3.
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Revision of wages of casual labourers and their absorption:
In the minutes of the discussion held with the staff side on 10.01.2012 & 12.01.2012, the Secretary (Posts) has assured as follows:
“The Staff side was appraised that a Committee had been constituted under the Chairpersonship of CPMG Assam circle to look into the issues pertaining to Casual Labourers and it is likely to submit its report shortly. The Staff side expressed its concern over the delay in the decision. Regarding the union’s request for revised minimum wages w.e.f. 01.01.2006, the matter will be examined on priority.”
Again in the minutes of the discussion held on 21.05.2012, it was further assured that_________
“A Comprehensive proposal on the matter of Casual labourers will be formulated by 30th June, 2012”.
In spite of these repeated assurances the payment of pro-rate wages to the law-paid casual laborers w.e.f. 01.01.2006 has not taken place causing inordinate delay in payment of minimum wages to those poor employees.
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The Committee has submitted its Report. The issue is under examination in consultation with Nodal Ministries / Departments.
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4.
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Issuing orders on the items finalized by the Postmen Committee and also follow up action on certain items to be referred to work study unit.
a. Follow up action on certain in item of the Postmen Committee constituted by the Postal Board is yet to be completed, i.e.: maximum beat length, unscientific resorting to single Postmen beats, Double duty, correction in the definition of the Congested area etc.
b. In spite of clear orders issued by the Directorate for filling up of Postmen & MTS Vacancies for the year 2009, 2010, 2011 & 2012, in certain circles (Eg. Andhra Pradesh) the examination for promotion to Postmen and MTS is not yet completed.
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Orders stand issued on the recommendation of the Postmen Committee with the approval of the Competent Authority vide No.9-1/2005-WS1/PE.I dated 19/07/12 (copy enclosed – Annexure V). As far as few extra items which have been raised by the union, the Committee has to examine it afresh and submit its report.
In the month of February, 2013, AP Circle has approached the Directorate with the request to furnish certain clarifications with regard to filling up of the vacancies of the Postman/Mail Guard of 2011 and 2012. The requisite clarifications have already been issued by the Directorate vide letter No.45-2/2011-SPB.1 dated 04.04.2012 (copy enclosed – Annexure I). AP Circle might have initiated action to fill up of the vacancies in the light of the clarifications of the Directorate.
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5.
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Abnormal delay in notifying HSG-I Rectt. Rules
The finalization of revised HSG-I Recruitment rules is being delayed on one pretext or the other. This is pending over five years. 100% of HSG I Posts are lying vacant and are being managed by officiating arrangements without any financial benefits. Due to the delay in finalizing HSG I Recruitment Rules, Carving out of Postmaster Grade III is also delayed. It is most unfortunate that orders have been issued by the Directorate not to fill up the HSG I Vacancies as per the old r3ecruitment rules. At least this would have been caused to fill up the vacancies.
It has defeated the very purpose of matching savings offered to the extent of 680 PA Posts for availing HSG I Promotion and it is highly deplorable. Necessary action may please be taken to finalise the HSG-I Recruitment Rules or at least to fill all the vacant posts forthwith besides carving out of Postmaster Grade III Posts as per the existing HSG I Recruitment Rules.
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Finalization of Recruitment Rules for HSG.I in PO & RMS offices is under active consideration. UPSC has made certain observations as per which the file has been referred back to DoPT. In the meanwhile, the Department has also proposed to DoPT to permit filling up the vacancies in HSG.I by promotion of HSG.II officials as per the existing Recruitment Rules, which has since been approved. Directorate vide letter No.4-44/2012-SPB.II dated 18.04.2012 has issued instructions to all Circles to fill up the vacancies in HSG.I in PO & RMS Offices as per the provisions of existing Recruitment Rules by convening DPC Meetings by 30.04.2013 and issue the promotion orders by 06.05.2013.
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6.
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Abnormal delay in filling up of vacant LSG, HSG II and HSG-I vacancies due to non-holding of DPCs in many circles.
In many circles, the regular DPC to LSG has not been convened. Many LSG Posts are being kept vacant resultantly causing a heavy shortage in PA Cadre due to their officiating. Further the delay caused non-filling up of HSG-II Post due to inadequacies in the eligible candidates in LSG Cadre. In many circles, HSG-II DPC has also not been convened and many of the HSG-II Posts could not be filled up on a regular basis due to the officiating of the incumbents in the vacant HSG I Posts.
In nutshell all the higher posts are being managed only with the officiating or adhoc arrangements causing non filling up of basis PA Posts and denying and depriving the due promotional chances to the eligible candidates.
It is therefore requested to cause appropriate orders to convene DPC and fill up all the vacant LSG & HSG II posts immediately by prescribing time schedule.
