Invitation to 37th Foundation Day of Angul HO by the Postal Recreation Club of Angul HO

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Bonus Parity of Gramin Dak Sevaks

Counting of Training period for IPO Examination - Clarification

Whether training period counted for IPO examination?
Answer is YES.
Government of India’s Orders No. 16 below FR. 9(6) reads:
Period of training before appointment to be treated as ‘duty’ for eligibility to sit for departmental examinations:
It has been decided that in all cases where pre-service training is considered necessary before actual appointment to the post, the period spent by an officer on training immediately before such appointment would count as qualifying service for the purpose of eligibility for appearing in Departmental examinations, even if the officer is not given the scale of pay of the post but only a nominal allowance.
Hence the candidates are requested to submit their application before the last date (30.09.2016) mentioning the period of training in the application form.

7th Pay Commission: Significant uplift in urban discretionary demand doubtful

In the current financial year 2016-17, aggregate consumption is expected to be a key growth driver. This is because of a good monsoon this year and raised incomes of civil servants from the 7th Pay Commission award. The former is anticipated to buoy rural spending that had weakened from two successive years of poor rainfall, while the latter, it is imagined, will uplift urban consumer demand.

With private investment failing to revive and exports contracting for more than a year now, it is supposed that private consumption and public capex will support aggregate demand. Growth forecasts across the spectrum incorporate these two components as major drivers accelerating growth this year.

These assumptions are not unreasonable. Rural incomes and spending are typically uplifted when agriculture flourishes. Since marginal propensities to consume at lower per capita income levels tend to be high, there is also more bang for the buck where spending by a more prosperous rural consumer is concerned.

How much of a kick however can urban consumer demand get from the 7th Pay Commission award? The 7th Pay Commission— to examine and revise wages of central government employees—was constituted in September 2013, just five years after the actual implementation of the previous revision (6th Pay Commission). The latter was accepted in August 2008, but payments were retrospective, with effect from 1 January 2006. This meant that arrears on account of higher past earnings accumulated for two years and seven months. Then again, these were spaced out over two years, with 40% paid by the government in 2008 and the remaining 60% credited in 2009. The consumption impact, chiefly discretionary consumer spending, at the time was considerable, both because of quantum of payouts as well as the duration. Additionally, discretionary spending was further enhanced by lower duties on vehicles (4 percentage points) as part of the fiscal stimulus package to mitigate the 2008 crisis blow.

Therefore, a mega consumption boost like the previous one can be ruled out in 2016-17. But even ignoring the discretionary consumption effects of lower excise duties in 2008-09, the lump-sum arrear payments that spur such spending are far less this time round. In comparison to the two and a half years of overdue payments made in 2008-09, accumulated dues from revised wages are for just seven months in 2016 as the new pay scales take effect from January this year.

Moreover, the hike in allowances is deferred as this component is to be examined by a committee, which will finally decide on the matter. These will be paid only after submission of this committee’s report and the government takes a final call. Thus, net of taxes and statutory deductions like pension contributions, etc. the final amounts in the hands of central government employees are unlikely to be very large.

Discretionary consumption, urban as well as rural, typically rises in October-December quarter in any case as people buy new durable goods on auspicious occasions like festivals and weddings. So an additional kick from revised wages may spur discretionary demand a bit more than usual. But it’s difficult to imagine urban discretionary consumption being significantly reinforced on account of the 7th Pay Commission in 2016-17.

The rural consumption story is probably a stronger bet.
Source :  http://www.livemint.com/

DBT Applicability Assessment of the welfare schemes of the Department of Posts

The following welfare schemes are assessed as DBT Applicability by the Ministry DBT Assessment:
                      
                        1. Grant of Assistance to the Gramin Dak Sewaks from the Circle Welfare Fund for GDS.
                   2. Grant of Incentives to the Children of Postal employees who appear in the Competitive Examinations held by the UPSC.
                        3.  Grant of Scholarship and transport charges to the disabled children of Postal employees.
                        4. Education Assistance provided to the children of Postal employees for academic achievement

NFPE FEDERAL SECRETARIAT MEETING

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF POSTAL EMPLOYEES
1st Floor, North Avenue PO Building, New Delhi - 110001

