DHARNA ON 03-03-2011

IT HAS BEEN DECIDED BY THE NFPE AND GDS UNION TO ARRANGE DHARNA ON 03-03-2011 AT NATIONAL LEVEL AGAINST THE GDS AND PART TIME CONTINGENT STAFF ISSUES

CONDUCTING DHARNA IN FRONT OF OTTAPALAM HO ON

03-03-2011 FROM 10 AM.

PARTICIPATE MAXIMUM GDS AND P/T SWEEPERS IN THE DHARNA ON 03-03-2011.

ALSO SUBMITTING MEMORANDUM TO SPOS ON DIVISIONAL ISSUES ON THE SAME DAY.

(PRINTED NOTICE DESPATCHED TODAY)

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FLASH NEWS

Com. P. Rajeev, Member Parliament and also Standing Committee Member of Communication & I.T. has raised the issue of mass scale closure of posts offices with Sh. Sachin Pilot, State Minister for Communication and I.T. on 25.02.2011. Minister has agreed to intervene.

Postal JCA is also proposing to conduct immediate agitational programmes culminating to indefinite strike in the event of non drop of unilateral mass closure move of post offices.

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MOST RETROGRADE ORDER FROM DEPARTMENT OF POSTS

9797 POST OFFICES IN URBAN AREAS ARE TO BE

CLOSED / MERGED OR RELOCATED

Subject: Rationalisation and consolidation of urban network.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(i) There are some Post Offices which are loss making due to high rentals e.g. Post Offices at Railway Stations, important bus terminals, airports etc. We may however not relocate them due to their strategic importance, convenience they offer to the people and high number of footfalls they attract.

(ii) While assessing the need for postal facilities we should have close liaison with local bodies like Municipal Corporation/Municipal Committees, Town Area Committees etc. so that we can be aware of their future plans of expansion of cities and we can accordingly formulate our strategies and have a long-term plan for extending our network in such areas. Regular coordination meetings may be prescribed with such bodies at appropriate levels.

(iii) Post Offices which have been covered under Project Arrow/Post Offices functioning in departmental buildings should not be earmarked for relocation. If there are other Post offices in their vicinity the same may be considered for relocation.

(iv) Post Offices paying high rentals, having low volume of transactions and running in losses should be considered for relocation/temporary merger/permanent merger.

(v) Distance from the nearest post office and the business being transacted should be the main criteria for relocation. Merger of Post Offices.

(vi) In addition to relocating post offices from one area to another, we can also create bigger Post Offices, not below the rank of LSG Offices, by merger of several smaller scattered Post Offices. The bigger Post Offices will be well equipped to cater to the latest postal facilities like IMO,eMO,Videsh MO, IMTS etc. These newly created Post Offices will be manned by redeployment of staff/posts from the nearby post offices.

(vii) It may also be considered to reduce the number of delivery Post Offices, which may lead to obviating the need for the nodal delivery system for Speed Post articles as it is not providing to be cost effective. In any case there is a need to strictly follow the norms of the distance of at least 5 KMs between two delivery offices and also that of delivery Post Office in Urban area having a minimum of 7 Postman beats.

(viii) If opening of a post office is justified in an area, but it is not possible to open post office by relocation or under the Plan targets, opening of franchise outlets may be considered for such area.

8. In, view of the above, Circles are requested to take the following action:

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

(a) Condition of building

(b) Profitability of Post Office

(c) Business of Post Office

(ii) PMsG/CPMsG will interact with all the stakeholders and convince them that relocation and merger would help in providing postal facilities to public and it is in larger public interest.

(iii) Identity needy urban and rural areas where there is justification for new Post Offices.

(iv) Post Offices once indentified as per (i) above, will be relocated /merged This will outside the Plan targets.

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

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

This issue wit h the approval of the competent authority.

Sd/-

(Anurag Priyadarshee)

Director (R.B)

JOINT PROGRAM

ACTION COUNCIL OF STATE EMPLOYEES AND TEACHERS, CONFEDERATION OF CG EMPLOYEES AND WORKERS= JOINT PROGRAM

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= Participate in large scale in the Pada Yatra (Kalnada Jadha) organised jointly by the State and Central Employees on 24, 25, and 26 Feb-2011.=

Regarding Rotation Transfer -2011

Divisional Union writes to SPOs, Ottapalam

No.PIII/RT/2011-1 08-02-2011

To

The Supdt.of Post Offices,

Ottapalam Division,

Ottapalam-679101.

Sub:- Rotational Transfer-2011

Sir,

Ref:- SPOs No. B1/12/GL dated 07-02-2011.

A kind reference is invited to the memo cited above, wherein the names of officials who completed their station tenure and post tenure as on 30-09-2011 were circulated.