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Instructions are issued from time to time to hold DPC meetings as per the schedule prescribed by the Department of Personnel & Trg. As regards filling up of the vacancies in HSG.1, a proposal has been referred to DoP&T to fill up the vacancies in HSG.1 as per the provisions of existing Recruitment Rules till finalization of amendment to the existing Recruitment Rules. DoP&T has approved the proposal. Directorate vide letter No.4-44/2012/SPB.II dated 18.04.2012 has issued instructions to all Circles to fill up the vacancies in HSG.I in PO & RMS Offices as per the provisions of existing Recruitment Rules by convening DPC Meetings by 30.04.2013 and issue the promotion orders by 06.05.2013
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7.
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Problems of Postmaster Cadre Officials
(i) Allowing Postmaster Cadre officials to appear for IP and PSS Group B Examination.
(ii) Orders permitting the Postmaster Cadre official to officiate in HSG-I vacancies and earmarked Postmaster Grade III Posts.
(iii) Allow PO & RMS Accounts cadre official to opt for Postmaster cadre.
(iv) Filling up the Postmaster Grade-III posts by granting promotion to Grade-II officials and also by option from HSG-I officials after filling up all HSG-I Posts.
(v) Filling up of all vacant Grade-II and Grade III posts promoting the Postmaster cadre official relaxing the minimum service condition.
(vi) Filling up 100% Senior Postmaster/Chief Postmaster posts which are earmarked for Postmaster cadre by Postmaster Cadre officials alone declaring it as a hierarchical promotion cadre of Postmaster Cadre.
(vii) Delay in holding LSG, HSG II and HSG – I DPCs and thereby denying the chance for giving option to Postmaster Grade – I, II & III to eligible officials.
(viii) Maintenance of up to date separate gradation list for PM Cadre officials.
In the minutes of the discussion held on 21.05.2012 the Secretary (Posts) has assured as follows:
“The issues were discussed at length and it was decided to review it after sometime keeping in view the merits and demerits of the proposal as well as the response of the officials for Postmaster Cadre”.
The minutes did not reflect the real spirit of discussion as it was assured to consider favourably the above items after long discussion. However, it is high time to review the above cases and settle favourably. The entire Postmaster Cadre officials are totally frustrated and disappointed due to the negative attitude of the administration towards them.
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The existing Recruitment Rules for IP and PS Group do not permit officials appointed to the Post of Postmaster Grade -1.
The Postmaster cadre and HSG.1 are two different and separate cadres. The Recruitment Rules of HSG.1 do not permit officials of Postmaster cadre to officiate in HSG.1 posts. The Directorate has asked the Circles to fill up the HSG.1 vacancies in PO & RMS offices on regular basis from amongst HSG.11 officials in PO & RMS offices by 30.04.2013 and issue promotion orders by 06.05.2013.
The posts of Postmasters has been created by carving the same out of the posts in LSG/HSG.II /HSG.I in General line where only the officials in LSG/HSG.II/HSG.I are eligible to opt for this cadre.
PM Grade-III Cadre has been carved out of existing HSG.I Cadre in Post Offices. The post in PM Grade-III are required to be filled up under initial constitution clause by calling options from the regular HSG.I officials in Pos, as per the provisions of the Recruitment Rules. Thereafter, the posts which remained vacant are required to be filled up from PM Grade-II officials as per the provisions of the Recruitment Rules. As the Circles have been asked to fill up the vacancies in HSG.I in POs by 30.04.2013, the PM Grade-III will be made operational soon, after a review of the position.
As per the existing instructions, the posts in Postmaster cadre will be made functional from the date they are filled up. Till the posts are filled up under initial constitution clause of the Recruitment Rules, the posts will be manned by officials in General line. The posts which remained vacant after filling up the posts under initial constitution clause will have to be filled up as per the provisions of the Recruitment Rules. As the PM Grade-III has not yet become functional under initial constitution clause, the question of filling the posts by promoting the Postmaster Grade-II officials does not arise. The posts which remained vacant in PM Grade-II after the cadre is constituted will be filled up from PM Grade-I officials who have requisite qualifying service of six years.
According to the Recruitment Rules, 75% of the vacancies in the Grade of Senior Postmaster are required to be filled up by Inspector of Posts (IPOs) with six years of regular service in the grade by promotion through Limited Departmental Competitive Examination and 25% of vacancies by promotion from amongst the officers holding the post of Postmaster Grade-III with two years regular service (including regular service in HSG.I, if any). The Sr. Postmaster cadre has not yet been constituted under initial constitution clause as per options from officers holding the post of PS Group ‘B’.
The purpose of lateral induction of IPOs is to induct young blood who due to their inspection duty is already familiar with the relevant rules, regulations, procedures and operations in the Post Offices and duties of Chief Postmasters.
PM Grade-I & II has already been constituted by calling options from eligible LSG/HSG.II officials, as per the provisions of the existing Recruitment Rules for this cadre.
