Revision in Interest rates of Small Savings Schemes w.e.f. 1st April 2012

GDS Refresher: Initiative of AIPEU P3 CHQ

Dear Comrades,

 

The CHQ, as usual, Committed to the upliftment and emancipation of most downtrodden GDS, has compiled a master guide of current rulings on GDS in the format of Questions and answers for the easy reach of GDS in simple English.

It contains 16 chapters and the first and foremost is about the BOs functioning, duties and responsibilities of GDS.

The Cost of the book has been fixed as Rs. 30/- only (Subsidised). All regular departmental employees/unionists who are committed for GDs cause and also all the GDS should certainly have the book for their reference.

All are requested to place the indent by e-mail in order to dispatch the indent on its arrival from press.

With greetings,

Comradely yours,

(K. V. Sridharan)

General Secretary

Introduction of New System of Bag number in Mail system

Dear Comrades,

Continuation of ad-hoc promotion made in the cadre of HSG-I

Dear Comrades,

Postal dept offers ‘fool-proof’ transport

Dear Comrades,

The department, which delivers question papers of examinations conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), says it can ensure “protected” delivery of II PU question papers, to taluk treasuries and exam centres. 

A day after a series of II PU question paper leaks prompted Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda to admit that the entire pre-university examination system needs a “complete overhaul”, the Department of Posts evinced interest in “fool-proof” transport of question papers in future.

Philately exhibition evokes interest in enthusiasts in city

Dear Comrades,

KANPUR: Two-day philately exhibition 'Conpex-2012' concluded here on Sunday with the release of a first day cover on 'Amogh carbine' at general post office.

Small Arms Factory general manager Priya Ranjan released the cover and stamp and apprised the audience about the qualities of weapon. The gun is very light and could fire 700 rounds per minute. Its range is 200 metres.

Train ticket counter opened at Old City Post Office

Dear Comrades,

HYDERABAD: Residents of the Old City can henceforth book railway tickets at the Jubilee Head Post Office in Diwan Devdi area, opposite the Madina Hotel.

The Department of Posts (India Post) had given its clearance and the reservation facility is likely to be functional from April first week.

Rates on small savings schemes increased

Dear Comrades,

In its bid to render the National Small Savings Fund schemes more attractive to investors by way of returns and halt the tendency to switch over to bank deposit schemes, the government, on Monday, hiked the rates of interest on post office small savings plans by up to 50 basis points for the new fiscal year.

INTUC chief threatens stronger agitation

Dear Comrades, 

GUWAHATI, March 26 – The Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) president G Sanjeeva Reddy today said that the country might see a stronger agitation than what itwitnessed on February 28 this year, if steps are not taken to stop rising prices, disinvestment of profit-making PSUs and violation of labour laws.Talking to mediapersons, Reddy who was in the city today, said that the Union government has assured the agitating trade unions that it would sit for a talk after the Budget session of the Parliament is over.

DA raised to 65% from 58% i.e. 7% increase w.e.f. 1.1.2012

Dear Comrades,

Release of additional installment of Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief The Union Cabinet today gave its approval to release an additional installment of Dearness Allowance (DA) to central government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) to pensioners w.e.f. 1.1.2012 representing an increase of 7% over the existing rate of 58% of the Basic Pay/Pension, to compensate for price rise. The increase is in accordance with the accepted formula, which is based on the recommendations of the 6th Central Pay Commission. The combined impact on the exchequer on account of both dearness allowance and dearness relief would be of the order of Rs.7474.53 crore per annum and Rs.8720.32 crore in the financial year 2012-13 (i.e. for a period of 14 months from January, 2012 to February, 2013).

***(Release ID :81553) SH/SK***

News From CHQ

Dear Comrades,

NFPE & FNPO MEET SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF POSTS

Secretary Generals NFPE & FNPO along with General Secretaries met Secretary, Department of Posts, today (22.03.2012) and discussed the following issues.

(a)  Issues arising out of implementation of L1, L2 concept in RMS

(b) Delay in implementing the written assurances given by Secretary (Posts) with particular reference to Casual labourers issue and GDS issues.

Two letters were submitted to the Secretary (Posts) on the above issues which are published in this website. Secretary (Posts) assured as follows:

(a)  A meeting with Member (Operations) will be arranged shortly to discuss the staff side suggestions on L1, L2.

