New set of Commemorative Postage Stamps on GPO Buildings.

Postage stamp, begun as a piece of paper in token of receipt of postage, has assumed additional functions. It is a mode of commemorating, celebrating and promoting national heritage and events, it plays a great role as an ambassador, a brand image of postal administration and a statement of sovereignty of a nation. After independence, the medium of postage stamps was initially used to highlight the country's achievements in science and technology as well as its socio-economic Development by depicting themes like the Five Year Plans, Steel Plants, Dams etc. Subsequently, the country's rich cultural and natural heritage came to be showcased and many beautiful stamps were issued in thematic sets on art, architecture, crafts maritime heritage, science, technology, defence and cinematic. Great leaders of national and international standing have also been honoured with commemorative stamps, the most prominent being Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation has been honoured with commemorative and definitive stamps. Personalities, who have made immense contributions in areas like painting, literature, science, music, social upliftment etc.have also been honoured.

Commemorative stamps are issued, as the name suggests, to commemorate important events, prominent personalities in various fields, aspects of nature, beautiful or rare flora and fauna, environmental issues, agricultural activities, national/international issues, games etc. These stamps are only available at Philatelic Bureaux and counters or under the Philatelic Deposit Account Scheme. They are printed in limited quantities.  

On 5/4/2013, Department of Posts is releasing new set of commemorative postage stamps on the occasion of completion of 100 years of GPO buildings Mumbai GPO, Agra GPO and others.

This Association is requested to all CHQ office bearers, members and track in viewers to open at least one Philatelic Deposit Account at identified PO/HO/GPO and get new commemorative postage stamps, first day covers, miniature sheets etc. at your door step. 

Source : indiapost

New blog launched by West Bengal Circle branch

Kolkata GPO

Shri Arup Seal, Circle Secretary, All India Association of Inspectors and Assistant Superintendents Posts West Bengal Circle Branch has developed and maintained their new circle blog. All Circle Secretaries are requested to give link to this new blog in their website / circle blog. 

Web address of new blog is http://www.wbipasp13.blogspot.in/

Old Cheque : RBI extends deadline for four more month.

RBI extends deadline for issuance of new format cheques.

RBI asked banks to issue new cheque books only under the new format and gave them time till July-end to withdraw the old format cheques.

All cheques currently with customers in the old format (non-Cheque Truncation System) will continue to be valid for another four months (the earlier deadline was March 31), the apex bank said.

Enrollment of Membership

It is brought to the notice of CHQ that, new Inspectors entered in the cadre and few regular IPs and ASPs have not filled up and submitted their membership forms through their Circle Secretaries to DDOs, hence their monthly subscription is said to be not deducted from their pay and allowances.

To view the specimen of authorisation form, please CLICK HERE. All IPs and ASPs are requested to confirm their enrollment by the end of April 2013 and all Circle Secretaries are also requested to ensure cent percent membership of their circles. In case of any kind of help they may contact General Secretary / President. 

7 lifestyle steps that reduce cancer risk

1. Get active — American Heart Association  recommends at least 150 minutes of exercise a week.

2. Control cholesterol — Cholesterol should be lower than 200 milligrams per deciliter.

3. Eat better — This means foods high in whole grain, fruits, vegetables and lean protein such as fish. Limiting sodium, added sugars, trans and saturated fats is also important.

4. Manage blood pressure — It should be less than 120/80.

5. Lose weight — body mass index should be below 25.

6. Reduce blood sugar — Fasting blood sugar level should be below 100, which can be achieved by avoiding soda, candy and other desserts, as well as getting exercise.

 7. Stop smoking — American Heart Association says do "whatever it takes."

Source : TOI 

Dearness Relief (DR) Rates for Pensioners - 6th CPC

Date From which Payable	Rate	Download order
1st July 2012	72%
1st Jan 2012	65%
1st July 2011	58%
1st Jan 2011	51%
1st Jul 2010	45%
1st Jan 2010	35%
1st Jul 2009	27%
1st Jan 2009	22%
1st Jul 2008	16%
1st Jan 2008	12%
1st Jul 2007	9%
1st Jan 2007	6%
1st Jul 2006	2%
1st Jan 2006	-

10 Foods that are bad for your skin

To know the 10 foods names, please CLICK HERE.
 

