News from NFPE

A REPORT OF 1st CWC MEETING OF AIPEU - GDS (NFPE)HELD  AT HYDERABAD, A.P CIRCLE.

(By Com. P.Panduranga Rao,General Secretary)

Dear Comrades,

            The 1st Extended Central Working Committee meeting of our AIPEU GDS[NFPE] was held under the leadership of our CHQ President Comrade Bijoy Gopal Sur on 23.05.2012 at Sundarayya Vighyan Khendra, Hyderabad [AP].  The CWC commenced with the hoisting of NFPE flag and GDS Union flag by Comrades Bijoy Gopal Sur CHQ President and Vijay Krishna Vice President of GDS Union of AP respectively amidst slogans renting the air

The Reception Committee headed by Comrades K.Ramachandram Convenor Postal Circle Co-ordination Committee, DASV.Prasad, CS P3, SSRA.Prasad ,Assistant Circle Secretary P3 and K.N.Chari Treasurer, GDS Union AP Circle has made excellent arrangements for the conduct of the CWC as well as the accommodation of CWC Members and participants.

Inaugural Session:

            The CWC was inaugurated by our beloved Secretary General, NFPE Comrade M.Krishnan. The CWC was attended and addressed by Comrdes K.Ragavendran [Working President of Confederation of CG Employees & Workers]; K.V.Sridharan [General Secretary P3]; Ishwar Singh Dabas [General Secretary P4]; Giriraj Singh [General Secretary R3]; R.Seethalakshmi [Assistant Secretary General NFPE]; P.Mohan [General Secretary Postal Casual Labour Union]; R.Shivannarayana [Deputy GS P3]; Veeramani [AGS P3]; Y.Nagabooshanam [Working President Casual Labour Union]; K.Ramachandram [AGS & Circle Secretary Admn Union]; Sk.Humayun [CHQ President P4]; DASV.Prasad [Circle Secretary P3 AP]; R.J.Madhusudana Rao [Circle Secretary R3 AP]; and Comrade M.Nagavardhana Rao [RJCM Leader AP]. All General Secretaries and other leaders assured total cooperation and solid support to our GDS Union in building a strong organisation for us as well as in unitedly fighting to win the issues of GDS. They guided us to function democratically and with the motto of unity and struggle for advancement of the cause of GDS.

GDS CRUSADER:

During the inaugural session, the first copy of the All India journal of our union “ GDS Crusader” was released by the General Secretary of P4 Union Comrade Ishwar Singh Dabas and was received by Comrade Giriraj Singh General Secretary R3 & Com.V.Vijayakrishna, Circle Vice President, GDS.

Subjects Committee:

All the CWC Members narrated the actual organisational position in their respective Circles. It was observed that the 1st Circle Conference of AIPEU GDS [NFPE] has been successfully held at Kerala Circle. Each Circle position explained by the CWC Members enthused all as it was clear from the deliberations that the GDS are joining our Union en-mass in many circles and in many divisions in different circles. The CWC also noted the Circles where the process of enrolling membership has not picked up momentum and decided to take appropriate organisational measures including intensive tour by the CHQ Office Bearers to expedite the formation of our union in all circles.

Important Decisions:The CWC after the inaugural session in which all the above leaders elaborately dealt with the issues of GDS and the task before our GDS Union in resolving them through united organisational measurers and struggles sat in its subjects  committee. All the Office Bearers and Circle Secretaries participated in the discussion on all matters of agenda items.

I.        Union Constitution:

The CWC unanimously adopted a Constitution for the AIPEU GDS [NFPE].

II.      The following important decisions have been taken unanimously on the issues of GDS:

1.       A Draft 32 Points Charter of Demands that has been prepared by the CWC covering all the demands of the three lakhs of GDS employees will be placed in the CHQ website, inviting further suggestions for improvement by the rank and file. The entire attention of our organisation will be focussed to win the above demands through a united movement of Postal Employees under the able guidance of the NFPE.

2.       A Programme of Action starting with a day- long Dharna/Demonstration in front of all the Chief Postmasters General Offices/Postmaster Generals Offices/Divisional Offices  will be organised on 28-06-2012.

3.       After participating in the March to Parliament on 26th July, 2012 called for by the Confederation of CG Employees and the All India Convention organised by the NFPE on the same day at New Delhi, a massive Dharna exclusively for the GDS Demands will be organised in front of Parliament on 27.07.2012.

4.       A comprehensive Memorandum on GDS Demands and issues will be submitted to the Government and the Department on the day of our Dharna on 27th July, 2012. Further  the memorandum will be submitted to the Govt. through MPs also.

5.       Meeting the Honourable MoC&IT at a later date to focus attention on our urgent Demands after the Dharna before the Parliament.

