Friday, February 25, 2011

POSTAL LIFE INSURANCE - CUSTOMER PORTAL


Urban Post offices which do not conform to the prescribed norms to be relocated/merged by 30.06.2011

Copy of D.G. Posts No. 40-06/2010Plg dated 25.01.2011.

                Kindly refer to this office letter of even number dated 17.5.2010 on the subject mentioned above calling for views/suggestions from circles regarding need for rationalization and consolidation for urban network, road  map to  be followed and time frame within which the exercise should be completed,. Almost all the Circles have unanimously favoured the need for rationalization.

2.            Due to historical reasons, a major portion of urban postal network lies in the inner city areas consisting of single/double handed non delivery Sub Offices which are not in conformity with the distance criteria of location of post offices. The outer and recently developed areas, however, suffer from lack of even the basic postal facilities in most of the towns/cities. There are also requests for providing postal services in various urban agglomerations, SEZ areas, professional colleges etc. which may also be a profitable activity of the Department .However, due to non-availability of resources, the Department is not able to meet such request.

3.            While the entire rural network is subsidized, Post Offices in urban areas are expected to be initially self supporting, and should earn profit of at least 5% at the time of the First annual review , to be eligible for further retention. Despite this, as on 31.3.2010,as many as 5531 SOs in urban areas are reported to be incurring losses.

4.            Further, as per the prescribed criteria, the minimum distance between two post offices should be 1.5 Km in cities with a population of 2 lakhs and above, and 2 Km in other urban Areas. No two delivery offices should however be closer than 5 Km from each other. Moreover, a delivery post office in urban area should have a minimum of 7 Postman beats. These norms have not been followed in many cases.

5.            Our existing urban network consists of 15797 Post Offices comprising mainly of HOs and SOs.Urban expansion of the country is currently estimated to be 77370sq.kms. As per the prevalent distance norms, this area justifies only about 6000 Post Offices in urban area. This analysis suggests that we have 9797 Pos Offices in urban areas that do not conform to the prescribed norms. This situation warrants need for corrective measures.

6.            Need for rationalization of urban network  was appreciated by the Department as early as in the year 2003 which led to issuing  elaborate instructions to Circles vide D.O. letter No. 40-4/2002-Plg dated 6.1.2003 for relocation/merger of single / double handed post offices. Resultantly, 1262 post offices have been merged/relocated throughout the country. It is however felt that the pace of relocation of post offices is not satisfactory and we are losing out on various business opportunities and the people in outer areas of urban settlements are deprived of the postal services. On the other hand, the Government is not allowing us to further expand our network by creation of new posts not only in urban areas but also in rural areas. Successive Plan Periods have witnessed opening of Post Office by redeployment of posts only without any new creation.

7.            For rationalization of postal network in urban areas by way of relocation of Post Offices in new areas and creation of bigger Post Offices by merger of single /double handed Post Offices as per stipulated distance and other norms, the Circles should keep the following into consideration:

(i)                   There are some Post Offices which are loss making due to high rentals e.g. Post Offices at Railway Stations, important bus terminals, airports etc. We may however not relocate them due to their strategic importance, convenience they offer to the people and high number of footfalls they attract.
(ii)                 While assessing the need for postal facilities we should have close liaison with local bodies like Municipal Corporation/Municipal Committees, Town Area Committees etc. so that we can be aware of their future plans of expansion of cities and we can accordingly formulate our strategies and have a long-term plan for extending our network in such areas. Regular coordination meetings may be prescribed with such bodies at appropriate levels.
(iii)                Post Offices which have been covered under Project Arrow/Post Offices functioning in departmental buildings should not be earmarked for relocation. If there are other Post offices in their vicinity the same may be considered for relocation.
(iv)               Post Offices paying high rentals, having low volume of transactions and running in losses should be considered for relocation/temporary merger/permanent merger.
(v)                 Distance from the nearest post office and the business being transacted should be the main criteria for relocation. Merger of Post Offices.
(vi)               In addition to relocating post offices from one area to another, we can also create bigger Post Offices, not below the rank of LSG Offices, by merger of several smaller scattered Post Offices. The bigger Post Offices will be well equipped to cater to the latest postal facilities like IMO,eMO,Videsh MO, IMTS etc. These newly created Post Offices will be manned by redeployment of staff/posts from the nearby post offices.
(vii)              It may also be considered to reduce the number of delivery Post Offices, which may lead to obviating the need for the nodal delivery system for Speed Post articles as it is not providing to be cost effective. In any case there is a need to strictly follow the norms of the distance of at least 5 KMs between two delivery offices and also that of delivery Post Office in Urban area having a minimum of 7 Postman beats.
(viii)            If opening of a post office is justified in an area, but it is not possible to open post office by relocation or under the Plan targets, opening of franchise outlets may be considered for such area.
8.            In, view of the above, Circles are requested to take the following action:

                (i)     Identification of Post Offices which are at lesser distances than that prescribed   under   norms.  
                         In case, more than one Post Offices are not fulfilling the distance   norms, Post Office   (s) may be
                        earmarked for relocation on the basis of :

(a)    Condition of building
(b)    Profitability of Post Office
(c)     Business of Post Office

                (ii)           PMsG/CPMsG will interact with all the stakeholders and convince them that                                    relocation and merger would help in providing postal facilities to public and it is in                               larger public interest.
                (iii)          Identity needy urban and rural areas where there is justification for new Post                                   Offices.
                (iv)          Post Offices once indentified as per (i) above, will be relocated /merged  This will                            outside the Plan targets.

