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Monday, December 31, 2012

Com. President ‘s Message on the eve of New Year, 2013



Com Purna Ch. Dash, President has extended his greetings and best wishes to all the members on the eve of New Year 2013 as follows” 
          “I extend my greetings and best wishes to all our staff members not only of Bhubaneswar Division but the entirety of Postal employees on the advent of New Year,  2013.

On this occasion, let us collectively resolve to face our challenges with courage and confidence, to spread love and affection to our dear and nears, to lead a life of success and victory and to pray God for all His blessings.

May the New Year be Great, Prosperous, Blissful, Healthy, Bright, Delightful, Mind Blowing, Energetic for you and your family and bring peace, progress and prosperity for all.

Happy New Year, 2013."

Deputation of Com. Gadadhar Rath, BE & Asst. Secy,. AIPEU, Gr-C, Bhubaneswar Division to CCA, Odisha Telecom Circle as Sr. Accountant.


News from CHQ : General Secretary's Desk

Dear Comrades,
Wishing all of you a Happy & Prosperous New Year 2013
All India Conference
(i)     All of you aware that we are holding our AIC at Thiruvananthapuram from 10.03.2013 to 12.03.2013 and notification has already been issued and also published in the Bhartiya Post. I hope that all of you would have booked your journey tickets for attending the AIC.
(ii)   The CHQ has already appealed all the branches to procure advertisements for the Souvenir to be published to mark the occasion of our AIC. The Reception Committee intimated that the response from our branches is very poor. All of you are requested to pay immediate attention and procure advertisements as possible as you can and forward the same to the reception committee.  You are further requested to approach all the postal cooperative societies also.
(iii) This time, we have sent the draft of the Biennial report well in advance along with the Bhartiya Post January 2013 issue and it would have been reached your hands by this time. Since in all the previous All India conferences, we found no time to read the full report after reaching the venue and organize discussions on the basis of the report, so that we are experimenting this time, by forwarding the Biennial report to all divisions much in advance with the request to convene their General Body meetings in their branches and discuss the report therein and attend the AIC with constructive suggestions and improvement in the report. Let us hope that our venture, as the first time will yield fruitful results and create a benchmark for the future.
(iv)  The Reception Committee proposes to conduct an All India Essay Competition among the members on the topic of ‘Future’ of India Post’. Three best essays will be selected and prizes will be distributed at the All India Conference. The last date for receipt of essays within 4 pages (A4 Size) on this topic has been fixed as 28.02.2013. The willing participants are requested to forward their articles either to the Reception Committee directly or through the CHQ within the stipulated time. This decision is nothing but to motivate our comrades to aware of all the latest developments being taken place in the department and also to enhance their creativity and presentation. Let us hope that there will be more response.
(v)    We are planning to hold our ensuing AIC such a grand manner by inviting Hon’ble Ministers, Secretary and various public personalities and also conducting a mammoth rally on 11.03.2013 evening with the participation of around 10000 comrades which includes all the postal employees of Kerala Circle. We are seeking all your cooperations to make our AIC an historic success.
Hand Book 2013
We have compiled this Hand Book 2013 with more important orders on all topics and added four new chapters viz.,Disciplinary Rules – Introduction, contributory negligence, Trade Union facilities and Ruling Digests – A Recap etc. It crosses more than 300 pages. The price will be fixed at Rs. 70/- or Rs. 75/- This Hand Book is a must to all the office bearers and members of our union. All are requested to indent more copies and distribute to all members.
Venture – 2013
