Confirmation Examination of PO/RMS/RLO/PSD & MMS Assistants to be held on 22-5-2011 (Sunday) 10.00 hours to 13.00 hours.

Department of Posts : India

Office of the Chief Postmaster General,

Orissa Circle, Bhubaneswar- 751001.

CORRIGENDUM

No. RE/30-14/May’ 2011                 Dated at Bhubaneswar the 25^th April, 2011.

To

            The PMG : Berhampur(Gm)/ Sambalpur Region.

            All SSPOs/ SPOs in Odisha Circle.

            The SSRM, RMS ‘N’ Division, Cuttack.

            The SRM : ‘BG’ Dn., Berhampur/ ‘K’ Dn., Jharsuguda.

            The Supdt. PSD : Bhubaneswar/ Sambalpur.

            The Supdt. CSD : Bhubaneswar.

Sub :   Confirmation Examination of PO/RMS/RLO/PSD & MMS Assistants       to be held on 22-5-2011 (Sunday) 10.00 hours to 13.00 hours.

            Kindly refer C.O. letter of even number dated 18^th April, 2011, the timing for Confirmation Examination to be held on 22-5-2011 as mentioned in the subject of the letter may kindly be read as 10.00 hour to 13.00 hour in place of 1.00 to 11.00 hours.

 ( S.K.Mohapatra )

Asst. Director (Recruitment)

For Chief Postmaster General,

Orissa Circle, Bhubaneswar -1.

PNA threatens to stop postal exchange, citing Israeli restrictions

A Palestinian minister on Tuesday threatened to stop postal exchange with the world, accusing Israel of not respecting an agreement the two sides reached in 2008, Xinhua reported.

Mash'hour Abu Daqqa, the communication minister, said that Israel is not committed to the tax deduction and clearing mechanism and deals unilaterally with financial issues related to the mail exchange.

Israel also opens packages and consignments for checking, the minister said.

"This policy distorts the image of Palestinian post and causes monthly losses of 200,000 U.S. dollars," Abu Daqqa told the Ramallah-based Al-Hayyat Al-Jadeeda newspaper.

The minister did not say when the Palestinian National Authority will stop postal exchange through Israel.

In 2008, Israel and the PNA agreed on direct mail exchanges, in which the Palestinians would be able to send and receive mails from the 191 member countries of the United Nations Universal Postal Union (UPU) through Jordan.

Source:Trend, 19.04.2011

Global Postal Security: UN Advocates More Balanced Approach

The United Nations Universal Postal Union (UPU) has stressed the need to ensure that security measures do not hamper the movement of mail or undermine the growth of the postal sector, after a group of experts met to discuss safety standards in the industry.

The meeting of the UPU committee comprising postal operators and international organisations was prompted by the introduction last November of new security measures by the United States Transportation Security Agency (TSA) for US-bound international mail after two bomb packages from Yemen were intercepted in October.

The measures forced the national postal services of UPU member countries to change their operational procedures overnight, according to a news release issued by the agency after last week’s meeting.

Some postal services stopped accepting or delayed US-bound mail items and faced higher transportation costs and the shutdown of major mail transit hubs, causing mail backlogs around the world.

The Director General of the UPU, Edouard Dayan, said he fully understands the need for heightened security, but noted that permanent security measures could cause problems if they compromise the principles of freedom of transit and a universal postal service.

“Security concerns should not restrict Posts’ ability to move the mail and the sector’s future growth,” stated Mr. Dayan, who recently met with the head of the TSA to discuss the issue. “A better understanding of the postal business and a balanced approach to security are required.”

The UPU has worked with the TSA to relax the measures for low-risk mail. While some countries resumed full service at the end of March and early April, others are still experiencing mail blockages or delays.

Fuelled by e-commerce and trade expansion, postal services saw their express and parcel volumes rise by more than 15 per cent in 2010 compared to 2009, according to research carried out by UPU. In addition, postal services worldwide send more than 418 million letters, packages and express mail pieces to the US every year.

“It is essential to work together at the international level to define global standards in this area that apply to all actors rather than having individual countries or supranational bodies setting standards for everyone,” said Mr. Dayan.

