Minutes of the meeting held with PJCA representatives on 30/04/2015 in Dak Bhavan, New Delhi

No. 08/07/2014-SR

Government of India

Ministry of Communications & IT

Department of Posts

(SR Division)

Dak Bhavan, Sansad Marg,

New Delhi, dated 5^th May, 2015

Subject:-  Minutes of the meeting held with PJCA representatives on 30/04/2015 in Dak Bhavan, New Delhi

Dear Sir,

            Kindly find enclosed the minutes of the above meeting for information and necessary action at your end.

            With regards,

Yours sincerely,

(Arun Malik)

Director (SR & Legal)

Shri R.N. Parashar

Secretary General

NFPE

Shri D. Theagarajan

Secretary General

FNPO

Minutes of the meeting held with the representatives of Postal Joint Council of Action            (PJCA) on 30/04/2015.

The meeting was held with the representatives of PJCA on 30/04/2015 at 1100 hrs. in G.P. Roy Committee Room, Dak Bhavan under the Chairpersonship of Secretary (Posts).  A list of participants is annexed. 

At the outset Secretary (Posts) welcomed the participants and mentioned that we are meeting in connection with the strike call given by the PJCA.  She appealed to the PJCA not to go on strike as this will help only our competitors. 

Secretary General, NFPE also welcomed the participants and thanked Secretary (Posts) for convening this meeting.  He requested that their grievances are settled so that they do not have to go on strike.

            With the permission of the Chair the agenda items were taken up for discussion.  After detailed deliberations on each point, following decisions were taken:-

