LOCAL AGITATION – SHIMOGA DIVISION, KARNATAKA CIRCLE

Dear Comrades,

Mandli NDTBO A/W Shimoga Market SO was ordered for abolition by Superintendent of Post Offices, Shimoga vide his letter dated 24.09.2013 and circulated on 27.09.2013 and order to be effected from 01.10.2013. Immediately Divisional union protested against the order of abolition of BO on the following grounds.

1.  Mandli was a good running BO having about 700 accounts.

2. The BPM who is a lady had recently redeployed from Sagar, a place which is 75 KM away from Shimoga.

3. By this abolition and her second redeployment she is forced to loose about Rs.2700/- pay.

4. Due notice to public for abolition of BO was not served and the suggestions and representations of members of public and users of post office was not taken as per DG’s instructions.

Divisional union has given notice to SPOs against the orders and threaten spontaneous trade union action.  The members of public were also protested and raised slogan shouting against the abolition when ASP went for abolition action.  Local MLA and Councilors were also intervened. Police were called for to restore peace.  In the mean time Circle Secretaries and General Secretaries were also informed and they also intervened.  At last the local leaders were called for dialogue and SP took initiative and  himself contacted the higher authorities and put a halt for abolition.  

AIPEU Group 'C' congratulates the Shimoga comrades for organising local agitation and also for their success in stopping the closure of the BO.

(M. Krishnan)

General Secretary

CONFEDERATION NATIONAL SECRETARIAT WILL MEET ON 23.10.2013 TO DECIDE FUTURE COURSE OF ACTION STRIKE BALLOT DEFERRED

Dear Comrades,

CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES & WORKERS

(Central Head Quarters)

1st Floor, North Avenue Post Office Building, New Delhi - 110001

CIRCULAR NO. 8/2013                                                                                  DATED – 28.09.2013

IMPORTANT CIRCULAR

CONFEDERATION NATIONAL SECRETARIAT WILL MEET ON 23.10.2013 TO DECIDE FUTURE COURSE OF ACTION

STRIKE BALLOT DEFERRED

NO CHANGE IN THE CAMPAIGN PROGRAMME OF CONFEDERATION OFFICE BEARERS

Dear Comrades,

            The National Secretariat of the Confederation congratulate the affiliates and State Committees for the strenuous efforts put in by them to propagate and campaign amongst the mass of the employees of the need for an immediate wage revision and setting up of the 7^th CPC and enlist the massive participation of the Central Govt. employees for a long drawn out struggle, which commenced in 2011 and the first phase of which was culminated on 12^th December, 2012 in a one day strike action.  We are proud of the fact that our efforts has borne fruit  as the Government  had to announce the setting up of the 7^th CPC  on 25^th. Confederation, as you are aware, had always been in the forefront in formulating demands of the CGEs, presenting and articulating the issues in spearheading struggles and negotiating the demands to reach settlement.  This time also Confederation was the organization which raised the setting up of the 7^th CPC and wage revision; demanded that the 7^th CPC’s recommendation must be effective from 1.1.2011; insisting that the tenure of the recommendation of the 6^th CPC must be ended on the expiry of the five years on par with the wage tenure of the Public Sector undertaking workers as early as in 2010.  It could justify the demands with facts and figures of the unprecedented erosion of the real value of the wages of the Central Government employees due to the high rate of inflation in the economy and shooting up of the prices of all essential commodities.  The campaign and propaganda unleashed by us together had its salutary impact on the thinking process of other sister organizations, compelled them to take note of the growing discontent amongst the rank and file of their membership and to realize the fact that the wage structure had become incapable of making both ends meet especially for those employees at the lower levels of the hierarchy. They had to perforce take up the issue of wage revision  and setting up the 7^th CPC due to the ambience created by the Confederation and its affiliates by organizing series of struggles during  the period and at the same time spurning every of our attempt for a joint action. We are quite aware that sanctions cannot be generated without joint and united action of the workers.  This dichotomy practiced by the predominant organizations in the JCM inflicted irreparable damage to the cause of the Central Government  employees.

