PA/SA Recruitment

PA/SA Recruitment

Department issued orders vide memo no 60-9/2010 SPB dated 22.07.2010 for filling up the posts of PA/SA for the vacancies arising during 2009 and 2010 and directed all the circles to finalize the entire list on or before 16.12.2010

Last date for

• Issuing advertisement thro news paper 20.08.2010

• Recipt of application 05.10.2010

• Written exam 14.11.2010

• Declaration of Final Result 16.12.2010

The proposal for the introduction of Annuity scheme in lieu of pension for the GDS employees

The proposal for the introduction of Annuity scheme in lieu of pension for the GDS employees has been cleared by the Ministry of Finance on 15.7.2010. The Postal Board has also approved the same. The next process for the implementation of the scheme is to get approval from PFRDA. Thereafter the scheme should be notified. Option will be called for among the existing GDS comrades whether he is willing to switch over to the new Annuity scheme or to continue in the present severance amount scheme.
The modalities and the real benefits of the proposed annuity scheme are not made known to us. We should also study the scheme and see the advantages before severing the severance amount scheme. As per the present position, the normal process for the implementation of the scheme will take another three to four months minimum.

The government is considering to deregulate interest rates on small savings

The government is considering to deregulate interest rates on small savings schemes like public provident fund (PPF) and post office deposits, linking them to the prevailing interest rates in the markets.

The move will reduce returns on such schemes. At present, the interest rates on small savings schemes are fixed by the government, which are normally higher than the prevailing interest rates in the market. For example, the interest rate on PPF is 8%, which is tax-free, while that on the other similar instruments like bank deposits are lower.

The post-tax return on bank deposits is around 5.5% for those who fall in the highest tax bracket of 30%.

Towards this end, the government has set up a committee under the Reserve Bank of India deputy governor Shyamla Gopinath — to suggest the ways and means — for deregulating interest rates on small savings schemes. Small savings schemes mobilise huge amount of funds as they offer higher interest rates.

According to the Budget estimate, in 2010-11, these schemes may fetch Rs 50,300 crore, taking the total mobilisation to Rs 7,57,000 crore.

Funds mobilised under small savings schemes are disbursed to the central and state governments as debt. As the cost of the small savings funds are high, state governments pay higher interest rates (9.5%-10%) on the loans taken from these schemes compared to other sources in the market.

The 13th Finance Commission headed by former finance secretary Vijay Kelkar had suggested to bring down the interest rates on outstanding loans to 9% by the end of 2009-10.

But for this, the interest rates on small savings should also be brought down.

At the same time, according to the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, states cannot borrow from open market beyond 4% of their fiscal deficits. Therefore, states are not able to benefit from prevailing lower interest rates in the market and take higher-interest loans from small savings.

The committee will also examine the new investment opportunities for the funds mobilized under small savings schemes. At present, the funds could be invested only in the central and state governments special securities. Committee will also review the administrative arrangement including the cost of operation.

Global money transfer and banking operations of the country's postal department are being scanned by the Enforcement Directorate

NEW DELHI: Global money transfer and banking operations of the country's postal department are being scanned by the Enforcement Directorate and other agencies for suspected terror-financing and Hawala-like transactions. At present, there are no other official channels, besides the pure banking route, to transfer or receive money from abroad. The Department of Posts had started this service in association with US-based Western Union Financial Services in April 2001 and customers can send or receive money from 205 countries. According to top Finance Ministry sources, the ED and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) -- an agency to monitor suspect financing in Indian financial channels -- have initiated steps to check the remittances and transactions on the wires on a "real time basis". In 2008-09, the 'India Post' had delivered remittances to the tune of more than Rs 7,649 crore. While the ED has asked 'India Post' to keep a check on all "kinds of transactions" and inform it of suspect transactions, the FIU has asked the service provider to strictly comply with the reporting norms. Under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), all banking entities or financial intermediaries who facilitate telegraphic or wire transfers or electronic remittances have to report the nature and value of the transactions to the FIU. "Also, the banking operations conducted by the India Post have been largely unregulated. There are many small accounts with a lot of money. The enforcement agencies are now tracking the remittances and withdrawals," a source said. The international money transfer service is currently available from 8,511 post offices. Enforcement agencies believe that this step to monitor India Post network would help them track down suspect financial transactions and further share it with internatioanl agencies to combat money laundering and financing of terror.

postal delivery vehicle ‘Soleckshaw’