Sl. No.	Charter of Demands	Decision taken
1.	Discussions on the recommendations of the Task Force.	Secretary (Posts) assured the staff side that there is no contemplation of corporatization or privatization at this juncture.   Further, before any structural changes are contemplated in the organization, the staff side will be consulted.
2.	Inclusion of Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) in the terms of reference of 7th Central Pay Commission.  Grant of civil servant status to GDS and grant of all benefits of departmental employees on pro-rata basis without any discrimination.	It was decided that the proposal will be strongly recommended and referred to D/o Expenditure for reconsideration.  DDG (Estt)
3.	Revision of wages of Casual, Part time, Contingent employees w.e.f 01.01.2006 consequent on revision of wages of regular employees by 6th Pay Commission and regularization of services.	The services of Casual Labourers get regularized as per the Recruitment Rules (RRs) of Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS).  The eligibility cut-off date i.e. 01/09/1993 cannot be removed from the RRs as Causal Labourers engaged upto this date are only to be regularized and there was total ban on engagement of Casual Labourer after 01/09/1993.  Further, Department has also issued Policy on regularization of Casual Labourer in pursuance of Supreme Court judgement in Uma Devi case of 2006 and if any Casual Labourer is covered by this policy, he will be regularized. Item closed
4.	Grant of merger of 100% DA with pay w.e.f 01.01.2014 for all purposes, including GDS.	The item does not relate to Department of Posts alone and a decision on the same has to be taken by D/o Expenditure , Ministry of Finance for all Central Government employees. DDG(Estt)
5.	Grant of 25% pay as Interim Relief (IR) w.e.f 01.01.2014 to all employees including GDS.	The item does not relate to Department of Posts alone and a decision on the same has to be taken by D/o Expenditure, Ministry of Finance for all Central Government employees. DDG(Estt)
6.	Scrap the New Pension Scheme (NPS) and include all employees recruited on or after 01.01.2004 under the old statutory pension scheme.	The item does not relate to Department of Posts alone and a decision on the same has to be taken by D/o Expenditure, Ministry of Finance for all Central Government employees. DDG(Estt)
7.	Remove 5% condition for compassionate appointment and grant appointment in all deserving cases as in the case of railways. Remove the minimum 50 points condition for GDS compassionate appointment.	Regular Employees:- It is emphasized that this Department follows the rules/instructions issued by the Nodal Department i.e., DOP&T.  Condition of  5% of direct recruitment quota for Compassionate Appointment has been fixed by the DOP&T.  Department is not  concerned with the rules / instructions of Railways or any other Department. Gramin Dak Sevaks:- The Department has constituted a Committee for revisiting the 50 Point Criteria for compassionate appointment of GDS.  Report of the Committee is awaited.  Staff side has suggested that the point system be discontinued, and this can be referred to the Committee. DDG(P) DDG(Estt)
8.	Fill up all vacant posts in all cadres including MMS & GDS. (a) By direct recruitment. (b) By holding DPC and granting promotions. (c) By conducting departmental promotional examination. (d) Replace all condemned vehicles in MMS.	Recruitment Rules of Manager / Sr. Manager have been notified recently and further action is being taken to fill up all such DR / promotion quota vacancy. Recruitment Rules of Dy. Manager and Asstt. Manager in MMS will be submitted to DOP&T next week for their approval. RRs of Diver Spl. Grade have been approved by the DOP&T and now, these are being sent to UPSC for their approval.  As regards RRs of Driver Gr. I, II & III, file is being resubmitted to M/o Law after doing the needful as required by them. RRs of Artisan are being prepared On notification of these RRs, further action will be taken to fill up the vacancies in these cadres. DDG(P)
9.	Implement cadre restructuring in postal, RMS, MMS and Postal Accounts as per the proposal signed with the JCM (DC) staff side.	The proposal for cadre restructuring of Gr. ‘C’ employees, will be sent to DOP&T next week.  The proposal for MMS and DAP will be sent to DOP&T within a period of two months. DDG (Estt) / DDG(PAF)
10.	Settle issues relating to Postmaster Cadre officials. (a) Allow to write IP and PS Group ‘B’ examinations. (b) Relaxation in service conditions for promotion from one grade to another, at par with general line promotions to identical posts. (c) Filling up of all PS Group ‘B’, PM Grade III and Grade II posts by eligible officials and till that time adhoc- promotion may be granted. (d) Other related issues such as filling up of 100% senior Postmaster/Chief Postmaster posts earmarked for PM cadre by PM cadre officials alone and maintenance of circle gradation list etc.	(a)This will be examined. (b)  The proposal for relaxing the RRs of Postmaster Grade II & III was sent to DOP&T, which has returned the proposal seeking certain information / clarification.  Accordingly, information called for from Circles and examined.  After analysis, it is observed that Circles have not done DPCs for HSG-II & HSG-I, which may be taken adversely by the DOP&T for instant relaxation proposal.  Therefore, Circles have been asked to conduct HSG-II & HSG-I DPCs on priority so that proposal could be resubmitted to DOP&T with better facts. (c)    As above.  As regards PS Group B, DPC for 2014-15 was conducted recently and order issued.  Letter has already been issued to Circles for PS Group B DPC for 2015 -16 for keeping the required documents ready.  Ad hoc appointment can only be made from eligible officers, whose regular promotion has been delayed.  For relaxing any condition of RRs, even for ad hoc promotion, DOP&T approval is required.  A proposal is already moving for relaxation as indicated above. (d)Due to an OA filed before Hon’ble CAT, Chandigarh Bench, the matter has become sub-judice and as such action to fill up posts in Sr. Postmaster cadre cannot be taken till the OA is disposed off. DDG(P)
