Reason behind hike in Petrol Prices

Dear Comrades,

Just some days back, the Indian oil marketing companies (OMCs) declared a sharp hike in petrol prices to the tune of Rs 5 per litre. The move came immediately after the Assembly elections of some states. That was indeed quite an opportunistic move. Even after this hike, the OMCs are still losing about Rs 5.5 per litre. So there is a fair chance that there could be another hike in petrol prices soon. Not to mention, diesel and LPG is also set to get dearer later during the month.

The media has been constantly talking about rising crude oil prices and how the Indian OMCs are losing so much money as a result of fuel subsidies. To a logical mind, it seems obvious that if international crude oil prices are rising, there is no way we can escape the brunt of it. But if you look at some basic facts, you get a feeling that there has been some deliberate shaping of public opinion. In fact, fuel prices need not be as high as they are now.

The problem is that we fail to ask how much petrol really costs. Let's try some simple arithmetic. International crude oil prices are hovering around US$ 112.5 per barrel. That translates to about Rs 5,085 per barrel. Each barrel contains about 158.76 litres. So, effectively crude oil costs Rs 32 per litre. Now, add the cost of refining it to petrol or diesel. According to an oil company official, the refining cost is about 52 paise per litre. Add about Rs 6 as capital costs for the refinery. Then there's the cost of transportation (Rs 6) and dealer's commission (Rs 1.05). So, adding all that, the price of petrol comes to about Rs 45.6 per litre. But how much are we actually paying for petrol? Rs 68.3 in Mumbai, Rs 63.4 in New Delhi, Rs 71 in Bangalore!

Why are we paying so much more and to whom? The answer is tax. Not many are aware about the huge quantum of central and state government taxes and duties levied on fuel prices. In some states the tax component is pretty close to 50%. To add to that, these taxes are levied as a percentage of the basic price of the fuel and aren't fixed per litre. That means rising fuel prices only add more to the government's kitty. But all we hear about are the huge subsidies and the bleeding OMCs.

An optimal solution at the moment would be to reduce the tax burden on fuels. But neither the central government nor the state governments have shown any willingness to budge one bit.

Source: Mumbai Mirror

Urgent Strike Circular

Dear Comrades,

The circular issued by NFPE, CHQ, New Delhi is reproduced hereunder for information to all cocnerned.

                                NFPE

national federation of postal employees

ist floor, north avenue post office, new delhi – 110001

urgent circular

get ready for immediate strike if situation warrants

STRIKE DATE WILL BE ADVANCED IF DEPARTMENT GO AHEAD WITH

IMPLEMENTATION OF MCKINSEY REFORMS:

FIVE LAKHS POSTAL EMPLOYEES OF INDIA POST

IN ONE VOICE DECLARE:

 NO MORE CLOSURE AND MERGER OF POST OFFICES

 NO MORE CLOSURE AND MERGER OF SORTING SECTIONS AND RMS OFFICES

 NO MORE CURTAILMENT OF DELIVERIES AND POSTMEN BEATS

 NO MORE FIRST CLASS MAIL HUBS AND DELIVERY HUBS

 NO MORE FRANCHISE (PRIVATE) POST OFFICES AND POST SHOPPE.

 NO MORE OUTSOURCING AND CONTRACTORISATION OF POSTAL FUNCTIONS

AND ALSO WE DEMAND

 IMMEDIATE SETTLEMENT OF LONG PENDING SECTIONAL DEMANDS OF ALL CADRES OF POSTAL AND RMS EMPLOYEES INCLUDING GRAMIN DAK SEVAKS AND CASUAL LABOURERS.

