CIRCLE DELEGATION MEETS CHIEF PMG

DEVELOPMENT IN RLO STALEMATE

THROUGH CORDIAL DIALOGUE

     ALL THE CIRCLE SECRETARIES OF NFPE, WEST BENGAL CIRCLE MET OUR NEW CHIEF POSTMASTER GENERAL SRI S.CHAKRABORTY YESTERDAY ACCOMPANIED BY COMRADE TAPAN DASGUPTA, PRESIDENT, GROUP-C and COMRADE DYUTIMAN MUKHERJEE, PRESIDENT, ADMINISTRATIVE UNION.

                        
   ALTHOUGH IT WAS THE FIRST COURTESY VISIT AFTER THE ASSUMPTION OF THE CHARGE OF THE CIRCLE HEAD BY SRI SARIT CHAKRABORTY, MAJOR PROBLEMS AND ISSUES OF THE CIRCLE HAVE BEEN NATURALLY PRESENTED TO HIM, GIVING THE MAXIMUM GRAVITY TO THE R.L.O. CASE. THE FORMER CHIEF, DEVIATING FROM HER COMMITMENT, ORDERED WHIMSICALLY TO REDEPLOY 26 STAFFS OF R.L.O. TO DIFFERENT DIVISIONS AND UNITS, BASING ON A IRREGULAR STATISTICS OBTAINED BY THE CIRCLE OFFICE.

                   
        SRI CHAKRABORTY, THE CHIEF PMG, HAS AGREED TO PUT A STAY ON THE REDEPLOYMENT ORDER, EXCEPT FEW STAFFS WHO HAVE ALREADY JOINED CIRCLE OFFICE ON THE STRENGTH OF THE ORDER. HE HAS ASSURED THAT A FRESH AND TRANSPARENT REVIEW WILL BE DONE AND DECISION WILL BE TAKEN ACCORDINGLY TAKING THE STAFF-SIDE INTO CONFIDENCE. HE HAS ALSO HELD THE TRADITION OF WEST BENGAL HIGH TO ADVANCE THROUGH DIALOGUE AND AMICABLE SETTLEMENTS.

         THE CHIEF PMG HAS ALSO ASSURED THAT DIFFERENT SERVICE BENEFITS OF THE STAFFS OF THE R.L.O. WHICH WERE BEING CURBED, EVEN IN CASES WHICH WERE ALREADY APPROVED,  WILL BE GRANTED IN THE USUAL MANNER.


         TO DISCUSS OTHER BURNING PROBLEMS OF THE CIRCLE, THE FOUR-MONTHLY MEETING WITH THE NFPE GROUP OF UNIONS WILL SOON BE CALLED.

                 
        THE CIRCLE UNIONS HOLD THAT THE DEVELOPMENT IS SIGNIFICANT AND THANK THE CHIEF POSTMASTER GENERAL FOR THE UNDERSTANDING HE HAS SHOWN TO THE DIFFICULTIES OF THE STAFFS. WE HOPE THAT WE SHALL BE ABLE TO FUNCTION IN HARMONY FOR THE BETTERMENT OF THE CIRCLE WITHOUT HAMPERING STAFF INTERESTS.

    

NFPE ANNOUNCES TO HOLD THE 8TH FEDERAL COUNCIL IN JUNE 2010

  NFPE HAS ANNOUNCED HOLDING OF EIGHTH FEDERAL COUNCIL IN JUNE 2010, AT MUKATADHARA AUDITORIUM, NEW DELHI. 

   THE CIRCULAR ISSUED BY NFPE IN THIS REGARD IS REPRODUCED BELOW. OTHER ITEMS OF IMPORTANCE LIKE THESE DAYS LIKE ANOMALY COMMITTEES ETC. ARE ALSO INCORPORATED IN THIS CIRCULAR. 

    COMRADES ARE REQUESTED TO GIVE WIDE PUBLICITY FOR PREPARATION.