9.            Circles are requested to complete the exercise in respect of sub para (i),(ii)and (iii) {of para 8) by 31.03.2011 and in respect of sub para(iv){para 8} by 30.06.2011. Circles are also requested to send monthly progress reports of action taken, to this Directorate(proforma enclosed).

10.          Since the need for opening of Post Offices in new locations seems to be ever increasing , Circles are also requested to open Post Offices by redeployment of posts/staff from the existing office(s), by curtailing  staff strength of the existing offices even to less than the justified workload of the office/offices. This exercise would, however, be subject to Plan targets set by the Directorate. The powers for redeployment of Group 'C' and 'D' posts have already been vested with the HoCs vide Directorate letter No. 2-2/93-PE-I dated 7th of Sep, 1993.Under no circumstances should the surplus posts be abolished.

                This issue wit h the approval of the competent authority.
Sd/-
(Anurag Priyadarshee)
Director (R.B)

D.G. Posts No. 40-06/2010Plg dated 25.01.2011.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Filling up of GDS posts in Branch Post Offices – review of guidelines

Government of India
Ministry of Communications & IT
Department of Posts
(GDS Section)

Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg,
New Delhi – 110001
No. 17-103/2007-GDS Dated – 17.02.2011
To,
All Chief Postmasters General
All Postmasters General
Subject: - Filling up of GDS posts in Branch Post Offices – review of guidelines regarding
Sir/Madam,
I am directed to invite attention to Directorate letters No. even dated 14th Jul 2009 and 29th Dec 2010 on the subject cited above.
2. Para 2 (ii) of this Directorate letter dated 14th July 2009 provided that the vacant posts of GDs in branch offices with two or more hands may be filled up on the basis of triennial review already carried out and in case the prescribed workload and financial parameters as prescribed for opening of a branch office are not fulfilled but the posts are required to be filled up for operational reasons then the approval of the Chief PMG will be required with concurrence of circle IFA. It was also provided in Para 2(i) of the said communication, that GDS vacant posts in BOs with a single establishment be filled up straight away and the permission was granted to the concerned Divisional head.
3. The above provisions were further reviewed and modified. It was prescribed vide this Directorate letter dated 29 Dec 2010 that the vacant posts of GD BPM may be filled up by adjusting the surplus GDS fulfilling the prescribed qualification and other prescribed conditions failing which action may be taken in advance to fill the vacant post of GDs BPM on a regular basis following the prescribed procedure and following other conditions prescribed under letter dated 4 Jul 2009.
4. Despite issue of above instructions, it has been brought to the notice of this office, that, the Posts of Branch Postmasters are not being filled up immediately, and they are allowed to be managed by additional charge or kept under combined duties, affecting the quality of service. The issue has been considered and competent Authority has decided that the vacant post of GDs BPMs, in Branch offices (irrespective of the number borne on establishment) be filled up by Head of the Division without reference to HOC immediately after its falling vacant initiating action in advance by adopting the following methods: -
By appointment of surplus identified GDs fulfilling the conditions; failing which
By combination of the duties of GDS in the same BO, provide the combined work load does not exceed five hours: failing which
By recruitment of outsiders by observing the selection process.
However, the approval of the Head of the Circle shall continue to be obtained for filling up of other categories of GDS which are not justified by workload/financial parameter, but the post is to be filled dup for operational reasons.
4. These orders shall come into effect from the date of issue of the order. This issues with the approval of competent authority.
Yours faithfully,
(Surender Kumar)


Assistant Director General (GDS/PCC)

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Agitational Programme for not acceding the demand of upgradation of Grade Pay


No. CHQ/IPASP/SCPC                                                                                                Dated        -02.2011
To
Ms. Radhika Doraiswamy
Director General
Department of Posts
Dak Bhawan
New Delhi 110001

