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Monday, September 16, 2013

Postal JCA, Bhubaneswar comprising NFPE, FNPO and AIPEU GDS ( NFPE) submitted joint memorandum to the SSPOs, Bhubaneswar for redressal of pending issues

POSTAL  JOINT  COUNCIL  OF ACTION
National Federation of Postal Employees
Federation of National Postal Organizations
All India Postal Employees Union (GDS) NFPE
Bhubaneswar Divisional Branch, Bhubaneswar
To
The Senior Superintendent of Post Offices
Bhubaneswar Division
Bhubaneswar – 751 009          

No. PJCA-BBSR/01-09/2013,          Dated at Bhubaneswar the 11th September, 2013

Sub:-Memorandum for redressal of long pending problems of the staff members of Bhubaneswar Division and protest against anti-employee activities of Divisional administration.
Sir,
          We are constrained to intimate you that despite our repeated requests made personally, communicated through several correspondences and discussed officially in several monthly meetings for bringing suitable solutions to the following long pending issues of the postal employees of Bhubaneswar Division as a whole comprising, Group-C, Postman, MTS and GDS, no satisfactory action has yet been taken at your end which is highly unappreciable. Rather we have witnessed many arbitrary activities with prejudiced views and vindictive attitude hampering the interest and welfare of the staff members as a whole.
          Due to the sincere efforts of our staff members only, Bhubaneswar Division has always ranked  in procuring highest business in premium products,  highest number of PLI Policies, highest business in PLI sum assured and  in earning revenue on e-Payment etc. The shields and certificates received by the SSPOs in this regard will speak louder of the activities of the staff members of this Division. But most regretfully, while all the staff members are working hard and keeping the goodwill of this Division intact over years and bringing several awards for the Division, they are being exploited and their genuine demands are being avoided on some pleas or other for years together.
The inactions, delayed actions and irregular actions of the Divisional administration have been reviewed seriously by all the Divisional Unions federated with NFPE and FNPO including AIPEU GDS (NFPE) in a joint meeting on 01.09.2013 and a decision was taken for adopting a series of trade union activities under the banner of Postal Joint Council of Action, Bhubaneswar in front of the Divisional Office, Bhubaneswar for redressal of all the pending issues.
                As such, before we proceed further, we would like to sincerely request you to take immediate necessary steps for bringing suitable solutions of all the important pending issues by  30.09.2013 failing which all the employees of this Division will be forced to adopt trade union activities and any dislocation in postal works within the Division will be the sole responsibility of the Divisional administration. We earnestly desire to avoid such   unpleasant situation as it may adversely affect the efficiency and productivity of the Postal Services and may also put the public to inconvenience.

 If no reply is received by the above date, the Postal JCA will finalize the programme of the proposed trade union activities  to be undertaken and intimate accordingly.

A copy of the resolutions adopted unanimously by the Postal JCA, Bhubaneswar in its meeting dated 01.09.2013 on all important unsettled issues is enclosed here with for kind reference.

Hope, the  SSPOs, Bhubaneswar Division will come forward to take judicious decision in time so that peace, tranquility and better relationship among the Staff Side and administration shall remain unaffected.
         
Awaiting a favourable response.
         
       With regards.   
Encls.- As above
( Resolutions on local pending issues )

Yours faithfully,


( Bruhaspati Samal )
Secretary, AIPEU, Group-C, Bhubaneswar Division
&
Chairman, Postal JCA, Bhubaneswar

( S S Mohapatra )
Secretary, NAPE, Group-C
Bhubaneswar Division &
Vice-Chairman No. 1, Postal JCA, Bhubaneswar
( Sudhir Kumar Swain )
Secretary, AIPEU, Postman & MTS
Bhubaneswar Division &
Vice-Chairman No. 2, Postal JCA, Bhubaneswar


( Narayan Sahoo )
Secretary, NAPE, Postman & MTS
Bhubaneswar Division &
Vice-Chairman No. 3, Postal JCA, Bhubaneswar


( Ghanashyama Panda )
Secretary, AIPEU GDS ( NFPE)
Bhubaneswar Division
Vice-Chairman No. 4, Postal JCA, Bhubaneswar