FAQ on Joining Time

To view the questions and answers, please CLICK HERE.

To view the CCS (Joining Times) Rules, please CLICK HERE. 
 

Why you should drink orange juice

Drinking a glass of orange juice a day can keep your skin glowing and keep cold away. Orange juice is known to contain a high percentage of Vitamin C, which is helpful in boosting the immune system.

So, you will be less likely to catch various illnesses, such as cold or flu. Also, medical studies show that orange juice may help lower both cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

What's your squeeze?
Don't mix sugar with orange juice. Always remember that you do not need to drink a whole lot of orange juice in order to get these healthy benefits. In fact, since orange juice is fairly high in calories, avoid drinking too much of the stuff. If you are drinking canned orange juice, then be sure to check the sugar content on the label when choosing orange juice if you really want to get the highest amount of health benefits from your orange juice and, ultimately, prevent weight gain (since high sugar levels can cause it).

Pulp fiction
 It is often said that orange juice containing pulp tends to be healthier for the body, but it is an issue that is often debated. If you have a stomach condition, remember that orange juice is very acidic and for that reason, it may cause a stomach upset. Due to its acidity, orange juice can also cause tooth damage , if left uncared for.

Inspector Posts Examination 2012 results...West Bengal Circle

Today, Directorate has declared the result of Inspector Posts Examination 2012 held on 13th and 14th October, 2012. The result of West Bengal circle was held up due to vacancy problems in the circle. This Association has continuously persuade the issue with Directorate for early declaration of result. Total 21 candidates declared successful (17-OC, 2-SC & 2-ST) in the said examination. 

To view the list of successful candidate, please CLICK HERE FOR PAGE 1.   CLICK HERE FOR PAGE 2

UPSC withdraws mandatory English norm in civil services exams

UPSC, which conducts the prestigious examination to select IAS, IPS and IFS officers among other, issued a corrigendum on Tuesday restoring the earlier practice of two qualifying papers in any Indian language and English, the marks obtained on which will not be counted for ranking.
 

"The papers on Indian languages and English will be of matriculation or equivalent standard and will be of qualifying nature only. The marks obtained in these papers will not be counted for ranking," it said.

 

The aim of papers on Indian language and English is to test the candidates' ability to read and understand serious discursive prose, and to express their ideas clearly and correctly, the corrigendum said.
 

There will also be separate papers on "ethics, integrity and aptitude" and "essay" of 250 marks each for the candidates taking the mains examination.
 

The paper on ethics, integrity and aptitude will include questions to test candidates' attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life and his problem- solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced by him in dealing with society.
 

The aspirants will be required to write an essay on a specific topic and in their own choice of language.
 

Under the earlier controversial norm put forth by the Commission, a language would be allowed as the medium of examination only if a minimum of 25 candidates wanted it.
 

"It may also be noted that there is no change in the pattern of Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, which will be held on May 26, 2013," UPSC said.
 

UPSC had on 5^th March issued a circular giving more weightage to English language.
 

The move had led to an uproar inside and outside Parliament forcing the government to keep it in abeyance on 15^th March.
 

Minister of State for Personnel V Narayanasamy had told Lok Sabha that 'status quo ante' will be maintained on the suggested changes.

 

Now, a candidate would be allowed to take up literature as an optional subject "without the conditionality of having to do his/her graduation in that language's literature."
 

From Civil Services (Mains) exams, 2013, there will be two qualifying papers of 300 marks each and five compulsory general studies papers (including one on ethics, integrity and aptitude) of 250 marks each, in addition to one optional paper of 250 marks.
 

There will also be a interview, for those who qualify the written exam, of 275 marks, taking the total of mains examination marks to 2025.
 

 

The last date for filling online application for civil services preliminary examination is 4^th April.
 

The Mains Examination will be called sometime in August/September, this year.
 

