WELCOME

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

FIXATION OF TBOP AND BCR POSTMEN SCALES ORDERED BY DIRECTORATE

FIRST SUCCESS TO OUR POSTAL SECTIONAL CHARTER OF DEMANDS MADE TODAY
DIRECOTRATE ORDERED FIXATION OF TBOP/BCR POSTMEN/MAIL GUARDS PAY TODAY
Dear Comrades! The demand of proper fixation of higher pay to TBOP Postmen/Mail Guard as well as to the BCR Postmen/Mail Guard has been included in the Postal Sectional Charter of Demands by us. As soon as we published it in our website the Department immediately released orders on this matter today. This is the first success reaped even before serving the strike notice by us. The orders of the Directorate is placed below:
Government of India

Ministry of Communications & IT

Department of Posts

Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg.

New Delhi – 110001

No.1-9/2008-PCC Dated 22-12-2008

To

All the Heads of Circles

Subject:- Recommendations of Sixth Central Pay Commission – Fixation of Pay

of Postman in TBOP/BCR

Sir / Madam,

I am directed to refer to this office letter No.4-4/2008-PCC dated 04-09-2008 regarding Sixth CPC – Revision of Pay Scales in respect of Group 'A', 'B', 'C', and 'D' Employees 2008.

2. The existing pay scale of Postmen is Rs.3050-75-3800-80-4590. Sixth CPC has recommended upgradation of the pre-revised scale to Rs.3200-85-4900 placing them in the corresponding revised pay band of Rs.5200-20200 with grade pay of Rs.2000. Few Circles and the Staff Federations have sought clarification about fixation of pay of Postmen who have been granted financial upgradation(s) under TBOP/BCR schemes. The issue has been examined in consultation with the Ministry of Finance and it is clarified as under:

Stage

Pre-revised Pay Scale

Pre-revised scale recommended by Sixth CPC & approved by Govt.

Corresponding Pay Band and Grade Pay approved by Government

Pay Band

Grade Pay

Initial Entry

Rs.3050-75-3800-80-4590

Rs.3200-85-4900

Rs.5200-20200 (PB1)

Rs.2000

TBOP

4000-100-6000

4000-100-6000

Rs.5200-20200 (PB1)

Rs.2400

BCR

4500-125-7000

4500-125-7000

Rs.5200-20200 (PB1)

Rs.2800

3. Necessary action may be taken by the Circles to fix the pay scales of Posmen/Mail Guards.

Yours faithfully,

Sd/-

(L.Mohan Rao)

Asst.Dir.General (PCC)

PREPARE FOR SERIOUS CAMPAIGN TO SETTLE OUR CHARTER OF DEMANDS

PREPARE THE MASSES FOR INDEFINITE STRIKE ON COMMON AND SECTIONAL CHARTER OF DEMANDS

NFPE PREPARED A SECTIONAL CHARTER OF DEMANDS AT GUNTUR CONVENTION AND SUBMITTED TO DEPARTMENT FOR NEGOTIATIONS AND SETTLEMENT AND INDEFINITE STRIKE IF DEMANDS NOT SETTLED
NATIONAL EXECUTIVE CONFEDERATION PREPARED A COMMON CHARTER FOR NEGOTIATIONS AND INDEFINITE STRIKE IF NOT SETTLED
IT IS TIME TO PREPARE SERIOUSLY AS NO NEGOTIATIONS HELD BY DEPARTMENT ON SECTIONAL CHARTER DESPITE OUR ULTIMATUM LETTER GIVEN TO DEPARTMENT ON 9.12.2008 ITSELF.
NO NEGOTIATIONS HELD BY GOVERNMENT IN STANDING COMMITTEE ON THE STAFF SIDE DEMANDS ON PAY COMMISSION RELATED ISSUES ETC

Indefinite strike – high lights of negotiations.


Dear Comrades,
A meeting of the union representatives consisting of Com. S.S.Mahadevaiah General Secretary; Com. Rambir Singh, Circle President, Delhi Circle and Com. Sajat Kaushik Circle Secretary Delhi Circle with the Postal Administration consisting of the Secretary, Department of Posts; Member (P); Dy. D.G. (Establishment) and Director (SR) was held in evening of 19th December,2008 to discuss the strike issues. The meeting was held in a very congenial and positive atmosphere. Prior to that we had a discussion with Sri Gopinath Committee. Considering the out-come, we decided to call of the strike.

The following are the highlights of the negotiations:
1. Grant of status: - We placed all Judgements of the Supreme Court. They have not rejected our demand.
2. Similar is the position with regard to application of rules.
3. Abolition of Posts: - There will be no abolition/downgradation of Post offices or Posts including E.DS.Os, G.D.S. Packers, G.D.S. Stamp Vendors and G.D.S. Mailmen.
4. Suggestion of Sri Nataraja Murti regarding one point for Rs.20,000 of cash handled will suitably revised. We have demanded that it should be Rs.4000 for one point.

5. Distance measurement:
i) The suggestion of Sri Nataraja Murti for radial distance will be rejected.
ii) Foot beat/Cycle beat: - There will be change in the present system.
6. The recommendation of Sri Nataraja Murti regarding working hours of less than 3 hours or Pay-Scale for less than 3 hours will be rejected.
7. Pay Scale will be pro-rata i.e. proportionate to the pay scale of departmental employees.
8. Increment: - at the rate of 3%.
9. Fitment in the new scale: - The factor of 1.86 will be applied.
10. Bonus: - No change in PLB scheme i.e. the same ceiling as for departmental staff will remain.
11. Retirement benefits: - Accepted in principle. Positive improvement in report of Sri Nataraja Murti assured.
12. D.A.:- The same formula as for departmental staff.
13. Other Allowances: - Accepted in principle to be recommended.
14. Leave positive:-improvement was assured.
15. Applicability of CCS (Conduct) Rules 1964, and CCS (CCA) Rules 1965- This will be examined.
16. Trade Union facilities: - The recommendations of Sri Nataraja Murti are against the terms of reference and will not be accepted.
Full Trade Union rights will be examined.

17. The negative recommendation of Sri Nataraja Murti on promotions to departmental Posts are beyond his jurisdiction and will be rejected. Our suggestion regarding reservation of certain percentage of Posts in P.A. Cadre will be examined.
18. Combined allowance:- This will be only in respect of short-term vacancies. Against permanent Posts TRCA will be given.
19. Time bound promotion:- orders for three ACP not yet issued by Govt. Department will examine a proposal later.
20. Advances:- Improvements will be made.
21. Welfare:- Improvements will be made.


We offer our heartiest congratulations for the heroic struggle and Hats off comrades!


