Tuesday 27 March 2012

FEDERAL EXECUTIVE MEETING

Federal Executive meeting of NFPE was held at NFPE Office 1st Floor North Avenue Post Office Building, New Delhi on 21.03.2012. The meeting was presided by Com. D.K. Rahate, President NFPE. Meeting commenced with paying homage to the martyrs and Comrades particularly Com. M.K. Pandhe, Ex. President & General Secretary C.I.T.U. and A.K. Tiwari Ex. Circle Secretary AIPEDEU, Jharkhand Circle, who lost their lives during this period.
The Federal Executive meeting was inaugurated by Com. C.C. Pillai Ex. Secretary General NFPE who elaborately pointed out the working class problems being imposed by the Govt. in the form of globalization policies. Com. K. Ragavendran Ex. Secretary General NFPE and Com. Des Raj Sharma Ex. Dy. Secretary General NFPE also graced the occasion by their valuable speech.
A Draft Report was presented by Com. M. Krishnan, Secretary General NFPE on the activities during the period. He elaborately discussed all the issues related to the Postal and RMS employees and described in detail the discussions and settlement of items of Charter of Demands. He also informed that NFPE has been granted recognition by the Govt. of India and Now NFPE nominees will play their role in standing Committee and National Council JCM and will be enable to settle the issues at Govt. of India level.
The General Secretaries of affiliated unions i.e. Coms. K.V. Sridharan (P-III), Giri Raj Singh(R-3), S.K. Humayun (Dep. G/S P-IV), P. Suresh (R-4) Pranab Bhattacharjee (Admn. Union) T. Satyanarayana (Postal accounts), S. Appan Raj (SBCO) and Y. Nagabhushanam Working President Casual Labourers Union expressed their views on report and item related to their section.
All Office Bearers present in the meeting Coms. K.K. Sharma (Vice President, NFPE), I.S. Dabas(Dy. S/G, NFPE) , R.N. Parashar, S. Raghupathy and Ms. Seetha Laxmi (All ASG) and Raj Kumar Financial Secretary participated in deliberation.
President Com. D.K. Rahate conducted the house very effectively and concluded the meeting by offering vote of thanks to all. 

Thanks
NFPE GPO

LETTER TO PMG , CCR ON CLOSURE OF POs AT NORTH DIVISION


No. P3/2-14/Chennai City North                     Dt. 26.03.2012

To
Shri. M.S. Ramanujan, IPS,
Postmaster General,
Chennai City  Region,
Chennai 600 002.

Sir,
                        Sub : Indiscriminate Closure of P.O.s  in  Chennai City North Division by the SSPOs-
                                 Request for immediate intervention to stop  such orders, as already assured- Reg.
                                                                                    ….
It is alarmingly  reported by our   Divisional Union  that  there are  serials  of closure of Pos  at Chennai City North Division  very recently  , and  there  are   such moves   in Korukkuppet PO, Cemetry Road PO and now  GA Road PO , within one month.  Of  these  Korukkupet and  Cemetry  Road  P.O. s  were closed  abruptly , despite of  stiff resistance by  the  public  as well as political parties.

 Also  it is  observed that  there are  more than 20 P.O.s  closed  in Chennai City North Dn alone  within a couple of years.  We  feel  that ,  this   is   totally against   the  interest of  the  common public and totally against the orders of the  Department.  We  have already  represented with  your goodself  on various  occasions citing  the  Directorate orders  and  you  have personally assured  to our  Circle Union , during   our last meeting at the close  of February 2012,  that   no P.O.  would be  closed hereafter  in  your  Region except  simultaneous  relocation of P.O.,that  too  if  so warranted on  unavoidable circumstances. Contrary to that  such   abrupt  closures are happening ,  which is pushing  the  Circle union to go on  serials  of agitational programmes  through out  the Circle very shortly. Many public organizations  and print/electronic medias are also  pressing our Union  to go ahead against  such  anti-people  activities of  the  ground level officers.  We are desisting  such moves, since  still we believe on the  assurances   of our   PMG, CCR.

To our surprise and shock  that,  the   GA Road PO  in which  recently  a  huge SB/RD/MIS fraud, to the tune of lakhs,   was committed by the  erstwhile Lady incumbent SPM,  is ordered for closure  by 27.3.2012. It is alleged that because of the patronage she enjoys with powers-that-be at ASP cadre person/persons, the admn. initially took no initiative to take action.  No suspension was made but only transfer orders issued to another office.  When the amount involved was growing into alarming proportions, the admn was compelled to suspend her.  