III.    The following decisions have been taken on our Union Organisation:

1.       Conduct the enrolment  of membership to our  union in all circles at the earliest and organise divisional conferences and then Circle Conferences during the months of August, September and October to elect leadership democratically at all levels. The first All India Conference will thereafter be held in Andhra Pradesh in the month of December,2012 / January,2013.

2.       To build a strong subscriber base to our CHQ journal GDS Crusader by collecting the annual subscription of Rs.60/- per member.

IV.    Decisions on Finance of our Union:

The CWC unanimously decided to strengthen the financial position of  our CHQ as an urgent measure and various Circles have been given quota of donations to be completed within a time frame before 15th June, 2012. The CWC noted with thanks that ‘GUDUR NFPE UNIONS’ the home division of our General Secretary have donated a laptop to the GDS General Secretary for efficient functioning.

Comrades,

The new union AIPEU GDS[NFPE] has been necessitated in order to achieve major gains for the GDS through unity with all regular employees unions under the NFPE. We cannot win without uniting with all under the NFPE unlike some who thrive on anti-federation and anti-unity tirades that only weaken the cause of the three lakhs GDS. Trade Union democracy will be the cornerstone of our functioning and unity with all and struggle for emancipation of GDS will be  our direction. Whatever we have achieved had been the result of united struggle by the entirety of the Postal Employees Movement and not the result of any one organisation or individual. Let us understand that very clearly and take a resolve to strengthen our comradely bonds with all organisations and function shoulder to shoulder. Let us go to every GDS in the country and explain the reality in total and build a very strong trade union organisation for the GDS that really wins

With revolutionary greetings, 

GDS CHARTER OF DEMANDS

1.       Departmentalization of Gramin Dak Sevaks and grant of all benefits of departmental employees to GDS.

2.       Constitute 7th CPC and refer GDS wage revision also to the consideration of Pay Commission.

3.       Merge 50% DA with TRCA of GDS.

4.       Cancel the new GDS (Conduct & Engagement) Rules, 2011 and restore GDS (Conduct & Employment) Rules.

5.       Ensure minimum statutory monthly pension of Rs.3500/- to GDS and grant other pensionery benefits like gratuity etc., based on the formula applicable to departmental employees and under Gratuity Act 1972. Extend family pension facility to GDS also.

6.       Grant three time bound financial up gradations  to all GDS on 10th, 20th and 25th year.

7.       Enhance the bonus quantum ceiling from Rs.2500/- to Rs.3500/- and end the discrimination.

8.       Reduce cash handling norms from Rs.20,000 to Rs.4,000 and also stamp sale norms.

9.       Ensure full protection of existing TRCA when there is fall in the work load. TRCA should not be reduced under any circumstances.

10.   Remove the 25% outside recruitment quota for Postman Recruitment  and 100% Postman vacancies be given to GDS.

11.   Remove the 50 points compulsory condition for compassionate appointment and provide compassionate appointment to all eligible dependents.

12.   Introduce medical reimbursement scheme for GDS.

13.   Grant full trade union facilities including special casual leave and foreign service facilities to GDS Union representatives.

14.   Grant 6 months maternity leave to female GDS instead of three months.

15.   Grant all advances to GDS at par with regular employees.

16.   Grant full transfer facility to GDS. Grant protection of the existing TRCA on transfer.

17.   Grant revised TRCA slabs upto 125 points to BPMs based on the workload as on 01.01.2006.

18.   Stop combination of duties of GDSMD with that of BPM as it will result in restriction of business hours of BO thereby causing loss of revenue.

19.   Enhance age limit for the departmental examination for promotion to the cadre of Postal Assistant from GDS at par with Postman cadre.

20.   Modify date of superannuation of GDS as the last working day of the month.

21.   Remove the ceiling limit of Rs.50 for cash allowance for conveyance of cash from BO to AO and vice versa.

22.   Grant of LTC and  home town LTC facilities to GDS.

23.   Remove the discrimination in grant of welfare assistance to GDS in respect of prolonged illness, Book awards, educational assistance etc,.

24.   Provide norms for MNREGS work at par with SB transactions and also cash conveyance from BO to AO and vice versa.

25.   Cancel the embargo of fixing of minimum TRCA in respect of new appointees. Minimum should be the entitled TRCA drawn by the earlier incumbent. No fresh statistics to be compiled.

26.   Fix norms for all new items of work entrusted to GDS and until then grant enhanced incentives.

27.   Payment of rent for BO to be borne by the department and till that time grant enhancement of Office Maintenance Allowance.

28.   Redeployment of GDS should not be done beyond 5 kms and full protection of TRCA should be given in case of redeployment from one post to another.