INDEFINITE STRIKE FROM 2011 JULY 5^TH

 IN 1946 JULY ENTIRE P&T EMPLOYEES WENT ON INDEFINITE STRIKE AGAINST THE BRITISH IMPERIALISM

IN 2011 JULY ENTIRE POSTAL EMPLOYEES ARE GOING AHEAD FOR ANOTHER INDEFINITE

STRIKE AGAINST THE IMPERIALIST GLOBALIZATION POLICIES AND THE US-BASED MCKINSEY REFORMS IN INDIA POST

WE DON'T WANT THE FOREIGN CONSULTANT TO DECIDE OUR FATE

MCKINSEY IS FOR PRIVATISATION OF INDIA POST

WE SHALL OPPOSE IT LOCK STOCK AND BARREL

WE ARE READY TO SACRIFICE TO SAVE INDIA POST

PREPARE FOR A DETERMINED AND UNCOMPROMISING STRUGGLE

MAKE THE MAY 25TH DHARNA PROGRAMME A GRAND SUCCESS.

ORGANISE CIRCLE LEVEL JOINT CONVENTIONS OF NFPE & FNPO

PARTICIPATE IN THE JUNE 19TH ALL INDIA JOINT CONVENTION AT CHENNAI.

Dear Comrades,

We are in receipt of encouraging reports from various circles and Divisions about the mobilisation by grass root level workers and leaders for the total participation of employees in the indefinite strike from 5th July 2011 as per the call of Central Joint Council of Action (NFPE, FNPO & GDS Unions)

Department's move for implementing the Mckinsey Consultancy's disastrous recommendations has resulted in allround protest and stiff resistance from employees especially in Chennai and Hyderabad. Chennai Postmen staff has went on three day's strike and successfully resisted the Mckinsey reforms and halted it. Andhra comrades are conducting continuous agitational and campaign programmes throughout the Circle against the unilateral implementation of Mckinsey reforms. "Mckinsey Go Back" has become the slogan of the fighting comrades.

Postal Board is trying to go ahead with the Mckinsey reforms. Speed post hubs have resulted in erosion of public faith in the efficiency of this premium services. Now the department want to implement hubs for first class ordinary mails and registered articles. Total number of sorting offices will be reduced to 77. Further Chief PMGs have already sent proposals to Directorate for closure / merger of thousands of Post offices in urban areas. Privatisation and contractorisation of the Mail Motor Service (MMS) is also on the anvil. Opening of Franchise Post offices (Private Post offices) in a new name called "Post shoppe" and outsourcing of many other postal functions are also under serious consideration. Orders are already issued abolishing the sorting postman cadre altogether.

Gramin Dak Sevaks are facing the worst attack they have ever faced after independence of the country. Bonus has been reduced. Norms for cash handling and stamp sale drastically reduced. Norms for calculating the workload and allowances of Branch Postmasters have been curtailed resulting in reduction of allowances. Compassionate appointments limited to 10%. 25% of the Postmen vacancies are given to outsiders. And as a last blow, the GDS Conduct and Employment Rules has been changed and instead of "Employment" the word "Engagement" has been substituted. "Appointing authority" is changed as "Recruiting Authority", thus permanently blocking the chances of GDS to be treated as Civil Servants. All the adverse recommendations of Nataraja Moorthy Committee are implemented one by one. The revision of wages of casual labours w.e.f. 01.01.2006 is still pending and the orders for outsourcing their work is not yet withdrawn.

Many sectional demands listed in the 25 point charter of demands are yet to be settled. Cadre restructuring of all cadres, Decentralization of PLI and RPLI, Filling up of vacancies, Revision of OSA and OTA rates, Non implementation of JCM (Departmental Council) assurances, Non-settlement of demands raised in the Postman Committee, issues of MTS, parity in pay-scale and promotion to MMS Drivers, SBCO and Civil Wing issues, problems of Postal Accounts Staff, counting of services of ex-RTP staff, Discrimination towards PO and RMS Accountants Cadre, MACP anomalies, review of Postmaster cadre orders etc. are agitating the minds of the employees for the last more than one year.

Comrades, the very existence of Postal Department as a Government Services and its five lakhs employees is under threat from the Government. This is a question of "DO or DIE". We have to face the challenge. We shall fight it out with all forces at our command. We are confident that we can stop this onslaught.

