Dear Comrades,
Dear Comrade,
Divisional Secretary, Group-C,
AIPEU Koraput Divisional Branch.
NATIONAL
FEDERATION OF POSTAL EMPLOYEES
ALL
INDIA POSTAL EMPLOYEES UNION
GROUP-‘C’,
POSTMEN & GROUP-‘D’, AIPEDEU
KORAPUT
DIVISIONAL BRANCH
Com.
Rabindranath Nahak Com.
Lambodar Bissoyi Com.
Jagdish Ch Kar
Com.
Purna Ch Maharana Com.
Nilambar Naik Com.
Rajendra Pr Sahu
AIPEU
GR-‘C’ AIPEU
POSTMEN & GR-D A
I P E D E U
EXCLUSIVE STRIKE BULLETIN NO.I, JAN, 2012
UNION WEBSITE:
aipeukoraputdivision.blogspot.com
UNION EMAIL ID: aipeukoraputdivision@gmail.com
Nationwide Indefinite General
Strike from 17th Jan 2012 – On CHQ Direction
The CHQ JCA has
issued a Clarian call for indefinite strike from 17.1.2012 demanding to stop
the implementation of Mail Network Optimization Project and settlement of
assured charter of demands placed during July 2011 strike. You may think why
this call has been given again within a short span of six months. Pl.
concentrate in each topic mentioned below.
Abundant
confidence
The Postal JCA deferred the indefinite strike
in July 2011 with the hope that the commitments given by the Secretary,
Department of Posts herself and also recorded everything in the minutes will be
honoured in true spirit. But what happened? Except few, many major items are
under still cold storage. In the meantime, the Department declared that it is
going to implement the L1 & L2 proposals in toto unilaterally in the staff
side meeting. What is option available then for the JCA except to launch struggles
against this move? We are optimistic about our organizational strength that
struggle programmes are not new to the Postal employees as they had the history
of conducting various strikes including many one days in the C. G. Employees
movement after 1968 and also having the spirit for spontaneous action,
alertness, awareness and preparedness available in abundant for any action
including local struggles against injustice in the grass root level leaders.
Consultancy or
conspiracy!
The Postal department, earlier appointed a
foreign consultancy called KPMG by incurring crores of rupees as consultancy
charges and we don’t know the fate of its recommendations and report.
Recently, the Department appointed Mckinsey as
consultancy service. Whether the Mckinsey consultancy is the lowest bidder! Not
at all! It is just 12.66 crores of rupees. With exorbitant charges, it was
appointed as consultancy service. What is the need to make it as consultancy
service for such exorbitant rates? No one knows what is behind the curtain.
Notorious for
privatization of Government Services
If you go through industry insight of
Mckinsey, you can find the following: -
“Postal Express
and Parcel Services”
“In addition to
new technologies and systems, globalization, deregulation and privatization
have been the key drivers of change in the post and express world over the past
two decades; Numerous Postal companies have successfully navigated the path of
privatization from state monopolies to become listed companies. We support our
clients as they position themselves to meet regulatory requirements and
accompany them on the road to successful privatization.”
Not magic
figure/only arithmetic without survey
No ex-aggregation. The above are taken only
from their website. The Department has taken Mckensey not only for offering
suggestions but also of its implementation. The members of McKensey have
behaved more than that of the Chief PMGs in many places resulting with sporadic
struggles in AP, Karnataka & Tamilnadu circles. There after they were restrained.
The Department first issued orders for closure of 9797 (magic figure) post
offices in urban areas. This is not the figure arrived by collecting statistics
on the basis of financial viability or work load justification. Just it was
based on the mathematical calculations as per the suggestions of the
consultancy service.
Deviating from
social obligation
The Department introduced ‘Speed Post hub’ and
centralized the speed post traffic. There was a hue and cry in case of intra
circle mails. High court of Himachal even criticized badly on this
centralization. But the officers at the helms of affairs stated that these
intra circle mails are negligible mails and we are concerned only for business.
Really surprising! Whether the postal service is deviating from the path of
social service? Eventhough it was agreed to open intra circle speed post
centers, the Chief PMG/PMGs are reluctant to implement the orders of the
Directorate.