(b) Secretary (Posts) will personally intervene to ensure that follow up action on the assurances given by Secretary (Posts) is taken by the concerned officers.

(c)  Regarding casual labourer’s case final decision on the committee report will be taken without any further delay.

The staff side made it clear that if no result oriented action is taken within one month, the JCA leaders shall sit on hunger fast in front of Dak Bhawan.

Hacking of Mobile Phones

Dear Comrades,

Mobile phones, particularly Smart phones, are vulnerable to certain malware/virus/botnet, which are capable of stealing data, sending unauthorised SMS and making unauthorised calls from such phones.

A few complaints have been reported regarding receiving of International calls, deduction of balance and receiving of bills for the calls not made by the users.

The Government has been regularly issuing alerts / advisories regarding vulnerabilities and malware affecting mobile phones. Awareness Short Messages Services(SMS) alerts were also initiated by Telecom Service Providers.

This information was given in Lok Sabha today by Shri Milind Deora, the Minister of State, Communication and Information Technology in response to a question.

******(Release ID :81416)BK/AT  PIB 

Closing of RMS Centres

Dear Comrades,

No Railway Mail Service in (RMS) office has been closed in the country. However, merger or physical relocation of some offices with other RMS offices has been carried out as part of operational needs. Detail of merged/ physically relocated offices are given in the following table.

       Details of RMS Offices Merged/ Physically Relocated

S. No.	Name of RMS Office	Merged or Physically relocated	Merged/ Physically relocated with (Name of office)	City	State
1.	TD Sorting, Bangalore	Merged	Bangalore City RMS	Bangalore	Karnataka
2.	CRC Museum Road, Bangalore	Merged	Registration Centre, Bangalore City RMS	Bangalore	Karnataka
3.	Hyderabad Air Sorting, Hyderabad	Merged	Hyderabad Sorting	Hyderabad	Andhra Pradesh
4.	GDK Sorting, Delhi	Merged	Automated Mail Sorting Centre, Delhi	Delhi	Delhi
5.	Delhi RMS (Unregistered)	Merged	Automated Mail Sorting Centre, Delhi	Delhi	Delhi
6.	Delhi International Mail Centre	Physically relocated	Foreign Post, Delhi	Delhi	Delhi

The employees working in the RMS offices which have been merged/ physically relocated are working at the new location in the same city.

This information was given in Lok Sabha today by Shri Sachin Pilot, the Minister of State,                Communication and Information Technology in response to a question.

******

BK/AT

(Release ID :81415)

Expansion of Postal and Telecom Circles

Dear Comrades,

Expansion of Postal and Telecom Circles 

There is no proposal for expansion of Postal Circles. However, modernization of Post Offices in all Postal Circles is underway.

The Government has initiated a project called “Project Arrow” for modernization of Postal Circles across the country. The project envisages upgradation of post offices in urban and rural areas both in terms of upgrading and enhancing the quality of service in ‘core areas’ and improving their ‘look and feel’. The project aims at creating a conducive and friendly work environment both for the staff and the customers visiting the Post Offices, providing connectivity, and improving the service quality levels in the core business areas.

Delivery of Money Order

Dear Comrades,

The number of users of money order service during the last three years and the current year is as given below:-

Financial year	Number of users
2008-2009	8,66,93,496
2009-2010	8,13,46,230
2010-2011	5,77,14,174
2011-2012 (up to January -2012	5,68,54,367

Expansion of Postal Services

Dear Comrades,

The Government has formulated comprehensive working plan for the development, expansion and modernization of postal services. Under this, major activities , as laid out in XII Five Year Plan, include opening of branch Post Offices, setting up of Automatic Mail Processing Centers, development and deployment of Rural ICT solution, deployment of Core Banking, increasing insurance cover, establishment of Parcel and Logistics Post Hubs, up gradation of Speed Post Centers, Human Resource Training to Personnel, construction of Post offices/administrative offices, installation of Solar Power Packs and setting up of Postal Training Centers.

Postal dept deficit may dip 16% to Rs 5,309 cr: Survey

Dear Comrades,

NEW DELHI, March 15: 

The efforts of the Government to revive the Department of Posts (DoP) seems to be bearing fruit as its deficit is likely to come down by over 16 per cent to Rs 5,309.6 crore in 2011-12, the Economic Survey 2011-12 today said.

