All India Association of ASP / IPs Kerala Circle

Non-banking finance firm asked to pay Rs 47K to loan customer

2012-03-09T01:20:00.000-08:00

Cholamandalam DBS Finance Ltd ( Chola) has been ordered by a Delhi consumer forum to pay Rs 25,000 as compensation to one of its customers for not issuing a no-dues certificate to him despite getting settled its loan to him and withdrawing over Rs 22000 instead from his bank.

The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum also asked the non-banking financial firm to return over Rs 22,000 to the customer that it had withdrawn from his bank account, using his documents unauthorisedly. "The company received the settled amount as per the terms of settlement. Thereafter, it should have issued no-dues certificate to the complainant. The firm, instead, withdrew an amount of Rs 11,299 on two occasions from his bank account, much beyond the period of receipt of the settled sum.

"It should have also returned back all relevant documents to the complainant or should have given undertaking that it would not use those documents for any purpose," said the forum presided over by B B Chaudhary. Observing that "the act of the company cannot be approved by any stretch of imagination," it added, "The act of the company has caused deficiency in service. It has occurred due to severe negligence on the part of the company." Arora, in his plea, had said as per an agreement reached with the company for settlement of a loan of Rs 3.8 lakh that he had taken from it, he paid Rs 2.5 lakh to it. He alleged despite receiving the full and final amount for the loan settlement, the firm failed to issue a no-dues certificate to him and instead illegally withdrew Rs 11,299 twice from his account.

Urban Indians have low awareness for insurance products: Survey

2012-03-09T01:17:00.000-08:00

Urban Indians are not very aware about insurance products and their investment planning is not aligned with their current needs, says a survey by private insurer HDFC Life. "Indian urban consumers' current sense of financial freedom is low," the survey said.

HDFC Life in association with ValueNotes, a market intelligence and research firm, today launched its inaugural Life Freedom Index report where over 1,600 respondents were interviewed across 11 Indian cities. "The Life Freedom Index will serve as the primary benchmark for indicating how financial free an Indian urban consumer is in terms of her financial awareness, planning, sufficiency and adequacy of planning," HDFC Life Executive Vice President and Head, Marketing and Direct Channel, Sanjay Tripathy told reporters here."The survey reaffirms that Indian urban consumers have realised the necessity of financial planning. They are already chalking out financial plans and are generally disciplined in adhering to them. However, on the flip side, these plans lack comprehensiveness and need to be realigned with their desired financial goals," ValueNotes Managing Director Arun Jethmalani said.

The survey indicates that while 35 per cent of urban consumers rely on their social network of friends and relatives for financial planning advice, only 27 per cent seek professional help, he said. Given the gaps in financial plans and low awareness levels, it appears that there exists a need for proper professional advice, which will help consumers in ironing out inconsistencies in financial planning and management, he added.

The urban consumers have a long way to go before achieving a complete state of financial freedom. Child education is their primary concern, the sense of financial liberty appears inflated given the inadequacy in their financial planning and awareness levels. But they have realised the necessity of financial planning, according to the survey.

IP Results likely to be delayed

2012-03-08T04:27:00.001-08:00

It is learned that announcement of the results of the last years IP Examination is likely to be delayed as some Circles had allowed P.M.Grade-I officials to take the IP Examination and the file has been sent to the DDG (P) for clarification. Result will be announced only after clarification by the SPN Division of the Department.

Now, a device which can generate power from waste water!

2012-03-03T03:14:00.000-08:00

In what may turn out to be a boon for developing countries, scientists claim to have created a device which can generate electricity from waste water. A team at Pennsylvania State University in the US says the technology would simultaneously treat the water and the process could be used to provide clean water and power for homes in developing nations, the 'Science' journal reported.

Researchers in the Netherlands have for some years been exploring the idea of generating renewable power along the country's coastline, where fresh water from rivers meets the salt water of the sea, using reverse electrodialysis (RED). In this process, fresh water and seawater are placed in intermittent chambers separated by membranes, and an electrochemical charge is created. The Penn State team says RED technology is problematic because of the large number of membranes required, and because power plants have to be located by the sea. They claim the number of membranes can be reduced and the power output boosted by combining the technology with what are called microbial fuel cells (MFCs). These use organic matter in solution to create an electric current, in this instance waste water.

The prototype technology also bypasses the need for salt water by using ammonium bicarbonate solution as a substitute, meaning the system could work in communities far from the sea. The ammonium bicarbonate solution will be constantly recycled, using waste heat from local industry. "If we treat waste water in just a microbial fuel cell, we don't create much power and it takes a long time. In our process, we have the MFC part which is treating waste water and creating energy, and we have the RED stack which is just boosting that process, it's making it happen efficiently," team leader Prof Bruce Logan told the 'BBC'. He says the process could potentially be used anywhere, but could provide both clean water and power to communities in developing countries.

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Insurance portability has also arrived

2012-03-03T03:08:00.001-08:00

If you are not satisfied with the services of your existing medical insurance provider, you can move to a different insurer. Health insurance companies often require a person who has been newly insured to undergo a waiting period before allowing pre-existing health conditions to be covered under the policy. However, when a policy is transferred, the waiting period completed with the existing insurer can also be transferred. If the new insurer has a longer waiting period, the policyholder will need to wait only for the additional time period with the new insurer after the plan is transferred. The continuity in policy will also be given on timebound exclusions. Many health policies exclude certain surgeries for a fixed period, and with portability, continuity would be considered for these conditions also.

IRDA has specified that the new insurance provider has to be approached at least 45 days prior to expiry date of the policy. You may have to begin the transfer process at least 2-3 months before your existing policy expires.

Process -You have to fill up the Irda prescribed portability form which is available on its website (www.irda.gov.in) as well as the proposal form once you decide to switch insurers.

Supporting documents -- Previous policies - Claim experience - Age proof - Positive declarations, if any (discharge card, investigation reports and clinical condition)

Confirmation -On receiving the application, the new insurance provider shall ask for the required information from your old insurance provider. If the new insurer is satisfied, it shall inform you of its decision in 15 days.

Points to note:

Depending on your new insurance provider, you can also increase your sum insured while switching to it.

You can go for portability only at the time of renewal and not during the term of the policy.

Cover sub-limits (limits on hospital room rents) or policy features (maternity coverage) of the new policy may differ from that of your old insurer as this is not subject to portability.

Government clears amendment to Motor Vehicle Act

2012-03-03T03:05:00.000-08:00

The government is understood have cleared a proposal to amend the Motor Vehicle Act to deal sternly with violators of traffic rules. According to sources, a meeting of the Cabinet held today has approved the amendments to the Act for harsher punishments for offences like drunken driving and violation of traffic rules.

"The amendments are meant to deal the traffic offences seriously. Repeated violations will fetch very high fines and even may take the offenders to jail," a source said.The modifications are aimed at introducing stronger deterrents and inculcating greater respect for the laws, sources said. As per reports, the first offence of talking over mobile phones while driving can lead to a fine of Rs 500 and the subsequent violations can be as high as Rs 5,000. Jumping red lights or not using seat belts and helmets may attract fines between Rs 500 and Rs 1,500, reports said.

As per the new provision drunk driving would be dealt with high penality and even jail term. Drunk driving will be graded according to alcohol levels in the blood with a punishment that can go up to a two-year jail term and Rs 5,000 fine or both.

Budget 2012: Government likely to raise tax rates in Union Budget

2012-03-03T03:03:00.001-08:00

India is likely to raise taxes on a number of manufactured items and expand the tax net in its Budget 2012 to rein in its deficit and give space for the central bank to cut interest rates to support growth, a top government economic adviser said on Friday. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has called on the government to cut its fiscal deficit to help fight inflation, while signalling its bias is towards beginning to cut interest rates.

India's fiscal deficit is expected to miss its target of 4.6 percent of GDP in the fiscal year ending this month by at least one percentage point. "One of the possibilities is full rollback of the stimulus, that is almost 1 percent of the GDP," Pronab Sen, principal adviser to India's Planning Commission, told Reuters on Friday. India implemented a stimulus package of about 1.86 trillion rupees ($37.6 billion) following the 2008 global financial crisis, mainly through tax cuts, which have only been partly rolled back. "There is space. The space is basically raising excise duties," Sen said

C Rangarajan, chairman of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council, has said the government should lift its tax to GDP ratio to 12 percent, where it was in the fiscal year that ended in March 2008, from its current level near 10.4 percent. The finance minister may also raise import duties on power equipment in the budget, Sen said. A proposal to increase factory gate duties on a number of items to 12 percent from 10 percent is also under consideration. "Unless you have a fiscal correction happening it will not create the space for the RBI to relax on monetary policy," he said.

Industrial groups are lobbying for a further cut in tax rates to support economic recovery. The RBI ended a 20-month interest rate tightening cycle in October. Economists expect it to cut its main policy rate by 100 basis points in 2012 from the current 8.5 percent. India's economic growth slowed to 6.1 percent in the three months to December, the weakest annual pace in almost three years, as high interest rates and rising raw material costs constrained investment and manufacturing. Even if the RBI starts cutting interest rates in March or April, the investment cycle will not pick up before the July-September quarter, Sen said. "It could be around 7 percent till the second quarter of next fiscal," he said.

Chief PMG and GS to be chief guests in the Kumarakom Circle Conference

2012-03-02T01:08:00.005-08:00

Our Chief PMG, Smt. Shoba Koshy has consented to deliver the key note address in the Open Session of the 41st Circle Conference to be held at Kumarakom on 29.4.12. Our new General Secretary, Sri. Vilas Ingale will also be participating in the two day conference. All the members are requested to ensure their participation in the conference.

CS

Government goes for appeal in the Pension Case

2012-03-01T02:08:00.001-08:00

The Government has filed an Appeal against the 1ST November 2011 judgment of the Principal Bench of Delhi Central Administrative Tribunal on modified parity in pension to the pensioners retired prior to 1.1.2006. The Principal Bench of Delhi CAT had directed implementation of OM dated 1.9.2008 based on the Government's Resolution dated 29.08.2008 accepting the recommendation of 6th CPC for modified parity of pension to pre 1.1.2006 pensioners by nullifying the clarificatory orders issued subsequently that denied the real content of the 6th CPC recommendation as accepted earlier by the Union Cabinet through its Resolution dated 29.08.2008. However now the Government has filed an Appeal against the judgment of the CAT.

Visit of GS to Directorate

2012-03-01T02:04:00.002-08:00

Today, Sri. Vilas Ingale, our new GS along with Ex-GS Shri Roop Chand visited Directorate and met with the Member (P), various DDGs and other concerned officers. The details of various issues discussed and the present status in respect of the issues is furnished below for the information of all members.

1. Up-gradation of GP of IP from Rs. 4200/- to Rs. 4600/-.

File relating to implementation of Hon. CAT Ernakulam Bench judgement dated 19/10/2011 is still under examination in view of our letter dated 22/2/2012. File is likely to be sent to Ministry of Finance shortly.

2. Restructuring of Inspectors Posts Cadre.

Next Meeting of the committee constituted to look into promotional prospects of IPOs/ASPs is likely to be convened by the Department in near future in view of decision of AIC conveyed to the Member (P) on 22/2/2012.

3. Holding of supplementary DPC for promotion to PS Gr. B for the year 2011.

Decision has been taken by the Department to hold supplementary DPC. This process is likely to be completed within next 3-4 months.

4. Holding of DPC for the promotion to JTS, Group A.

File is under process, which is likely to be completed within 2-3 months.

5. Declaration of result of IP examination 2011.

Marksheet from CMC has been received by the Department which is under scrutiny. After scrutiny the result will be declared shortly.

6. Revision of rates of remuneration for performing duty as Invigilator in the examination.

File is still pending with Internal Finance.

7. Re-allotment of surplus IPs to their Home Circles.

The issue is not under consideration at Directorate. Surplus IPs can go to their Home Circle only after relieving by the concerned circle in which they are working.

Earning up to Rs 5-L salary? No need to file returns

2012-02-29T01:57:00.000-08:00

Individuals with annual income up to Rs 5 lakh are now exempted from filing personal income tax return for the current financial year. This relief was proposed in the Union Budget last year. However, a circular from the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) last week indicates that this relief has been extended for this financial year. An individual can now file tax returns for this financial year by July 31, 2012. However, the exemption comes with some terms and conditions, which determine the eligibility of an individual to seek the exemption from filing returns.

Who can seek this exemption -As per the Notification, only individuals who satisfy the following conditions are eligible for exemption from furnishing the tax return for the tax year 2011-12:

a) Total income does not exceed Rs 5,00,000.
b) Total income consists only of income under the following heads:
Salaries
'Income from other sources' by way of interest, not exceeding Rs 10,000, from a savings bank account

Avail an exemption -Apart from the above conditions, an individual should also fulfill the following conditions to avail an exemption from furnishing tax return with the authorities:

Report his Permanent Account Number (PAN) to his/her employer
Report savings bank account interest income to employer and the employer should withhold tax on such interest income
Employer provides tax withholding certificate (Form 16) to employee which mentions the PAN, details of income and taxes withheld
There should be no further tax payable by the employee by way of advance tax or self-assessment tax
No refund claim for the relevant tax year
The employee should receive salary from only one employer for the tax year

Apart from the above-mentioned conditions, an individual should keep in mind that the exemption under this notification is restricted to voluntary filing of tax return and does not apply to tax return to be furnished in response to notice issued by the tax authority for regular assessment or reassessment or assessment pursuant to search/ survey proceedings," says Amarpal Chadha, tax partner, Ernst & Young.

Postmen to now collect data for calculation of rural Consumer Price Index (CPI)

2012-02-26T23:16:00.000-08:00

The postman in rural areas across the country has his hands full. Apart from his regular job, he now has to go out three to four times a week to collect data from retail outlets which is then used to calculate the rural consumer price inflation. Faced with an acute manpower shortage, the ministry of statistics and programme implementation tied up with the department of posts to get over the problem of collecting such massive amount of data from rural areas across the country. "When we were discussing about the comprehensive CPI data we were looking for a department which had reach across the country. We zeroed in on the postal network," said Pronob Sen, adviser in the Planning Commission and former chief statistician of the country.

It was a perfect opportunity for the postal department, which readily accepted the offer. Rising competition and new technology has posed serious challenges for the department of posts. It is working on several ideas to maximize revenues and use its vast network to help other government departments. "We were looking at new avenues for raising our revenue and we entered into a memorandum of agreement with the ministry of statistics and progamme implementation," said Sachin Pilot, minister of state for communications and information technology.

