Transfer / Posting in HAG cadre.

Directorate vide memo No. 1-1/2009-SPG dated 27/8/2010 has issued transfer / positng of the following Hihger Administrative Grade Officers of Indian Postal Service, Gr. A  in the interest of service with immediate effect.

1. Shri K. V. Sunder Rajan (1977) CPMG Andhra Circle, Hyderabad  to CPMG, Jharkhand Circle, Ranchi.
2. Ms Karuna Pillai (1979) CPMG, Gujrat Circle, Ahmedabad to be CPMG, Andhra Circle, Hyderabad.

Four Monthly Meeting with CPMG on 12/10/2010.

Four monthly meeting scheduled to be held on 14/9/2010 is postponed to 12/10/2010.

Bi-Monthly Meeting with PMG, Mumbai Region on 28-9-2010.

Next Bi-monthly meeting will PMG, Mumbai Region will be held on 28-09-2010. All the members and CWC members are requested to suggest the item/s to be taken on agenda for discussion in the meeting. The details of item/s to be taken on agenda may kindly be sent through email to Circle Secretary or on phone.

Union Cabinet approved Direct Tax Code (DTC)

The DTC Bill, which seeks to replace the archaic Income Tax Act, 1961, proposes to raise the Income Tax exemption limit from existing Rs 1.6 lakh to Rs Two lakh, highly placed sources said. The Income Tax exemption limit for senior citizens is proposed to be raised to Rs 2.5 lakh. 

Under the moderate tax slab suggested in the DTC Bill the government proposes tax rate of 

10 per cent for income between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 5 lakh, 

20 per cent for income between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 10 lakh and

30 per cent for income over Rs 10 lakh. 

Currently the Income Tax rate is 10 per cent on income above Rs 1.6 lakh and up to Rs 5 lakh, 20 per cent on income above Rs 5 lakh and up to Rs 8 lakh and 30 per cent on income above Rs 8 lakh. 

Provisions of the DTC Bill stipulating the tax rates in direct tax front including Income Tax and Corporate Tax will come into effect once it the legislation is approved by both houses of Parliament. The government plans to implement various provisions of the DTC Bill with effect from 1st April  2011. 

On the plus side for individual taxpayers, withdrawals from provident funds will not be taxed as the original DTC had proposed to do. Also deductions from taxable income will be available for interest on housing loans up to Rs.1.5 lakh per annum and on payments into PF and similar superannuation schemes up to rs.1 lakh. Also available will be a deduction of up to Rs. 50,000/- for life insurance and health insurance premiums for tuition fees.

It is learnt that the government is likely to introduce the DTC Bill soon in both houses of Parliament. After its introduction the draft DTC will be sent to Select Committee of both houses for scrutiny. 

After examining the recommendations of the Select Committee the government will move the DTC Bill for approval of Parliament in the Winter Session. 

Sources : Deccan Herald

Functioning of downgrading EDSOs.

An extract of para No. 3 of Directorate letter No: 6/7/2009-PE-II dated 06/08/2010 is reproduced below.

Sub: Implementation of Recommendation of One-man committee – “Extra Departmental Sub Post Offices”


Representations have been received from the staff side seeking clarification on the drawl of annual increase in respect of the protected TRCA of the incumbents till they vacate the post. The matter has been examined and the competent authority has ordered that, the present incumbents working in the downgraded EDSOs whose TRCA is protected in the slab of 4575-85-7125 corresponding to 5 hours/ 125 points work of GDS BPM shall earn annual increase after completion of 12 months. This facility is extended to existing incumbent only, and after the existing incumbent vacates the post, the workload of the BO has to be assessed afresh based on norms including revised norms and the TRCA shall be fixed commensurate with the assessed workload. However, the Branch postmasters, whose TRCA has been protected, have to keep the Branch Office open for 5 hours.

Adminissibility of interest after death of depositor before maturity in case of SCSS-2004 account.

Directorate vide their letter dated 23/8/2010 issued ammendement to sub rule 3 of Rule 8 of SCSS-2004 rules.  the amended rule is as under : -
" 8(3) In case of death of a depositor before maturity, the account shall be closed and deposit refunded on an appliction in Form "F" alongwith interest applicable to the scheme till the date of death on which the depositor expired, to the nominee or to legal heir in case the nominee also expire or nomination has provided in rule 6 was not made, as the case may be. For the period between the day following the date of death of depositor and the date on which refund is made, simple interest shall be paid at the rate applciable from time to time to savings accounts as provided in Rule 6 of Post Office Savings Accounts Rules 1981".