Growth of 11% in Policies and 22% Per Cent in Premium of Conventional Plans of Life Insurance

Dear Comrades,

Growth of 11% in Policies and 22% Per Cent in Premium of Conventional Plans of Life Insurance

As far as the, Conventional plans of Life Insurance policies are concerned, there is a growth of 11% in policies and 22% in premium as on 29.02.2012, whereas, there is a degrowth on the Unit Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP) which is a trend among the whole insurance industry.

Insurance Companies Mandated to Take Prior Approval of IRDA of their Products Before Launching

Dear Comrades,

Insurance Companies Mandated to Take Prior Approval of IRDA of their Products Before Launching
The insurance companies are mandated to take prior approval from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) of the product before launching.

Central Government revises General Provident Fund (GPF) Interest rates

Dear Comrades,

 

Interest Rates On GPF – 8.6% (eight point six percent) with effect from 1.12.2011

Resolution – accumulations at the credit of subscribers to the GPF and other similar funds – 2011-2012

(PUBLISHED IN PART I SECTION 1 OF GAZETTE OF INDIA)

F.NO. 5(1)-B(PD)/2011

Government of India

Ministry of Finance

(Department of Economic Affairs)

New Delhi, the 19th March, 2012

RESOLUTION

It is announced for general information that during the year 2011-2012, accumulations at the credit of subscribers to the General Provident Fund and other similar funds shall carry interest at the rate of 8% (Eight per cent) for the period from 1.4.2011 to 30.11.2011 and 8.6% (eight point six percent) with effect from 1.12.2011.

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)



Date of next increment in the pay structure under rule(10) of the CCS(RP) Rules,2008

Dear Comrades,

 

Central Civil Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008 — Date of next increment in the revised pay structure under Rule 10 of the CCS(RP) Rules, 2008.

MOST IMMEDIATE

No.10/02/2011-E.III/A

Government of India

Ministry of Finance

Department of Expenditure

New Delhi, the 19th March, 2012

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:— Central Civil Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008 — Date of next increment in the revised pay structure under Rule 10 of the CCS(RP) Rules, 2008.

In accordance with the provisions contained in Rule 10 of the CCS (RP) Rules, 2008, there will be a uniform date of annual increment, viz. 1st July of every year. Employees completing 6 months and above in the revised pay structure as on 1st of July will be eligible to be granted the increment. The first increment after fixation of pay on 1.1.2006 in the revised pay structure will be granted on 1.7.2006 for those employees for whom the date of next increment was between 1st July, 2006 to 1st January, 2007.

2. The Staff Side has represented on this issue and has requested that those employees who were due to get their annual increment between February to June during 2006 may be granted one increment on 01.01.2006 in the pre-revised scale.

3. On further consideration and in exercise of the powers available under CCS(RP) Rules, 2008, the President is pleased to decide that in relaxation of stipulation under Rule 10 of these Rules, those central government employees who were due to get their annual increment between February to June during 2006 may be granted one increment on 1.1 .2006 in the pre-revised pay scale as a one time measure and there after will get the next increment in the revised pay structure on 1.7.2006 as per Rule 10 of CCS(RP) Rules, 2008. The pay of the eligible employees may be re-fixed accordingly.

4, In so far as the persons serving in the Indian Audit and Account Department are concerned, these orders are issued in consultation with the Comptroller & Auditor General of India.

sd/-
(Renu Jani)
Director

Monthly Union Meeting for Mar, 2012

Dear Comrades,

The monthly union meeting of AIPEU Group-C, Postmen & Gr-D and AIPEDEU, Koraput Divisional Branch with the SSPOs, Koraput Division for the month of March, 2012 will be held at Divisional Office on 26.03.2012. 

Consumer Price Index: PIB

Dear Comrades,

Consumer Price Index

According to the information furnished by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) has released a new Consumer Price Index (CPI) on 18th February, 2011 with 2010 = 100 as the base year. The new index covers both rural and urban areas.

Pension Fund for Investment: PIB

Dear Comrades,

Pension Fund for Investment

The funds of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation are invested as per the Pattern of Investment notified by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India, vide S.O. 2126 dated 09.07.2003.

Minimum Monthly Pension: PIB

Dear Comrades,

Minimum Monthly Pension

The Pension Implementation Committee, a sub committee of the Central Board of Trustees, Employees’ Provident Fund [CBT (EPF)], has recommended that the minimum monthly pension under EPS, 1995 be increased to Rs. 1000/- per month as an interim measure. The issue was placed for consideration of the CBT(EPF) in its 198th meeting held on 22.02.2012 wherein the Board decided to defer the discussion.