He said the rural CPI data is being collected by 1,181 rural post offices. About 1,800 employees undertake the exercise for 3 to 4 hours a week. The statistics ministry paid the department of posts Rs 6.32 crore in 2010-11 and is to pay Rs 7.66 crore in 2011-12. "We just collect the data, the CPI is calculated by the statistics ministry on department of posts and National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) inputs," Pilot said. Price data is collected from selected towns by the Field Operations Division of NSSO and from selected villages by the department of posts. This data is then fed into web portals being maintained by the National Informatics Centre.

Postal employees identified for the mission were put through intensive training sessions. "They were taught how to collect the data, the questions to be asked and how to put the data in the portal," Sen said, adding most employees had education up to Class 8. "There were initial hiccups for about 3-4 months but then it settled down. They collect data and then feed it into the computers available in the post office. The data is carefully examined before it is used," said Sen, adding that the department of posts compensates the employees for collecting data.

Source: The Economic Times

Services rendered from outside India to be taxed

2012-02-25T04:05:00.000-08:00

Services rendered from outside India for use within the country will now come under the tax net, following the recent amendment to the I-T Act. The amendment in Section 9 of Income-Tax Act, proposed in the Budget, will now bring all services, including fees on technical service or royalty that are typically charged as consultation fees, under the tax net. This would also be irrespective of whether the service provider has business connection in India, or residence or place of business.

The SC, in its decision on Ishikawajima Harima Heavy Industries, had concluded that in order to tax a non-resident's income, the services should be "rendered and utilised" in India. But the government wanted to make it clear that it would levy tax on the payment to a non-resident, if the service is utilised in India, irrespective of whether the service is rendered in India or not.According to people familiar with legal developments, if a non-resident architect is paid for consultation on a building situated in India, it means that his services have been utilised in India. Prior to the amendment, the architect's consultation fees would have been taxed had he been based in India.

Going by this example, the government will now tax the non-resident architect, even if he doesn't come to India and renders the service from outside India. According to M Lakshminarayanan, national tax head at Deloitte India, "It's a clarificatory amendment making the intention of the legislature clearer." Vispi T Patel of Vispi T Patel & Associates, a chartered accountant firm, said: "The amendment has serious implications. It will certainly lead to litigations. Moreover, the amendment is not clear as regards its applicability on income by way of interest and royalty earned by a non-resident outside India where there is no nexus between such interest and royalty and Indian state."

Source. The Economic Times

Health, home and vehicle insurance set to cost more

2012-02-25T03:56:00.000-08:00

Buying general insurance such as health, motor or property cover could cost more from April. The finance ministry has asked the national reinsurer, General Insurance Corporation, to stop underwriting loss-making businesses. The government has also said if insurers take on loss-making businesses, they should bear the risk in their books or increase premium rates.

State-owned GIC is a reinsurance company which has been designated national reinsurer by the government. Reinsurance companies provide wholesale cover to insurance companies. By virtue of this cover, insurers are able to protect their balance sheet if claims in any portfolio exceed a certain level. Regulations require that all general insurance companies compulsorily reinsure a portion of their risks with GIC. While insurance companies have a choice in accepting or rejecting insurance proposals, GIC has to accept the risks that are passed on. In addition to the compulsory portion, insurance companies reinsure other parts of their portfolio with GIC to protect their own balance sheets. In a communication on February 7, the finance ministry has informed GIC that it should not provide reinsurance for covers that are loss-making and, for such covers, insurers should make arrangements on their own or take risks on their own books.

According to IRDA's annual report for 2010-11, motor insurance and health insurance had high claims ratios at 103% and 100%, respectively. This means these two businesses have been unprofitable for insurers as claims have outstripped premiums. General insurers are set to see their earnings come under pressure for another reason. In the communication where the finance ministry has advised GIC not to accept loss-making business, the government has asked GIC to halve the commission it pays out to insurance companies on businesses that have to be compulsorily reinsured to 5%. Reinsurance commission is paid by the reinsurance company to the primary insurance companies to defray (provide money to pay for) the expenses that they incur in acquiring business. A cut in commission paid out is equivalent to increasing the cover cost.

Earlier, the ministry had directed GIC not to pay commission at all on businesses that are compulsorily reinsured. Following complaints from insurers who felt short-changed, IRDA asked GIC to abide by its contract with insurers and restore the 10% commission. The government has once again intervened and asked GIC to pay out 5% against the promised 10%. This will increase the cost of reinsurance cover for primary underwriters and would add to price pressures.

Source: The Economic Times

Pricey gold no more the preferred investment: Farmers opting for bank deposits and insurance schemes

2012-02-25T03:53:00.000-08:00

Satya Prakash Saini, a small farmer from Rajasthan's Jhalawar district, had a reasonably good harvest last year when he managed to save Rs 25,000 after all expenses. As most villagers would do, Saini visited a local jeweller to buy some gold for his second daughter, who he plans to marry off four years from now.

But, alas, his precious saving was not enough to even buy 10 gram of 24 karat gold, priced at about Rs 28,000. Saini changed his plans and parked his savings in a three-year bank deposit. Some 750 km away to the north in Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh, horticulturist Rajpal Singh put his savings in a life insurance-plus-investment product for the same reason. "Gold has been preferred by our family as it is a symbol of prosperity and is a safe instrument. But this time I could not buy gold because of its steep price," says Singh, who belongs to Jaghetta Gujjar village.

Farmers in India, who have traditionally bought gold and silver for asset creation, are now increasingly opting for banking and insurance products due to soaring prices of bullion.So, while rural jewellers report a 25-30% fall in gold demand over the past five months, bankers say term deposit collections in rural areas have grown in double digits in recent months.

Economists say it's a welcome development not just for banks, but for the economy as well. "Gold as an asset class is unproductive in nature as it largely remains locked up in households. But banking instruments such as term deposits can be deployed for the benefit of the rural economy," says Anish Chakravarty, director and senior economist at Deloitte, Haskins & Sells, a financial advisory firm. "However, one critical component is that farmers should remain invested in these products to accrue the benefits," he adds. It's not just rural folks drifting away from the yellow metal. Gold demand in the country fell 42% during October-December to 173 tonnes, the World Gold Council (WGC) said in a report last week. The country's gold imports dropped 44% during the quarter to trail China for the first time as gold's popularity as an investment safe haven and a weakening rupee pushed prices to record highs. The WGC expects China to overtake India as the largest gold consumer in 2012 when Indian gold imports may fall by a fifth to 770 tonnes. Average gold price (24 karat) in 2011 was Rs 23,620 per 10 gram, 31% more than the previous year.

Now, it's more than Rs 28,500. Viraj Singh, a jeweller from Gurdaspur in Punjab, confirms gold demand has slipped. "Footfalls have dwindled as prices have gone up. They (farmers) must be investing in other instruments," he says. Banks are now aggressively selling products in rural areas. Kotak Mahindra Bank's Consumer Bank President KVS Manian says the maximum response has come from rural Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, where his bank has increased deposit mobilisation in rural areas year-on-year by 70%, 85% and 39%, in the past five months. "People were lured by higher deposit rates and pumped in more money into term deposits.

Source: The Economic Times

IRDA wants cap on sum assured on policies

2012-02-25T03:47:00.001-08:00

Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (Irda) has proposed to set a maximum limit for sum assured on life insurance policies. The move is to ensure that insurers take on the maximum risk on themselves rather than the current practice of heavily relying on reinsurance companies to honour insurance claims.

In a letter to insurance companies, the regulator said most products filed for clearance assign "no limit" to the maximum sum assured, which leads to fronting, which means more reliance on the reinsurer. Insurers that have reinsured very little risk may find it difficult to honour claims, which will damage the trust built on the industry, said the regulator. Separately, the regulator also said in its letter that insurers must make a clear distinction between group and individual policies. Irda observed that currently most group policies work as individual products, as insurers directly approach individual bank customers. Also, premium rates are similar for individual and groups members.

"Irda wants to make sure that only licensed intermediaries sell group policies and not bancassurance channels. Banks, acting as corporate agents, mostly offer policies to bank customers. It results in many complaints of premiums being deducted without the specific consent of the policyholder," a senior executive of a large insurance company said. The regulator also favoured multiple premium paying products to single premium and limited premium paying terms, where premiums are received well ahead of the policy term, thus accelerating commission payments to intermediaries and possible lapses due to high premium size.

Most products currently have single premium and limited premium paying terms, rather than premium paying term that is spread over the entire policy tenure. The regulator also raised concerns over the highest net asset value guaranteed products, which offer highest NAV during a period, as they invest in fixed income instruments. Irda said such products should have a minimum equity component for a specified period.

Source: The Economic Times

Parliamentary Standing Commitee in favour of hiking IT relief limit to 3 Lakhs

2012-02-25T03:36:00.002-08:00

Parliamentary Committee, scrutinising the Direct Taxes Code (DTC) Bill, will recommend raising the annual income-tax exemption limit to Rs.3 lakh and hiking the limit on tax breaks for investments to Rs.2.50 lakh following a broad consensus among its members. “There is a consensus among the members that the annual tax-exemption limit be raised to Rs.3 lakh,” sources said after a meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance, chaired by senior BJP leader Yashwant Sinha.

Some members had earlier suggested that the annual income-tax exemption limit be raised to Rs.5 lakh from Rs.1.80 lakh at present, in view of high inflation and erosion in purchasing power of the rupee. The DTC Bill proposes the tax exemption limit at Rs.2 lakh and also provides for revising the tax slabs for all the three categories. At present, income in the bracket of Rs.1.80-5 lakh attracts 10 per cent tax, 20 per cent for Rs.5-8 lakh. It is 30 per cent for above Rs.8 lakh.
Members also felt that the limit for the total tax saving deductions, which include investment in provident fund, life insurance, children education and infrastructure bonds, should be raised to Rs.2.50 lakh from Rs.1.2 lakh, sources said. At present, investments up to Rs.1 lakh in specified instruments are deducted while calculating the tax liability.In addition, investments up to Rs.20,000 in infrastructure bonds are also exempted from tax.

The Standing Committee on Finance has decided to finalise its report on DTC by March 2, enabling Parliament to consider the ambitious reforms in the direct tax regime in the budget session beginning March 12. “The committee will present its report to Parliament in the third week of March”, sources said.

Source : The Hindu 25.02.2012

Compassionate engagement to Dependants of GDS discharged on medical grounds prior to 14.12.10.

2012-02-25T03:33:00.003-08:00

Copy of Directorate letter on the above subject is reproduced below:

No. 19-19/2009-GDS Dated: 21 Feb 2012

Chef Postmaster General
Postmaster General

Subject :Consideration of compassionate engagement on GDS posts to Depandants of Gramina Dak Sevaks discharged on medical grounds based on proof of invalidation prior to 14.12.2010

A reference is invited to Para 7(d) of this Directorate letter No. 17-17/2010-GDS dated 14.12.2010 wherein it was provided that "this percentage of 10% shall only apply to cover cases of wards of deceased GDS and not to GDS acquiring disability during service defined in the Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995. Section 47 of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995 provides that no establishment shall dispense with or reduce in rank an employee who acquires a disability during his service as also no promotion shall be denied to a person merely on the ground of his disability. In case of a GDS acquiring a disability during his service and is considered to be unsuitable for the GDS post he was holding, could be shifted to some other post with the same TRCA." The ceiling of 10% was further removed with revised provisions under this Directorate letter No. even dated 01.08.2011.

2. The issue of allowing compassionate engagements to one of the dependant of the GDS discharged on invalidation on medical grounds supported by the invalidation proof has been considered in this Directorate and it has now been decided to allow considering compassionate engagement to one of the words of invalidated GDS discharged before the date of issue of this Directorate letter No. 17-17/2010-GDS dated 14.12.2010 on consideration of the indigent condition of the family taking recourse to the application of the same provisions of compassionate engagement and process as were in force at the time of discharge of the GDS on invalidation, without a further reference to this Directorate.

3. It is, however, clarified once again that the provision contained in Para 7 (d) of this Directorate letter No. 17-17/2010-GDS dated 14.12.2010 as amended may be observed scrupulously and no GDS is allowed to be discharged on invalidation observing the provisions of Section 47 of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995. In case a GDS acquires a disability during his service and is considered to be unsuitable for the GDS post he was holding, he/she may be shifted to some other post with the same TRCA. If at all some genuine difficulty arises about the nature of work to be extracted from him and the concerned HOC is personally convinced of the grounds in individual cases, the Circles may take up the issue of appropriate cases with the Training Division of this Directorate.

4. The instructions contained in Para 7(d) of this Directorate letter No. 17-17/2010-GDS dated 14.12.2010 & the present instructions would cover the cases of the GDS where a GDS was permitted to be discharged during the period from 01.01.1996 to 13.12.2010 by the prescribed appointing authority based on medical invalidation by a medical board of a Government Hospital and the disability would cover only the disabilities mentioned and defined in Section 2 of the PWD Act, 1995." While considering the cases under this provision, Head of the Circle would personally ensure that only the cases fulfilling the requisite conditions are considered for compassionate engagement.

5. The above provisions may be brought to the notice of all concerned for strict compliance. This issue with the approval of Secretary(Posts).

Sd/-
(Surender Kumar)
Assistant Director General (GDS)

PSI to launch its activities in Kerala

2012-02-25T03:19:00.001-08:00

It has been brought to the notice of the Association that Public Service International (PSI) is proposing to launch its activities in Kerala and we have been invited to join their activities.

As you all may be aware, Public Services International (PSI) is a global trade union federation representing some 20 million women and men working in public services around the world. It has 635 affiliated unions in 156 countries and territories around the world. PSI is an autonomous body, which works in association with federations covering other sectors of the workforce and with the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). PSI is an officially recognized non-governmental organization for the public sector within the International Labour Organization (ILO) and has consultative status with ECOSOC and observer status with other UN bodies such as UNCTAD and UNESCO.

PSI is founded (in 1907) on the principle of solidarity between public sector workers throughout the world promotes dialogue and international co-operation as a means of solving global problems. It envisages to promote econonomic development based on the principles of human rights, social justice and development, especially for poorer countries and regions in the world and also aims at promoting peace and environmental protection at the international, regional and national levels through sharing resources, representing affiliates, education, coordinating the activities of affiliates and reciprocal support.

An informal meeting of PSI is scheduled to be held at Trivandrum on 6.3.2012. Other Associations/Unions/federations from Central/State government and non-governmental organizations are also expected to participate in the said meeting. From our side, Circle Secretary and All India Asst. Secretary will be participating in the meeting. Further details will be announced thereafter.

Extra premium from Physically Challenged PLI policy holders- Delhi High Court raps Government

2012-02-23T23:30:00.001-08:00

Complaints of discrimination against the disabled are common in matters of civic amenities, job appointments and admissions to educational institutions. But now one such case has emerged in relation to a life insurance scheme floated by the central government itself.