The recommendations from last week’s meeting of the UPU inter-committee security group, which took place at the agency’s headquarters in Berne, Switzerland, are expected by the end of the year.

Source: The Day Live

Review of Alternative/Franchisee Schemes – Rename of ‘Franchisee Outlets’ as ‘Postal Shopees’ – Regarding comments thereon

No. 40-28/2010-Plg.

Government of India

Ministry of Communications & IT

Department of Posts(Planning Division)

Dak Bhawan, New Delhi – 01

Dated – 04.04.2011

To

All HoCs
[except Maharashtra]

Subject: Review of Alternative/Franchisee Schemes – Rename of ‘Franchisee Outlets’ as ‘Postal Shopees’ – Regarding comments thereon.

Sir/Madam,

I am directed to say that Directorate is in the process of review of the alternative/franchisee schemes to formulate a consolidated/comprehensive scheme [for urban areas] to make it more attractive/remunerative to the franchisees. In this connection, all the Circles were requested to furnish their comments/suggestions on the proposed review of the schemes. The Maharashtra Circle has given one of the suggestions that ‘Franchisee Outlets’ be renamed as ‘Postal Shopee’ as public are not aware of the word franchisee. You are requested to kindly furnish you comments on the proposed change of name whether it is suitable/acceptable. If not, a suitable name may be suggested and communicate the same to this Directorate by 15th April, 2011. If no reply is received from your circle within the aforesaid time, it will be presumed that the proposed change is acceptable.

Yours faithfully,

(Sunil Kumar Biswas)

ADG (Planning)

Syllabus for Departmental Examination in respect of Sr. PM (PM Cadre) & PS Gr. ‘B’

Dear Comrades,

The copy of Postal Directorate Letter no. 9-59/2010-SPG dated 21-04-2011 is reproduced below:-

Subject:   Syllabus for Departmental Examination in respect of Sr. PM (PM Cadre) & PS Gr. ‘B’
Sir/ Madam,

This is in continuation of earlier letter of even no. dated 08-03-2011 on the subject mentioned above. Following entries are being revised in respect of Sl. No. 4 & 5 regarding Paper I of PS Gr. "B" as well as Sr. PM Examination.

Changes Made at	Revised Entries
Sl. No. 4	Total Duration of the test will remain 3 (three) hours
Sl. No. 5	(i) Total Number of MCQ type Questions = 125 (100 Questions on issues relating to the Department and 25 Questions on Current Affairs) (ii) Each Question of 2 marks  (iii) One separate Question on 'Paragraph Writing' of 50 marks. Two Paragraphs of 25 marks and 200 words each are to be written.

2. Aforesaid clarification may be brought to the notice of all concerned.

Sd/-

B.P.Sridevi 

Director (Staff)

Clarification regarding fresh empanelment of private hospitals and revision of package rates applicable under CGHS:

To view the complete order issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, please click on:http://mohfw.nic.in/writereaddata/cghsdata/mainlinkfile/File381.pdf

Flat Rate Parcel Boxes:

India Post offers high quality corrugated boxes under Flat Rate Parcel Service.  Flat Rate Parcel Service ensures safe and secure delivery of consignments for any destination in India.  Taking all the efforts and worry away from the customers, Flat Rate Parcel delivers convenience and trustworthiness.  The service is suitable for domestic and business needs.  Flat Rate Parcels are transmitted by air to provide faster and efficient delivery of parcels.

Since its inception, India Post focused on enhancing the customer experience and convenience.  As a part of this endeavor, it has added this reliable, fast and economical service to its service portfolio.  Flat Rate Parcel is value for money that offers the best distribution solution to its customers. 

Affordable

Flat Rate Parcel is easy and economical.  It will provide an added convenience to the customers by offering them Flat Rate Parcel boxes in different weight slabs as per their requirements.

Secure

Flat Rate Parcel assures safe delivery of your parcels.  Our secure dispatch and delivery solutions are coupled with our comprehensive nationwide network.  We provide our customers with real competitive advantage.

Flat Rate Parcel Features

·         Flat Rate Parcel is an air express service which includes high quality boxes as part of postage charges.