Tatkal Charges for to go up from 1st April for all class of train journeys

As per announcement made in the Railway Budget 2013-14, it has been decided by the Ministry of Railways to revise Tatkal charges. These charges will be applicable for journey starting from 01.04.2013 onwards. Now, the Tatkal charges will be realized @ 10% of basic far for reserved Second (2S) class and 30% of basic fare for all other classes subject to minimum and maximum as given below:-
 

Class to Travel	Minimum Tatkal Charges (in Rs.)	Maximum Tatkal Charges (in Rs.)
Reserved Second Sitting (2S)	10	15
Sleeper	90	175
AC Chair Car	100	200
AC-3 tier	250	350
AC-2 tier	300	400
Executive	300	400

 

Nomination of Area Welfare Officers for the calendar years 2013 and 2014 for Delhi/ New Delhi and Outside Delhi.

To view memo, please CLICK HERE.
 

Consolidated instructions relating to action warranted against Government servants remaining away from duty without authorisation/grant of leave-Rule position.

To view Department of Personnel and Training OM No. 130-26/3/2012-Estt(Leave) dated 28th March, 2013, please CLICK HERE.

 

Revised Timings for CGHS Wellness Centres

To view OM issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare under No. S.11030/55/2012-CGHS (P) dated 26/3/2013, please CLICK HERE.

 

Revision in Interest Rates of Small Savings Schemes w.e.f 1st April 2013

To view SB order 4/2013 dated 26/3/2013, please CLICK HERE.
 

Protect your password.

To view the procedure, please CLICK HERE.
 

RECRUITMENT FOR THE POST OF ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER IN LIC

Age :Minimum Age shall be 21 years (completed) as on 1st March, 2013. Maximum age shall not be more than 30 years( born between 02/03/1983 and 01/03/1992 only are eligible

Education qualification : Bachelor/Master’s Degree from a recognized Indian University/ Institution with a minimum of 55% marks in the aggregate in either of the Degrees.

To view the more details, please CLICK HERE. 

Banks will remain open in last three days in this months with extended hours

In view of the ensuing holidays in several parts of the country and keeping in view the likely rush of taxpayers to deposit direct taxes in the last week of March, 2013, the Reserve Bank of India(RBI) has directed all the agency banks receiving direct taxes from public to keep the counters of their designated bank branches collecting direct taxes open for transactions (full day with extended hours) on all the three days viz. Friday, 29th March, Saturday, 30th March as well as on Sunday, 31st March, 2013. All concerned may take advantage of the extended banking hours.

Source : PIB

Wishing all members, track in viewers

Letter to Secretary (Posts) regarding repatriation of PS Gr. B officers to Home Circle

No. GS/IPASP/Repatriation/2013                                          dated    26/3/2013

To,

Ms P Gopinath,

Director General,

Department of Posts,

Dak Bhavan, Sansad Marg,

New Delhi 110 001.  

Sub : Repatriation of PS Gr. B officers to Home Circle – Reg. 

Ref.  : Directorate file No. 9-11/2013-SPG  Dt. 15.02.2013

Respected Madam, 

          This Association would like to bring to your kind notice that Directorate vide memo No. 9-23/2012-SPG dated 28/12/2012 has issued promotion and postings in Postal Service Group “B” cadre for the vacancy year 2012-13 for 210 officers and again unexpectedly list of 6 officers was issued on 5/3/2013. It may be seen from file at Directorate that, this Association had issued series of letters for timely convening of DPC for the promotion to PS Gr. B cadre but every year DPC for promotion to PS Gr. B cadre was delayed for one or other reasons thereby effecting efficiency of the department.  

Directorate while sensing worsening position of PS Group ‘B’ cadre in Punjab and Karnataka and to cope up with the shortage problem, favourably issued repatriation/re-allotment orders of some of the PS Group “B” officers against future vacancies arising upto 31/3/2013. During the course of informal meeting with Hon’ble Secretary (Posts) on 6/2/2013 this vital and appreciable issue was discussed in detail citing the worsening position of Tamil Nadu circle occurred due to enblock promotion in PS Group “B” through LDCE. It was assured by your honour that the officers who have completed one year service will be repatriated to their home circle against the existing vacancies. Despite bringing this fact to the notice of Directorate vide letter of even number dated 1/3/2013, nothing has been heard till date what to say of repatriation before completing one year.  

