No. 8/4/2013-SR
A meeting was held on 02/08/2013 in the Committee
Room, Dak Bhavan under the chairpersonship of Secretary (Posts) to discuss the
issues raised by the PJCA in the Memorandum submitted by them on 01/04/2013. A
list of participants is annexed.
Secretary (PSB) welcomed the participants and
thereafter the discussions on the agenda items commenced. After deliberations
the following decisions were taken:
S.
Agenda
Item
Decision
taken
1.
Issues
relating to Gramin Dak Sevaks
a.
Enhancement of Bonus ceiling –
The
proposal has been approved by Department of Expenditure on 21/08/2013. The
matter is now being placed before the Cabinet for approval.
b.
Revision of Cash handling norms-
Data is
being collected from all circles regarding financial implications in case the
cash handling norms are revised. Circles are being addressed to expedite
response. The proposal will be examined after the requisite data is collected.
c.
Ensuring no reduction of TRCA under any circumstances –
protection
of TRCA will be issued. But, in the orders issued by the Directorate,
protection is given for one year only and thereafter if workload is not
increased TRCA will be reduced without any protection. As per the earlier
orders protection was given up to the maximum of the lower TRCA even if
workload is reduced. As per the new order after one year there will be no
protection at all. When workload is reduced due to circumstances beyond the
Control of the GDS, reducing the TRCA is quite unjustified and inhuman.
The
remuneration of the GDS and the policy relating to the same is reviewed every
ten years in consonance with the Pay Commission by a committee and accepted
by the
Finance
Ministry and Cabinet for implementation. The policy governing remuneration of
GDS is related to work load. If work load increases TRCA is enhanced. On a
similar analogy if work load reduces, there is an impact on TRCA. Protection
provided for GDS / BPMs for a period of one year is a welfare oriented
instruction guiding GDS to increase his work load during the one year period.
A fresh establishment review will be done for such post offices at the end of
this one year period, which will end in October this year and a number of
such offices identified and a decision will be taken.
Secretary
(Posts) urged the staff side to convince GDS to make efforts to increase the
business which in turn will enhance the workload with consequent rise in TRCA
or maintenance of TRCA at the same level.
d.
Removal of minimum 50 points conditions for GDS Compassionate appointment
The data reveals that present norms have yielded compassionate
engagement to an extent around 30% - 35% of the cases which is much more than
the regular departmental employees who are getting only 5% as per DOPT
guidelines based on the Hon’ble Supreme Court judgement, which have
restricted compassionate appointment to a maximum of 5% of the total
appointment in Government service. The point system cannot be relaxed further
to enhance the compassionate appointment cases as it is presently much more
than the Supreme Court judgement norms.
Item closed.
e.
Redeployment of GDS mailman posts in new areas
The
PJCA has accepted that this is a dying cadre. Therefore, the work that was
hitherto being performed by GDS MM will be reflected in the future
Establishment of Mail as per justification.
f.
Review of cash conveyance allowance – Monthly ceiling of Rs.50/- to be
removed.
Details
will be ascertained from circles to know the average expenditure incurred
every month by GDS / BPMs. Proposal will be reviewed thereafter, so as to
ensure that they are adequately compensated to cover cost.
g.
Introduction of Health Scheme
The
proposal for GDS health insurance scheme is under active consideration by
Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure.
On
21/08/2013 Secretary (Posts) has demi officially addressed Secretary
(Expenditure) to expedite the approval.
h.
Norms for RPLI
GDS
BPMs are already being given incentive on RPLI @ 10% of the first year premium
towards RPLI policies and 2.5% of the renewal premium income collected by
RPLI. No further revision is necessary at this stage.
Item closed.
t
i.
Providing norms for cash remittance from BO to AO & Vice Versa
The
reply sent by Director (SR) vide letter No.8-4/2013-SR dated 22/04/2013
stands withdrawn.
A
committee has been formed to look into this issue. The proposal “norms for
cash remittance from BO to AO – vice-versa”- will be examined on receipt of
report of the committee.
2.