An updated ‘Venture’ containing various new chapters and rulings is under compilation. We propose to launch this book in the All India conference. ‘Venture’ will be the best reference book available among us. The price will be determined as per our policy of ‘no loss; no gain’. It should be at the hands of all activists and office bearers shortly. All are requested to place an indent at the earliest to CHQ so that we can print the copies according to indent as this will be a costly affair.
Formation of GDS unions Divisions/Circle Levels
The CHQ is in receipt of encouraging reports from all corners that our divisional secretaries are extending fullest support,efforts and cooperation to form branches of AIPEU GDS (NFPE) at divisional levels. The First All India Conference of AIPEU GDS (NFPE) is scheduled to be held at Chennai from 21.03.2013 to 22.03.2013. Com. K. V. Sridharan and Com. K. Ragavendran were requested to take the incharge of Reception Committee as Chairman and General Secretary respectively. This AIC should be represented from all the Circles and branches. It is therefore requested to organize the formation of the GDS Union in the remaining divisions and request them to attend the AIC scheduled to be held in Chennai. All are requested once again to complete this task before 28.02.2012.
JCM Departmental Council
The JCM Departmental Council Meeting was held on 28.12.2012. As reported by  Com. K. V. Sridharan, Leader Staff Side, the gist of certain decisions on the subjects are furnished hereunder.
(1)   At the outset, the Staff Side declared that in the event of non finalization of cadre review proposals immediately and if linked it with the modernization, the Staff Side will not cooperate the project of modernization and its implementation. Then it was assured to finalise the proposals shortly after a convening a Staff Side meeting early.
(2)   The linking of fresh establishment review for the proposal of peripheral HRA will be dropped. Whenever State Government declares merger of urban areas, proposals for the enhancement of HRA will be undertaken.
(3)   Proposal to recruit the PA through Staff Selection Commission will be taken for consideration after some time.
(4)   PA Recruitment (Open Quota) will be completed in three phases from 27.01.2013 to 3.3.2013. The candidates will be made under three groups in each circle and exam will be conducted in three batches in between Jan to March 2013. After the exam, computer test will be made among the shortlisted candidates and the recruitment process will be over in the month of June 2013.
(5)   The conditions imposed in the last IP exam that ‘no disciplinary action is pending or contemplated and no adverse entry in last two years’ etc. will be withdrawan.
(6)   Grant of Flexi working hours not possible for POs.
(7)   As the soil is not fit for construction of two storied buildings at Kodialkol Mangalore, alternate building will be finalized shortly.
(8)   Construction work will commence within 15 days in respect of the Itanagar HPO building.
(9)   Chief PMG NE intimated that there is no request or requirement for construction of staff quarters in Imphal.
(10)  Replacing kerosene generators will be ordered.
(11)  The fixing uniform incentive for MTS work will be considered.
(12)  As the verification of withdrawal will not be necessary after 30.06.2013, the expected date of core banking introduction, the enhancement of limit for verification need not be insisted.
(13)  RBI has directed SBI to recover the amount irregularly paid to the depositor in the PPF account in the case of Mysore HO.
(14)  Non counting of the APS service for MACP – not agreed.
(15)  An appeal filed in the High court Jodhpur against the CAT orders on MACP in respect of promotees.
(16)  Fixation of Pay of MTS & irregular Audit objection by DAP Kolkata – will be referred to DOPT.
(17)  A reference will be made to DOPT about our demand on Dies non period shall also be taken as continuous service for MACP.
(18)  Recovery of postage in case of foreign articles returned due to non availability service – will be considered favourably.
(19)  Clarification will be issued to fix the minimum pay of Rs. 5200 + 1800 to canteen employees.
(20)  Payment of the difference in encashment of EL for LTC – Not agreed and stated the clarification is issued as per the DOPT orders.
(21)  Carving out of Postmaster Grade III will be carried out shortly. HSG-I posts will be filled up as per the old Recruitment Rules. The DOPT has been approached for approval. Assured to cause orders within a month and immediately the PM Grade III will be carved out.
