Departmental Council (JCM) in the Department of Posts had its meeting under the Chairpersonship of Secretary (P) and Chairperson, Departmental Council (JCM) on 27.08.2010 in Committee Room of Dak Bhavan. The following were present.
|
| Official Side |
| Staff Side |
| 1 | Ms. Radhika Doraiswamy, Secretary(P)&Chairperson, Departmental Council (JCM) | 1 | Shri K.V. Sridharan, Leader |
| 2 | Shri S. Samant, Member (Tech) | 2 | Shri D. Kishan Rao |
| 3 | Shri P.K. Gopinath, Member (P) | 3 | Shri Giriraj Singh |
| 4 | Ms. Kalpana Tiwari, CGM MB&O | 4 | Shri M. Krishnan |
| 5 | Shri S.K. Sinha, CGM PLI | 5 | Shri D. Theagarajan |
| 6 | Ms. Annie Moraes, JS&FA | 6 | Shri K. Ragavendran |
| 7 | Shri A.K. Sharma, DDG (Estt) | 7 | Shri Ishwar Singh Dabas |
| 8 | Shri Salim Haque, DDG (P) | 8 | Shri P. Suresh. |
| 9 | Shri P.K. Sinha, DDG (PAF) | 9 | Shri S.P. Mukerjee. |
| 10 | Ms. Aruna Jain, DDG (Trg) | 10 | Shri P. Rajanayagam |
| 11 | Shri A.S. Prasad, DDG (FS) | 11 | Shri S. Karunanidhi |
| 12 | Ms. Meera Handa, DDG (PO&I, MM& Estates) | 12 | Shri Surinder Pal |
| 13 | Shri V.K. Tiwary, DDG (R&P) | 13 | Shri T.N. Rahate. |
| 14 | Shri Subhash Chander (Director (SR & Legal) | 14 | Shri A.H.G. Siddiqui. |
2. The meeting started with introductory remarks of the Chairperson, Departmental Council in which she explained in brief the ambitious projects undertaken by the Department, especially regarding mail and technology, aimed at projecting an altogether new face of the India Post. This was followed by introductory remarks from the Staff Side which began with expressing sincere gratitude to the Chairperson for having convened the Departmental Council (JCM) meeting. The Staff Side made a special mention of closure of Post Offices/RMS Offices as also depriving of large number of officials of the benefits of MACP due to lackadaisical approach of officers in writing ACRs/APAR’s. The Staff Side requested for issue of an order of clarification in the matter of MACP urgently. It was also requested to convene meetings under JCM Scheme both at Departmental and Regional level at regular intervals. Thereafter item wise discussion on the agenda items took place as summarized below:
Item No.1. Cadre Restructuring for all Non-Gazetted Group B & C cadres
The change of postal operations from merely the traditional mail handling and delivery to a modern commercial oriented with multifarious operations including a lot of diversified non-traditional operations in both Postal and RMS justifies a cadre restructuring and cadre training to be placed in better scales of pay. More over no such cadre restructuring exercise was undertaken for a very long time even though such exercises were periodically undertaken and implemented for Group A and Gazetted Group B. Other Departments have taken action for restructuring their cadres after the 6th CPC. This issue was discussed in the meeting held by Secretary [P] on 13/01/2009 and was decided that the department would go into the whole issue on submission of full restructuring proposals from the Staff Side. The same were submitted by the Staff Side also but no further progress was made. The Staff Side urges for immediate finalisation of cadre review.
Item No.2. Creation of System Administrators Cadre
The computerization of several postal operations has been carried out with the help of System Administrators without creation of such a cadre in the Department of Posts. The whole infrastructure of computerized network in the department has been laid in place by these System Administrators thus saving crores of rupees of expenditure. The role of Mysore PTC technology wing System Administrators in developing our own softwares for different operations of the department is also a marvel. The work of System Administrators is equal to Computer Engineers who attend to system faults; software installation; imparting training to staff supervisory and operative; attending to trouble shooting of all nature; installation of computers in offices; ensuring back up of all data; attending to networking in offices and several other operations for the smooth functioning of the system etc. The Staff Side urges for creation of a separate cadre ‘System Administrators’ with the nomenclature of “Computer System Assistant” in Pay Band 2 with Grade Pay of 4200/- and allow a walk over for the existing System Administrators into the new cadre as one-time measure. It can be referred that the All India Council for Technical Education which is a statutory body of Government of India has notified seeking volunteers on deputation basis to work as Computer System Assistants with the above Pay Band and Grade Pay.
3. Computation of proper norms for work allotment to existing System Administrators and grant of certain essential amenities.
The System Administrators are at present working without any standard work norms and work hours. There are no fixed responsibilities assigned to them. They have not been provided with several essential amenities and allowances commensurate to their work. Taking these into consideration the Staff Side proposes for introduction of the under mentioned facilities to System Administrators:
- Special Allowance: - Notwithstanding with our demand of formation of separate cadre of Systems Administrators in the Department of Posts with separate pay scale till the augmentation, the existing incumbents may be granted special allowance to the extent of 10% Pay plus Grade pay as it is granted to care takers.
- Issue of uniform duties & responsibilities: - There is no uniformity in the duties and responsibilities. This varies from circle to circle even regions with in the circle. A uniform viable duties & responsibilities may be circulated from the Directorate. Identify adequate number of systems Administrator’s post in each division/circles.
- Providing Laptops: - The Systems Administrators find it difficult to download and test the given patches and software with the non availability of systems. One laptop may be provided for smooth facilitation of the process and for mobility purposes in attending computer related works in other stations.
- Incentive for installation/upgradation: - Many software could be installed only after the closing hours and will end in the midnight. Incentive for installation/upgradation may be fixed and paid.
- Training Allowance/honorarium: - For imparting training at WCTCS and for MSE, the Systems Administrators may be granted Training Allowance/honorarium.
- Accidental insurance: - For travelling extensively through two wheelers to attend the technical problems, an accidental insurance coverage may be provided.
- Grant of Special disability leave: - The S. A. of Delhi West Division met with a road accident after installing software in the night. No special disability leave was granted to the official. Provision of special disability leave on such happening should be ensured.
- Grant of Excess Duty Allowance: - For keeping beyond 8 hours on any day for any work, they should be granted with ‘Excess Duty Allowance’ or OTA.
- Provide cash imprest: - To meet out the immediate requirements while attending problems in computers, a separate cash imprest may be provided.
- Grant of TA & Road Mileage Allowance: - Within urban cities, the road mileage allowance and out stations, TA may be granted for the journey performed for attending computers.
- Mobile Phone & Recharge coupons: - Mobile phones may be supplied to the system administrators & a minimum of Rs.500/- may be allowed per month for recharging the coupon for the Mobile connection.
- Providing kit box: - They should be provided with kit bag containing net driver set, CD bag, pen drive, handy vacuum cleaner etc.
- Providing a seat in office: - They should be provided a seat at server. Now in many places, they have not been provided with separate seating facility.
- Keeping Panel: - A panel should be maintained at Divisional level and the SAs should not be reverted back as Postal Assistant without any sound reasons.
- Possession of SQL Password: - The possession of SQL Password may be conferred with the Head of the office after imparting training to overcome the problem of immediate solution of technical problems as this is now vested with the divisional heads.
