Dear Comrades,
A meeting of the Departmental Council (JCM) under the Chairpersonship of
Secretary(Posts) was held on 10.02.2012. The following were
present:
|
Official
Side
|
Staff
Side
|
|
1. Ms.
Manjula Prasher, Secretary(P)
&
Chairperson, Departmental Council(JCM)
2. Ms.
Yesodhara Menon, Member(P)
3. Ms.
Suneeta Trivedi, Member(Plg.)
4. Shri
Santosh Gauriar, Member(O)
5. Kalpana
Tiwari, CGM MB&O
6. Shri S.K.
Sinha, CGM PLI
7. Shri
Tilak De, DDG(MM&Estates)
8. Shri V.P.
Singh, DDG(Estt.)
9. Shri
Salim Haque, DDG(P)
10. Ms.
Aindri Anurag, DDG(PO&CP)
11. Shri
A.S. Prasad, DDG(FS)
12. Shri
V.K. Tiwary, DDG(R&P)
13. Shri
Subhash Chander, Director(SR&Legal)
|
1. Shri K.V.
Sridharan,Leader
2. Shri
Giriraj Singh,
3. Shri M.
Krishnan,
4. Shri D.
Theagarajan
5. Shri D.
Kishan Rao
6. Shri
Ishwar Singh Dabas
7. Shri T.
N. Rahate
8. Shri P.
Suresh
9. Shri
Pranab Bhattacharjee
10. Shri
A.H. Siddiqui
11. Shri K.
Ragavendra
12. Shri S. Karunanidhi
13. Shri
Surinder Pal
|
The meeting
started with introductory remarks of the Chairperson wherein she apprised of the
staff side about the proposal of recognition of federations heaving been taken
up for consideration and approval of the competent authority. This was followed
by the staff side thanking the Chairperson for convening the meeting as per the
schedule. Thereafter agenda items were taken up for discussion. The gist of
discussions held during the meeting is as follows:-
Annexure
– I
1. Long
distance schedules of MMS
The staff
side was apprised of the instructions having been issued to Heads of Circles on
15.06.2010 to increase the utilization of vehicles by extending the existing
schedules up to 300 kms. The position about clearance of Ministry of Finance
regarding purchase of new vehicles as also replacement of old vehicles happening
much faster was also explained to the staff side.
The
contention of the staff side was that the aforesaid instructions are not being
observed and it was agreed to reiterate the said
instructions.
2.
Diversion of MMS vehicles
The staff
side averred that the vehicles allotted to MMS for operational purposes were
diverted to Circle/Regional offices, which is adversely affecting the efficiency
of mail delivery. They desired issue of strict instructions in the matter so
that vehicles are used for the purpose for which they are
procured.
The
instructions issued in this regard by the Department from time to time were
brought to the notice of the staff side with an understanding to reiterate the
instructions once again.
3.
Holding of examination for filling up the posts of AMM in
MMS
The staff
side pointed out delay in finalization of Rules of Recruitment for the post of
Assistant Manager in MMS, with a request to finalise it on priority. The
Chairperson advised the official side to complete the pending action in regard
to finalization of Recruitment Rules within 2 months.
4.
Holding of DPC for filling up the posts of Deputy Manager
MMS
It was
agreed to complete the process within 2 months.
5.
Appointment to the grade of Supdt. Stg. In
RMS
The
contention of the staff side was that the 4 posts of Supdt. Sorting in RMS which
were meant for general line officials are either manned by ASPs or by PSS/PMS
Group B officials. Further, the Circles in which these posts exist are also not
known. During discussions, a reference was also made to 4 posts of AD
(Recruitment) out of which 3 are lying vacant. Besides requesting for filling up
of the above posts, the staff side mentioned about their merger with main stream
of Group B posts and increasing quota of General line officials from the
existing 6% to a higher percentage.
The
Chairperson advised the Personnel Division to find out the availability of posts
and to fill all the posts meant for general line officials from that category
only within three months.
6. Acute
shortage of ‘C’ Bags
The staff
side was explained that for the year 2011-2012, much of the supply has already
started and there are only 2 companies which are yet to start it. Further,
action has already been initiated to ensure timely supply of bags for 2012-2013
& 2013-2014. The staff side was also apprised about the constitution of a
Committee which will consider decentralization of procurement of stores of other
than prescribed sizes, and the Committee will submit its report within one
month.
7. Change
of nomenclature of cleaners in MMS
Redesignation
of Cleaner as Helpers may go against their interest and, therefore, it was
agreed to drop the item.
8. Change
of Recruitment Rules ensuring parity in recruitment to the posts of Postmen and
Mailguards in the Department of Posts
The
Recruitment Rules for the posts of Postmen and Mailguards have been revised and
notified in the Gazette of India after due deliberations. In the background of
the above, the item is treated as closed.
9.
Recruitment in the cadre of erstwhile Group D upgraded as Multi Skilled
Employees in the Department of Posts
In the
background of Revised Rules of MTS it was agreed to close the
item.
10.
Providing additional hand to single handed offices due to decentralization of RD
Work etc.