(22)  Abolition of skeleton vacancies for 2006 to 2008 is based on the refusal of our demand by MOF & Nodel Ministries. We insisted that the vacancies abolished earlier inadvertently shall be adjusted. The DDG replied that all the circle heads replied that there was no such abolition earlier. We pointed out the case of the West Bengal circle in PA & Postmen vacancies. No decision was emerged.
(23)  Orders have been issued to constitute DPC at once for promotion of LSG & HSG II Promotions.
(24)  Relaxed standard to GDS in PA appointment for SC/ST candidates. This is under examination.
(25)  All the vacant postmen, Sorting Postmen Posts will be filled up before May 2013.
(26)  Grant of higher Out station Allowance for RMS staff will be considered on the basis of Grade Pay instead of Designation.
(27)  Amendment will be made in the recruitment rules of Sorting Asstt. in the constitution of DPC for confirmation.
(28)  Recruitment Rules for PA (Circle office) is pending with Ministry of Law.
(29)  Group B exam related issues – will be discussed in a separate committee.
(30)  Clarifications will be issued on drawal of Grade pay to pharmacists of P&T Dispensary.
(31)  Amendment is expected on the eligibility of family pension to married physically handicapped wards. It will be expedited.
(32)  Orders will be issued to step the case of promotee seniors up to the issue of Pay Commission orders from 1.1.2006.
(33)  One time option will be provided to the officials whose increment falls between Feb 2006 to June 2006.
(34)  Instructions will be issued not to make any recovery from those retired from 1.1.2006 to 31.08.2008 in respect of excess payment of commutation amount.
(35)  Reference will be made for the grant of Grade pay of Rs. 1800/- to MTS who retired/expired from service after 31.08.2008 without having been imparted training.
(36)  Orders on agreed items discussed in the postmen committee will be expedited.
(37)  Irregular commutation of LR strength – It was agreed to verify the old files of 1964 & 1975 and ascertain the correct position on LRs and will initiate action.
(38)  All PTCs will be instructed not to insist Dress code, Uniform etc. A common standard will be circulated. In respect of PTC Madurai, the successful 14 candidates will be provided promotion.
(39)  Orders will be issued shortly for upgradation of pay to the erstwhile Group ‘D’ selected under blind quota who are still remaining in IS scale.
(40)  Provisions will be made to get information about the GPF through Internet shortly.
(41)  Discrimination in the service condition in LGO - DOPT not agreed for any further relaxation.
(42)  All the sections have been instructed to update all Postal Manual, Volumes and reference books before 15.02.2013.
(43)  Bifurcation of Baster and Raigarh divisions will be considered.
(44)  It was agreed to revise commission for Aadhar Card related works.
(45)  The transfer of staff from L2 against the willingness will be stopped.
(46)  Clarification will be issued for stepping up of pay to Postman and Group ‘D’ as per Divisional gradation List.
(47)  The restriction on the second posting in single handed post offices. Orders exhibited in the website.
The above are only the important subjects discussed among the 88 items. The items which were earlier discussed in the Standing Committee meeting were not discussed again. The Leader staff Side stated that the decision on certain items in the stating committee meeting required reconsideration to avoid disagreement to be recorded for referring the case to the Board of Arbitration. The meeting ended with thanks to the chairman who had convened two JCM meetings and two standing committee meetings in one year.
Attention of Divisional/Branch Secretaries
(i)     Please clear Quota, Outstanding dues and also the quota to Federation and Confederation well in advance.
(ii)   Please indent ‘Hand Book 2013’, if not placed earlier immediately and distribute as New Year Gift to all members.
(iii) Please convey your requirement on ‘Venture’ so then we can restrict the no. of copies to be printed. Com. K. V. Sridharan is exerting all strains and special care to bring the proposed book as the most valuable reference book for all Postal Trade Union activists.
Nothing more to my pen now!
Once again I wish all of you a Happy & Prosperous New Year 2013.
With fraternal greetings,
Comradely yours,
(R. Sivannarayana)
General Secretary
Dated 31.12.2012