Bi-Monthly Meeting with PMG, Mumbai Region on 28-9-2010.

PMG, Mumbai Region, Mumbai 400001 vide his office letter No. MR/Union/2-3/2010 dated 20/8/2010 has fixed Bi-monthly Meetings with Service Associations / Unions on 28/9/2010. All the members and CWC members are requested to suggest the item/s to be taken on agenda for discusion in the meeting. The details of item/s may be sent to Circle Secretary by email or over phone.

Important News.

1) DOPT vide its OM No. 536012/45/2005-Estt (Res) dated 10.08.2010 has clarified that SC/ST candidates appointed by promotion on their own merit and seniority and not owing to reservation will be adjusted against unreserved posts of reservation roster. This will be given effect from 02.07.97.

2) The tenure of the National Anomaly Committee has been extended up to 31.03.2011 vide DOPT OM No. 11/2/2008-JCA dated 01.07.2010.

3) The Department has caused orders dated 03.08.2010 felicitating the PLI policy holder to deposit their premium in any post office.

4) DOPT vide its OM dated 02.07.2010 has clarified that six months qualifying service for increment shall be taken between the last increments to 1^st July 2006. This will set aside many irregular objection raised by Audit having wrong interpretation that should be taken from 01.01.2006 to 30.06.2006. Our Department has also clarified vide its letter dated 06.08.2010 on the same line further.

5) LTC by air can be availed to visit J&K either from Delhi or Amritsar as per DOPT order dated 18.06.2010. It is now clarified vide order dated 05.07.2010 that they can avail this by private airlines but the reimbursement will be restricted to Air India LTC fare. This facility is available for two years only.

6) Women employees are fully exempted from the payment of fees for attending any examination/test/interview, vide DOPT OM dated 15.07.2009. This has been now reiterated vide its OM dated 03.07.2010.

7) Department vide its letter No. 24-3/2010-PAP dated 30.07.2010 has clarified that HRA up to 90 days should be drawn for all officiating arrangements.

8) Department has clarified about the eligibility of all employees to claim Hostel Subsidy and also about the eligibility of all items related to education for reimbursement under CEA.

9) Department has extended the RTP service rendered in APS for TBOP promotion to all such officials as if implemented to the officials who have obtained favorable verdict from the court.

10) An expert Committee on Harnessing the India Post network for financial inclusion was constituted jointly by the Department of Financial Services, Departmental of Economic affairs, Department of Post & Invest India Economic Foundation (IIEF). The Committee has submitted its report to the department on 30.06.2010.

11) The proposal for the introduction of Annuity scheme in lieu of pension for GDS has been cleared by Ministry of Finance on 15.07.2010. The next process is to get approval from PFRDA. It may be implemented before the end of this year.

12) The Government decided to place the non matriculate Group D who have retired or died in between 01.01.2006 to the date of notification with grade pay of Rs. 1800/- w.e.f 1.1.2006, vide MOF OM No. 7/19/2010-EII (A) dated 02.08.2010.

13) Ministry of Law instructed all the ministries that once a legal opinion has obtained at lower level, there is need no reconsideration except if the Head of the Department desires. This will felicitate to reduce the number of appeals in High Courts & SLP in Supreme Court and chances of implementation of CAT orders if legal opinion is in favour in the circle.

Opening of “Zero deposit/Zero Balance” accounts for workers employed under NREG Act, under Post Office Savings Account Rules......................... Hon. MOS (C& IT) replied in Lok Sabha on 18/8/2010.

The rate of interest payable in Monthly Income Scheme (MIS) accounts in post offices is 8 per cent per annum and Bonus at the rate of 5 per cent is also payable on the deposits made under this scheme on or after 8th December, 2007 upon maturity of the deposit.

 The interest rates on small savings schemes are regulated/reviewed as per recommendations of Committee on Administered Interest Rates and other related issues chaired by Dr. Y.V.Reddy, the then Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India(RBI) , according to which, being administered interest rates, they are benchmarked to average annual yield on Government Securities of comparable maturity in the secondary market, with a suitable spread subject to a maximum of 50 basis point over the benchmark yield, depending upon the maturity and liquidity of the instruments.