Sub:  Agitational Programme for not acceding the demand of upgradation of Grade Pay of Inspector Posts from Rs 4200 to Rs 4600
Ref: Our letter  No.CHQ/IPASP/SCPC  dated 23-12-2010
Respected Madam,
I invite your kind reference to my earlier letter of even number dated 23.12.2010 (copy attached) in which our Association raised the issue regarding upgradation of Grade Pay of the post of IP and merger of posts  of ASP with IP.
A discussion in detail took place between the representatives of the Association and DDG (Estt.) on 05.04.2010. The Department was convinced about the justified GP of Rs 4600/-. As no positive action was forthcoming, reminders were given to the DOP on 24.06.2010, 09.08.2010 & 07.09.2010. Even then, the Department is indifferent to this issue. All the members of this Association are deeply aggrieved and agitated over the discrimination meted out to Inspector Posts cadre.
It is for your kind information that members of Inspector Posts cadre are law-abiding, peace loving and ever loyal to the Department. We don’t believe in extreme steps like “Dharna” “Strike” etc.  It is unfortunate that the Department is considering favourably  the demands of the service unions which often threaten with notice to strike work. But, genuine and justified demands of Inspector Posts cadre are not listened and looked into by the Department. As a result, our Association has been forced to show its protest in a peaceful and democratic manner.
As I have already informed in my letter cited in the reference, all Inspectors Posts and Assistant Superintendents Posts of this Association, working all over the country, as guided by the Central Working Committee will show our protest against the indifferent attitude/ injustice done to Inspector Posts cadre as per programme given below:
(1)   Wearing of black badges for one day on 18.03.2011
(2)    Demonstration before Circle Head Quarters on 08.04.2011
(3)    Proceeding on mass casual leave for one day on 29.04.2011

Thank you, Madam.


Yours sincerely,

(Roop Chand)
General Secretary

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Educational and other Qualifications for Direct Recruitment----Group 'C' posts





Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
(Department of Personnel and Training)

NOTIFICATION

New Delhi, dated 8th February, 2011

G.S.R.- 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 to the persons serving in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department, the President hereby makes the following rules regulating the educational and other qualifications for direct recruits for the posts which were in Group 'D' Scales prior to the implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission and have been placed in Group 'C' in Pay Band 1 (Rs. 5200-20200) plus Grade Pay of Rs. 1800/- in the Central Civil Services and Civil Posts in connection with the affairs of the Union, namely:-


1. Short title and commencement.-

(1) These rules may be called the Central Civii Services and Civil Posts, Group 'C' posts in Pay Band 1 (Rs. 5200-20200) plus Grade Pay Rs. 1800/- (Educational and other Qualifications for Direct Recruitment) Rules, 2011.


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

2. Application.- These rules shall apply to ail posts which were in Group 'D' Scales (including the posts of Record Keepers in Group 'C' in Indian Audit and Accounts Department) prior to the implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission and have been placed in Group 'C' in Pay Band 1 (Rs. 5200- 20200) plus Grade Pay of Rs. 1800/- in the Central Civil Services and Civil Posts under the Central Government and the Indian Audit and Accounts Department.


3. Educational and other qualifications.- Notwithstanding anything contained in any recruitment rules relating to the Group 'D' posts including the posts of Record Keepers in Group 'C' in Indian Audit and Accounts Department) prior to the implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission, the educational and other qualifications required for persons to be eligible to be appointed to Group 'C' posts in Pay Band 1 Rs. 5200-20200 plus Grade Pay Rs. 1800/- by the method of direct recruitment shall be as under, namely:


"Matriculation pass or equivalent from a recognised Board or Industrial Training institute pass Certificate from a recognised institute".

(NO. No.AB-14017/6/2009-Estt (RR)

Mamta Kundra
Joint Secretary

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Rate of calculating entitlement to Earned Leave (E.L) and Half Pay Leave (HPL).


No. 13026 1112010-Estt. ( Leave)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, P.G. and Pensions
(Department of Personnel & Training)

New Delhi, the 7th February, 201 1

Office Memorandum

Sub: Rate of calculating entitlement to Earned Leave (E.L) and Half Pay Leave (HPL).

            The undersigned is directed to say that matter regarding entitlement of a Government servant, who dies while in service, to Earned Leave under Rule 27(2)(b) and Half Pay Leave Rule 29 (2) (c) of the CCS (Leave) Rules 1977 has been under consideration of this Department.

2. At present rule 27 (2) (b) says 'when a Government servant is removed or dismissed from service or dies while in service, credit is allowed at the rate of 2% 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 or dies in service.' Similarly Rule 29 (c) says 'When a Government servant is removed or dismissed from service or dies while in service, credit of half pay leave shall be allowed at the rate of 513 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 or dies in service.'

3. These rules adversely affect cases where the death of a serving Government Servant occurs on the last day of the month as the day of death is treated as his last working day. Clause (b) of sub rule (2) of rule 27 and clause (c) of sub-rule (2) of rule 29 of the CCS Leave Rules is modified as under:-

            Rule 27 (2) (b) 'When a Government servant is removed or dismissed from service, credit is allowed at the rate of 2% 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. When a Government Servant dies, while in service, credit of Earned Leave shall be allowed at the rate of 2% days per completed month of service up to the date of death of the Government Servant.'

            Rule 29 (2) (c) 'When a Government servant is removed or dismissed from service. credit of Half Pay Leave shall be allowed at the rate of 513 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. When a Government Servant dies while in service, credit of Half Pay Leave shall be allowed at the rate of 513 days per completed month of service up to the date of death of the Government Servant.'

4. These orders take effect from the date of issue.

5. So far as persons serving in the Indian Audit & Accounts Departments are concerned, these orders are being issued after consultation with the C&AG of India.

6. Hindi version will follow.                                                                                                           Sd/-
                                                                       (Zoya C. B.)
                                          Under Secretary to the Government of India