NFPE FEDERAL SECRETARIAT MEETING

The Federal Secretariat meeting of NFPE was held at New Delhi on 27.09.2016 under the presidentship of Com. Giriraj Singh, President, NFPE. Representatives of all affiliated organisations attended the meeting. Com. M. Krishnan, Ex-Secretary General & Secretary General, Confederation also attended and guided the iscussion and decisions. Com. R. N. Parashar, Secretary General, NFPE reported the non-grant of enhanced bonus to GDS and the efforts made by NFPE leadership to settle the issue. He also reported the non-settlement of payment of arrears to casual Labourers inspite of orders issued by Directorate. Com. Parashar, reported the details discussion he had with Shri. D. Theagarajan, Secretary General FNPO and placed the following proposal of PJCA before the Secretariat meeting.

1.      Phase programme of action culminating in two days nation wide strike on 9th & 10th November 2016 exclusively on the bonus demand of GDS and revision of wages of casual labourers.

2.      The Secretariat after detailed discussion decided to implement the decision of PJCA. Accordingly the Federatl Secretariat calls upon all Branch/Divisional/Circle Secretaries of NFPE affiliated Unions/Associations and also AIPEU-GDS to make the agitational programmes and two days strike cent percent success. (NJCA Circular published separately)

HOMAGE TO COM. DES RAJ SHARMA
Before commencement of the meeting, the National Secretariat paid respectful homage to Late Com. Des Raj Sharma, Ex-General Secretary, P-IV CHQ & Ex-Deputy Secretary General, NFPE. The Secretary General and all other participants mentioned about the unforgettable contributions made by Com. Des Raj Sharma and also his sufferings for strengthening P-4 Union, NFPE and Confederation. The National Secretariat expressed it heart-felt condolences and offered two minutes silence.

DEPARTMENTAL ANOMALY COMMITTEE – DEPARTMENT OF POSTS

Secretary General reported the communication received from the Department regarding constituition of Departmental Anomaly Committee. The following will represent NFPE in the Committee against the 5 seats allotted to NFPE. Com. R. N. Parashar (SG & GS – P3), Com. Giriraj Singh (GS-R3) Com. R. Seethalakshmi (GS-P4), Com. P. Suresh (GS-R4) Com. Pranab Bhattacharjee (Admin Union).

It is decided that all General Secretaries should submit the items to be included in the agenda of the Anomaly Committee to Com. Giriraj Singh, Secretary, JCM (DC) staff side on or before 15.10.2016. Branch/Divisional/Circle Secretaries should submit the items to their respective General Secretaries before 12.10.2016.

FINAL MEETING WITH CHAIRMAN GDS COMMITTEE

Chairman GDS committee has invited NFPE for final interaction before finalizing the recommendations. Accordingly, Com. R. N. Parashar, Secretary General, NFPE and Com. P. Panduranga Rao, General Secretary, AIPEU-GDS, shall attend the meeting on 7th October 2016.

Fraternally yours,

(R. N. Parshar)
Secretary General

COM. DES RAJ SHARMA – THE UNCOMPROMISING FIGHTER

COM. DES RAJ SHARMA – THE UNCOMPROMISING FIGHTER

M. Krishnan. Ex-Secretary General, NFPE
Secretary General, Confederation of Central Govt. Employees & Workers

On 24th September I was at Chennai, on the way to Gudur (AP) to attend the Circle Conference of AIPEU Postmen & MTS Union. At about 09.25 PM, Com. R. Seethalakshmi, General Secretary, P-IV union called me and informed – “Com. Des Raj Sharma passed away.” After a few minutes Com. V. A. N. Namboodri also called. On the previous day, i.e., on 23.09.2016, at 11.30 AM myself and Com. Seethalakshmi had visited Com. Des Raj Sharma at his house at Karol Bagh, New Delhi and was with him for about 2 hours. He had a heart attack and had undergone angioplasty surgery for removal of five blocks. He was recovering fast. He discussed with us about Com. Adi and his association with many great leaders of P&T Trade union movement. He recollected his experiences while he was in the movement and also after his retirement. As he was continuously talking, I asked his wife who was sitting near, whether doctor has advised to restrict talking. His wife told no such restriction. When we were about to leave, both of us told him to take care of his health as per the advice of the doctor. Then Com. Des Raj Sharma smilingly made a comment – “Don’t worry about my health. Doctor has given me another five years guarantee. Now I am seventy one”. But while completing the sentence his sound was shaken and eyes were full of tears. May be, he was aware that death is nearing. We tried to console him and wished him long life. Next day when the sad news came I was really shocked.