·         One India One Rate – Delivery anywhere in India

·         It’s easier, economical, faster, efficient and reliable.

·         Enhancing convenience with readily available high quality corrugate packaging material.  It’s hassle-free to pack and dispatch.

Flat Rate Parcel TariffFlat Rate Parcel Boxes size	Dimension of boxes       (in mm)	Weight (in Kg.)	Domestic Tariff (in Rs.)	International Tariff (in Rs.)
Small- S	250x50x300	0 to 1 Kg	125/-	1000/-
Medium- M	250x100x300	Above 1 to 2.5 Kg	200/-	1500/-
Large- L	300x250x200	Above 2.5 to 5 Kg	400/-	2500/-

This was informed at a customer & press meet organized at Indraprastha Head Post Office, New Delhi here today through SSPOs, New Delhi Central Division. 

PIB Release , April 23, 2011

Discount on gold coin awaits you:

PATNA: If you are one of those who prefer gold as an investment, here is some interesting news for you. On the occasion of 'Akshaya Tritiya', which falls on May 6, postal department will offer for sale 24-carat gold coins at a discount. This offer would be available at 10 post offices in the state from May 1. This special discount would be valid till May-end.

The 10 post offices selected for the purpose are Patna GPO, Bankipore, Patliputra (both in Patna), Bhagalpur, Siwan, Gopalganj, Chhapra, Nalanda, Muzaffarpur and Gaya. These post offices will remain open on the day of 'Akshaya Tritiya'.

A 5% discount will be given to the general public and 6% to government employees (identity proof would be required) who buy gold coins from the post offices during this period.

The department has tied up with Reliance Money for the sale of these gold coins, which will come with tamper-proof packaging and have a sealed cover along with certification from International Gold Council, Switzerland, for 24-carat purity.

These coins will be available in different weights - 0.5 gm, 1 gm, 2 gms and 10 gms - with a India Post logo. The cost of the coin will depend on the price of gold prevalent on the day of sale. Credit cards would not be accepted for payment - either cash or demand draft in the name of department would be required.

"It is a beneficial venture of the postal department, as we would be earning a commission of 2% on sales," said director (marketing), postal department, Anil Kumar.

Earlier, the department had introduced the sale of gold coins at Patna GPO and Bankipore post office in 2008 on an experimental basis.

Source: The Times of India, April 22, 2011

Blue Dart Exp.: Indian postal dept. should learn from it:

            Blue Dart Express was most recently in the news on the strength of rumours that the foreign management is buying back the publicly listed shares of the company and delisting the company from the Indian bourses. It was in 2005 that DHL Express acquired management control by buying 81% of the equity of Blue Dart Couriers from the original three Indian promoters. Some three years earlier in 2002 the majority stake in DHL the American courier company was acquired by Deutsche Post, the German giant, and the company was in turn renamed as DHL Express. (DHL is the acronym of the surnames of the three original founders). The 81% stake in the company is currently held by DHL Express (Singapore) Pte Ltd. The company was incorporated in 1983 and has to date completed 27 years of existence, though it has only led to the presentation of the 20th annual report of the company.

          Blue Dart Express is today South Asia's number one express air and integrated transportation, distribution, and logistics management company. It claims that it commands a 40.1% market share in the domestic air express industry. In the 'ground segment' the company has garnered a market share of 8.5%. The management states that this market dominance did not happen by chance. It has made huge investments in building an infrastructure that is unparalleled in the entire South Asia region - across the vast Indian geography and beyond. It has a fleet of 7 Boeing aircraft, thousands of vehicles, several hundred facilities, and over 6,000 staff. At end December, 2010 it boasted a gross block of Rs 3.3 bn. This included Rs 396 m worth of freehold land, Rs 30 m worth of goodwill and Rs 856 m worth of aircraft and components. (Whether it owns these aircraft outright or whether the associate company Blue Dart Aviation also has a large finger in this pie is not clear.) Barring the aircraft, it is really not all that capital intensive.