Shri Sachin Pilot, Minister of State for Communications & Information Technology launched an environment-friendly postal delivery vehicle ‘Soleckshaw’ here today. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that it is the endeavour of the Ministry to use green technology for delivering services in efficient and eco-friendly manner. He said that this effort is a step forward towards the Government’s efforts to modernise and digitise the India Post Services under Project Arrow. Availability of this vehicle will add to the efficiency of postal agents and will also give them a sense of pride.
As a Pilot Project, Soleckshaw will be introduced soon in the Project Arrow post offices in a city of Rajasthan. Shri Pilot mentioned that the Ministry would evaluate the performance of the vehicle within few months and will explore the possibility of its expansion on larger scale.
Soleckshaw is a solar-power assisted, pedal-operated cycle rickshaw developed by CSIR. It reduces the rickshaw puller’s effort by providing battery assistance. It is still a zero carbon emission vehicle. The batteries are charged by solar power at charging stations. Technology has been transferred to multiple entrepreneurs and Soleckshaws are currently plying at Delhi (Chandni Chowk), Chandigarh, Jaipur, Durgapur, Ranchi, Kolkata and Ahmadabad.
Recently, M/s Kinetic Motors in association with CMERI (CSIR) has re-designed and developed a modified version of Soleckshaw specifically suitable as a light delivery vehicle, particularly useful for delivery of post, parcels and other postal services both in urban and rural areas.
Some of the features of the vehicle are as follows: Soleckshaw has potential for use as a light delivery vehicle for distribution of dak etc, Emergence of electronic means of communication is changing the profile of post offices and postmen.
A Postman is likely to carry more parcels for delivery than ordinary mails. A survey in Pune found that each postman covers an area of around 40-45 kms and carries an average weight of 10-15 kgs per day.
The Soleckshaw is the ideal vehicle to enable transportation of such parcels with a minimum of effort.
This is expected to improve speed and efficiency of postal delivery, increase ability to carry more load; distribute other value-added products in rural areas and provide charging facilities for mobile phones in remote areas etc.

Proposed indefinite strike from 13.07.2010 deferred

Proposed indefinite strike from 13.07.2010 deferred

The Secretary, Posts had taken a meeting with staff side on 12.07.2010 to discuss the charter of demands at 11 am and the following are the outcome on the charter of demands.

1. There will be no closure of single handed post offices.

2. The demand of the staff side that the annual increments to the erstwhile GDS SPMs should be continued will be considered positively.

3. There is no policy decision of the department to outsource any of the postal services.

4. A separate meeting will be held on 15.07.2010 to discuss about the Mckinsey and the object of restructuring the services.

5. Another separate meeting with the staff side will be held about the technology proposals shortly to discuss the future expansion of technology.

6. There will be no violation of earlier agreement on status quo of RMS & MMS with 10000 mails. Any violation if brought to the Directorate’s notice it will be set aside.

7. The Departmental council & periodical meetings will be held regularly hereafter. Next meeting will be held in next month August 2010.

8. The demand of higher pay to TBOP &BCR for the earlier period will be considered along with the cadre review proposals.

9. There will be no harassment in Project Arrow offices. Furnishing wrong data’s and showing as delivered or redirected will not be allowed hereafter.

10. The demand of the staff side to assess the vacancies as per establishment strength and actual strength in all cadres will be considered and all Chief PMGs will be addressed and appraised to fill up all the vacant posts forthwith during video conferences personally by the Secretary (P).

11. A committee consisting four staff side representatives with DDG(P) & DDG (Est) will be constituted and the process of the proposals of cadre review for all cadres will be completed before the end of 2010.

12. Separate discussions will be made on the proposal of creation of Postmasters cadre also.

13. The welfare schemes to GDS like grant of pension, medical, the proposals were already cleared by the Postal Board and submitted to nodal ministries for approval. It will be expedited.

14. It was assured to reconsider the norms for cash handling to BPMs and also fix fresh norms to RPLI and NREGIS scheme shortly.

15. The proposal for higher pay to Driver with Grade pay of 2400 has been sent to the Ministry of Finance.

16. The revision of O.S.A rates will be made within one month.

17. Technology training to workshop staff will be provided.

18. The proposals for the grant of minimum pay as per the Sixth CPC to casual labourers have been submitted to Ministry of Finance for approval. It will be expedited. The demand of the staff side to grant revised GDS pay to GDS substitutes will be considered.

19. The issues related to postmen norms, delivery, beat etc will be discussed shortly and final decision will be taken before the end of October 2010. One committee will be constituted to sort out the issues.

20. The plea of the staff side to ignore benchmark for MACP has been accepted and the Secretary told the DDG to cause orders today itself. Another request to ignore the earlier declining of LSG promotions prior to the receipt of MACP orders will also be considered.

21. The proposal of the staff side to create System assistant instead of System administrator will be considered along with the cadre review proposals. The orders relating to road mileage allowance will be released shortly. The distribution of work & responsibility etc will be looked into along with the cadre review proposals.

22. The Recruitment Rules for Multi tasked staff will be finalized shortly. Our request to finalise the rules with no educational qualifications as if available to erstwhile Group D has been accepted.

23 The issues relating to Postal accounts like filling up of posts, amalgamation of Group C etc will be discussed further with DDG (PAF).

24. The suggestions of the Admin union about centralization of PLI claim at RO & CO will be considered. Further a separate meeting will be organized with their union to discuss about their issues.