Copy for kind information and necessary action :

1.   All Circle Secretaries of respective Unions/ Associations.
2.   All General Secretaries of respective Unions / Associations.
3.   The Secretary General, NFPE, New Delhi.
4.   The Secretary General, FNPO, New Delhi.
5.   All Divisional Secretaries of respective Unions / Associations in Bhubaneswar Division and JCA members
                                      
A.  Unanimous Resolutions adopted on unsettled local items:
 ( in the meeting dated 01.09.2013 of the Postal Joint Council of Action, Bhubaneswar Division comprising NFPE, FNPO & GDS Unions)
 
1.    Irregular deputation of permanent senior P As instead of L R P As :

It is frequently noticed that Division office is always disturbing permanent senior P As in the name of deputation while there are as many as 20 L R P As in the Division. The item has been discussed with the Divisional administration several times with assurance to look into the matter next time. But unfortunately, it is even noticed that senior P As are ordered by name for deputation to other offices while L R P As are working continuously in a particular seat without any disturbance. Such prejudiced activities of the Divisional administration is not only creating a difference amongst the officials of the same group but also creating an unhealthy atmosphere in the office.
Since L R P As are available to its full strength in Bhubaneswar Division, deputation orders need to be restricted to them only. Thus, the Divisional JCA unanimously resolved to demand before the SSPOs, Bhubaneswar Division for immediate stoppage of such irregular deputation orders in future.

2.    Attachment of excess hands in Divisional Office while P Os are running short:

It is the most unfortunate matter in Bhubaneswar Division that while post offices are running shortage of hands, the Divisional Office has kept attached as many as four hands in excess to its original sanctioned strength. While the SPMs / Postmasters are being forced to manage even the counter works with shortage of hands, excess PAs irregularly kept attached to Divisional Office are not deputed in emergency cases also which often invites unnecessary arguments in between the ASPOs / SSPOs and the concerned SPM/Postmaster requiring additional hands.
As such, the Divisional JCA unanimously resolved to demand before the SSPOs, Bhubaneswar Division for immediate return of the P As now attached to Divisional Office to their original establishments and to transfer the O As who have completed over tenure  in toto. Simultaneously, the JCA demands for ordering deputation of the P As attached to Divisional Office in excess of its establishment at the time of emergency.

3.    Misinterpretation of OT A rulings and non-sanction of OTA in favour of officials with GP Rs.4200/-

It has been categorically stated in DG (P) letterNo.10-7/2001-PE-II, dated 02.02.2011 that  no revised pay limit of Rs.2200/- has been fixed nor any such revised ceiling  of pay common to all employees can be uniformly applied for determining eligibility to perform work on OTA. Further , as stated in the said letter, consequent on implementation  of recommendations of 6th CPC, the Govt. has not communicated any decision  on upper pay limit for performing Over Time Allowance. Hence, under the prevalent rulings on OTA, the decision of SSPOs, Bhubaneswar not to sanction OTA to officials with Grade Pay Rs.4200/- is quite illegal and arbitrary and thus unappreciable.
As such, the Divisional JCA unanimously resolved to demand before the SSPOs, Bhubaneswar Division for immediate sanction of all pending OTA bills in favour of officials with GP Rs.4200/- who have already performed OT duty.

4.    Exploitation to officials with threat of disciplinary action/stoppage of duty pay etc and avoidance to subordinate establishments:

          Several instances have come to the notice of the Divisional JCA that the SSPOs is directly putting illegal pressure on the P As / SPMs / Postmasters with threatening of disciplinary action and stoppage of duty pay to work beyond normal office / working hours, to be relieved on deputation and to achieve the unachievable targets which can be illustrated as follows :
a.     While Sri Mangal Majhi ( now SPM, Odisha Assembly S O )  was officiating as SPM, Baramunda Colony, the SSPOs forced him to deliver a passport after office hours (at about 1900 hours) directly to the husband  of an addressee who had already used vulgar language to the delivery staff of Baramunda Colony S O for not delivering the passport to other than the addressee as per rules.
b.    Another unfortunate incident happened recently on 13.08.2013 with the staff members of Sahidnagar MDG who were forced by the SSPOs personally at about 15.40 hours (though the counter hour is up to 1500 hours) to book a bunch of SPAs tendered by a customer who abused the counter P As including the Postmaster with threatening taking the help of the SSPOs over telephone. While Sahidnagar MDG has the highest MPCM transactions next to Bhubaneswar GPO only because of the committed counter P As to earn revenue for the Department, they need to be protected at the time of need and not be discouraged taking biased views.
c.     Another monopolized activity of the SSPOs came into picture when he ordered stoppage of duty pay of as many as 56 low paid GDS employees arbitrarily during March-2013 because of non-achievement of unachievable targets given to them for procuring RPLI business and opening of S B Accounts.
d.    It is also witnessed that the SSPOs is often issuing instructions to the P As directly over the latter’s personal mobile phone without the knowledge of the concerned head of the office which expresses his autocratic attitude and carelessness towards the subordinate establishments.
e.     We have also experienced the avoidance of the SSPOs to protect his staff members even during the CBI raid on BJB Nagar S O for which Circle Office has also expressed concern.
          All the staff members now feel insecure to work under such administration which has failed to protect the interest of its employees on one hand and exploit with irregular orders and threatening on the other.
          As such, the Divisional JCA unanimously resolved to demand before the SSPOs, Bhubaneswar Division for stoppage of such illogical activities of the Divisional administration forthwith to establish a cordial atmosphere with good employer-employee relationship.

5.   No provision of Police Escort in cash van:

As it is aware, the only cash van is clearing / supplying cash from / to different post offices in huge amount beyond the line limit without police escort. After withdrawal of police forces by the State Govt. authority since 2005, unnecessary high risk has been thrown upon the staff related to cash conveyances. Despite several discussions for years together, no satisfactory progress is being observed till date. The poor postal employees are always working under apprehension of threat /robbery and the administration has remained a silent spectator to such unfortunate practice.
Thus, the Divisional JCA unanimously resolved to demand for immediate deployment of  police escorts in cash van of Bhubaneswar GPO.

6.    Irregular identification of posts of P A, Postman and MTS for abolition :

C O letter No. EST/14 – 33 / 05 – 08, dated 28 / 30.01.2013 issued in accordance with the Directorate’s letter No. 25 – 12 / 2008 – PE.I, dated 19.11.2012 has directed for abolition of the following numbers of posts from the establishment of Bhubaneswar Division with immediate effect.
2005
2006 – 2007
2008
PA
PM

SA
DR

PA
PM
Gr.D
SA
MM
SG
PA
PM
Gr.D
SA
MM
SG
02
02




02
14
08



02
02
01



PA = 06, Postman = 18 and Group- D = 8

It is known that, SSPOs, Bhubaneswar Division has already identified the posts to be abolished and submitted his report to Circle Office basing on wrong calculations. As we have experienced, the periodical establishment review is not being done in real and complete sense in Bhubaneswar Division to ascertain the justification of abolition or creation of posts. Under such circumstances, identifying posts for abolition without any calculation of work hour/staff hour justifications of the parent establishments is certainly whimsical and hypothetical. As known to the JCA, the distance factor of each and every beat has not been properly considered while collecting EST-3. Measuring of beats has been done most unscientifically without using either the cyclo-meters or foot-meters but applying their imaginary calculations. In this regard, though we had requested the SSPOs as per the decision of the Directorate and Circle head  to allow us for a discussion before taking a final decision on abolition, it is too unfortunate to say that neither our letter was acknowledged nor we were invited to have a discussion.

Condemning such attitude of the Divisional administration and registering  strong protest on such arbitrary decision of the SSPOs, the Divisional JCA unanimously resolved to demand for submission of revised EST-2 / EST-3 with correct figures and calculations to C O against the posts which have been identified unilaterally for abolition.

