One day pay cut for absence on strike day

The state government has decided to cut a day’s salary of employees who skipped work on the day of the Citu-sponsored general strike on February 28, but spared them the break-in-service clause it had threatened to invoke.

Today’s order, issued by the finance department, came as a relief to many employees who were absent that day. As a last-ditch attempt to foil the strike, Mamata Banerjee had threatened on strike-eve to crack the break-in-service whip on those employees who would ignore the chief secretary’s circular and be absent on February 28.

The dies non clause that the government invoked today is derived from the no-work-no-pay principle. It is a much lighter clause in comparison with break in service, which could have affected pension calculations significantly as government employees need to put in 20 years of uninterrupted service to be eligible for full pension.

A break in service would have had much larger implications on promotions and increment calculations.

“A day’s docking of salary is a much lighter provision than break in service, which would have meant a fresh start of career. I would have lost the seniority I had earned by putting in 12 years of service,” a government employee who took part in the strike said.

The government, however, will first issue a show-cause notice to the employees who stayed away from office on strike day. Action will be taken against those whose answers are not found satisfactory. The order gave a list of reasons that the absent employees can cite, with documentary evidences.

Although senior office bearers of the Left-backed Co-ordination Committee — an umbrella organisation of 33 government employees’ associations — claimed victory, saying that the administration did not dare invoke the break-in-service clause because of their “tough stand”, a senior official said Mamata did the “right thing”.

“Her main objective was to ensure high attendance at government offices on February 28. She achieved that. As attendance in government offices was over 85 per cent on that day, there was no need for her to invoke the break-in-service clause, which would have provoked court cases,” he said.

Former Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa had faced such a situation after sacking 1.7 lakh government employees for striking work on July 2, 2003. In August 2003, 1.64 lakh of them had to reinstated after the Supreme Court intervened. The 6,000 employees who were not reinstated had allegedly indulged in violence.

Sources in the government said Mamata “tried to gauge the mood of the employees and checked legal provisions before taking a final decision” on the action.

“The government did not initiate the break-in-service clause as it could have been challenged in court. But the government can deduct a day’s salary and a day’s seniority if an employee remains absent for a day without valid reasons,” the official said.

Co-ordination Committee leaders said the panel was “discussing our next course of action”.

Source: The Telegraph 

[http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120308/jsp/bengal/story_15227072.jsp]

Announcement of result of IP Examination-2011

Today, I contacted the concerned officers in the Postal Directorate. It came to notice that some Circles had allowed P.M.Grade-I officials to take the IP Examination. Hence, the file has been sent to the DDG (P) for clarification. Result will be announced only after clarification by the SPN Division of the Department.

(Vilas Ingale)
General Secretary


 courtesy All India Association of IPs/ASPs at 5:02 PM

CAT CASE DRAFT FOR REVERSION FROM POSTMASTER GRADE-I

Click here to read the CAT case draft copy

Supplementary dates configuration in subaccounts Module

During March While doing day begin in Sub accounts module a message appears. Most of the SPMs and Supervisor firstly just ignore the message. The message is about configuring the Last working day of the March and First working day of April. If you ignore the message while day begin of next day this message also reappears.

Solutions:

Log in as ---Supervisor -->

Go to configuration -->

Select Supplementary Dates -->

Current Year  2012

Last working day of March   31-03-2012

First Working day of April    02-04-2012

Save

This will solve the error

Courtesy : katiharho.blogspot.in

Postal Abbreviations

APO Army Post Office
APPU Asian Pacific Postal Union
AMPC Automatic Mail Processing Centre
CBPO Centrally Based Post office
CPMG  Chief Postmaster General
CO Circle Office
CSD Circle Stamps Depot
CRC Computerized Registration Centre
ECS Electronic Clearance Service
EFT Electronic Fund Transfer
eMO electronic Money Order
ePOST electronic Post
ESMO Electronic Satellite Money Order
eVPP electronic Value Payable Parcel
EMS Express Mail Service
EPP Express Parcel Post
FPO Field Post Office
GPO General Post Office
HPO Head Post Office
ISP India Security Press (Nasik)
IVP Indira Vikas Patra
ILC Inland Letter Card
IMO Instant Money Order
IFSMO International Financial System Money Order
IMT International Money Transfer
KVP Kisan Vikas Patra
MSY Mahila Samridhi Yojana
MO Money Order
MDG Mukhya Dak Ghar
NSC National Savings Certificate
PRSS Pay Roll Savings Scheme
PIN Postal Index Number
PLI Postal Life Insurance
PTC Postal Training Centre
PMG Postmaster General
PCO Public Call Office
PPF Public Provident Fund
RMS Railway Mail Service
RO Regional Office
RL Registered Letter
RLO Returned Letter Office
RPLI Rural Postal Life Insurance
SBCO Savings Bank Control Organisation
SRO Sub Record Office/ Sub Record Officer
TMO Telegraphic Money Order
UPU Universal Postal Union
VPL Value Payable Letter
VPP Value Payable Parcel
V-SAT Very-Small Aperture Terminal

Release of Revised MNOP Script 05.03.2012

     It is decided to keep both POS and SpeedNet MNOP Updation Script at a single point download. This script has to be used at all the offices using POS and SpeedNet.