Immediate
finalization of Cadre Restructuring:
After
the narration discussion on the problems put forth in the strike charter on
10.01.2012 & 12.01.2012, Secretary, Deptt. of Posts, has assured both orally
and also in the minutes, Inter alia;
“As
recorded in the minutes of the meeting held on 27.12.2011, the proposal is
under consideration of a committee under the Chairpersonship of DDG(P). The
Staff side expressed their concern about the undue delay in finalization of
the proposal on which the Secretary Posts, desired finalization of this
process by 31st March, 2012. It was assured that the timelines
would be adhered to”. As regards
restructuring
of Postal Accounts officials, it was informed that the proposal was cleared
by the JS&FS and stands referred to the Secretary (Posts). It was also
decided to have a separate Committee under the Chairpersonship of Ms. Sandhya
Rani, PMG (BD) Andhra Pradesh Circle to consider Cadre Restructuring of MMS
Staff. The Committee will submit its report within three months from the date
of formation.”
Again
in the Minutes of the discussion held with the staff side on 21.05.2012, it
is further assured as follows:
“It was
decided to formulate a proposal of 30th June 2012 for further
examination in consultation with the nodal Ministries. Regarding cadre
restricting of Postal Accounts it was assured that the matter will be pursued
further with Postal Accounts wing and Establishment Division and the PJCA
will be kept appraised of the progress in the regard.”
Again
during the JCM, Departmental Council standing Committee meeting held on
18.12.2012 and JCM(DC) Meeting held on 28.12.2012 it was assured as follows:
“It was
informed that the report of the committee is under consideration. Proposal
will be formulated by the Department. However, one round of talks with JCM
Members will be held before the proposal is firmed up.”
At one
stage, the staff side has made it clear that if the Department goes on
dragging the cadre restructuring issue indefinitely, the staff side will be
forced to non-cooperate with the IT Modernization project.
It was
repeatedly assured that the cadre restructuring will not be linked with the
IT Modernization Project. But still the proposals are not finalized. No
meeting of the Cadre Restructuring Committee by the Postal Board was held
during the last one year. The undue and unwarranted delay is causing concern
and also strong resentment among the employees.
The Cadre Restructuring Committee is being reconstituted.
Current Status / Postscript
The Cadre Restructuring Committee has been reconstituted under the
Chairmanship of DDG (P).
Sandhya Rani Committee report on organizational restructure of MMS is
under consideration.
The report of “cadre restructuring of Postal Accounts” has been
approved by FA and has been referred to Ministry of Finance.
3.
Revision
of wages of casual labourers and their absorption:
In the
minutes of the discussion held with the staff side on 10.01.2012 &
12.01.2012, the Secretary (Posts) has assured as follows:
“The
Staff side was appraised that a Committee had been constituted under the
Chairpersonship of CPMG Assam circle to look into the issues pertaining to
Casual Labourers and it is likely to submit its report shortly. The Staff
side expressed its concern over the delay in the decision. Regarding the
union’s request for revised minimum wages w.e.f. 01.01.2006, the matter will
be examined on priority.”
Again
in the minutes of the discussion held on 21.05.2012, it was further assured
that_________
In
spite of these repeated assurances the payment of pro-rate wages to the
law-paid casual laborers w.e.f. 01.01.2006 has not taken place causing
inordinate delay in payment of minimum wages to those poor employees.
The
committee of field officers under the chairmanship of Shri Vishvapavan Pati,
PMG, Hyderabad Region has been constituted to suggest the manner in which the
report of the Monojit Kumar Committee can be implemented. On receipt of
findings of this committee, final view will be taken in consultation with
nodal Departments.
4.
Issuing
orders on the items finalized by the Postmen Committee and also follow up
action on certain items to be referred to work study unit.
A separate meeting has been convened on 02/08/2013 under the
chairmanship of Member (P), with Secretaries General of NFPE & FNPO and
General Secretaries of Postmen unions and separate minutes issued.
All Circles have initiated action for announcing vacancy of postmen
and action for filling up the posts is ongoing.
5.
Abnormal
delay in notifying HSG-I Recruitment Rules
The
finalization of revised HSG-I Recruitment rules is being delayed on one
pretext or the other. This is pending over five years. 100% of HSG I Posts
are lying vacant and are being managed by officiating arrangements without
any financial benefits. Due to the delay in finalizing HSG I Recruitment
Rules, Carving out of Postmaster Grade III is also delayed. It is most
unfortunate that orders have been issued by the Directorate not to fill up
the HSG I Vacancies as per the old r3ecruitment rules. At least this would
have been caused to fill up the vacancies.
It has
defeated the very purpose of matching savings offered to the extent of 680 PA
Posts for availing HSG I Promotion and it is highly deplorable. Necessary
action may please be taken to finalise the HSG-I Recruitment Rules or at
least to fill all the vacant posts forthwith besides carving out of
Postmaster Grade III Posts as per the existing HSG I Recruitment Rules.