Item No. 4. Grant of Officiating Pay with all consequential benefits for staff officiated in HSG-I vacancies:
On introduction of TBOP and BCR promotions to Postal Staff as per the decisions of the Postal Departmental Council JCM, TBOP officials were treated as LSG and BCR Officials were treated as HSG-II for all purposes. All the posts of LSG and HSG-II were manned by these officials and the holding of DPCs for filling up the posts of LSG/HSG-II was virtually abandoned. The senior BCR and TBOP officials were posted for officiating against HSG-I and HSG-2 vacancies. However the drawal of HSG-I and HSG-2 officiating pay and allowances to the Officials officiating against such vacancies was withdrawn all of a sudden without taking into account of the whole background. The intervention from the Staff Side was also negated. This situation had led to litigation that ended in favour of officials who officiated against HSG-I / HSG-II vacancies. In this background the Department instead of granting HSG-I / HSG-IIofficiating pay and allowances to all such officials has reportedly taken a stand to grant it only for those officials who have gone to Court. This is ethically an incorrect stand and the Staff Side urges upon for reconsideration of the stand to facilitate drawal of HSG-I and HSG-II officiating pay and allowances with all consequential retirement benefits to all the officials from whom the higher responsibilities of HSG-I or HSG-II were extracted through officiating arrangements.
Item No. 5. Filling up of Residual Vacancies.
Despite clear orders to fill up the residual vacancies vide Department letter no. 60-5/2007-SPB-I dt. 15.05.07, this has not been implemented in many circles like Gujarat, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, West Bengal etc. 858 Posts are still kept unfilled up in Tamilnadu Circle. In Maharashtra Circle also, this has not been filled up due to some threat of a political party. In short, all the circles are seeking Clarifications or approval from the Directorate resulting in unwarranted delay in filling up such vacant posts. An RTI filed in this regard has revealed that many circles have failed to fill up these residual vacancies. Action is required to initiate the process of recruitment against all the residual vacancies within a time frame.
All the above five items were part of the discussions held in a meeting taken by Secretary with the Staff Side on 12.07.2010 in the wake of the strike notice served by them. Necessary follow up action in regard to these items is being taken up by concerned Divisions of the Department. Therefore, it was agreed not to discuss these items again. However, it was agreed to refer item No.3 for consideration of the Committee constituted to consider restructuring of Group ‘C’ & ‘D’ Cadres in the Department of Posts.
Item No.6. Imparting training to non-matriculate Group D employees promoted to Postman / Mail Guard or PA/SA Cadres after 1.1.2006 – reg
The Non-Matriculate Group D employees promoted to Postmen / Mail Guard Cadre or PA/SA Cadre on or after 1.1.2006 but before the implementation of 6th CPC pay scales are being denied 1800/- GP from 1.1.2006 for the duration of their Group D employment on the grounds that they were not being imparted with the required training. No action is also being taken in such cases to impart the same training as like other non-matriculate Group D staff. The Staff Side urges for causing instructions to arrange for imparting the same training to such promoted non-matriculate officials also and grant 1800/- GP from 1.1.2006 to their date of promotion or else they may be deemed to have been imparted the said training on the strength of their passing the examination for a higher cadre.
The Official side expressed its agreement with the view point of the Staff Side but said that the proposal finally needs the approval of the Ministry of Finance for which necessary action will be taken. The Chairperson directed for issue of consolidated instructions on the subject.
Action: DDG (Estt)
Item No. 7. Irregular mention of PB Slab for certain categories of Staff in the MACP Orders issued by the Department of Posts.
The MACP orders issued by the Department of Posts vide No.4-7/(MACPS)/2009-PCC Dated 18.09.2009 contains certain irregular mention of lower Pay Band Slab in respect of PA/SA and Postmen/Mail Guard even after their Grade Pay gets elevated to 4200/- which comes under PB-2. This irregularity is not committed while mentioning the Pay Band Slabs of other cadres like IPOs/ASPOs in the same orders. The Staff Side urges for setting right this irregularity through appropriate corrigendum since this irregularity will adversely affect the minimum pay entitlement of the concerned cadre as well as the fixation of minimum pension entitlement in future.
The staff side was apprised that there was perhaps a typographical error in the basic order issued by DOPT and further clarification/corrigendum on the issue is likely to follow shortly from DOPT, in consultation with Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance.
Item No. 8. Restoration and improvement of ‘In Cadre Promotion’ to Postmen/ & Multi Skilled Employees cadre.
The whole structure of regular promotions for Postmen / Mail Guards and Group D in the same cadre stream like Sorting Postman, Head Postman, Head Mail Guard, Jamedar, Head Jamedar etc had disappeared consequent on introduction of TBOP and BCR promotion Scheme. Hundreds of promotional posts like Head Postman, Head Mail Guard, Jamedar etc were abolished. The unilateral shift in the status of TBOP/BCR from promotion to financial upgradation and the current change from TBOP/BCR system to MACP Scheme, the cadre of Postman, Mail Guards and Multi-Skilled Employees have no promotional avenue at all. Modified ACP is not a promotion but a financial upgradation where promotion to officials is not available on completion of 10,20 and 30 years of service. The financial upgradation schemes are only an addition to the regular promotion scheme and not a replacement. It can be seen that all other cadres in the Department of Posts excluding Postman, Mail Guards and Multi-Skilled Employees have their own in-cadre promotional system. It is therefore urged upon to re-introduce the regular promotional avenues to these cadres.
Item No. 9. Enhancement of Double Duty and Holiday Duty Allowance for Postmen.
The 6th Pay Commission has recommended vide Para 4.2.81 of its Report for doubling of all allowances specific to different Ministries/Departments/Organisations but not covered in its Report. Accordingly the Double Duty Allowance and Holiday Duty Allowance which are specific to the Postal Department and applicable to Postman Cadre specifically requires to be doubled. The contention of the Official Side that these Allowances are linked with OTA and unless the rate of OTA is enhanced by the Government, these specific Allowances of Postmen also cannot be enhanced is incorrect. In fact even when the rate of OTA was not revised, these allowances of Postmen were enhanced in the year 2003 by the Department vide Orders No.10-7/2001-PE-II Dated 28.01.2003. Double Duty and Holiday Duty Allowances are not given as the hourly basis OTA given to other Cadres. Postmen double duty allowance is given for performing the entire duties of another postman for the whole day. Holiday Duty if any is also not like the Holiday OTA available for other categories of staff. The above cited Postman specific Allowances should therefore be revised in the back ground of the recommendation of the 6th CPC.
Item Nos. 8 and 9 were part of the discussions held in a meeting taken by Secretary with the Staff Side on 12.07.2010 in the wake of the strike notice served by them. Necessary follow up action in regard to these items is being taken up by concerned Divisions of the Department. Therefore, it was agreed not to discuss these items again.
Item No. 10. Replacement of Night Halt Allowance to Mail Overseers with TA/DA.
Night Halt is a condition arising out of a specific situation of attending for Inspection of Post Offices out of Headquarters of the inspecting officers. Therefore there cannot be a different yardstick applied to an inspecting Officer and a Mail Overseer required to perform similar function of inspection of offices outside their headquarters. The Staff Side urges upon for the replacement of Night Halt Allowance to the Mail Overseer officials with TA/DA as like other inspecting Officers.
This will be examined.
Item No.11. Extraction of Data Entry Work from Postman and Multi-Skilled Employees.
Recently the Department has started extracting data entry work from the Postmen staff and Multi-Skilled Employees. The work of data entry is Postal Assistant/Sorting Assistant specific who are placed under the Pay Band – 1 with Grade Pay 2400/- on par with the erstwhile 4000-6000 pay scales. The 6th CPC has recommended a uniform erstwhile 4000-6000 pay scales for the data entry operators in all departments and the same has been implemented by the Government also. In this situation, the extraction of the data entry work from other officials like Postman and Multi Skilled Employees who are placed in lower Grade Pay levels is unjustified. Either the work of data entry should be entrusted only to Postal Assistants / Sorting Assistants or else the Grade Pay of other Cadres from whom the work of data entry is extracted should also be enhanced on par with the level recommended by the 6th CPC.
It was agreed to transfer this item to a Committee which was decided to be constituted in the meeting of 12.07.2010 to consider matters pertaining to Postmen. As regards multi skilled employees, the clarification regarding nature of duties issued by the DOP&T will be followed.
Action: SR Section
Item No.12. Increasing the number of chances to appear LGO Examination and revision of LGO Exam syllabus.