29.   Prompt issuing of SDBS cards to all GDS employees.

30. Grant Children Educational Allowance and small family incentive to all GDS.

31. Fill up all GDS posts in RMS and convert GDS MM posts as MTS.

32. Make early payment of RPLI incentive and remove the minimum condition and maximum

       limit in grant of NREGS incentive

G PF INTEREST INCREASED T0 8.8  Percent

PUBLISHED IN PART I SECTION OF GAZETTE OF INDIA) 

F.No.5(1)-B(PD)/2012 

Government of India 

Ministry of Finance 

(Department of Economic affairs)

New Delhi, the 22nd May, 2012

RESOLUTION

                        It is announced for general information that during the year 2012-2013, accumulations at the credit of subscribers to the General Provident Fund and other similar funds shall carry interest at the rate of 8.8% (Eight point eight per cent) per annum. This rates will be in force during the financial year beginning on 1.4.2012.

The funds concerned are :-

1. The General Provident Fund (Central Services).
2. The Contributory Provident Fund (India).
3. The All India Services Provident Fund.
4. The State Railway Provident Fund.
5. The General Provident Fund (Defence Services).
6. The Indian Ordnance Department Provident Fund.
7. The Indian Ordnance Factories Workmen’s Provident Fund.
8. The Indian Naval Dockyard Workmen’s Provident Fund.
9. The Defence Services Officers Provident Fund.
10. The Armed Forces Personnel Provident Fund.

2. Ordered that the Resolution be published in Gazette of India.

sd/-

(Brajendra Navnit)

Deputy Secretary (Budget)

Comrade Nani Banerjee Passes Away

Comrade Nani Banerjee Passes Away

COM. NANI DA NO MORE

VERY SAD NEWS

OUR GREAT VETERAN LEADER OF P&T TRADE UNION MOVEMENT COM. NANI BANERJEE, AGED 82 YEARS ,  EX. TREASURER AND EX. DY. GENERAL SECRETARY AIPEU GROUP ‘C’ CHQ  EXPIRED TODAY DATED 21^ST MAY, 2012, MORNING AT KOLKATA AFTER PROLONG ILLNESS.

HE WAS VERY DEVOTED AND COMMITTED LEADER OF WORKING CLASS MOVEMENT FOR FIVE DECADES. THIS IS AN IRREPARABLE LOSS TO THE TRADE UNION MOVEMENT NFPE CONVEYS HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES AND DIPS ITS BANNER IN HIS HONOUR AND MEMORY. RED SALUTES TO COM. NANI DA.

NEWS from NFPE

Secretary Department of Posts, informed that discussion with Secretary Generals and General Secretaries NFPE/FNPO will be held at 11AM on 21.05.2012 at Dak Bhawan to take concrete decision on remaining items of the Charter of Demands. More orders issued after the announcement of Hunger Fast programme. Remaining items will be clinched in the 21^st meeting. In view of the above , THE CENTRAL JCA UNANIMOUSLY DECIDED TO DEFER THE HUNGER FAST PROGRAMME IN FRONT OF DAK BHAWAN AND CPMG OFFICES

= M. Krishnan, SG NFPE & D Theagarajan ,SG FNPO

Departmentalization of GDS – Viable

Departmentalization of GDS – Viable

Com. P. Pandurangarao, General Secretary, AIPEU GDS (NFPE) presented a Memorandum to Hon’ble Minster of Communications Sri. Sachin Pilot, on 16.05.2012, demanding Departmentalization of GDS

The full contents of the memorandum is reproduced hereunder for the consumption of all viewers.

MEMORANDUM SUBMITTED TO HON’BLE STATE MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

With due respects and regards, We the All India Postal Employees Union – GDS (NFPE) is submitting the following issues for your kind and sympathetic consideration and favourable decision in mitigating the genuine demands the downtrodden and poor GDS employees working in the Department of Posts.

1. DEPARTMENTALISATION OF RURAL POST OFFICES AND ALSO GRAMIN DAK SEVAKS:

The Supreme Court in its judgement delivered on 22.07.1977 held that the ED employee is not an agent, not a casual labourer, and not a part time worker but he is the holder of civil post outside the regular civil service and therefore declared that Article 311(2) of the constitution of India is attracted.Except conduct and service and application of disciplinary provisions, no other benefits available to the Departmental employees are extended to the ED employees. The question of departmentalisation of ED agents remains pending for long and is denied continuously on one pretext or the other.

In the present set up of the social - economic structure of rural areas, the daily wage for an agricultural labourer has been fixed much above the daily rate of an ED agent. Resultantly, the ED employees are not able to meet the family expenses and have one square meal a day.