Friday, December 5, 2008

Indefinite Strike from 17th December, 2008


Tele/Fax: 23697701
ALL INDIA POSTAL EXTRA DEPARTMENTAL EMPLOYEES UNION
(Central Head Quarter)
First Floor, Post Office Building, Padamnagar, Delhi 110007

President: D.N. Giri
General Secretary: S.S. Mahadevaiah
Ref: GDS/CHQ/10/2008 Date: 02 -12-2008
To,

The Secretary,
Govt. of India,
Department of Post,
Dak Bhavan, New Delhi-110001

Notice
Sir,

In accordance with the provisions of Sub Section (1) of Section 22 of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, we hereby notify that all the Gramin Dak Sevaks of postal Department will go on indefinite strike form 17 .12.2008. The demands for acceptance on which the employees embark upon this indefinite strike are detailed in the enclosed Charter of Demands.

Yours faithfully,
Enclosure: One Charter of Demands

(S
S Mahadevaiah)

General Secretary

Copy forwarded to;-

1. Secretary General, NFPE/FNPO.
2. All General Secretaries of NFPE/FNPO. They requested kindly to join the struggle actively and directly by ensuring participation of the entire Postal fraternity in the fight of the super exploited half of the Postal employees.
3. All CHQ office bearers/Circle Secretaries.
4. All Divisional/Branch Secretaries. They are requested to make fool proof preparations for total success of the struggle. Detailed Circular in being sent.

(S.S. Mahadevaiah)
General Secretary

CHARTER OF DEMANDS

1. In view of judicial pronouncements, the G.D.S. employees be declared as Central Civil Servants for all purposes.
2. Consequently, all rules and regulations applicable to Central Civil Servants be made applicable to G.D.S. employees (scrapping the discriminatory separate rules).
3. No curtailment of rural Postal facility and rejection of impractable and ridiculous norms suggested by Sri. Nataraja Murti. The work hours of Branch Post Masters should be between 4 to 6 hours (i.e the Post office should kept be open for 4 hours at least and upto 6 hours).
4. E.D.S.O's should be kept open for 5 to 7 hours.
5. Duty of all other outdoor staff should be for 5 to 7 hours.
6. In keeping with recommendations of 6th C.P.C. Pay bands with grade Pay corresponding to departmental counterparts be prescribed.
7. Annual increment of 3% as suggested by 6th C.P.C.
8. All Allowances/benefits at par with full time employees.
9. All retirement benefits as are due to Central Civil Servants.
10. P.L.B as per formula and no curtailment.



27th ALL INDIA CONFERENCE OF AIPEU GROUP C
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING NEWLY ELECTED OFFICE BEARERS OF AIPEU GROUP - C IN THE 27th AIC AT GUNTUR:

PRESIDENT : COM. M.KRISHNAN [Kerala]

WORKING PRESIDENTS : 1] Com. K.RAGAVENDRAN [Tamilnadu]
2] Com. K.B.BAROT [Gujarat]

VICE PRESIDENTS : 1] Com. R.C.MISRA [Orissa]
2] Com. C.P.SOBHANA [Kerala]

GENERAL SECRETARY : Com. K.V.SRIDHARAN [Tamilnadu]

DEPUTY GEN.SECRETARY: Com. SOMNATH MUKHERJEE [West Bengal]

ASST.GEN. SECRETARIES: 1] Com. R.SIVANNARAYANA [Andhra]
2] Com. SUBHASH MISRA [U.P]
3] Com. MANGESH PARAB [Maharashtra]

TREASURER : Com.BALWINDER SINGH [Delhi]

ASST. TREASURER : Com.H.P.DIVAKAR [Rajasthan]

ORG.SECRETARIES : 1] Com.RAMANI BHATTACHARYA [NE]
2] Com.U.K.TIWARI [Bihar]
3] Com.S.K.NEMA [M.P]


LET US PREPARE FOR INDEFINITE STRIKE FROM 6.1.2009
GUNTUR NFPE CONVENTION DECIDES INDEFINITE STRIKE

INDEFINITE STRIKE FROM 6.1.2009

STRIKE NOTICE TO BE SERVED ON 19.12.2008

POSTAL CHARTER OF DEMANDS COVERING GDS NATARAJAMURTI COMMITTEE ISSUES AND REGULAR EMPLOYEES ISSUES

NATIONWIDE STRIKE PREPARATION TOUR BY ALL INDIA AND CIRCLE LEADERS FROM 21.12.2008 TO 4.1.2009.

Dear Comrades,

NFPE All India Convention comprising all the Circle Secretaries of NFPE Unions / Associations and the CHQ Office Bearers and Federation Office Bearers and many Circle Secretaries and Office Bearers of GDS Union held at Guntur on 29.11.2008 has unanimously decided to go on Indefinite Strike from 6.1.2009 on a Postal Charter of Demands.

The Convention of its first kind since the foundation of NFPE in which all the Circle Secretaries and All India Office Bearers – who are the leaders of the movement of the NFPE – has also decided to request the Confederation to synchronize its Indefinite Strike with this strike from 6.1.2009 and serve a Indefinite Strike Notice on all Pay Commission related demands.

The Convention came to the unanimous conclusion that only a united action by all will help the rejection of all negative recommendations of Nataraja Murti Committee and modify it to the satisfaction of the three lakhs GDS.

The GDS Committee has submitted its recommendations which are being considered by a Senior Officers Committee for implementation. The Unions and Federations have submitted letters seeking modifications in the Report which are to be considered by the above Senior Officers Committee. A negotiations has to follow before finalisation of issues for implementation.

The Convention therefore decided that there shall be an ultimatum upto 18.12.2008 to the Government for holding negotiations and satisfactory settlement failing which the Notice for Strike shall be served on the Government on 19.12.2008 by holding mass rallies in New Delhi and in all State Capitals and Divisions and to commence the Indefinite Strike from 6.1.2009.

The following Charter of Demands has been adopted by the All India Convention for negotiations and Indefinite Strike if negotiations failed.