We are happy that the Government of India having realized that the large majority of the Central Government employees have become mentally attuned to the path of an inevitable struggle on wage revision  decided to avert a confrontation by announcing the setting up of the 7^th CPC.   We must, however, realize that the decision of the Government  tantamount to a post dated cheque which is capable of encashment only after a long period of two and half years.  We must not take it lying down.  The agony and sufferings of the employees, especially those at the lower levels cannot be mitigated by promises and assurances.  There must be a rise in their emoluments to make them capable of meeting the ever increasing cost of essential needs.  The Government must be told categorically and compelled to agree for the merger of DA with pay; and interim relief, which had all along been the case ever since the advent of the system of Pay Commission for wage revision.  We must bring home the fact that there will be no question of any arrears arising from the recommendation of the 7^th CPC as the Commission is mandated to make its recommendation before the crucial date of 1^st January, 2016. 

Even though, it is stated that the terms of reference would be finalized in consultation with all stake holders, the question of inclusion of GDS within the ambit of the Pay Commission, in all probabilities would be resisted by the Government. In the light of the passage of the PFRDA Bill in the Parliament, the Government might not agree to include the retirement benefits in the terms of reference.  This apart, the Government will now refer all pending matters, be it at the National Anomaly Committee, National Council or various Departmental Councils  or taken up through inter departmental references  to the 7^th CPC.  In other words for the next two and half years none of the issues of the CGEs will be either discussed or settled.  We must not allow the Government to succeed in this nefarious objective.

We must note that the present announcement of setting up of the 7^th CPC has also the hidden political agenda, for  many States including  Delhi  are to go to polls in the next few months.  The National Secretariat of the Confederation will meet on 23.10.2013 at Delhi. Formal notice is being sent separately. The Sectt. will decide upon the future course of action. In view of the present announcement of the Government setting up the 7^th CPC it is necessary that we should defer the strike ballot decision, which is scheduled to be held on 11^th to 13^th November, 2013.  It is however, our considered opinion that unless we tread the path of struggle the demand for merger of DA with pay, date of effect, inclusion of GDS within the ambit of the 7^th CPC and other issues in our charter of demands will not be settled at all.   The campaign chalked out must, therefore, be carried out with determination and understanding that we will succeed.   We request the leaders of the affiliates, State Committees and National Sectt. Members to ensure that the campaign programmes are implemented as planned.

With greetings,

Yours fraternally,

(K. K. N. Kutty)                                                                                           (M. Krishnan)

President                                                                                                    Secretary General

MOST URGENT/IMPORTANT

CONFEDERATION NATIONAL SECRETARIAT MEETING ON 23.10.2013 AT NEW DELHI

An urgent meeting of the National Secretariat of Confederation of Central Government Employees & Workers will be held on 23^rd October 2013 (Wednesday) at 10 AM at New Delhi, Venue: 1^st Floor, North Avenue Post office building, New Delhi – 110001 (Confederation CHQ). All Office bearers of the Confederation are requested to attend the meeting without fail.

(M. Krishnan)

Secretary General

DECLARATION OF HOME TOWNS UNDER LTC RULES

Dear Comrades,


    DECLARATION OF HOME TOWNS
                UNDER LTC RULES 

             CLICK HERE TO VIEW

Mahatma Gandhi : Father of the Nation

Dear Comrades,

Some men changed their times, 

One man changed the World for all times!

 Mahatma Gandhi

Gandhi Jayanti is a national holiday celebrated in India to mark the occasion of the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, the "Father of the Nation" (though not officially). The United Nations General Assembly announced on 15 June 2007 that it adopted a resolution which declared that October 2 will be celebrated as the International Day of Non-Violence.

Background

Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated on 2nd of October, every year and is one of the three official declared National Holidays of India and is observed in all its states and union territories. The other two are Independence Day (15 August) and Republic Day (26 January).