Com. Desraj Sharma was a symbol of dedication, commitment and an uncompromising fighter. He truly represented the tradition of Postmen, Group D & ED staff union lead by Com. Adi. He worked as a CHQ office bearer under the dynamic leadership of the legendary leader Com. K. Adinarayana for a long time. He stood firmly with Com. Adi during the periods of trials and tribulations. It is Com. Adi who moulded Com. Desraj Sharma as a leader.

Com. Desraj Sharma never compromised with the enemies of NFPE and sometimes openly burst out against those who want to break the unity of NFPE. In the Kolkata Federal Council, it is the P-IV union which saved NFPE from a split and also helped NFPE to get recognition. He succeeded in vacating all the stay orders against conducting the Federal Council and also ensured rock-like unity among the P-IV Federal Councilors. He was outright and never say one thing and act another. The enemies of NFPE were afraid of Com. Desraj Sharma and they turned their guns against him always

After his taking over as the General Secretary of P-IV union, he concentrated in streamlining the organisational functioning of the union and helped the Branch/Divisional and Circle Unions to overcome their weaknesses. He effectively intervened and settled all the organizational disputes existed in many circles and consolidated the organizational unity and militancy of P-IV union. He championed the cause of not only Postmen and Group-D but his service was fully dedicated to the cause of GDS employees and for their emancipation. As Deputy Secretary General of NFPE he fought for safeguarding the unity of NFPE and also for settling the genuine demands of the entire Postal employees. He was also in the forefront of all activities of Confederation of Central Government Employees & Workers. In the negotiations with the administration he never compromised and was very particular about result-oriented settlement.

Com. Desraj Sharma cannot be compared with any other leader of Postal Trade union movement. “Desraj Sharma is Desraj Sharma”. He will remain forever in the minds of the Postal employees and Central Government employees.

Long Live Com. Desraj Sharma!

Long live, Long live!

A Meeting of Postal Recreation Club, Angul HO was held for Celebration of Foundation Day of Angul HO on October 1

A Meeting of Postal  Recreation Club,  Angul HO was held for Celebration of Foundation  Day of Angul HO on October  1

Create a New Customer in Speed Net Module for Booking SPCOD

In order to create a new SPCOD customer, please do the following and check: 

1. First delete (or deactivate) the customer created by you to avoid any issue in future 
2. Then login to SpeedNet MIS with division login credentials 
3. Go to COD – Customer Management – Add New SPCOD Customer
4. Enter the customer information, barcode range (from and to), select biller, barcode prefix, etc., 
5. Create the customer
6. Once the above steps are followed, then SpeedNet Central Server will push the data to your local database to enable booking of SP COD articles for respective customer 
7. Run the SpeedNet Communication and check whether local database is updated with customer created online or not 
8. Once the local database is updated with customer created online, then do the Customer Agreement part in SpeedNet for this customer.

Nomination of Master Trainer for RICT Rollout

DA & Linking Factor – What’s expected?

DA & Linking Factor – What’s expected? – DA Announcement and linking factor explored.

As you all know that DA is calculated based on AICPIN. AICPIN is calculated based on the inflation and the cost of living in various cities. So, what’s going to happen in 7th Pay Commission, let’s read.

In Pay Commission III, the base year was used as (1960 =100).

• In 4th Pay Commission, the DA was decided to pay twice a year and also for calculating the DA value the percentage increase in the 12 monthly average of All India Consumer Price Index (base 1960). Also the base year was (1982=100) as the base year.
• In 5th Pay Commission, the DA was decided based on (1982=100) as the base year.
• In 6th Pay Commission, the DA was decided based on (2001=100) as the base year.
• In 7th Pay Commission, should we expect to have the base year as (2011=100)?

When the DA calculation change happened from base year 1982 to base year as 2001, there were a steep increase in the DA percentage, this is because the cost of living has increased multifold and also various cities and items was also included while calculating the real DA.

So, what’s been recommend in the 7th CPC Report

Keeping in mind that the present formulation of DA has worked well over the years, and there are no demands for its alteration, the Commission recommends continuance of the existing formula and methodology for calculating the Dearness Allowance.

and also check out the gazette notification changes where the linking factor has been included as on AICPIN value as 2016.