The number of chances for sitting in the LGO Examination has been restricted from the earlier position of unlimited chances. It has been refixed as 6 chances subsequently. Inviting reference to the discussions held on 19.04.2007 on strike demands, the Staff Side urges for increasing the chances to at least 10 in order to motivate the officials who could not get through the LGO Examinations earlier as well as finalisation of revised syllabus in objective type as circulated earlier for the LGO Examination.
The official side was of the view that the existing six chances for appearing in LGO Examination were adequate. However, on the persistent demand of the Staff Side and keeping in view the change in syllabus, it was agreed to give two additional chances to the officials who have already exhausted 05 or 06 chances, without prejudice to the number of chances under the existing scheme.
Action: DDG (P)
Item No. 13. Irregular computation of working hours for Postman in field units.
In many divisions, the speed post articles handled by Postmen staff are not taken into account for establishment calculations of work load of delivery staff in the name of payment of incentives. This is irregular. The total number of speed post articles also shall be taken into account in spite of the incentive paid to Postmen for maintaining performance levels of delivery of speed post articles. The staff side urges for suitable instructions to all circles in this regard.
It was agreed to transfer this item to a Committee which was decided to be constituted in the meeting of 12.07.2010 to consider matters pertaining to Postmen.
Item No.14. Revival of cash handling allowance to Postmen.
The cash handling allowance which was earlier granted based on Arbitration Award had been withdrawn. The Staff Side urges for re-introduction of the said allowance.
The Staff Side was explained that handling of cash by postmen was one of the criterion for grant of higher scale of pay on the recommendations of 5th and 6th Central Pay Commissions and, therefore, it was agreed not to pursue the matter.
Item No. 15. Removal of minimum cyclable distance for grant of cycle maintenance allowance to Postmen / MSE.
At present a distance of above 16 K.Ms condition has been prescribed for grant of Cycle Maintenance Allowance to Postmen / MSE. This is unfair and unscientific. The Officials are using their own personal cycles for the use of departmental work. Therefore the condition of 16 K.Ms should be removed and all officials who use cycles should be paid said allowance.
This will be examined.
Item No.16. Eligibility to appear LGO Examination.
As per the existing rules, either permanent or QPC is required to appear in the LGO Examination. After delinking of confirmation with permanent posts all officials are now treated as permanent on completion of 2 years of service and the system of QPC has been dispensed with. However in many divisions the officials who completed 2 years of regular service are not being allowed to sit for LGO Examination stating that they have not completed 3 years period which was meant only for QPC. The Staff Side urges for suitable instructions in this regard.
This will be considered while amending the Recruitment Rules of PA/SA.
Item No.17. Counting of Special Allowance for pay fixation case of PO & RMS Accountants.
The Special Allowance granted to JAO qualified official has been taken for pay fixation benefits on ACP promotion. Similar application may be extended to PO & RMS qualified Accountants also.
It was agreed to look into matter.
Item No. 18. Request for discontinuance of the practice of obtaining fidelity / security bond from the employees handling cash.
The 5th CPC in its report vide para 62-13 recommended to discontinue the practice of obtaining fidelity / security bond from employees. In the present stage of handling huge cash, obtaining fidelity bond for Rs. 3000/- to Rs. 5000/- does not serve any purpose. A lot of manpower is being wasted in Accounts branch in maintaining these records. Similar is the position of inspecting officials also. Only in rare and exceptional cases, the guarantee money is received. The employees are unnecessarily crediting premium every year to obtain fidelity bond. It is requested to consider and discontinue the practice of security bonds which has no longer serving any purpose.
This will be examined.
Item No. 19. Non-Drawal of HRA to the officiating SPMs working at offices having attached quarters.
Despite clear instructions issued by the department in its letter no. 24/3/76/PAP dt. 20.8.79 also appeared in FR, SR Part IV in chapter X that HRA may be granted for the maximum period of three months when the official is posted to officiate in a post, to which rent free accommodation is attached but not provided, the due HRA for three months has not been drawn and paid to the officiating SPMs in many places. Even though the senior BCR officials were ordered to look after the charge of PM/SPM until regular posting, HRA has not been paid to the officials who are officiating against such vacancies resulting loss in emoluments.
Similarly, even though the power of de-quarterization of a post attached Quarters is now delegated to Heads of Circle vide Directorate letter no. 10-4/2003 - Bldg. dt. 6.5.03, the Circle heads are not according proper sanction for dequarterisation/suspension of Quarters for the periods of such officiating periods exceeding 90 days.
The officiating officials should not suffer a financial loss due to the administrative problem of non-posting of a regular incumbent to the vacant post within the stipulated period. Prolonged officiating arrangement is an ultimate loss to an officiating official for no fault on his side.
It is therefore requested to issue clarity instructions to all Circle heads to settle the pending issues accordingly.
The view point of the Staff Side was that the powers already delegated to the Heads of Circles were not being exercised. The Chairperson directed to issue clarification in the matter.
Item No. 20. Protection of pay of defunct scale of PO & RMS Accountants who opted for general line under Directorate letter No. 2-22/88 - PE I dt. 01.12.92.
A kind attention is invited to the reference cited above in which directorate letter, the case of late Natha Singh, Accountant Punjab Circle was decided. The decision taken in the said case was purely a policy decision and the contents of the said letter might have been applied to all other similar cases. Unfortunately, the said decision was not communicated to other circles which cause hardship to those defunct scale Accountants who switched over to general line.
It is most pertinent to mention that while deciding the cases of pay fixation of the officials working in SBCO/ Administrative offices under TBOP/BCR scheme vide Directorate letter no. 202/92 - PE I dt. 01.12.95, they were allowed direct fixation in the pay scale of TBOP/BCR. The Directorate letter dt. 28.05.02 is also based on the similar analogy but has not been applied in any other circle except to Punjab due to non-circulation of the contents.
It is therefore requested to cause necessary instructions to all Heads of Circles based on the letter dt. 28.05.02 of the Directorate to settle the problems if any prevailing similar to the case of Shri Natha Singh.
This will be examined.
Item No.21. Enhancement of Savings Bank incentive to Postal Assistants working in Savings Bank branches.
Consequent upon the implementation of Fifth CPC recommendations with regard to all allowances, the S. B. incentive was enhanced from Rs.60/- to Rs.150/- per month in respect of staff fully engaged in savings bank work with effect from 08.10.2004. Similarly, a proposal for enhancement of S. B. incentive after the implementation of Sixth CPC, has to be forwarded to Ministry of Finance for approval of the same. It is therefore requested to expedite the proposal for enhancement of S. B. incentive and also to consider the same to all those imparted training in Sanchay Post Software training while handling transactions in computer.
The Staff Side was informed that the proposal for enhancement SB incentive was already under process in consultation with the Ministry of Finance, Department of Economic Affairs.
Item No.22. Payment of honorarium/incentive for drawal of arrears on implementation of Sixth CPC and GDS Committee.
After 5th CPC, the Directorate has fixed honorarium for the work vide its letter no. 42-1/98-PAP dt. 05.06.98. The PA Admn. Branch had already fixed and communicated the honorarium for the work preferred 6th CPC for Postal Accounts staff. It is therefore requested to cause similar type of orders early of the payment of honorarium for the work relating to fixation of pay work as per RP Rules 2008 and for drawal of arrears as a result thereof. Similarly, honorarium may please be fixed for the work related to fixation of TRCA to GDS and drawal of arrears as a result of at the earliest.
An order to this effect has already been issued. The item is closed.
Item No.23. Stepping up of pay of senior officials on par with juniors in case of anomaly arising out of fixation of pay on placement to TBOP/BCR Scales Clarification.
Please refer Directorate Letter No. 1-3/2007-PAP Dated 6.10.2009. It is rather dismayed to note that such a clarification at the time of coming out from the TBOP/BCR scheme will cause unnecessary doubts in the minds of Audit and DDOs.