7.    Dequarterization of Post Offices below schedule of accommodation:

Bhubaneswar Division has many post offices having attached post quarters below the Schedule of Accommodation and completely in uninhabitable condition. We have been demanding continuously for dequarterization of all such Post offices. Though we have been able to dequarterize some P Os, many are yet to be done. It is quite surprising that the Department is doing monopoly in earning profit out of the pay of the officials since the rent paid to the private house owner is less than the HRA deducted from the concerned SPM/Postmaster of such uninhabitable and dilapidated post attached quarters where the staff members are compelled to stay bearing heavy financial losses which is too illogical and needs to be addressed at any cost. Balianta, Balipatna, Bamanal, Bangurigaon, Bhatpatna, Bhimatangi, Birtung, Brahmakundi, CRP Line, CSHB Colony, Gop, Harchandisahi, Kalpana Square, Lataharan, Mancheswar R C, Nayhat, Nuapalamhat, Samantarapur and VSS Nagar etc.  are such post offices with attached post quarters below the schedule of accommodation and uninhabitable due to zero maintenance either by the house owner or by the Department in spite of repeated requests by the incumbents and unions as well.
Thus, the Divisional JCA unanimously resolved to demand for immediate dequarterization of all such post offices.

8.    Provision of A C in Bhubaneswar GPO :

After removal of the defective ACs during Project Arrow since 2008, there is no provision of A C in Bhubaneswar GPO. The doors and windows which were earlier closed to suit the A C provision are still in the same condition as a result of which the staff members as well as the members of public  are suffering a lot with excessive heat. Instances are there when the customers have been seriously affected by the high speed fans moving inside the public place. The saree of a lady customer was twisted inside the fan some days ago which invited an offensive situation to cut the saree from its aanchal. We are sorry to say that this has happened in knowledge of the administration.

Thus, the Divisional JCA unanimously resolved to demand before the SSPOs, Bhubaneswar Division for  immediate installation of A Cs in Bhubaneswar GPO.

9.   Non-deployment of Arm Guards in BBSRGPO :

 Keeping in view the recent ongoing robberies in broad-day light  from banks and other cash counters in cities on one hand and considering the amount of  per day cash transactions  in Bhubaneswar GPO, we have given a proposal in 2006 to the administration for deployment of arm guards in the campus of and inside Bhubaneswar GPO. Due to our continuous pursuance,   the matter was discussed with the DPS (HQ) by the Circle Union on 16.11.2006 and as replied by the DPS(HQ), the matter would be referred to the Directorate since related to all India.  But since then, we are in dark on the progress of this issue.

Since the security aspect of  Bhubaneswar GPO in is danger, the Divisional JCA unanimously resolved to demand before the SSPOs, Bhubaneswar Division for arranging immediate deployment of Arm Guards in Bhubaneswar GPO.

10. Irregular joint custody of cash & valuables in BBSR GPO:

The  joint custody of cash, stamp and other valuables in Bhubaneswar GPO was initially  entrusted to the Sr. Postmaster having attached post quarters. But subsequently the responsibility was shifted to the Deputy Postmaster splitting his duty hours in two shifts. And now, the same has been attached with the duty of the APM (Mail) an  HSG-II post. When the limits of Cash Balance is fixed from minimum 60 (Sixty) Lakhs to maximum 90 ( Ninety ) Lakhs, the administration is deliberately shifting the responsibility downward with a definite intention to pressurize the subordinate operative officials.  

This Divisional JCA strongly opposes such attitude of the administration and demands that the responsibility of joint custody of cash, stamps and other valuables  in Bhubaneswar GPO may be given to the Sr. Postmaster having post attached quarters or to the Dy. Postmaster as before.

11. Supply of Postman sorting tables and chairs :

In spite of repeated discussions with the SSPOs, the damaged sorting tables are neither repaired nor new sorting tables are supplied to delivery offices. Similarly, the delivery staff are sitting in broken chairs in post offices.

Thus, the JCA demands for immediate supply of Postman Sorting Tables and Chairs to all delivery offices which has already been reported to the administration in several monthly meetings.

12. Problems of GDS employees :    

The GDS employees of Bhubaneswar Division are suffering always due to no action/delayed action of the Divisional administration to

a.            Fill up all  vacant GDS Posts in Bhubaneswar Division.
b.            Grant/Sanction of Combined Duty Allowance to GDS officials who are ordered to perform as such.
c.            Sanction of Office Maintenance Allowance of Rs.125/- to all BPMs  and where GDSMDs/GDSMCs are working as BPM and the regular incumbent are working against departmental vacancies.
d.            Immediate sanction of admissible TRCA to the substitutes of the GDS working against departmental vacancies.
e.            Timely sanction of paid leaves to all GDS
f.             Stoppage of TRCA in case of failure to achieve the targets assigned to them for RPLI and SB .