     Based on the latest Sorting Extract / Orders received from the Directorate and IC Hub Data received from Circles, the Revised MNOP Script is released and the details of the releases are as follows.

     This script will contain the entire Hub Master data as per the requirement /modifications - including all the previous revisions. This document shows only the latest revisions. 

Steps to Update:

• Download the MNOP script file from ftp://ftp.ptcinfo.org/MNOP_Hubs_UpdationScripts_POS_SpeedNet/

• Take Full Backup of POSPCC DB

• Execute the EXL file through ScriptTool.exe.

• Login to Speednet and check View-> Hub Details option to check the Pin Range Mapping for the Office/Hub

• Login to Operator and and check the Close Bag option to get all Offices as per mapping for the Office / Hub

If any Office is NOT found in the list of Offices for Close Bag option then do the following:

• Login to SPC Site

• Go to Linked Offices -> Modify Office Name Option -> Type the Pin Code of the Office and Fetch

• If the Office is not existing there then provide a New Office Add request with the format available at - ftp://ftp.ptcinfo.org/SpeedNet/  to support@ceptmysore.net 

• If the Office is existing then check whether the Office is a delivery office.

• If it is NOT a delivery office send the office details in the format in ftp://ftp.ptcinfo.org/SpeedNet/ with a request for change of status to delivery to  support@ceptmysore.net 

• If the office is a delivery office, then take the screen print of the details of the office and send the same to support@ceptmysore.net for further checking. 

Note: 

     SpeedNet: Script is compulsorily to be updated in concerned Hub or IC Hub as well as in all offices using SpeedNet whose Pin Code is covered under  Pin Range Modification /  Hub – Addition/Deletion. 

     At other SpeedNet offices the script may be executed so that the Hub Details option in the SpeedNet Module, will show the latest MNOP Pin Range for all hubs.

POS: All offices Booking Speed Post Articles should update the script. 

New Set of Model Questions for Various Departmental Examinations

1-----------  means anything transmittable by Post, whether Letter,  Paper, Parcel, or Package Article

2.  Forward Postage is  not   chargeable  on a.  mis-sent article. The above said statement is True

3.   A  Packet  of   Newspapers consists of  ----  or  more  Newspaper   enclosed in one cover. Two

4 . what is meant by  office of posting ? Office which any article is first received from the sender

5  The privileges and powers of the Government in respect of Postal and cognate matters are dealt with in the------------------------------  Indian Post Office Act

6   in which ministry directs the postal department? Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.

7     --------------- and -----------------  are permanent invitee to the Postal board The joint Secretary and Financial Advisor to the Department

8    In which  postal  circle    is headed by  Major General called Additional Director  General   Base Circle  (for army postal service )

9   In which ratio is adopted  for selection of  army postal service  Seventy five  percent  of staff is coming from  civil post office as deputation and remaining twenty five staff are selected  through the direct recruit

10 The Materials Management is  handled by   ------------   member of postal board Member (D)

11   The Headquarters of the Postal Services Board, the Director-General and other officers of the Director General are at  Mumbai The above said statement is  False

12  . Any representation which is not an appeal should be designated as ---------------     a petition

13   Any petition or copy thereof which is sent direct to the Director General or to any subordinate authority, instead of through the proper channel, will be filed, no notice of any kind being taken of it. The above said statement is True

14 Petitions, representations and applications addressed to the Director General by persons who have left the Department, or whose services have been dispensed with or who have been dismissed or removed from service. Then  what  is the ruling related with  submission  of petitions, representations and applications ? All such communications must be submitted through the Head of the Circle or the Administrative Office under whom the persons were last employed.

15   For other Subordinate Courts,--------- appointed by the State Govt. have been notified to appear on behalf of the Union of India and its officers under the Civil Procedure Courts. The Govt. Pleaders

16  All ---------------- in the Posts Department who are fully conversant with the facts of the particular cases are the authorised persons by whom Plaints and Written Statements in Suits in any courts of civil jurisdiction by or against the Central Government can be signed and verified in respect of matters concerning the Posts Department. Gazetted Officers

Prepared by  S Jayachandran  ,  SA , Divisional office , Mavelikara  -690101

Published by :  http://sapost.blogspot.com/

Dopt : Rotational Transfer of Section Officers with more than 16 years of service in the same Ministry/Department

F. No. 6/10/2012-CS-I(S) 

Government of India 

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions 

Department of Personnel & Training

2nd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhavan, 

Khan Market, New Delhi. 

Dated the 5th March, 2012.

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:- Rotational Transfer of Section Officers with more than 16 years of service in the same Ministry/Department.

   

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department’s OM No. 21/7/2011-CS.I (D) dated 08th September, 2011 vide which the details of Section Officers who have completed more than 7 years in the same Ministry/Department in whatever capacity was sought in connection with Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1654 dated 10.08.2011. The information has since been received from Ministries/Departments and has been compiled. A decision has been taken in DOP&T to implement RTP in a systematic manner with the approval of the Competent Authority. The implementation schedule has been circulated to all the Ministries/Departments vide OM No. 4/12/2011- CS-I(D) dated 02nd March, 2012.