In view
of the observations of UPSC, file regarding RRs for HSG I has been referred
back to DOPT. The vacancies are being filled by the circles as per provisions
of the existing Rules by convening DPC meetings.
6.
Abnormal
delay in filling up of vacant LSG, HSG II and HSG-I vacancies due to
non-holding of DPCs in many circles.
In many
circles, the regular DPC to LSG has not been convened. Many LSG Posts are
being kept vacant resultantly causing a heavy shortage in PA Cadre due to
their officiating. Further the delay caused non-filling up of HSG-II Post due
to inadequacies in the eligible candidates in LSG Cadre. In many circles,
HSG-II DPC has also not been convened and many of the HSG-II Posts could not
be filled up on a regular basis due to the officiating of the incumbents in the
vacant HSG I Posts.
In
nutshell all the higher posts are being managed only with the officiating or
adhoc arrangements causing non filling up of basis PA Posts and denying and
depriving the due promotional chances to the eligible candidates.
It is
therefore requested to cause appropriate orders to convene DPC and fill up
all the vacant LSG & HSG II posts immediately by prescribing time
schedule.
Meeting will be convened under the chairmanship of Member (P) to
examine individual cases of non-filling of vacant posts. The matter will be
taken up with respective CPMGs for immediate action.
7.
Problems
of Postmaster Cadre Officials
(i)
Allowing Postmaster Cadre officials to appear for IP and PSS Group B
Examination.
(ii)
Orders permitting the Postmaster Cadre official to officiate in HSG-I
vacancies and earmarked Postmaster Grade III Posts.
(iii)
Allow PO & RMS Accounts cadre official to opt for Postmaster cadre.
(iv)
Filling up the Postmaster Grade-III posts by granting promotion to Grade-II
officials and also by option from HSG-I officials after filling up all HSG-I
Posts.
(v)
Filling up of all vacant Grade-II and Grade III posts promoting the
Postmaster cadre official relaxing the minimum service condition.
(vi)
Filling up 100% Senior Postmaster/Chief Postmaster posts which are earmarked
for Postmaster cadre by Postmaster Cadre officials alone declaring it as a
hierarchical promotion cadre of Postmaster Cadre.
(vii)
Delay in holding LSG, HSG II and HSG – I DPCs and thereby denying the chance
for giving option to Postmaster Grade – I, II & III to eligible
officials.
(viii)
Maintenance of up to date separate gradation list for PM Cadre officials.
In the
minutes of the discussion held on 21.05.2012 the Secretary (Posts) has
assured as follows:
“The
issues were discussed at length and it was decided to review it after
sometime keeping in view the merits and demerits of the proposal as well as
the response of the officials for Postmaster Cadre”.
The
minutes did not reflect the real spirit of discussion as it was assured to
consider favourably the above items after long discussion. However, it is
high time to review the above cases and settle favourably. The entire
Postmaster Cadre officials are totally frustrated and disappointed due to the
negative attitude of the administration towards them.
Meeting will be convened under the chairmanship of Member (P) to
consider these proposals and minutes will be issued separately.
8.
Problems
of System Administrators
In the
minutes of the Departmental Council JCM Standing Committee dated 02.02.2012
(communicated in letter dated 06.06.2012) for the 15 items pertaining to
system Administrators including creation of separate cadre, it is furnished
as follows:
“The
issue is under the consideration of the cadre Restructuring Committee
constituted under the chairmanship of DDG(P) vide Department’s office memo
no.01/04/2010-SR dated 05.05.2011”
Finalization
of the proposal by the Cadre Restructuring Committee is being delayed indefinitely.
Recently, during the demonstration of IT Modernization Project, the staff
side has repeatedly requested the Member (Technology) to create a separate
cadre and absorb all the existing SAs as a onetime measure in the new cadre.
Unfortunately no commitment was given regarding the creation of new cadre,
except the assurance that the services of the existing system Administrators
will be utilized in future also. It is high time to end the present
uncertainty by creating a separate cadre for system Administrators.
After
deliberations, the PJCA agreed to drop this item.
9.
Implementation
of speed Post hubs and L1, L2 Systems
The
High Power Committee appointed to discuss the issues under the
Chairpersonship of then Secretary, Department of Posts assured the following
before implementation of MNJOP proposals.
(i)
There will be no shifting of staff from L1 office to L2 office vice versa for
three years.
(ii)
Irregular or wrong identification of L1 office will be changed after
discussion with the staff side.