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF POSTAL EMPLOYEES

1^ST Floor, North Avenue Post Office Building, New Delhi – 110001

PF-1(e)/03/2010 Dated 08.03.2010

To

All Office Bearers of NFPE

All General Secretaries of Affiliated Unions / Associations

All Circle Secretaries of NFPE Unions with a request to circulate to all branches

VIII FEDERAL COUNCIL OF NFPE

Dear Comrades,

The Federal Secretariat of NFPE has met on 3^rd March 2010 and decided to hold the next Federal Council of NFPE in New Delhi in the month of June 2010. After considering the feasibility of holding it some other circle and taking into account of all the factors including the time constraint, requirement of collection of funds for holding the Council etc, the Secretariat has decided that the Headquarters itself will hold the Federal Council in the Capital City with the cooperation of all Circles and Divisions and Branches of our great organisation.

Make it another Milestone

You are aware that every Session of the Federal Council of our Federation since its inception as NFPE and since the historical existence as NFPTE was always  very important and our sessions had led to several historic decisions that set the tone of the entire movement of Postal Employees in a particular direction and course. Even the decisions arrived at in our Federal Council sessions had impacted the decisions of the entire Confederation of Central Government Employees movement in the past. In that background, we are confident that the ensuing 8^th Federal Council of NFPE will also become a milestone in the history of Postal Employees movement. We meet in the background of stark advancement in some areas but with unresolved issues in some other areas. The Federal Council will consider in depth the whole scenario and will arrive at direction for our future march forward.

Venue and Preparations

The venue of the Federal Council is fixed at the Muktadhara Air-conditioned Auditorium with 200 seated capacities in Gole Market area of New Delhi keeping in mind the summer climate in the capital at that time. The ambience of the auditorium will provide a nice atmosphere for deep discussion on all issues by the members of Federal Council. Arrangement for stay with proper room and bedding with north & south Indian food for all Federal Councillors and Visitors are being made. Leaders of Trade Unions Centres and Central and State Government Employees movement will address the inaugural session of the Council. 

Advertisements for Souvenir for raising Funds to hold the Council

To meet out the expenditure of the Federal Council and to commemorate the historic occasion, it has been decided to bring out a colourful souvenir. The Secretariat requests all Circle and Divisional / Branch Secretaries to extend total cooperation by procuring maximum number of advertisements from each division / branch. Direct cash donations to the Federal Council of NFPE from branches and divisions are also requested. Tariff for advertisement is under preparation and will be despatched to all shortly. A 20% discount on the tariff amount for procuring advertisements by the branches and divisions will be allowed. Without the cooperation of circles and divisions this huge task of holding the federal council will not be possible. NFPE headquarters pins its confidence on the circles and divisions and branch unions that they will rise up to the occasion in a befitting manner.

Re-verification

The Secretariat reviewed the decision for holding joint circle council meetings and the inability of several circles in holding the same due to their preoccupation with the hectic re-verification campaign under way in their circles. It has been therefore decided that those circles who desire to continue their own programmes for this task may be permitted to follow their own programmes. However, the Secretariat calls upon all Circle Secretaries to take a close look into the activities of all divisions and branches under them and guide them in proper way to overcome any weakness visible. It is not an exaggeration that in some circles our own organisational weaknesses are impacting on the task of collecting maximum declaration forms from members. We should not lag behind in our task of emerging as the single largest organisation in each cadre. All P3 leaders are requested to extend a helping hand for our 'All India Postal SBCO Employees Association' in its task of emerging as a vital organisation. Recently the SBCO Association has got a booster in the decision of Indian Postal SBCO Staff Association merging to a form a stronger Association for the interests of SBCO Cadre. Tell every employee that without a stronger NFPE it would not be possible to rein in the bureaucracy that wants to do everything unilaterally and arbitrarily. The future of postal employees will be safe only by further strengthening the NFPE Unions and Associations.

National Anomaly Committee Meeting

National Anomaly Committee meeting official minutes has been released without incorporating certain corrections desired by the Staff Side. On important issues like grant of one increment in the pre-revised scale of pay on 1.1.2006 for all those employees whose increment falls between February and June; and Fixing the pay of senior Promotee employees at least on the level of pay recommended for direct recruited employees after 1.1.2006, we could see the official side not much interested to bring about solutions. The Railway Department in the meanwhile issued an order for stepping up the pay of such seniors to the level of new recruits if any entered into service after 1.1.2006 but denied the benefit if no new recruitment was made in the cadre after 1.1.2006. NFPE has taken up the issue with the Confederation for appropriate action. Meanwhile, the next meeting of National Anomaly Committee is likely to be held on 27.03.2010.