 Bonus at the rate of 5 percent of the amount deposited in MIS accounts is payable in the accounts opened on or after 8th December, 2007 upon maturity of the deposit.

 The Central and State Governments take various measures from time to time to promote and popularize small saving schemes through print and electronic media as well as holding seminars, meetings and providing training to various agencies involved in mobilizing deposits under the schemes.

 As part of this ongoing exercise, Government has taken following steps to make the small savings schemes more attractive and investor friendly:-

 The benefit of Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961 has been extended to the investments made under 5-Year Post Office Time Deposits Account and Senior Citizens Savings Scheme, with effect from 01.04.2007.

 With effect from 1.8.2007, the maximum deposit ceilings of Rs.3.00 lakh and Rs.6.00 lakh under the Post Office Monthly Income Account (POMIA) Scheme has been raised to Rs.4.50 lakh and Rs.9.00 lakh in respect of single and joint accounts respectively.

 The penalty on pre-mature withdrawal of deposits under the Post Office Monthly Income Account (POMIA) scheme has been rationalized from 3.5% to 2% on withdrawal on or before expiry of three years and 1% on withdrawal after expiry of three years.

 All categories of pensioners have been allowed to open and maintain ‘Pension Account’ under Post Office Savings Account Rules, with effect from 11th July, 2007.

 The restriction on opening of more than one account during a calendar month under the Senior Citizens Savings Scheme has been removed with effect from 24th May, 2007.

Opening of “Zero deposit/Zero Balance” accounts for workers employed under NREG Act, under Post Office Savings Account Rules, with effect from 26th August 2008.

 Opening of “Zero deposit/Zero Balance” accounts for Old Age Pensioner Account under Indira Gandhi Old Age Pension Scheme, Widows Pensioner Account under Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme and Disabled Pensioner Account under Indira Gandhi National Disabled Pension Scheme with effect from 13th October 2009.

 National Savings Institute, a subordinate organization under the Department of Economic Affairs (Budget Division) also maintains its web site i.e nsiindia.gov.in in collaboration with National Informatics Centre to facilitate interface with the public through wider dissemination of information on small savings and on-line registration and settlement of investor’s grievances.

 This information was given by the Hon’ble Minister of State for Communications & Information Technology, Shri Gurudas Kamatji in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 18/8/2010.

Last candidate of Supplementary DPC for PS. Gr. B

Year wise last candidates selected by Directorate in Supplementary DPC for the promotion to Gr. B are as under:

OC - Shri Mohd. Abdul Jatil Sarkar            Assam            1983 batch

SC - Shri Ajay Kumar Kalsa                      West Bengal    1988 batch

ST - Shri K. Soorappan                              Tamil Nadu     1987 batch

Recruitment of PA / SA in Mahrashtra and Goa Postal Circle.

Maharashtra and Goa Postal Circle has declared 1013 vacancies in Postal Assistant / Sorting Assistant and called for applications. The break up of vacancies are as under:

OC      SC      ST     OBC   PH      Ex.Serviceman     Sports Quota        Total

649     63       88     178     22             04                       09                   1013

Educational Qualification : 10 + 2 or 12th Class passed (excluding vocational stream / subject)

Prospect is available in all the Head Post Offices in the Circle from 20/8/2010 on payment of Rs. 100/- by cash . Applications to be sent to concerned recruiting unit by  Registered Post or Speed Post before 5/10/2010. Details of  unit wise vacancies and other related information is available in prospect.

Transfer / posting in ASP cadre.

Following transfer / posting in ASP cadre issued by CO under memo No. STA/9-8/RT/2010 dated 18/8/2010 in the interest of service.

1. Shri B. S. Torave ASP (BD) CO Mumbai to be ASP (Mails) CO Mumbai vice Smt. M.K. Gudekar transferred.
2. Smt. M. K. Gudekar, ASP (Mails) CO Mumbai to be ASP (BD) CO Mumbai vice Shri B. S. Torave transferred.