But to
our dismay both the promises were not kept. There is a complete violation and
deviation of assurances. Further, even though directorate has issued
instruction to the Chief PMGs regarding change of administrative jurisdiction
of speed post hubs, certain Chief PMGs have not yet implemented it and still
some of the speed post hubs are co0ntinuing under the administrative
jurisdiction of postal superintendent.
Further,
CRC & Speed post norms have been finalized without any consultation with
staff side. The impracticable norms have been imposed upon violating the
earlier decision and agreements on the subject.
Meeting
will be convened with PJCA under the chairpersonship of Member (Operations)
and minutes will be issued separately.
10.
MACP
Related issues
The
implementation of the Jodhpur CAT Judgement, i.e. non-counting of promotions
acquired from one cadre to other through examination for MACP, Granting of
MACP counting the total service rendered in each cadre etc has not been
implemented resulting deprival of dues to the senior most promotes in the
Department of Posts. This may kindly be considered.
This
item will be discussed in a meeting to be convened under the chairmanship of
Member (P) and the minutes will be issued separately.
11.
Problems
of APM Accounts/Accountants
The
following demands in respect of PO & RMS Accountants have not been
considered yet causing resentment and displeasure amidst the qualified hands.
<
!--[if !supportLists]-->(i) Proportionate distribution
of APM Accounts posts among LSG, HSG 11 and HSG-1
< !--[if !supportLists]-->(ii) Counting special allowance
for pay fixation benefits to PO & RMS Accountants on promotion.
Implementation of Karnataka High Court order not only for a specific period
but also till the withdrawal of the TBOP/BCR Schemes in true spirit. The
special allowance should be taken for pay fixation up to 31.08.2008 for
TBOP/BCR officials.
< !--[if !supportLists]-->(iii) Date of passing Accounts
exam may be taken as the criteria for counting seniority for promotion, since
no amendment has so far been issued to the statutory rules. Further the
earlier passing of examination will have no relevance in future.
This
item will be discussed in a meeting to be convened under the chairmanship of
Member (P) and the minutes will be issued separately.
12.
Filling
up of all vacant posts
Even
though Government of India has lifted ban on filling up of posts from 2009
onwards, and the Directorate has given repeated instructions to fill up all
direct recruitment as well as promotional quota of vacancies up to 2012, in
many circles posts are remaining unfilled. Similarly in Postal Accounts much
delay in taking place in filling up of posts due to delay in finalization of
the Recruitment process by staff selection commission. Action may be taken to
fill up all vacant posts from 2009 onwards on top priority basis as the staff
are reeling under the pressure of workload which in turn affects the
efficiency of the services rendered by the Department of Posts.
In
conclusion, we hope that all the above issues will be given top most priority
and the Hon’ble Secretary, Department of Posts, shall come forward for a
negotiated settlement with the staff side in a time bound manner.
Postal
Directorate has taken action to fill up DR Postal Assistant posts for years
2009 and 2010. 11,738 PAs / SAs DR quota vacancies have been filled up.
Examination
for 4841 vacancies for the years 2011 and 2012 for PA / SA DR quota, has
recently been held and result has been declared. The selected candidates will
join their position on completion of pre-appointment formalities.
13.
Non
settlement of agreed items placed the Departmental Council (JCM)
Most of
the issues agreed in the last Departmental Council meeting held on 28.12.2012
have not been processed further. Many of them remain as it is. There is no
serious action taken in mitigating the issues put forth in the departmental
council meeting.
Pending
items will be discussed in the JCM (Standing Committee meeting).
14.
Additional
item submitted by PJCA:-
A
Committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of DDG (R&P) to
examine the contents of Question Papers with reference to prescribed syllabus
and submit a report on the standard vis-a-vis the post for which examination
is being conducted and post which is appearing for the examination. .
S.
No.
Agenda
Item
Decision
taken
1.
Issues
relating to Gramin Dak Sevaks
a.
Enhancement of Bonus ceiling –
In the
matter of enhancement of Bonus ceiling to 3500/- of Gramin Dak Sevaks, it was
assured that another attempt will be made to get the approval of the Finance
Ministry. It was informed that the file has already been submitted to Finance
Ministry with the favourable recommendations of the Postal Board and
Minister, Communications.
The
proposal has been approved by Department of Expenditure on 21/08/2013. The
matter is now being placed before the Cabinet for approval.
b.
Revision of Cash handling norms-
On the
issue of withdrawal of upward change in cash handling norms etc., it was
assured that the entire issue will be re-examined. A DDG level committee was
also constituted. Minister of State for communications has also assured the
staff side that needful will be done in this case.
