of generally 65 for some public servants.
Italy 65 60 No
Japan 60 60 Yes The pension age is gradually being increased to 65, between 2001 and 2013 for men and between 2006 and 2018 for women.
Korea (Republic of) 60 60 Yes The pension age is being increased gradually and will reach age 65 by 2033.
Luxembourg 65 65 No Normal retirement age is 65 but early retirement at 57 is possible.
Mexico 65 65 No Normal retirement age is 65 years but early retirement is available from age 60.
Netherlands 65 65 Yes There are plans to increase the retirement age to 67.
New Zealand 65 65 No
Norway 67 67 No 60% of employees are entitled to early retirement from the age of 62 years under the early retirement plan.
Poland 65 60 No There are some professions that are entitled to earlier retirement such as teachers and armed forces.
Portugal 65 65 No Early retirement is possible in some circumstances from the age of 55 years.
Slovakia 62 57 Yes The retirement age for women is currently increasing to 62 years by 2014 so that both sexes will be equalised
Spain 65 65 No
Sweden 61 61 No The retirement age is flexible, state pensions can be claimed from age of 61 years.
Switzerland 65 64 No
Turkey 60 58 Yes There are plans to increase the retirement age in stages from 2035 to age 65 for both men and women.
United Kingdom 65 60 Yes The retirement age for women is being increased between 2010 – 2020 to 65 years. State pension will rise to age 66 in 2024, age 67 in 2034 and age 68 in 2044.
United States 66 66 Yes Increasing to age 67 in stages.
Source: Guardian (2010)

Source:http://www.globalcoalitiononaging.com/v2/data/uploads/documents/ilc-uk-ihp.pdf

Friday, July 8, 2011

CAT case relating to Grade Pay of IPs

OA No. 381/2010 on IP Grade Pay now pending before the CAT, Ernakulam Bench, came up before the Hon'ble Tribunal on 07.07.2011 for hearing, but was adjourned to 16.07.2011 as per the request of the applicant's counsel.

Expected DA from July-2011

We feel features, expectations and calculations are on the forefront for most of the Central Government employees regarding the additional Dearness Allowance from July, 2011 to be announced soon.
There will be no change in the 7% DA unless a huge change takes place in the month of June AICPIN (i.e.if the AICPIN falls below 180 points or increase above 195, a change of DA can take place, but chances are very remote.) AICPIN now stands at 187.
Surprisingly, some employees are eager to know if the DA crosses 100%, it will merge with the basic pay or not.
There is no such recommendations said in the 6th CPC.The allowances only will be increased by another 25%, every time the DA crosses 50%.
As of now, the important increase in the allowance is Children Education Allowance and Hostel Subsidy. It was increased from Rs.12000 to Rs.15000 from 1.1.2011. This will be increased upto Rs.18750 after the DA crosses 100% and some other allowances also will be enhanced by 25% from the existing rates.
Assumptions are that the DA will touch 100% in the next three years. Before the 7th CPC, which will be from 2016, the DA surely crosses 100%.
The DA was merged with the basic pay as happened in the year 2004, the 5th CPC had recommended that DA should be converted into Dearness pay each time the CPI increase by 50% over the base index used by the Pay Commission.

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For your information :-
Have a look the order published from Finance Ministry on 1st March, 2004 regarding the Merger of 50% of DA and DR with basic pay / pension to Central Government employees / pensioners w.e.f.01.04.2004.
F.No. 105/1/2004-IC
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure
New Delhi, dated the 1st March, 2004
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Merger of 50% of Dearness Allowance/Dearness Relief with basic pay/pension to Central     Government employees/pensioners w.e.f. 01/04/2004.
             The Fifth CPC in para 105.11 of their report had recommended that DA should be converted into Dearness Pay each time the CPI increase by 50% over the base index used by the Pay Commission.
2.          This recommendation of Fifth CPC has been considered and the President is pleased to decide that, with effect from 01/04/2004, DA equal to 50% of the existing basic pay shall be merged with the basic pay and shown distinctly as Dearness Pay (DP) which would be counted for purposes like payment of allowances, transfer grant, retirement benefits, contribution to GPF, Licence fee, monthly contribution to CGHS, various advances, etc. The entitlements of LTC, TA/DA while on tour and transfer and government accommodation shall, however , continue to be governed on the basis of the basic pay alone without taking into account Dearness Pay. In case of existing pensioners, Dearness Relief equal to 50% of the present pension will, w.e.f. 01/04/2004, be merged with pension and shown distinctly as Dearness Pension. Dearness Allowance/Dearness Relief converted into Dearness Pay/Dearness Pension respectively would be deducted from the existing rate of Dearness Allowance/Dearness Relief.
3.         To ensure that pensioners retiring between 01.04.2004 to 31.01.2005 do not face any loss in fixation of pension, as a special dispensation in their case, DA equal to 50% of the basic pay would be treated as basic pay for purposes of computation of pension in respect of basic pay received by them prior to 01.04.2004. Consequently, element of dearness pension will exist only for pensioners retired/retiring from Government of India up to 31.03.2004.
4.        Insofar as the persons serving in the Indian Audit & Accounts Department are concerned, these orders issue after consultation with the Comptroller & Auditor General of India.