Slamming the Centre, the Delhi High Court has said it will quash its postal life insurance policy that charges the physically challenged extra premium. State and central government employees are the beneficiaries of this policy. As per its rules, the assured sum for the disabled is much less while the premium much more than what is applicable to ordinary employees. The discrimination was brought to the notice of the court by a PIL filed by a visually challenged lawyer, Pankaj Sinha.

"Why this discrimination? How can you charge the disabled extra premium? They have the same risk factor as ordinary policyholders. The premium should be linked to various ailments — not disability," a bench headed by acting chief justice AK Sikri told the Centre's counsel. "Disability is not a disease or a medical problem. We are going to quash the policy," the court said. Sinha told the bench: "While non-handicapped persons are insured for a maximum of Rs 5 lakh, disabled people are insured for a maximum of only Rs 1 lakh. The premium paid by disabled people is also more than the premium for non-disabled people."

The court rejected the Centre's argument that disabled people are more prone to accidental risks as compared to persons without any disability and therefore the premium charged should be marginally different.

Source : The Hindustan Times, Feb 20, 2

AIC Bangalore resolution conveyed to Department

2012-02-23T23:27:00.002-08:00

Copy of letter given by GS to Member(P) is reproduced below for information of all concerned:

No. CHQ/IPASP/1/2012 Dated : 22/2/2012.

To,
Ms Yesodhara Menon,
Member (P),
Department of Posts,
Dak Bhavan, Sansad Marg,
New Delhi 110 001.

Subject : Minutes of the meeting taken by the Member (Personnel) with All India Association of Inspectors and Assistant Superintendents Posts on 3/11/2011.

Ref. : Directorate Letter No. 01/01/2011-SR dated 14/11/2011.

Respected Madam,

The 37th All India Biennial Conference of this Association was held at Bangaluru on 28th and 29th January, 2012. In the Conference, the matter related to merger of the posts IP and ASP was deliberated in depth and the house passed a resolution unanimously as under:

“This Association is against the merger of Inspector Posts and Assistant Superintendents Posts Cadre. Inspector Posts should be granted Grade Pay of Rs. 4600/- with effect from 01/01/2006 at par with Inspectors of CBDT / CBEC in tune with directions of the Hon’ble CAT, Ernakulam Bench”.

In view of the above resolution, it is requested that action may please be taken to implement the orders of Hon’ble CAT, Ernakulam Bench to upgrade the grade pay of Inspector Posts from Rs. 4200/- to Rs. 4600/- with effect from 1.1.2006.

Yours sincerely,
(Vilas Ingale)
General Secretary

Enhancement of various allowances by 25%

2012-02-18T21:41:00.001-08:00

F.No.5-06/2011-PAP
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND I.T.
DEPARTMENT OF POSTS
[ESTABLISHMENT DIVISION]
DAK BHAWAN, SANSAD MARG, NEW DELHI-110116

THE 24th JANUARY, 2012

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

SUBJECT : ENHANCEMENT OF VARIOUS ALLOWANCES BY 25% FROM 1.1.2011 OWING TO OVER 50% INCREASE IN DEARNESS ALLOWANCE – REG.

The undersigned is directed to say that a number of references and queries have been received in this Directorate from various Circles seeking clarifications in respect of increase of various allowances consequent upon increase in the Dearness Allowance beyond 50% w.e.f. 1st January, 2011. The issue has been examined in consultation with Ministry of Finance (Department of Expenditure). It may be recalled that, on implementation of the recommendations of the 6th Central Pay Commission, necessary orders in respect of various allowances and certain advances were issued by the Government. Some of these orders inter alia stipulated that such Allowances/advances shall automatically increase by 25% whenever Dearness Allowance goes up by 50%.

2. It is, therefore, clarified that such orders in respect of the allowances and advances, which provide for their automatic increase by 25% whenever Dearness Allowance goes up by 50%, do not require further confirmation/clarification for complying with the said stipulations.

3. However, such Allowances and Advances are mentioned below for ready reference of all concerned :

1. Children Education Allowance including Hostel Subsidy, etc.
2. Special Allowance
3. Cash Handling Allowance
4. Washing Allowance
5. Split Duty Allowance
6. Bad Climate Allowance
7. Special Compensatory (Remote Locality) Allowance
8. (a) All components of Daily allowance on tour,
(b) Mileage Allowances for road and bicycle journeys on tour
9. Special Compensatory (Hill Area) Allowance
10. Special Comp. Scheduled Tribal Area Allowance
11. Project Allowance
12. Fixed Conveyance Allowance
13. Cycle Maintenance Allowance
14. Special Allowance for Child care for women with disabilities
15. (a) Advance for purchase of Bicycle
(b) warm Clothing Advance
(c) Festival Advance
(d) Natural Calamity Advance
16. Desk Allowance

This issues with the concurrence of Integrated Finance Wing vide their diary No.28/FA/12/CS dated : 24/01/2012

sd/-
(S.V.RAO)
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR GENERAL (ESTT.)

Source: www.indiapost.gov.in

United States Postal Service Ranked No. 1

2012-02-14T22:51:00.000-08:00

A review of the performance of universal postal service providers by the Oxford Strategic Consulting (OSC) firm ranks the U.S. Postal Service the best postal service within the world's top 20 largest economies for access to services, resource efficiency and public trust. "We're proud to lead the world in postal services and we will continue to deliver superior performance for future generations," said Postmaster General and CEO Patrick Donahoe. "Our best days are ahead of us. I have no doubt the Postal Service will overcome its current financial challenges and endure as the world's leading postal service." The review ranked USPS, Japan Post, Australia Post, Korea Post and Deutsche Post in its top five. USPS earned the premier ranking due to its high operating efficiency and public trust in its performance.

The ranking considered such factors as the average number of citizens served by the postal system in a country, the number of letters and parcels delivered by each postal employee and data on service reliability and public trust measured over three years. The report found that USPS delivers nearly double the number of letters per employee as its closest competitor and more than five times more letters per employee than fifth-place Deutsche Post.

Kerala Circle CS with the New All India Body

2012-02-13T21:34:00.001-08:00

d
1. The new all India body

2. Kerala CS and the new GS Sri Ingale

3. New President

Kumarakom Circle Conference............

2012-02-10T04:39:00.000-08:00

All the members are requested to confirm their participation for the Circle Conference proposed to be held on 28th & 29th at Kumarakom. All the members who wants accomodation on 28th may forward their names to Sri. Manoj (NR), Sri. B. Padmakumar(CR) and B. Gopakumar (SR) at the earliest so as to enable us to proceed with the arrangements.

Circle Conference at Kumarakom

2012-02-07T09:57:00.000-08:00

As decided in the group meetings, the Circle Conference of the Association is proposed to be held at Kumarakom, Kottayam on 28th (sat) and 29th (sun) April, 2012. The Conference is proposed to be conducted in one of the prominent tourist resort at Kumarakom.

The CWC will be held on 28th morning followed by the subject committee. Election of the new office bearers will take place on the same day itself. The Open Session will be held on 29th morning. In the afternoon, a house boat trip is being arranged which will be over by 5.00 Pm. Accommodation for all the members is being arranged for 28th night at the resort itself.

As all the members would realize, the budget for conducting such an event, that too at the tourist spot Kumarakom during this peak season is on the higher side and so it is requested each member may contribute Rs 1000/- towards the Circle Conference fund. The amount may please be forwarded to our treasurer Sri. Manoj at the earliest by on line transfer (SBI Olavakkot A/c No. 10281700675) or by way of eMO.

As this is a novel venture attempted by the Association, the support and cooperation of one and all is earnestly solicited for making the same a grand success. Please follow the blog for further details of our Circle Conference......

CS

Voluntary retirement of Sri. Shibu.M.Job

2012-02-07T06:30:00.000-08:00

Sri. Shibu.M.Job, former DPS (CR) has retired voluntarily with effect from 2.2.2012. The Association acknowledges with gratitude the yeoman services of the Officer in the department and the special love and affection which he always showed towards IPs/ASPs. We wish him all the very best in his coming days. Happy retired life sir....we will miss u....

Life insurance sale must be need based, says IRDA

2012-02-06T09:41:00.000-08:00

The sale of life insurance policies are set to become more scientific soon.
The life insurers should ensure a need-based sale of life insurance products by their direct sales personnel, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority said in the draft guidelines on product matrix released on Tuesday.
“It is important and necessary for insurers to have in place a suitability index (or a prospect product matrix) that can serve as a self governing tool to assess the quality of sale,” Mr J. Hari Narayan, Chairman, IRDA said.
As per the draft guidelines, an insurer or a distributor must make reasonable efforts to obtain a consumer's suitability information prior to making a recommendation to the consumer on a product.
Suitability information means information should include factors such as age, annual income and financial resources used for funding the purchase of the life insurance product besides risk tolerance.
The regulator is planning to bring the product matrix (or need-based sale) from April 1, 2012.

Sources The Business line

PLI / RPLI Maximum sum assured limit enhanced.

2012-02-06T09:36:00.000-08:00

PLI Directorate Memo No. 25-3/2003-LI dated 17/1/2012 is reproduced below for information of all concerned:

The President is pleased to make the following amendments to “Post Office Life Insurance Rules 2011” published on 28th April, 2011 in Gazette of India No.85(Part-I Section –I Extraordinary)

a) The amount of maximum or aggregate sum assured mentioned as Rs.Ten Lac (Rs.10.00.000/-) in Rules No.7, 14 and 17(e) may now be read as Rs. Twenty Lac (Rs.20,00,000/-) in respect of PLI.

b) The amount of maximum or aggregate sum assured mentioned as Rs.Three Lac (Rs.3.00.000/-) in Rules No.9(a), 10(a), 15 and 17(e) may now be read as Rs. Five Lac (Rs.5,00,000/-) in respect of RPLI.

The amendments shall be effective from the date of issue of this Notification.

Sd/-
(Shekhar K. Sinha)
Chief General Manager (PLI)
Equivalent to Addl. Secy. to Govt. of India

Minutes of AIC Bangalore

2012-02-06T09:20:00.000-08:00

The 37^th All India Biennial Conference of our Association was held at Bangaluru on 28^th and 29^th January, 2012. Out of 22 circles, 234 delegates from 19 circles attended and actively participated in the deliberations. There was no representation from Assam, J & K and Himachal Pradesh circle branches.Deliberations on following issues have been taken place and approved by the august house.

1. Confirmation of the minutes of Biennial Conference of the Association held at New Delhi on 3^rd and 4^th April 2010.

Shri Roop Chand, General Secretary read out the minutes of the 36^th AIC held at New Delhi on 3^rd and 4^th April, 2010 and it was unanimously approved by the august body.

2. Approval of Biennial report of CHQ for the period from 02/04/2010 to 26/01/2012.

General Secretary read out the report and it was unanimously adopted and approved by the house.

3. Approval of Audited accounts of CHQ for the period from 02/04/2010 to 26/01/2012.

Shri Jeetram, CHQ Treasurer presented the accounts for the period from 02.4.2010 to 26.1.2012. The Treasurer answered/clarified to queries raised by members satisfactorily and accounts were finally passed by the house.

4. (a) Upgradation of grade pay of Inspector Posts from Rs. 4200/- to Rs. 4600/- w. e. f. 01/01/2006.

General Secretary explained that determination of the pay structure is the job of experts sitting in Pay Commissions entrusted with the specific job and the Government cannot attempt selective revisions without addressing its impact on analogous cadres. Having restored parity by virtue of the recommendations of Fifth Pay Commission, the Government can not try to undo the same and create a blatant discrimination between analogous cadres. Strange it is to find that the Ministry of Finance, having disturbed the relativities are trying to find new logic to deny the well merited parity to the cadre of Inspectors and Assistant Superintendent Posts.The consistent attempts by this Association to bring into focus all these facts to the Department and to the Government have fallen into deaf ears. Instead the Department has been toying with the idea of abolishing the cadre of Assistant Superintendent Posts and merging the two posts into one without any specific assurance to enhance the career progression of this cadre. The posts of Assistant Superintendents exist in the Department from the inception of the cadre of Inspector of Post Offices and the Assistant Superintendents are the second level officers in the Postal Division and in reality the de facto administrators of the Postal Division. Assistant Superintendent Posts were conferred with ‘Gazetted status’ in the year 2005 as the Government was convinced that the nature of duties performed by them are higher and the responsibilities shared by them are unique to the Department and therefore deserve a higher level of recognition and now just to remove the man-made anomaly which has caused undue discrimination to the cadre of Inspectors, neither the Department of Posts nor the Government can demand our passive and unconditional acceptance to the merger of the Inspector and Assistant Superintendent Posts which have different degrees of responsibilities. While the Department has rightly recognized the need to place the Inspector Posts in higher pedestal on par with Inspectors of CBDT/CBEC and accordingly recommended to the Ministry of Finance also, the same Department cannot now demand unconditional acceptance from our Association to accept an unified single cadre of Inspectors or unilaterally alter the cadre structure for the simple reason that the MOF does not accept the proposal from the Department to restore parity without any valid reason and such a step would definitely be retrograde in nature.

The Hon’ble CAT, Ernakulam Bench has dealt at length the background of our claim seeking parity and has rightly appreciated our earnest efforts to secure parity with the Inspectors of CBDT/CBEC and has therefore allowed the OA with further directions to the Ministry of Finance to have a re-look in the matter at the level of Secretary and consider the case of the Inspector (Posts) for upgradation of their grade pay at par with that of the Inspector of Income Tax, CBDT and CBEC and to consider upward revision of the grade pay of ASPs as well.Opinion of all Circle branches was obtained. Shri.S.Samuel ex-General Secretary, Shri.G.P.Lahiri ex CHQ President and Shri.P.R.Satyanarayanan ex CHQ President spoke in length about the circumstances under which the post of ASP was sanctioned and how gazetted status was obtained after a long struggle. While all other cadres in the central government are expanding their cadre strength and number of posts, why this cadre alone is asked to surrender the promotional avenues and go backward. Finally, the house decided to oppose merger and passed the following resolution:

“ We are against the merger of Inspector Posts and Assistant Superintendents Posts Cadre. Inspector Posts should be granted grade pay of Rs. 4600/- w. e. f. 01/01/2006 at par with the Inspectors CBDT/CBEC in tune with the direction of the Hon. CAT Ernakulam Bench”.

(b) Restructuring of Inspector Posts cadre and Second CRC.