The commitment
The Secretary, Department of Posts in the
recorded minutes issued on 6.7.2011 assured interalia: -
“Regarding closure/merger of post offices, the
staff side requested that whenever there is a closure of a PO, there should be
simultaneous relocation of PO in the new emerging areas etc. The view point of
the staff side was agreed to.”
Is agreement
absurd?
Then how can be this contradiction? Whether
the Directorate instructions,as stated on 27.12.2011, circulated during August
2011 not exhibited the same spirit of the minutes? If so what is the action
proposed to be taken against the Chief PMG Maharashtra circle who proposed to
close down all the 898 single handed post offices in his circle unilaterally as
if poses himself higher than the Secretary?
Very firm to
deteriorate the services!
Member (operation) has almost declared on
27.12.2011 in the talks that he will implement the L1 & L2 despite our
protest and will review after some years. How can we allow the L1 & L2 in
RMS which will hamper the efficiency of Postal services and lead the extinction
of RMS?
The Staff side raised many apprehensions about
the quality of mails processing which have not been kept for creating L1 &
L2 and also the projects lack of the following three parameters.
i)
It is not beneficial to customers.
ii)
Operative cost will be more, compared to earlier.
iii)
Lead to dislocation of staff and leading to ultimate closure of L2
offices.
The Staff also explained in its letter dt
07.12.2011 about the impracticability in introduction of L1 & L2 in many
places. The proposal is nothing but to centralize the sorting work at one place
and accumulate the staff to that place and later to introduce the Automatic
sorting machines for sorting work.
Whimsical
introductions – resulting loss
Already experienced AMPCs become white
elephants and causing losses to the exchequer of the department, how can we
allow introducing machines in all stations. Let them first prove that the
machines provided earlier are worthy and purposeful. We should also remind how
the officers in Postal are working out new schemes without minding the loss.
(i) There is no consultation in the board and everything based on the
desirability of the individuals who are holding position and there are more
sycophants.
(ii)
The introduction of air freighter carrier caused loss to the tune
of 300 crores. Not only that, back routing of mails to provide sufficient
loadsled to irreparable damage to the department due to delay in delivery.
Finally it was dropped. It is pertinent to mention that the same lower level
officers who were responsible for the 300 crores loss are now advocating the L1
& L2 vigorously.
(iii)
For Videshi MO, the software purchased exceeded crores. What is
the revenue? As learnt, so far, 39 MOs to the revenue around Rs.4000/- which
cannot be equated to the extent of 1% with the expenditure for launching the
scheme.
(iv)
Introduction of VSAT was a great failure.
(v)
Loss incurring in BNPL articles due to return article & non
realization of revenue etc.
Compromise – not
possible
Under these circumstances, where is the
guarantee that the formation of L1 &L2 will enhance the quality of service.
It will deteriorate further. The staff will be dislocated and the service will
be hampered. The staff side could not compromise these aspects and that is the
main reason for reviving the deferred strike with a short period of notice.
Determined
negative position against GDS
Let us discuss the other issues we notified in
the strike charter. The following are the assurances given in respect of the
most exploited GDS cadres.
(i) Cash handling points for BPM for fixation of TRCA will be reduced
to 10,000/- from 20000/- within a week.
(ii)
Fresh proposal will be sent to MOF for revision of bonus ceiling
on GDS.
(iii)
Protection of TRCA will be provided in the same stage in case of
reduction of work.
But what happened? The internal finance in the
Directorate has simply turned down the files and the assurances were gone to
wind. We again discussed the same with Member (P) on 27.12.2011 for which she
replied that she cannot give any assurances in these issues. Discussing the
same issues again and again and taking different positions by the officers in
each time frustrates us.
OTA or pittance
for extra work
In all other Central Government department,
the OTA rates have been revised with new nomenclature. Railways revised the
rates. Defence enhanced the rates. The remaining only operative section, the
postal Department has not taken any efforts either to revise the rates or
formulate new methods for compensation in lieu of OTA. It is most unfortunate
that meager OTA ordered earlier are being recovered by applying the ceiling. In
Haryana circle, one RMS Supdt. has issued FR 17(A) notice for non-performance
of OTA. Where are such provisions? Absurd. The department is not carrying out
with any concrete decision to arrest such menace even in the meeting held on
27.12.2011.
