Minutes of the meetings held with JCA on charter of Demands

The 25 point Charter of Demands served by JCA was discussed in the meetings held under the Chairpersonship of Secretary ( P) on 27.06.2011 to 01.07.2011.  The gist of discussions is as follows:

Item No. 1

The mail arrangement made in the wake of creation of Speed Post Hubs and which, as represented by Staff Side, are causing delay as compared to the position prevailing before, will be reviewed by a Committee including Secretary General of both NFPE and FNPO.  As regards, first class mail, the question of forming L-I and L-2 will be reviewed along with the Staff Side by forming a Committee.  Regarding closure/merger of Post Offices, the Staff Side requested that whenever there is a closure of a Post Office, there should be a simultaneous relocation of PO in the new emerging areas etc.  The view point of the Staff Side was agreed to.  As regards change of designation of sorting Postman, it was agreed to issue a clarificatory order in consultation with Mails Division.

Item No.2

On the issue of grant of civil servant status to Gramin Dak Sevaks, the Staff Side was apprised that it was not within the competence of the Department to take a view in the matter.  As regards, scrapping of new recruitment rules for Postman Cadre, relaxation of norms for cash handling, stopping reduction of TRCA in case of reduction in work load, removal of ceiling in the matter of compassionate appointment, adjustment of part time casual labourers and contingent workers against Gramin Dak Sevaks’ posts, it was agreed to have a re-look by the Department.  On the persistent demands of Staff Side, the Chairperson agreed to send a proposal to the Ministry of Finance for enhancement of ceiling of bonus to `3500 in case of Gramin Dak Sevaks.

Item No.3

In regard to casual labourers engaged prior to 1993, it was agreed to settle their case for payment on pro rata basis within one month. Post 01/09/1993 cases will also be taken up with Ministry of Finance etc for settlement.

Item No.4

The Staff Side was apprised that revision of OSA rates is under consideration in consultation with IFW and is being pursued closely.  As regards OTA, the Staff Side was of the view that though it may not be within the competence of the Department to revise the OTA, but no official should be punished on the ground of non-performance of OTA.  It was agreed to reiterate the earlier instructions issued on the subject.

Item No.5

In the context of items agreed during the last meeting of the Departmental Council held on 23.08.2010 but on which follow up action was pending, the following decisions were taken:

a)     Order will be issued to grant officiating pay with all benefits to the staff officiating in HSG-II and HSG-I vacancies.

b)     Orders will be issued to increase the number of chances to appear for LGOs examination.

c)      Clarificatory order will be issued regarding eligibility to appear in LGO examination.

d)     Order will be issued to the effect of dropping of confirmation examination

e)     In the matter of tenure posting of officials in single and double handed offices, the Staff Side requested to withdraw the condition imposed vide letter No.8-4/2005-INV dated 22.09.32005.  The matter is under examination in consultation with Vigilance Branch.

f)        Regarding removal of restriction in posting of SPM due to minor penalties/CR entries, the issue is under examination in consultation with Vigilance Branch.

g)     As regards allowing physically handicapped officials for appearing in the Departmental Examination like IPOs, orders will be issued to this effect.

h)      The issue regarding transfer of HSG-I posts to General Line is being addressed.

i)        The issues regarding administrative power to grant leave to staff by HSG-I Postmasters will be finalized in consultation with Staff Side.

j)        The issue regarding counting the training period for benefits of promotion under TBOP/BCR is under examination.

k)      The issues relating to grant of cycle allowance without linking with distance is under examination in consultation with IFW.  Meanwhile, during the discussions with CGM (MB) on 1/7/2011, the service union’s representatives proposed to withdraw Cycle Allowance issue.

l)        Payment of honorarium for drawal of arrears in respect to of pensioners will be considered.

m)   In the matter of counting of Special Allowance for pay fixation cases of PO and RMS Accountants, it was informed that the issue is long pending before the Standing Committee of National Council of JCM.  The issue which was subjudice before CAT Ernakulam Branch and High Court of Karnataka, has since been disposed of and will be looked into, in view of it.

n)      As regards non-drawal of HRA to officiating SPMs working at offices having attached quarter, instructions have been reiterated to Heads of Circles.

o)     The protection of pay of defunct scale of PO and RMS Accountants is under examination in consultation with IFW.

p)     The issue of anomaly in fixing of pay in respect of officials promoted on 1.1.1996 stands referred to Ministry of Finance.

q)     Regarding admissibility of Conveyance Allowance to PRI(P)/System Administrators, clarificatory orders have been issued.