Data is
being collected from all circles regarding financial implications in case the
cash handling norms are revised. Circles are being addressed to expedite
response. The proposal will be examined after the requisite data is collected.
c.
Ensuring no reduction of TRCA under any circumstances –
It was
assured by Minister of State for communications that orders for full
protection
of TRCA will be issued. But, in the orders issued by the Directorate,
protection is given for one year only and thereafter if workload is not
increased TRCA will be reduced without any protection. As per the earlier
orders protection was given up to the maximum of the lower TRCA even if
workload is reduced. As per the new order after one year there will be no
protection at all. When workload is reduced due to circumstances beyond the
Control of the GDS, reducing the TRCA is quite unjustified and inhuman.
The
remuneration of the GDS and the policy relating to the same is reviewed every
ten years in consonance with the Pay Commission by a committee and accepted
by the
Finance
Ministry and Cabinet for implementation. The policy governing remuneration of
GDS is related to work load. If work load increases TRCA is enhanced. On a
similar analogy if work load reduces, there is an impact on TRCA. Protection
provided for GDS / BPMs for a period of one year is a welfare oriented
instruction guiding GDS to increase his work load during the one year period.
A fresh establishment review will be done for such post offices at the end of
this one year period, which will end in October this year and a number of
such offices identified and a decision will be taken.
Secretary
(Posts) urged the staff side to convince GDS to make efforts to increase the
business which in turn will enhance the workload with consequent rise in TRCA
or maintenance of TRCA at the same level.
d.
Removal of minimum 50 points conditions for GDS Compassionate appointment
The data reveals that present norms have yielded compassionate
engagement to an extent around 30% - 35% of the cases which is much more than
the regular departmental employees who are getting only 5% as per DOPT
guidelines based on the Hon’ble Supreme Court judgement, which have
restricted compassionate appointment to a maximum of 5% of the total
appointment in Government service. The point system cannot be relaxed further
to enhance the compassionate appointment cases as it is presently much more
than the Supreme Court judgement norms.
Item closed.
e.
Redeployment of GDS mailman posts in new areas
The
PJCA has accepted that this is a dying cadre. Therefore, the work that was
hitherto being performed by GDS MM will be reflected in the future
Establishment of Mail as per justification.
f.
Review of cash conveyance allowance – Monthly ceiling of Rs.50/- to be
removed.
Details
will be ascertained from circles to know the average expenditure incurred
every month by GDS / BPMs. Proposal will be reviewed thereafter, so as to
ensure that they are adequately compensated to cover cost.
g.
Introduction of Health Scheme
The
proposal for GDS health insurance scheme is under active consideration by
Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure.
On
21/08/2013 Secretary (Posts) has demi officially addressed Secretary
(Expenditure) to expedite the approval.
h.
Norms for RPLI
GDS
BPMs are already being given incentive on RPLI @ 10% of the first year premium
towards RPLI policies and 2.5% of the renewal premium income collected by
RPLI. No further revision is necessary at this stage.
Item closed.
t
i.
Providing norms for cash remittance from BO to AO & Vice Versa
The
reply sent by Director (SR) vide letter No.8-4/2013-SR dated 22/04/2013
stands withdrawn.
A
committee has been formed to look into this issue. The proposal “norms for
cash remittance from BO to AO – vice-versa”- will be examined on receipt of
report of the committee.
2.
Immediate
finalization of Cadre Restructuring:
After
the narration discussion on the problems put forth in the strike charter on
10.01.2012 & 12.01.2012, Secretary, Deptt. of Posts, has assured both orally
and also in the minutes, Inter alia;
“As
recorded in the minutes of the meeting held on 27.12.2011, the proposal is
under consideration of a committee under the Chairpersonship of DDG(P). The
Staff side expressed their concern about the undue delay in finalization of
the proposal on which the Secretary Posts, desired finalization of this
process by 31st March, 2012. It was assured that the timelines
would be adhered to”. As regards
restructuring
of Postal Accounts officials, it was informed that the proposal was cleared
by the JS&FS and stands referred to the Secretary (Posts). It was also
decided to have a separate Committee under the Chairpersonship of Ms. Sandhya
Rani, PMG (BD) Andhra Pradesh Circle to consider Cadre Restructuring of MMS
Staff. The Committee will submit its report within three months from the date
of formation.”