Supplementary Result of DPC for PS Gr. B

Directorate vide their letter No. 9-81/2009-SPG dated 13/8/2010 issued orders for promotion of 21 IP Line officers to PS Gr. B in pay scale PB-2, 9300-34800 with Grade pay Rs. 4800/-.with effect from the daate of assumption of Charge and until further orders
1. Shree kanthakar                                      Orisa                West Bengal
2. Abhijeet Bhatacharya                               WB                  WB
3. Debyendu Roy                                         WB                  WB
4. Arun Kumar Jha                                       Bihar                Bihar
5. G. Mohana Prasad                                   Kerala              Kerala
6. R..R. Ali                                                  Mah                 Mah
7. K.M. Kumthekar                                     Mah                 Mah
8. Nirode Chandra Bhowmik                       Assam              Assam
9. Vinod Bihar Mandal                                WB                  WB
10. P.K. Haridas                                         Kerala              Kerala
11. Asit Baran Sahoo                                   WB                 WB
12. B.D. Kulkarni                                        Maharashtra     Maharashtra
13. MD. Abdul Jalil Sarkar                          Assam             Assam
14. J.M. Rathwa (ST)                                  Gujarat            Gujarat
15. K. Soorappan (ST)                                TN                 Delhi
16. Jaskaran Singh (SC)                              PB                  PB
17. Hiralal Bitha  (SC)                                 Bihar              Bihar
18. Narsiram Regar (SC)                            Rajasthan        Delhi
19. Jiraman Deep (SC)                               Orissa             WB
20. Hari Singh(SC)                                     UP                  UP
21. Ajay Kr Kalsa (SC)                             WB                 WB
This Association congratulate all the officers.

DPC for promotion to PS Gr. B cadre

Following Senior Members ACRs for last 5 years with special report have been to snet to Directorate for holding of DPC for promotion to PS Gr. B cadre.
1. Shri N. K. Kshrisagar, ASP, Nashik Division, Nashik.
2. Shri R. K. Vishwakarma, ASP, Air Mail Sorting Division, Mumbai.
3. Shri K. M. Kumthekar, Offg. Superintendent, Shrirampur Division, Shrirampur.
4. Shri R. R. Ali, Offg. Sr.PM, Akola HPO, Akola.
5. Shri M. L. Dalvi, Offg. Supdt. (Stg.),APSO, Mumbai (Retired on 30/6/2010)
6. Shri B. D.Kulkarni, Offg.Sr.PM, Nashik HO, Nashik.
7. Shri S. N. Gajmal, ASP, North Sub Division, Beed.
8. Shri N. N.Shrikhande, ASP, o/o PMG, Nagpur Region, Nagpur.
9. Shri B. H. Ugale, Offg. Sr.PM, Ahmednagar HPO, Ahmednagar.
10. Shri R. B. Belote, ADPS (Vig.) o/o CPMG, Mumbai.
11. Shri H. R.Mandve, ASP (HQ), Beed Division, Beed.
12. Shri M. M. Tople, ASP, West Sub Division, Nagpur City Division, Nagpur.
13. Shri M. T. Chaudhari, Off. Sr. PM, Chandrapur HPO, Chandrapur.
14. Shri Z. B. Maskar, Offg. Superintendent, Osmanabad Div., Osmanabad.
15. Shri D. B. Shirke, APS.
16. Shri G. R. Kulkarni, Offg. Sr.PM, Mumbai Central HO, Mumbai.
17. Shri A.V. Deshmukh, ADPS-I, o/o PMG, Mumbai Region, Mumbai.
18. Shri R. D.Mahajan, ASP (T), Aurangabad Division, Aurangabad.
19. Shri P. G. Karne, ADPS-II, o/o PMG, Pune Region, Pune.
20. Shri P. S.Nimgade, ASP, East Sub Division, Wardha.
21. Shri D. V. Gantode, Offg.  SRM, "BM" Division, Miraj.
22. Shri T. B. Waidande, Dy. Director, Mumbai GPO, Mumbai.
23. Shri S. G. Tadvi, Offg. Sr. PM, Dhule HO, Dhule.
24. Shri R. N. Salame, ASP, Nagpur City Division, Nagpur.

Bi-Monthly Meeting with PMG Goa Region on 27-8-2010.

PMG, Goa Region vide his letter No.GR/Union/Bi-monthly Meeting/Aug 10/11 dated 13/8/2010 has intimated that, next Bi-monthly meeting is fixed on 27/8/2010 and called for agenda for discussion in the meeting on or before 20/8/2010. All the members and CWC members are requested to kindly send the item/s to be discussed in the meeting to Circle Secretary on his email ID.