Though in (2001=100) the linking factor was 4.63, this lead to the calculation of DA with the average index as 115.76 as per 2005. For example, (2005 , 12 Month Average Index – 536, so the linking factor as per record was 4.63).

All India and Centre-wise Linking factors between New Series of Consumer Price Index Numbers for Industrial Workers on base 2001 = 100 and the previous series on base 1982=100 (General Index).

As you all now understand that the linking factor play a major role in getting the DA value, but the linking factor for year 2016 .

I was not able to find this data in Labour Bureau . We assume that if the linking factor of 2016 used, then we expect to get a higher DA percentage (assumption). This means it would be a real DA value as it would include various cities and the current inflation and CPI.

We hope that when the results are out they would be using the linking factor of 2016 as the gazette notification has this mentioned. Normally the DA announcement is release in September 1st week or 2nd week and hope this is announced shortly.

NEW AVATAR FOR THE OLD INDIA POST

The postal service department is in for exciting times. But it needs to revamp functioning if it has to make full use of the new avenues which are opening up

India Post, with its unparalleled reach and omnipresence, is one of the oldest and most recognisable public agencies in India. This Indian icon, which once faced apparently insurmountable challenges in the form of the mobile revolution, is poised to take up a new role in the financial inclusion mission, with the acquisition of payments banking licence and incorporation of the India Posts Payments Bank. However, the postal department would need a critical overhaul of its staffing and operations to leverage its strengths and become an efficient and modern machine which would not only deliver the new services but also continue to fulfill its traditional role.

India Post is the largest postal network in the world with over 1.5 lakh post offices, out of which 89 per cent are located in rural areas. A post office is available for every 8,354 citizens, which makes the postal department much larger than any single Union Government agency. The postal department facilitates the traffic of about 602 crore articles every year, along with being the last-mile deliverer for multiple social and financial schemes like the Postal Savings Account, national savings and most recently the Sukanya Samridhi Yojana. In spite of these advantages, the financial and departmental efficiency of the department remains questioned. The Department of Posts has estimated a gross expenditure of Rs 23,500 crore, of which a mere Rs 406 crore was earmarked for capital investments. The department also needs a budgetary support of about Rs 9,000 crore from the exchequer in FY 2016-17 alone. While India Post has in the recent past introduced new initiatives like monetisation of real estate, distribution of financial instruments and digitization which can contribute to increased revenue, costs due to salaries and pensions too have gone up by almost 10 per cent. Though the postal service is not a purely commercial enterprise and is bound by the service obligation of providing facilities to all, it is important that efficiencies be ingrained to get more returns for every rupee invested from the public treasury.

Some planned investments have the potential to transform the institution, but that needs more focus. Project Arrow, which was initiated to improve the core operations and user experience in post offices, requires further increased investment. The Panchayat Sanchar Sewa Kendra and the franchise scheme aims to extend the postal service network to areas where the postal department could not open outlets but where services are required. The targets and achievements in these verticals have been modest, primarily due to request-based nature of these models. The department needs to proactively identify areas which are eligible under the guidelines for PSSK and franchise and invite individuals to participate in extending the network. Similarly, the tie-up with e-commerce companies for delivering parcels, along with the c ash-on-delivery model (currently operational only in 18 major cities), presents enormous scope for expansion, given the size of the e-commerce market.

While IT induction and modernisation has been taken forward at the circle/urban post offices, the rural post offices still lack basic IT equipment to create a seamless IT-enabled postal network. The scheme for rural post office connectivity and hardware has been plagued by lack of interest from bidders for execution. Lack of adequate funding for IT modernisation has also led to a long drawn process which is often outpaced by technology. Effective IT modernisation of the the postal department urgently needs renewed focus and a high-powered decision making body.

In addition, innovative methods and new commercial avenues will have to be explored. Pricing of postal services has always been a trade-off decision between public good and commercial viability. Multiple committees in the past have recommended better pricing mechanisms for postal services. A model of differential pricing with categories of premium/ordinary service with adequate flexibility is the need of the hour for the postal. The Automated Mail Processing Centres (APMCs) have improved the lead time on postal deliveries. However, these are limited to four major cities and handle only about 20 per cent of the registered traffic.