The staff
side drew attention to the agreement reached in an earlier meeting of the
Departmental Council (JCM) in 2006 in the wake of which a Sub Committee was
constituted, which submitted its report in favour of the proposal. In turn, it
was explained to them that norms for the work of decentralized schemes like
RD/MIS have already been finalized and further, redeployment was within the
power of the CPMSG.
11.
Implementation of recommendations of the 5th CPC with regard to
payment of cash handling allowance to treasurers and Asst. Treasurers in Post
Offices.
The Staff
Side was informed that the proposal was taken up with the Ministry of Finance in
2010 but it was not agreed to. However, it was decided to once again take up the
matter with the Ministry of Finance.
12.
Payment of OSA and other benefits to MMS staff on par with RMS
Staff.
The proposal
of the Staff Side was agreed to. Order in this regard will be issued
shortly.
13. Allot
19% Group B vacancies for General line and permit all Group C officials in
Postal, RMS, Admn. And Postal A/Cs with minimum 20 years of service to appear in
the exam by dispensing with present reservation of posts to RMS & Admn.
Staff.
It was
agreed to constitute a Committee which will look into the matter (other than
Postal Accounts) and submit its report within 2 months.
14. ACP
Scheme to wiremen and electrical staff
In the
background of instructions issued by the Department vide No. 2-13/2009/PCC dated
12.08.2012, it was agreed to close the item.
15.
Streamlining the work of Cash Certificates and causing uniform work
procedure.
The staff
side was informed about the norms having been issued on 26.04.2010, a copy of
which was supplied.
16.
Anomaly in the preparation of PA gradation list. Date of confirmation should not
be taken now and d ate of appointment be taken for construing seniority. Fixing
seniority based on the date of confirmation in unconstitutional and
discriminatory and dropping of confirmation
examination.
It was
agreed to refer the matter to the Committee constituted to consider item
No.13.
17.
Ensure speedy verification of caste.
It was
agreed to reiterate the instructions of DOPT to the Maharashtra
Circle.
18.
Merger of Despatch Riders with the Drivers.
In the
background of different rules of recruitment for the post of Despatch Riders and
Drivers, the proposal could not be agreed to.
19.
Allowing lift operators to sit for the LGO
examination.
It was
explained that it was a different category altogether and thus it would not be
possible to allow the Lift Operators to sit for LGO
examination.
Annexure
-2
1. Non
absorption of Lift Operators
Referring to
the case of 5 Lift operators working at Howrah Post Office building, the Staff
Side was informed that it appeared to be a case of absorption of Casual
Labourers and not Lift operators and therefore it was agreed to drop the
item.
2.
Relaxation of educational qualification in respect of widow applicant for
compassionate appointment.
The staff
side was apprised of the position that prior to implementation of the
recommendations of 6th CPC, in case of widows the provision to relax
the educational qualification existed subject to the condition that it would not
adversely affect the work. The above clause has been found missing in the
6th CPC recommendation and, therefore, its continuance thereafter
will be ascertained from the Department of Personnel &
Training.
3.
Request for correct identification of Speed Post
Hubs.
The staff
side was informed that selection of Speed Post Hubs was done as part of Mail
Network Optimisation Project after a comprehensive study of the network and
taking into account mail volume Air/Rail/Road connectivity into account. In
regard to Asansol, the Chairperson explained her discussions with the CPMG West
Bengal in which he was asked to increase the mail business during the next 3
months and the position will be reviewed thereafter. The point of Guntakal
having better connectivity then Kurnool this justifying its identity as hub was
also mentioned by the staff side. M B division will have this
examined.
4.
Request to issue instructions to the Heads of Circles to follow the Directorate
order in respect of Speed Post Norms.
The
instructions have already been issued and therefore it was agreed to drop the
item. A copy of the instructions will, however, be made available to the staff
side.
5.
Request to extend the Station Tenure to Senior Manager Cadre in
MMS.
The proposal
of the Staff Side that rotational transfers should be done on time, was agreed
to by the Chairperson.
6.
Incentive structure for handling UIDAI (Aadhar) cards to the PO
staff.
The
contention of the staff side was that Aadhar Cards were being handed over to the
Postmen for delivery along with other dak which form part of their normal duties
without considering their limitations in this regard. Mention was also made
about higher rate of incentive being paid in Andhra Pradesh Circle with a
request to follow it in other Circles.
It was
clarified to the staff side that there is a provision to ensure delivery of
Aadhar Cards within 15 days from the date of booking and it was quite a relaxed
condition, in comparison to other Speed Post articles. In the matter of payment
of incentive, the Chairperson agreed to reiterate the instructions in relation
to Speed Post articles (including Aadhar) of the Department to all Heads of
Circles. Higher incentive cannot be approved.
7.
Reassessment of the Role of the Office Supdts. Working in Circle Administrative
offices including the office of the DPLI and upgradation of them as the holder
of Gazetted Group-B posts.
It was not
agreed to. The item may be closed.
8.
Promotion of senior most HSG-I in each regional office as office
Supdt.
It was not
agreed to. The item may be closed.