(SUSHMA NATH)
Joint Secretary to Government of India

Clarification on Children Education Allowance

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS

Duties & responsibilities of OSD (CEPT) in SAG in Postal Directorate

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Review of Cadre Structuring in respect of Inspector, Posts Cadre

No. CHQ/IPASP/ROC Dated 08.07.2011


To
Ms. Radhika Doraiswamy,
Secretary to the Govt of India
Department of Posts
Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg
New Delhi-110 001

Subject: Review of Cadre Structuring in respect of Inspector, Posts Cadre.

Reference: DOP&T No. No.35034/9/2010-Estt.(D) Dated: 10th February, 2011

Respected Madam,

The Nodal Department i.e. Department of Personnel & Training has issued instructions/guidelines to all Ministries/Departments for Structuring of Cadres in Central Govt. vide No. 35034/9/2010-Estt. (D) dated 10.02.2011. Recently, the Department of Posts has reconstituted a Committee under the chairmanship of DDG (P) for cadre review proposals relating to Group ‘C’, Postmen/Mail Guards, MTS staff etc. to be finalized by 31.08.2011 but it is not clear whether Inspector Posts cadre would also be brought under the purview of the said committee or not.

2. Our Association submits the following proposal for consideration and favourable action with a view to mitigate problem of stagnation in IP cadre:

(i) 50% officials working against the post of the Inspector Posts may be granted a GP of Rs. 4600/- as Non Functional Selection Grade after 3 years regular service in Inspector Posts cadre.

(ii) 25% Officials working against the post of the Asstt. Supdt. Posts may be granted a GP of Rs. 4800/- as Non Functional Selection Grade after 3 years regular service in Asstt. Supdt. Posts grade and another 25% may be granted Grade Pay of Rs. 5400/- as Non Functional Selection Grade after 6 years regular service in Asstt. Supdt. Posts grade.

3. However, our earlier demand for upgradation of Grade Pay from Rs. 4200/- to Rs. 4600/- for Inspector Posts wef. 1.1.2006 still hold good.

4. It is hoped that the department will come forward for discussion on the above proposal with us in a positive manner and this proposal will be considered by the Competent Committee and finalized by 31.08.2011.


(Roop Chand)
General Secretary

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Reply under RTI Act-2005

Extracts of reply given by the Postal Directorate vide No. 11-7/2010-PE-I dated 12.03.2010 are as under:-
Information required:- What is the definition of an Administrative Office & an Operative Office as per Rules in your Department ?
Reply:- The organisational structure of Department of Posts is given in Chapter-I of Vol-II which is available in India Post website which is in public domain.
Information required:- The post of Postmasters of Head Post Offices is Administrative or Operative in all over the India ?
  Reply :- Postmasters of Head Post Offices have both Administrative as well as Operative duties. 
Information required :- Whether post of SSP/SP is Administrative or Operative ?
Reply :- He is an Administrative Authority. 
Information required :- Whether posts of ASP (HQ) working in Divisional Office is Administrative or Operative ?
Reply :- These posts are of Administrative nature. 
Information required :- Whether post of SDI/ASP working in Sub Division is Administrative or Operative?  Reply :- The posts of SDI/ASP working in Sub-Division are Administrative in nature. 
Information required :- Whether a Chief Postmaster General can order to open an Administrative Office (5 days a week) on Saturday or not in your Department ?
Reply :- Matters relating to working hours & no. of days etc. is decided by DOP&T which is binding on all the Central Govt. Departments.                                                                                                                                                               

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.
PTI
Source: Zee News