The Second Cadre Review took place in the year 1986. The Committee recommended upgrading 245 posts of ASP to PS Group B. A Presidential order was also issued in this regard but till date it was not implemented by the department. Here also the Department Expenditure created a mess of it. Now the department is talking about another CRC after rendering injustice to this cadre by its failure to implement the earlier one. The department has constituted a Committee under the chairmanship of Shri. Ashutosh Tripathi, Chief PMG, M.P Circle. The terms of reference to the committee are as under:

(1) To revisit the norms for creation of new Postal Division and Regions as well as upgradation of Class II Divisions into Class I Divisions.

(2) To study the feasibility of organizational restricting of fields formations (Circle and below) keeping in view the emerging needs for India Post in new socio-economic environment.

(3) Review of norms for upgradation of Post Offices.

(4) To study the feasibility of strengthening / creation of Postal Assistants/ Sorting Assistants posts in view of increased need of System Administrators.

{5} Any other relevant issue as may be assigned by the Competent Authority later.

( {6} The time period of this Committee to submit its recommendations is three months.

Here also the department is planning to upgrade Class II divisions into class I divisions which will mostly beneficial to IPoS officers only. Many of the Class II divisions in which promoted officers are working are likely to lose promotional prospects. The house decided to deal with the subject separately without linking it with up-gradation Grade Pay to IPs.

(c) CAT Ernakulam Judgement dated 19/10/2011 in OA No. 381/2010.

General Secretary informed that Directorate would be submitting the required information in this regard to MoF. The house requested the General Secretary to pursue the case at appropriate level and see that the orders of Hon’ble CAT is implemented.

(d) Regular promotion to PS Group B cadre.

General Secretary elaborated the issue and informed the house that two DPCs had already been convened, one on 27/11/2011 & the second on 17/11/2011. Total 344 members have been promoted to PS Group B cadre and supplementary DPC is also likely to be convened soon.

(e) PS Group ‘B’ and Sr. Postmaster Examination.

General Secretary informed that the examination for the promotion to the cadre of Sr. PM was notified by the Department to be conducted on 31^st December 2011. Department took a decision not to allow ASPs for the examination. This order was challenged before the CAT Chandigarh and Hyderabad. Finally, Department postponed the examination until further orders. Both the cases are still pending before the Honourable CATs. Department has notified the date of PS Group B examination on 27^th May 2012 and Sr. PM Examination in November 2012 without waiting for the final decision of Honourable CATs.The representatives of Maharashtra, Kerala & Odisha participated in the discussion effectively and pointed out that ASPs & adhoc PS Group B officers should also be made eligible for Sr. Postmaster examination. It was finally decided that the CHQ will take up the matter with Directorate.

(f) & (g) Provision of infrastructure to Sub Division / Re-organisation of sub divisions.

Many of the sub-divisional offices are functioning from sub-standard accommodation. The venture into new area of business development, Rural PLI etc. has increased the work load and public contact in many folds. Hence, the house requested the department to provide proper justified accommodation to all Sub Divisions.

(h) Supply of Laptops / computers with broad band connection for all Inspector Posts / ASP except Sub Divisional Heads.

Secretary Posts, in her address in the last AIC New Delhi assured to supply Laptop not only to Sub Divisions but also to all IPs/ASPs working in other offices. Supply of Laptops has commenced to all Sub Divisions but yet to reach to few more Sub Divisions. Representatives of Karnataka Circle informed the house that none of the Sub Divisions in their Circle has been supplied with Laptop. Circle Secretaries of Rajasthan & Punjab also took part in the discussion and it was unanimously decided that CHQ will take up the case with Directorate for supply of Laptops to all IPs & ASPs including pending sub divisions. Though Lap top have been supplied partially, broad band connections are yet to be provided.

Issue of combined All India Seniority List of IPs from the year 1999.

It has been decided that CHQ will get the information through RTI.

(j) Revision of rates of remuneration for Invigilator duty.

GS informed to the house that, the case has already been taken up with the Directorate and it is under consideration.

(k) MACP scheme.

GS appraised the house that, DOPT has already framed rules and regulations and therefore our Department could not make any changes therein.

(l) Decentralization of PLI / RPLI work to divisions.

Delegates from circles participated in the discussion and it has been decided that, separate set-up with full fledged manpower consisting of MTS, PAs, IPs, ASPs & AAOs should be provided in all divisions for smooth functioning of PLI/RPLI work. CHQ will take up the case with Directorate.

(m) Women and Youth participation in the activities of the Association.

GS made an appeal to all circles to motivate and increase the participation of women & youth members Circle and CHQ level activities. Women and youth members should be encouraged for effective participation in Association activities. They must be roped in for organizational work by electing them to Circle/CHQ body. Smt.T.V.Sundari, AGS-I commended the excellent work done by women members of our Association particularly women IP/ASP from Karnataka Circle in the successful conduct of the All India Conference.

(n) Activities in the Association with PSI.

Shri. Dinesh Khare, President, Smt. T.V.Sundari AGS-I and Shri.Manjunatha Huballi informed the house various work place campaigns, seminars/workshops organized in Tamilnadu/Karnataka Circles in co-ordination with Public Services International (PSI). The President stated that Karnataka Circle was always associated with PSI and its affiliates in the state of Karnataka and he desired that CHQ might continue the Trade Union activities in co-ordination with PSI.

(o) Any other item with the permission of the chair.

Many circles participated in various issues effectively and placed the following demandeds:

i. Rule 38 cases to be considered quickly.

ii. The cases of surplus qualified candidates should also be considered quickly.

iii. Clerical assistance to the sub divisional head.

iv. Delay in MACP cases in MP circle

v. Negative Valuation in all examinations.

vi. Cases of up-gradation of ASPs in the scale of Rs. 7450/- as per Fifth Pay Commission.

vii. Non-payment of RPLI incentives since 2009 to sub divisional heads in Karnataka Circle.

CHQ will take up these cases with the Directorate.

5. Organisational review.

The august body took review of organization functioning. GS informed that CHQ took efforts and revived the defunct Branch of Jharkhand Circle. But despite such efforts in J&K, the defunct Branch in that circle remains defunct.

6. Financial review.

The financial position of CHQ is not so sound. GS informed the house that Circle Branches are not prompt in remitting 40% due quota to CHQ as required vide Article 39 of our Association’s Constitution. He appealed to all Circle Secretaries to remit the CHQ quota in full and in time so that the CHQ could function effectively.

7. Merger of Postal Officers’ Association, India with All India Association of Inspectors & ASP.

Members mooted the idea of merger of our Association with Postal Officers’ Association India. After a detailed discussion it was decided not to go with merger proposal.

8. Postal Inspector / CHQ blog.

GS explained the house that due to want of fund/support from circles, the mouth piece of our Association could not be brought out monthly. “Postal Inspector” can be published every month or at least on quarterly basis if all members subscribe to it. Circles can also extend support by placing a constant demand for certain number of copies by remitting subscription in advance.

9 & 10. Approval for draft resolutions / Amendment to Constitution.

In all, 7 resolutions are adopted unanimously by the august house.

i) To amend Article 38 of the Constitution; this stipulates a monthly subscription of Rs. 30/- from every member increasing the same to Rs. 50/- p. m.

ii) To amend Note 2 below Article 44 (a) inserting the word “or Assistant Circle Secretary” after the word ‘Organising Secretary’.

iii) To provide separate establishment at Divisional Level for carrying out works related to PLI / RPLI consequent upon decentralization. The work relates to verification of policies and sanctioning claims to be got verified by a separate Accounts Officer or divisional accountant rather than by the ASP (HQ). The Association also resolved to request the Department to issue clear cut orders with respect to payment of incentives and to clear all pending incentive bills of IP / ASP at the earliest.

iv) To conduct DPC for PS Gr. B in time. Instructions issued by DOPT to prepare an extended panel should be followed scrupulously and the department should into consideration vacancies that arise out of unforeseen circumstances including cases of unwillingness. This will reduce the increasing number of adhoc promotion given in PS Gr. B cadre in the Circles.

v) To urge the Secretary (Posts) to give direction immediately to Chief PMG Tamil Nadu to withdraw the cluster transfer policy being adopted in that circle for IPs/ ASPs; this is causing much resentment among the members of Tamil Nadu.

vi) To urge the Department to clearly lay down the roll of the Sub Divisional Head while handling loss and fraud cases which exceeds the limit of Rs. 20000/-. While monetary limits are fixed for officers at various level including DPS and PMsG, responsibilities of SDIs are not clarified with clear guidelines which should be put in place.

vii) We are against the merger of Inspector Posts and Assistant Superintendents Posts Cadre. The grade pay of Inspector Posts should be upgraded to Rs. 4600/- w. e. f. 01/01/2006 at par with the Inspectors CBDT/CBEC and analogous cadres in other Central Government ministries/departments in tune with the direction of the Hon. CAT Ernakulam Bench.

Our New GS Speaks....

2012-02-06T09:13:00.000-08:00

The inaugural address of the newly elected General Secretary, Sri. Vilas Ingale is extracted below:

The 37th All India Biennial Conference of our Association was held successfully in the City of Gardens Bangaluru on 28th and 29th January, 2012. Total 234 delegates from 19 Circles attended the conference and good number of them actively participated in the deliberations held during the course of the conference. I am extremely thankful to every one of you for having me elected for the coveted post of General Secretary of our Association. I am overwhelmed by the affection all of you have shown to me. Our Association is currently passing through a crucial phase. I will surely make efforts to rise to the occasion and try to execute my duties as General Secretary to the fullest of my capacity. As you know, to run this Association is a team work and without your collective support it may not be possible for any GS to lead the Association from the front. In any case, I will require support from all of you and then only I will be able to carry out the legacy set by my predecessors. We will work together with all our office bearers and CWC members of CHQ as well as Circle Secretaries of all Circle branches, this is what I want to commit on this occasion from my side as a Torch Bearer of the Association.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to Shri Roop Chandji, the outgoing General Secretary for the hard and sincere work put up by him during his tenure. I shall be failing in my duty if I forget to mention the names of Shri S. Samuel our Ex-GS, Shri P. R. Satyanaran Ex-President, Shri G. P. Lahiry Ex-President and Shri Dinesh Khareji the outgoing President for conferring faith on me. The list will not be complete without including the name of Shri. P.M. Shirsat, Ex-CS/ Ex-President, Maharashtra Circle and Shri P. R. Parodhi Ex-VP CHQ and Ex-President Maharashtra Circle. All of these bigwigs together with their work continue to inspire me till now.

During this tenure of General Secretary of the Association, I shall remain approachable to all members through the following means on which all members are most welcome to convey their opinions and suggestions :-

1. Mobile No. : 09869417961

2. Email ID : vilasingle01@gmail.com

3. Office Address : ASP, New Mumbai Sub Division, Vashi (Maharashtra) PIN - 400 703.

4. Office Tele. No.: 022/27657041

AIC Bangalore- a brief report

2012-01-30T06:54:00.000-08:00

The 37th All India Conference of our Association was held at Bangalore on 28th & 29th January successfully. A nine member delegation represented our Circle. The pivotal point of discussion was the proposal put forth by the Directorate for merger of IP and ASP cadre after foregoing the gazetted status. After a threadbare discussion on the matter, two views came up before the House for a decision.

(i) To accept the proposal for merger of IP and ASPs retrospectively from 1.1.2006 with the condition that the ASPs as on the date of issue of order will retain their gazetted status in their personal capacity

(ii) To reject the merger proposal and to press for the implementation of the CAT Ernakulam Bench order in the grade pay case.

After heated debates, the house came to the conclusion that while the decision of the Finance Ministry on the CAT order is pending it would not be appropriate to accept the merger proposal at this point of time. Hence the AIC rejected the merger proposal and unanimously resolved to urge the Department to implement the CAT order in toto and also to extend all support to Sri. Permanand to further pursue the case if need be.

Election of the new office bearers was held in a cordial atmosphere and Sri. Vilas Ingle of Maharastra Circle was elected as our new General Secretary. Sri. Suresh Kumar Sharma of Punjab Circle is the new President of the Assn. Much to the delight and pride of Kerala Circle, our former OGS, Sri. T.M.Krishnaswamy was elected as Asst. General Secretary-II. Sri. Santosh Kulkarni is our new Treasurer. A detailed list of the office bearers is furnished below:

President-Shri Suresh Kumar Sharma,Offg. SRM “I” Dn. Jalandhar, Punjab
Vice President-I-Shri Navin Chandar,ASP Bantvel Sub Division,Karnataka
Vice President-II-Shri B.B. Mohanty,Offg. ADPS (Rectt.)CO, Bhubaneshwar Odisha
Gen. Secretary- Shri Vilas S. Ingale,ASP, New Mumbai Sub Division, Maharashtra
Asst. Gen. Secretary-I-Shri Ram Vinay Sharma,ASP West Sub Dn Muzaffarpur,Bihar
Asst. Gen. Secretary-II Shri T.M. Krishnaswami ASP (Vig.) CO, Trivandrum,Kerala
Asst. Gen. Secretary-III-Shri Y. Venkateswarulu ASP, Siddipet Sub Division,A.P.
Asst. Gen. Secretary-IV Ms. Usha K.R. ASP (HQ) Belgaum,Karnataka
Org. Gen. Secretary-I-Shri P. Jagatselvan,PM, St. Thomas Mount HO,Chennai,T.N.
Org. Gen. Secretary-II- Shri Nirmalya Mitra,ASP Sundarban Sub Division W.B.
Org. Gen. Secretary-III -Shri N.K. Soni ASP, CO, Bhopal M.P.
Org. Gen. Secretary-IV- Shri Sharvenda Srivastava,ASP U.P.
Treasurer-Shri Santosh S. Kulkarni,ASP (Philately) CO,Maharashtra
Asst. Treasurer-I-Shri L.N. Mahato,ASP Gariaband Sub Division,Chattisgarh
Asst. Treasurer-II,Ms. Fideles Khonbri ASP (HQ), Meghalaya Dn. Shillong,N.E.
Auditor-Shri M.D. Shukla,ASP (HQ) Bharuch,Gujarat
Asst. Auditor-I Shri Rohtas Singh,ASP, Haryana
Asst. Auditor-II-Shri Lalit Joshi,ASP Uttaranchal

Hearty Congratulations to Sri. Naveen and his team for the successful conduct of the AIC and the wonderful arrangements put in place for the delegates. Your hard work has paid off and we had a very nice time.

The next CWC will be held at Madhya Pradesh and our next AIC at Bihar. Kerala Circle wishes the new GS and his team all the very best and assures all support from our side. Good Luck...

All India Conference at Bangalore

2012-01-28T18:30:00.000-08:00

All India Conferene at Bangalore . Some pictures from the venue.

The conference is continuing. Further details will be posted later....