r)       The issue of enhancement of financial powers of LSG, HSG-II and HSG-I Postmaster is under examination in consultation with IFW.

s)      The issue regarding fixing of norms\time factors in case of Postal Stores Depots and Circle Store Depots will be taken on introduction of technology.

t)        Clarificatory orders have been issued in the matter of grant of road mileage allowance to the staff entrusted with the work of clearance of cheques.

u)      The issue regarding enhancement of honorarium for engaging officials in departmental examinations is under examination in consultation with IFW.

v)      Clarificatory orders have already been issued for payment of fixed conveyance allowance to marketing executives.

w)    The issue of revision of cash allowance to the SPMs handling cash in the absence of treasurer is under examination in consultation with IFW.

x)      Grant of treasury allowance to all PAs irrespective of their status of grant of MACP is under examination in consultation with IFW.

y)      The issue of arbitrary and forcible allotment of Staff Quarters will be relooked into.

Item No.6

The demand of Staff Side regarding cadre restructuring was discussed and the Chairperson agreed to reconstitute a Committee under the Chairmanship of DDG (P).  The Committee will formulate the proposal by 31.08.2011.

Item No.7

In regard to decentralization of Postal Accounts work, the Staff Side was apprised that no decision has been taken in this regard as yet. However, Separate minutes will be issued in respect of Postal Accounts Wing.  As regards PLI/RPLI issues of Circle Office staff, separate minutes will be issued.

Item No.8

Department has already issued guidelines to fill up vacant Gramin Dak Sevaks posts. Suitable instructions have also been issued in the matter of imparting training to newly recruited PA/SAs.

Item No.9

The Chairperson agreed to reconsider the eligibility of officials opting for Postmasters Cadre to appear in IPOs and Group “B” examinations. The eligibility of PO/RMS Accounts officials for opting for Postmaster cadre will also be considered.

Item No.10

The issue will be considered as a part of cadre restructuring as discussed against item No.6

Item No.11

Separate minutes will be issued.

Item No.12

The Staff Side was apprised that in view of the policy of the Government of India on the subject of refusal of grant of MACP benefit in the event of declining promotion, it would not be possible to meet this demand. As regards fixing of norms, the issue will be examined keeping in view the extant rules and duties notified for these staff.

Item No.13

Staff Car Drivers and Artisans belong to a common category and have been allowed the prescribed pay scales applicable to them.  The claim of the drivers for pay scale equal to Postal Assistants has not been agreed to by the National Anomaly Committee.  The claim of the Charge Hand for pay scale equal to Master Craftsman stands already rejected by Ministry of Finance as the cadre is not in existence.

Item No.14

The divisionalisation of SBCO will be looked into. Regarding ledger agreement before core banking and contributory negligence, instructions have already been issued.

Item No.15

Separate minutes will be issued.

Item No.16

Separate minutes will be issued.

Item No.17

It was agreed to look into the matter.

Item No. 18

The object of the Scheme for Compassionate Appointment is to render immediate assistance to the family of a Government servant, who dies in harness or retires on invalidation on medical grounds leaving his/her family in financial crisis. Such appointments can be provided only to fill upto 5% of vacancies for direct recruitment. Appointment on compassionate grounds is made strictly in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the Department of Personnel & Training, which is the nodal Ministry in the matter. The Department of Posts is also following these guidelines while making compassionate appointments. As per the judgement of the Supreme Court of India referred here, 202 respondents, who were wait-listed candidates of Tamil Nadu Circle, were given compassionate appointment only on humanitarian ground. The Apex Court has also clearly held in the case that this judgement should not be treated as precedent for the purpose of any other case or cases. Therefore, this judgement of the Apex Court is not applicable in the other cases.

Item No.19

In this regard, Department, vide letter no. 14013/03/2010-VP dated 22.6.2011, has issued instructions to all the Heads of Circles. (copy enclosed)

Item No.20

1. The issue is long pending before the Standing Committee of National Council of JCM.  The issue which was subjudice before CAT Ernalkulam Bench and High Court of Karnataka, has since been disposed of and will be looked into, in view of it.
2. Will be discussed.
3. Will be discussed.
4. As regards restoration of the date of passing the Accountant examination for according LSG promotion instead of date of entry in PA cadre, it was agreed to look into it.

Item No.21

Not discussed.

Item No.22

Order already issued.

Item No.23

Will be discussed.

Item No.24

The Chairperson agreed to look into the matter and to take some steps for liquidating the arrears.

Item No.25

Suitable instructions will be issued to all concerned.

The meeting ended with the vote of thanks to the Chair.