CHARTER OF DEMANDS:

1. Modify and improve the recommendations of Nataraja Murti Committee and reject the retrograde recommendations [list of modifications / rejections endorsed separately].
2. Refix the wages all Paid Substitutes – RRR Candidates – Part Time / Contingent w.e.f. 1.1.2006 on the basis of 6th CPC Revised Pay Scales.
3. Exempt Postal Department from the purview of Screening Committee and fill up all vacant posts in all cadres immediately.
4. Hold Periodical Meeting and JCM Departmental Council / RJCM Regional Council meetings as per the schedule.
5. Implement all issues of April 2007 Strike Settlement.
6. Negotiate and settle the sectional charter of demands submitted by Federations and unions during March 2008.
7. Finalise Cadre Review for all cadres.
8. Improve the ACP and make it applicable to Postal Employees.
9. Remove all trade union victimisation in all Circles and end irrational application of Contributory Negligence orders.
10. Do not introduce new schemes without consultations with the Staff Side.
11. Withdraw the SLP against the RRR Candidates and absorb them immediately.
12. Grant immediate fixation of higher scale as per 6th CPC to TBOP/BCR Postmen / Mailguards.
13. Grant higher pay scales to Head Mail Peons at par with Postman / Mailguard.
14. Grant Notional fixation for Artisan Grade I in MMS w.e.f. 1.1.1996 at par with the Railways and Defence.
15. Redistribute the LSG / HSG II / HSG I posts for Circle Offices including DPLI Kolkata.
16. Withdraw decentralisation of PLI/RPLI functions of Circle Offices.
17. Stipulate periodicity of deputationists to Circle Offices and recruit new incumbents.
18. Ensure integration of all Accounting streams in DOP under PA Wing and stop the proposed move to decentralise Postal Accounts.
19. Restore the 3 year periodicity for promotion to Senior Accountant cadre

The Charter of Demands will be finalised in consultation with the General Secretaries before submission to Department of Posts.

The Convention also decided that the Demands Charter to be finalised by the National Executive of the Confederation on 13.12.2008 in New Delhi will also be endorsed by the NFPE and submitted along with the Strike Notice.

The Convention resolved to accord top priority during negotiations for settlement.

The Convention was not attended by the GDS General Secretary in spite of invitations. But a number of Circle Secretaries and Office Bearers of GDS Union attended and desired a joint struggle on a common charter of demands.

LET US STRUGGLE TO MODIFY GDS COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
LET US STRUGGLE TO SETTLE POSTAL EMPLOYEES ISSUES
LET US STRUGGLE TO MODIFY THE 6TH CPC BASIC ISSUES & ACP
NFPE APPEALS TO GDS UNION CHQ TO JOIN THE MAINSTREAM AND STRENGTHEN THE ROAD TO SUCCESS.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

DOPT REVISES CHILD CARE LEAVE ORDER IN A RETROGRADE MANNER

GOVERNMENT DRAGS ITS FEET AFTER ISSUING ORDERS FOR CHILD CARE LEAVE

REVISED ORDERS CONTRARY TO THE PAY COMMISSION'S CONCEPT

AFTER ISSUING ORDERS PRESSURE FROM BUREACRATS MADE THE GOVERNMENT REVISE ITS OWN ORDERS

PRO-WOMEN EMPLOYEES MASK OF THE GOVERNMENT STANDS EXPOSED BY THE LATEST ORDER DATED 18.11.2008.

Dear Comrades! NFPE appreciated the recommendation of the 6th CPC as well as its acceptance by the Government of CHILD CARE LEAVE for 2 Years. The Government orders granting this leave including the proforma to be maintained were promptly issued. All of us in general and the women employees in particular were double happy. But after the issue of orders granting Child Care Leave, tremendous pressure from various level of bureaucrats appear to have been mounted on the Government and the latter ha apparently succumbed to the pressure.

Suddenly the DOPT issued another dated 18.11.2008 virtually cancelling its earlier orders of grant of Child Care Leave by putting a stringent condition that the Child Care Leave is permissible only to those women employees who have completely exhausted her EL and no EL is at credit of her leave account. This is very retrograde stand taken by the Government in the name of not allowing disruption of the functioning of offices.

The net effect of this revised order is that no women employee will be able to avail this leave if they have any EL at credit. Pompous announcements to show the Government as 'women employees' friendly' was over! There is no need for granting the ordered Child Care Leave to women employees anymore! This is the approach of the Government. We shall protest strongly against this game of the Government.

The latest order of the DOPT in this regard is reproduced below:

No. 130 18/2/2008-Estt. (L)

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

(Department of Personnel and Training)

New Delhi, dated the 18th o-vember, 2008.

Subject : Child Care Leave in respect of Central Government employees as a result of Sixth Central Pay Commission - clarification regarding –

The order regarding introduction of Child Care leave (CCL) in respect of Central Government employees were issued vide this Department's O.M. of even number dated 11th September, 2008. Subsequently, clarification in this regard were also issued vide O.M. dated 29th SEptember, 2008.

2. Consequent upon the implementation of orders relating to Child Care Leave, references has been received from various sections regarding the procedure for grant of this leave etc. In this connection, it is mentioned that the intention of the Pay Commission in recommending Child Care Leave for women employees was to facilitate women employees to take care of their children at the time of need. However, this does not mean that CCL should disrupt the functioning of Central Government offices. The nature of this leave was envisaged to be the same as that of earned leave. Accordingly, while maintaining the spirit of Pay Commission's

recommendations intact and also harmonizing the smooth functioning of the offices, the following clarifications are issued in consultation with the Department of Expenditure (Implementation Cell) with regard to Child Care Leave for Central Government employees:-

i) CCL cannot be demanded as a matter of right. Under no circumstances can any employee proceed on CCL without prior proper approval of the leave by the leave sanctioning authority.

ii) The leave is to be treated like the Earned Leave and sanctioned as such.

iii) iii) Consequently, Saturdays, Sundays, Gazetted holidays etc. falling during the period of leave would also count for CCL, as in the case of Earned Leave.

iv) CCL can be availed only if the employee concerned has no Earned Leave at her credit.

Sd/-

(Bala Singh)

Unde ecretary to the Govt. ofIndia

CG EMPLOYEES WITH DISABILITIES GRANTED 4 DAYS SPECIAL CASUAL LEAVE EVERY YEAR

Dear Comrades! The 6th Pay Commission had recommended grant of 12 days CL for the employees with disabilities. An order is issued by the DOPT today [19.11.2008] granting 4 days special casual leave every year in addition to 8 days CL to the employees with disabilities. The copy of the DOPT order is reproduced below:

No. 25011 j 1j2008-Estt(A)

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

(Department of Personnel & Training)

North :Block, New Delhi, dated 19th November 2008

Sixth Central Pay Commission Recommendation – Special dispensation in the form of Special Casual Leave to Central Government Employees with disabilities.

The undersigned is directed to say that the Sixth Central Pay Commission had recommended that the number of Casual Leave available for employees with disabilities should be 12 days as against 8 days for other employees and it has been decided that the additional benefit of 4 days leave shall be granted in the form of Special Casual Leave. The undersigned is accordingly directed to convey the sanction of the Government that Central Government employees with disabilities as defmed in the Persons with

Disabilites (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 may be granted Special Casual Leave for 4 (four)days in a calendar year for specific requirements relating to the disabilitiy of the official.