Further, the TBOP/BCR schemes are the promotional schemes in lieu of regular promotions as per the JCM Departmental council agreement. Since there was no discussion or decision about the modification of the decision of the JCM agreement, this unwarranted clarification may lead to unwarranted queries and recoveries. Atleast the clarificatory orders would have been given effect from the date of issue of the order which is also silent in the contents.
It is therefore requested to rescind the orders or at least may be given effect from the date of issue in order to not to open the past cases decided earlier.
This will be looked into.
Item No.24. Revision of Cash Allowance to the SPMs handling cash in the absence of treasurer.
The cash allowance drawn to the SPMs working in Triple/Four handed offices who are entrusted with the treasury work in the absence of treasurer has been stopped in many places after the implementation of Sixth CPC.
This is arbitrary, unjust and against the decisions arrived on the subject. Further the amount requires revision based on the increase after the Sixth CPC implementation.
The matter will be examined.
Item No.25. Anomaly in fixation of Pay in respect of the officials promoted on 01.01.96 under BCR Scheme.
According to Biennial Cadre Review (BCR), the officials are to be placed in the higher pay scale w.e.f. 1st Jan or 1st July and had the option to get their pay fixed from date of promotion in the higher pay scale or from the date he earns his next increment in the lower pay scale.
According to Rule 5 of CCS (Revised Pay) rules, 1997 “Save as otherwise provided in these rules, a Government servant shall draw pay in the revised scale applicable to the post to which he is appointed.
Provided that a Government servant may elect to continue to draw pay in the existing scale until the date on which he earns his next increment or any subsequent increment in the existing scale or until he vacates his post or ceases to draw pay in that scale.”
According to Explanation 2 below Rule 5 of CCS (Revised Pay) Rules, 1977: -
“The aforesaid option shall not be admissible to any person appointed to a post on or after the 1st day of January, 1996, whether for the first time in Government service, or by transfer or promotion from another post and he shall be allowed pay only to the revised scale.”
Consequent to this explanation, officials who were placed in BCR on 1.1.1996 could not get their promotion in the pre-revised pay scale which resulted in drop in their emoluments. Had these officials been allowed to get their promotion in the pre-revised pay scale on 1.1.1996, they were at the advantage.
Considering the above views, the Directorate vide its letter no. 1-28/2004-PCC dt.23.08.06 addressed all circles seeking the information about the no. of officials affected by the Explanation No. 2 below Rule 5 of CCS (RP) Rules 1997 and its financial implication.
Thereafter there is no improvement or action in this regard. The issue remains unsettled so far due to which such officials affected due to the explanation stated in pre-paras remained looser in the fixation of pay after the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations.
It is therefore requested to kindly expedite action and accord orders at the earliest.
The matter will be looked into.
Item No.26. Review of Short Duty Staff Scheme introduced w.e.f 14.08.2008- reg.
A kind attention is invited to the Dte. letter No.37-40/2007-SPB-I Dated 6.5.2009, in which it was stated that it has been decided to review the scheme after completion of one year and our suggestion would be considered then. Now one year is over in August 09 itself. As there is heavy shortage in the Post offices, the limits in engagements of SDS to six hours and restrictions in the number of days for engagement is not practically helpful to mitigate the sufferings. The ceiling may be lifted and the divisional heads may be authorized to decide the quantum of engagement based on the requirements at the offices in their jurisdiction.
The item was not agreed to.
Item No. 27. Request to drop the Confirmation Examination – reg.
The Directorate had earlier agreed to drop the confirmation examination since it became irrelevant and it was assured to introduce the ‘certification’ by the Postal Training Centers itself in lieu of the existing confirmation examination. After the Government had issued orders delinking the confirmation for promotion etc, the existence of confirmation examination has no relevance and it should be dropped. It is therefore requested to kindly cause appropriate action and accord orders early.
The demand of the Staff Side has been noted and the issue will be examined.
Item No.28. Enhancing the limit of cash to be remitted through leather cash bags (LCB) & Special messengers.
According to Directorate letter No. 22-6/84 CI dt. 31.05.2000, the maximum limit of cash that can be sent through cash bags is Rs.20000/- in mechanized route and Rs.15000/- on foot and by cycle. This requires revision due to manifold increase in the monetary transactions at post offices. There are several practical difficulties experienced in arranging special remittances every day in post offices. It is therefore requested to consider and enhance the present maximum limit to Rs.50000 in cash bags and also to enhance the limit for cash remittance through special messenger.
The Staff Side was informed that the issue needs to be examined in detail in consultation with the Circles.
Action: DDG (PO & CP)
Item No.29. Arbitrary and forcible allotment of Staff Quarters.
The officials posted as Sub Postmasters in Town Sub Offices are being forced to occupy the staff Quarters in the Postal colony despite they are having their own houses and other arrangements besides their unwillingness to occupy the staff quarters. The Quarters are not post attached one and the officials are losing the HRA due to non occupation of Quarters. The SPMs can be compelled only if they have been provided with the post attached Quarters as a service condition and they should not be compelled to occupy the quarters which were not occupied by any officials. It is therefore requested to cause instructions to the concerned to withdraw the arbitrary procedure prevailing in allotment of Quarters to the SPMs posted in town sub offices in the Postal Colony.
Leader of the Staff Side made a special mention of the cases in Rajasthan Circle. The Chairperson directed a report be called from that Circle.
Action: DDG (Building)
Item No.30. Non-posting of Women Employees where basic amenities are not available.
Percentage of women employees working in Post offices / RMS offices is more than 30%. It is a fact that quite a number of Post offices / RMS offices are not having all the basic amenities. The women staffs have their own problems and it is extremely difficult for them to work in such places which are lacking basic amenities. In order to ensure proper facilities to lady members of the staff, it is requested to issue strict instructions to the concerned to not to post women employees to such offices.
The leader of the Staff Side mentioned specific cases of posting of women employees where basic amenities are not available. Chairperson directed that instructions on the subject be reiterated to all Heads of Circles for strict compliance.
Item No.31. Upward revision of Conveyance Allowance to PRI (P)
Consequent upon the increase in oil prices, there is every justification to revise upwardly the quantum of conveyance allowance. It will also be proper to segregate some of the works of PRI (P) relating to marketing activities, verification of papers beyond 8 kms etc. and to bring them under TA / DA rules so that they will be compensated properly.
Staff Side was apprised that the rates of Conveyance Allowance were revised by the Nodal Ministry vide O.M. No.19030/2/2008/E.IV dated 23.09.2008. These rates were applicable to PRI (P) also. It was decided to reiterate these instructions to all Heads of Circles. In regard to journey beyond 16 Km, it was clarified that it was governed by normal TA Rules, to be reiterated.
Item No.32. Non-Supply of Statement of Balance to the officials brought under New Pension scheme 2004.
Since the year of implementation (2004), no statement of balance as on 31st March from the years 2005 to 2009 has been furnished to the employees who are brought under the new pension scheme. The officials do not know their balance and the contribution made by the Govt. in the absence of non supply of these statements. This should have been compiled and circulated by the DA (P)s every year. It is requested to cause necessary instructions to compile and circulate the balance sheet as on 31.03.2009 immediately.
The Staff Side was informed that statement in regard to New Pension Scheme is to be issued by CRA and further it is that authority which can explain about the investment of funds towards various schemes etc. Further, JS & FA informed the Staff Side that in so far as deductions made by the DDOs as also the contribution made by the Government in respect of employees covered under the New Pension Scheme is concerned, this will be reported to all the concerned officials.
Action: DDG (PAF)
Item No. 33. Conveyance of cash with police escort- Problems there on.
We have suggested considering the following to resolve the problems pertaining to cash conveyance.
1. The present cash limit should be enhanced up to one lakh per individual
2. Cash collection van should be arranged in all bigger towns and the officials should not be asked to take unwarranted risks in cash remittances.