Again
in the Minutes of the discussion held with the staff side on 21.05.2012, it
is further assured as follows:
“It was
decided to formulate a proposal of 30th June 2012 for further
examination in consultation with the nodal Ministries. Regarding cadre
restricting of Postal Accounts it was assured that the matter will be pursued
further with Postal Accounts wing and Establishment Division and the PJCA
will be kept appraised of the progress in the regard.”
Again
during the JCM, Departmental Council standing Committee meeting held on
18.12.2012 and JCM(DC) Meeting held on 28.12.2012 it was assured as follows:
“It was
informed that the report of the committee is under consideration. Proposal
will be formulated by the Department. However, one round of talks with JCM
Members will be held before the proposal is firmed up.”
At one
stage, the staff side has made it clear that if the Department goes on
dragging the cadre restructuring issue indefinitely, the staff side will be
forced to non-cooperate with the IT Modernization project.
It was
repeatedly assured that the cadre restructuring will not be linked with the
IT Modernization Project. But still the proposals are not finalized. No
meeting of the Cadre Restructuring Committee by the Postal Board was held
during the last one year. The undue and unwarranted delay is causing concern
and also strong resentment among the employees.
The Cadre Restructuring Committee is being reconstituted.
Current Status / Postscript
The Cadre Restructuring Committee has been reconstituted under the
Chairmanship of DDG (P).
Sandhya Rani Committee report on organizational restructure of MMS is
under consideration.
The report of “cadre restructuring of Postal Accounts” has been
approved by FA and has been referred to Ministry of Finance.
3.
Revision
of wages of casual labourers and their absorption:
In the
minutes of the discussion held with the staff side on 10.01.2012 &
12.01.2012, the Secretary (Posts) has assured as follows:
“The
Staff side was appraised that a Committee had been constituted under the
Chairpersonship of CPMG Assam circle to look into the issues pertaining to
Casual Labourers and it is likely to submit its report shortly. The Staff
side expressed its concern over the delay in the decision. Regarding the
union’s request for revised minimum wages w.e.f. 01.01.2006, the matter will
be examined on priority.”
Again
in the minutes of the discussion held on 21.05.2012, it was further assured
that_________
“A
Comprehensive proposal on the matter of Casual labourers will be formulated
by 30th June, 2012”.
In
spite of these repeated assurances the payment of pro-rate wages to the
law-paid casual laborers w.e.f. 01.01.2006 has not taken place causing
inordinate delay in payment of minimum wages to those poor employees.
The
committee of field officers under the chairmanship of Shri Vishvapavan Pati,
PMG, Hyderabad Region has been constituted to suggest the manner in which the
report of the Monojit Kumar Committee can be implemented. On receipt of
findings of this committee, final view will be taken in consultation with
nodal Departments.
4.
Issuing
orders on the items finalized by the Postmen Committee and also follow up
action on certain items to be referred to work study unit.
a.
Follow up action on certain in item of the Postmen Committee constituted by
the Postal Board is yet to be completed, i.e.: maximum beat length,
unscientific resorting to single Postmen beats, Double duty, correction in
the definition of the Congested area etc.
b. In
spite of clear orders issued by the Directorate for filling up of Postmen
& MTS Vacancies for the year 2009, 2010, 2011 & 2012, in certain
circles (Eg. Andhra Pradesh) the examination for promotion to Postmen and MTS
is not yet completed.
A separate meeting has been convened on 02/08/2013 under the
chairmanship of Member (P), with Secretaries General of NFPE & FNPO and
General Secretaries of Postmen unions and separate minutes issued.
All Circles have initiated action for announcing vacancy of postmen
and action for filling up the posts is ongoing.
5.
Abnormal
delay in notifying HSG-I Recruitment Rules
The
finalization of revised HSG-I Recruitment rules is being delayed on one
pretext or the other. This is pending over five years. 100% of HSG I Posts
are lying vacant and are being managed by officiating arrangements without
any financial benefits. Due to the delay in finalizing HSG I Recruitment
Rules, Carving out of Postmaster Grade III is also delayed. It is most
unfortunate that orders have been issued by the Directorate not to fill up
the HSG I Vacancies as per the old r3ecruitment rules. At least this would
have been caused to fill up the vacancies.
It has
defeated the very purpose of matching savings offered to the extent of 680 PA
Posts for availing HSG I Promotion and it is highly deplorable. Necessary
action may please be taken to finalise the HSG-I Recruitment Rules or at
least to fill all the vacant posts forthwith besides carving out of
Postmaster Grade III Posts as per the existing HSG I Recruitment Rules.