Departmental Anomaly Committee Meeting

The Departmental Anomaly Committee Meeting Minutes are under circulation for finalisation. It has been agreed to by the Committee to fix the Grade pay of BCR Group D at the level of 1900 GP from 1.1.2006. It has been agreed to for taking up with the Nodal Ministry for treating the Special Allowance of PO&RMS Accountants as part of basic pay while pay fixation but otherwise the higher pay for PO&RMS has not been accepted as an anomaly. Many issues we raised are turned down on the grounds that they are not anomaly of 6^th pay commission. The parity with Telecom Assistants for TBOP and BCR scale of pay is not accepted except for assurance that the department will examine the higher pay for LSG Supervisor outside the Anomaly Committee. Technical Postal Assistant issue is turned down as it has been declared as a dying cadre and converted into a PA Cadre but assured that the issue may be taken up for consideration outside the Anomaly Committee. The Anomaly Committee accepted to recommend higher pay for Drivers on par with the Postmen / Mailguard to DOPT. The Staff Side is writing to the Chairman Anomaly Committee for inclusion of higher pay scales for Artisans also along with Drivers since the understanding of the Anomaly Committee about the direction of the Madras High Court seems to be incorrect. Data Entry Operator issue is also not accepted as an anomaly of 6^th CPC since there is no official existence of the cadre in DoP. Parity between PO Treasurer and RMS Cashiers will be taken up with Nodal Ministry. Higher Pay for Sorters in DAP also not agreed to as an anomaly. System Administrators and Marketing Executives issue is also not agreeable to be termed as anomaly. The final Minutes on release by the Chairman will be circulated through website shortly.

Meeting with the Health Ministry

A meeting was scheduled by the Health Secretary but due to his absence the Joint Secretary who is in charge of CGHS took the meeting with the JCM National Council Staff Side on 3.3.2010. A further meeting will also take place shortly. NFPE has requested the Confederation to raise the issue of merger of Postal Dispensaries with the CGHS with the Joint Secretary for early approval. We have also requested for hospitalisation treatment for non-CGHS CSMA pensioners in authorised hospitals etc.  Highlights of the meeting took by the Joint Secretary on 3.3.2010 was that tenders have been floated for recognizing super specialty hospitals and hospitals for general diseases; the suggestion of staff side for appointing specialist doctors on contract basis until regular appointments stands accepted and orders under issue; Orders issued for approved firms for local purchase of ayurvedic and homeopathic medicines. The Joint Secretary told that the Committee of Secretaries has agreed to allow P&T Pensioners for CGHS dispensaries in CGHS Cities only and that the issue of enhancement of FMA from 100 to 500+DA is forward and the proposal is pending before the Expenditure Secretary. The issue of enhancement of dependency criterion to 1500 is sent to Committee of Secretaries and the same would be expedited. Health check up of over 40 years CGHS beneficiaries started in south zone and the same would be extended soon to Delhi. The Official side declined to include acute renal failure in the disability list and for reducing the exorbitant CGHS rate of subscription.  Full details of discussion are available in our website.

Observance of  Postal JCA Programme

The Programme of Postal JCA for a demonstration in front of the Parliament had been observed in Delhi. The reports from Circles about the adherence of the programme and sending speed post letters to Hon'ble MOC&IT are yet to come. The culture of sending reports about holding of the programmes called by headquarters is yet to develop among circles and branches. While the communication link from headquarters is maintained well through websites and circulars etc, the channels for sending feedback from below are to be streamlined.

Formation of Casual Labourers Union

As per the decision of the Confederation and Federal Executive of NFPE casual labourers union consisting of all types of casual labourers and contingent workers and daily rated Mazdoors are to be formed in all circles. Only West Bengal and Andhra Circles have formed the unions. Some other circles are on the job and expected to be completed soon. Let us have a target of forming the Casual labourers union in the month of May immediately after completion of the Re-verification process. An All India Union for the Casual labourers is to be founded by the end of May 2010 and the possibilities of holding the first all India conference in West Bengal is under consideration. All Circle Secretaries are requested to take full interest and form the casual labourers union in their respective circles at the earliest.