3. Insuring the cash remittance amount shall be explored.
4. The officials shall not be penalized or brought under contributory factors for the case if any theft or loss taken place beyond the capacity of the officials who are engaged for such cash remittances.
The ADG (PO) vide his letter no 24-9/2007- P.O dt. 15.02.08 has informed that in order to further process the matter, all the Heads of Circles were requested to furnish their views and suggestions given by this union. Considering the present day requirements, provision of Armed Guard to HPO & major S. Os can also be considered to prevent major burglaries and thefts during day & night hours.
It is requested to expedite action and cause appropriate orders at the earliest.
The Chairperson directed that DDG (PO) will examine the matter and submit a Note as a follow up of which suitable instructions will be issued to all Heads of Circles.
Item No.34. Discontinuance of Medical facilities availed from Ispat General Hospital (IGH) Rourkela in Orissa Circle.
The Rourkela steel plant authorities had suddenly stopped the treatment facilities in IGH to the Postal staff and family members in Dec' 07. After the intervention of the Circle administration, the indoor facilities have been extended to our staff despite the requests for both indoor & outdoor treatments. It is also stated that the indoor facilities have been facilitated after they have accepted adhoc advance of one lakh rupees from the department.
The SSPOs, Sundargarh division has not yet carried out the decision arrived with Rourkela steel plant authorities for extension of both the medical facilities to the staff by issuing authorization cards. The staffs are being compelled to deposit money to avail medical facilities from the hospital at the time at urgency and due to no tangible action have so for been taken, there is a total resentment amidst staff who have no other medical facilities in that place. It is therefore requested to intervene immediately and ensure appropriate immediate action to issue identify/authorization cards to each postal employees on due consultation with IGH authorities for availing both indoor & outdoor treatment by the staff.
Chief Postmaster General, Orissa Circle, will be told to issue identity cards.
Item No.35. Fixing work norms to RPLI work at BOs/SOs - Request immediate orders.
The Chief General Manager, PLI Directorate has informed on 14.03.08 in the workshop meeting held with union representatives that she had submitted a proposal to Directorate Establishment section for fixing norms for RPLI work and counting the RPLI transactions towards income/cost of the Extra Departmental Branch Post Offices and Sub Post Offices. The proposal, as learnt, is pending at the Directorate. Since this is an area where the time factor has been requested for over a decade and also recommended by various earlier committees, it is requested to expedite action and cause orders duly fixing the time factor for RPLI work.
The Staff Side was informed that the issue is already under consideration.
Item No.36. Fixing of Uniform rate of incentive for computerized work in POs.
The Chief PMG, West Bengal Circle has fixed Rs. 0.50 per S.B data entry work for creation of Accounts and Rs. 0.15 for the subsequent posting of deposit/withdrawal for the computerized work. This order did not contain the quantum of incentive to the supervisors. Different Circles are fixing different amount as incentive. The Staff Side urges for issue of centralized orders by the Directorate for uniform application in all places.
The Chairperson desired the Staff Side to refer specific cases for examination.
Item No.37. Officiating arrangement in Group B Posts earmarked for General line.
According to the existing orders, six percent Group B Posts are earmarked for General line and some of the Posts have not been filled up for a long time. The unfilled up Posts earmarked for General line, are being officiated by the IPO line officials and due chances to senior general line officials have not been offered in such cases. It is therefore requested to cause instructions to offer such officiating chances to General line officials only for the vacancies earmarked under 6% quota in PSS Group B
The Staff Side was explained that as per existing instructions even for ad hoc appointments the provision contained in the Recruitment Rules were to be satisfied. The Staff Side referred to some instructions stated to have been issued in 1978 in regard to which it was clarified that at that point of time appointment of GL officials against 6% Post Masters Group B Posts was on the basis of promotion and not through Departmental examination.
No action.
Item No.38. Introduction of new system of bag numbering.
After the introduction of the new system of bag numbering, it is becoming compulsory to post one hand for mail work since it has created more additional work. The following are few examples.
i. The Mail Postal Assistant has to check in respect of each section / office and each class of bag with the entries of the previous day.
ii. If the bags are not in regular and after some days, the Postal Assistant has to check the earlier date and verify the correctness of the consecutive serials of bag numbers.
iii. When more than one bag is closed, the other bags have to be given subsequent numbers. So reference of the registers for each and every closing of bags becomes inevitable.
iv. To tie one label to the bag and place another in loose inside the bag will render duplicate the existing work and writing two sets of labels become additional work on the Postal Assistants.
v. While opening the bags, if all these checks prescribed are to be adhered, without assistance, it is impossible and it will cause delay in sorting and sending out for delivery.
vi. It is not possible in respect of the bags opened for the offices received from other circles. It will be more difficult to deal the normal mails more than the insurance articles.
vii. Due to dislocation of trains or other means, if some bags lie in transit and the bags closed thereafter received, it will become very difficult to dispose the mails.
viii. It will increase only the paper works and may cause practical difficulties in numbering, maintaining, verifying the bags and may warrant unnecessary correspondences.
The earlier system of closing of bags is a time tested one. The provisions contained in the volumes and the procedures stated therein to monitor the mail arrangements are practical ones. Under the existing shortage, the new procedure has increased the workload to the existing staff.
Under the existing shortage of staff in Post Offices and mail branches and RMS Offices are being managed only with the cooperation of Group D & GDS staff, it is not possible to maintain the new system. The age old practice of due mail and sorting list be reintroduced once again in order to mitigate the hardships.
The entire mail system is under review as a part of Mail Network Optimization Project. It would be more appropriate to consider items having a bearing on mail arrangement after the Project report becomes available.
Item No.39. Non grant of Special Allowance to unqualified Accountants.
When TBOP / BCR Postal Assistants are ordered to officiate as Accountants in HPOs, in the absence of qualified hands, the due special allowance has not been drawn and paid since the DDOs are considering TBOP as LSG. This is incorrect. Necessary clarifications may please be issued for drawal of the allowance with retrospective effect. Further the Accountants who are granted with MACP shall also be paid the allowance if they are drafted to perform Accountant duties.
The Staff Side was informed that the issue is already under consideration.
Item No.40. Incentive scheme for the Post offices retailing Mutual Funds and Bonds along with funds for marketing & publicity and suggested strategies.
In accordance with the Directorate letter No. 95-23/2000-SBC (P) (FS Division) dt. 28.11.03, the incentive for retailing Mutual Funds and Bonds granted to the Postal Assistant & Supervisor has been restricted to the individual employees to the extent of not exceeding 1/3 of his Basic pay plus DA in a year. Similarly in respect of individual employees, who mobilized more threshold will not be granted any incentive up to 1.5 lakh per year.
It is pertinent to note that the officials who possess AMFI certificate for dealing mutual funds and bonds are entitled for the commission to the extent of 25%. The above said two conditions are curtailing their due incentives which are one of the factors that demotivate the employees from procuring more business. It is noteworthy to mention that there is no such condition in existence in respect of PLI Development officers. They are entitled for full commission. As such restricting the due incentive by imposing such conditions may be dispensed with.
The Staff Side was informed that the Mutual Fund has almost gone out from the Post Offices in the wake of which problem of ceiling will not arise. Instructions will be issued to clear the pending bills.
Item No.41. Ensuring the standard of residential accommodation to the SPMs provided with attached Quarters.
Many post attached quarters provided to the SPMs are either sub standard or lack many basic amenities. The schedule of accommodation as prescribed by the Department has not been observed while fixing PO building particularly for the post attached quarters.
In rural areas, the total rent payable to the landlord for the whole building housing the post office and Quarters does not exceed even to Rs.800/- per month. It is not uncommon to see that a token amount of Rs.50/- likewise is being charged for the post office and in all such cases, the Postmasters are compelled to stay in the accommodation which is unfit for inhabitation and also far below to the standards. There are many post attached quarters lacking the basic amenities of lavatories.