  

2. In the first phase, after excluding those officers who are due to superannuation within two years, it is proposed to transfer the Section Officers as per Annexure-I & Annexure II, who have completed more than 16 years in the same Ministry/Department as on 01.01 .2012.

  

3. Ministries/Departments and officers concerned may check the enclosed information and bring to the notice of this Department urgently if any other Section Officer with more than 16 years of service (excluding those who are due for superannuation within two years as on 01.01.2012) has been left out or if there is any other error/omission in the list.

  

4. The officers indicated in annexure are requested to indicate their preferences for posting in the enclosed format Annexure-III which should reach CS-I Division by 9.03.2012. It may be noted that seeking option is only for the purpose of assisting this Department in deciding the posting and this should not in any way be construed as a right for claiming posting of choice. The option may be faxed at 24629414.

sd/- 

(Monica Bhatia) 

Director, CS-I

courtesy:90paisa.blogspot.in

NO LEGAL IMMUNITY FOR GOVT SERVANT IN CRIMINAL CASES: SC

New Delhi, Mar 6, 2012 (PTI): A public servant facing charges of corruption, cheating and other criminal cases in the discharge of his or her duties does not enjoy any legal immunity as no prior sanction is required for prosecuting such officials.

     A bench of justices R M Lodha and H L Gokhale set aside the concurrent findings of the Punjab and Haryana High Court and a sessions court which had quashed the prosecution and summons issued to a Deputy Excise and Taxation Commissioner, Gurgaon

     The Supreme Court will provide no legal immunity for government servants in cheating and other criminal cases.

     Citing the apex court ruling in the Prakash Singh Badal (2007) case, the bench said, “The offence of cheating under Section 420 or for that matter offences relateable to Sections 467, 468, 471 and 120-B can by no stretch of imagination by their very nature be regarded as having been committed by any public servant while acting or purporting to act in discharge of official duty.”

     While Section 420 relates to cheating, sections 467, 468, 471 pertains to forgery and 120-B applies in  cases of criminal conspiracy.

     In the present case the official was accused by Omkar, a transporter, of collecting Rs two lakh money from him after impounding his three vehicles and refusing to issue any receipt.

     Based on Dhankar’s complaint, judicial magistrate, Gurgaon, on June 2, 2001 issued him summons to face trial under Sections 420 (cheating), 406 (criminal breach of trust) and 161 (illegal gratification by a public servant) IPC.

     On a criminal revision appeal filed by the official, the additional sessions judge quashed the summons and a single judge of the high court affirmed the order while dismissing Dhankar’s appeal. Aggrieved, he filed the special leave petition in the apex court.

Courtesy: Srirangam Anjal

Recognition of National Federation of Postal Employees and Federation of National Postal Organizations in the Department of Posts

Orders on One time increment [between Feb and June'06] may be issued Very soon

    The order for Granting one increment to the Central Government Employees may be issued in the first week of March 2012.

     Sources close to the DOP&T informed that the issue of granting one increment to the government servants, whose increment date falls between February 2006 and June 2006, has been forwarded to Finance Ministry for its approval. According to the sources, the Finance Ministry gave its approval to this proposal as agreed by the Government in the National Anomaly Committee.

     The Federations representing National Anomaly Committee approached the Government to issue the order very soon, since the decision of granting one increment to the govt servants was taken in the National Anomaly Committee on 5th January 2012. It is believed that the federations were informed that due to the ongoing Elections for state assemblies in some states, issuing order is delayed. As per the Election Schedule the elections for state assemblies for 5 States are commenced on 28-1-2012, and the 6th phase of U.P and Goa State assembly elections will be completed by 03-03-2012. So, keeping in view of the above, we can expect that the order for Granting one increment to the Central Government Employees may be issued in the first week of March 2012.

     According to the decision which is agreed by government in National Anomaly Committee, the govt servants will be granted one increment in the pre revised 5th CPC scale on 01-01-2006, and then it will be multiplied by 1.86 and the pay in the Pay Band in the 6 CPC will be fixed accordingly

…. NEWS FROM DELHI SOURCES.

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF DEPARTMENTAL COUNCIL (JCM)

A meeting of the Departmental Council (JCM) under the Chairpersonship of Secretary(Posts) was held on 10.02.2012. The following were present:

Official Side

1. Ms. Manjula Prasher, Secretary(P)

& Chairperson, Departmental Council(JCM)

2. Ms. Yesodhara Menon, Member(P)

3. Ms. Suneeta Trivedi, Member(Plg.)

4. Shri Santosh Gauriar, Member(O)

5. Kalpana Tiwari, CGM MB&O

6. Shri S.K. Sinha, CGM PLI

7. Shri Tilak De, DDG(MM&Estates)

8. Shri V.P. Singh, DDG(Estt.)

9. Shri Salim Haque, DDG(P)

10. Ms. Aindri Anurag, DDG(PO&CP)

11. Shri A.S. Prasad, DDG(FS)

12. Shri V.K. Tiwary, DDG(R&P)

13. Shri Subhash Chander, Director(SR&Legal)

Staff Side

1. Shri K.V. Sridharan,Leader

2. Shri Giriraj Singh,

3. Shri M. Krishnan,

4. Shri D. Theagarajan

5. Shri D. Kishan Rao

6. Shri Ishwar Singh Dabas

7. Shri T. N. Rahate

8. Shri P. Suresh

9. Shri Pranab Bhattacharjee

10. Shri A.H. Siddiqui

11. Shri K. Ragavendra

12. Shri S. Karunanidhi

13. Shri Surinder Pal

     The meeting started with introductory remarks of the Chairperson wherein she apprised of the staff side about the proposal of recognition of federations heaving been taken up for consideration and approval of the competent authority. This was followed by the staff side thanking the Chairperson for convening the meeting as per the schedule. Thereafter agenda items were taken up for discussion. The gist of discussions held during the meeting is as follows:-