Is cadre
restructuring – A mirage in Postal
The proposals for cadre restructuring have
been discussed more than six to seven times but no minutes were issued so far.
The position is still under the initial stage. The Secretary assured in the
minutes that it will be formulated before 31.8.2011. What are the reasons for
such lethargy? Is it not their responsibility to take serious note in this
staff welfare? The Sixth Pay Commission stated to finalise the cadre review
proposal by the department itself, but even after the lapse of 5 years, there
is no move to this direction in respect of our cadres.
Clear injustice
and cheating
Member (P) while discussing the demands on
27.12.2011, stated that it is not possible to create separate cadre for system
Administrators, as they are only PAs and now in all Post offices, the PAs are
becoming the trouble shooters. We recorded our objections. Then Secretary
praised the services of these officials at the time of extracting work from
them. Without spending a rupee the modernization in postal to the present
extent could be achieved due to their tireless and tedious work. After sucking
their blood, instead of recognizing their services, they are now sidelined.
Committee – to
consider or deny?
A separate committee consisting of three DDGs
was constituted to consider the proposals. We don’t know what the fate of the
committee is. In the last cadre review meeting, it was discussed and agreed for
the carving out this cadre with higher promotional posts. If the department now
declines to consider this case, how can we allow?
No time! Very
busy! Mckensey is on the door!
The Postmen committee headed by Ms. Kalpana Tiwary
General Manager, MB is still not met and the madam is very busy in implementing
the proposals of Mckensey anyhow in postal despite all odds and consequences.
All their problems are undressed. Their issues like combination of beats, double
duty, harassment in project arrow offices, distance factor, number of articles,
Grant of cycle allowance without distance conditions, good quality uniforms,
revision of norms etc. have not been taken for consideration and all are under
the cold storage.
All centralisation
– But here decentralization!
The only major demand of the Administrative
union to stop decentralisation of PLI and RPLI and save DPLI has not been taken
due note of and the rapid decentralisation has already taken off without
providing any man power or required infrastructure to operative staff in POs.
The similar is the situation in respect of Postal Accounts & civil wing and
their genuine grievances are not attended so far.
Lost identity –
continuous denial of dues
The only demand of the SBCO to declare it as
divisional cadre has been out rightly rejected by the member (P) on 27.12.2011
even though it was assured to consider during the July 2011 talks. The genuine
demands of drivers who cannot be equated with staff car drivers due to their
recruitment condition of requirement of heavy vehicle licence and shall only be
equated either with railway or defence are not being met with justice. The same
condition prevails to Artisans & charge hands in MMS.
20 years demand –
Not for outright rejection
Member (P) out rightly rejected the demand on
RTP to consider their service for MACP promotion on 27.12.2011, instead of
taking up the cases with nodal ministries. Similarly the issues required
clarifications on MACP are also dealt with routine manner instead of considering
the genuine plight of the officials.
Importance of
Accounts – How can it be explained!
Member (P) is of the opinion that there is no
need for separate APM Accounts & others. The importance of Accounts and the
role of Accountants in all dealings have to be explained once again. That is
the fate of the unions.
Reminding black
emergency days to catch ‘Aadmis’ for family planning
The assurances made in July 2011 to permit the
Postmaster Grade I officials to appear IPO/Group ‘B’ examination has not been
honored yet. There is no clear cut decision on this even after five months. Our
demand to fill up all LSG, HSG II of HSG I Posts before implementation of
postmaster’s cadre by relaxing the conditions has not at all been considered.
No! No! – you are
similarly situated Persons!
The request to apply the Supreme Court
judgment on RRR Candidates of Tamilnadu circle to all the similarly situated
persons has been turned down by Member (P) on 27.12.2011.
Contributory
negligence – Democle’s sword
We demanded to issue a clarificatory orders to
arrest the menace of misuse of contributory negligence factors against innocent
officials as the instruction issued in July 2011 is totally insufficient and
not covered all the following important points.
(i)
Non adherence of DG’s order dated 09.07.1959
(ii)
Violation of Directorate orders dt. 30.11.60 & 10.02.1975
(iii)
Non observation of Appendix 4 of FHB Vol. I.
(iv)
Violation or Rule 204 (A) (1) Vol III – Honest errors can be
condoned.