The ASP who was entrusted with the 100% verification work, moved in snail’s pace.  He never visited the office for about 10 days, resulting in LRPAs deputing to that office facing music from irate public, large chunk of which are fisherman folks.  A lady LRPA fell ill and had to be hospitalized.  A gent LR fell from two wheeler and got injured.  Another official fell sick.  All because of tension and stress that resulted in depression.  The matter was taken up through our circle union with CPMG and then only 100% verification started moving.  Though nearly 40 days have lapsed only 40% of verification was reported to have been completed.
                                                                       
Now, this closure move AND IT IS RUMOURED EVEN AT THE D.O. AREA THAT THE OFFICE IS PLANNED FOR CLOSURE HASTILY JUST TO PROTECT THE FRAUDULENT OFFICIAL AND IN THE NAME OF TRANSFERRING DOCUMENTS TO THE OFFICE TO WHICH IT IS TO BE MERGED THERE MAY BE ATTEMPT TO MISS [?]  THE RECORDS DELIBERATELY OR TO INDULGE IN OTHER UNSCRUPULOUS METHODS TO DESTROY OR ALTER PAGES OF LEDGERS.  THIS IS MOST SERIOUS MATTER.  DVL UNION ALREADY INTERVENED BUT D.O.  IS VERY ADAMANT.



In addition,  it is reported that,  another PO , Kosapet  is also ordered to be closed this month. In these circumstances, our  Circle  Union  requests the PMG, CCR   for the  strong  and urgent  intervention to stop such  closure  moves  and to  restore the  services of  Korukkupet,  Cemetry Road  Pos immediately.

Otherwise, we have no other option except  to go on  direct  trade union action   throughout  Tamilnadu Circle. Our Circle  Working Committee  held at Pudukkottai  on 17.03. and 18.03.2012 has also  endorsed such moves.

Expecting  your   kind  and  immediate intervention and  a line in reply.

With regards,

 sd/-
 (J.RAMAMURTHY)
CIRCLE SECRETARY.

Copy to:

Smt. Shanthi  Nair,  IPS,
Chief Postmaster General,
Tamilnadu Circle,
Chennai 600 002   for  kind   notice  and  immediate  intervention.
 sd/-
 (J. RAMAMURTHY)

Thanks
NFPE GPO
 

INTUC chief threatens stronger agitation

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.
 
The strike of February 28 was backed by most of the country’s Central trade unions and joined by thousands of regional trade unions throughout the country, including the local trade unions and employees’ associations of Assam.
 
“During the last month’s strike, the railway workers were kept out of its ambit, considering the problem of the common people. But, if the government does not take strong steps to check price rise, implement labour laws and consider our other reasonable demands, the employees of railways, civil aviation and all the industrial sectors along with others would go on agitation,” he said.
 
The group of trade unions had submitted a charter of demands to the Union government demanding tighter labour laws and measures to control price rise. “Due to the increasingprices, the workers are losing their standard of living. As the private companies are paying more thrust on the creating temporary jobs rather than the permanent ones, there is no economic security for the working class,” Reddy said.

The trade unions have also asked the government to supply essential goods at a controlled price through the fair price shops and stop disinvestment in profit making PSUs. It also said that the contractual system of appointment should be abolished in the regular jobs. The charter of demands also said that government should make itmandatory for the MNCs to implement the labour laws of the country for their employees also.

THANKS
NFPE GPO

Rates on small savings schemes increased

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.

Accordingly, while the interest rate on savings deposits has been kept unchanged at 4 per cent — the same as in savings bank accounts — the rates for time deposits of one and two years stand increased by 50 basis points each to 8.2 per cent and 8.3 per cent, respectively.

For the more popular ‘monthly income scheme', however, the increase is slightly lower at 30 basis points and, thus, the interest rate for the five-year scheme stands pegged at 8.5 per cent while the interest on public provident fund has been upped from 8.6 per cent to 8.8 per cent.

The new rates are to come into effect from April 1 this year and remain valid for the whole of 2012-13.According to an official release here, the interest rate for three-year time deposits has been revised up from 8 per cent to 8.4 per cent while that for the five-year time deposit has been hiked to 8.5 per cent from 8.3 per cent. The five-year recurring deposit scheme will also fetch investors a higher interest of 8.4 per cent as compared to 8 per cent for the current fiscal.