25. Clarificatory orders will be issued soon providing officiating pay to the officials holding higher posts like HSG II & HSG I.

26. The issues of the postal Civil wing will be discussed separately.

After the meeting, the JCA met and decided to defer the proposed strike duly considering the positive approach of the Secretary in settlement of our genuine demands.

Prepare for the massive strike from 13th July 2010 – Our tasks

Prepare for the massive strike from 13^th July 2010 – Our tasks

1. Contact each and every worker in your office and convince him about the inevitability of the struggle.

2. Hold gate meetings, lunch hour meetings, meetings of active workers, General body meetings, joint meetings to explain in detail about the charter of demands and that every possible attempt was made to parley to reach an amicable settlement but resulted in vain.

3. Filling up of the vacant posts, shortage of staff, consideration of cadre review proposals, full fledged staff to project arrow offices revival of negotiations forums are the basic demands in which no compromise could be arrived. There will be no compromise on policy issues to save postal and RMS.

4. Maximum mobilization and massive action alone can compel the Govt to concede our basic demands.

DON’T THINK THAT THERE WILL BE NEGOTIATIONS AND STRIKE MAY NOT TAKE PLACE .THE SITUATION IS TOTALLY DIFFERENT. THERE IS NO POSITIVE EFFORTS TO SORT OUT THE ISSUES IN THE ACTION TAKEN STATEMENT SENT BY THE DEPARTMENT.

THIRTEENTH JULY 2010 WILL DAWN WITH THICKNESS IN THE AIRAND WARMTH IN THE EARTH.THE SPIRIT OF DEFIANCE, DETERMINATION AND THE DEPTH OF THE FEELINGS OF THE WORKERS WILL UNLEASH ITSELF WITH FORCE AND FIRMNESS AND IN FULL STRENGTH.

LET ALL REFUSE OUR LABOUR TO THE EMPLOYER TILL OUR GENUINE DEMANDS ARE MITIGATED

BE PREPARED. MOBILSE ONE AND ALL. MAKE THE GOVT TO COME DOWN AND SETTLE OUR DEMANDS.

The remuneration of Gramin Dak Sewaks engaged as substitutes in short term departmental vacancies of Postman, Mail Guards & Group D(future multi-skilled employees) is to be calculated on the basis of minimum of the pay in the respective revised pay band of the post plus grade pay concerned excluding HRA and Transport Allowance from 01.01.2006.

(Auth: Department of Posts letter No. 1-20/2008-PCC dated 27.03.2009)

All non-matriculate Group D will be granted the revised pay structure in the following manner:-(i) Placement of all such employees initially in the corresponding -1S pay scale of Rs. 4440-7440 with appropriate grade pay Rs. 1300, Rs. 1400, Rs. 1600 and Rs. 1650 w.e.f. 01.01.2006. (ii) Fixation of those employees, who already possess the revised minimum qualification of Matriculation or its equivalent, in PB-1 with grade pay of Rs. 1800 with effect from 01.01.2006. (iii) Those employees who do not possess the prescribed minimum qualification would also be given the PB-1 with grade pay of Rs. 1800 after being given computer training to enhance their skill for which training division in Directorate would develop a module in basic data entry and circulate to Circles. Divisional Superintendents/Controlling authorities are required to ensure imparting of training and issue of certificate about completion of prescribed training and getting recorded the same in the service book of the officials. All multi-skilled employees in pre-revised Group D Scales (PO &RMS Test Category, Administrative Offices Test Category, Unskilled, Semi-skilled & all non test category staff) in various pre-revised pay scales will be allowed Pay Band of Rs. 5200-20200 with grade pay of Rs. 1800 with effect from 01.01.2006. Group D employees have been given additions to their duties as specified in the order apart from their existing duties laid down in Rules 144 to 152 of Postal Manual Volume VI Part III.

(Auth: Department of Posts letter No. 1-20/2008-PCC dated 27.03.2009 read with Note 1 below Rule 7(1)(D) of CCS (RP) Rules, 2008)

The All India Consumer Price Index number

The All India Consumer Price Index number for (Industrial Workers) (Base 2001=100) for the month of April 2010 is 170 as announced by Statistics Department, Labour, Government of India.

Based on this index, DA calculation is as under. Present DA rate from 1.1.2010 is 35%. So far there is an increase of 7%. If the index remains 170 there will be an increase of 9%.

Month	All India Index	% of increase
Nov 2008	148	21.44
Dec 2008	147	22.38
Jan 2009	148	23.39
Feb 2009	148	24.32
Mar 2009	148	25.12
Apr 2009	150	25.98
May 2009	151	26.84
Jun 2009	153	27.78
Jul 2009	160	29.00
Aug 2009	162	30.23
Sep 2009	163	31.45
Oct 2009	165	32.67
Nov 2009	168	34.11
Dec 2009	169	35.70
Jan 2010	172	37.43
Feb 2010	170	39.01
Mar 2010	170	40.59
Apr 2010	170	42.03