2. These Order take effect from 1st September 2008.

3. Hindi version will follow.

Sd/-

[C.A.Subramanian]

Director

Saturday, November 15, 2008

MEETING ON PROJECT ARROW BY THE HONOURABLE MOSC & IT:

On 11.11.2008 a meeting was taken by the Honourable Minister of State for Communications & IT Shri.Jyotiradiya M.Scindia. The meeting was held in the Electronic Niketan, CGO Complex, New Delhi. The Secretary Department of Posts, the DDG [Planning] and the Director SR.

NFPE Secretary General and the General Secretaries of P3, P4, R3, R4, Admn and GDS attended in addition to FNPO and other recognised associations.

The Honourable Minster sought the cooperation of the staff side for Project Arrow launched by the Department of Posts. He assured that his total concentration for the development of Postal Department.

Since the meeting was only for half an hour, no detailed discussion could take place. However NFPE has in writing presented the view points of our federation. NFPE welcomed the initiative for improving the service to public and assured cooperation for such projects aimed at the welfare of the public. The letter pin pointed 5 important issues of employees relating to the Project Arrow viz., the transparency in launching such projects; the attack on Postmen and delivery system; the exemption from Screening Committee for keeping full compliment of staff strength; the need for training time to learn new technology and factors of Demotivation. The letter of NFPE is reproduced at the end of this write up.

NFPE LETTER TO MOSC & IT ON PROJECT ARROW

PF- 09/2008 Dated 11th November 2008

To

Shri. Jyotiraditya M. Scindia

Honourable Minister of State for Communications & IT

Government of India

New Delhi – 110001

Sub: Project Arrow – reg.

Sir,

This Federation welcomes the Project Arrow initiative by the Department of Posts at your behest. We welcome any project that is aimed at improving the postal services to common man. However, this Federation desires to bring the following observations for your kind notice in order to achieve the aims and objectives of the Project Arrow:

  1. Transparency: It is always better to take the staff side at all levels into total confidence before launching of any major schemes or projects as commitment from staff is derived through transparency. Giving credence to the view points of staff side at field level is the key to success. This Federation is disappointed to note that this factor is only partially recognised in places of implementation of Project Arrow. We suggest more transparency and accommodativeness.

  1. Mail Delivery: The mail delivery has been recognised as the mainstay of our organisation and Project Arrow is supposed to lead to betterment of mail delivery performance. Stringent measurers for betterment of delivery combined with technology induction are planned to reach the above objective. It is unfortunate that stringent measurers are understood as curtailment of delivery staff and conversion of 'double postmen beat' into 'single postman beat' and irrational change of delivery time and staff attendance etc. These measures in our considered opinion are not going to improve the desired delivery performance at all. The time-tested double beat postmen system is the basic element of successful delivery performance. Changing it into single beat postman system with reduced number of postmen in the Project Arrow Post offices will only further harm the existing efficiency of delivery. Without proper scheduling of mail vans and if necessary increase of mail conveyance facilities to deliver the mail bags intended for delivery at the delivery post offices in time but rescheduling of delivery time and delivery attendance unscientifically will fail to bring success to one of the basic targets of Project Arrow viz., a delighted customer leave alone a satisfied customer! We seek change of approach.
3. Full Staff compliment: This Federation learns that instructions have been issued to keep the Project Arrow offices under full compliment of sanctioned staff
strength. This is a welcome decision. But since the project is being monitored from the level of the Directorate on day to day basis, the staff strength is being maintained by diversion of staff from other offices at present. The expansion of Project Arrow to thousands of other offices will render it impossible for the Divisional Heads to maintain the sanctioned strength of all the Project Arrow offices without the Postal Department is exempted from the ambit of Screening Committee and without increasing the strength of Leave Reserve staff of all cadres. It is also pertinent to be mentioned here that the non-filling up of posts including the residual vacancies in many circles from the year 2001 etc adding to the existence of above-30% shortage of staff. This situation should change for the success of projects like Project Arrow aimed at betterment of performances.

  1. Technology: The importance of technology in the success of this project is appreciated. New services introduced by the Department of Posts should have a cushion-in-period for the staff to be imparted with the technology and new services. Introduction of new services with urgency and without time for the field staff to acquaint with the same is causing problems of efficiency and even leading to disciplinary action against innocent staff. There shall be an experimental trial in selected offices before operationalizing it at a larger level. The field level staff are depending

  1. Demotivation: The success of any project lies in motivating the staff in general. The instructions gone for Project Arrow had emphasised that as far possible the FTP Supervisors [Fast Track Promotion] are to be made Supervisors in the Project Arrow post offices. We can understand distinguishing Supervisors with proper aptitude to be posted in such offices of experimentation but this type of discrimination between the Supervisors of Regular Promotion and Fast Track Promotion made by the Department is causing all-round dissatisfaction amongst the majority of supervisory staff. In what way this will help the success of the project is anybody's guess. We suggest training and retraining to all without any discriminatory selections in future.

Thanking you Sir,

Yours faithfully,

Sd/-

[K.Ragavendran]

Secretary General

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

NOTE ON Report G. D.S. Committee headed by Sri. R.S. Nataraja Prepared and submitted by A.I.P.E.D.E.U. (CHQ)
GDS/CHQ/41/1 /2008 Dated: 10-11-2008
Shri A. Raja,Hon'ble Minister of Communications & IT,Government of India,
Electro Niketan, 6, CGO Complex,
Lodhi Road,New Delhi 110003

Subject: - Report G.D.S Committee headed by Sri, Nataraja murti.
Respected Sir,
Kindly refer to our letter of even No. dated 03.11.2008 on the above subject. The recommendations of the G.D.S. Committee are retrograde and damaging and have generated serious dissatisfaction, resentment and sense of indignation in the G.D.S. employees. These recommendations require wide ranging improvements and correction.We, therefore, submit a brief note based on judicial pronouncements and meaningful assessment.We hope that the note will receive your active consideration and the suggestions accepted.
With regards,
Yours faithfully,
Sd/-S.S. Mahadevaiah,
General Secretary.
Copy for warded to;
NFPE & affiliated unions.
FNPO & affiliated unions.
All office-bearers of All India Union.
All Circle Secretaries।