The declaration of Justice Talwar that “95.70% joined the Postal Department as ED agents hoping to get full time absorption and only 4.08% took it as a side occupation is the real fact still prevailing and they are solely depending upon their wages for their livelihood”. In rural areas, still many of them are underpaid and lesser in the standard of living while comparing the NREGS beneficiaries.

With the hope of departmentalization at one day, they are prolonging their life with more expectation of their future. Their hopes can be considered by introducing various new services in the rural areas with the cooperation's of the Human resource ministry and other developmental activities.

The Post office alone has such a vast network and infrastructure and it can be fully utilized by providing various new services to rural public through post offices by its own saving bank scheme to distribute the Govt welfare measures as if we are doing under the NREGIS Scheme.

We may attempt with the following to provide more services to public as well as departmentalise all the existing BOs.

1.         The works like pension payment, sale of certificates, direct booking of money orders, SB operations with maintenance of independent ledgers may be assigned to the departmentalized branch office so that the existing branch postmasters will be with entrusted more work.

2.         If the proposal of full computerization of BOs is materialised in the ensuing year as proposed, there is every possibility for  introducing all kinds of bill works like acceptance of Electricity bills, land revenue, panchayat taxes etc., under the business activities of the Postal department or tie up with such governmental organizations.

3.         Large scale expansion of telecom can be explored through the branch offices and acceptance of all telephone bills, mobile bills may be entrusted. The Department of Posts may also consider in taking licences for running telecom services in rural areas with subsidiary rates to cater the requirement of rural public as if in vogue in many foreign countries.

4.         Since all the BOs are proposed to be provided with computers and decided to introduce various new services, it is possible to maintain the following works also in the BOs very efficiently with the manpower available in abundance.

a) Collection, maintenance and modifications of any of the work related to census in rural areas.

b) Maintenance, Verification and preservation of records pertaining to the Citizens identity card issued by the Govt of India directly by the Dept of post.

c) Extension of MG NREGS work through post offices by providing work norms for the work instead of incentive as at present extended.

d) Enhance the working hours for eight hours and introduce various new works at village level with the cooperation of other Govt and public sector organizations.

e) Ensuring that all various new schemes introduced by the Govt as policies will be reached to the village level through our network spread over the nation.

It is pertinent to mention that there are more than 10% of the existing BOS having the work load for more than five hours. In accordance with Marathe time test under para 93 (iv) and para 114 (i) if a single handed post office is having 11 hours’ workload, the second PA can be augmented. On the similar analogy such BOs having more than five hours workload can be straight away departmentalized. Further whenever any vacancy arises in the GDS cadre, the duties can be merged for making the office as a departmental office. The recommendations of the Justice Talwar Committee to freeze the GDS system in order to departmentalize all the existing GDS should be given a due consideration.

In order to departmentalize the GDS, the department should consider for fixing the norms for the following works immediately.

1. Work related to NREGIS payment.

2. Work related to verification of Electrol& Election work.

3. Work related to collecting statistics for census etc.

4. Work related to verification of mobile phone connections of BSNL & others.

5. Work related to acceptance of Electricity bills, water bills & telephone bills.

6. Work related to business activities, social security schemes introduced in various circles.

If time factors for all the work performed by the GDS is formulated, certainly it will pave way for the regularization of many GDS who are actually working for more than six hours but not availed the benefits of departmentalization. We don't want any incentives or perks denying our regularization.

The Honble Minister of Communications & IT Sri Kapil Sibil has sought the department about the feasibility of regularization of all the GDS and to departmentalise all the BOs for which the department has furnished that it will cost some exorbitant amount. We sincerely place our abundant thanks and respects on record to the Minister's desire to departmentalize the GDS and his initiatives but as usual the blocks were placed without really considering the realities and the position existed at field level.

If all the GDS are departmentalized by scrapping the existing GDS system with eight hours work and each official is assigned with various new works to improve the functioning of rural post offices in order to make it more remunerative, that will overcome the financial problem. This vast infrastructure will really be an invaluable asset to the department in this era of e-commerce and e-governance and not at all a liability. If post offices are kept open for more hours by introducing more new items of work, there is every possibility of increasing the workload.

We further express our sincere gratitude to the Hon’ble Minister for the positive steps being initiated by the department with regard to (i) full protection of TRCA (ii) revising the cash handling norms (iii) with drawl of 25% outside recruitment condition in Postman cadre (iv) relaxing the conditions for compassionate appointment (v) parity in bonus ceiling. We hope that positive orders will be issued in all the issues raised by us earlier.

It is humbly requested to kindly consider the above and cause action to departmentalise the rural post offices and improve the rural postal network.

Dated – 16.05.2012

Place – New Delhi

(P.PANDURANGARAO)

GENERAL SECRETARY