In view
of the observations of UPSC, file regarding RRs for HSG I has been referred
back to DOPT. The vacancies are being filled by the circles as per provisions
of the existing Rules by convening DPC meetings.
6.
Abnormal
delay in filling up of vacant LSG, HSG II and HSG-I vacancies due to
non-holding of DPCs in many circles.
In many
circles, the regular DPC to LSG has not been convened. Many LSG Posts are
being kept vacant resultantly causing a heavy shortage in PA Cadre due to
their officiating. Further the delay caused non-filling up of HSG-II Post due
to inadequacies in the eligible candidates in LSG Cadre. In many circles,
HSG-II DPC has also not been convened and many of the HSG-II Posts could not
be filled up on a regular basis due to the officiating of the incumbents in the
vacant HSG I Posts.
In
nutshell all the higher posts are being managed only with the officiating or
adhoc arrangements causing non filling up of basis PA Posts and denying and
depriving the due promotional chances to the eligible candidates.
It is
therefore requested to cause appropriate orders to convene DPC and fill up
all the vacant LSG & HSG II posts immediately by prescribing time
schedule.
Meeting will be convened under the chairmanship of Member (P) to
examine individual cases of non-filling of vacant posts. The matter will be
taken up with respective CPMGs for immediate action.
7.
Problems
of Postmaster Cadre Officials
(i)
Allowing Postmaster Cadre officials to appear for IP and PSS Group B
Examination.
(ii)
Orders permitting the Postmaster Cadre official to officiate in HSG-I
vacancies and earmarked Postmaster Grade III Posts.
(iii)
Allow PO & RMS Accounts cadre official to opt for Postmaster cadre.
(iv)
Filling up the Postmaster Grade-III posts by granting promotion to Grade-II
officials and also by option from HSG-I officials after filling up all HSG-I
Posts.
(v)
Filling up of all vacant Grade-II and Grade III posts promoting the
Postmaster cadre official relaxing the minimum service condition.
(vi)
Filling up 100% Senior Postmaster/Chief Postmaster posts which are earmarked
for Postmaster cadre by Postmaster Cadre officials alone declaring it as a
hierarchical promotion cadre of Postmaster Cadre.
(vii)
Delay in holding LSG, HSG II and HSG – I DPCs and thereby denying the chance
for giving option to Postmaster Grade – I, II & III to eligible
officials.
(viii)
Maintenance of up to date separate gradation list for PM Cadre officials.
In the
minutes of the discussion held on 21.05.2012 the Secretary (Posts) has
assured as follows:
“The
issues were discussed at length and it was decided to review it after
sometime keeping in view the merits and demerits of the proposal as well as
the response of the officials for Postmaster Cadre”.
The
minutes did not reflect the real spirit of discussion as it was assured to
consider favourably the above items after long discussion. However, it is
high time to review the above cases and settle favourably. The entire
Postmaster Cadre officials are totally frustrated and disappointed due to the
negative attitude of the administration towards them.
Meeting will be convened under the chairmanship of Member (P) to
consider these proposals and minutes will be issued separately.
8.
Problems
of System Administrators
In the
minutes of the Departmental Council JCM Standing Committee dated 02.02.2012
(communicated in letter dated 06.06.2012) for the 15 items pertaining to
system Administrators including creation of separate cadre, it is furnished
as follows:
“The
issue is under the consideration of the cadre Restructuring Committee
constituted under the chairmanship of DDG(P) vide Department’s office memo
no.01/04/2010-SR dated 05.05.2011”
Finalization
of the proposal by the Cadre Restructuring Committee is being delayed indefinitely.
Recently, during the demonstration of IT Modernization Project, the staff
side has repeatedly requested the Member (Technology) to create a separate
cadre and absorb all the existing SAs as a onetime measure in the new cadre.
Unfortunately no commitment was given regarding the creation of new cadre,
except the assurance that the services of the existing system Administrators
will be utilized in future also. It is high time to end the present
uncertainty by creating a separate cadre for system Administrators.
After
deliberations, the PJCA agreed to drop this item.
9.
Implementation
of speed Post hubs and L1, L2 Systems
The
High Power Committee appointed to discuss the issues under the
Chairpersonship of then Secretary, Department of Posts assured the following
before implementation of MNJOP proposals.
(i)
There will be no shifting of staff from L1 office to L2 office vice versa for
three years.
(ii)
Irregular or wrong identification of L1 office will be changed after
discussion with the staff side.