Madam, you will agree that a large number of STS/JTS vacancies are lying vacant in Circles since long and PS Group “B” officers are officiating against these posts creating resultant vacancies in Group “B” in circles and imbalance thereof upto ASP/IP level affecting timely promotion in each cadre. Only repatriation can minimise the imbalance occurring in the circles and bring respite to the affected persons. It is pertinent to mention here that hitherto General line officials promoted through LDCE have been given same Circle for the last two years ignoring the right of IP Cadre promotees who always have had acted as a part of Administration shouldering the responsibilities for implementation of Govt policies and discharged them at all cost. Punjab and Andhra Pradesh Circle are set examples of this discrimination. Resultantly, immense hard work of 25 years in IP Cadre could not bring any solace in one’s career progression and our members are left to join at a distant place or forced through backdoor to give refusals and to work in IP/ASP cadre only. In this way, discrimination has been handed over to our members being no fault of them.  

It is understood that Directorate vide letter No. 9-11/2013-SPG dated 15.02.2013 had issued directions to circles for completion of joining process of promotion ordered by targeted date 28.12.2012 and submission of vacancy reports by 8/3/2013. The exercise has since been completed now. It is therefore once again requested to kindly look into this matter sympathetically and cause issue of repatriation orders at the earliest.         

With seasonal greetings,

Yours sincerely, 

Sd/-

(Vilas Ingale)

General Secretary

Letter to Secretary (Posts) regarding withdrawing Mail Overseers from Sub Divisions by PMG Central Region

No. GS/IPASP/Mail-Overseer/KL/2013                                   dated  26/3/2013

To,

Ms P. Gopinath,

Secretary (Posts),

Department of Posts,

Dak Bhavan, Sansad Marg,

New Delhi 110001.  

Sub: Withdrawing Mail Overseers from Sub Divisions by PMG Central Region Kochi. 

 Respected Madam,  

          Circle Secretary of IPASP Association Kerala branch has informed that PMG Central Region Kochi (Kerala) have issued unilateral orders for withdrawal of Mail Overseers from various Sub Divisions on the plea that they are to be used for improving delivery. As per information available one MO each has been withdrawn from Cherthala, Kayamkulam, Thrissur and Changanassery Sub Divisions and both Mail Overseers have been withdrawn from Tripunithura, Kochi and Ernakulam Sub Divisions.  

          This Association would like to bring your kind notice that the duties of Mail Overseers are broadly elaborated in Rule 343 to 355 of Postal Manual Vol. VIII and according to that only the post of mail Overseers are attached to Sub Divisions. You would be agree that, now a day’s work load of Mail Overseers has indeed increased manifold consequent upon introduction of RPLI / MGNREGS / Opening of new Savings accounts in BOs / Sale of BD products and escort of cash remittance for quick payment of MGNERGS etc. 

Besides, Mail Overseers are also allotted quarterly verification work to curb frauds etc. Withdrawal of Mail Overseers from Sub Divisions would means giving open invitation to frauds at B.O. level. But PMG Central Region Kochi has taken unilateral decision at his own level and withdrawn the post of Mail Overseers from Sub Divisions that too without going through the veracity of events and carrying out any review.  

             It is therefore requested to your kind honour to intervene in the matter and issue instructions to PMG Central Region Kochi to restore the orders of withdrawal of Mail Overseers from Sub Divisions immediately else our members should not be held responsible for any act of misdeed on the part of GDSs.      

            Thanking You,

                                                                                            Yours faithfully,

                                                                                                                          Sd/

(Vilas Ingale)

General Secretary

Note : Above two letters despatched under SPA EM739706252IN on 26th March, 2013. 

India Post to seek licence for all-women’s bank

NEW DELHI: The postal department, which is keen on setting up a branch, is making a pitch to the finance ministry to establish the proposed women's bank announced in the budget.

The bank, probably the first of its kind in the world, will lend mainly to women and women-run businesses, and will predominantly employ women. Sources said that the suggestion is being made at the ministerial level although the finance ministry has tasked a committee to prepare a blueprint of sorts.

While Department of Posts Secretary Padmini Gopinath underlined her department's credentials saying that country's first all-women's post office had just been launched and a second one in Delhi University is almost ready, she did not specifically comment on offering to set up the proposed bank.