If the Department could not provide adequate accommodation for the Quarters as prescribed in the SOA, and arrange basic amenities, it should provide option to the SPMs to secure his own accommodation and in such cases the due HRA may be paid to him. The policy of providing post attached accommodation requires reconsideration after the services of Telegraph has totally with drawn from Post offices.
The Chairperson informed the Staff Side that these were the local issues to be taken up with the respective Heads of Circles.
Item No.42. Enhancement of Financial powers of HSG I, HSG II & LSG Postmasters.
According to Directorate letter No. 18-7/92 CI dt. 2.07.93, the Financial Powers given to HSG & LSG Postmaster on each occasion has been revised to Rs.60/- & Rs.40/- respectively. The amount has been fixed seventeen years before prior to installation of computers and mostly the amount was prescribed to meet any urgent requirements for the office. The escalation of prices has made the existing financial limit meaningless. After the computerization, due to the shooting of many problems, the urgent needs could not be purchased with these financial powers and the Postmasters are facing problems in attending any computer related problems and also during the power shut down periods. Even minor electrical repairs could not be carried out with the present financial limit. It is therefore requested to consider revision of financial powers to the Postmasters working in the operative office’s considering the present day requirements.
The issue is under examination.
Item No.43. Budgetary allotment for Computer Advance.
After the total computerization of the P.O. and its functioning, the officials who desire to purchase computers for their own should be encouraged which will motivate them further in the computer operations. There is a resentment prevailing amidst the officials due to poor allotment of funds under this head. It is therefore requested to allot more funds under this head and enable the officials to avail the advance for purchase of personal computers.
The Staff Side was explained about limited budget allotment for computer advance as a result of which it was not possible to grant the advance to all the officials who desire to purchase computers. After deliberations, it was decided to set apart some percentage of budgetary allotment for Postmasters/Postal Assistants so as to enable them to purchase computers.
Item No.44. Fixing Norms/ Time Factors to Postal Stores Depot; Circle Stamp Depot & creation of establishment.
Since creation of Postal Stores Depot and Circle Stamp Depots, no norms have been fixed so far to justify the workload and staff strength. Merely the staffs from neighboring divisions are being drafted and the posts are maintained without any justified augmentation. Resultantly, the parent divisions are suffering with shortage of hand due to the prolonged deputations to PSD & CSD. It is therefore requested to fix work norms to the PSD & C.S.D and augment adequate posts at the earliest.
The Chairperson directed to review the whole issue in regard to staffing in Postal Stores Depot and Stamps Depots.
Item No. 45. More Bonus in respect of PLI policies to the Departmental employees.
It is pertinent to mention that the LIC is offering low premium to its employees while comparing the tariff collected from the public for the policies taken by the staff. Similarly the Bank employees working in some nationalized banks & others are being offered more interest for their investment made in their banks than the general public for their investments. As such, similar concession may also be extended to the postal employees either by reduced premium or by granting more bonuses for the policies taken by them in PLI/RPLI. It will motivate them further and will have the satisfaction about the concern of the Department in the welfare of the staff.
The matter will be looked into.
Item No.46 Payment of Special Allowance to the staff working on MPCMs.
The letter No. 1-11/2008-PC dt. 30.10.08 withdrawing the payment of special Allowance to the staff working on MPCMs without verifying the previous decisions is causing a concern. After the Fifth CPC, the issue was discussed by the Staff side and it was agreed to continue the drawal of special allowance to the MPCM Counter Assistants considering their responsibilities and jobs and the Directorate has further clarified vide its letter No. 43/3/97-Tech. dt. 21.10.97 to grant the special Allowance only to the Counter PAs. As such, the withdrawal of the said allowance is arbitrary and unjust. Further the allowance is granted for the extraneous and hard work performed by the Counter PAs and not alone for the computer operations. It is therefore requested to withdraw the orders dt. 30.10.08 and allow the drawal of MPCM allowance to the officials deployed at the counter.
The matter will be looked into.
Item No.47. Grant of Tribal Area Allowance to the employees serving in Tribal area of Igadpuri and other places of Nasik District. The payment of Tribal area allowance to the officials working in Nashik District was stopped from 31.03.02 due to the Maharashtra State Governments order in replacing the allowance by a revised scheme by its notification dated 06.08.2002. The state Government has declared that its employees working in such areas which are declared as Naxalite Threat areas and where the special compensatory allowance was paid earlier are entitled for the new allowance which was fixed at the rate of 15% of Pay subject to the Minimum of Rs. 200/- and Maximum of Rs. 1500/-The same allowance has not been extended to the Postal employees working in the areas where the Tribal area allowance was drawn earlier. The nomenclature of the allowance has alone been revised by the State Government but the areas are still covered under the Tribal areas as notified earlier by the State Government. The Chief PMG, Maharastra Circle vide his letter no. Estt/4-1 (2)/HRA –CCA/2008 dt. 12-09-2008 has sought clarifications about extension of such allowances to our postal employees as per the State Government notifications changing the nomenclature of the allowance and continues the payment of Tribal Area Allowance. It is requested to accord sanction at the earliest.
The Staff Side was apprised that their demand for Tribal Area Allowance without linking its payments to State Government employees was sent to Department of Expenditure and they did not agree for relaxation.
Item No.48. Grant of Financial Assistance & relaxation of rules in granting Special disability leave to victims of terrorist / bomb blasts. Postal Officials who became victims of terrorist action like bomb blast etc are not being granted financial assistance and not even the rules in granting special disability leave is relaxed in such cases. Such issues like the case of Bhubaneswar letter bomb blast victim were also tabled in the welfare meeting with the Communication Minister and though it was assured no settlement of such cases have taken place. It is requested that such officials who are the victim of terrorist activities through Postal bomb should be granted the above assistances early.
Necessary action has already been taken in the matter and as such the item is closed.
Item No.49. Grant of Road Mileage Allowance to the staff entrusted with the work of Clearance of cheques.
The work of clearance of cheques should not be brought under the net of Conveyance Allowance since every day the officials entrusted the work of Cheque clearance has to travel 40 to 45 Kms for local and other area. A minimum of Rs.50/- is being spent by the official for cost of petrol alone. In addition, he has to pay parking charges for his vehicles every month for attending clearance work. For Example, the payment of Rs. 2/- per kilometer to the postal Assistant who entrusted with cheque clearance work at Chandigarh HO by using his own vehicles in order to ensure same day clearance has been stopped by the Senior Postmaster and a sum of Rs. 320/- per month is being paid due to the objection of ICI party. It is therefore requested to grant Road Mileage Allowance instead of Conveyance Allowance to the staff entrusted with cheque clearance work besides granting some incentive as if available in banking sectors.
The matter will be examined.
Item No.50. Unilateral decision to close down Foreign Post offices
(i) Consequent upon the withdrawal of booking of international parcels by surface mail and restricting the service only to Air Post, the volume of international outward parcel will be reduced leading to financial loss to the department.
(ii) In the name of improvement of Quality of international mail service, Government has decided to consolidate all incoming foreign parcels mails available in Chennai & Kolkata Foreign Post offices. We urges upon the department to withdraw such retrograde decision which will lead for closure of Foreign Post, Kolkata & Chennai.
(iii) The Department has unilaterally decides to discontinue the services of international surface letter mail both inward & outward at Chennai, Kolkata & Mumbai Foreign Post offices and has also decided to transfer the said services to Air Foreign offices in respective circles which will lead to shut down of Foreign Post offices.
(iv) The senior officials of Foreign Post, Delhi who were transferred along with the work to DIMC I & DMIC II unilaterally shall be brought back to Delhi Foreign Post.
The Staff Side was informed that there was no decision to close down foreign Post Offices.
Item No.51. Stop harassing staff on contributory factors for simple and flimsy reasons by misusing the provision of ‘unbecoming of Government Servant’ deviating the ruling contained in Volume III, FHB etc.