Condemning such attitude of the Divisional administration and registering  strong protest on such arbitrary decision of the SSPOs, the Divisional JCA unanimously resolved to demand for early solution of all the GDS problems.

13. Appointment of Full –Time Care-Takers in all Inspection Rooms :

There are 3 Inspection Rooms under Bhubaneswar Division at Ashokanagr MDG with 3 suits, at Sahidnagar MDG with 2 suits and at Konark S O with 2 suits. There are no regular care-taker in any of the 3 IRs and the work is being managed from the contingent sanctioned in favour of the concerned Postmaster / SPM only for 2 hours each. Since the IRs are remained packed often, the services of 3 regular care-takers in each IR is barely required to look after the occupants. While Ashoknagar IR is remained occupied always with trainees of WCTC, C O, Bhubaneswar, Sahidnagar IR and Konark I R  is occupied with families and VIPs of the Department  both from inside and outside Odisha Circle. Due to limited working hours of the care-takers, the concerned Postmasters are always in trouble to treat and serve properly the occupants. Several unpleasant situations have been reported both to Divisional Office and Circle Office regarding complaints from outsiders due to failure in proper treatment for the absence of the care-taker.

As such, the Divisional JCA unanimously resolved to demand for immediate appointment of 3 full-time care-takers in each Inspection Room under Bhubaneswar Division.

14. Issuance of clear order for managing the departmental vacancies:

It is being witnessed that when the daily wage arrangements made against the departmental vacancies of Postman and MTS posts are terminated due to completion of 90 / 180 days, no clear order is issued to the SPMs/Postmasters to manage the vacancies as a result of which the SPMs/Postmasters, only to avoid any dislocation in the delivery works are compelled to  manage the vacancies engaging outsiders on their own risk till further arrangements are made. This may cause future legal complicacies and the poor SPM / Postmaster may be taken in to task by the administration.

Thus, the Divisional JCA unanimously resolved to demand for issuance of a clear order to all concerned for managing such short term vacancies.

15. Non-holding of monthly union meetings at regular interval:

In spite of clear instructions from the Directorate and Circle Office, the monthly union meetings in Bhubaneswar Division are not being held regularly. During 2013, only 4 meetings are held so far ( in January , June, July & August )  which is too unfortunate. 
Thus, the Divisional JCA unanimously resolved to demand before the SSPOs, Bhubaneswar Division for holding of  regular monthly union meetings.

16. Incorrect / incomplete reply in the minutes of monthly union meetings & non-circulation of important orders to unions:

It is often witnessed that the replies given to the union during discussions in the monthly union meetings are changed in the minutes circulated to the respective unions. Items replied as referred to C O do not bear the Divisional Office letter No. and date for further pursuance by the unions through their Circle Unions. Without issuing any instructions to any concerned, coded replies are being given that “the issue is under examination”, “ASPOs/IP/ Sr. PM has been asked to submit report” etc. Similarly without reminding the concerned authorities, replies are being given that “ASPOs/IP/ Sr. PM has been reminded”, “ D O letter has been issued” etc. Had it been so, the replies might have been given with Divisional Office letter No. and date.

Another  unfortunate fact in Bhubaneswar Division is that important circulars on examination and staff welfare etc. are infrequently circulated to respective unions in spite of several discussions. 

Thus, the Divisional JCA unanimously resolved to demand before the SSPOs, Bhubaneswar Division for giving correct and complete reply in monthly union meetings and circulate all important circulars to all unions.