Let us prepare ourselves for a massive breakdown from 5th July 2011, which alone can compel the Government to come forward and settle the genuine demands of the Postal workers.

Will greetings,

Fraternally yours,

M.Krishnan

Secretary General, NFPE

Mob: 09447068125

Email: nfpehq@gmail.com

Com. Purna Chandra Maharana, Divisional Secretary, AIPEU Group-C

Com. Nilambar Naik, Divisional Secretary, AIPEU Postmen & Gr-D

Com. Rajendra Prasad Sahu, Divisional Secretary, AIPEDEU

Koraput Divisional Branch

Posting of SSPOs and ASPOs OD

Dear Comrades,

Sri Muralidhar Sethi, Senior Postmaster, Berhampur HO has been transferred and posted as SSPOs, Koraput Division on his ad hoc promtion to JTS Gr.A grade.

Sri R K Moharana has been posted as ASP(OD), Koraput Division on his ad hoc promotion to ASP grade.

All India Consumer Price Index Number for Jan, Feb and Mar, 2011

PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

ALL INDIA CONSUMER PRICE INDEX NUMBERS FOR INDUSTRIAL WORKERS ON BASE 2001=100 FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH, 2011

New Delhi: April 29, 2011
All India Consumer Price Index Number for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) on base 2001=100 for the month of March, 2011 remained stationary at 185 (one hundred and eighty five). During March, 2011, the index recorded decrease of 4 points in Chennai centre, 3 points each in Warrangal, Tiruchirapally, Vadodara and Quilon centres, 2 points in 12 centres and 1 point in 17 centres. The index increased by 6 points in Srinagar centre, 5 points in Hubli Dharwar centre, 3 points each in Bhilai, Sholapur and Mysore centres, 2 points in 5 centres, 1 point in 13 centres, while in the remaining 21 centres the index remained stationary.


The maximum decrease of 4 points in Chennai centre is mainly on account of decrease in the prices of Rice, Onion, Garlic, Vegetable items, Flower/Flower Garlands, etc. The decrease of 3 points each in Warrangal, Tiruchirapally, Vadodara and Quilon centres is due to decrease in the prices of Rice, Arhar Dal, Onion, Garlic, Vegetable items, etc. The increase of 6 points in Srinagar centre is the outcome of increase in the prices of Rice, Poultry (Chicken), Vegetable & Fruit items, Bus Fare, Tailoring Charges, Utensils Copper, etc. The increase of 5 points in Hubli Dharwar centre is due to increase in the prices of Rice, Goat Meat, Fish Fresh, Milk, Tea (Readymade), Pan Leaf, etc. whereas, the increase of 3 points each in Bhilai, Sholapur and Mysore centres is due to increase in the prices of Rice, Wheat, Milk, Coffee Powder, Firewood, etc.


The indices in respect of the six major centres are as follows :
1. Ahmedabad 177 4. Delhi 169
2. Bangalore 188 5. Kolkata 178
3. Chennai 163 6. Mumbai 183

The All-India (General) point to point rate of inflation for the month of March, 2011 remained static at 8.82% in comparison with the level of February, 2011. Inflation based on Food Index is 8.29% in March, 2011 as compared to 7.65% in February, 2011.
 
Base 2001=100


Year Jan Feb March April May June July August Sept Oct Nov Dec Average

2006 119 119 119 120 121 123 124 124 125 127 127 127 123


2007 127 128 127 128 129 130 132 133 133 134 134 134 131


2008 134 135 137 138 139 140 143 145 146 148 148 147 141.66


2009 148 148 148 150 151 153 160 162 163 165 168 169 157


2010 172 170 170 170 172 174 178 178 179 181 182 185 175.9


2011 188 185 185

Transfer and Posting in Grade-I and II Postmaster cadre

Dear Comrades,

According to the RO order, the following officials of Koraput Division have been transferred and posted in the placed noted against them.