Annexure – I

1. Long distance schedules of MMS

The staff side was apprised of the instructions having been issued to Heads of Circles on 15.06.2010 to increase the utilization of vehicles by extending the existing schedules up to 300 kms. The position about clearance of Ministry of Finance regarding purchase of new vehicles as also replacement of old vehicles happening much faster was also explained to the staff side.

The contention of the staff side was that the aforesaid instructions are not being observed and it was agreed to reiterate the said instructions.

2. Diversion of MMS vehicles

The staff side averred that the vehicles allotted to MMS for operational purposes were diverted to Circle/Regional offices, which is adversely affecting the efficiency of mail delivery. They desired issue of strict instructions in the matter so that vehicles are used for the purpose for which they are procured.

The instructions issued in this regard by the Department from time to time were brought to the notice of the staff side with an understanding to reiterate the instructions once again.

3. Holding of examination for filling up the posts of AMM in MMS

The staff side pointed out delay in finalization of Rules of Recruitment for the post of Assistant Manager in MMS, with a request to finalise it on priority. The Chairperson advised the official side to complete the pending action in regard to finalization of Recruitment Rules within 2 months.

4. Holding of DPC for filling up the posts of Deputy Manager MMS

It was agreed to complete the process within 2 months.

5. Appointment to the grade of Supdt. Stg. In RMS

The contention of the staff side was that the 4 posts of Supdt. Sorting in RMS which were meant for general line officials are either manned by ASPs or by PSS/PMS Group B officials. Further, the Circles in which these posts exist are also not known. During discussions, a reference was also made to 4 posts of AD (Recruitment) out of which 3 are lying vacant. Besides requesting for filling up of the above posts, the staff side mentioned about their merger with main stream of Group B posts and increasing quota of General line officials from the existing 6% to a higher percentage.

The Chairperson advised the Personnel Division to find out the availability of posts and to fill all the posts meant for general line officials from that category only within three months.

6. Acute shortage of ‘C’ Bags

The staff side was explained that for the year 2011-2012, much of the supply has already started and there are only 2 companies which are yet to start it. Further, action has already been initiated to ensure timely supply of bags for 2012-2013 & 2013-2014. The staff side was also apprised about the constitution of a Committee which will consider decentralization of procurement of stores of other than prescribed sizes, and the Committee will submit its report within one month.

7. Change of nomenclature of cleaners in MMS

Redesignation of Cleaner as Helpers may go against their interest and, therefore, it was agreed to drop the item.

8. Change of Recruitment Rules ensuring parity in recruitment to the posts of Postmen and Mailguards in the Department of Posts

The Recruitment Rules for the posts of Postmen and Mailguards have been revised and notified in the Gazette of India after due deliberations. In the background of the above, the item is treated as closed.

9. Recruitment in the cadre of erstwhile Group D upgraded as Multi Skilled Employees in the Department of Posts

In the background of Revised Rules of MTS it was agreed to close the item.

10. Providing additional hand to single handed offices due to decentralization of RD Work etc.

The staff side drew attention to the agreement reached in an earlier meeting of the Departmental Council (JCM) in 2006 in the wake of which a Sub Committee was constituted, which submitted its report in favour of the proposal. In turn, it was explained to them that norms for the work of decentralized schemes like RD/MIS have already been finalized and further, redeployment was within the power of the CPMSG.

11. Implementation of recommendations of the 5th CPC with regard to payment of cash handling allowance to treasurers and Asst. Treasurers in Post Offices.

The Staff Side was informed that the proposal was taken up with the Ministry of Finance in 2010 but it was not agreed to. However, it was decided to once again take up the matter with the Ministry of Finance.

12. Payment of OSA and other benefits to MMS staff on par with RMS Staff.

The proposal of the Staff Side was agreed to. Order in this regard will be issued shortly.

13. Allot 19% Group B vacancies for General line and permit all Group C officials in Postal, RMS, Admn. And Postal A/Cs with minimum 20 years of service to appear in the exam by dispensing with present reservation of posts to RMS & Admn. Staff.

It was agreed to constitute a Committee which will look into the matter (other than Postal Accounts) and submit its report within 2 months.

14. ACP Scheme to wiremen and electrical staff.

In the background of instructions issued by the Department vide No. 2-13/2009/PCC dated 12.08.2012, it was agreed to close the item.

15. Streamlining the work of Cash Certificates and causing uniform work procedure.

The staff side was informed about the norms having been issued on 26.04.2010, a copy of which was supplied.

16. Anomaly in the preparation of PA gradation list. Date of confirmation should not be taken now and d ate of appointment be taken for construing seniority. Fixing seniority based on the date of confirmation in unconstitutional and discriminatory and dropping of confirmation examination.