Grant of TA/DA to Mail Overseers in place of Night Halt Allowance

2012-01-20T01:14:00.000-08:00

Directorate, accepting the recommendations of the Committee on Special Allowances headed by Chief PMG MP Circle, has issued orders (F No.1-02-2012/PAP) making the Mail Overseers entitled to normal Travelling and Daily allowances for their journeys beyond 8 kms from their HQs and reimbursenent of actual traveling expenses for their journeys within the sphere of 8 kms from their HQ stations in accordance with FR & SR Part II- TA Rules. The existing Night Halt Allowance payable to the Mail Overseers has also been ordered to be withdrawn with immediate effect.

Committee for Organizational re-structuring in DOP

2012-01-19T02:02:00.000-08:00

Copy of Postal Directorate No. 33-1/2011-PE-II dated 17.01.2012 on the above subject is reproduced below:

The Competent Authority is pleased to constitute a committee as detailed below:

(i) Sh. Ashutosh Tripathi, CPMG, MP Circle - Chairman
(ii) Dr. Y.P. Rai, DDG (RB&Pig.) - Member
(iii) Sh. Salim Haque,DDG(P) - Member
(iv) Sh. V.P.Singh,DDG(Estt.) - Member
(v) Sh. Manish Sinha, DDG(PAF) - Member
(vi) Ms. Kalpana Rajsinghot, Director(Estt &DE)- Member Secretary

2. The terms of reference for this committee are:

· To revisit the norms for creation of new Postal Division and Regions as wee as upgradation of Class II Divisions into Class I Divisions.
· To study the feasibility of organizational restricting of fields formations (Circle and below) keeping in view the emerging needs for India Post in new socio-economic environment.
· Review of norms for upgradation of Post Offices.
· To study the feasibility of strengthening / creation of Postal Assistants/ Sorting Assistants posts in view of increased need of System Administrators.
· Any other relevant issue as may be assigned by the Competent Authority later.

3. The time period of this Committee to submit its recommendations is three months

RTI reply w.r.t implementation of CAT order in IP GP case

2012-01-19T01:58:00.000-08:00

Reply given by Postal Directorate vide No.5-4/2008-PCC(RTI) Dated 12.01.2012 is reproduced below:
Qns:
1.Please intimate what would be the further maximum reasonable time required to implement these orders since two months have passed.
2.Please intimate the present progress of this case.
3.Please intimate whether it will be implemented with effect from 01.01.2006 since these order have been allowed on the basis of recommendation of 6th CPC.

Ans: The information sought under serial No.1 &3 seeking the views and opinion of the CPIO Which is not permissible as per CIC decision No.525/IC(A)/2007 Dated 08.02.2007. However, in respect of serial 2, the issue is under examination of the Department.

Obituary

2012-01-19T01:43:00.000-08:00

Father of Smt. Sheeja Prabhakaran, IP, Kottakkal Sub Division expired today. Association conveys its deepest condolences to the bereaved family.

CS

Obituary

2012-01-11T21:07:00.000-08:00

Father of Sri. K.K.Davis, SSP Kottayam & Secretary, Kerala Postal Officers Association expired today. Funeral will take place tomorrow. Association conveys heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

Delegates for AIC Bangalore

2012-01-10T21:51:00.000-08:00

The following 11 member delegation will represent Kerala Circle in the All India Conference to be held at Bangalore from 27th to 28th January, 2012. The list in the precribed proforma has been forwarded to CS Karnataka for making necessary arrangements:

1. Ajith Kurian, Circle Secretary & ASP(LC), Circle Office TVM
2. T.M.Krishnaswamy, OGS & ASP (Vig),Circle Office, TVM-3
3. B.Padmakumar, Asst. Secretary & ASP EKM RMS/2
4. K.Manoj, Treasurer & ASP, Ottappalam Sub Division, Ottappalam
5. Mohammed Sherif, Org: Secretary & ASP,Tirur Sub Dn, Tirur
6. Ajith Kumar, ASP (PMU), Postal Directorate, New Delhi
7. B.Sukumaran Nair, ASP (BD), CO TVM
8. M.K.Prakash, ASP (HQ), Aluva
9. K.C.Velayudhan, ASP, Vadakara Sout
10. Ramakrishna Sarma, PM Trissur HO
11. G.Gopakumar, ASP(OD), Kollam.

IP Induction training at PTC Vadodara postponed

2012-01-10T21:48:00.000-08:00

The induction training for IPs at PTC Vododara scheduled to commence from 23.01.2012 has been postponed to 30.01.2012. All concerned IPs may revise their journey schedule accordingly.

Calendar of Examinations-2012

2012-01-09T20:50:00.000-08:00

CALANDER OF EXAMINATIONS IN DoP DURING 2012

(a) CENTRALIZED EXAMINATIONS

S.No. Name of Examination Date
1 PA/SA Direct Recruitment examination April, 2012
2 PS Group 'B' examination 27th May, 2012
3 Postmaster Grade-1 examination 3rd June, 2012
4 LGO examination of PAs/SAs in Circles 12th August, 2012
5 Inspector Posts examination 8th & 9th September, 2012
6 Sr. Postmaster examination 18th November, 2012
7 Junior (C&E) examination 15 – 16 th December, 2012
8 Assistant Engineer (C&E) examination 15- 16 th December, 2012

(b) DECENTRALIZED EXAMINATIONS

S.No. Name of Examination Date
1 PO & RMS Accountant examination 15th April, 2012
2 Confirmation examination for
direct recruit Jr. Accountants in PAO 12th & 13th May, 2012
3 Postman examination 20th May, 2012
4 Direct Recruitment to Multi Tasking Staff 20th May, 2012
5 LDCs to Jr. Accountants in PAO 23rd & 24th June 2012
6 LGO examination for promotion to
Assistants of other wings i.e., MMS,
Foreign Post, RLO, Stores Depot,
CO / RO 15th July

Good news for those whose increment falls between 1st Feb & 30th June

2012-01-09T20:41:00.000-08:00

The Government has agreed in the Anomaly Committee meeting to grant one increment on 1.1.2006 in the pre-revised scale of pay for all those whose increment falls between 1st Feb and 30th June 2006. This is applicable only for those who were in service as on 1.1.2006. They will draw their next increment in the new Pay Band on 1st July 2006.

India Post signs MOU with AIR INDIA for Logistics Post Air Service

2012-01-09T20:23:00.000-08:00

India Post today signed an MOU with Air India for carriage of “Logistics Post Air” Service by Air India. This service will help the customers to send their consignments to different parts of the country, especially to the North-Eastern region without difficulty. This MOU will meet the huge demand for Logistics Post Air Service for hassle free dispatch of consignments to different parts of the country including the North East.

India Post in collaboration with Air India plans to start this service from 15 cities initially to meet the demand from the customers. These cities are Ahmedabad, Agartala, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Imphal, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, Patna, Pune and Trivendrum. Of these, three are in the North East.

India Post will deliver the consignment of Logistics Post Air to Air India at the point of delivery of the departure station and will also collect it at the arrival station. Booking, handling, packing, delivery etc. will be done by the India Post. Air India will only transport the consignment from one station to another station.

Shri Y.P.S. Mohan, Chief General Manager, Business Development and Marketing, India Post and Shri Harsh K. Pandey, General Manager (Cargo), Air India signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organizations in presence of Shri Santosh Gauriyar, Member (Operations), Postal Services Board and Shri Rohit Nandan, CMD, Air India.

This service will be extended to other cities in a phased manner.
Source : PIB Release ID :79442

Sr PM case before CAT Chandigarh Bench -update

2012-01-09T20:17:00.000-08:00

Sr. Postmaster CAT case was listed for hearing on 05.01.2011. No reply has been filed by the respondents. The case has been adjourned to 1st March 2012 for filing reply.

IP-Examination-2011 (Paper-III) to be conducted again

2012-01-09T20:15:00.000-08:00

Copy of Postal Directorate letter No.A-34012/04/2011-DE dtd. 06-01-2012 is reproduce below :-

I am directed to intimate that the above mentioned examination was held on 15th & 16th October, 2011 in 21 Centres.

2. After conducting the Examination, many grievances from the candidates who took the Examination and from Service Unions/Associations have been received alleging prescribing of certain questions outside the syllabus in respect of Paper-III of IP Examination 2011 held on 16-10-2011. The Competent Authority, therefore, ordered to constitute a Committee of departmental officers for examining the grievances. The report of the Committee has been carefully examined and the Competent Authority ordered to hold a re-examination in Paper-III of IP 2011 as per the prescribed syllabus.

3. Accordingly, a Re-examination in Paper-III will be held on 29-01-2012 (Sunday) in 21 centres (except Kerala Circle). The Examination will be conducted through approved Outsourcing Agency on turnkey basis. The Schedule of examination is as below :-

29th January, 2012 (Sunday) Paper-III (without the aid of books) 10-00AM to 01-00PM

4. The Re-examination will be for the candidates who actually appeared on 16-10-2011. The number of candidates appeared is furnished in enclosure. Due to paucity of time, the outsourced Agency is unable to dispatch the Admit Cards to the candidates physically and instead Admit Cards will be displayed on the Indiapost website and the candidates may be instructed to download the Admit Cards and to appear at the prescribed Venues alongwith Photographs.

5. The contents of this letter may be given wide publicity and circulated to all the concerned to avoid any personal grievance.

6. This issues with the approval of the Competent Authority.

- sd/ -
( K. RAMESHWARA RAO )
ADG (DE

It is a New Year !!!

2012-01-02T02:03:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year 2012

2011-12-31T20:00:00.000-08:00

A very happy new year to all

Articles for Souvenir to be released during AIC Bangalore

2011-12-28T21:24:00.000-08:00

A souvenir is proposed to be brought out during the All India Conference to be held from 27th to 29th Jan 2012 at Bangalore. The Organising Committee has requested all our members to contribute articles for publishing in the Souvenir. All the members are requested to co-operate in this venture and forward their articles to the email id of our CS for forwarding the same to CS Karnataka.

Sr. PM Examination - Filing of case before Hon'ble CAT Ernakulam

2011-12-28T21:07:00.001-08:00

Dear Members

As all of you are aware, the interim orders passed by the Hon'ble CAT Hyderabad Bench was brought to the notice of the Circle Administration vide my letter dated 22.12.11 and it was requested to extend similar treatment to ASPs of our Circle also. However, the matter was referred to Directorate whose attitude from the very beginning has been against our cadre. Hence, it was decided that we also should move a case before the Hon'ble CAT Ernakulam seeking a declaration that ASPs are also entitled for appearing in the examination and also similar interim relief as granted by the Hyderabad Bench of the Tribunal. I met our advocate on 26.12.11 along with a draft OA and other connected documents and held detailed discussions in the matter. The OA is proposed to be filed by the Association represented by the CS and 3 other members who have applied for the examination . We had planned to bring up the case before the vacation Bench of the CAT on 28th or 29th. This was when we received the news that the examination has been postponed until further orders.

In this scenario, the filing of the case has been put on hold for the time being for ascertaining the decision of Directorate in the matter. If they intend on sticking to the their earlier decision and take a view that CAT Hyderabad order would be applicable only to ASPs of Andra Circle, we would be going ahead with the filing of the OA. I request the support and co-operation of all our members in this battle for justice.

Sr. PM exam postponed.

2011-12-26T08:11:00.000-08:00

Directorate vide letter no. A-34012/6/2011-DE dated 26/12/11 has ordered to postpone the Limited Department Competitive Examination for promotion to the cadre of Senior Postmaster (Gazetted) until further orders.

CS writes to Chief PMG on the issue of admission of ASPs for Sr. PM Examination

2011-12-21T21:05:00.001-08:00

Copy of letter given to Chief PMG in the matter is furnished below for information of all members:

No. IP/ASP/ASSN/11 Date: 22.12.2011

To
The Chief Postmaster General
Kerala Circle
Trivandrum- 695033

Respected Madam,

Sub: LDCE for promotion to the cadre of Senior Postmaster- reg:
Ref: C.O letter No. Rectt/15-1/2011 dated 20.12.11

As you are aware, applications submitted by the ASPs of our Circle has been rejected on the plea that the provisions laid down in the concerned Recruitment Rules allows only IPs with grade pay of Rs 4200 with six years of regular service to appear for the said Examination.

In this connection, the Association may be permitted to point out that two cases have been filed both by the Association and also by two ASPs in their individual capacities before the Hon’ble CAT, Hyderabad Bench. OA No. 1279/11 filed by two ASPs in their individual capacity came up before the Hon’ble CAT on 14.12.11 and the Hon’ble Tribunal was pleased to pass an interim order directing the department to allow the applicants to appear for the examination and to evaluate their answer scripts and to keep the same in a sealed cover without publishing their results until further orders. In the said order, the Hon’ble Tribunal has categorically observed that the original rule does not specifically prohibit ASPs from appearing for the examination and further that in the original notification/rules, there is no prohibition for the ASPs from appearing for the examination. A true copy of the said order dated 14.12.11 downloaded from the net is enclosed herewith for favour of ready reference. Another OA filed by the IP/ASP Association, Andhra Circle under No. 1316/2011 also came up before the Hon’ble CAT, Hyderabad Bench on 21.12.11 wherein also similar orders has been passed by the Hon’ble Tribunal directing the CPMG AP circle Hyderabad to take the list of willing and eligible ASPs from the Association and allow them to appear for the Senior Postmaster examination scheduled to be held on 31-12-2011. Copy of the said order is also enclosed.

It is to be pointed out that as the ASPs of this Circle are similarly situated as those of the applicants in the above OAs, it is evident that the order and observations passed by the Hon’ble CAT Hyderabad Bench in the said OAs would be applicable mutandis mutandis to our ASPs also. It is therefore requested that urgent action may kindly be caused for admitting the ASP candidates of Kerala Circle also for the Sr. PM Examination scheduled to be held on 31.12.11 as directed by the CAT in the said orders and also to intimate M/s CMC Delhi so as to enable them to take timely action in the matter.

Thanking You,
Yours faithfully

Ajith Kurian
Circle Secretary

Justice rendered by the Court again- favourable orders issued by Hon'ble CAT Hyderabad

2011-12-21T20:48:00.001-08:00

The Hon'ble CAT Hyderabad has issued favourable interim orders in two cases filed both by ASPs in their individual capacity and also by the IP/ASP Association Andhra Circle. In both the cases, (OA Nos 1316/2011 &1279/11) the Hon'ble Tribunal, while admitting the case, has observed that the original rule/notification soes not specifically prohibit ASPs from appearing for the examination and has directed the department to allow all the eligible ASPs to appear for the examination and to evaluate their answer scripts and to keep the same in a sealed cover without publishing their results until further orders. Hearty congrats to CS Andhra and his team for the efforts taken in getting this favourable order.