But to
our dismay both the promises were not kept. There is a complete violation and
deviation of assurances. Further, even though directorate has issued
instruction to the Chief PMGs regarding change of administrative jurisdiction
of speed post hubs, certain Chief PMGs have not yet implemented it and still
some of the speed post hubs are co0ntinuing under the administrative
jurisdiction of postal superintendent.
Further,
CRC & Speed post norms have been finalized without any consultation with
staff side. The impracticable norms have been imposed upon violating the
earlier decision and agreements on the subject.
Meeting
will be convened with PJCA under the chairpersonship of Member (Operations)
and minutes will be issued separately.
10.
MACP
Related issues
The
implementation of the Jodhpur CAT Judgement, i.e. non-counting of promotions
acquired from one cadre to other through examination for MACP, Granting of
MACP counting the total service rendered in each cadre etc has not been
implemented resulting deprival of dues to the senior most promotes in the
Department of Posts. This may kindly be considered.
This
item will be discussed in a meeting to be convened under the chairmanship of
Member (P) and the minutes will be issued separately.
11.
Problems
of APM Accounts/Accountants
The
following demands in respect of PO & RMS Accountants have not been
considered yet causing resentment and displeasure amidst the qualified hands.
<
!--[if !supportLists]-->(i) Proportionate distribution
of APM Accounts posts among LSG, HSG 11 and HSG-1
< !--[if !supportLists]-->(ii) Counting special allowance
for pay fixation benefits to PO & RMS Accountants on promotion.
Implementation of Karnataka High Court order not only for a specific period
but also till the withdrawal of the TBOP/BCR Schemes in true spirit. The
special allowance should be taken for pay fixation up to 31.08.2008 for
TBOP/BCR officials.
< !--[if !supportLists]-->(iii) Date of passing Accounts
exam may be taken as the criteria for counting seniority for promotion, since
no amendment has so far been issued to the statutory rules. Further the
earlier passing of examination will have no relevance in future.
This
item will be discussed in a meeting to be convened under the chairmanship of
Member (P) and the minutes will be issued separately.
12.
Filling
up of all vacant posts
Even
though Government of India has lifted ban on filling up of posts from 2009
onwards, and the Directorate has given repeated instructions to fill up all
direct recruitment as well as promotional quota of vacancies up to 2012, in
many circles posts are remaining unfilled. Similarly in Postal Accounts much
delay in taking place in filling up of posts due to delay in finalization of
the Recruitment process by staff selection commission. Action may be taken to
fill up all vacant posts from 2009 onwards on top priority basis as the staff
are reeling under the pressure of workload which in turn affects the
efficiency of the services rendered by the Department of Posts.
In
conclusion, we hope that all the above issues will be given top most priority
and the Hon’ble Secretary, Department of Posts, shall come forward for a
negotiated settlement with the staff side in a time bound manner.
Postal
Directorate has taken action to fill up DR Postal Assistant posts for years
2009 and 2010. 11,738 PAs / SAs DR quota vacancies have been filled up.
Examination
for 4841 vacancies for the years 2011 and 2012 for PA / SA DR quota, has
recently been held and result has been declared. The selected candidates will
join their position on completion of pre-appointment formalities.
13.
Non
settlement of agreed items placed the Departmental Council (JCM)
Most of
the issues agreed in the last Departmental Council meeting held on 28.12.2012
have not been processed further. Many of them remain as it is. There is no
serious action taken in mitigating the issues put forth in the departmental
council meeting.
Pending
items will be discussed in the JCM (Standing Committee meeting).
14.
Additional
item submitted by PJCA:-
While
conducting promotional cum competitive exams from GDS to MTS, GDS and MTS to
Postman cadre we are in receipt of several complaints from the examinees that
the examination papers for the relevant examinations were very tough. We
tried to convince the Administration to set examination paper in liberal
comprehensive manner with the intention that since the aspiring examinees are
already in touch in the routine work and they are not required to face with
complicated and extraneous nature of work and also to cut down the delay in
recruitment process. However, the Directorate has stuck up to its own
decision that the above mentioned examinations are competitive and not
promotional, liberalization could not be considered. Due to the said decision
by the Directorate it will be difficult to Department to hardly get 2 to 5%
employees to fill up the vacancies earmarked from GDS to MTS for the
designated job and the volume of vacancies will remain unfilled every year.
It is once again requested to simplify the questions.
A
Committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of DDG (R&P) to
examine the contents of Question Papers with reference to prescribed syllabus
and submit a report on the standard vis-a-vis the post for which examination
is being conducted and post which is appearing for the examination. .