It was agreed to refer the matter to the Committee constituted to consider item No.13.

17. Ensure speedy verification of caste.

It was agreed to reiterate the instructions of DOPT to the Maharashtra Circle.

18. Merger of Despatch Riders with the Drivers.

In the background of different rules of recruitment for the post of Despatch Riders and Drivers, the proposal could not be agreed to.

19. Allowing lift operators to sit for the LGO examination.

It was explained that it was a different category altogether and thus it would not be possible to allow the Lift Operators to sit for LGO examination.

Annexure -2

1.Non absorption of Lift Operators

Referring to the case of 5 Lift operators working at Howrah Post Office building, the Staff Side was informed that it appeared to be a case of absorption of Casual Labourers and not Lift operators and therefore it was agreed to drop the item.

2. Relaxation of educational qualification in respect of widow applicant for compassionate appointment.

The staff side was apprised of the position that prior to implementation of the recommendations of 6th CPC, in case of widows the provision to relax the educational qualification existed subject to the condition that it would not adversely affect the work. The above clause has been found missing in the 6th CPC recommendation and, therefore, its continuance thereafter will be ascertained from the Department of Personnel & Training.

3. Request for correct identification of Speed Post Hubs.

The staff side was informed that selection of Speed Post Hubs was done as part of Mail Network Optimisation Project after a comprehensive study of the network and taking into account mail volume Air/Rail/Road connectivity into account. In regard to Asansol, the Chairperson explained her discussions with the CPMG West Bengal in which he was asked to increase the mail business during the next 3 months and the position will be reviewed thereafter. The point of Guntakal having better connectivity then Kurnool this justifying its identity as hub was also mentioned by the staff side. M B division will have this examined.

4. Request to issue instructions to the Heads of Circles to follow the Directorate order in respect of Speed Post Norms.

The instructions have already been issued and therefore it was agreed to drop the item. A copy of the instructions will, however, be made available to the staff side.

5. Request to extend the Station Tenure to Senior Manager Cadre in MMS.

The proposal of the Staff Side that rotational transfers should be done on time, was agreed to by the Chairperson.

6. Incentive structure for handling UIDAI (Aadhar) cards to the PO staff.

The contention of the staff side was that Aadhar Cards were being handed over to the Postmen for delivery along with other dak which form part of their normal duties without considering their limitations in this regard. Mention was also made about higher rate of incentive being paid in Andhra Pradesh Circle with a request to follow it in other Circles.

It was clarified to the staff side that there is a provision to ensure delivery of Aadhar Cards within 15 days from the date of booking and it was quite a relaxed condition, in comparison to other Speed Post articles. In the matter of payment of incentive, the Chairperson agreed to reiterate the instructions in relation to Speed Post articles (including Aadhar) of the Department to all Heads of Circles. Higher incentive cannot be approved.

7. Reassessment of the Role of the Office Supdts. Working in Circle Administrative offices including the office of the DPLI and upgradation of them as the holder of Gazetted Group-B posts.

It was not agreed to. The item may be closed.

8. Promotion of senior most HSG-I in each regional office as office Supdt.

It was not agreed to. The item may be closed.

9. Release the Pension/DCRG of employees against whom minor penalty proceedings concluded after retirement.

In the light of instructions having been issued by the Department and reiterated vide letter dated 10.02.2012, it was agreed to close the item.

10. Pay protection to employees who seek transfer to a lower post under FR 15(a)/transfer under Rule 38.

It was agreed to have a relook into the matter.

11. Construction of Departmental Buildings for Postal Accounts Offices at Hyderabad, Trivandrum and Patna.

The Staff side was informed that all the 3 projects will be considered for construction during the 12th Plan period, subject to availability of funds.

12. To fill up the time scale Driver Post at MMS.

It was agreed to have a relook into the matter of filling up of all residual vacancies of Drivers in the MMS.

13. Revival of Bandel and Barasat RMS in West Bengal Circle.

The staff side contented that the closure of these offices was against the agreement reached with them and requested for their revival. The staff side was explained that in view of the networking exercise, L1 and L2 has to be followed and therefore this item become irrelevant. It was further clarified that in the wake of networking exercise, number of mail offices with less than 10,000 mails are being allowed to continue. In the light of the above discussions, the item is treated as closed.

14. Problem arisen subsequent on centralization of Tax related work at HO in S.B.Branch.

The staff side was apprised that TDS is a mandatory income tax requirement and is part of the statutory requirement when commission is paid to agents. There is every possibility that the issues raised by them will be sorted out by the new software. It was further stated that in case the issue does not get resolved with the new Financial Services software, this would be examined separately.

15. Posting of in charge of BPC – regarding.

It was agreed to look into the matter.

16. Request for procurement and supply of scanner to HOs and SOs in Maharashtra Circle effecting MSEDEL bills on e-payment.

The staff side was informed that the matter had been discussed with the CPMG Maharashtra Circle and the possibilities were being explored to split the existing Barcode of Maharashtra State Electricity Board so that it comes within 12 digit Bar code reader. It was also explained that the Department would not be in a position to procure scanner so as to suit the requirement of different organizations, utilizing the services of the Post Office. In the background of the above, the item was closed.