         The interesting point to note here is that the accumulated depreciation was as high as 50% of the depreciable gross block as at end December 2010. Needless to add it is highly human recourses intensive - with an emoluments bill of Rs 1.5 bn for the latest completed year. This expenditure grew by 10% over that of the preceding year. The exact number of staff that it employs is not known, but assuming HR strength of say 6,100, it works out to an average employee payout of Rs 244,000 per year. Its biggest asset, really, is putting in place its superior logistics management capabilities through the harnessing of its HR skills, and in the ensuing dexterity of its funds management, which has enabled the company to be debt free.

On a roll

           The company is definitely on the roll, what with the 'income from operations' growing 72% compounded from Rs 6.7 bn to Rs 11.5 bn between the base year 2006 and 2010. With total income (including other income) growing at the same pace, the pre-tax profit and the post tax profit grew 80% and 88% respectively. More significantly, the turnover from operations grew by 26.7% to Rs 11.5 bn in 2010, compared to Rs 905 m recorded in the preceding year, with the business operations netting a pre-tax margin of 12.2% (Rs 1.4 bn) against 10.2% (Rs 930 m) that it recorded previously. With the tax provision maintained at a uniform 33% of pre-tax profits for both years, the post tax profit grew 55% to Rs 943 m. For whatever reason, the company is very miserly when turning on the dividend spigot. The payout on this score as a percentage of post tax profits (excluding dividend tax) was a very minuscule 2.5% (Rs 23.7 m) against 3.9% (Rs 23.7 m) previously. (This is also another very good reason why the company is debt free.)

Shareholder rewards not expressly implied

            What is however coming across very clearly is that the company does not have a well defined dividend issue policy or even a bonus issue policy in place. For not only is the company miserly when it comes to sharing its cash dividend tidings with its shareholders (especially given that the German parent has such a humungous holding in the company, or is it because of this reason?) it is just as diffident when it comes to the matter of the issue of 'free shares'. Against a paid up equity capital base of Rs 237 m, the accumulated reserves were in excess of Rs 5 bn. The interesting aspect here is that the accretion of this paid up equity over the years is in itself largely due to the capitalisation of free reserves. Bonus shares account for 74% of the paid up equity, but this may have happened prior to the management having changed hands.

            The lack of clarity on such basic matters of paramount importance to its shareholders is even more surprising as the management claims that the basic philosophy of Corporate Governance at Blue Dart is to achieve business excellence and to create and enhance the value for its shareholders, customers, employees and business associates.

Cash rich with minimal investment options

           With a lot of loose cash lying around the company has parked Rs 762 m into readily encashable debt instruments at year end. It has also invested Rs 14.6 m in the equity of a wholly owned subsidiary Concorde Air Logistics Ltd, and Rs 183 m in the equity of an associate Blue Dart Aviation Ltd, in which it has a 49% stake. Why did it limit its holding to 49%, and who holds the balance 51% please? The shares in the subsidiary with a face value of Rs 10 each was acquired at Rs 133 per share, while the shares in the associate with a similar face value were acquired at Rs 15.6 per share. Why did the management pay such an astronomical premium to acquire the shares in the subsidiary, or even pay the 51% premium on the face value to acquire the shares in the associate? It has also advanced a loan of Rs 1.1 bn to the associate, and paid an amount of Rs 215 m as aircraft payload deposit on its behalf (which in all probability is an inter-corporate deposit). Thus the total sum paid up upfront for Blue Dart Aviation is Rs 1.5 bn.

          The dividend income from its debt fund holdings aggregated to Rs 33 m, while it earned not a dime from its group investments. It also made a play by buying and selling securities worth a humungous Rs 19.8 bn during the year, but what it earned in the bargain is not readily discernable, as any income arising from this exercise has not been separately documented. It has earned its tithes from the loan that it has advanced to its associate as also on the inter-corporate deposit that it advanced to it. But when this capital investment will see any dividend inflows, or some such, is another ball game altogether.