In view of the said order passed by the Hon'ble CAT which is of a declaratory nature, the same can be applied to all the ASPs in the entire Country mutandis mutandis. CHQ is requested to bring the said order to the notice of Directorate immediately for further necessary action.

A letter has been given to Chief PMG by the Association today morning, enclosing copies of the CAT orders and requesting favourable action in the matter. The matter was discussed with Madam and she has assured that positive action will be taken in consultation with Directorate. All the ASPs who have applied for the Sr. PM Examination whose application have been rejected, are requested to give individual representation to Chief PMG through proper channel pointing out the CAT order and seeking provisional admission for the examination.

Circle Secretary

List of IP / ASP Kerala Circle

2011-12-20T01:06:00.000-08:00

Please see the link below

https://www.hidrive.strato.com/lnk/I4AQvjpS

Granting of special leave to the delegates for AIC Bangalore

2011-12-18T22:19:00.000-08:00

Chief PMG, Kerala has issued orders granting special leave to the delegates representing the Circle for AIC at Bangalore. Extract of the said letter is reproduced below for information of all concerned:

To
The PMG CR/NR
APMG (Staff), CO, TVM-33

No. Gen/18-6/2012 dated at Tvpm 33 the 16.12.2011

Subject:Granting of special casual leave for attending 37th Biennial All India Conference and CWC meeting of All India Association of Inspectors and Asst. Superintendents Posts.

I am directed to convey the orders to grant special casual leave to the following members/office bearers of the above Association to attend the 37th Biennial All India Conference and Central Working Commitee meeting to be held from 27.1.2012 to 29.01.2012 at Bangalore subject to eligibility, under usual conditions:

(i) S/Sri. Ajith Kurian, ASP (LC), C.O TVM
(ii) T.M.Krishnaswamy, ASP (Vig), C.O TVM
(iii) B.Sukumaran Nair, ASP (BD), C.O TVM
(iv) K.Manoj, ASP, Ottappalam Sub Dn
(v) Mohammad Sherif, ASP, Tirur Sub Dn
(vi) B.Padmakumar, ASP EKM RMS/2
(vii) Premlal, ASP Calicut South Sub Dn
(viii) M.K.Prakash, ASP (HQ), Aluva
(ix) K.C.Velayudhan, ASP Vadakara South Sub Dn.
(x) G.Gopakumar, ASP (OD), Kollam

Sd/-
Asst. Director (GA)

Copy to:

1. Sri Ajith Kurian, Circle Secretary, All India Assn. of IPS/ASPs
2. SSPOs, TVM(N)/Kollam
3.SPos TVM(S)/PTA/TVLA.

Launching of new blog for stenographers association

2011-12-18T22:16:00.000-08:00

It has been intimated that the Confederation of All India Central Government Stenographers Association has launched its new blog 'caicgsablog.blogspot.com'. Best wishes to the Association and its members.

Nearing 1 L hits

2011-12-16T03:24:00.001-08:00

Our blog, postalinspectorkerala.blogspot.com has crossed 95,000 hits and is nearing

1 L hits. It shows that the blog is being viewed from various corners by a large number

of officials who wanted to keep them updated with the latest information.

We will try to be more updated / informative in future

Thanks to all who used to visit the blog.

Minutes of Bi-monthly meeting held with DPS(HQ) on 23.11.12

2011-12-15T21:49:00.000-08:00

Minutes of the above meeting held on 23.11.12 at CO is furnished below for the information of all members. Sri. Ajith Kurian (CS) and Sri. T.M.Krishnaswamy (OGS) represented the Association.

Item No. 1: Payment of honararium to PO/IA in Rule 14/Rule 10 cases.

Reply: This will be examined with relevant rulings on the subject.

Item No. 2: Dilapidaed condition of the building of the office of ASP Kollam South Sub Dn.

Reply: The repairs and maintenance has been prioritized for PO buildings. It was requested to suggest alternate accomodation in any of the POs in the Sub Division to shift the office of ASP.

Minutes of Bi-monthly meeting with PMG (NR) held on 1.12.11

2011-12-15T01:40:00.000-08:00

The minutes of the above meeting is furnished below; Sri. Mohammed Shareef, Organizing Secretary and Sri. K.Manoj, Treasurer represented the Association in the meeting.

Item No. 1: Shifting of the office of ASRM/IRM CT 2nd Sub Dn.

Reply: The office has been shifted to a convenient room. No inconvenience has been reported by SRM in this regard. (Item Closed)

Item No. 2: Pendency of TA bills in Kasergode Dn.

Reply: SPOs Kasergode will be instructed to clear all pending TA bills according to the fund available. (Item closed)

Item No.3: Setting up Holiday Home at Mananthavady/Kalpetta.

Reply: This is not within the competency of the Regional PMG. This may be taken up in the four monthly meeting. (Item closed)

Item No.4: Shortage of SB Passbooks:

Reply: There is adequate stock of PBs now. No report has been received from any corner regarding shortage of PBs. However, action is being taken to procure sufficient stock of passbooks. The situation will be closely monitored at RO level. (Item closed).

Delegates for AIC Bangalore

2011-12-08T05:47:00.000-08:00

The following members will represent the Association from Kerala Circle as delegates in the All India Conference to be held at Bangalore from 27-29 January, 2012:

1. Ajith Kurian
2. T.M.Krishnaswamy
3.B.Sukumaran Nair
4. K.Manoj
5.Mohammed Sherif
6. B.Padmakumar
7.Premlal
8.M.K.Prakash
9.K.C.Velayudhan
10. G.Gopakumar

Sri. Ajith Kumar, our former Circle Secretary, now on deputation at Directorate, will also join us from New Delhi. The above list is being furnished to Circle Secretary, Karnataka and also to our Chief PMG for granting special casual leave to the delegates.

CS

ASP(PG & RPLI) - RO Kochi

2011-12-05T05:52:00.000-08:00

Sri.Anvarjan has been relieved and Smt.Jissy George has joined the post of ASP(PG&RPLI), o/o PMG, Central Region, Kochi on 5.12.2011.

PLI/RPLI review meeting

2011-12-01T23:27:00.000-08:00

It has been ascertained from PLI Section CO that the award function that is scheduled on 13.12.11 will commence at 9.30 am and the review meeting of the sub divisional heads will be in the afternoon at 2.oo pm. All concerned are expected to be at the venue on time. This is for the information of all members.

Postings in ASP cadre due to Reversion

2011-12-01T02:59:00.000-08:00

Sri.P.Damodaran, offtg SPOs, Lakshadweeep Division on reversion is posted as ASP(HQ), RMS 'EK' Dn

Sri.C.V.Raju, Offtg SP, PSD, Thrissur on reversion is posted as PM, Thrissur HO vice Sri.S.Ramakrishnan Sarma posted as ASP(OD), Pathanamthitta Dn.

PMG, Central Region, Kochi Memo no.ST/63-4/2009(pt) dated 30-11-2011

Transfers in ASP Cadre in Central Region

2011-12-01T02:55:00.000-08:00

Sri.A.Anvarjan, ASP(PG&RTI), o/o PMG, CR, Kochi to be Postmaster, Alappuzha HO

Smt.V.Pushkaladevi, PM, Alappuzha HO to be ASP(HQ) Alappuzha Dn .

PMG, Central Region, Kochi memo no.ST/42-21/2011 dated 30-11-2011

Smt.Jissy George, IP, Cherthala Sub Division, promoted on adhoc basis to the cadre of ASP is posted as ASP(PG&RTI), o/o PMG, CR, Kochi

PMG, Central Region, Kochi memo no.ST/42-21/2011 dated 30-11-2011

Transfers and Postings in Central Region, Kerala

2011-12-01T02:49:00.000-08:00

Sri.Suresh Yedve allotted to Central Region from Karnataka Circle is posted as SP, PSD, Thrissur vice Sri.C.V.Raju, Offg SP PSD reverted to the cadre of ASP

Sri.S.S.Patil allotted to Central Region from Karnataka Circle is posted as SPOs, Lakshadweep Division vice Sri.P.Damodaran, Offg SP Lakshadweep reverted to the cadre of ASP

Sri.K.V.Anantharamu allotted to Central Region from Karnataka Circle is posted as AD(Mails), o/o PMG, CR, Kochi vice Sri.K.Sathiamoorthi transferred

Sri.K.Anil, ASP(Estt), o/o PMG(CR), Kochi alloted to Central Region is posted as DSRM, RMS 'EK' Dn to function as AD(PG), o/o PMG, CR, Kochi

Sri.M.Sivasubramonia Dasan, Offg. SPOs, Mavelikkara Dn allotted to Central Region is posted as SPOs, Mavelikkara Dn

PMG Central Region Memo no.ST/63-4/2009(Pt) dated 30.11.2011

PLI/RPLI Award Function/Review Meeting

2011-11-29T10:16:00.000-08:00

PLI/RPLI awards (2010-11) function and Review Meeting of Sub-Divisonal Heads will be held at Hotel Chaitram, Near Trivandrum Central on 13th December 2011 (Tuesday) from 9.30 AM onwards. All the award winners and Sub Divisional Heads are expected to attend the said function.

All India Conference at Bangalore

2011-11-29T04:13:00.000-08:00

As all the members are aware, the 37th All India Conference of the Association is due to be held at Bangalore from 27.1.12 to 29.1.12. As per the provisions contained in the Constitution of our Association, a total of 15 delegates can attend the conference from our Circle. Delegate fee per person will be Rs 500/-. Apart from the said 15 delegates, members can also attend the conference as visitors along with their family members. All those who wish to attend the conference as delegates are requested to forward their names to our Circle Secretary on or before 12.12.11. The Association will bear the to and fro travel expenses (II sleeper) of all the delegates including their delegate fees. Visitors will have to bear their own expenses. As a consolidated list is to be given to the CS, Karnataka, early action is requested in the matter.

Reversions/Postings in Group B/ASP cadre

2011-11-28T04:25:00.001-08:00

Chief PMG, Kerala Circle vide letter No. ST/1/1/5/2011 dated 25.11.11 has ordered the following:

1. Sri. P.Damodaran, Offg, SPOs, Lakshadweep is reverted to the cadre of ASPos and posted in CR against vacant post.

2. Sri. C.V.Raju, Offg, SP, PSD, Thrissur is reverted to the cadre of ASPOs and posted in Central Region against vacant post

3. Adhoc promotion of Sri. A.Anwarjan, ASP (PG & RTI) RO Kochi ordered stands cancelled.

4. Sri.Ramakrishna Sharma, PM, Thrissur HO is transferred and posted as ASP (OD), PTA Division. (tranfer at request).

Posting/allotment orders in PS Group B

2011-11-27T22:50:00.001-08:00

In pursuance to the orders contained in DG Post letter no. 9-1/2011-SPG dated 17.11.11, Chief PMG Kerala has ordered the undermentioned officers to be promoted to PS Group B on regular basis with effect from the date of assumption of charge and posted/alloted to the office/regions shown against each:

1. Sri. Suresh Yedve alloted to Central Region, Kochi
2. Sri. S.S.Patil alloted to Central Region, Kochi
3. Sri. K.V.Anantharamu alloted to Central Region, Kochi
4. Sri. Ramesh Acharya posted as Asst. Director (Rectt & Estt), Circle Office, Trivandrum.
5. Sri. Sam.P.George posted as SPOs, Tiruvalla Division
6. Sri. K.Sukumaran alloted to Northern Region, Calicut
7. Sri. M.P.Nirmal Kumar alloted to Northern Region
8. Sri. K.Anil alloted to Central Region
9. Sri. Sivasubramania Dasan alloted to Central Region.

The Association extends a hearty welcome to the officers from Karnataka to Kerala Circle. Hearty congrats to all the above officers and all the very best.

Group Meeting - NR

2011-11-26T01:44:00.000-08:00

The group meeting of NR was held on 26/11/2011 at Calicut. Around 30 - 35 members attended
the meeting and took part in the active discussions.

Thanks to all.

From the CHQ desk

2011-11-25T01:06:00.000-08:00

Posting in the CHQ blog with respect to IP Examination held on 15/26.10.2011 is reproduced below for information of all members:

Today, I visited the Postal Directorate and it came to notice that a committee has been constituted to review the out of syllabus questions in law paper i.e. Paper-III. Committee's report is expected within a forthnight. Thereafter, decision will be taken about the valuation of IP Examination papers. It appears that it will take atleast a month’s time for finalistion.

Achievement by our Circle Secretary

2011-11-24T01:12:00.000-08:00

This is to inform all that our Circle Secretary, Sri. Ajith Kurian has made us all proud by securing 1st rank in the PG Diploma Examination in Cyber Law conducted by the Kerala University. The result was announced by the Institute of Distance Education, Kariyavattom recently. Hearty Congrats to our CS.

Group Meeting at Northern Region

2011-11-22T21:33:00.000-08:00

The 3rd group meeting of the Association will be held at Hotel Nalanda (behind Calicut HO) on 26.11.11 (saturday) from 10.00 hrs to 13.00 hrs. All the members of NR are requested to attend the said meeting which assumes much importance in view of the decision to be taken by the Circle with respect to the proposal put forth by Directorate for merger of IP and ASP cadre.

CS

One day hunger strike at Ro Kochi

2011-11-17T06:12:00.000-08:00

This is to inform all members that our CS Sri. Ajith Kurian, Treasurer Sri. K.Manoj and Organizing Secretary Sri. Mohamed Sherif will be undertaking a one day hunger strike infront of RO Kochi tomorrow along with other leaders of NFPE, FNPO and Officers Association as part of the combined agitational programme against PMG (CR). All the members are requested to offer their unflinched support to the fasting leaders and rally behind them in this historic event.

Flash- PS Group B List released

2011-11-17T04:15:00.000-08:00

The following officers from Kerala feature in the above list released by Directorate today:

1. Sri. Sam.P.George
2.Sri. K. Sukumaran
3.Sri. Nirmal Kumar
4. Sri. K.Anil
5. Sri. Siva Subramnia Dasan

Four officers from Karnataka also stands alloted to Kerala Circle.

Hearty Congratulations to the above Officers.....

IP Grade Pay Case - latest update

2011-11-14T03:19:00.000-08:00

The certified copy of the CAT order in OA 381/10 filed by Sri. Permanand & Anr has been forwarded to Directorate (DDG Estt) from Circle Office TVM for further action by Directorate.
Our GS is requested to pursue the matter at Directorate so as to ensure that the directions of the Hon'ble Tribunal is implemented both in letter and spirit without any delay.