With fraternal Greetings,

Comradely Yours,

Sd/- 

[K.Ragavendran]

Secretary General

COM. K.RAGHAVENDRA MEETS MOC& IT WITH COM. BASUDEV ACHARYA

COMRADE BASUDEV ACHARYA SENIOR MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT MET THE HON'BLE MOC&IT TODAY AND NFPE SECRETARY GENERAL COMRADE K.RAGAVENDRAN ACCOMPANIED DURING THE MEETING WITH THE HON'BLE MOC&IT.

NON-GRANT OF REVISED WAGES FROM 1.1.2006 TO FULL TIME / PART TIME CASUAL LABOURERS OF ALL TYPES; CONTINGENT WORKERS; GDS SUBSTITUTES IN THE POSTAL DEPARTMENT WAS TAKEN TO THE NOTICE OF THE HON'BLE MOC&IT - MINISTER ASSURED IMMEDIATE INTERVENTION.

NON-IMPLEMENTATION OF MOC ORDERS ON 14 DAYS STRIKE WAGES WAS ALSO TAKEN TO THE NOTICE OF THE HON'BLE MOC AND HE ASSURED INTERVENTION.

SECRETARY GENERAL NFPE SUBMITTED THE POSTAL JCA LETTER DATED 3rd FEBRUARY CONTAINING 8 ISSUES INCLUDING GDS - CASUAL LABOURERS - POSTMASTERS' CADRE - UNILATERALISM - VIOLATION OF AGREEMENTS BY DOP ETC TO HON'BLE MOC&IT.

HON'BLE MOC & IT ASSURED INTERVENTION AND ASKED THE SECRETARY GENERAL NFPE TO SIT WITH HIS PERSONAL SECRETARY AND EXPLAIN ALL ISSUES IN OUR NOTE TO BE TAKEN UP WITH THE SECRETARY DEPARTMENT OF POSTS.

NFPE THANKS SHRI.A.RAJA HON'BLE MOC&IT FOR HIS ASSURANCE TO INTERVENE.

NFPE THANKS COMRADE BASUDEV ACHARYA SENIOR M.P FOR HIS KIND HELP AND INTERVENTION WITH THE HON'BLE MINISTER ON OUR ISSUES.

PREPARE FOR STRONGER FIGHT ----- HOLD DEMONSTRATIONS TODAY

THE NFPE GROUP OF CIRCLE UNIONS HELD DEMONSTRATION YESTERDAY AT YOGAYOG BHAVAN FROM 1:30 P.M.ON 3 POINT DEMAND.

1.  IMMEDIATE ACTION AGAINST THE SSPOs, NORTH PRESIDENCY DIVISION, SCRAPPING ALL IRREGULAR TRANSFER ORDERS ISSUED BY HIM, AND WITHDRAW ALL CHARGES FILED AGAINST OUR COMRADES WITH THE POLICE.
2. SCRAP THE REDEPLOYMENT & POSTING ORDER OF 26 RLO COMRADES UNILATERALLY BY THE C.O. VIOLATING THE COMMITMENT OF THE CHIEF PMG AND BASING ON IRREGULARLY TAKEN STATISTICS.
3. IMMEDIATE ACTION AGAINST THE ARROGANCE, AUTOCRATIC ATTITUDE & HIGH HANDEDNESS OF THE SR. POSTMASTER, ALIPORE H.O.

    Comrades from Kolkata city divisions & neighbouring divisions participated in the demonstration today. The Circle Leadership had a discussion with the Chief PMG regarding RLO problem, which has been deliberately done by her personal intervention. The Ch. PMG has violated her own commitment which she made earlier that any redeployment further would be made only after obtaining transparent statistics and consultation of the unions. But she did not keep her word, proving herself as possibly the most condemned and worthless officer our Circle has ever seen, through her entire work within this short tenure.

    As she did not agree to put a halt on the RLO order now, we do not have any alternative but to show the Circle Administration that in West Bengal, staff unity of NFPE will say the final word when  the administration does not bother about the difficulties and pain of the staffs. The Circle Unions have decided that no staff of RLO will be relieved on the basis of her order. However, as Smt. Handa, present Chief will be leaving our Circle tomorrow, the Circle Unions have decided to hold a discussion afresh with the new incumbent, Sri S.Chakraborty, shortly and we shall restrain ourselves from holding program of ultimate strength till then.