The Circles have been asked to fill up the vacancies in HSG.I in Pos as per the existing Recruitment Rules, by 30/04/2013 by convening DPC meetings. The posts in PM Grade-III are required to be filled up under initial constitution clause by calling options from the regular HSG.I officials in Pos, as per the provisions of the Recruitment Rules. The PM Grade-III will be made operational soon after a review of position.
The PM Grade-I and II has already been constituted and, therefore, Circles have to maintain gradation list of these cadres. PM Grade-III and Sr. Postmaster has not been constituted yet and, therefore, maintenance of separate gradation list of officials of this cadre does not arise.
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8.
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Problems of System Administrators
In the minutes of the Departmental Council JCM Standing Committee dated 02.02.2012 (communicated in letter dated 06.06.2012) for the 15 items pertaining to system Administrators including creation of separate cadre, it is furnished as follows:
“The issue is under the consideration of the cadre Restructuring Committee constituted under the chairmanship of DDG(P) vide Department’s office memo no.01/04/2010-SR dated 05.05.2011”
Finalization of the proposal by the Cadre Restructuring Committee is being delayed indefinitely. Recently, during the demonstration of IT Modernization Project, the staff side has repeatedly requested the Member (Technology) to create a separate cadre and absorb all the existing SAs as a onetime measure in the new cadre. Unfortunately no commitment was given regarding the creation of new cadre, except the assurance that the services of the existing system Administrators will be utilized in future also. It is high time to end the present uncertainty by creating a separate cadre for system Administrators.
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The issues relating to the Systems Administrators were examined by a Committee constituted for considering the organizational restructuring in the Department of Posts under the Chairmanship of CPMG, M.P. Circle. The recommendations of the Committee were further submitted to another Committee formed for implementing the recommendations. The report of the Committee is awaited.
Creation of a new cadre will be justified only if promotional avenues are made available. Further the current system administrator, in order to create a new cadre, would not have the educational qualification required by similar cadres in other Ministries like NIC.
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9.
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Implementation of speed Post hubs and L1, L2 Systems
The High Power Committee appointed to discuss the issues under the Chairpersonship of then Secretary, Department of Posts assured the following before implementation of MNJOP proposals.
(i) There will be no shifting of staff from L1 office to L2 office vice versa for three years.
(ii) Irregular or wrong identification of L1 office will be changed after discussion with the staff side.
But to our dismay both the promises were not kept. There is a complete violation and deviation of assurances. Further, even though directorate has issued instruction to the Chief PMGs regarding change of administrative jurisdiction of speed post hubs, certain Chief PMGs have not yet implemented it and still some of the speed post hubs are co0ntinuing under the administrative jurisdiction of postal superintendent.
Further, CRC & Speed post norms have been finalized without any consultation with staff side. The impracticable norms have been imposed upon violating the earlier decision and agreements on the subject.
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In the matter relating to transfer of officials from L2 offices to L1 offices, suitable instruction have been issued to all Circles vide O.M. NO.28-8/2011-D dated 14/05/2012. These instructions are as below:
“Level 2 (L2) mail offices will not be closed for the next three years starting from January, 2012. However, in some extra-ordinary or unforeseen circumstances, if it becomes necessary to close or merge a L2 mail office, this issue would be discussed with the staff side. Accordingly, in ordinary circumstances, the officials working in a mail office may not be transferred out to another city / town unless they have given willingness to this effect. However, transfers of officials relating to rotational transfer in normal course, or ordered in administrative interest will continue to be carried out as per relevant extant rules / instructions. This memo will have no bearing in such cases, and would apply only in case of closure / merger of a mail office.
The present status of L2 mail offices in metro cities (other than those in Delhi and Kolkata) will not change for the next two years starting January, 2012. When APMCs will be installed in these cities, the matter relating to consolidation of mail offices will be discussed with the staff side.”
As regards to matter relating to transfer of officials from HRO Vadodara to Surat RAS, suitable reply has been given to the service union vide letter No.28-09/2010-D dated 18/01/2013. A copy of the same is enclosed(Annexure-II).
There is no irregular or wrong identification of L-1 office. Service unions have already been informed that classification of mail offices in terms of L-1 and L-2 offices under the redesigned network for first and second class mail was done on the basis of volume of mail handled in a city, mail generating potential of a city / town, connectivity through air, rail and road, distance from post offices and other mail offices and need to expedite mail processing and transmission between major / big cities. Copies of reply given to service unions are enclosed(Annexure-III and IV).
Instructions have been issued to all Circles in connection with administrative control over Speed Post, Sorting Hubs vide OM No. 6-5/2011-D dated 20/10/2012. These instructions are reproduced as under:-
“It has been decided that the issue of administrative control over Speed Post Centres / Sorting Hubs in terms of placing under the administrative control of Senior Superintendent / Superintendent of a Postal or RMS Division may be decided by the CPMG concerned taking into account local needs, administrative convenience and effective monitoring.
Revised norms for operational activities in SP Sorting Hub, IC Hub and CRC were approved on the basis of work study carried out by the Work Study Team of the Directorate.
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