CS

Group Meeting at Southern Region on 19.11.11

2011-11-13T21:49:00.000-08:00

As scheduled, the second group meeting of the Association will be held in Trivandrum on 19.11.11 (saturday) at KSEB Hall, Near Amritha Hotel, Thycaud from 10.00 hrs to 13.00 hrs. All the members of SR are requested to participate in the meeting so as to make the effort fruitfull.

Adhoc promotions/movements in ASP Cadre (CR)

2011-11-13T21:31:00.000-08:00

Pursuant to the orders issued by CO, RO Kochi has issued the following orders:

1. Smt. T.P.Sandhya, IP, Kodungallur Sub Dn promoted on adhoc basis to the cadre of ASP is posted as ASP(OD), Idukki Division in the vacant post.

2. Sri. V.K.Rajeev, IP, Cherthala Sub Division promoted on adhoc basis to the cadre of ASP and posted as ASP TVM North Sub Dn is ordered to be relieved immeidately and directed to join the post.

Smt. Sandhya is being relieved today afternoon and will join the post immediately and Sri. Rajeev has already joined his post at TVM.

Association congratulates the young officers on their promotion and wishes them all the very best in their new venture.

Combined Agitational programme against PMG (CR)

2011-11-08T03:40:00.000-08:00

The JCA which met at Trivandrum decided to strenghthen the combined agitational programme launched against PMG(CR). As part of the third phase of the said programme, it has been decided to hold a one day hunger strike by all the Circle and Divisional leaders of all the four Associations in front of RO Kochi on 18.11.11. If there is no positive move on the part of the PMG to resvolve the issues, a decision to launch an indefinite sit-in-strike in Central Region will be taken by the JCA later.

All the members are requested to participate in the said programme to be held at RO Kochi on 18.11.11 and offer unflinched support to the fasting leaders.

Group Meeting at Calicut re-scheduled

2011-11-04T03:40:00.001-07:00

Group Meeting scheduled to be held at Calicut on 5.11.11 has been postponed to 26.11.11 in view of the transport strike call given by some of the political parties. All the members are requested to co-operate.
CS

Meeting of Cadre Re-structuring committee

2011-11-03T04:51:00.001-07:00

The gist of the above meeting held today as published in our CHQ blog is reproduced below:

As notified by the Department, I along with Sh. Dinesh Khare, President and Sh. Hari Mohan, CS, Punjab Circle Branch attended the meeting. The same was held under the chairpersonship of the Member(P).

It was apprised to us that data called from Circles on 20-10-2011 has not been received so far from Bihar, J&K, Rajasthan, UP& Uttrakhand Circles.It was disclosed by the official side that about 500 posts of ASP will be upgraded into PS Group"B" cadre and remaining posts of ASP will be amalgamated with the posts of IP in order to make it comparable with the Inspectors in CBDT/CBEC and to allow GP of Rs.4600/= for the amalgamated cadre. At present, 1765 incumbents are working in ASP Grade.

On our demand for allowing Gazetted status for the existing incumbents as on date in ASP grade, it was categorically made clear by the Chairperson that it is not possible to allow the same. However, she agreed to allow nomenclature of ASP without Gazetted Status for the present incumbents. By creation of additional posts in PS Group "B' cadre, the existing incumbents in ASP Grade will get absorbed in Group'B' cadre to the extent of 500 posts and some of them get retired over a period of time so that within a span of 4 years there will no ASP Grade in IP cadre and only feeder cadre of IP with GP of Rs.4600/- will remain for promotion to PS Group"B"/Sr. Postmaster as in case of other analogous post of CBDT/CBEC.

It was agreed that next meeting will be fixed only after the All India Conferance at Bangalore during Jan 2012. In that meeting, the Association has to submit its proposal in black and white on the issue of merger of IP& ASP with Non Gazetted status in the larger interest of the IP cadre.

We are of the view that this is the right opportunity to get restructuring of the IP cadre and also to increase its promotional avenues in the larger and long run benefit to cadre in the form of MACP.

Group Meeting at Central Region

2011-11-02T02:37:00.000-07:00

As scheduled, the second Group Meeting of our Association will be held at K.G.Bose Bhavan (K.V.Sasi Nagar) near Ernakulam South railway station on 12.11.2011 (Saturday) from 10.00 hrs to 13.00 hrs. All the members of CR are requested to attend the meeting so as to make the effort fruitful.

Group Meeting at Northern Region

2011-10-26T06:20:00.000-07:00

As already announced, the first of our Group Meetings will be held at Hotel Nalanda (behind Calicut H.O) on 5.11.2011 (Saturday) from 10.00 to 13.00 Hrs. All the members of NR are requested to attend the said meeting so as to make the effort fruitful.

CS writes to Chief PMG on the issue of revision of road mileage

2011-10-24T22:47:00.000-07:00

Copy of letter given to Chief PMG on the above issue is reproduced below:

No. IP/ASP/ASSN/11 Date: 25.10.2011

To

The Chief Postmaster General
Kerala Circle
Trivandrum- 695033

Respected Madam,

Sub: Revision of Road Mileage rate- Gazette Notification reg:

Kindly find enclosed copy of Gazette Notification dated 14.1.2011 issued by the Government of Kerala (Transport Department) revising the existing rates of hire charge of Autorickshaws and Taxis. As per the said notification, the minimum rate per kilometer for Autorickshaws has been revised to Rs 7.00.

It is therefore requested to cause necessary action to bring the said revision of rates to the notice of all the Divisional Heads and to give them necessary instructions to settle the TA claims of IPs/ASPs as per the revised rates.

Thanking You,

Yours faithfully

Ajith Kurian
Circle Secretary

JTS Promotion list

2011-10-19T21:18:00.000-07:00

Directorate vide order No. 4-8/2009-SPG dated 19.10.2011 has ordered promotions in JTS of Indian Posatal Service Group 'A'(Pay Band-3: Rs.15600-39100+GP5400/-). The list showing the alloted Circles is furnished below:

1 Mazhar Basha AP- AP
2 Subhash Chand Barik Orissa- Orissa
3 B K Mehta Gujarath- Gujarath
4 Binod Bihari Sharan Bihar- Bihar
5 P Jayadevan Kerala- Kerala
6 A K Firoze Mohideen TN -TN
7 V Sampath TN -TN
8 Smt. V Mallika Mah- Mah
9 R P Chitradevi TN ADG(RB)- Directorate
10 M Niranjala Devi TN DD(PMU)- Directorate
11 N Prakash KTK- WB
12 T Neelakrishnan TN ADG(PO)- Directorate
13 S N Dave Rajasthan -Rajasthan
14 K K Jayasankar Kerala- Kerala
15 S Ranganathan TN ADG(Tech)- Directorate
16 K Raveendran TN ADG(BS)- Directorate
17 J F Shekar KTK -Rajasthan
18 Aditya Kumar NayaK Orissa- Orissa
19 R Laxmaiah AP -AP Retiring within one year
20 Abdul Haneef UP- UP
21 R Selvarani PTC Mysore- PTC Mysore
22 Leeladhar Joshi UTKH -UTKH
23 V S N Murthy AP- Assam
24 B S Pachal Gujarath -Gujarath
25 K Kuruvilla Veghese Kerala -Kerala Retiring within one year
26 Jeeban Sahu Orissa -Chattisgarah
27 Dibakar Patnaik Orissa -WB
28 Lokanath Sahani Orissa -Orissa Retiring within one year
29 Y E Honkan(SC) KTK -Punjab
30 N R Lonare(SC) Mah- MP
31 R Pandi(SC) AP -North East
32 Nannu Singh MP -MP
33 A N Dighore Mah Mah- Retiring within one year

Flash News- IP Grade Pay case allowed by the Tribunal

2011-10-18T22:46:00.000-07:00

IP Grade Pay case (OA 381/10) was allowed by the Hon'ble CAT Ernakulam Bench today with a direction to the Secretary (Ministry of Finance) to take necessary action to upgrade the grade pay of Inspector Posts to Rs 4600 as per the recommendations of the 6th Pay Commission which would make them at par with Inspectors of Income Tax and others Inspectors. The Hon'ble Tribunal also observed that this would make the GP of IPs at par with the present GP of ASPs and hence it would be desirable to upgrade the GP of ASPs as well accordingly. More details will be informed on receipt of copy of judgement.

Association congratulates Sri. Permanand Kumar & his team for the efforts taken in the matter and hope that the CHQ will pursue the matter at Directorate to ensure that the CAT order is implemented without much delay. The proposal put forth by Directorate for merger of IPs and ASPs also needs a re-look in the light of the Court order.

Meeting of cadre restructuring committee

2011-10-18T05:01:00.000-07:00

Extract of the posting made in the All India blog is reproduced below;

As notified by the Department, I alongwith Shri Hari Mohan, Circle Secretary, Punjab Circle Branch attended the meeting of the committee for looking in promotional prospects of IPOs/ASPOs. The meeting was held under the chairpersonship of the Member(P) in cordial atmosphere.

At the outset, we demanded for upgradation of GP of Rs.4200/- to Rs.4600/- for IP and merger of the post of the ASP with the post of PS Group 'B' in order to remove anomoly in the hiechary of IPOs/ASPOs cadre. The chairperson informed that it is not possible in view of the observations of the Secretary (Posts) in the meeting held on 11.08.2011. Proposal submitted by the Association to the Department on 27.09.2011 will not be acceptable to the DOPT/MOF. Hence, it is not possible to consider the same at this stage.

It was suggested by the official side that in order to upgrade the GP of IP from Rs.4200/- to Rs. 4600/- and to increase promotional prosepcts of IPOs/ASPOs, all posts of ASP (HQ)/OS in JTS/STS Divisions in Postal/RMS will be upgraded as Dy. Supdt. in P.S. Group 'B' with GP Rs.4800/- alongwith upgradation of some posts of ASP/IP in PTC/R.O./C.O./ Speed Post Centres in to P.S.Group 'B'. Remaining posts of ASPOs will be merged with the posts of IPOs with GP of Rs.4600/- to remove the problem of hiechary and to make it comparable with the Inspectors in CBDT/ CBEC. Necessary data in this regard will be collected by the Establishment Division of the Postal Directorate from all Circles and the matter will be discussed in the next meeting to be held on 03.11.2011.

(ROOP CHAND)
GENERAL SECRETARY
Posted by All India Association of IPs/ASPs at 3:50 PM

GS writes to DG Posts on the issue of Sr. PM Examination

2011-10-18T00:52:00.000-07:00

Copy of letter given to DG Posts by our GS on the above matter is reproduced below for information of all members:

No. CHQ/IPASP/Sr. Postmaster/2011 Dated: 18.10.2011

To

The Director General (Posts) Department of Posts
Dak Bhawan,
New Delhi- 110 001

Sub: Limited Departmental Competitive Examination for promotion to the cadre of Senior Postmasters (Gazetted)

Ref: Postal Directorate No. A-34012/6/2011-DE dated 03.10.2011 & 4-17/2008-SPB-II dated 22.11.2010

Respected Madam,

This Association begs to bring the following few lines for kind consideration and positive action please:-

1. That the Department has issued notification vide No. A-34012/6/2011-DE dated 03.10.2011 scheduling Senior Postmaster Examination to be held on 31.12.2011 without notifying the number of vacancies and other pre-requisites for conducting the examination to keep this notification under the ambit of set rules.

2. The Association would like to recall that at present PS Group ‘B’ Recruitment (Amendment) Rules, 1993 issued vide No. 9-36/92-SPG dated 29.06.1994 are still in force leaving aside the Postmaster Recruitment Rules, 2010 that too run contrary to earlier rules.

3. That as per Department of Posts, Postal Superintendent/ Postmasters Group ‘B’ Recruitment Rules, 1987 issued on 09.04.1988, all Group ‘B’ Posts were to be filled up by promotion in the manner given below:-

i. 94% from amongst officers holding the post of Inspector, Post Offices or Inspector, Railway Mails through DPC.

ii. 6% from amongst General Line officials by means of a Departmental Competitive Examination.

4. That in the year 1994, on the demand of this Association, Recruitment Rules mentioned at Sl No. 3 above were amended and the quota of 94% was further bifurcated in the manner given below:-

i. 75% of the total posts shall be filled up by promotion from amongst Inspectors of Post offices and Inspectors of Railway Mail Service (Pay Scale Rs. 1400-2300/-) with 8 years regular service in the grade.

ii. 19% of the total posts shall be filled on the basis of a Departmental Competitive Examination from amongst Inspectors of Post offices and Inspectors of Railway Mail Service (Pay Scale Rs 1400-2300/-) with five years regular service in the grade.5. That as per para 6 of the Postmaster Recruitment Rules, 2010, 116 posts of Senior Postmaster have been earmarked in the following manner:-

Total No. of Posts 116
75% Posts to IP Line out of 116 through LDCE 87
25% Posts to General Line out 116 through DPC 29

These 116 Posts of Senior Postmaster have been carved out of existing posts in PS Group ‘B’ cadre without any suitable amendment in PS Group ‘B’ Recruitment (Amendment) Rules 1993 and without any discussions with our Association.

6. That your kind attention is also invited to our letter no. CHQ /PS Gr ‘B’/2011 dated 04.07.2011(copy enclosed) wherein detailed proposal regarding distribution of quota under each category was submitted to the Department for consideration and implementation in the interest of both IP Line and General Line officials but nothing has been done by the Department in this regard so far.
7. That is also pointed out here that 19% Posts of IP Line (165 Posts) under examination quota in PS Group ‘B’ are already filled up and there is no vacancy to be filled up through LDCE.
8. That as per Department of Posts, Senior Postmaster(Group B Gazetted), Postmaster (Grade III and II- Group B Non-Gazetted) and Postmaster (Grade I-Group C Non-Gazetted) Recruitment Rules 2010 issued on 09.09.2010 only Inspector of Posts in PB-2 of Rs.9300-34800 and Grade Pay of Rs.4200 with six years regular service in the grade is eligible to appear in LDCE for Senior Postmaster. It is not understood why ASP having six years regular service in IP cadre is not eligible to write the examination as both Posts relates to one and same cadre i.e. IP cadre.

In view of above facts it is requested to kindly postpone examination process of Senior Postmaster and the examination should only be conducted as and when a vacancy arises under the respective quota and making eligible ASP to appear in the examination.

It is also requested to kindly consider and implement the proposal submitted to the Department in our letter dated 04.07.2011 in order to dispense justice to IP cadre.

It is also not out of place to mention here that this Association will be forced to take legal recourse in this regard if the matter is not settled amicably within reasonable time.