11.	Reimburse full mileage allowance to system Administrators and fix duty hours and responsibilities of SAs. Create separate cadre for system administrators.	Instructions regarding provision of Conveyance Allowance issued by PAP Division letter No.1-02/2011-PAP dated 17/01/2012 already exist.  The rates for Conveyance Allowance (within 16 kms) are already provided under the FRSR.  Regarding reimbursement of full mileage, the Circle Heads are empowered to sanction reimbursement of Travel Allowance as per rules.  The issue of creation of separate cadre for System Administrators has been examined and not found feasible. Item closed.
12.	Grant of cash handling allowance to Treasures in Post Offices at par with cashiers in RMS & Administrative offices.	The matter was taken up with DOE, Ministry of Finance earlier also.  It was not agreed to by DOE.  On the request of Union, the matter is being reexamined.  Comments from the Circles have been called for. DDG(Estt)
13.	Counting of Special Allowance granted to PO & RMS Accountants for pay fixation on promotions as the promotional post involves higher responsibilities.	Post Offices and RMS Accountants are not granted any special pay which can be included for their pay fixation / promotion.  They are only granted a special allowance which cannot be included as pay for their promotion. DDG(Estt)
14.	Settle all issues related to IT Modernization Project- computerization, Core Banking Solution, Core Insurance Solution etc. (a)   Replace out dated computers and peripherals with new ones. (b) Increase network capabilities and Bandwidth. (c)  Set right the users credentials problems in leave arrangements etc. (d) Stop hasty “Go Live” of CBS, CIS till cleansing of data pucca. (e) Provide all assistance and stop harassment in the implementation of CBS & CIS. (f) Grant enhanced financial powers to Head Postmasters.	(a) The proposal for an outlay of Rs.493.88 crores for supply of computer hardware and peripherals has been sent to D/o Expenditure, M/o Finance for principle approval. (b) Bandwidth of 1032 locations has been increased.  Circlewise details of the locations where bandwidth has been increased is given under:- No. of locations where Bandwidth increased Andhra Pradesh 120 Assam 25 Bihar 34 Chhatisgarh 15 Delhi 16 Gujarat 49 Haryana 20 H P 22 J&K 11 Jharkhand 16 Karnataka 92 Kerala 61 M.P. 63 Maharashtra 73 North East 15 Orissa 37 Punjab 29 Rajasthan 53 Tamil Nadu 108 U.P. 94 Uttarakhand 18 West Bengal 61 Total 1032 DDG (Tech) (c)Necessary process for creation of users is already in place and is attended by CEPT team.  However, this will be reviewed. (d) The CBS rollout is planned in a phased manner and post office are migrated to CBS platform only after completion of all pre-migration activities including Data Cleansing. (e) The implementation of CBS is being carried out in planned manner at Directorate level as per Project Governance Structure.  Some of the issues like EOD, CPC workflow etc., have been reviewed and suitable modifications in the processes have been made to ease the functioning.  There is no harassment in implementation of CBS.  The staff side had informed that there is some difficulty in single handed offices.  It was decided that this will be discussed separately by the staff side with DDG (FS). DDG(FS) (f)     The proposal for giving financial powers to Postmaster of all categories is under examination and comments from all Circles have been called for. DDG(P)
15.	Prompt and regular holding of JCM, Departmental Council Meeting, Periodical meeting with Secretary Department of Posts, Sports Board meeting and Welfare Board meeting. Ensure representation of  recognized Federations in Sports Board and Welfare Board by calling for nominations.	Action has been taken regarding holding JCM / Periodical meetings regularly. Postal Sports Board meeting was held on 11/02/2015.  Postal Staff Services Welfare Board meeting is going to be held shortly. Members of Federations are nominated members in the Postal Services Staff Welfare Board.  As regards the Postal Sports Board, the present constitution does not include any Federation / Unions as members.  However, nominees of federations may be co-opted by Chairman, Postal Service Board. DDG (Trg).
16.	Ensure full protection of existing allowance (TRCA) of GDS employees and introduce Medical Reimbursement scheme to GDS.  Existing monthly emoluments (TRCA) drawn by GDS should not be reduced under any circumstances.  Revision of cash handling norms.	Provisions already exist for protection of TRCA as personal pay in respect of all categories of GDS to the extent of maximum of the lower TRCA slab (in case workload is found reduced to a lower slab in the Establishment Review as compared to the previous Establishment Review). The suggestion of the staff side was to protect the TRCA on permanent basis. DDG(Estt)