Laptops to Divisional Offices.

Directorate vide their letter No. 40-13/2010-Tech dated 13th August, 2010 asked to the 14 Head of Circles to select the vendors under DGS&D Rate Contact for supply of laptops to Divisional Offices under XI Plan Scheme during the current financial year. The requisite information is required at Directorate by 16/8/2010. 

PMG Goa Region Post restored.

Directorate vide their memo No. 1-2/2009-SPG dated 11th August, 2010 issued posting orders in Senior Administrative Grade (SAG) of Indian Postal Service, Group ‘A’.

1) Ms Meera Handa (1982) DDG (Postal Operations, Inspections, Materials, Management & Estates) to be DDG (Postal Operations & Corporate Planning)

2) Y. P. Rai (1984) DDG (Rural Business & Planning) to be DDG (Rural Business, Planning, Materials, Managements & Estates)

3) R. K. Kashyap (1989) DDG (Public Grievances and Quality Assurance) to be DDG (Public Grievances, Quality Assurance & Inspections)

4) Alok Saxena (1989) DDG (Technology) to be DDG (Technology and Secretary Postal Services Board)

The Present post of DDG (PO, I, MM & Estates) is redesignated as DDG (POSTTECH).

The Post of PMG, Goa which was redeployed temporarily as DDG (TECH) is restored.

It is also stated in the said order that, DDG (Estt.) will issue orders for redeployment and restoration of posts mentioned above.

Bi-Monthly Meeting with PMG (MM) on 17-9-2010.

The next Bi-monthly meeting with PMG (MM) will be held on 17-9-2010 at Mumbai. In the said meeting service unions / assocations have to discuss the items / issues related to the entire RMS wing of Maharshtra Circle. All the members and CWC members are reqeusted to suggest / send any item/s to be included in the agenda for discussion in the meeting to Circle Secretary on his email ID.

Excellence Award

Today, Cultural progame was arranged by Circle Office on eve of Independce Day in GPOs Auditorium. In the said function our senior member Shri R. B.Belote, ADPS (Vig.) o/o CPMG, Maharashtra Circle, Mumbai was honoured for his Excellence in Work by awarding a certificate and a cash award. We cogratulate him for his devotion, hardwork and sincerity in the work.

Circle Bulletin

The copy of Bulletin issued by Circle Secretary has already been sent to all members on 11/8/2010. The copies related to IP/ASPs of Nagpur Region has handed over to Shri D L Khade, Organising Secretary and Platform Inspector, 'F" Division, Nagpur, who will in turn sent to all IP/ASPs in the Region. The copies of other members in the Circle have been sent to by name to the respective ASP(HQ)s of the divisions and in turn he will also distrubute to the members in their division.  Efforts have been made to include all the current news / developments at Circle and CHQ level.

PLI/RPLI premium can be deposited in any Post Office in India.

The facility has now been provided to the PLI / RPLI customers to pay the premium anywhere in the country.  They can now approach any Head Post Office or Sub Post Office to pay the premium.  In the computerized Head Post Office/Sub Post Offices, if the particular policy number does not exist in the record of the HO, the system shall ask if the new policy number is to be added to the list.  On choosing the option of ‘Yes’ the premium is accepted.  Such policy numbers when added shall become part of the data of that post office and shall be circulated in the schedule of the month in which premium is deposited.  The schedule shall be uploaded in the prescribed manner as is being done now.  On uploading the schedule, the premium of such policies shall get posted in the respective KLC.

            The facility to customers to pay premium anywhere shall do away the need for transfer of case file of policies from one Circle to another for the purpose of paying the premium.  The case files may be transferred in accordance with existing instructions.  This shall help in reducing the lapsation of policies.

(A.K.Poddar)

General Manager

PLI Directorate.

Upgradation of Grade Pay to the cadre of Inspector Posts.

A copy of General Secretary's letter No. CHQ/1ASP/SCPC dated 9/8/2010 addressed to Ms. Radhika Doraiswamy, Director General, Department of Posts, Dak Bhavan, New Delhi 110 001 in connection with up-gradation of Grade Pay to Inspector Posts is reproduced herewith for kind information. 

                                                    ..................................

         Sub:   Up-gradation of Grade Pay to the cadre of Inspector Posts –    

                             regarding.