Minimum Wages: PIB

Dear Comrades,

Minimum Wages

The Minimum Wages Act, 1948 is intended to primarily safeguard the interest of workers particularly in unorganised sector. While fixing the minimum wages for different employments covered in the Schedule, the norms recommended by Indian Labour Conference (ILC) 1957 and the judgement of Hon’ble Supreme Court delivered in the case of Reptakos& Co. Vs. its workers are kept in view.

218-yr old postal dept. is young

Dear Comrades,

Twenty women of the postal department of the Maharashtra & Goa circle ran on March 11 to prove that the department has young blood even after 218 years.

Metro, Postal Dept, Galmbling, Lottery Exempt From Service Tax

Dear Comrades,

New Delhi, Mar 17: Metered taxis, entry to amusement facilities, second-class rail travel, and betting, gambling and lottery will not attract the 12 per cent Service Tax, as per the budget proposal.

Performance-based bonuses for babus soon

Dear Comrades,

NEW DELHI: Government on Thursday said that it was working on guidelines through inter-departmental consultations to give performance-based incentives to its employees over and above their regular salary.

Postal dept deficit may dip 16% to Rs 5,309 cr: Survey

Dear Comrades,

NEW DELHI, March 15: 

The efforts of the Government to revive the Department of Posts (DoP) seems to be bearing fruit as its deficit is likely to come down by over 16 per cent to Rs 5,309.6 crore in 2011-12, the Economic Survey 2011-12 today said.

“In the current year 2011-12 (Budget Estimates), the gross receipts were budgeted at Rs 7,517.7 crore and with gross and net working expenses estimated at Rs 13,522.4 crore and Rs 12,827.3 crore respectively, with the deficit estimated at Rs 5,309.6 crore,” the survey said.

The gross receipts of the DoP in 2010-11 were placed at Rs 6,962.3 crore whereas the gross and net working expenses were Rs 13,793.7 crore and Rs 13,307.9 crore respectively.

The resultant deficit for 2010-11 stood at Rs 6,345.6 crore, the survey said.

It added that the postal sector needs to keep pace with changing times as many of its services have become redundant with growth in technology and takeover by other players.

“Quick decisions and actions to stay abreast of the times, including switching over to new activities and downsizing, could release a lot of resources from this sector for use elsewhere,” the survey said.

The Government has approved a total Plan outlay of Rs 1,877.2 crore for the modernisation of its IT infrastructure to increase the efficiency of the department.

“The project is intended for computerisation of all the non-computerised post offices, mail offices, administrative and other offices, establishment of IT infrastructure and development of required software applications... The project is expected to be rolled out by 2013,” the survey said.

The DoP has the largest postal network in the world with 1,54,866 post offices across India as of March 2011. Of these, 1,39,040 post offices are in rural areas, while the remaining are in urban areas.

Aimed at transforming the infrastructure, the Government had launched Project Arrow in 2008 for upgrading key postal operations such as mail delivery, remittance, and banking services.

India Post now offers a single window facility for banking, money remittances and other financial products.

The DoP is also responsible for disbursing wages under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) through 96,895 post offices.

The postal network is also being used by other Government agencies to collect data like the rural consumer price index, the survey said. 

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/economy/article2998435.ece?homepage=true&ref=wl_home

Rare postal tribute to the Indian woman’s journey For the first time in Indian postal history, Dept of Posts, Maharashtra and Goa, hosts exhibition charting achievements of women

Dear Comrades,

For the first time in Indian postal history, the Department of Posts, Maharashtra and Goa, is hosting an exhibition commemorating the journey of Indian women, on the occasion of International Women’s Day. The imposing 99-year-old building of the General Post Office at Fort, is the venue for the philatelic exhibition which began on Wednesday.

On display are about 200 rare and ancient stamps, first day covers (envelopes designed to commemorate the first day of special events) and special covers (envelopes commemorating special events, institutions or persons).

Philatelist gets stamp with her photograph printed on it

Dear Comrades,

MANGALORE: Mangalorean philatelist Vidya Baglodi, who owns a vast collection of rare stamps and coins, will soon be able to add a stamp with her own picture printed on it, to her valuable stock. Thanks to India Post's My Stamp initiative under which stamps with photographs of citizens are issued, Vidya will soon get a set of 12 stamps with her own photo on it. Her husband Kishore Baglodi and daughter Bhavana Baglodi too will receive the stamps under the scheme by the end of this month.