1. Shri Gurukrushna Dash        Postmaster, Malkangiri MDG

2. Shri Rabindranath Nahak    Postmaster, Nabarangpur MDG.

3. Shri G C Dwibedi                   SPM, Damanjodi SO 

4. Shri K C Nayak                      SPM, Gunupur LSG SO

5. Shri K P Biswas                     APM (Accounts), Jeypore(K) HO

No more 25 paise coins from June 30

Dear Comrades,

Mumbai, May 18 (IANS) Coins of 25 paise denomination, popularly known as ‘paavli’ or ‘chaar anna’, will be withdrawn from June 30, the Reserve Bank of India announced here Wednesday.

‘The coins of denomination of 25 paise and below will cease to be legal tender from June 30. These will not be accepted for exchange at bank branches from July 1, 2011 onwards,’ the RBI said in a statement.

The central bank appealed to the people to exchange stocks of these coins at the branches of banks maintaining small coin depots or at RBI offices around the country.

The exchange facility for these coins shall be available till the close of business hours June 29, 2011.

The decision comes in the wake of the Section 15A of the Coinage Act, 1906, by which the central government had decided to withdraw the coins of denomination of 25 paise and below from circulation from June 30, 2011.

With the end of the era of 25 paise coins and below, the 50 paise (or half-a-rupee) shall be now the lowest denomination coin in public circulation. Other coins include those of denominations one, two, five, and 10 rupees.

Amendment to CCS (Conduct) Rules 1964 - Intimation about purchase of immovable property

Dear Comrades,

Please find hereunder the amendment regarding amendment to CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964.

Intimation about purchase of immovable property

(To be published in Part II, Section 3, Sub-section (i) of the Gazettee of India, Extraordinary)

Government of India

MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS

(Department of Personnel and Training)

New Delhi, the 9th May, 2011

NOTIFICATION

GSR ……………………… (E) – In exercise of the powers conferred by the proviso to article 309 and clause (5) of article 148 of the Constitution and after consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India in relation of persons serving in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department, the President hereby makes the following rules further to amend the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, Namely: -

1. (1) These rules may be called the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Amendment Rules, 2011.

(2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.

2. In the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, in rule 18

(a) for sub-rule (3), the following shall be substituted, namely: -

“(3) Where a Government servant enters into a transaction in respect of movable property either in his own name or in the name of the member of his family, he shall, within one month from the date of such transaction, report the same to the prescribed authority, if the value of such property exceeds two months basic pay of the Government servant.

Provided that the previous sanction of the prescribed authority shall be obtained by the Government servant if any such transaction is with a person having official dealings with him”.

(b) In Explanation I, in clause (1), in sub-clause (a), for the letters, figures and words Rs. 10000 or one-sixth of the total annual emoluments received from Government whichever is less”, the words “two months” basic pay of the Government servant, shall be substituted.

(F. No. 11013/8/2010 Estt (A) Sd/-Mamta Kundra, Joint Secretary (E)

Amendment to the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972

Dear Comrades,

DoPT vide the following order has communicated regarding amendment to the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972.

(TO BE PUBLISHED IN PART II, SECTION-3 SUB-SECTION (I) OF THE GAZETTE OF INDIA)

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions

Department of Personnel and Training

New Delhi, the 12th May 2011

NOTIFICATION

G.S.R. …………………… In exercise of the powers conferred by the proviso to article 309 read with clause (5) of article 148 of the Constitution and after consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India in relation to persons serving in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department, the President hereby makes the following rules further to amend the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972, namely: -

1. (1) These rules may be called the Central Civil Services (Leave) (Amendment) Rules, 2011.

(2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.