Happy New Year, 2013


How to improve your career prospects in 2013

There was nothing much to cheer about for the workforce in 2012. It was a relatively dismal year in terms of hiring compared with 2011. The industry chamber, Assocham, estimates that though 5.2 lakh jobs were created during the year, the country's job creation actually dipped by 21%.

The second half of the year saw a drop of 40,000 jobs compared with 2.8 lakh created in the first half. Layoffs and downsizing became the norm in sectors like BFSI and telecom, which trimmed staff strength to cut costs. However, employees are crossing their fingers that the tide may turn and the new year may bring better news.

Outlook for 2013

The hiring outlook for the new year will vary, depending on the performance of key sectors. While sectors like FMCG, retail, pharma and healthcare remain upbeat and will continue to hire in significant numbers, HR consultants and placement firms are not as optimistic about real estate, infrastructure and telecom.

Though hiring has dipped in the current quarter, HR experts expect it to pick up towards the end.

"Most companies spend time planning for the next year during this period and one hardly notices any out-of-the-ordinary hiring during this phase.

As we come closer to the end of the quarter, hiring picks up, and given the signs so far, it definitely will," says Rituparna Chakraborty, co-founder and senior VP, TeamLease Services.

While industries like ITeS and IT will continue to be sluggish, given their over-dependence on global economies, other sectors will display a positive outlook towards hiring, she adds.

 However, the employees are likely to feel the pinch when it comes to salaries. A recent report published by the management consultancy firm Hay Group estimates that professionals can expect an average pay increase of 11.2% across job roles in 2013. This is a slight reduction compared with the average hike of 12% in 2012. Even bonus payouts could be lower.

Companies and consultants believe these will be in the range of 12-17% of the CTC this year. On an average, it is usually 10% for junior management and 20% for the senior management.

"A company's performance is an integral part of variable payouts. Most of the firms have not performed as well as they were expected to this year, so they will not be able to share their gains.

Bonus payouts will remain the same as last year for others," says Rahul Taneja, senior vice-president and head, corporate HR at Essar. He believes the going is especially tough for companies in the core sectors. Those like FMCG and consumer durables might be the exceptions.
Source : The Economic Times, 31 Dec, 2012

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Holding of DPC in Odisha Circle for consideration of promotion to LSG cadre in Postal Wing.



Circle Office has directed concerned unit heads to   send the up-to-date CR dossiers/APAR for the last 5 years, Special Reports, Disc / Vig. Clearance Reports along with detailed service particulars against the officials ( list supplied by C O ) at the earliest  for holding of DPC for consideration of promotion to LSG cadre in Postal Wing

Review of result of SC/ST candidates of Odisha Circle failed in LGO Exam, 2012



            Circle Office has directed the concerned unit heads  to furnish the special report and disciplinary/vigilance clearance by 11.01.2013 in respect of the SC/ST candidates who had appeared in the Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LGO’2012) for promotion to the cadre of PA/SA held on 16.09.2012 for consideration of their cases for review of their result.

How and when TDS deductions can be avoided

Even though many of us are familiar with tax filing, the process of TDS deduction is still confusing for many. When and where TDS is applicable, what are the procedures to reduce it and how to claim the deducted amount at the time of filing tax returns are few of the queries we have. So, here we discuss TDS deductions with a focus on how and when it can be reduced to help you in everyday life.

Understanding TDS:

The Indian tax structure is broadly a two dimensional approach towards payment of tax liabilities. In the first method- self assessment, taxes can be paid voluntarily after evaluation of income during a financial year. In the second method, Tax Deductions at Source or TDS, as the name suggests, is the spot deduction of tax from the income source itself, at the time of earning. This is to simplify the taxation procedure for the government and to ensure that the payment making and receiving individual / company is accounting the same without fail.

TDS is applicable for earnings from several financial instruments and business transactions like sale of property, interest income from banks, commissions and incentives, payment received for contracts and services, vendors, dividends and awards or prices earned as money.

There is no uniform rate for TDS deduction. Depending on the source of earnings, it can range from 1% for sale proceeds to 30%.

From Salary and Commissions

It is mandatory as per Indian Income Tax rules that companies as well as working professionals who earn above the aforementioned figure should deduct tax at source from the payments they make.