Of philately and nation building

Prashant Pandya is busy nowadays collecting postal stamps on a new theme—milk. The Baroda resident has over the years created umpteen exhibits—frames with many stamps—on themes such as devotional, foreign countries, among others, which he displays during district and state level exhibitions.

Stamps have played an integral role in helping India find its identity as a nation post-Independence. Since the beginning of British rule, a portrait of a British monarch had figured in Indian stamp designs. This came to an end with India gaining Independence.

Three stamps were released post-Independence in 1947. They depicted the Ashoka Pillar—the national emblem—the Indian national flag and an aircraft, according to the department of posts (DoP) website. 

How many stamps do you have?

“It can’t be counted,” says Pandya who picked up the hobby of collecting stamps during his school days and founded a philatelic association in Rajpipla in Narmada district of Gujarat around 1979 when he was in class 8.

In 2000, Pandya set up a website, www.indianphilately.net, offering information about philately, connecting various philatelists across the country and even promoting philately by organising activities across cities.

Philately is the study and collection of stamps.

For his day job, Pandya handles back-end operations for a private firm.

“One needs to take out time for hobby. This is my passion. From a hobby, it became a specialisation. Through the website, we aim to make people aware about educational value of philately. We also maintain a database of all philatelists across the country and we get two-three requests daily for registration,” says Pandya.

Pandya has created an online account with India Post to buy stamps, though he hardly uses it as most stamp products are available in local philatelic bureaus or with dealers. 

However, not everyone has been able to keep up with a hobby which has seen a steep decline in the era of emails and text messages.

Noida resident Mukesh Bhargava has been trying to open an online account to buy stamps through India Post since the past two years, but to no avail. A stamp collector since his school days, Bhargava, approaching 60, still nurtures a dream to restart his hobby all over again which he gave up after 20 years of collecting stamps due to time constraint.

Bhargava has around 5,000 stamps in his collection which boasts of the first stamp of the Indian national flag in 1947, the first stamp issued on Mahatma Gandhi in 1947, the first Republic Day stamp issued in 1950 and the stamp released on completion of 200 test matches of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar.

Stamps are mainly commemorative or definitive. Commemorative stamps are issued for important events, prominent personalities in various fields, among others, and are available at philatelic bureaus and counters, or under the Philatelic Deposit Account Scheme of India Post. Definitive stamps are used for postal mailing purposes and are available at all postal counters. 

Half anna and two anna postages

The first postage stamp of Independent India was issued on 21 November 1947 depicting the Indian national flag. The postal system, established by Lord Robert Clive in the year 1766, was developed by Warren Hastings by starting the Calcutta (now Kolkata) General Post Office under a postmaster general in 1774. For prepayment of postage on letters—copper tickets—pre-paid token stamps of two anna value were introduced from Patna in 1774 by the East India Co. during the period of Hastings, the then-governor general of India.

However, according to the DoP website Indian philatelic history began with the introduction of paper postage stamps in 1852.

In 1854, stamps depicting British India were started. The first design for an India postage stamp was created by colonel Forbes of Calcutta Mint depicting ‘lion and the palm tree,’ but it was not used.

The subsequent stamps were designed and printed in 1854 by the surveyor general’s office. These were blue lithographed half anna stamps with a picture of Queen Victoria.

While the first India postage stamps issued in 1854 bore the inscription ‘India Postage’, the inscription was changed in the same year to ‘East India Postage’. In 1882, this was changed to ‘India Postage’ which continued till 1962. Starting November 1962, a new caption Bharat India was introduced replacing the ‘India Postage’, though three stamps issued in December 1962 and January 1963 carried the earlier inscription.

Reviving interest

Philately no longer remains a preferred hobby today.

DoP earned a meagre Rs.39.88 crore from philately business in 2015-16 compared withRs.32.85 crore in 2014-15.

To revive the age-old hobby, the government plans to promote philately especially among the youth. The department plans to set up an independent company for its philately business to realise its true potential.

In the current fiscal, the plan is to increase the philately business revenue to around Rs.140 crore. There are 88 philatelic bureaus in India.

“The proposed new company (for philately) will be a service-based one which will not only sell its products to existing customers—collectors and philatelists—but also will try to attract new ones. It will focus on promotion of philately mainly among the younger generation,” according to a DoP note reviewed by InfraCircle.