Just as banks pay a higher return to senior citizens, the rate for senior citizens savings scheme has also been raised to 9.3 per cent from 9 per cent at present. Besides, the budget for 2012-13 has proposed a reduction in the age slab for the senior citizen category to 60 from 65.

The interest rate on the five-year and 10-year maturity National Savings Certificate has also been revised higher by 20 basis points each to 8.6 per cent and 8.9 per cent, respectively.
 
Thanks
NFPE GPO

Sunday 25 March 2012

India's Postal services to cost more


For the first time in ten years, India Post will soon increase charges for postal services up to 20 per cent to meet its operational costs.
The decision, which awaits the Reserve Bank of India's approval, would rake in additional revenue of about Rs.1,000 crore as it gears up to convert more than 1.5 lakh post offices into full-fledged banks.
The hike on speed post, inland letters, money orders and postcards also comes because the government has moved towards corporatization of India Post.
Post offices currently offer financial services such as savings bank accounts, postal life insurance, pension payments and money transfer services.
A top India Post official confirmed that the hike has been approved by the Postal Regulatory Commission. India Post officials argue that the charges are heavily subsidized and much lower than the cost of services being offered by private courier services.
Despite having initiated the new hybrid mail service ePost, railway ticket vending and sale of gold coins, India Post has not been able to generate additional revenue. Till last November, it earned over Rs.81 lakh.

Source : IndiaToday dated 10-03-2012

Thanks
NFPE GPO

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.

Issues arising out of implementation of L1, L2 concept in RMS – request for discussions

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF POSTAL EMPLOYEES
FEDERATION OF NATIONAL POSTAL ORGANISATIONS







Ref: JCA/AGTN/2012            Dated – 22.03.2012


To,

Mrs. Manjula Prashar
Secretary,
Department of Posts
Dak Bhawan, New Delhi – 110001

Madam,

Sub: - Issues arising out of implementation of L1, L2 concept in RMS – request for discussions – reg.

As you are aware the L1, L2 concept has been implemented in RMS w.e.f. 15.02.2012. Almost one and a half month is over now. During the January 2012 strike discussions, it was assured that any issues arising out of implementation of the L1, L2 concept, will be discussed with the staff side. Earlier when speed post hub system was introduced a committee under your chairpersonship has been constituted by the Directorate with Secretary General of NFPE and FNPO and staff side has been given enough opportunity to submit and discuss the problems relating to speed post hub system. Finally the following consensus was also arrived at.
(a)   Wherever required, more intra – circle hubs will be opened. Chief PMG’s have been directed to submit proposals. Staff side also submitted its proposal.
(b)   Regarding the change of administrative jurisdiction to RMS Superintendents, instructions were issued to the Chief PMGs to decide the issue at their own level.

Based on the above decisions most of the issues relating to speed post hub could be settled, but still in some circles the Chief PMGs have not taken any result-oriented action. This needs further discussions at Directorate level.

Now after implementation of L1, L2 many issues have cropped up which are to be discussed urgently for finding out remedial measures. Based on the experience at field level during the last one and a half month period, the staff side submit the following suggestions for immediate discussion and settlement with regard to L1, L2.

(a)   There is an urgent need to convert certain existing L2 hubs into L1 in each circle. Similarly the necessity of opening of some new L1 hub at some new locations is also required. The staff side is ready to submit its proposal.
(b)   Regarding closing of bags direct bags are to be closed from L2 to the L1 (to which it is mapped) and also to all other L2 offices under the same L1, to avoid delay and accumulation for mails at L1.
(c)    Direct bags are to be closed from all L1 to all other L2 (under other L1) also to avoid delay and heavy accumulation of mails at L1 offices.
(d)   Inspite of oral and written assurance given by Secretary, Department of Posts, certain CPMGs/PMGs are trying to transfer the staff outside their headquarters. Clear instructions should be issued to all CPMGs/PMGs to avoid transfer of staff outside their headquarters without request.

In view of the above, we request you to
(i)        either to revive the MNOP committee constituted under the chairmanship of Member (Operations) and hold discussion with staff side to arrive at a concensus.
(ii)      or to hold discussion with the staff side at your level.

This may be done at an early date.

We hope that through mutual discussions most of issues arising out of implementation of L1, L2 and remaining issues regarding speedpost hubs can be resolved amicably.

Awaiting favourable response.

Yours faithfully,

            D. Theagarajan                                                                                   M. Krishnan
Secretary General                                                                               Secretary General
FNPO                                                                                                   NFPE