The subsidiary muddle

        The subsidiary Concorde Air Logistics, for which it paid out top dollar, is a pipsqueak by any reckoning. The wonder is that it sees value in owning such a company. The bulk of its piggly wiggly fixed assets consist of goodwill- period. It is engaged in the business of clearing and forwarding of time sensitive air cargo packages. So the volume of business that it can chalk up here is limited per se. It earns its bread under two heads - services and commission. Why such a breakup? The total income that it logged in for the 12 months ended December 2010 was Rs 25 m. In this top line get up, services income accounted for a little over 60%, with commissions bringing in the balance. There is also some marginal 'other income'. It scraped through with a profit after tax of Rs 1.7 m (Rs 2.2 m previously). It may be noted that the vast bulk of its depreciation of Rs 1.8 m is on account of amortisation of the balance goodwill showing in its books. It also bought and sold mutual fund investments to the tune of Rs 99 m during the year, but does not appear to have made any money on revenue account in the process.

        In spite of pushing time bound cargo, the company has to extend a large credit line to the users of its services. Trade debtor dues at year end accounted for 54% of all services/ commission income, against a phenomenal 95% in the preceding year. What type of credit extension is this to garner business under such a niche head of account? The point is that it doles out much less credit for its regular business. So what is going on here? The associate company Blue Dart Aviation appears to making some minor profits. The company's 49% stake in the equity earned it a profit of Rs 450,000 during 2010.

       The company has got a spate of fellow subsidiaries, which sport such names of DHL Express (India) Pvt Ltd, DHL Lemuir Logistics Pvt Ltd, and Skyline Air Logistics Limited. These are all companies incorporated in India and are operating in the India orbit and they look like they are all operating in the same line of business that Blue Dart is in. It will help if the management of Blue Dart can shed some light on what these worthies are up to and what incomes they ring up, and how they complement or compete with the listed entity.  ……….

Source: equitymaster.com

Circle office, Bhubaneswar called for willingness from eligible officials of Orissa Circle for appointment to Postmaster Cadre:

Department of Posts: India

Office of the Chief Postmaster General

Orissa Circle, Bhubaneswar – 751 001

No. ST/26-26/2010

19.04.2011

To

1.      The PMG, Sambalpur/Berhampur Region

2.      All SSPOs/SPOs in  Orissa Circle

3.      The SSRM  N Division/SRMs in Orissa Circle

4.      The DA (P), Cuttack-4

5.      The Manager, Postal Printing Press, Bhubaneswar

6.      The Supdt. PSD/CSD, Bhubaneswar

7.      The Supdt. PSD, Sambalpur

               

Sub:         Introduction of Postmaster cadre in Postal Wing  and invitation of option/application from willing eligible applicant for appointment in the post of Grade –I,II and III Postmaster of the Circle.

Ref:         DG (Post) letter no. 4-17/2008-SPB-II dtd. 22.11.2010 forwarded under CO letter no. EST/1-106/Ruling/2010 dtd.30.11.2010, CO letter no. ST/26-26/2010 dtd. 15.12.2010

                I am directed to request you to call for the option/ application with bio data from the willing  officials holding the post in the equivalent grade  for appointment as Postmaster Grade-I/II/III respectively. While inviting for the application for the said post it may be categorically stated that:

1.      Once an official submits his application he will not be allowed to withdraw the same.

2.      Officials who are still left with at least two years of service to retire may only apply in order to avoid their dislocation at the fag end of their service.

3.      In the event of their appointment as Postmaster their further career progression will be in the hierarchy in the Postmaster cadre only as per the provisions in the relevant Recruitment Rules  and not in the general lines.

The last date of receipt of option/application along with bio data in this office is fixed    25.04.2011.

You are requested to follow all the instruction noted in Directorate letter stated above and take necessary action to send option/application received from official duly checked with up to date ACR, Special Report with Disc/ Vig. Clearance  report, Service Book so as to reach this office by 25.04.2011.