            But as the issue also demands immediate action and we cannot sit idly, all divisional secretaries are requested to hold lunch-time demonstration tomorrow at divisional / unit headquarters. RMS / MMS, Admin. Union, DA(P) union ---- all will hold the demonstration tomorrow and send resolution from the demonstration to the Chief PMG, PMG (KR) and DPS (HQ) by Fax and post. The text of the resolution is given below along with the fax numbers. 

       Regarding North Presidency and Alipore problems, circle leadership had a discussion with PMG (Kolkata) in presence of the DPS (HQ) and has assured some actions very shortly. We are having patience for few more days honouring the spirit of the discussion, but preparation should be taken for a serious and stronger course of movement  even on a notice of an hour. 

 

 Text of the Resolution  : 

NFPE GROUP OF UNIONS & AIPEDEU

.................. DIVISION / UNIT

Resolution  Dated  10.03.2010. 

     This joint demonstration of the NFPE Group of Unions & AIPEDEU, ............. Division / Branch express their strongest resentment over the inaction and indifference of administrations of different tiers of the Circle towards staff problems. Despite several negotiations and patient efforts from our unions, the administration appears quite reluctant, except some verbal assurances which have proved to be futile, as if they are not aware of the gravity of the situation.

     NFPE Group of unions, ...... Division / branch condemns from this demonstration the vindictive actions and arrogance of the SSPOs, North Presy Divn & Sr. Postmaster, Alipore H.O. and the redeployment order of employees of RLO, Kolkata based on nontransparent statistics and the action of the Chief PMG in this regard violating her commitment to the Circle Unions. This demonstration vows to launch vigorous and unprecedented course of trade union actions throughout the circle if there is action taken within reasonable period on the following demands.

1. Immediate action to fulfill the demands raised by our Circle Unions aganist the arrogant and vindictive attitude of the SSPOs, North Presy. Divn, scrap all irregular transfer orders issued by him, and to withdraw all charges filed against our staffs with the Police.
2. Stop unilateral and unjustified redeployment of 26 staffs of RLO, Kolkata basing on statistics obtained without transparency and in violation of prescribed norms, ignoring the commitment made by the Chief PMG herself to the Circle Unions.
3. Immediate action against the irregular activities, autocratic attitude and high handedness of the Sr. Postmaster, Alipore H.O.

(President of the Demonstration)

FAX NO.S  :

1. Chief PMG (By name)                         : 033-22120811
2. Sri G.Bhattacharya, PMG, Kolkata Rgn: 033-22120077
3. Sri S.Ranjan, DPS(Headquarters)           : 033-22120122

 

 

JCM STAFF SIDE MEETS JOINT SECRETARY, MIN. OF HEALTH ----- ON CGHS PROBLEMS

LEADERS OF JCM STAFF SIDE HAVE MET THE JOINT SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF HEALTH, TODAY, TO DISCUSS THE PROBLEMS ON CGHS SYSTEM.

    The following points have been discussed in the meeting :

   

1.       Computerization of the functions of CGHS dispensaries and related problems.. The official side stated that the functions of all dispensaries in Delhi have been computerized.  The problems faced by the beneficiaries have been sorted out.  In other cities, the work has been undertaken and is at various stages.  There would be some problem in the initial stages.  This would be resolved as has been done in the case of Delhi Dispensaries.

2.       Plastic Cards.  In the case of 60% beneficiaries the cards have been issued in Delhi.  The other 40% constitute the non receipt of application or mismatch with the names and photos.  The official side agreed to place in the notice board of each dispensaries, the names of those whose cards are prepared but not collected.  It was also informed by the official side, that after a certain period, the CGHS would lock the operation of the cards and the beneficiaries would have to approach the CGHS authorities for getting the cards and activate the same.  The Plastic cards would enable the beneficiaries to go to any dispensary and get the OPD treatment.