Employers normally will ask employees to fill an investment declaration form. If you have done an early homework to save your TDS deduction by investing in several tax saving instruments under Sections 80C, 80D, or planning to do within that financial year, do declare the details in the form with required proofs to save TDS. If despite all your investments, your salary is still above the exemption limit, TDS will be deducted monthly. The employer will issue a TDS certificate (also referred as Form No.16 (a)) at the end of the financial year which can be produced while filing income tax return to get the credit of the TDS (if applicable) during the personal income tax assessment.

TDS is applicable for payments including commissions, service fees, professional fees and payment via contracts. Here the TDS certificate issued will be Form 16 B which like Form 16 A, can be produced while filing income tax return to get reversed if applicable.

TDS from Property, Awards and Incentives:

TDS is applicable in case of earnings sale of property, rental / lease income, cash prizes, lottery winnings etc. The amount of deduction may vary from 1% in case of sale proceeds to nearly 30% in case of cash awards.

Individuals seeking TDS refund in the above mentioned situations can submit form 15G/H which is a self deceleration that your income is below taxable limit.
 This is applicable only for Indian residents including senior citizens and Hindu Undivided Families (HUF's). Form 15G can be filed by all Indian residents whose total financial income for the designated financial year is below the threshold limit while senior citizens need to avail Form 15H for the same purpose. It is imperative to note that Non resident Indians are not allowed the use of forms 15G and 15H and need to apply separately.

In case of rental income, TDS will be deducted only if the rent you receive is not less than Rs1.8 lakh a year. In case of joint ownership of rented / leased property, where the specific share of the property is decided, the limit of Rs 1.8 lakh can be claimed separately by each owner.

Income generated through bank deposits-

TDS is deductable on interest income paid by banks and financial institutions in respect of FDs (exceeding Rs.10000 in a FY) and term deposits (exceeding Rs.5000 in a FY).

If your income is below the taxable limit, but the interest earned from your deposits is above Rs 10,000, you can request your bank not to deduct tax by submitting form 15 G and 15 H to the bank at the beginning of the financial year.

Another effective way is to opt for multiple smaller fixed deposits across various banks. Splitting the interest earned across two financial years in such a way that the overall annual interest earned from any of the FD not exceeding Rs 10,000 is another workable option.

In certain cases, dividing fixed deposits under two different heads can also be useful in avoiding. Individuals can divide deposits in their names and have some under a HUF account to avoid interest generation cross the taxable limit.

And never forget to carry your PAN card for all fixed deposits over Rs.50000, because on not receipt of PAN number banks may deduct 20% TDS which is non reversible.

Reversing TS collected

As you file your tax returns, you will know the tax bracket you are which determines the balance tax to be paid or that can be reversed. So do keep a track of the TDS that you have paid with Form 26AS or annual tax statement. All the taxes deducted on your behalf will be listed in it and it can be availed from the concerned sources along with Form 16. Otherwise missing taxes will be considered unpaid by the income tax authorities.
Source Deduction pattern How to reduce TDS How to reverse TDS Conditions (if any)
Salary Monthly by
employer
Submitting investment declaration with proofs At the time of filing ITR (with proofs of investments under 80C and 80D. Form 16 A Ensure to have a tax savings plan under 80c and 80D
Incentives , Commissions, Services, Contracts, Rental Income At the time of payment Possible only to reverse At the time of filing ITR (with proofs of investments under 80C and 80D. Form 16B Only if eligible under 80C and 80D clauses
Sale of Property At the time of transaction If the transaction as per papers is below 20 lakhs in panchayaths and below 50 lakhs in municipality / corporation limits NA As per costs shown in documents
Bank Deposits During interest remittance by bank Form 15 G / 15 H, Splitting of accounts across banks / HUFs ( if applicable), splitting of interest in two FY Form 15 G / 15 H Will not be reversed if a single deposit is above 50,000 and PAN no. not submitted
Source : The Economic Times, 29 Dec, 2012