17. Delivery/Remarks on Speed Post articles pertaining to Pass Port - Clarifications sought for.

After discussions, it was agreed to reiterate the instructions of the Department to all concerned.

18. Irregularities in the accounting procedure in Post Offices – case of Delhi Circle.

It was agreed to look into the matter.

19. Postal Assistant Direct recruitment – compulsory education in regional language – regarding.

The staff side was informed that in the new recruitment rules for PA/SA, the condition has been changed as regional language/Hindi. After detailed discussions, it was agreed to close the item.

20. Reduction of tenure in the Naxalite threat areas in Baster division, Chattisgarh circle.

The staff side was informed that the issue falls within the purview of the Circle Office.

21. Holding of JAO part II Examination – regarding.

It was informed to the staff side that the matter was earlier taken up with the Ministry of Law & Justice and is now under consideration in consultation with the Department of Personnel & Training. It was also stated that in case of eligible candidates, the examination may be conducted without much delay.

22. Arbitrary & irregular Audit objection and recovery of licence fee from the officials provided with rent free recommendation.

In the wake of instructions issued by the CPMG West Bengal, it was agreed to drop the item.

23. Removal of age limit for appearing in IPO exam.

After detailed discussions it was agreed to drop the item.

24. Evolution of norms for all duties performed my Multi tasking staff (erstwhile Group-D).

The staff side was informed that norms for all the duties performed by MTS are being evolved.

25. Creation of justified additional posts while implementing new system for delivery work and allowing postmen to write correct remarks for non delivery.

The issue is under examination by the Postmen Committee, under the Chairpersonship of CGM PLI.

26. Grant of uniform and kit maintenance allowances.

The fact of the matter having been taken up with the Department of Personnel & Training vide letter dated 02.02.2012 was brought to the notice of the staff side.

27. Providing Security to cash overseers.

The staff side was informed that the present cash limits are not so high to provide for the security and further the Circle Heads would be instructed to ensure adherence to the line limits by all concerned. It was also agreed to examine the feasibility of raising line limits and to provide security guards in the Post Offices located in highly sensitive areas. The issue of utilizing services of the bank branches located in the area will also be examined.

28. Incentive to Mail overseers for procuring PRLI Business.

It was agreed to issue a clarification to the effect that Mail Overseers are also eligible for incentives on par with other departmental officials and depending upon the suitability, they can be engaged for this work.

29. Weight and size limit of express post parcels delivery of by Postmen.

It was agreed to reiterate the existing instructions on the subject to all Heads of Circles.

30. To keep status quo in the post of Departmental Stamp Vendor.

The staff side was informed that the issue is covered by the standing instructions on utilization of surplus manpower and redeployment of posts and therefore, the plea to maintain status quo cannot be approved.

***

Courtesy:http://nfpe.blogspot.in/

WHETHER YOUR POSTOFFICE BROADBAND MODEM IS SECURED?

1. Intelligence agencies  have found that terrorists were using unsecured wi-fi Modem connections for sending their emails

 2. And your Postoffice wireless connection modem may be  used by the outsiders also beyond your Post office premises. How will you prevent those...????

Solution is here....

Click here to find out the solution.....

Now, Post Offices outside city retail Solar Lamps

CHENNAI: Looking for an eco-friendly solar lamp to tide over the power cuts? You might be able to pick up one at your neighbourhood post office. The Chennai circle of India Post is selling solar lamps through 19 post offices across Tamil Nadu to give a fillip to its retail post initiative. 

"The demand has been on the rise so we will make the lamps available in other post offices too," says M S Ramanujan, postmaster general. The department started selling solar lamps in Chengalpet from September 2011. In February, post offices in Vellore and Kanchipuram started selling the lamps to cover areas such as Madurantakam, Tiruporur, Uttiramerur, Sriperumbudur, Tiruvallur, Tiruttani, and Sathuvacheri. 

"In the last month nearly 1,000 lamps were sold by the new centres," says an official. The demand is probably driven by the daily power cuts across the state. 

The department sells three kinds of lamps with LED lights and integrated solar panels that can be charged in the sun. The prices range from Rs 399 to Rs 1,699, and come with high and low settings or a facility to charge mobile phones, depending on the model. "Once the lamps are fully charged they can be used for four to eight hours," says Ramanujan. 

The department decided to sell solar lamps after successfully retailing gold coins and university application forms, and opening counters to accept utility bills. "We were forced to look at various options after the internet and other forms of communication eroded our traditional mail base," he says. 

After a solar lamp manufacturer approached the department, it decided to start selling the lamps in rural areas. "Our biggest advantage is our network, especially in rural areas. The demand has gone up with power cuts and the beginning of the exam season," says Ramanujan. 

To cater to the demand, the department has placed orders with a few more companies. However, supply is not sufficient to meet the rising demand. "Every household needs at least two lamps and that is tough to meet," he says.

Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com dtd 02/03/2012

A project in news since 1993; BANKING ON INDIA POST,

A project in news since 1993; BANKING ON INDIA POST,
Thanks to The Hindu

If India Post were to encourage the private sector to ride piggyback on its network to promote its products, its deficit might prove to be less of a burden.