3.       Claims adalat. The system of holding claims adalat has been commenced in Delhi. This would be extended to other CGHS cities after the trial run in Delhi. The Staff Side pointed out the inordinate delay in processing the claim in the Health Ministry where their approval is required under the rules.  They also brought to the notice of the official side of the sad death of a beneficiary who did not get the advance sanctioned for getting admitted in the Hospital. They gave copies of the various representations received from different cities where the decision from the Health Ministry was pending for quite some time.  The official side stated that in all such matters, the discretion of the Health Ministry has been taken out and a technical committee has been constituted to consider those claims and give a final decision within a month's time. 

4.       Meeting of the Local Advisory Committee in each dispensary.  This is being held in each month.  The Staff Side suggested that a meeting with the concerned Additional Director CGHS once in six months should be arranged so that the problems not settled in the local dispensary meeting could be addressed.

5.       Recognition of Hospitals.  The official side stated that the proposal to prescribe the floor minimum for in patient treatment for various diseases on the basis of the cost factor has not been found favour with the Govt.  It has been decided that the rates and recognition of hospitals would be decided on the basis of the receipt of tenders.  The tender for 2009 has already been floated.  There would be two different types of recognized hospitals. Viz. Super-specialty hospitals and hospital for general diseases. The list of recognized hospitals in various cities and the rate structure would be furnished to each member of the Staff Side National Council. 

6.       The suggestion of the Staff Side to engage Specialist Doctors  on contract basis till such time regular appointments are made have been accepted and acted upon.  The orders are stated to be under issue of posting the specialist doctors. Their placement list would be supplied to the Staff Side.

7.       The official side stated that wherever the dispensaries are computerized, instructions have been issued to the Doctors in charge to telephonically get in touch with the beneficiaries above the age of 80 years once in a month.

8.       Opening Ayush Dispensaries.  The official side stated that the department is exploring the possibilities.

9.       Local purchase of Ayurvedic and Homeopathic medicines. List of approved firms have been circulated to all CGHS dispensaries.

10.   Credit facilities to Pensioners in private recognized hospitals. In the case of Hyderabad, the problem has arisen due to the court order in favour of the recognized hospitals. The Court is expected to give a final decision before summer vacation as directed by the Supreme Court.  So this problem would be resolved soon.

11.   Extension of CGHS facilities to P & T pensioners.  It was informed by the Official Side that the Committee of Secretaries have agreed to take P & T Dispensaries in CGHS Cities only.  The benefit of CGHS would be extended to those employees working in the CGHS cities.  Unlike in the case of other CG employees, the P & T pensioners would be getting the CGHS benefit only if they retire from the CGHS citifies, since the matter is sub-judice.

12.   Revision of fixed medical allowance.  The proposal to revise the fixed medical allowance to Rs. 500 plus DA thereon is pending before the Department of Expenditure

13.   Revision of dependency criterion at Rs.1500 p.m. to be effective from 1.1.1996. The matter has been referred to the Committee of Secretaries and the same is pending before them.  The Official side agreed to expedite the matter.

14.   The official side agreed to put on their website  the copy of the order as and when the patient care allowance is decided to be extended beyond 31.3.2010.

15.   The official side wanted some more time to finalize the demand to extend the CGHS facilities to the Divisional Accountants.

16.    Dispensary in Wadi area Nagpur. It was decided that the Deputy Secretary would be deputed to visit the area and staff side has agreed to provide the contact number of the local representatives to assist him.

17.   Inclusion of  residents of Suburban area of Mumbai City. The official side stated that the dispensaries of Matunga would be merged with Mahim dispensary and Goregaon dispensary has been closed and Charkop has been merged with Kandivli.  The staff side demanded that the doctors and staff that had become available due to the merger and closure dispensaries must be utilized for opening dispensary to cater to the requirements of beneficiaries residing in Thane and other suburban area. This was agreed to.

18.   Health screening of CGHS beneficiaries.  Staff Side pointed out that the orders issued in 2007 has not yet been implemented in respect of beneficiaries belonging to Group B C & D employees.  The official side informed that as an experimental measure routine health check up of CGHS beneficiaries about 40 years of age has been started in south zone of CGHS  Delhi with effect from 24.2.2010.

19.   Placing chronic renal failure in the disability list. Not agreed to. 

20.  The exorbitant increase in the rate of subscription of CGHS amounting to almost 300% was raised by the Staff Side.  The official side pointed out that on all previous occasions, the rate had been increased by 300%. And any discussion in the matter should be held in the National Council.