17.	(a) All Circle offices/ Regional offices/DPLI office, Kolkata must be allowed to function as Circle Processing Centres (CPCs) while implementing Core Insurance Solutions (CIS) through McCamish for steady growth of PLI/RPLI Business. (b) Stop diversion of 615 posts (576 posts of Pas from C.O.s and 39 posts of Pas from APS PLI CELL) ordered vide Department of Posts, Establishment Division No. 43-47/2013-PE-II dated the 9th June, 2014. (c) Stop harassment and victimization of staff of Circle Administrative offices in the name of decentralization of PLI/RPLI.	The proposal will be examined after the roll out of the project is completed. No such order has been issued.  The nitty-gritty of issue of manning CPCs is still under examination. Specific concerns will be examined. CGM (PLI)
18.	Allot sufficient funds to circles for carrying out constructions, repairs and maintenance of Departmental buildings/Postal Staff Quarters and RMS Rest Houses.	Sufficient funds are allotted to the Circles for carrying out constructions/ repairs.  The instructions will be issued to all CPMsG to utilize the allotted funds as far as possible.  DDG (Estates & MM)
19.	Make substitute arrangement in all vacant Postmen and MTS Posts. Wherever GDS are not available, outsiders should be allowed to work as substitutes.	The Establishment Division has issued instruction to the Circles to fill up all vacancies of GDS BPM & justified posts of all other approved categories.  Guidelines regulating substitute arrangements to be made in place of regular GDS already stand issued vide letter No.17-115/2001-GDS dated 21/10/2002, in case it is not possible to manage the work with combination of duties. Substitute arrangements against vacant Postman and MTS posts are made at the local level as and when required.  Powers have been delegated to Heads of Circles for outsourcing of work. DDG(P)
20.	Modify the orders dated 22/5/1979 regarding existing time factor given for delivery of articles taking into account the actual time required for door to door delivery.	The proposal has been referred to the Work Study Division for further necessary action. Staff side was suggested to meet DDG(WS) in this regard. DDG (WS) / Staff side.
21.	Open more L1 offices as recommended by CPMsG. Eg.- Guntakal RMS in A.P. Circle.	The proposal for upgradation of Guntakul RMS as L-1 Mail Office was not found justified.  Item closed.
22.	Powers for writing APARs of SBCO staff may be delegated to AO (SBCO) instead of Divisional heads and stop imposing the work of SB Branch on SBCO.	After roll out of CBS, the role and responsibility of SBCO is to be re-designed and fixed.  The issue will be examined in detail thereafter. DDG(FS)
23.	Prompt supply of good quality uniform and kit items and change of old specification.	Instructions are regularly issued to Heads of Circles for prompt supply of good quality uniforms.  The Directorate has also called for suggestions from all Circles for improvement in the specifications of different items of uniform for further taking up with BIS in the matter.  Staff side was also requested to send their suggestions with regard to improvement of specifications.  DDG (Estates & MM)/ Staff side.
24.	Stop vindictive actions of GM (Finance) Postal Accounts Chennai. More than hundred Postal Accounts employees are charge sheeted. GM (Finance) even refused to heed the instructions of DDG (PAF).	The Member (Finance), Telecom Commission has been apprised of the whole situation and CPMG, Tamil Nadu Circle has also been requested to resolve the matter.  The staff side informed that no action has been taken at the ground level.   The case is subjudice and in respect of the officials charge sheeted, 72 Senior/ Junior Accountants have already filed a case in the Hon’ble CAT Madras Bench.  Madras Bench OA No.310/01062/2014.  As per the current position, the case is listed for 03/06/2015.  DDG (PAF)
25.	Review of marks of JAO (P) Part-II examination held in December 2012 in r/o SC/ST candidates. As the exam was conducted on the basis of old recruitment Rules i.e. JAO and the said posts are Group ‘B’ (Non- Gazetted) review may be held.	Opinion of the Law Ministry will be obtained. DDG (PAF)
26.	Revise Postmen / Mail Guard / MTS Recruitment Rules.  Stop open market recruitment.  Restore seniority quota promotion:- This item was earlier discussed in the JCM (DC) and it is assured by Secretary (Posts) that the Recruitment Rules will be reviewed after one or two Recruitment / Promotional exam are over, as DOP&T may not approve immediate revision of Recruitment Rules already approved by it.  Now more than two Postmen/MG/ MTS recruitment / examination is over and hence it is requested to take action to revise the Recruitment Rules and stop open quota recruitment.  Entire vacancies may be earmarked for GDS and Casual Labourers as existed in the pre-revised Recruitment Rules.	As decided in earlier JCM, the said RRs are to be relooked after seeing the outcome of one or two exams. The process is still going on. Most of the Circles have completed one round of recruitment process for direct recruitment quota, and others on their way to completing the same. Subsequently, pre-appointment formalities, trainings etc. would require to be completed in case of newly recruited officials. Therefore, Circles need time to judge the capabilities and skills of these officials and furnish proper and accurate feedback thereto to this Directorate for further consideration in the matter. Hence, time is not ripe to revisit the said RRs. As regards RRs of Postman, open market quota of 25% has already been given to GDS.  Now, as per the existing RRs, only the unfilled vacancies, which could not be filled by the MTS/GDS, go to open market for filling up.  DDG(P)