The Directorate guidelines issued vide letter No. 6/8/59-Disc dt. 9.7.1959, 25/49/60-Disc dt.30.11.60 and 15-9/74-1NV dt. 10.2.75, and subsequent orders are being violated and the officials being preceded under contributory negligence factor for flimsy reasons and awarded with huge recoveries. The provisions contained in Rule,106,107, 108 & 111 of Postal Volume III and the provision of honest errors can be condoned contained in Rule 204 A (1) vol II and the provision of Rule 58, Appendix 4 of F.H.B. volume I in dealing of recovery have been totally ignored and sidelined.
The main intention of the Government while deciding the degree of an officer’s pecuniary liability, it will be necessary to look not only to the circumstances of the case but also to the financial circumstances of the officer, since it should be recognized that the tendency should not be such as to impair his future efficiency. The Staff Side urges for proper guidelines in the matter of contributory negligence to protect the officials being harassed.
The matter will be examined.
Item No.52. Recovery of alleged overpayment of pay and allowances to postman on account of fixation from the officials of Accounts branches of HPOs
The drawing & disbursing officers should not be made as scapegoats in this case. According to Rule 87 of P&T FHB Vol. I, any excess payment can be recovered at any time. The Apex Court also confirmed that any excess paid due to administrative mistake, there is no rule which prohibits such recovery (Udaysankaran Vs. Union of India JT 1996 (4) SC). The most pertinent point is that the Inspection Parties of ICI and Audit have approved and certified such drawal in many places. There was confusion in interpreting the orders then for which Group C officials are becoming the victims. On 13.1.09 The Secretary (P) assured to reconsider the issue and ensure no recovery on part of APM Accounts & Accountants. The Secretary observed as unfortunate in the case of Rule 14 initiated charges on the date of superannuation of Sri. V. V. Nargida, APM, Accounts Pune city as he did not pay Rs.727671.61 towards contributory factor for excess drawal to postmen on implementation of 5th CPC orders. It is therefore requested to stop such recovery and drop action if initiated anywhere to recover the amount from the DDOs.
The matter will be reviewed.
Item No.53. Enhancement of honorarium to RD premature closures
The rates fixed for RD PMC work a decade back needs revision. The norms were also revised. During 1996, the PMC was permitted without interest after one year. Now PMC is allowed only after three years with SB interest. Resultantly IBB has to be worked out for more than three years consuming more time. After RD decentralisation, it become very difficult and risky too.
It is requested to revise the honorarium upward at the following rates.
Sub Postmaster - Rs. 5.00 per account
Postal Assistant - Rs. 10 per account
The matter will be reviewed.
Item No.54. Counting of Special Allowance for pay fixation – case of PO and RMS Accountants
A kind attention is invited to the letter No. 9 (1)/2004-PA Admn. I/501 to 504 dated 29-10-2006 from Shri T.K. Mitra, ADG (PA and Admn) of the Directorate wherein it is informed that the Special Pay which is now called as Special Allowance drawn in lieu of higher pay scale may be taken into account for fixing pay under ACP to the JAO examination qualified candidates on ACP promotion.
The above said instructions were issued in consultation with DOP&T and the same and similar analogy should be applied in the case of PO and RMS Accountants also and their Special Allowance should be taken for fixation of pay in the higher cadre on promotion.
Further, vide letter No. 8 (1)/2004-PA-Admn/1/54 to 76 dated 23-04-07, it was mentioned that this issue relates to operative offices, the matter may be taken up with Directorate through CPMG which exhibits lack of coordination among the branches in the Directorate.
It is, therefore, requested to cause immediate orders on the issue which is hanging over ten years. Further the orders applicable to JAO qualified official be applied to the similarly situated official working in the post offices on acquiring TBOP / BCR promotion.
The item is linked with item No.17.
Item No.55. DRAWAL OF PAY TO SENIOR BCR OFFICIALS IN HSG I POSTS AS THE PAY SCALES OF HSG II & BCR IS ONE AND THE SAME & SETTLEMENT OF EARLIER OFFICIATING CASES OF TAMILNADU, WEST BENGAL & OTHER CIRCLES AS ONE TIME MEASURE
i. The provision of officiating in higher post and grant of higher pay for the officiating period beyond 14 days is very much in existence in the Department of posts. This was not practically termed as adhoc promotion. The officiating arrangements are being made for short term arrangements.
ii. Further pay scale of HSG II & BCR is one and the same. BCR officials are holding the pay scale equal to HSG II and when they have been ordered to officiate in HSG I, they are entitled for officiating pay. The CAT Bangalore decision in OA No. 74/2008 dt. 18.08.09 categorically held that as the pay scales of BCR & HSG II are identical, the applicant is entitled to the salary of the HSG-I post. Further, Supreme court has also dismissed the SLP filed against writ petition No. 13527 of 2008 of A. P. High Court confirming the decision of entitlement of higher pay for the officiating arrangement in HSG I. The CAT Jabalpur in a similar case held that higher pay for officiating in higher post should not be denied.
iii. In some circles, regular HSG II officials have been ordered to work in HSG I posts without any extra remuneration which is highly irregular.
iv. In some circles like Tamilnadu, West Bengal, some senior officials have been ordered to officiate in HSG I posts of more than one year during 2002 to 2005 in the absence of clear cut clarifications and circle heads has already referred the cases to Directorate to regularize the arrangements beyond one year as one time measure which is pending over two years. The due officiating pay had neither drawn nor taken for retirement benefits.
1622 HSG I posts have been upgraded only on matching schemes by axing 680 PA posts and as such the denial of due benefits/higher pay is arbitrary, unjust
The matter will be reviewed.
Item 56. Tenure posting of officials in Single & Double Handed post offices – request to withdraw the conditions
The condition that the SPM / PA working in Single / Double handed offices should not be posted back to the same office during their entire service is against the statutory rules of P&T Manual Volume IV. The doubts about the integrity of all Postal Assistants / Sub Postmasters will mar the interests of the officials and it is requested to withdraw the conditions forthwith.
The matter will be reviewed.
Item No.57. Enhancement of honorarium for engaging the officials in departmental examinations
At present, the following rate of honorarium is being paid to the officials who are brought by the department while conducting the departmental examination as per the sent letter No. 18/16/98-E dt. 31.12.93.
(i) Supervisor -- Rs. 30/- per session.
(ii) Invigilators -- Rs. 20/- per session.
(iii) Clerk -- Rs. 25/- per day.
(iv) Group 'D' -- Rs. 15/- per day.
The remuneration is very meagre while comparing the strenuous job carried out by the officials. Despite there is justification, either to grant OTA or compensatory off, atleast the honorarium sanctioned shall reach atleast to the extent of satisfactions of those employees engaging for this purpose.
The matter is being looked into.
Item No.58. Restriction in posting of SPM due to minor penalties / CR entries
The Directorate has given instructions to all the Circle Heads from investigation section dated 06-11-2006 that if an official is awarded with anyone of the minor or major punishments or adverse entries in the CR, he should not be posted as SPM throughout his career.
The suggestion given by the Investigation wing as a preventive measure to minimise and eradicate the losses and frauds has been circulated for implementation not only in the RT 2007 but also in the existing cases.
The suggestion is practicable only if the department is having full staff strength and it is not feasible to implement when the shortage exceeds 30% in the Postal Assistant cadre.
This will create hardship to the officials. That too reverting the existing SPMs from their SPM posts as Postal Assistant before completing their tenure is unjust and bad in law and against to the natural justice. This will spoil their reputations earned from the public by shifting them from SPMs post before completing their tenure.
The other suggestion given by the same section earlier that not to keep vacant in B & A class offices and fill up the Postal Assistant posts has not been implemented. As such this will create many hardships to all the officials who are unwilling to take position as Postmasters.
This is most pertinent to mention that after lapse of certain periods, the officials inflicted with punishments become eligible to write the promotional exams like IPO, JAO, Group B etc. As such, mere imposition of even a minor penalty will be the disqualification to be a SPM throughout his career is nothing but a farce and not maintainable.