Note discussing the negative and arbitrary approach and recommendations of one man Gramin Dak Sevaks Committee under the chairmanship of Sri। R।S। Nataraja Murti, Retired Member, Postal Services, Board।
1. Introduction
1.1 At the initial point of time when the Sixth Central Pay Commission was appointed by the Government, this All India Postal G.D.S. Employees Union which is the only recognised union of Gramin Dak Sevaks and thus the sole representative of these employees insisted that the issues of the G.D.S. employees also be referred to the 6th CPC. Our contention was based on the decision of the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India in superintendent of Post offices Vs P.K. Rajamma case (1977) (3) SCC that the Extra Departmental Agents, as the G.D.S. were then called, are holders of Civil Post. The 4th CPC had also observed in Para 1.18 of their report that the E.D. Agents were in the purview of their terms. However, the Department did not agree.
1.2 This being disagreed by the Department of Posts, the union demanded that a Committee under a retired Judge of a High Court be appointed so that an independent view of the issues could be taken. Our demand was based on a Commitment of the Government given in 1993 that E.D. Committee would not be appointed under a bureaucrat – retired or serving, and it was under this Commitment that when the 5th CPC was appointed, an E.D. Committee under Justice Charanjit Talwar a retired Judge of Delhi High Court was appointed which was known as "Justice Talwar Committee."But the department remained adamant for appointment of G.D.S Committee under chairmanship of Sri. R.S. Nataraja Murti and Sri Nataraja Murti alone. The department might have its own reasons for insisting on Sri. Nataraja Murti committee.
1.3 But this union and the entire G.D.S. Employees had their own doubts that a retired bureaucrat of the department of posts like Sri. Nataraja Murti, who had retired with all the prejudices in his mind against the G.D.S. employees, could not function as an independent tribunal to discuss and decide the issues with a judicious approach. It is why this union had decided not to associate with the said Committee. On persistent direct and indirect persuasion, we conditionally associated with the Committee.
1.4 Our apprehensions have come true. The Committee has explicitly demonstrated its bias, has twisted Judicial prouncements, has confused the matters more than it has solved, tried to overturn the obligations and policies of the government and has given a self contradictory, negative report which not only hits at the interests of G.D.S. employees, but also at the root of the services and government policies. While we don’t intend to discuss the report threadbare. We would discuss certain important issues and salient points and offer our own suggestions which have relevance with policies and consistency with higher bodies. We have added emphasis at certain Points.
-----------0----------
2. Extra Departmental System in the Department of Posts(Chapter – II of the Committee's Report)
2.1 The Committee makes some ridiculous observations in the concluding paragraphs of this chapter. In Para 2.9, 2.91 and 2.10 the committee has referred to following Judgments of the Hon'ble Supreme Court:
(i) Bangalore water supply & sewerage Board Vs Rajappa & others (1978) 2 SCC 273;
(ii) Sub-Divisional Inspector of Posts vaikam and others vs Theyyamm Joseph & others (1997) 8 SCC 489;
(iii) Bombay Telephone Canteen Employees Association vs union of India ..
(iv) General Manager Telecom vs A. Srinivasa Rao and others (1997) Supreme Court cases 767; and
(v) Superintendent of Post offices Vs P.K. Rajamma (1977) (3) SCC.2.2 It appears that either the Committee has not gone through the Judgments minutely or it has not appreciated the Judgments in their true spirit or the Committee has deliberately tried to twist the Judgments.
The following facts are pertinent:-
(a) In Rajamma's Case the Hon'ble Supreme Court has declared that E.D. Agents are holders of Civil Post.
(b) In Theyyamm joseph case, the court had (i) further Clarified the earlier declaration of the Court in Rajamma's Case as " It is now settled law of this court that these employees (E.D.A's) are Civil Servants regulated by these Service rules; and (ii) ruled "Therefore by necessary implications, they don’t belong to the category of workmen attracting the provisions of the Act." The Act meant "Industrial Dispute Act."
(c) The Supreme Court did not over-rule the Judgment in Theyyamma Joseph's Case vide the Judgment in General Manager Telecom Vs A. Srinivasa Rao and others as such. The word 'over-rule' is nowhere mentioned. In para 4 of the said Judgment the Court has clearly said, "The only point for decision in this appeal is whether the Telecom Department of the Union of India is an industry within the meaning of the definition of "industry" in section 2(J) of the Industrial Dispute Act,1947." And in this respect the Court in this particular Judgment observed that the Theyyamm Joseph's Case did not lay down "Correct law" in respect of deciding whether a particular organization is an "industry". In this connection the Court referred to Para 143 of the Judgment in Bangalore water Supply case and observed that these standards are the correct law to determine whether an organisation is an "industry" and a particular class or group of employees holding a Civil Post is not the sole criterion to decide that the organisation is not an industry.
(d) Thus the declaration in Rajamma's Case that the E.D.As are holders of Civil Post and further declaration in Theyyam Josephs case that it is now settled law of the supreme court that the E.D.As are Civil Servants hold good.
2.3 Thus the observation of the G.D.S. Committee that G.D.S. and regular employees of the government belong to two distinct and separate groups and that there is no parity (para 2.10) is not only the depiction of a prejudiced mind of a bureaucrat but also a misadventure with judicial pronouncement.
2.4 It is judicially declared that G.D.S. employees are Civil Servants even though the bureaucracy has framed separate rules for G.D.S. employees with different nomenclature which in essence are similar to those applicable to regular employees.Our Definite suggestion.
2.5 In view of these, a correct comparison and balance has judiciously to be struck to admit the legal status to the G.D.S. employees as central Civil Servants.. It would now be, thus, in complete Justice and fitness of things to make all rules as are applicable to regular employees also to cover the G.D.S. employees.
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3 Categories of Dak Sevaks; Extra Departmental S.O's; Rural Postal Network and viability of Branch Post offices (Chapters V,VI,VII & VIII of the Committee's Report.)
3.1 We discuss the observations of the Committee in chapters V, VI, VII, & VIII together because a peep into the observations of the committee will show that the committee has been confused, contradictory and often over-steps its brief to over-rule the government policies. It appears that committee has lost its role as an independent body and has been entangled in the web created by the prejudices of a retired bureaucrat of the Department.
3.2 The committee recounts the process of planning adopted by the government over the period of time to ensure provision of postal services in the rural areas as one of its sovereign functions. It is to mention that the powers to relax, one or more conditions for opening of Branch Post Offices were vested in the Heads of Circles in consultation with the IFA on demand of public or public representatives including M.P's as a conscious decision of the government. It is no wonder that some Branch Post Offices, might have, therefore, been opened in relaxation of the distance conditions. The committee has sought to reverse the Government's policies when it recommends a review of the Post Offices to fall strictly within the prescribed norms. This, if implemented is bound to have adverse reaction of the public and public representatives who had worked for opening of the P.O's.
3.3 In Paras 7.12, 7.12.1 and 7.12.2 the Committee deals with "Fresh approach to Postal Planning which underlines the policies of the government. We would reproduce the Paragraphs to be considered vis-à-vis recommendation of the Committee which are contrary to the avowed policies of the Government:-"7.12 Fresh approach to Postal Planning:Post offices are non Commercial Enterprises, play a vital role in many communities, especially rural, and deprived urban ones, keeping the society together, provide social community cohesion and prevent psychological and economic isolation of the rural dwellers. The Post offices give the people access to mail, cash, social security benefits and insurance as also collection of bills. The Branch Postmaster being important representative of the community can play an important role in disseminating information, educating the people in respect of the financial needs and also information needs converting the Branch offices into information centres. Post office is the last life line in the rural areas which enables the rural people to live independently.7.12.1 While Post office has to look after the point of view of social benefits of the community, it goes without saying that wherever possible the income of the Post office is augmented through entrepreneurial management by popularisation of variety of services relevant to the people at large. Such a course will put less burden on the national exchequer and in turn extra funds would be available for the Government to provide other important services to the people in the rural area.7.12.2 The Post offices’ main concern is to fulfill the needs of the people and not profitability alone. Long term future of the Postal network depends on the entrepreneurial flair of the Postal system which has been conspicuous in the past. It has been realised that no entity offers benefits comparable to the coverage of Post office. The Service of the Post office when expanded in relation to disbursement of social benefits and also other financial services, bills collection, mail order business, Information centres could really bring about substantial benefits to the rural communities. ".