Globally, around $7.5 billion revenue is generated annually from the sale of postage stamps. China earns the maximum with a revenue of Rs.9,000 crore, followed by Brazil with Rs.1,080 crore and the US with Rs.1,170 crore.

Of late, DoP has been focusing to boost philately business through initiatives such as creating revenue heads for the philately division. It has also set up a separate postage stamps website and started sale of philatelic products through e-post office. In addition, it has set up a production and fulfilment centre and leveraged social media to promote philately.

In December 2015, the department started ‘My Stamp’ for business houses. Under the scheme, business houses can get their logos printed on select ‘My Stamp’ themed sheets. Interestingly, one can also get personal picture printed on a stamp. 

Bhargava believes there is a huge market for stamps in India but the means to access it has to be improved so that it becomes convenient for everyone. The younger generation also needs to be made aware of the value of stamps which depicts our history so well, he says.

PLB to Railway staff will be disbursed before Pooja Festival

PLB to Railway staff will be disbursed before Pooja Festival

The Addl. Member Staff Railway Board, Shri Anand Mathur, has intimated today, i.e. 26.09.2016, AIRF leadership that, Railway Board’s orders for Restructuring of Technicians, to which an agreement was arrived at in Full Board Meeting held on 22.07.2016, will be issued in this week, and payment of 78-day PLB@ Rs.7000 p.m. will be made to all the Group `C’ and `D’ railwaymen well before Pooja Festival.

Source: AIRF

Post offices have vital role to play: Venkaiah

HYDERABAD, SEPTEMBER 26: 

Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting M Venkaiah Naidu has said that contrary to the popular misconception, the postal department has defied the rise of internet and mobile telephony.

Union Minister for Urban DevelopmentMVenkaiah Naidu, Minister of Labour and Employment, Bandaru Dattatreya (right), and Union Minister of State for Telecommunications and Railways Manoj Sinha inaugurating the Telangana Postal circle in Hyderabad KVS GIRI

Inaugurating the newly formed Telangana Postal Circle here today, he said, “From now onwards, Telangana Postal Circle and Andhra Pradesh Postal circle will cater to the needs of the respective states. It will increase efficiency both States. Andhra Pradesh Postal Circle will get a new headquarters at an appropriate time.”

Payment banks

Manoj Sinha, Minister of State for Communications (I/C) and Minister of State for Railways, has said the Department of Posts is in the process of setting up India Post Payment Banks (IPPB) with 100 per cent Government Equity.

The task is likely to be completed by September 2017 when all IPPB branches and their linkages with all post offices across the country will be completed.

Sinha said India has the largest postal network in the world. There were 1,54,939 post offices in India of which 1,39,222 (almost 90 percent) are in rural areas.

“Post has played major role in shaping of modern India. Post Office Saving Bank (POSB) had a customer base of 33.03 crore as on March 31, 2015. There has been a sharp increase in it due to the welfare schemes,” he said.

Savings accounts

He said the number of saving accounts in post offices went up by 3 crore within one year of the NDA government’s functioning.

The total number of accounts including Recurring Deposit, MIS, MNREGA, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana went up by 5 crore in the corresponding period.

Explaining some of the recent initiatives, he said India Post has reinvented its role in rural narrative.

“The MNREGA payments are being disbursed and the Postal Department has rolled out Central Banking Solution in 9,583 Post Offices. ATMs have been installed at 125 locations and Debit cards have been issued to Post Office Savings Bank customers,”he said.

Grant of Group 'B' status to various categories of Railway employees such as JEs, SSEs, Chemical and Metallurgical Supdt (having GP 4200, 4600 in PB2)

Grant of Group 'B' status to various categories of Railway employees such as JEs, SSEs, Chemical and Metallurgical Supdt (having GP 4200, 4600 in PB2): Railway Board Order on CAT Judgement

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(RAILWAY BOARD)

No. PC VI/2014/CC/6

New Delhi, dated 14.09.2016

General Manager (P)
All Zonal Railways/Production Units.

Sub: Sharing of Judgement- Applicability of Hon’ble CAT/Chandigarh’s judgement dated 12.03.2016 in OA No. 060/211/2014 (IRTSA Vs UOI& Others).

It is brought to your notice that an OA No. 060/00211/2014 was filed by Indian Railways Technical Supervisors Association (IRTSA) in Hon’ble CAT, Chandigarh for grant of Group “B” status to various categories of Railway employees such as JEs, SSEs, Chemical and Metallurgical Superintendents (having Grade pay of Rs.4200, Rs.4600 in PB-2).