Little known areas where PAN card is useful

The importance of Permanent Account Number (PAN) card has grown over the years, and it is today an essential part of our lives. The most important purpose of allotting PAN to an entity is for the purpose of identification and to track all the related monetary information of that entity. Initially, the significance of PAN was for filing income tax returns. Over time, PAN was used in dealings with the stock markets, banks and purchase of real estate and vehicles. Today, PAN has started finding use in unconventional areas as well, as follows:

> Bank Fixed Deposits: If you open a fixed deposit with your bank for an amount exceeding Rs. 50,000, a copy of PAN card needs to be given. In absence of PAN, the bank will deduct TDS of 20% or at the prevailing rate, whichever is higher (instead of the normal 10%). Further, the bank will not issue TDS certificate. Form 15G/15H and other exemption certificates will be invalid in this case.

> Payment in Hotels and Restaurants: You may asked to submit a copy of your PAN if you pay cash in hotels or restaurants against bills for an amount exceeding Rs. 25,000

> Payment to Travel Agents: Cash payment more than Rs. 25,000 for travel to any foreign country (fare or purchase of foreign currency) in a single payment requires you to produce your PAN copy

> Rental Agreements: Nowadays, landlords demand a copy of the PAN card of tenants, as the primary ID proof, while letting out their property.

> Jewellery shops: High-value purchase of jewellery in cash should be accompanied by a copy of the PAN card of the buyer, mainly as a means to curb black money usage.

Other usages of PAN include:

> Payment in Second Hand Car Dealings

> Installation of Telephone

> Visa Facilitation Centres

It is seen that quoting or producing a copy of your PAN card is compulsory in practically every money transaction, and not restricted to Income Tax dealings. The significance of PAN cannot be questioned as this has become the primary document sought in all important legitimate dealings.

Do NRIs require PAN Card?

As PAN is required for any financial transaction in India, an NRI will need to have a PAN card if he has an income in India and has to file returns, if he wishes to invest in India, when he carries out banking transactions, if he purchases real estate or for any transaction mentioned above.
 Beware of PAN Frauds:

The increasing importance of PAN has increased the likeliness of PAN Card identity theft. The safeguarding of the physical copy of the PAN card no longer assures that your card is not being misused. As a majority of transactions demand a photocopy of your PAN card, or simply quoting the Permanent Account Number, it is very easy for your information to be misused for high ticket purchases or benami property transactions. A copy of your PAN card or simply its number can be quoted in transactions, which you are not even a part of.

Example of how your information can be misused: Recently, a consumer activist group revealed that the PAN card copy used in Railway ticket Tatkal bookings were misused by several jewellers. When an individual produces his PAN to book the Tatkal tickets, this information is fed in the Indian Railways system and also displayed on the ticket, reservation chart and train coaches. Unscrupulous jewellers steal this information from such public displays and use it to furnish tax collected details while they sell jewellery of very high value to high-net worth individuals who do not wish to produce their PAN.

If this happens to you?

When your PAN card is illegally used, you may not even be aware of this for atleast 6 months after the wrong transaction. You can check for such benami transactions by going through your Form 26AS, which is a consolidated statement of tax deducted, along with other details. If you are a non-tax paying PAN card holder, you may not even be able to check this form. The Income Tax department will require the PAN card holder to prove that the transaction was not carried out by him, and also give details on his source of funds. This becomes very difficult and time-consuming. As a PAN card holder, you should take care while disclosing your PAN details to anyone. You must hand over only signed photocopies and try to reduce using PAN in all casual transactions as ID proof.

Phonetic PAN (PPAN):

The phonetic PAN (PPAN) is a new concept introduced to prevent a single PAN being allotted to more than one assessee with same or similar names. When PAN is allotted, the PPAN of the assessee is compared with the PPANs of all the assessees to whom PAN has been allotted in the country. A warning is sounded off if a matching PPAN is detected. A duplicate PPAN report is then generated. A new PAN can be allotted only if the Assessing Officer overrides this duplicate PPAN detection.

Thus the PAN is a key document today and even takes predominance over your name as far as the tax authorities are concerned. 
Source : The Economic Times. 28 Dec, 2012