          

          The Communications Minister, Mr Kapil Sibal, wants the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to grant a banking license to India Post. The proposal makes eminent sense, especially at a time when financial inclusion has become a pervasive buzzword. With 1.55 lakh post offices in the country, of which 1.39 lakh are in rural areas, India Post's reach is bigger than the 75,000 branches (just 22,000 rural) of all scheduled commercial banks put together. Moreover, it is already in the business of banking in a sense: The various savings schemes operated by post office across India have outstanding balances of some Rs 600,000 crore. There is no reason for not extending this function to the next stage — channelizing depositors' money for lending out to others and providing cheque facilities. The best example of why it is not an outlandish idea is provided by Japan's post office, which, as the largest holder of personal savings in the world, offers banking and life insurance services, apart from selling stamps and delivering letters. Allowing India Post to undertake regular banking functions would serve two objectives. First, it would make the institution more viable than it is at present on account of its being restricted to loss-making postal operations. Second, its unique outreach would equip it to serve social objectives.

          

          India Post has a clear advantage over banks as a vehicle for promoting financial inclusion. The use of mobile banking and banking correspondents, for all their undeniable promise, can hardly bridge the gap in rural outreach. Besides, the usurious excesses of micro-finance have robbed it of some of its sheen. With less than 40 per cent of the rural households covered by institutional lending, the potential of the post office to address the crisis of credit in rural India can hardly be over emphasised. Its financial inclusion potential has already come to the fore in the context of implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, where 46.7 million accounts had been opened and wages amounting to over Rs 18,000 crore had been distributed as on October 31 last year. It is also proving useful as the nodal agency for distribution of UIDAI cards.

          

          While India Post runs up an annual loss of some Rs 7,000 crore, its long-term deposit bias would, however, give it a cost advantage in the lending business. It can make micro-loans and plug into the self-help group network. India Post is also serious about promoting electronic and phone banking solutions for its customers. If, apart from offering banking services, India Post were to encourage the private sector to ride piggyback on its network to promote its products, its deficit might prove to be less of a burden. In the final analysis, a postman doubling up as banker may well turn out to be the best inclusive banking solution of all.

Source:  The Hindu Business Line 5.02.2012

Sr.Postmaster CAT case update

Sr. Postmaster CAT case came up before the Hon'ble CAT bench Chandigarh but no hearing took place as no reply has been filed by the department. The hearing has been adjourned to 11-4-2012.

Source : Punjab IP/ASP Blog

Tips to Keep your Computer User friendly

• Never, never, turn your computer off with the power switch until Windows has shut down. The one exception to this rule is when your computer locks up and your hard drive is not running (hard drive light is not blinking). In this situation, you can turn the power off without harmful effects to the hard drive. As cutting the power can also result in lost data or Windows files, you should only do this when you have to.

         Following this rule will prevent permanent hard drive defects caused by the  hard drive heads contacting the surface of the drive disc, and it will prevent a host of Windows problems.

Whenever possible, recover from crashes by pressing the Ctrl + Alt + Delete keys at the same time. Press them again to reboot your computer.

• It's highly recommended that you purchase an UPS (uninterruptible power supply) for your computer. This will keep your computer from crashing during power outages, and will protect your computer from low and high voltage occurrences.

An UPS is far superior to a surge protector and will save your computer from almost any type of power disaster. (See #1 above for what happens when your computer crashes.)

This is especially important thing to have if you live or will be living in old houses or apartments. The reason for this is the electrical work in apartments like those can often have faulty wiring that may short out resulting in a damaged computer or loss of information for you. Why have a surge protector when you could put that money towards a UPS?

• Backup, backup, backup, any data you cannot afford to lose to at least two separate physical drives. So backup data to external hard drives, USB/thumb drives, CD-RW's etc.

The time to backup is when you create something you can't afford to lose. Don't wait until tomorrow.

• Never unplug peripherals from the computer when it is powered up. Unplugging with the power on can short out the connector socket or the motherboard. The only exception to this rule is if you know a peripheral is "hot plug-gable". If you do not know what "hot plug-gable" means then ignore this exception.4. Run Scan-disk and De-fragment at least once a month. This will keep your hard drive healthy and prevent crashes. Alternatively, purchase a disk utility program and use it to keep your hard drive healthy. These programs are part of Windows and can be found at Start/Computer then Right click on the drive you want to fix. Choose Scan-disk or De-fragment  from the menu.

•  Do keep at least 300 MBs of your C: drive free for Windows to use. If you use Windows XP, Vista, or WIndows 7 then you should have 400-600 MBs of free space on your C: drive.

If you do not have enough free space you will choke Windows and it will start dumping data to your hard drive (or designated virtual drive), or it will just get really, really, slow (you will see your hard drive light on all the time and your computer will be locked up until the drive stops spinning).

Use the ADD/Delete tool in the Windows Control Panel to delete unneeded programs from your drive.

You can also use disk/utility cleaning programs and speed-up programs to get rid of clutter on your hard drive and to speed up your system, we recommend using a PC speed up program like PC Cleaner. See our review of PC Cleaner for more information.

•  Do not let a lot of programs load up when you start your computer. They use valuable memory and Windows Resources (Windows internal workspace).

All programs in your Windows System Tray (in the lower left of your screen) are running on your computer. Close them if you don't need them or run them and configure them not to load when you boot up.