Ref:    Postal Directorate No. 4-12/2009-PCC dated 22-03-2010.

----

Respected Madam,

            This association submitted six representations requesting the Department to upgrade the Grade Pay of Inspector, Posts on par with Inspectors of CBDT/CBEC and Assistants in CSS.  Last representation was submitted on 24-06-2010.  The Department had detailed discussions with our association on several occasions.  Department was good enough having considered our case sympathetically and submitted the file to the Ministry of Finance duly recommended but the Ministry of Finance returned the file with observation that there is post of ASP in between Inspector Posts and PS Group ‘B’ whereas no such promotional post is available in the CBDT/CBEC & CSS and hence the post of Inspector Posts is not comparable with Inspectors, Income Tax/Excise& Customs. 

2.         We had detailed discussions with the DDG (Estt) on 05-04-2010 and during the discussions, it was agreed to merge the post of Inspector Posts and Assistant Superintendent Posts and make it comparable with the post of Inspector CBDT/CBEC.  Now, it is more than 4 months have elapsed but the proposal has not been materialized so for.  It has become a burning issue in all our circle conferences and our members are very much dejected and frustrated.

3.         In order to keep the post attractive,   it is required to upgrade the Grade Pay of Inspector Posts on par with Inspector, CBDT/CBEC.  It is further brought to your kind notice that due to implementation of MACP scheme, even the Postman has got the Grade Pay of Rs.4200/- and the Postal /Sorting Assistant has got the Grade Pay of Rs.4600/-.  Now, new entrant in the cadre of Inspector Posts is getting less pay than a Postman who is being supervised by the Inspector Posts.  It is not a healthy trend to have a defective command and control structure in the Department of Posts. 

4.         It is urged to take immediate steps to revise Grade Pay of Inspector Posts from Rs.4200/- to Rs.4600/- so that the anomaly created by the 6^th CPC be removed to some extent and render justice to our cadre.

                                                           

With profound regards,

  Yours faithfully,

Sd/- 

(ROOP CHAND)

General Secretary

Broadband connection to Sub Divisional Office before 31/8/2010.

Directorate under memo No. 40-3/2010-Tech dated 9/8/2010 has  issued orders for allotment of fund to circles for providing Broadband connection to Sub Divisional Offices for the current year under XI plan. In our circle, 157 Sub Divisional Offices will be provided Broadband connection before 31/8/2010.

Cadre Re-structuring for Gr. C Employees.

Department has sent a letter to two Federations stating that it would constitute a committee to consider re-structuring of Group 'C' Employees. The committee will consist of each 3 members from official side and staff side. After the receipt of confirmation letter from the Federations, formal orders will be issued by the Department to constitute the committee.

Income Tax Department and Railway Department has already constituted a cadre restructuring committee.  What about IP/ASP and PS Gr. B Officers? Our Second Cadre Review approved by President is yet to be implemented by Department. Circle Secretary raised this issue in 39^th Circle Conference held at Nagpur on 3^rd and 4^th July 2010.

Our cadre consist of 4214 IP/ASPs and HSG-I (IP Line) officers. It is worth mentioning that not even a single post of Inspector or ASP has been sanctioned in the Department since 1980 despite full justification based on the existing Staff Inspection Units (SIU) norms. The work load and job description of Inspector / ASPs have changed enormously due to subsequent diversification in different spheres. Fifth CPC in para 32 of Appendix 1 of Volume 3 stated that, cadre review has become part of cadre rules and they are to be mandatory held once in 5 years.  It has also been observed that holding of cadre review itself is a justiciable matter. However, the Department of Posts has not taken any further effort to implement the accepted recommendations of second cadre review committee and also to review the promotional prospects of our cadre once in 5 years as recommended by the fourth CPC and also accepted by the Government. In view of the stagnation faced by the IP and ASPs and ever increasing span of promotion, our Association made repeated requests to the Department to constitute third Cadre Review Committee and it was also suggested re-organization of Postal Sub Divisions as possible outcome of the cadre review. But the Department has not constituted any such committee so far nor has the Department initiated review of the promotional prospects of this cadre on its own.

BI-monthly meeting with PMG Nagpur Region.