2. In the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972, (hereinafter referred to as the said rules), in rule 27, in sub rule (2), for clause (b), the following clauses may be substituted, namely: -

“(b) When a Government servant is removed or dismissed from service, credit of earned leave shall be allowed at the rate of 2½ days per completed calendar month up to the end of the calendear month preceding the calendar month in which he is removed or dismissed from service;

(C) When a Government Servant dies while in service, credit of earned leave shall be allowed at the rate of 2½ days per completed month of service up to the date of death of the Government Servant.”

3. In the said rules, in rule 29, in sub-rule (2), for clause (C), the following clauses shall be substituted, namely,-

“(C) When a Government servant is removed or dismissed from service, credit of half pay leave shall be allowed at the rate of 5/3 days per completed calendar month up to the end of the calendar month preceding the calendar month in which he is removed or dismissed from service;

(Ca) When a Government Servant dies while in service, credit of half pay leave shall be allowed at the rate of 5/3 days per completed month of service up to the date of death of the Government Servant.”

(F. No. 13026/1/2010-Estt (L))

Sd/- (Vibha Govil Mishra) Deputy Secretary to the Government of India

Postmaster Grade -I & Grade-II Selection & Posting

Postmaster Grade-II

Dear Comrades,

In accordance with the CO Memo No.ST/26-26/2010, dated at

Bhubaneswar the 13.05.2011, the following HSG-II officials who

have exercised their option for selection to the cadre of

Postmaster (Grade-II) have been recommended by the DPC

and approved by the competent authority for promotion to

the said cadre in the pay band of Rs.5200-20200 in (PB-II)

with Grade Pay of Rs.4200/- with immediate effect and allotted

to the Regions noted against each.

Name & Designation	Allotted to the Region
Shri Bechna Oram Postmaster Uditnagar H.O.	Sambalpur Region
Shri Narayan Moharana Postmaster, Bhanjanagar  HO	Berhampur Region
Shri Ratikanta Swain DPM. Bhadrak HO	Head Quarter Region
Shri  S.K. Panigrahi Postmaster, Jajpur Road MDG	Head Quarter Region
Shri U.K. Lenka Postmaster, Balasore HO	Head Quarter Region
Shri Bharat Ch. Das DPM, Jaleswar HO	Head Quarter Region
Shri Bishnu Prasad Das DPM, Khurda HO	Head Quarter Region
Shri Sudhakar Mohapatra Postmaster, Utkal University MDG	Head Quarter Region
Smt. Sanghamitra Mohapatra SPM, Telengagbazar SO	Head Quarter Region
Shri Ashish Kumar Das Postmaster, Nimapara MDG	Sambalpur Region
Shri Arjun Mohanty APM (Mails), Bhubaneswar GPO	Sambalpur Region
Shri Gurukrushna Dash Postmaster, Jeypore (K) HO	Berhampur Region
Shri G.C.Dwibedy SPM, Sunabeda – 2 MDG	Berhampur Region
Shri R.N. Nahak Postmaster, Koraput HO	Berhampur Region
Shri K. C. Rana Postmaster, Deogarh HO	Sambalpur Region
Shri P.K. Hota Postmaster, Nayagarh HO	Sambalpur Region.

Postmaster Grade - I

Dear Comrades,

In accordance with the CO Memo No.ST/26-26/2010,

dated at Bhubaneswar the 13.05.2011, The following LSG

officials who have exercised their option for   selection to

the cadre of Postmaster Grade-I have been approved by

the Departmental Promotion Committee for promotion the

said cadre in the scale of pay Rs.  5200-20200  in (PB-I)

with Grade Pay  of 2800/- with immediate effect and allotted

to the Region noted against each.

Name	Allotted to  the Region
Sri K.C.Nayak, PRI(P), Jeypore (K) HO	Berhampur
Shri M. Kamraju, APM, Berhampur HO	Do
Shri G.C.Pradhan, APM, Bhawanipatna HO	Do
Smt. Sunanda Naik, APM, Jeypore (K), HO	Do
Shri A.K. Singh, APM, Phulbani HO	Do