9.
Release the Pension/DCRG of employees against whom minor penalty proceedings
concluded after retirement.
In the light
of instructions having been issued by the Department and reiterated vide letter
dated 10.02.2012, it was agreed to close the item.
10. Pay
protection to employees who seek transfer to a lower post under FR
15(a)/transfer under Rule 38.
It was
agreed to have a relook into the matter.
11.
Construction of Departmental Buildings for Postal Accounts Offices at Hyderabad,
Trivandrum and Patna.
The Staff
side was informed that all the 3 projects will be considered for construction
during the 12th Plan period, subject to availability of
funds.
12. To
fill up the time scale Driver Post at MMS.
It was
agreed to have a relook into the matter of filling up of all residual vacancies
of Drivers in the MMS.
13.
Revival of Bandel and Barasat RMS in West Bengal
Circle.
The staff
side contented that the closure of these offices was against the agreement
reached with them and requested for their revival. The staff side was explained
that in view of the networking exercise, L1 and L2 has to be followed and
therefore this item become irrelevant. It was further clarified that in the wake
of networking exercise, number of mail offices with less than 10,000 mails are
being allowed to continue. In the light of the above discussions, the item is
treated as closed.
14.
Problem arisen subsequent on centralization of Tax related work at HO in
S.B.Branch.
The staff
side was apprised that TDS is a mandatory income tax requirement and is part of
the statutory requirement when commission is paid to agents. There is every
possibility that the issues raised by them will be sorted out by the new
software. It was further stated that in case the issue does not get resolved
with the new Financial Services software, this would be examined
separately.
15.
Posting of in charge of BPC – regarding.
It was
agreed to look into the matter.
16.
Request for procurement and supply of scanner to HOs and SOs in Maharashtra
Circle effecting MSEDEL bills on e-payment.
The staff
side was informed that the matter had been discussed with the CPMG Maharashtra
Circle and the possibilities were being explored to split the existing Barcode
of Maharashtra State Electricity Board so that it comes within 12 digit Bar code
reader. It was also explained that the Department would not be in a position to
procure scanner so as to suit the requirement of different organizations,
utilizing the services of the Post Office. In the background of the above, the
item was closed.
17.
Delivery/Remarks on Speed Post articles pertaining to Pass Port - Clarifications
sought for.
After
discussions, it was agreed to reiterate the instructions of the Department to
all concerned.
18.
Irregularities in the accounting procedure in Post Offices – case of Delhi
Circle.
It was
agreed to look into the matter.
19.
Postal Assistant Direct recruitment – compulsory education in regional language
– regarding.
The staff
side was informed that in the new recruitment rules for PA/SA, the condition has
been changed as regional language/Hindi. After detailed discussions, it was
agreed to close the item.
20.
Reduction of tenure in the Naxalite threat areas in Baster division, Chattisgarh
circle.
The staff
side was informed that the issue falls within the purview of the Circle
Office.
21.
Holding of JAO part II Examination –
regarding.
It was
informed to the staff side that the matter was earlier taken up with the
Ministry of Law & Justice and is now under consideration in consultation
with the Department of Personnel & Training. It was also stated that in case
of eligible candidates, the examination may be conducted without much
delay.
22.
Arbitrary & irregular Audit objection and recovery of licence fee from the
officials provided with rent free
recommendation.
In the wake
of instructions issued by the CPMG West Bengal, it was agreed to drop the
item.
23.
Removal of age limit for appearing in IPO
exam.
After
detailed discussions it was agreed to drop the item.
24.
Evolution of norms for all duties performed my Multi tasking staff (erstwhile
Group-D).
The staff
side was informed that norms for all the duties performed by MTS are being
evolved.
25.
Creation of justified additional posts while implementing new system for
delivery work and allowing postmen to write correct remarks for non
delivery.
The issue is
under examination by the Postmen Committee, under the Chairpersonship of CGM
PLI.
26. Grant
of uniform and kit maintenance allowances.
The fact of
the matter having been taken up with the Department of Personnel & Training
vide letter dated 02.02.2012 was brought to the notice of the staff
side.
27.
Providing Security to cash overseers.
The staff
side was informed that the present cash limits are not so high to provide for
the security and further the Circle Heads would be instructed to ensure
adherence to the line limits by all concerned. It was also agreed to examine the
feasibility of raising line limits and to provide security guards in the Post
Offices located in highly sensitive areas. The issue of utilizing services of
the bank branches located in the area will also be
examined.
28.
Incentive to Mail overseers for procuring PRLI
Business.
It was
agreed to issue a clarification to the effect that Mail Overseers are also
eligible for incentives on par with other departmental officials and depending
upon the suitability, they can be engaged for this work.
29.
Weight and size limit of express post parcels delivery of by
Postmen.
It was
agreed to reiterate the existing instructions on the subject to all Heads of
Circles.
30. To
keep status quo in the post of Departmental Stamp
Vendor.
The staff
side was informed that the issue is covered by the standing instructions on
utilization of surplus manpower and redeployment of posts and therefore, the
plea to maintain status quo cannot be approved.