3.4.1. In Para 7.1 the Committee observes and desires:-"The following services and products need to be covered while defining the USO as the provision of these services by other players is non-existent or not available up to the desired level".Product/servicePost card/letter card/letter/PacketParcelBlind literatureNews paper & periodicalsRegistrationAcknowledgementMoney order up to Rs. 5000/-Bill payment facilities.The above products and services are considered necessary to be provided to enable fulfillment of social role of the Post Offices in rural areas".
3.5. In addition the Branch Post Offices provide the following services:-(a) Banking services (SB, TD, RD accounts etc) and also Postal certificates;(b) Insurance (especially PLI);(c) and Government services like NREGS old age pension etc.
3.6. All business taken together, the rural Post Offices or Post Offices in deprived urban areas provide all facilities and benefits to the public of the area. The Post Offices have generated sufficient business and work and also income if calculated properly is sufficient in spite of the fact that tariff has not been revised for the last several years. If in view of the fact that Postal tariff has been kept, consciously, much below the cost in view of the social utility, it something asking for too much to expect that the Branch Post Offices in rural areas can earn profit.
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Our Considered Suggestion.
3.7. In view of the above the suggestions of the Committee regarding abolition/down gradation of EDSO's abolition or drastically slicing the Posts of GDS Stamp Vendors, Packers and mailmen are catastrophic and dangerous and must be out right rejected. The suggestions of the Committee to assess viability and review all Post Offices to see whether all three conditions are met must be out right rejected as these run counter to the very motto of the rural postal services. The suggestion of the committee to take into account radial distance and not distance by road is not only ridiculous but suggests the destructive nature of Committee. One does not understand how the radial distance between Rishikesh & Badrinath will compare with the actual distance by road.
3.8. Accordingly the suggestions of the Committee Contained in Para 5.16, 5.20, 5.22 regarding posts of stamp venders, packers, mailmen etc be totally rejected. Similarly the suggestions regarding abolition/down gradation of EDSO's contained in Para 6.11 should be totally rejected. Similarly recommendations in Paras 7.14.2 regarding radial distance and extension of franchisee/outreach arrangements which are fraught with several dangers of security and disruption and the suggestions in para 7.14.3 regarding digital map must be scrapped. The suggestions in Para 7.14.3 and 7.14.5 regarding P.K.S.S must be rejected as these recommendation seek to destroy the rural Postal system and its credibility.3.9 Correct and reliable yard stick to assess work and income/cost of the EDSOs/BO's should be evolved taking into account all business done.
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4. Assessment of workload of Branch Post offices General Recommendation on wage-structure fixation of wages, and performance related incentives: -
(Chapters IX, X, XI, XII & XIII.)
4.1 The Committee has adopted double standards adopting less beneficial factor to G.D.S. employees even by drifting from the principle. The Committee has often referred to 6th CPC and at the same time refused to adopt the pay scales and other standards and principles as enunciated by the 6th CPC. The Committee has, according to its convenience and prejudices, tried to draw a comparison with the departmental employees and at the same time has offered differential and discriminatory recommendation without any basis or scientific assessment.
4.2. In Para 9.9 and 9.9.4 the committee tries to draw a comparison in cash handling by a Treasurer in a Sub or Head Post office and recommends that point system in respect of cash handing be raised to Rs.20,000 per point from the existing Rs.1000 per point. The committee takes the help of standards drawn by the department for assessment of cash handling in treasury and also that G.C. notes of higher denomination are in circulation. The committee loses sight of the fact that very few transactions in G.C. notes of Rs.500/- or Rs.1000/- denomination take place at BO's. The old age pension, R.D./CTD transactions, PLI premia, electricity/Telephone bills and even NREGS transactions are made in G.C.notes of Rs.100/- or below with broken amounts in coins. This factor has been completely lost sight of by the committee. The suggested amount of Rs.20,000/- for one point is exorbitantly high.
4.3 The committee suggests is Para 9.9.5 that cash received from or remitted to account office should not be considered to determine the amount of cash handled; and suggests that the existing 14 points for accounts preparation, closing of bags receipt/remittance of cash should continue. The BOs have undertaken several new services/products and accounting system, receipt/remittance of cash etc has increased several folds. The committee should have taken this factor into consideration. But the inherent bias prevented the committee from doing so. There was and is an urgent need to enhance the existing 14 points for accounting etc to be realistically commensurate with work especially when the committee itself has accepted that the cash handling work has increased very substantially.
4.4 In Para 9.9.6 the committee has again drawn a parallel between SPMs/PAs and ED BPM or ED Stamp vendor for allotting time factor for sale of stamps; which is unrealistic when looked upon in rural perspective. But all the same a parallel has been drawn.
4.5 The work profile of an ED.SPM/BPM does not vary much so far as transaction of particular business is concerned. This is why form Madan Kishore Committee to Justice Talwar Committee each has drawn a comparison with the departmental counterpart and comparison has progressively been improved to culminate into 100% relation adopted by Justice Talwar Committee on scientific and judicious assessment. Since a slew of new services/products have been undertaken by ED SOs/BOs, the working hours deserve judicious and scientific improvement and fixation.
4.6 In Para 9.15.6 the committee has again drawn a parallel between Postman/Group 'D' and GDS MD/GDS MC the work load of the Mail Deliverer or Mail Carriers has to be calculated on cycle beat formula provided the beat is cycleable. In case of distances which are partly cycleable, the cycleable distance will be calculated at cycle beat rate and foot beat on foot beat rate. The distance traversed for delivery work in main village with a population of less than 5000 be fixed at 3 kilometres and in fairly big villages with a population of more than 5000, the distance in cusba may be fixed at 5 kilometres. The actual distance between the BO village and attached villages by shortest route be taken for workload purpose. The Committee suggestions in this regard not acceptable formula this was unscientific also unpractical. If distance traveled should be measured only on foot formula. Working hours deserve judicious and scientific improvement and fixation.Our Studied Suggestions.
4.7 It is, therefore, scientifically, socially and judiciously justified that.(i) The existing 14 points given for accounting etc be raised to 30 points, atleast.(ii) The suggested time factor of Rs.20,000 of cash handing for one point being exorbitant, it should be modified as one point for handling Rs.4,000 per month in view of rural perspective.(iii) Since there has been no revision in tariff over several years, the existing norms for stamp sale in B.O.s should continue.(iv) A time factor of 45 minutes for a new PLI Policy and 5 minutes for premium transaction should be allotted which may be reduced to 15 points in respect of each new policy and 1 point for 5 premia transactions per month.(v) Time factor as in respect of money orders should be adopted in respect of bills payment.(vi) One point for each 2 pension payments per month should be allotted.(vii) In view of the enhanced new business an E.D.S.O. should kept open for a minimum period of 5 hours which may extend up to 7 hours.(viii) A Branch Post office should be kept open for a minimum period of 4 hours which should extend upto 6 hours.(ix) The duty hours of a G.D.S. Packer should not be less than six hours in view of his attendance in the P.O.(x) The minimum duty hours of an G.D.S. mail deliverer and G.D.S. mail peons etc should be minimum of five hours which may extend to seven hours. If distance traveled should be measured only on foot formula. (xi) The duty hours of a G.D.S. Stamp vendor should be for a minimum period of five hours which may extend to seven hours.
4.8 Pay Scales:
(i) Based on Sixth CPC scales the pay bands should be as under:
(a) For G.D.S Mail peons/packers/mailmen/mail deliverer/stamp vendors:
PB-1. Rs.3500–12,000Pay to be progressively increased according to work(Grade Pay for G.D.S Mail peons/packers/mailmen: Rs. ; 1000; 1200;1400)(Grade Pay For G.D.S Mail deliverer/stamp vendors: Grade Pay: Rs. 1250; 1500. 1750)
(b) For G.D.S. Sub-Postmasters/Branch Postmaster etc –
PB-2. Rs.4000–14000.(Grade Pay: Rs.1000; 1200; 1600; 1800).Fitment in the new scale.4.9 (i) Since the 5th CPC Pay Scales in respect of several cadres were subsequently improved which benefit could not accrue to the G.D..S. employees at the time Justice Talwar Committee report the fitment of the pay in new scales should be as follows: Basic pay + 98 percent (in view of D.A. up to 86% and restoration subsequent improvements of scales) + 40 percent of the maximum of the existing pay subject to the minimum in the pay band. For example, an employee drawing Rs.1220 in the existing scale of Rs.1220-1600 may be fixed as:1220 plus 98 percent of 1220 plus 40 percent of 1600i.e.. 1220+1200+640 = 3060 i.e. Rs.3500 plus grade pay.
(ii) In case of bunching one increment for two years of service may be allowed.
4.9 Annual Increment should be 3 percent of the pay in the pay band + grade pay.
4.10 Dearness Allowance as per the formula for other employees.
4.11 Other allowances:
(i) Hill allowance, special duty allowance, project allowance etc all allowances should be paid as per the rate paid to other employees.
(ii) House Rent:30 percent, 20 percent and 10 percent in cities/town/other areas as recommended by 6th CPC.
(iii) Transport allowance:Rs.300 in other towns andRs.200 in other areas.This allowance will earn D.A. as announced from time to time.
(iiv) Payment of other allowances viz CEA, T.A. etc may be considered.
4.12 A assured career progression. Three assured career progressions on completion of 10, 20, 30 years of service.
4.13 Combined duty allowance there will be no need for this allowance.
4.14 Seasonal Post offices:A retainer fee of 50 percent of the allowances should be paid to the G.D.S. employees of seasonal post offices for the period they are not on duty for reasons beyond there control.
4.16 Productivity linked Bonus:
(i) This is a settled issue and the PLB formula is in place. There is no scope for any revision. The Committee has shown utter bias and discrimination by suggesting departure from the set track.(ii) Bonus should be calculated on the basis of monthly pay and allowances, subject to the maximum of the ceiling as fixed by the Government form time to time under the payment of Bonus Act..
4.17 Performance Related Incentives:
The G.D.S. Committee has taken a leaf from the report of the 6th CPC. Our strong and considered views are:
(i) There is no need for any kind of incentive or honorarium which is a cheap method of exploitation. We are therefore, opposed to this scheme.
(ii) Time factors should be prescribed for canvassing procuring new PLI business or for collection of renewal premia as suggested earlier by us; and for sale of Prasadam tickets etc. The working hours of the BO's/ED.SO's should be fixed taking into account the consolidated work.
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Retirement benefits welfare Measures and Conduct Rules (Chapters XIV, XV and XVI of the Report.)
5.1 We have dealt with the legal status of the G.D.S. employees in chapter I of our note that the G.D.S. employees have been declared as Civil Servants, may be with shorter span of duty hours. Shorter duty hours not withstanding, the fact remains that they are civil servants of the Central Government. Hence there is no place in this egalitarian society of India for differentiatial or discriminatory rules and benefits. Hence it becomes imperative that Retirement benefit be at par with other Central Civil Servants. The retirement benefits include pension/family pension, Gratuity and Encashment of leave etc.
5.2 Similarly welfare measurers and health schemes are not required to be spelt out. The G.D.S. employees should be provided welfare measurers at par with other Central Government employees and should also be Covered by C.C.S.(Medical Attendance rules.)
5.3 There is no need for a separate service or conduct rules for the G.D.S. employees. All rules including C.C.S. (Conducts) rules,1964;CCS (CCA) Rules 1965; F.Rs & SR's; pension rules and Leave rules should be applicable to the G.D.S. employees. The G.D.S. (Conduct & Employment) Rules should, therefore, be scrapped.
5.4 As for promotion to full time employees, we suggest that:-
(i) 85 percent promotion to multi-skilled group 'C' Posts from G.D.S. by re-training those who are not matriculates; and 15 percent form casual workers, (in view of numbers of each of these categories) by seniority.
(ii) Promotion to Postman cadre: 50 percent from multi skilled Group 'C'; 50 percent form G.D.S. (37.5% by examination and 12.5% by seniority).
(iii) Promotion to PA/SA cadre: - 40% from Postmen/MM/multi skilled Group 'C'; 40 percent form outsiders and 20% from G.D.S. by examination from those possessing 10+2 qualification and age relaxation up to 40 years.
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6. Recruitment, Penalties & Conduct rules and Trade Union facilities (Chapter XVII, XVIII & XIX of the Report)
6.1 As discussed in chapter I of this note and the preceding chapter, there is no need for separate Recruitment rules or classification, control and Appeal rules or conduct rules or Recognition & Trade Union rules and same rules should be applicable to the G.D.S. employees also as are applied to other employees.
6.2 In view what has been thoroughly explained in chapter I and preceding two chapters, these employees require legally and Judiciously to be DECLARED As CENTRAL CIVIL SERVANTS GROUP 'D'. We suggest this classification in view of the recommendation of the 6th CPC that there would be no Group 'D' in full time Central Services which has been accepted by the Government.
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7. Financing and Public facilities(Chapter XX & XXI of the Report)
7.1 The Government may make proper arrangement for financing of ED SOs/BOs to restore confidence of the public. Similarly proper arrangements for public as also for the staff and security of government property in Branch Post offices should be made.
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ANNEXURE:GENERAL OPINION OF G.D.S OFFICIALS ON GDS COMMITTEE REPORT;
A glance at the report reveal:That it has failed to understand ground realities of 3 lacs of GDS who are the back bone of this country and producing wealth in the department.That the Committee has no assessed arduous nature of work of rural MailDeliverer, Mail Carrier etc. That has made unscientific and unrealistic recommendations e.g.,Distance traversed in a village below 5000 population shall be 3 kms and above 5000 be 5 kms only. Points system is also defective. Our demand for actual workload is not recommended, why?That our demand for absorption in the dept. Is not taken seriously with an intention to regularization of their services in the dept. On the other hand there are adverse recommendations viz.,
A) In urban areas GDS officials are working more than regular employees. Their work as GDSMP, GDSMP JUSTIFIES FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT.
B) There are good many GDS lot working more than 5 hours daily, for e.g., in malnad/hilly/forest areas where the work is very hard to cope with. There is scope or regularization of these GDS officials. High cost of living, traveling from distant places to the work spot etc, is not kept in mind.
C) In cases of combination of duties mere grant of allowance of Rs.250/500 is quite unjustified and amounts to exploitation of labour too. Actual work rendered should be assessed for fixation of Pay. There is no rationale behind such recommendation.
D) That the GDS Stamp Vendors are much useful at counters service. Due to ban on creation of posts since 1983, the abnormal work is being managed by most of the GDS officials only. Their assistance in almost all areas such as Speed, Bulk bookings, operations of computers etc., are undermined. Their skill and efficiency need to be taken properly.That there is defect in assessment of work of Group D officials, which affected GDS packers also. Their actual work, detention in the office(idle wait) for general assistance e.g., stamping of bulk RD, money orders booking etc., are not assessed/studied properly. They are denied of their dues.That the concept of CYCLE BEAT should go. Realistic time standard should be framed to assess the work load of GDS staff of out door duty.That the Committee has merely ascertained/collected information from the RO/COs than actual and in-depth study of the nature of work/life style of GDS. It lacked realistic study at their work places. That a GDS official getting transfer to his place of convenience is put to financial loss. His service increment is also snatched which is illegal. A good gesture if pay is protected would fetch efficiency and income. A regular employee on transfer to his place of choice under Rule 38 transfer will retain his pay last drawn. What a discrimination to this section.Misuse of the facilities may be rare.Pay and other benefits are not given at par with deptl. Employees and such discrimination is opposed everywhere.SINCE MOST OF THE G.D.S are conditioned for such low pay, lacking facilities, treatment etc., IT IS THE NEED OF THE HOUR TO UPLIFT THEM. Justice Talwar Committee HAD MADE AN ATTEMPT IN THIS DIRECTION. But Sri.R.S.Nataraja murthi committee has thrown GDS back to 100 years.
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Saturday, November 8, 2008