( A.K.Panda)

Officer on  Special Duty

O/o the Chief Postmaster General

Orissa Circle, Bhubaneswar-751 001

UPLOADING OF VARIOUS CIRCULARS ISSUED BY THE RECRUITMENT DIVISION (DEPARTMENT OF POSTS DE SECTION)

To view all orders , please click on: https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B0qN9HZjBy9XOTZmOTNlM2QtMjE0Yi00ZmVmLWIyNGYtYjVkYjY2M2VmZTll&hl=en

Limited Departmental Competitive Examination ( LGO ) , 2011 for the vacancies of the year 2011 for promotion to the cadre of Postal / Sorting Assistants to be held on 29th May, 2011 - Corrigendum issued:

Clarification on upper pay limit for performing work on Over Time Allowance:

Charter of Demands submitted to Secy. ( Posts ) in connection with Indefinite Strike from 05.07.2011:

MASSIVE DEMONSTRATION IN FRONT OF DAK BHAWAN, NEW DELHI

CHARTER OF DEMANDS SUBMITTED TO SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF POSTS

INDEFINITE STRIKE FROM 5TH JULY 2011

As per the call given by the Central JCA (NFPE, FNPO & GDS Unions) a massive demonstration took place in front of Postal Directorate (Dak Bhawan) New Delhi today (20.04.2011). About 1000 Postal & RMS Employees from Delhi Circle participated in the demonstration. After the demonstration a meeting was held in front of Dak Bhawan. Com. D. Kishan Rao, General Secretary, PIII FNPO welcomed the gathering. Com. K. V. Sridharan, General Secretary, P3, NFPE & Leader JCM (Staff Side) presided over the meeting. Com. M. Krishnan, Secretary General, NFPE, Com. D. Theagarajan, Secretary General, FNPO, Com. Giriraj Singh, General Secretary, R3 , NFPE, Com. Ishwar Singh Dabas, General Secretary, P4, NFPE, Com. Pranab Bhattacharjee, General Secretary, Admn. NFPE Com. P. Suresh, General Secretary, R4, NFPE, Com. A. H. Siddique, General Secretary, R4, FNPO Com. Chawan, Dy. General Secretary, Postal Accounts, Com. Rajender Diwakar, Treasurer CHQ GDS addressed the meeting. Com. R. N. Parashar, Asst. Secretary General, NFPE offered vote of thanks.

After the demonstration and meeting, the JCA leaders submitted the joint memorandum to the Secretary, Department of Posts.

CENTRAL JCA MEETING HELD ON 20.04.2011

INTENSIVE CAMPAIGN PROGRAMME PLANNED

JOINT ALL INDIA CONVENTION OF CIRCLE SECRETARIES (NFPE, FNPO, GDS UNIONS)

AT CHENNAI ON 19.06.2011

As decided in the last meeting, the Central JCA met today (20.04.2011) at New Delhi and reviewed the preparations so far made for making the agitational programmes a grand success. JCA leaders are very much impressed with the large scale participation of employees in the demonstration held in front of Dak Bhawan on 20.04.2011. The Central JCA congratulated the employees of Delhi Circle for making the programme a grand success. JCA also congratulated the Postal & RMS employees including GDS through out the country for effectively implementing the programme of demonstration and submission of memorandum programme in all circles and Divisions.

After detailed discussion the Central JCA decided to intensify the campaign programmes by reaching out to each and every employee. The following decisions are taken.

1.      The strike from July 5^th will be indefinite.

2.       Under no circumstances the strike will be deferred or withdrawn, unless a favourable settlement on major demands takes place, especially on policy offensives.

3.       Joint State/Circle level convention of Divisional secretaries of JCA (NFPE, FNPO, GDS Unions) will be held in the month of May 2011. Dates of the Circle level conventions finalized will be published in the websites within two days.

4.       An All India Joint convention of all Circle Secretaries of NFPE, FNPO and GDS Unions of all Circles will be held at Chennai (Tamilnadu) on 19.06.2011 (19^th June 2011) Sunday. All Circle Secretaries should attend the All India convention without fail. Up and down tickets should be booked immediately. Delegate fee is Rs.600/- (Rs. Six hundred only) per head. The Reception Committee will make all arrangements for one day stay (accommodation) and food. Com. D. Theagarajan, Secretary General FNPO and Com. K. V. Sridharan, General Secretary P3 NFPE and Leader JCM staff side will be in charge of the reception committee.

5.       All out effort should be made by all Circle/Divisional Secretaries to make the 25^th May 2011 mass Dharna a grand success. Similarly the joint Circle Conventions should also be made grand success by the JCA leaders.

Courtesy: NFPE