In the above memo, list of posts which are vacant/ going to be vacant are also furnished. It is surprised that how the Dnl. Administration notified the only two posts ie, SPM, Vilayur and PA, SG Press to be filled up during Rotation. This Union wish to intimate that the information regarding vacant posts is incomplete. The posts shown below are also vacant now and to be filled up. Hence choice stations from officials to such posts are also to be called for. Two posts of Divisional Office are too vacant which are not included in the list.

This Union strongly opposes the attitude of the Divisional Administration and vehemently protests against this and request the Divisional Administration to notify all the vacant posts for consideration during RT-2011.

An early action in the matter is requested

Yours faithfully

DA:List

(AbdulRahimanT.P)

Secretary

List of Posts now vacant in Ottapalam Division

1) PA, Alanallur

2) PA, Kulukkallur

3) PA, Nellaya

4) PA, Pulasseri

5) PA, SK Puram

6) SPM, Tachampara

7) SPM, Trithala

8) PA, Trithala

9) PA, Vaniamkulam

10) PA, Ottapalam (2 Posts)

11) OA, Divisional Office (2 Posts)

Secretary

T.V.Padmini, SPM, Trithala Retired on voluntarily on 01-02-2011

Com. T.V.Padmini, SPM, Trithala voluntarily retired from Service on 1st Feb.2011 F/N. Some Photos of sent off.

LETTER TO DEPARTMENT BY GDS UNION.

Letter written to Department on the issue of Revision of norms for assessment of work-load of Branch Postmasters.

Ref. No. GDS/CHQ/49/1/2011 Dated. 15-02- 2011

To

The Secretary,

Department of Posts,

Dak Bhawan,

New Delhi-110001.

Sub:- Revision of norms for assessment of work-load of Branch Postmasters.

Ref: Your office letter No.5-1/2007-WS-I(Pt) dated 16.12.2010

Madam,

While appreciating that time factors have been provided for assessing work-load relating several new businesses, we have some serious concern about the time factors revised in case of certain items of work. The process applied also indicates some departure from laid down conversions. Our point of view is furnished below which we are sure, would be taken into consideration and revised norms notified accordingly:-

1. As has been the practices this union should have been given an opportunity to put forth its views on the time factors to be provided for different transactions. It has not done.

2. Secondly, every time we raise certain issues a reference is made to Sri Nataraja Murti Committee. We do not understand why this much of importance to this Committee where as the well reasoned recommendations of other committee including Justice Talwar Committee have been thrown away to gather dust. This particular Committee did have the best of wisdom to over ride others and was rather biased against the GDS employees. We feel, the department will shed the prejudice is favour of this particular committee and recognize the facts on merits.

3. Regarding time factor for the following transactions, will submit the following.

(i) The time factor provided for handling registered article at serial(2), we feel should be and probably is 20 and not 22 registered articles for one point. This may be confirmed.

(ii) For sale of postage stamps as given at serial (4) i.e. 1 point for Rs. 900/- worth of stamps sold is rather too harsh. Probably some parallel has been sought to be drawn with departmental employees. This is neither proper nor factual. Whereas S.O's and H.O's stamps of larger denominations i.e for Rs.5/- Rs.10/- or even larger amounts are sold, in Branch offices, generally postcards, inland letter cards and at the maximum envelops are sold sale of stamps of higher denomination a very negligible. On practical basis. The amount of Rs.900/- should be revised as Rs.100/-

(iii) The time factor for cash handling i.e one point for Rs. 20,000/- is too harsh and impracticable. The following facts need to be carefully considered.

(a) Some courts have stayed the application of this harsh time factors and the matter is sub-Judice. As a matter fact this revised norms should not have been issued till the final decision of the courts. On the account the notifications of the revised norm should be kept in abeyance.

(b) We feel some pages have been taken from the book of norms for cash handling by departmental employees. This is impracticable. In S.Os and H.Os, big sums are deposited is SB or for purchase of postal certificates i.e KVPs and NSC's etc or in respect of deposits in time deposits. In BOs, small amounts are deposited and coins, even bits and notes smaller denominations are to handled. In MNREGA or old age pensions now her notes of any higher denomination such as Rs.500/- or more are handled. Deposits and with drawals of small amount in SB transactions are made. R.D. accounts of smaller amounts are opened. So, is all fairness, the practicability and ground realities should be taken into considerations, thus the amount of Rs.20,000/- may be revised as Rs.5,000/-

(c) It is not fair to exclude the amounts of remittance received or made by the B.O. you will agree that the remittances received and made are required to be Counted not only once but twice to make sure that the amount are correct or the BPM has got bear the brunt.