2. In its judgment order dated 12.03.2016, Hon’ble CAT, Chandigarh has stated “ We find no justification for grant of Group-B status to the applicants. The oA is a gross abuse of process of law because the matter had already attained finality with Order dated 21.02. 1992, letter dated 27.04.1992 and orders dated 19.04.1994 and dated 04.01.1996. The OA is completely devoid of substance and is accordingly dismissed. No costs”. 

3. The above judgment of Hon’ble CAT. Chandigarh in the above mentioned OA upholding the “Classification of posts in Indian Railways" may be brought on record by filing appropriate application/additional affidavit in consultation with Railway Advocate wherever cases on the same issue are pending. A copy of the said judgment is available on official Indian Railways website http://www.indianrailwavs.gov.in at the following location :- Ministry of Railways -> Railway Board ->About Indian Railways -+ Railway Board Directorates -> Pay Commission -> Pay Commission VI.

sd/-

(M.K. Panda)

Joint Director/Pay Commission

Railway Board.

Click to view judgement

Photos of Telangana Postal Circle Inauguration - 26.09.2016

TELANGANA POSTAL CIRCLE INAUGURATION - RAVINDRABHARATHI AUDITORIUM, HYDERABAD

Continuation of the union membership of the employees having grade pay of Rs. 4200/- in PB-2 in the recognized Association of Zoological Survey of India viz: Zoological Survey of India Employees Association.

Temporary Transfer – Case of Shri Gurprit Singh, Secretary General, DMI Employees Association & All India Organising Secretary of Confederation of Central Government Employees & Workers, New Delhi.

The Sambad, Angul Edition, Page 7, Date 24. 09. 2016

Good News – Government has issued beneficial orders on pension

Good News – Government has issued beneficial orders on pension, Please read this news paper report published in Hindi News Paper:–

Click image below for larger view:-

Final guidelines on payments banks soon

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is soon set to bring out final operational guidelines for payments banks, more than a year after the regulator granted in-principle approval to 11 players for setting up such banks.

This comes about close to two years after the final licencing guidelines had been issued in November 2014, which detailed the requirements and eligibility on the operational front.

Three people familiar with the development told Business Standard that the banking regulator has made it clear that the final guidelines on operations would be out soon. This was also communicated to the players at a closed-door conference in Pune about a week ago.

"RBI thinks the payments banks are a completely new set of banks and completely different from the ones that exist in the country," said a the person who was present at the meeting. "Therefore, we need far more detailed guidelines with respect to capital adequacy ratio, statutory liquidity requirements branches, etc."

However, RBI hasn't given a timeline on when the guidelines are expected. But the in-principal approvals were handed out in September last year and the players had been given 18 months to begin operations.

In September last year, RBI had given in-principle nod to 10 players for small finance banks. Out of this, two have already started operations. Some have been given the final approval. However, RBI is not planning to come out with any separate guidelines for these players as their operations are similar to that of a universal banks and, therefore, the regulator doesn't see the need for such rules. In the case of payments banks, there is no precedence and, therefore a more detailed guidelines are needed, players had said.

Another person familiar with the development said after three players dropped out of the race to set up payments banks, the noise on the profitability and the viability fronts had amplified. That was why the regulator purportedly went back to the drawing board to take a detailed look at the guidelines. Out of the 11 players that were given the licences, Tech Mahindra, a consortium led by Dilip Shangvi and Cholamandalam Investment and Finance had dropped out. Out of the remaining eight, only Airtel has got the final approval from RBI.

Some of the players who had opted out had rising competition from banks and other players in the digital arena as a concern. Other said the scope to make money was very limited in the payments bank space. Expert said it might take at least three years for these players to break even.

Payments banks are being been introduced with the aim of improving financial inclusion. Therefore, the players have been allowed to provide small savings account and payments and remittance services. They are also allowed to accept deposits of up to Rs 1 lakh and can issue debit cards and offer internet banking. However, they are not allowed to lend. Apart from the limited scope of activities, other concerns that remain are on the investment front as these banks are required to invest 75 per cent in government securities, which will reduce the margins even further.

Corrigendum for distribution of Gangajal sourced at Gangotri through Post Offices