Gandhi Jayanti is marked by prayer services and tributes all over India, especially at Raj Ghat, Gandhi's memorial in New Delhi where he was cremated. Popular celebration includes prayer meetings, commemorative ceremonies in different cities by colleges, local government institutions and socio-political institutions. Painting and essay competitions are conducted and best awards are awarded for projects in schools and the community on themes of glorifying peace, non-violence and Gandhi's effort in Indian Freedom Struggle. Usually, Gandhi's favourite devotional song, Raghupathi Raghava Rajaram is sung in memory of him.

A stamp of history

Dear Comrades,

Mahatma Gandhi (1869- 1948) and Kasturba Gandhi (1869 – 1944) were the first Indian power couple to be depicted on a postal stamp after independence. It was issued in 1969 to commemorate Gandhi’s centenary. The stamp carries a value of 20 paise. “Gandhi always credits his wife Kasturba with teaching him ahimsa. She was his pillar of support. She plunged into the freedom movement and actively took part in fasts and marches led by Mahatma Gandhi. She died on February 22, 1944,” says N. Hariharan, a retired postmaster. 

He displays with pride his collection of exclusive Gandhi stamps, first day covers and postal cards and says, “Prior to independence, stamps were issued only on royal couples. Gandhi and Kasturba are the first Indian couple on a postal stamp after Independence.” Hariharan is the first recipient of Meghdoot Award of the Department of Posts instituted in 1984, and a winner of six awards for his suggestions to the postal department. In one of the post cards released on October 2, 1952, Gandhi is seen with his wife. Other post cards feature portraits of Gandhi with a kid, his charkha… 

Stamps and stories

 

Picking out a stamp from the collection, Hariharan narrates the story behind it. It’s a one-and-a half anna stamp issued on Gandhi’s 80th birthday. It is part of a set of four stamps in the denominations of one-and-a half annas, three-and-a-half annas, 12 annas and 10 rupees that were released. “It was Jawaharlal Nehru who suggested the word ‘Bapu’ be included in Hindi and Urdu on the stamps”, he says. There are also stamps commemorating his fast for communal unity in 1924, the Dandi March of 1930 and the salt Satyagraha. Hariharan shows you a set of four commemorative stamps, released on the centenary of Satyagraha (October 2, 2007). 

Hariharan says the first country other than India to honour Mahatma Gandhi on its stamps was the U.S. “The U.S. released stamps with values of four cents and eight cents. More than 80 other countries followed suit. The Indian Postal Department has issued stamps on the leader at 35 significant occasions so far,” he mentions. However, the British version of the Gandhi stamp is believed to be the most outstanding example on philatelic art and printing. It bears Gandhi’s characteristic smiling pose against the background of the Indian tri-colour. 

The historic Dandi March also features on a set of two stamps, issued by the Indian posts and Telegraphs Department. Gandhi walked the distance of 385 kilometres from Ahmedabad and defied the salt law by picking up a fistful of salt at Dandi, a seaside village in Gujarat. 

Hariharan also treasures the first day postal cover on Mahatma Gandhi, released on August 15, 1948. “It’s a reminder of Gandhi’s contributions to the freedom struggle and keeps his memories alive,” he smiles. 

http://www.thehindu.com/

Metro Boulevard to host exhibition on Mahatma Gandhi

Dear Comrades,

BANGALORE: As a tribute to the "Father of the Nation", the Karnataka Postal Circle in association with Karnataka Philatelic Society is organizing a philatelic exhibition on the theme 'Mahatma Gandhi'. The event will be held during the month of October 2013. This exhibition will showcase the stamps released to commemorate "Mahatma Gandhi". The specialty of this exhibition is that it will showcase the exhibits collected by rural philately enthusiasts also. The other highlight of this exhibition is some of the rare photographs and contemporary news items of "Mahatma Gandhi"  Another attraction at the exhibition will be "My Stamp", where one can get their photos as stamps.