(d) Similarly, the amount of salaries paid to the E.Ds staff is sought to be excluded for which there can be not Justification. Is it not a fact that the BPM has to count the amounts and make notes of the same in case of salary payment. Then where is the Justification for excluding this amount?

(e) We sincere feel that in respect of Telephone bills and other bills, the norm should be the point for 10 transactions, be causes 0 in case of these transaction too more or less similar process is to be adopted as in case of SB transactions. The norm may be raised accordingly.

(f) The preparation of accounts in view of several new transactions and business has become more cumbersome and norms should be provided according by. For this item 28 points should be provided is stead of 14 points.

We are sure that the suggestions would considered and accepteed.

Yours faithfully,

SD/-

S.S.Mahadevaiah
General Secretary
All India Postal Extra Departmental Employees Union

POSTAL BANK -Going To be a reality:

POSTAL BANK AND POSTAL ATM

Department of Posts is going to introduce Banking service through Post Offices. All post offices will also work as Post Banks. ATMs will also be introduced along with Postal Banks.

Department of post is going to launch post bank and prepaid card scheme very shortly all the regional heads of all circles have been directed to personally identify and expedite the manner of installation of ATM,s in Head post offices. RBI approval and License is awaited. As part of core banking process all existing accounts are now updated in computers. The circle heads are frequently stressed to complete the signature scanning of all A/c holders as early as possible. A centralized server possibly at Ghaziabad is proposed to be constituted which will automatically extract data from all HO & SO as when the counter clerk enters a transaction. The role Of SBCO will be minimized. The preservation of records at all HOs will be considerably reduced.

Under Prepaid card scheme which is to be launched in collaboration with banks,. all expenses are to be borne by banks. Cards will be issued to customers who have Savings account only and later expanded to other customers. With help of card one can withdraw money in POs/ Any ATM/make purchase in any merchant outlets. A minimum charge will be levied for each operation. Minimum load is Rs 1000 maximum reload to card is Rs50000. Maximum withdrawal is 10000 per day and only four times can a card be used in a single given day.

Notice for Divisional Council on 15th Feb-2011.

This is to notify that the Combined Divisional Council Meeting of NFPE Unions of Ottapalam Division will be held at OTTAPALAM HPO premises on 15-02-2011 from 10 A.M. All Working Committee and Divisional Committee members are requested to attend the meeting in time.

The following will be the Agenda of the meeting.

1). Organisational Review

2). Divisional Issues

3). Program of actions

4). Other items with the permission of the Chair.

Divisional Secretary, PIII, PIV, GDS Union.

HOLIDAY CHANGED TO 15TH

Holiday changed to 15th February 2011 in connection with MILAD-UN-NABI =

Abdul rahiman TP, Secretary, PIII.

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List of officials due for transfer this year

(Vide SPOs No. B1/12/GL dt 07-02-2011)

Sl.No.	Name of official	Designation
1	Balakrishnan.K	PA, Trithala
2	Abdul Raheem. PM	PA,Mannarkkad
3	Geetha Devi.K.K.	Ag.APM, Ottapalam HO
4	Gopalan. K.P	PA, Katambazhipuram
5	Indira.K	PA, Ottapalam HO
6	Indira A.V.	PA, Pattambi
7	Jayanthi K.S	PA, Ottapalam HO
8	Jayakrishan. A	PA, Pallipuram
9	Jayanthi .R	PA, Ambalapara
10	Krishnadas.K	SPM, Panamanna
11	Krishnakumari K.K	PA, Ottapalam HO
12	Kamaladevi M.K	SPM, Manisseri
13	Lakshmikutty.C	SPM, Karakurssi
14	Manoj. K	DSM, Ottapalam HO
15	Muthu. P.V	SPM, Kumaranallur
16	Shafna V. Mohamed	PA, Cherpalcheri
17	Sindhu.TT	SPM, Katambazhipuram
18	Subhashchandran.C	PA, Ottapalam HO
19	Sarala.U	SPM, Trikkateri
20	Shameem .I	PA, Trikkateri
21	Gangadevi.E.V	PA, Chunangad
22	Sreedevikutty .P.K	PA, Shornur
23	Sarojini. G.R	SPM, SK Puram
24	Suma A.C	PA,Ottapalam HO
25	Vijayalakshmi M.P	PA, Ottapalam HO
26	Vidya P.V	PA, Pattambi
27	Venugopalan V.V	PA, Tachampara
28	Usha Devi Gopalakrishna	SPM, Nellaya
29	Unnikrishnan.K	PA, Cherpalcheri
30	Safiya .V	SPM, Chalavara
31	Mohanan.O	SPM, Ambalapara

In addition to the above, the following posts are vacant/ going

to be vacant.

1. SPM, Vilayur 2. PA, SG Press.