17. Grant of HRA at par with Bhubaneswar to Postal staff working at Balakati, Balianta and Bhatapatna SOs

          This very item has been rolling over years and now become an item of agenda bearing No-10-02/2013 in the RJCM Meeting held on 08-02-2013. This item has also been  further discussed in RJCM Meeting held on 19-08-2013. As per the minutes of the RJCM held on 19-08-2013, the dependency certificate from Collector Khurda is required from period from 01-04-2005 till current period for grant of HRA to Postal staff working in Balakati, Balianta & Bhatpatna SO and the case is still pending with SSPOs, Bhubaneswar.
          As such, the Divisional JCA unanimously resolved to demand before the SSPOs, Bhubaneswar Division for  immediate collection of the said dependency certificate for the required period from Collector, Khurda and submit to  Circle Office for  facilitating early payment of HRA to above staff members of Bhubaneswar Division

18.               Revision of norms for delivering different services assured to the members of public in the Citizen Charter

It is witnessed that the delivery norms of some services guaranteed to the members of public  under Citizen Charter of India Post vary with the norms displayed in the Citizen Charter boards supplied to different post offices in Bhubaneswar Division inviting unnecessary arguments in between the Counter P A and the Customers. Some variations are illustrated below for reference.
Sl. No.
Particulars of Service / Transaction
Service standards fixed under Citizen Charter displayed in India Post Website
Service standards displayed in Citizen Charter boards supplied to POs
1
Issue of Duplicate Pass Book
7 days
4 days
2
Booking of articles , Registered, Speed Post, Value Payable, Insured, Money Order, eMO, Premia Collection for PLI/RPLI, sale of forms and bill collection
5 minutes
2 minutes
3
Opening of Accounts
15 minutes
10 minutes
4
Issuance of Certificates
15 minutes
7 minutes
5
Discharge of Certificate
15 minutes
7 minutes
             Thus, the Divisional JCA unanimously resolved to request the Divisional administration for arranging  immediate correction of all the display boards containing Citizen Charter to maintain a healthy atmosphere in Post Offices.

19. Supply of good quality MPCM sticker to Post Offices :

The MPCM stickers now supplied to post offices are of substandard nature as a result of which the counter P As are consuming more time than  committed to the members of public under the Citizen Charter to perform a transaction in MPCM. Due to poor quality perforation, a piece of sticker is not being torn easily and causing damage to the side sticker as a result of which two stickers are lost instead of one per MPCM transaction and there by inviting unnecessary loss of stationery / Govt. revenue. The back-gumming is too poor to separate the sticker from the gum paper which consumes more time in disposing a customer. The side holes are too disproportionate to run in the tractor which is also causing unnecessary loss of stickers and affecting the printer also.
Thus , the Divisional JCA unanimously resolved to demand before the Divisional administration for  asking the supplier to withdraw these poor quality stickers and supply standard quality stickers eliminating the above problems so that prompt and proper service can be ensured to the members of public.

20. Problems with regard to cent percent delivery of articles:

          It is being experienced that the delivery staff of the Post Offices including P As and GDS are facing a lot of troubles in effecting cent percent delivery of articles received in bulk on the very day of their receipt. While this problem was / is continuing with heavy receipt of Aadhar Cards, now despatch of CTS-2010 cheques by banks to their customers has added salt to the injury. Both the administration and the officials know that such articles rushed to the post office in a day is impossible to be cleared on the same day. But nevertheless, the delivery staff are pressurized in this regard in the name of Project Arrow.
          As such, the Divisional JCA unanimously resolved to demand before the SSPOs, Bhubaneswar Division for issuing suitable guidelines and providing assistance to the grass root level staff so that such articles can be delivered in phased manner without hampering the image of the Department.


( Bruhaspati Samal )
Secretary, AIPEU, Group-C
Bhubaneswar Division
&
Chairman, Postal JCA, Bhubaneswar

( S S Mohapatra )
Secretary, NAPE, Group-C
Bhubaneswar Division &
( Sudhir Kumar Swain )
Secretary, AIPEU, Postman & MTS
Bhubaneswar Division &
Vice-Chairman No. 1, Postal JCA, Bhubaneswar


( Narayan Sahoo )
Secretary, NAPE, Postman & MTS
Bhubaneswar Division &
Vice-Chairman No. 2, Postal JCA, Bhubaneswar


( Ghanashyama Panda )
Secretary, AIPEU GDS ( NFPE)
Bhubaneswar Division
Vice-Chairman No. 3, Postal JCA, Bhubaneswar
                                                   

Vice-Chairman No. 4, Postal JCA, Bhubaneswar



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