GOVERNMENT SHOULD MODIFY NEGATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS OF GDS COMMITTEE
NFPE FEDERAL SECRETARIAT ENDORSES
GDS PROGRAMME OF ACTION
NFPE FEDERAL SECRETARIAT MET TODAY
UNANIMOUSLY ENDORSED THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMME OF GDS UNION DEMANDING MODIFICATIONS OF GDS COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS AND FUTURE COURSE OF ACTION:
DEMONSTRATIONS AT ALL PLACES ON 11.11.2008 PROTESTING AGAINST THE NEGATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS OF GDS COMMITTEE AND DEMANDING MEANINGFUL NEGOTIATIONS AND MODIFICATIONS THEREON.
FULL SOLIDARITY AND PARTICIPATION IN THE PADA YATRA MASS CAMPAIGN PROGRAMME FROM 20.11.2008 TO 26.11.2008.
NFPE CONVENTION OF CIRCLE SECRETARIES AND CHQ OFFICE BEARERS TO MEET IN GUNTUR ON 29.11.2008 TO DISCUSS AND DECIDE ABOUT FUTURE COURSE OF ACTION - CONSULTATION WITH CONFEDERATION AND POSTAL JCA WILL BE MADE BEFORE THE GUNTUR CONVENTION FOR BROADER UNITY.
BUILD STRONGER UNITY BETWEEN REGULAR AND GDS – CREATE CONFIDENCE THAT STAND UNITED WE WIN AND STAND DIVIDED WE FALL.
Dear Comrades! The NFPE Federal Secretariat has met today and discussed the GDS Committee recommendations and future task in particular.
The Secretariat noted unanimously that while marginal improvements are there in the GDS Committee Report, there are lot of negative recommendations that are to be focussed before the Department of Posts for rejecting the same.
The recommendations on DA Formula, Bonus Formula, Time factor, Gratuity, Prorata wages with corresponding categories of regular employees, TU Rights, Outsourcing of GDS functions and many other issues are negative in character and require to be either dropped or suitably modified.
It was decided that NFPE will submit a Note to the Department for its consideration of modification after discussion with us. NFPE will submit its Note after understanding the view points of the GDS Union on what type of modifications the GDS CHQ wants to be made in the report.
The Programme of Action called for by the GDS Union for Protest Demonstrations on 11.11.2008 and the Pada Yatra Mass Campaign from 20th to 26th November 2008 are unanimously endorsed by the NFPE. NFPE therefore call upon all Affiliated Unions and Associations at all levels to mobilise total solidarity and support to the cause of GDS and organise big demonstrations of regular employees in support of the demand for meaningful negotiations with the Staff Side for effective modifications on all negative recommendations before implementation of the Report of the GDS Committee.
Confederation of CG Employees has already adopted its resolution to organise an Indefinite Strike on a common charter of demands of Pay Commission related issues of CG Employees and GDS Committee related issues. NFPE will discuss with Postal JCA as well as with the Confederation for forging a larger unity of regular employees and GDS Employees for undertaking future course of action.
Let us unite with all for improving the GDS Committee and Pay Commission related issues.
Unity of all regular CG employees and GDS is the source of strength for meaningful negotiations.
Strengthen the unity and resolve to make progress.