Yours sincerely,
(Roop Chand)
General Secretary

List of retiring officers- 2012 & 2013

2011-10-18T00:31:00.000-07:00

List of officers due to retire during the year 2012 and 2013 is furnished below:

2012:
1. Sri.K.S.Sreedharan (SP Idukki) - 31.3.2012
2.Sri. K.Kuruvilla Varghese (SSP KTM) - 31.5.2012
3.Sri. P.V.Vaidyanathan (Dy.SP EKM) - 31.5.2012
4.Sri. P.Mukundan (SP TLY) - 31.5.2012
5.Sri. A.J.Jose (SP ALP) - 30.6.2012
6.Sri. P.Radhakrishnan Nair (AD LC,RO Kochi) - 31.12.2012.

2013:

1.Sri. A.C.Philip (AD Staff, RO Calicut) - 30.6.2013
2.B.Mohanan (SP, TVM (S)) - 31.10.2013
3.Sri. V.K.T. Kunhosoophy (ASP HQ, Manjeri)- 30.11.2013
4.Sri. K.G.Balakrishnan (SP Kannur) - 31.12.2013

Demise of Sri. K.V.Sasi

2011-10-17T05:27:00.000-07:00

Association informs with utmost sorrow the sad demise of Sri. K.V.Sasi, ASP EK 1st Sub Dn today evening. He was under treatment at Lake Shore Hospital, Kochi for some time now. Association conveys its deepest condolences to the bereaved family.

Re-allotment/Postings in PS Group B

2011-10-14T04:56:00.000-07:00

In accordance with the orders contained in DG Posts letter No. 9-3/2011-SPG dated 3.8.2011 and Chief PMG, TN Circle Memo No. STC/1-6/Re-allot/2010 dated 12.8.2011 Chief PMG Kerala Circle has ordered the following re-allotment/posting in the cadre of PS Group B.The officers will be relieved from Kerala Circle under office arrangement.

1. Sri. K.Sathiamoorthy, AD (Mails), RO Kochi is re-alloted to TN Circle and posted as Sr. PM, Coimbatore HO

2. L.Amalachandran, AD(Rectt &Est), CO TVM is re-alloted to TN Circle and posted as Dy. Chief Postmaster (Admn), Anna Road HO.

Notification for Examination to the cadre of Sr. Postmaster

2011-10-14T04:30:00.000-07:00

Circle Office has issued notification for examination to the cadre of Sr. Postmaster. Email in this connection has been given to all Divisional Heads. All those who desire to participate in the said examination may forward their application in the following proforma to their respective controlling officers for onward transmission to CO immediately:

APPLICATION TO BE SUBMITTED BY WILLING CANDIDATES FOR ADMISSION TO THE EXAMINATION FOR PROMOTION TO THE CADRE OF Sr. PM

1 Name & Designation in Block letters

2 Office to which attached and Division

3 Educational Qualifications

4 Present post held and the scale of pay

5 Date of Birth and age

6 Whether belongs to SC/ST if so the name of the caste/tribe

7 Post in which first appointed and the date from which appointed

8 Date of regular appointment to

(i) HSG I

(ii) Asstt. Supdt./HSG II

(iii) Inspector / LSG

(the words not applicable should be scored out)

9 No. of completed years as on 01-01-2011

(i) HSG I

(ii) Asstt. Supdt./HSG II

(iii) Inspector / LSG

(the words not applicable should be scored out)

I……………………………………………………………..hereby declare that the particulars furnished by me in the form are true to the best of my knowledge and belief.
Place: Signature

Date: Designation & Address

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Forwarded to:-

1. The particulars have been carefully checked and found correct / corrected wherever necessary.
2. Specific recommendations of the controlling authority Viz. Divisional Superintendents. RECOMMENDED / NOT RECOMMENDED

Sr. Supdt. / Supdt./Asstt.Director

Transfer in cadre of Inspector of Posts

2011-10-14T03:45:00.000-07:00

Vide Letter No. ST/4-1/2010 dated 13.10.2011 Chief PMG has ordered the following inter circle mutual transfer in the cadre of IPOs under Rule-38 of P&T Manual Volume IV:

1. Sri. Rajeev Ranjan, IP (CCC), Trivandrum North Division is alloted to Bihar Circle against Sri. R.Rattan Kumar, Complaints Inspector, O/o SPos, Darbhanga Division, Bihar Postal Circle alloted to Kerala Circle.

2. On allotment to Kerala Circle, Sri. Rattan Kumar is posted as IP, Punalur Sub Division, Pathanamthitta Division.

Competent Authority vide the above cited letter (Part II) has further ordered the following:

1. Sri. M.S.Sunil, IP Punalur Sub Division, PTA is transferred and posted as IP, Neyyattinkara Sub Dn, TVM (S) Dn against vacant post. The transfer is on request of the official and hence w/o TA/TP and J.T.

Adhoc promotions/postings/transfers in Group A & B cadres in SR

2011-10-13T04:46:00.000-07:00

Chief PMG Kerala has issued the following orders of promotion/posting/transfer in Southern Region:

1. Sri. L.K.Gangadharan, SPOs TVM(S) is promoted on adhoc basis to the cadre of Junior Time Scale of Indian Postal Service Group A and posted as SSPOs, Kollam against regular vacancy.

2. Sri. B.Mohanan, SPOs PTA, is transferred and posted as SPOs, Trivandrum South Dn.

3.Sri. V.Balakrishnan Nair, ASP (OD & Mktg), TVM (S) Dn is promoted on adhoc basis to the cadre of PS Group B and posted as SPOs, PTA Dn vice Sri. B.Mohanan transferred.

The Association congratulates the officers and wishes them all the very best in their new venture.

Re-scheduling of Group Meetings- All India Conference fund raising campaign

2011-10-09T23:49:00.001-07:00

In view of the Training Programme on Marketing Plans and Strategies announced by CO in the month of October for IPs/ASPs, the proposed Group Meetings of the Association to be held on 15, 22 and 29th of this month in all the 3 regions has been re-scheduled to November 5, 12 and 19 in NR,CR and SR respectively. Exact venues will be announced later. All members are requested to ensure their particpation in the said meetings;

As already informed the next All India Conference of the Association is scheduled to be held at Bangalore on 27 to 29th of January 2012. In this connection a nation wide fund raising compaign was launched in the CWC held at Patna and our Circle has been given a target of Rs 50,000. As such, all members are requested to contribute Rs 200/- each for raising funds for the national conference. The ASP(HQs) of each Division are requested to co-ordinate the collection in each Division and to forward the amount to our Treasurer. All the members are requested to co-operate earnestly in this endevour so as to make our All India Conference a grand success.

Training Programme of IPs/ASPs/BEs

2011-10-09T23:07:00.000-07:00

A two day training/workshop for IPs/ASPs and BEs on 'Marketing plans and Strategies' is to be held at the Conference Hall of Circle Office. The training will be imparted by National Institute of Personnel Management, Kochi in 3 batches of 30 participants each on 14-15th October, 21-22nd October and 28-29th October respectively. No exemption will be granted on any ground to the participants and all participants should be relieved in time and directed to attend the programme without fail. List of participants for the first two batches are furnished below:

1st batch (14-15th October 2011)

1. P.Promodkumar

2.N.Anil Kumar

3.P.R.Sheela

4.B.C.Anilkumar

5.Asha Pillai

6.K.Valsarajan

7.P.K.Sivadasan

8.A.N.Nishanth

9. J.Sheeba

10. S.Srirangan

11.K.Gangadharan Nair

12.O.R.Sheeja

13.K.C.Velayudhan

14.C.C.Muhamed Saheer

15.B.Gouri Sangeetha

16.M.K.Karthikeyan Nair

17.A.Salim Kumar

18.M.Anjana

19.L.Meena

20. P.Binu

21.R.Bindu

22.V.P.Subramanian

23.V.J.Rajani

24.P.P.Jalaja

25.N.Janakiraman

26.G.Jyostna

27.V.P.Umadevi

28. M.K.Indira

29. N.Unnikrishnan

30. Deepthy

Second Batch (21st - 22nd October)

1. C.M.Bharathan

2.P.C.Sajeevan

3.Sobha Thomas

4.K.Manoj Kumar

5.B.Lakshmi

6.K.RLysha

7.S.Seena

8.G.Sobhana

9.G.Gopakumar

10.V.Sarada

11.K. Manoj

12.M.P.Ramesh

13.B.Rajkumar

14.P.V.Madhuri

15.Letha.D.Nair

16.P.R.Sathy

17.N.Beena

18.S.Mohammed Shereef

19. Sheeja Prabhakaran

20. Sunil Kumar

21.K.Premlal

22. Riyaz.P

23.Kavitha

24.K.P.Manojan

25.B.Sudha

26.Priya.P.Nair

27.M.S.Bindu Raj

28.M.S.Sunil

29.S.V.Asha Lakshmi

30. Deepa Murali.

List of participants for the 3rd batch to be conducted on 28-29th Oct will be announced shortly.

No ceiling on maximum balances in Post Office Savings Accounts

2011-10-09T21:51:00.000-07:00

Subject:- Removal of ceiling of maximum balance to be retained in a post office savings

account- amendment to Rule-4 of the Post Office Savings Account Rules 1981

regarding.

(i) From 1.10.2011, there will be no limit for retaining balance in single as well as joint savings

account.

From Indiapost Website

CS writes to PMG(NR) on the issue of shifting of office of ASRM/IRM CT 2nd Sub Division

2011-10-07T03:46:00.000-07:00

Copy of the letter given to PMG(NR) on the above matter is furnished below:

No. IP/ASP/ASSN: Date 7/10/2011

To,

The Postmaster General
Northern Region
Kerala Circle
Calicut-673011

Sir,

Sub: Shifting of the Office of ASRM/IRM CT 2nd Sub Dn – reg:

I am writing this letter to convey the strong protest and indignation of this Association over the action taken by your office for shifting the office of ASRM/IRM Calicut 2nd Sub Division without even informing or consulting our members. It is ascertained that the Office of ASRM/IRM CT 2nd Sub Dn has been shifted to a small, crammed room near CRC in Calicut RMS/2 (1st floor) which does not even have attached toilet facility. Though ASRM had identified another room for EK-1 staff as rest room, it is learned that the office has been shifted today morning with unnecessary haste on the pretext that one of the Staff Union was adamant that the rest room is to be accommodated in the office room of ASRM itself.

Incidentally, I may point out here that on the same day the above decision was taken by your office, Our Association had held bi-monthly meeting with PMG and even in that meeting this issue was neither discussed with our representatives nor our views sought in the matter. Moreover, my discussions with service union representatives revealed that they have no case that the rest room should be shifted to the room of ASRM. The Union representatives had given me assurance that if any other convenient space is provided at the HO itself, they would be happy to accommodate the rest room there.

Hence, the Association appeals to your kind self to reconsider the said decision taken with respect to the shifting of ASRMs office and to maintain status quo in the matter as otherwise it would cause much hardship and grievance to our members. A line in reply will be deeply appreciated.

Thanking You,

Yours faithfully

Ajith Kurian
Circle Secretary

Minutes of the Bi-monthly meeting held with PMG (NR)

2011-10-07T02:20:00.000-07:00

The minutes of the bi-monthly meeting held with PMG(NR) with representatives of our Association held on 29.9.11 is furnished below. Our OS Sri. Mohammed Shareef and Treasurer Sri. K.Manoj represented the Association.

Item No.1: Restoration of diverted PCs to Sub Divisions: The destop PCs taken away from Sub Divisional Offices in some Divisions of NR is to be returned to those offices. Although the item was taken up with PMG and he had agreed to take action on the same, the systems have not been restored till date.

Reply: It was decided that one 'i-ball' brand computer USB compact key board and Microsoft mouse shall be brought locally by the IP/ASP at the amount not exceeding Rs 800/-(both items). They shall submit the bill to the Divisional Superintendent. Those IP and ASP who already have both or either of the items mentioned above need not purchase the same again.
(Item closed)

Item No.2: Permission to purchase Swamys News: Permission to purchase monthly issue of Swamys News may be given to the Sub Divisional Heads or supply of the same may be arranged from Divisional Office.

Reply: There is no need to supply the item. (Item closed).

Group Meetings to be held in 3 Regions

2011-10-04T10:19:00.001-07:00

As announced Group Meetings of the Association will be held in all the three regions as scheduled below:
15.10.11- Northern Region (Calicut)
22.10.11 - Central Region (Aluva)
29.10.11- Southern Region (TVM)

The exact venues will be announced later. The agenda of the said meetings will be as follows:
1. All India CWC held at Patna
2. Proposals to be submitted before the Cadre Re-structuring Committee
3.All India Conference to be held at Bangalore in January 2012
4.Circle Conference to be held in April 2012.
5. Other Organizational and local issues
6. Any other item with the permission of the chair.

All the members are requested to participate in the meetings so as to enable us to evolve a concrete proposal for submitting before the cadre re-structuring committee which has already been put in place. Sri. Mohammad Shareef (ASP Tirur Sub Dn), Sri. B.Padmakumar (ASP EKM RMS) and Sri. B.Gopakumar (IP CS CO) will function as convenors of the meetings in NR, CR and SR respectively.

Circle Secretary

Breaking Decision......

2011-10-04T04:08:00.000-07:00

Copy of the CPMG, Rajasthan Circle, Jaipur letter No. O & M/10-1/Instructions dated 21.09.2011 is reproduced below for information of all members of the Association. All Circle Secretaries are requested to take up this issue with their CPMsG.

Department of Posts, India
% The Chief Postmaster General, Rajasthan Circle,
Jaipur-302007

To
All the Divisional Heads, Jaipur Region

No. O & M/ 10-1/ Instructions Dated at Jaipur, the 21.09.2011

Sub :- Regarding work distribution to Sub- Divisional Heads

On the above context, the undersigned has been directed to say that -
1. All the Sub- Divisional Heads may be provided official assistance of 1/2 day daily from the Post Office staff where Sub-Division is located. All the concerned Divisional Heads will provide a Postal Assistant of PO staff who is efficient to work on computer to the Sub- Divisional Heads of their jurisdiction for assistance for 1/2 day daily. Memo of Distribution of Work (MODOW) be changed accordingly.
2. All the targets by the Divisional Heads to be allotted to Post Offices (operative units) in consultation with Sub- Divisional Heads. A Monitoring System may be put in place for effective monitoring by respective account offices.
3. Inspection Rooms for Inspectors/ASPs at important locations to be created. The existing IRs be modernised on priority basis.

-Sd-
(Dushyant Mudgal)
Asstt. Postmaster General (S&V)

Copy for information, guidance and necessary action to :-
1. The Postmaster General Ajmer/ Jodhpur
2. All the Sub- Divisional Heads Jaipur Region

Source :- http://www.postalinspectors.blogspot.com/