Postmaster General, Nagpur Region, Nagpur - 440 010 vide his office letter No. NR/SR/4-1/03(19)/2010 dated 29/07/2010 has fixed Bi-monthly meetings with Service Union / Association on 24th September, 2010 and called for agenda upto 20/8/2010.  CWC Members and all IP / ASPs working in Nagpur Region are requested to suggest/send the item/s to be included in the agenda for discussion in the meeting.

Combined Duty Allowance to GDS revised from Rs. 25/- per day to Rs. 50/- per day subject to maximum of Rs. 625/- per month.

Copy of Directorate No.6-1/2009-PE-II dated 15/7/2010 addressed to CPMG, UP Circle, Lucknow in connection with revision of combined duty allowance of GDS is reproduced below.

To,
The Chief Postmaster General
UP Circle
Lucknow—226001

Sub: Combined Duty Allowance to Gramin Dak Sevaks employees who perform the duties of Gramin    

        Dak Sevaks Branch Postmasters in addition to their own duties.

Sir,

I am directed to refer to your letter no. Estt/M-377/34/GDS/Corr./2009/1 dated 24-06-2010, on the above mentioned subject.

2. The issue has been examined. DG Posts letter no.14-11/1988-PAP dated 16-07-1990 provided for payment of Rs.50 as combined duty allowance to GDS MD/MC who perform the work of EDBPM in addition to their normal charge of duties. It was also clarified that, GDS Mail Deliverer/Mail Carrier are not eligible for this Combined Duty Allowance if they perform duties other than that of GDS BPMs

3. As per the recommendations of One—man Committee and approved by the government, the GDS MD/MC attached with the addition duty of another Gramin Dak Sevak, revised rate of allowance will be at the rate of Rs.25 per day subject to a maximum of Rs.625 per month. Accordingly, the Mail Deliverer/Mail Carrier entrusted with the duties of BPMs in addition to their own work, are eligible for this additional remuneration as compensation. However, they will not be eligible for any Combined Duty Allowance which is now paid to Branch Postmasters towards delivery and conveyance work

To cite an illustration, if a Branch Post Office has one BPM and one GDS MD/MC on its establishment. In the event of GDS MD/MC performing the duties of Branch Postmasters in addition to his own, he will be eligible for a compensation of Rs.25 per day subject to a maximum of Rs.625 per month in addition to his normal Time Related Continuity Allowance. However, he will not be eligible for further Combined Duty Allowance paid to Branch Postmasters.

4. This issues with the approval of DDG(Establishment).

Yours faithfully

(K Rameswara Rao)

Assistant Director General (Estt.)

Postal Bill likely to be placed for Adoption in Parliament

New Delhi:- A new regulator on the cards for India Post and private courier firms would fix the tariffs for their services. The government has comprehensively re-drafted an earlier Bill on postal regulation with a view to bringing the entire communication industry under a regulatory regime similar to the one for the Telecom sector. 

As per the re-drafted Bill — The Post Office and Courier Services Bill, 2010—which was reviewed by FE, the courier firms would need to register themselves with the regulator—Postal Regulatory Authority of India (PRAI)— and adhere to a set of guidelines for quality of services framed by it. The firms will also have to contribute to a Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) to enable delivery of postal services to financially unlivable areas at affordable rates. 

However, the government has dropped the controversial provision in the original (2006) draft of the Bill which sought to bar private courier firms from carrying packets weighing below 500 gm. Also, in a departure from the original draft, which specified the fee structure for the players, the new Bill has left such matters for the regulator to decide. 

The size of the Indian courier industry is over Rs 4,000 crore with major players being DHL, FedEx India and DTDC. 

As per the latest proposal, PRAI will have functions similar to that of Telecom regulator TRAI. It can suo motto recommend to the government policy measures on the entire gamut of the postal sector. On its part, the government can seek its recommendations on issues of importance. 

Once PRAI is constituted, all existing courier firms would have to register themselves with it for a 10-year period on payment of a fee. The registration, of course, can be renewed once it expires.

The regulator would set eligibility criteria for those wanting to enter the sector in the new regulated regime. It would have powers to recommend to the government revocation of licences of any firm which fails to meet the criteria set out by it. 

The government (read the department of post and a reinforced Postal Board) would retain the powers to make policies and provide licences. 

A Postal Dispute Settlement and Appellate Tribunal would be set up to arbitrate on disputes between the industry and the regulator, the regulator and the government, industry and the government; and between industry players.

Source : Financial Express 26.07.2010