Vidya came to know about the scheme while participating in a philatelic Eexhibition. Vidya told TOI that one can select stamps with themes like Panchatantra, Taj Mahal, astrological science, wildlife, aircraft and Children's Day under the scheme. "People have to choose any one of the themes to get a stamp under My Stamp. One has to send a postal order or electronic money order of Rs 300 along with a passport size photograph to get a set of My Stamps. The stamp will be divided into two parts. While the photo of the applicant will be seen on one side, the theme will be printed on other side," she explained.

"I have chosen a wildlife theme for the stamp, while my husband and daughter have selected aircraft and zodiac sign Pisces respectively. President Pratibha Patil received the first My Stamp with her photo on one side and her zodiac sign Virgo on the other side," she said. 

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mangalore/Philatelist-gets-stamp-with-her-photograph-printed-on-it/articleshow/12275169.cms

Bank on post office for your ladli

Dear Comrades,

Ranchi, March 12: Most poor families in Jharkhand may not have heard of the word "bank". But they are banking on a better future for their daughters, thanks to the ubiquitous village post office, which they are now embracing to reap the benefits of a thoughtful government scheme.

Over 2,000 saving accounts have been opened at different post offices across districts in just one month to tap the Mukhyamantri Ladli Laxmi Yojana that wants to provide financial security to girls born in poor homes with two daughters after November 15, 2011.

Central Government reduces Employees Provident Fund interest rates to 8.25%

Dear Comrades,

The Central Government has declared to reduce the rate of interest on deposits in the Employees Provident Fund to 8.25 per cent for 2011-12. This is the first time to reduce the single largest rate cut in over a decade.

Promotion and Posting of LSG APM(A/C)

Dear Comrades,

The following PO & RMS Accountants have been promoted to LSG A/Cs cadre in Postal wing vide C.O. Memo No.ST/26-6(I)/2011 dated 12^thMar, 2012 and posted/allotted to Region as mentioned against each.

Sl. No.	Name of the Official S/Shri	Parent Division	Place of Posting / Region to which allotted
1.	P.K. Mohapatra	Puri	APM A/Cs, Puri HO
2.	Bhagaban Mishra	Balangir	APM A/Cs, BBSR GPO
3.	Indra Narayan Sahoo	Sambalpur	APM A/Cs, Nayagarh HO
4.	Pradeep Ku. Das	Balasore	APM A/Cs, Jagatsinghpur HO
5.	A.K. Tripathy	Balasore	APM A/Cs, Jajpur HO
6.	D.C. Pradhan	Sundergarh	APM A/Cs, Baripada HO
7.	S.K. Swain	Koraput	Berhampur Region
8.	P.K. Pattanaik	Berhampur	Berhampur Region
9.	B.D. Behura	Bhadrak	Sambalpur Region

Scheme for engagement of GDS on Compassionate Grounds-Merit points and procedure for selection

Dear Comrades,

Scheme for engagement of GDS on Compassionate Grounds-Merit points and procedure for selection

Please click here to view Original Orders

List of New Trains Announced in the Railway Budget 2012-13 : ODISHA

Dear Comrades,

List of New Trains Announced in the Railway Budget 2012-13

RAILWAY BUDGET 2012-13 List of new Express Trains, Passenger Trains, MEMU, DEMU, Extension of run and increase in frequency of trains announced in Railway Budget 2012-13. 29. Bikaner-Puri Express (Weekly) via Jaipur, Kota, Katni Murwara, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur    30. Secunderabad-Darbhanga Express (Bi-weekly) via Ballarshah, Jharsuguda, Rourkela, Ranchi, Jhajha     33. Bhubaneswar-Bhawanipatna Link Express (Daily) via Vizianagaram     34. Puri-Yesvantpur Garib Rath Express (Weekly) via Visakhapatnam, Guntur     36. Bhubaneswar-Tirupati Express (Weekly) via Visakhapatnam, Gudur     37. Visakhapatnam-Lokmanya Tilak (T) Express (Weekly) via Titlagarh, Raipur 53. Durg-Jagdalpur Express (Tri-Weekly) via Titlagarh       68. Chennai-Puri Express (Weekly) 70. Asansol-Chennai Express (Weekly) via Purulia, Sambalpur, Vizianagaram Passenger Trains Gunupur-Palasa (via Parlakhemundi) Passenger (Daily) DEMU Baripada-Bangriposi(Daily)                                      MKP/HCK/LK PIB