The venue for the philatelic exhibition is Rangoli Metro Art Center, MG Road Metro Rail Station Boulevard, Bangalore - 560 001. The exhibition will be held for a period from October 2 to 31st October 2013 and will be kept open between 11 am to 5 pm.

Organizers have requested all the philatelists, general public and school children to utilize this opportunity.    http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com   

Electronic Indian Postal Order facility for RTI formalized

Dear Comrades,

RTI activist Commodore (Retired) Lokesh K. Batra said the extended Electronic Indian Postal Order (e-IPO) facility has got formalized on Monday with issue of memo by Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).

Earlier on September 27, Dept of Posts (DOP) had released the names of 176 Indian, Missions as an extension to e-IPO facility.

Batra said that this is another step forward towards establishing a transparent regime.

In his letter the Secretaries of Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), he proposed the launching of extended e-IPO facility to be made functional before Gandhi Jayanti on October 2.

"We like to express our gratitude to you all for not only accepting the proposal but also making it happen in record time. For this to happen, concerned officials of each Ministry/Department and NIC (DOP) deserve kudos for a well coordinated effort," he said.

He further said that with addition of above 176 Public Authorities, eIPO facility will cover about 2,530 Public Authorities in India and abroad under Central Ministries, Departments, UTs and NCT Delhi, and added that this is a huge achievement of our Government.

Commodore (Retd) Batra also pressed for e-IPO awareness campaign and said that though e-IPO facility was launched on 22 March 2013, except for media stories, there was little awareness among Indian citizens abroad and including Indian Missions.

"An awareness campaign for e-IPO facility was launched on 5 July 2013 starting with my letter to Hon'ble Minister (MOIA) and later to MEA. Both Ministries provide complete support to the idea and issued advisories to the Heads of all Indian Missions on 23 July (MOIA) and 02 August (MEA) respectively," he wrote in his letter.

"I humbly propose to the Secretary (P) to consider extending the existing e-IPO facility that covers about 2530 Public Authorities in India and abroad for our Citizens living in India also," he added.

 http://www.business-standard.com/

Exhibitions mark conclusion of 'Hindi Pakhwara'

Dear Comrades,

ALLAHABAD: The Hindi Pakhwara concluded with a programme organised at Allahabad GPO, Civil Lines on Saturday. Rahmatullah, senior superintendant of Post Offices, Allahabad division, welcomed the chief guest, Krishna Kumar Yadav, director Postal Services, Allahabad region and briefed about the programme.

Addressing the gathering, Yadav urged the officers and employees to encourage the use of Hindi in government work so that its status of national language could reflect in true spirit.

Mobile money transfer rolled out

Dear Comrades,

India Post, on Friday, announced the launch of Mobile Money transfer service, in Karnataka Circle, jointly with BSNL. With this, the facility to transfer money will start at 400 chosen post offices across the State in the first phase. It will be gradually extended to all 1,500 post offices across the State, Chief Post Master—Karnataka Circle M S Ramanujan said.
M S Ramanujan said the service would be of great help to migrant population, who, otherwise, have to rely on other modes of money transfer. It will also benefit students who study away from their home towns, he added.

Using this service one can transfer minimum of Rs 1,000 and maximum of Rs 10,000. To use the service, senders would need to visit the post offices in the region where the service is available, deposit the amount and give the receiver’s details. After this, they would get a 16 digit transfer code on their mobile phone, which they would need to send to the recipient via SMS. The recipient can claim the money at a nearby post office, by showing the transaction code and verifying his identity. Recipient also needs to withdraw the money within 7 days of transaction.

The objective of the service is to lower the cost of transaction to enable transaction of even very small amounts. The charge for transferring Rs 1,000  to Rs 1,500 will be Rs 45, while for transferring Rs 1,501 to Rs 5,000, the fee will be Rs 79 and for Rs 5,001 to Rs 10,000, the commission will be Rs 120 including service tax.

http://www.deccanherald.com

TODAY DA ORDERS HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR GRAMIN DAK SEVAKS FOR 10% FROM 1/7/2013.