Gopinath, however, told TOI that the department of posts was keen on getting the Union Cabinet to endorse the plan and would prefer to seek a licence to set up a bank after receiving legislative backing to the proposal. "We would like to have legal backing, like the other public sector banks," she said at the National Editors' Conference here on Saturday. Public sector banks are backed by the bank nationalization laws of 1970 and 1980, while State Bank of India ( SBI) and its associate banks have been set up under separate legislations.

Just last month, RBI issued final guidelines for issuing licences to "new banks in the private sector". While Gopinath said that the department was exploring the option of approaching RBI for a licence, meeting the deadline July 1 deadline may be difficult as Ernst & Young, the consultant for the banking project, is expected to submit its report around June.

Apart from suggesting a structure, the consultant is also doing a survey to ascertain the post offices that may double up as "agents" for the bank to collect and deposit funds, especially in rural areas. "We have to decide if we want to be in cities and use post offices as agents or whether we should have branches in smaller places," she adding.

As reported by TOI on March 14, the department of posts will set up a separate entity for its banking foray to tap into its network spanning around 1.55 lakh post offices. Asked about concerns that the proposed bank may pose a threat to some of the largest players as well, Gopinath said, "Threat is not an issue. The question is whether you have the reach or not. We are present in villages across India and we can help banking reach to the farthest corners of the country."

Source : The Times of India, 24 March, 2013.

 

Enrollment of Membership

It is brought to the notice of CHQ that, new Inspectors entered in the cadre and few IPs and ASPs have not filled up and submitted their membership forms through their Circle Secretaries to DDOs, hence their monthly subscription is said to be not deducted from the pay and allowances. To view the specimen of authorisation form, please CLICK HERE. All IPs and ASPs are requested to confirm their enrollment by the end of April 2013 and all Circle Secretaries are also requested to ensure cent percent membership of their circles.

 

Launching of Web Based software solution for Cadre Management of CSS - Requests for cadre clearance and filing of Immovable Property details reg.

To view the details, please CLICK HERE.
 

Daul Family Pension - Continuance to Disabled Children after their marriage and withholding of 10% Gratuity: PCDA Circular No. 106

To view the order, please CLICK HERE.
 

Transfers and postings of Senior Administrative Grade (SAG) officers of the Indian Postal Service, Group A

To view Directorate memo No. 1-3/2013-SPG dated 25/3/2013, please CLICK HERE. 

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Interest rates for post office savings schemes cut

Millions of small savers and PPF account holders would be earning less on their post office savings schemes, with the government deciding to reduce interest rates on them marginally by 0.10 per cent.

The interest rate of Public Provident Fund (PPF) has been lowered from 8.8 per cent to 8.7 per cent with effect from April 1, said a Finance Ministry statement. However, the rates on savings deposit schemes and fixed deposits up to one year operated by the post offices have been kept unchanged at 4 per cent and 8.2 per cent, respectively.

Further, Monthly Income Schemes (MIS) of 5-year maturity will earn an interest of 8.4 per cent.

The National Savings Certificates (NSC) having maturity of five and 10 years will now attract 8.5 per cent and 8.8 per cent interest respectively, down 0.10 per cent each. The interest rates would be applicable for the entire 2013-14 fiscal.

The rate for senior citizens savings scheme (SCSS) has been fixed at 9.2 per cent, down from 9.3 per cent.

The revision in interest rates follows a decision taken by government last year to link the small savings returns with the market rate. The new rates are required to be announced at the beginning of a financial year.

The decision was in line with the recommendations of Shyamala Gopinath Committee, which had suggested that returns should be in sync with market rates determined by the returns offered by other securities.

Revised table is as under :

Scheme	Rate of Interest w.e.f. 01.04.2012	Rate of Interest w.e.f. 01.04.2013
1	2	3
Savings Deposit	4.0	4.0
1 Year Time Deposit	8.2	8.2
2 Year Time Deposit	8.3	8.2
3 Year Time Deposit	8.4	8.3
5 Year Time Deposit	8.5	8.4
5 Year Recurring Deposit	8.4	8.3
5 Year SCSS	9.3	9.2
5 Year MIS	8.5	8.4
5 Year NSC	8.6	8.5
10 Year NSC	8.9	8.8
PPF	8.8	8.7

Keywords: small savings account holder, PPF, post office savings schemes