Highlights of Railway Budget 2012-13

Dear Comrades,

Highlights of Railway Budget 2012-13

RAILWAY BUDGET 2012-13 • Passenger fares increased marginally. The increase will be by 2 paise per km for suburban and ordinary second class; 3 paise per km for mail/express second class; 5 paise per km for sleeper class; 10 paise per km for AC Chair Car, AC 3 tier and First Class; 15 paise per km for AC 2 tier and 30 paise per km for AC I. • Minimum fare and platform tickets to cost Rs. 5.

Railway Budget 2012-13 at a Glance : Highest Ever Plan Outlay of Rs.60,000 crore

Dear Comrades,

Railway Budget 2012-13 at a Glance : Highest Ever Plan Outlay of Rs.60,000 crore RAILWAY BUDGET 2012-13 75 New Express Trains, 21 new Passenger Services, 9 DEMU and 8 MEMU services 137 Services New Sub-Urban Services to Come up in Mumbai, Chennai & Kolkata 725 km New Lines to be Introduced A Green Train and 200 Green Energy Stations Proposed Special Coaches for Differently- Abled Persons Emphasis on Infrastrucurure Development – 5 Focus Aras Identified 19000 km Rail Tracks to BE Modernised Mission-mode approach for rail modernisation Minor incrase in passanger fares A slew of passenger amentieis being introduced. The Railway Budget presented by Minister of Railways Shri Dinesh Trivedi in Parliament today seeks to raise investment in modernization and upgradation of rail infrastructure. It gives very high priority to rail safety and security. Passenger fares have been increased marginally. Presenting the Railway Budget 2012-13 in Parliament today, Shri Trivedi proposed a Budget with highest ever plan outlay of Rs. 60,100 crore which provides Rs. 6,872 crore for new railway lines and significant funds for passengers safety, security and amenities.

Mechanism to Lodge Complaints

Dear Comrades,

Mechanism to Lodge Complaints

A member of public can always approach the Minister concerned with a complaint for redressal of grievances. As per this Department’s guidelines, any grievance should be redressed within a period of maximum two months of its receipt. Complaints cannot be lodged on-line with the office of Minister concerned. They can be submitted manually in person and by post. For on-line lodging of grievances in general by members of public, Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances has set up a web-based portal called Centralised Public Grievances Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS), enabling citizens for lodging grievances from any geographical location and also viewing the status of redressal of the grievances. The Public Grievances portal can be accessed at http://pgportal.gov.in This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Shri V. Narayanasamy, in written reply to a question, in the Lok Sabha today. ***RS/Hb  (Release ID :80954) PIB

Labour Rights to Domestic Workers

Dear Comrades,

Labour Rights to Domestic Workers

The Union Labour & Employment Minister Shri Mallikarjun Kharge has informed the Rajya Sabha that the International Labour Conference of ILO (ILC) at its 100th Session held in Geneva in June, 2011 adopted the Domestic Workers Convention (C-189) supplemented by the Domestic Workers Recommendation (R-201). The Government of India delegation was also present in ILC. ILO Conventions are international treaties, open for ratification to Member countries. The ratification of an ILO Convention is a voluntary process. As per existing policy, Government of India ratifies an ILO Convention only when its laws and practices are in total conformity with the provisions of the Convention. The State Governments are empowered to enact legislation for domestic workers. The Central Government has also enacted the Unorganized Workers’ Social Security Act, 2008 for providing social security to the unorganized workers which include domestic workers. The Minister war replying to a written question whether Government has taken cognizance of the Convention on Domestic Workers 2011; and by when it proposes to ratify the Convention as it is binding on India and member-States of the International Labour Organization; and the details of current steps being taken. ***** ST/BS (Release ID :80945) PIB

Sibal takes on Nilekani after UID outsources work

Dear Comrades,

Telecom minister Kapil Sibal has taken an objection to Nandan Nilekani-led Unique Identification Authority of India’s (UIDAI) decision to seek help of private players to deliver unique identification or Aadhaar letters to all those who get enrolled in the programme.

The UIDAI had signed an agreement with the postal department to deliver Aadhaar letters. The UIDAI pays Rs 20 for each Aadhaar letter delivered.