Other programs running in the background can be found by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Delete at the same time.

•  Do use an anti virus checker regularly. Everyone should have an anti virus checker that boots up when their computer starts. The best type of protection is continuous monitoring from a dedicated anti-virus program (for example Ad Aware Pro, Panda Anti-virus Pro, Bit Defender Total Security, Spy ware Doctor with Anti Virus). Also, make sure the anti-virus program is set to update automatically. These programs must regularly update their virus definitions to provide the best defense against new viruses and other malware.

•  If you have a high speed Internet connection, you need a firewall program. A firewall program keeps those who want to hijack your computer from gaining access to your system. You really do not want someone else running your computer.

All current versions of Windows come with a built in firewall program. You can access the Windows firewall at Start/Control Panel/Internet Connections/Windows Firewall. This program should always be running unless you choose to use a different firewall program.

For additional protection, you should consider Internet security software that has firewall programs and other web security tools built-in e.g. PC Tools Internet Security, Panda Anti Virus Pro, and Bit Defender Total Security have firewall, anti virus, and other security programs bundled together in one package.
Case in point: When I am online 10 hours or more with my DSL connection, my computer is usually attacked by a hacker at least once.
Do not think you are safe from hackers!! Hackers use search programs to seek out computers at random. Get a firewall program and use it.

•  Keep track of the software disks you receive with your computer and new peripherals. These disks contain valuable software drivers and programs for Windows and are needed when Windows must be reloaded. Keep these disks and your Windows software disks in a safe, dry, place -- you never know when you will need them.

• Make sure Windows Update is set to Automatically Update your computer. Windows is frequently updated by Microsoft to prevent virus and malware attacks, to improve Windows performance, and to provide new features. Access Windows Update at Start/Control Panel/System/ Security/Windows Update.

Keeping these computer maintenance tips in mind will keep your PC in top shape and keep you from having an expensive repair bill.

Courtesy :  abkantharaja.blogspot.in

Grant of Paid Holiday to employees on the day of the Poll

Press Note 

Grant of Paid Holiday to employees on the day of the Poll – reg. 

     The Election Commission of India, vide its letter no. 78/2011/EPS, dated 10th January, 2012, had issued instructions to the Chief Secretaries of the States of Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand and the Secretary to Government of India, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of Personnel & Training, inviting their attention to the provisions of Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which provides for the grant of paid holiday to the employees on the day of the poll.

     The Commission has reiterated that the above mentioned Section of the RP Act, 1951 requires that all establishments and shops including those which work on shift basis shall be closed on the day of poll in the Constituency where a General/ bye-election is to be held. However, there may be cases where a person is ordinarily resident of the Constituency and registered as an elector, may be serving/ employed in an industrial undertaking or an establishment located outside the Constituency having a general/ bye-election. It is clarified that in such a situation, even those electors including casual workers working outside the constituency concerned would be entitled to the benefit of a paid holiday extended under the Section 135B(1) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. For example, the voters in the State of U.P. will be entitled to get a paid holiday from their employers, even if their location of employment is in Delhi or any other State.

     The daily wage/casual workers are also entitled for a holiday and wages on poll day as provided in Section 135B of the R.P. Act, 1951. 

Election Commission of India 

New Delhi , 27th February , 2012 

RM/

source-pib

CHQ News - latest position of issues relating to IP / ASP and IP exam result announcement

     Sri Vilas Ingle G.S IP/ASP Association has visited the  Directorate  along with Ex-GS Shri Roop Chand on 29.02.2012 and met with the  Member (P), various DDGs and other concerned officers. The following issues were discussed with them. The present status in respect of the issues as reportedn in CHQ Blog is as follows.

 1.   Up-gradation of GP of IP from Rs. 4200/- to Rs. 4600/-.

File relating to implementation of Hon. CAT Ernakulam Bench judgement dated 19/10/2011 is still under examination in view of our letter dated 22/2/2012. File is likely to be sent to Ministry of Finance shortly.

2.   Restructuring of Inspectors Posts Cadre.

Next Meeting of the committee constituted to look into promotional prospects of IPOs/ASPs is likely to be convened by the Department in near future in view of decision of AIC conveyed to the Member (P) on 22/2/2012.

3.   Holding of supplementary DPC for promotion to PS Gr. B for the year 2011.

Decision has been taken by the Department to hold supplementary DPC. This process is likely to be completed within next 3-4 months. 

    4.   Holding of DPC for the promotion to JTS, Group A.

File is under process, which is likely to be completed within 2-3 months.

5.   Declaration of result of IP examination 2011.

Marksheet from CMC has been received by the Department which is under scrutiny. After scrutiny the result will be declared shortly.  

6.   Revision of rates of remuneration for performing duty as Invigilator in the examination.  

File is still pending with Internal Finance.

7.   Re-allotment of surplus IPs to their Home Circles.

The issue is not under consideration at Directorate. Surplus IPs can go to their Home Circle only after relieving by the concerned circle in which they are working. 

Courtesy: http://ipaspandhra.blogspot.in/

Speednet & Negative List latest patches are released

Speednet 23.02.12 and Negative list upto 30.11.11 is released.
To download the patch please visit ftp:\\ptcinfo.org