(v)
Violation of Rule 137-Recovery from retired officials.
(vi)
Violation of Rule 106, 107 & 108 Vol III – Extenuating factors
should be given due weight.
(vii)
Violation of Directorate orders dt. 8.10.63 – Minor mistakes in
discharging duties to be condoned.
(viii)
Violation of Dte. letter dated 29.11.2000 about Rule 11 (iii) of
CCS Rules.
Minus Balance –
major threat
In many circles recoveries under contributory
negligence on SB minus balance are being ordered without initiating any action
to recover the amount first from the depositors. Before finalizing the minus
balance, whether the unposted items have been cleared or not? Not at all! Just
by hook or crook the responsibility is being fixed on anyone’s shoulder! No
norms! No ethics! The suggestion of the CHQ to adjust them under UCP and
initiate action to recover the amount from deposit which was discussed in the
last July 2011 meeting also has not at all been considered!
Curbs in trade
unions – topsy turvey actions against rules at circle levels
This is another serious development in recent
days in many circles in curbing the trade union activities at circle level.
When Sri. B. Bhagwan Dass Member (D) clarified
vide his letter No. 8-1/2001-SR dated 7.2.2001 that FR 17 (A) can be imposed
only in cases of incitement, instances of violence and sabotage etc.
Whereas, the same is flouted in many circles
and the circle heads are running amuck with their own views.
(i) In Punjab circle, Jullendhar division, the officials availed EL/MC
from 24.5.2011 to 26.5.2011 and also for two or three days suffix/prefix were
awarded Dies non with the presumption that they would have been attended Dharna
at Chandigarh organized by the Postal JCA on 25.05.2011.
(Where is the provision?)
(ii) For participation of strike on 7.9.2010, All India strike more
than 500 GDS where awarded with FR 17 (A). Is it not violating the Directorate
orders cited above? Similar is the case in Pune RMS.
(iii) In Mumbai City West division, the SPMs who have already given
their declaration about their participation of strike on 7.9.2010 and the ASPOs
replied that he could not make any arrangements were proceeded with Rule 16
charges. The SPOs punished them with censure. Now, the DPS reviewed and issued
notice to 28 Officials to enhance the punishment from censure to withholding
one increment for 24 months and awarded the same to one official at first. The
DPS charged that the official should have come to control room and deposit key
on 7.9.2010. Is there any such provision to deposit the key in the rules
without handing over the charge to other? How can it be violated the Rule? Is
it not absolute misuse of disciplinary powers and excessive action? When the
strike on 7.9.2010 was not declared as illegal, whether such proceedings will
meet justice. When these were brought to the notice of Directorate, it remains
as mute spectators.
Unbridled horses
– silent spectators at
The above are the real facts and nothing
exaggerated. Under these circumstances what will be the option available to
unions to ventilate their grievances. Even assured demands are not honored and
diluted what is the remedy available for us. When all the circle/divisional
heads and PTC Directors are taking law on their hands to penalize the officials
for no reason, how we can shut our eyes.
We
have no alternative
The Postal JCA
after elaborating all these issues and facts have decided to go ahead with the
preparation for the indefinite strike from 17th January 2012.
We have to meet the
challenges posed against us. It is the fight against the policy offensives of
the Postal department under the principles of globalization. If the
organization does not exist there is no question of employees and service
unions. When there is a conspiracy to deviate and divert the postal from the
Government department and attacks are coming one after another, we cannot
remain as mute spectators and allow things to go as it is.
Comrades, in the wake of the unprecedented unity of
the working class of our country, as per the direction of CHQ it has been
decided to ensure that every member of our union do take part in this historic indefinite
strike actively from 17th Jan 2012. Let us again prove our strength in form of our
unity by making the said strike a grand success. All are requested to
participate in the strike whole-heartedly. Please contact each and every nearby member
actively and ensure cent percent participation.
Regards,
Com. Purna Chandra Maharana,
Divisional Secretary, Group-C,
AIPEU Koraput Divisional Branch.
MAKE
THE INDEFINITE STRIKE FROM 17TH JAN, 2012 A GRAND SUCCESS
SAVE
YOUR JOB
SAVE OUR DEPARTMENT FROM DESTRUCTION
IT’S NOW OR NEVER