If the suggestions implemented retrospectively, at one stage none will be available for the post of post of SPM due to prevailing shortage, a well senior official has to work as Postal Assistant under the supervision of his most senior which will also be a punishment not improvised in the CCS CCA Rules.
It was agreed to review the matter.
Item No.59. Allowing to appear in the Departmental Exam like IPOs – case of physically handicapped officials
The Directorate has clarified vide its letter No. 7-8/04-SPB dated 28-07-2005 that physically handicapped officials should not be allowed to appear in the IPO Examination as they are unable to perform the physically demanding nature of work.
This is unfortunate and total injustice to the physically handicapped officials who fulfil all the required qualifications, skills etc. and could perform the duties efficiently and effectively. There are many jobs in IPO cadre which did not require any outdoor duties.
Even in the case of physically handicapped officials, they could also do the outdoor duties with the vehicle, advance equipments or with the assistance.
Their disability should not be construed or taken as a ruse to deny their justified right to appear in the examination which is against to the canon of natural justice. It is, therefore, requested to reconsider the decision and allow all physically handicapped officials to appear in the exam under relaxed terms or at least fix some reservation of the posts of IPOs which do not require any outdoor duties like circle, regional offices.
The matter will be examined.
Item No.60. Fixed Conveyance Allowance to Marketing Executives
The nature of duties of Marketing Executives has no fixed working hours and they have to travel miles together to complete their assignments. In metro cities, the amount spent by them to cover vast areas by vehicles exceeds their capacity.
Taking into account of these, and indispensability of their services, a fixed sum of Rs. 1000/- p.m. may be paid as Conveyance Allowance.
The matter will be examined.
Item No.61. Revision of FSC
The Fixed Stationery Charges fixed to office / officials does not commensurate with the expenses being incurred for the purpose due to spiral increase of commodities & inflation. The GDS are now getting ten times higher than the amount being paid to the Postal Assistants now. The present amount does not meet the 1/10th requirements and the SPM In-charges are incurring expenses at their own cost. It is requested to consider the same and revise the FSC with retrospective effect.
The matter is being examined.
Item No. 62. Enhancement of Split Duty Allowance
Even though the MOF vide its OM No. 09 (11) – E II B dt. 29.08.2008 has enhanced the rate of split duty Allowance to Rs. 200/- P. M, the same has not been communicated resulting non drawal of allowance in the enhance rate. It is requested to cause orders at once.
The matter is under examination in consultation with Integrated Finance Wing/Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure.
Item No.63. Transfer of all HSG I Posts to General line
After upgrading the status of the ASPOs into gazetted one, continuing their posting against non-gazetted HSG I posts is irregular. It is requested that all HSG I posts earmarked now for IPO line may be converted to General line Posts immediately. In addition intervention is required to effect payment of Split Duty Allowance in places like Punjab where arbitrarily the Circle Administration stopped payment of this allowance.
The proposal is already under consideration.
Item No.64. Denial of ROHSC claim for emergent treatment due to non circulation of Health Ministry OMS
The following two OMD issued by Dept of Health pertaining to relaxation of Power for granting medical on emergency have not been circulated so far.
i. OM No. S 14025/7/2000 – MS dt. 28.03.2000
ii. OM No. S 14025/46/92 – MS dt. 04.02.1993
Resultantly in many divisions, the ROHSC claims on emergent treatment have not been entertained.
It is requested to communicate the same. Similarly, the OM related to extension of CS (MA) rules to pensioner residing in areas not covered by CGHS vide No. S-14025/4/96-MS dt. 05.06.98 has also not been circulated yet resulting denial fo Medial treatment to pensioners.
The Staff Side was apprised of the fact that the orders issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare are available on its web site. However, on the request of Staff Side, it was decided to circulate instructions dated 28.03.2000 and 04.02.1993.
Item No.65. Payment of honorarium to supervisors & Staff of Divisional offices for processing of PLI and RPLI proposals.
The CGM PLI Directorate in the meeting held on 01.10.2007 has agreed to revise the existing rate of honorarium and convert the same as incentive since the cap of Rs.4000/- per annum as total ceiling per officials has not been removed so far. However no orders have been issued so far. It is requested to revise the rate and brought it under incentive without any ceiling.
The matter will be examined.
Item No. 66. Providing administrative power to grant leave to staff by HSG-I Postmasters.
At present, the administrative powers to grant earned leave in the absence of casual leave are vested with the HSG I Postmasters IPO line. But the said provision is not available to General line Postmaster. This is a clear discrimination. The administrative powers provided to IPO line HSG-I Postmasters may be extended to general line HSG-I Postmasters also.
The proposal of the Staff Side was agreed to.
Item No. 67. Grant of OTA/Excess Duty Allowance to the SPMs working in single/Double handed Post offices.
(i) In the absence of PA, the SPMs working in ‘B’ class offices may be granted minimum of 3 hours OTA to look after the duty of PA.
(ii) Similarly, in ‘C’ class offices, where the work load exceeds 8 hours and more, compensation in the shape of Excess Duty Allowance may please be considered.
This issue comes under the ambit of Government of India instructions and, therefore, it will not be possible for the Department of Posts to take a view in the matter in isolation.
Item No.68. Counting the training period for benefits of promotion under TBOP / BCR scheme
Despite the clear instructions contained in Directorate letter No. 44-47/98-SPB.II dated 31-07-2000 & 27-07-2001, that the period of induction training may also be counted as qualifying service for the benefit of TBOP / BCR promotions, this has not been implemented in many circles.
To cite an instance, the circle IFA, Tamil Nadu Circle has denied such kind of benefits to those recruited and deputed for training before 01-01-86. Based on the opinion, the Chief Postmaster General, Tamil Nadu Circle has issued instructions vide his letter No. STA/80-1/00/Rlgs dated 21-02-2003 in which it was stated that the period of Induction training can be taken for the benefit of promotion under TBOP / BCR only if the person selected was under training on 01-01-86 or deputed for training on or after 01-01-86, apart the fulfilment of other conditions such as obligatory nature of such training, immediate promotion on completion of such training.
Resultantly, the officials granted with BCR promotions based on the Directorate orders dated 31-07-2000 taking into account of their training period for promotion have faced recovery and re-fixation. The opinion of the circle IFA to cut short the benefits from 01-01-86 is wrong and arbitrary one. It is, therefore, requested to cause necessary instructions to all the circle heads to count the training period without any restriction and stop recovery immediately. Similarly, the induction training period of the promotes to LGOs may also be taken as service rendered in Postal Assistant cadre if opted for fixation and other benefits.
On the persistent demand of the Staff Side, the Official Side agreed to make an attempt with the Department of Personnel and Training.
Item No.69. Granting Service benefits to erstwhile RTP candidates deputed to APS taking into account of their service rendered on RTP
Consequent upon the dismissal of civil appeal No. 5739 of 2005, the benefit was extended to the officials who approached court. Meanwhile, all circle heads were called for to collect the particulars of the similarly situated persons to extend the benefits. It is requested to cause appropriate orders to extend the benefits to the similarly situated persons.
The matter will be discussed in detail in a meeting separately.
Item No.70. Creating HSG-I Posts in MMS.
1622 HSG-I Posts were sanctioned during March 2001 by upgrading the HSG-II and LSG posts to HSG-I for operative offices. No HSG-I post was allotted to MMS divisions. Necessary steps may be taken to sanction at least one HSG-I post in each MMS Division.
The matter will be examined.
3. Item Nos. 71 and onwards could not be discussed for want of time. On the demand of the Staff Side, the Chairperson agreed to discuss these items in a subsequent meeting. The date and time for the meeting will be decided with the approval of Chairperson, Departmental Council (JCM) and Staff Side will be apprised of it.
--------posted by N.Subramanian Dvl Sec P3 Tirupur
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