The 'Flying Swan' that keeps the Indian soldier connected to his family

KOLKATA: In this day of internet and smartphones, there are some who still wait eagerly for that inland letter or envelope from home, marked with their names, unit details and C/O 56 or 99 APO.

These are the Indian Army jawans posted at remote outposts, where in some cases, the only means of communication are air-drops or mule trains.

While the role of combat soldier involves a certain degree of glamour, few are aware of the units that help in keeping him in a state of readyness.

One such unit is the Army Postal Service (APS) which celebrated its 42nd Raising Day on Friday. The APS, through its two Central Base Post Offices (CBPOs) — one of which is in Kolkata — plays the very important role of keeping the jawan connected to his family in a remote village, several thousand miles away. It is that one letter that can make the day for a soldier braving all odds in sub-zero temperatures on a feature along the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh or Sikkim.

56 and 99 APO are the two CBPOs operating out of New Delhi and Kolkata.

Between the two, the entire postal needs of the armed forces and the few other ancillary paramilitary organisations get taken care of.

Subsequent to the victory over Japan by Allied forces in August 1945, the 'Indian Army Postal Service' as it was then known, began the process of disbanding all its existing 137 Field Post offices (FPOs).

56 FPO, which was raised in Secunderabad on June 30, 1941, was the last FPO awaiting disbandment.

Having just returned from Iwakuni, the British Commonwealth Occupation Force Air Base in Japan, it was however, left unscathed. Redesignated on October 24, 1947, with a new coded security address "C/O 56 APO", it began as the new base sorting office in New Delhi to serve the postal needs of troops at Punjab and J&K, as a consequence of the Pakistani raiders' invasion on October 20, 1947.

Meanwhile, "C/O 99 APO" came into being as the coded security address for all formations in the eastern theatre including all the eight north-eastern states, West Bengal and the Andaman group of islands with the raising of 2 CBPO on April 1, 1964. It addresses all its postal operations through its network of nearly 130 FPOs. Since then, this unit which adopted the 'flying swan' — the mythical carrier of messages in several Indian epics, including the Mahabharata — as its emblem with the motto "Mel Milap" has kept the soldier in the frontline connected to his family.

Contrary to perceptions that cellular connectivity and internet must be denting the mail volume in present times, statistics indicate that it has in fact risen steadily.Brigadier (APS) at Eastern Command, B Chandrasekhar, ascribes this phenomenon to the rise in the volume of official and business mail.

Amplifying further, Col Akhilesh Pandey, Commandant No 2 CBPO says, "The mails from various service providers such as financial institutions including banks, insurance and investment companies, towards their business transactions are on the rise. The services also extensively use the 'Scheduled Despatch Services' (SDS) for despatch of all their secure official mail."

The organisation that is manned by volunteer officers drawn from the Indian Postal Service on deputation, together with three-fourth of its personnel drawn from the Postal Department, is constantly evolving newer 'value-added services' to retain their trusted clientele base, the Indian soldier who knows that he can always be reached by his family, however remote or classified his location, so long as the 'Flying Swan' is in charge. 

Source : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Govt to launch website for e-postal order by March end

NEW DELHI; A website to help Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to pay the fee for filing RTI applications through e-postal order is all set to be launched by this month end.

The website will have an option for NRIs to pay the fee of Rs 10 via credit or debit cards to the government while exercising their Right to Information, official sources said.

The Department of Personnel and Training, which act as a nodal agency for the implementation of the RTI Act, has worked out all the modalities along with the Department of Posts for the purpose, they said. The facility, which is likely to be made online by this month end, will also be extended for citizens living across the country, the sources said.

The DoPT has already floated a tender for an RTI call centre and website project which will help an applicant to file applications online under the transparency law and receive the response. 

Source : http://economictimes.indiatimes.com

President Released Commemorative Stamp on Bicentenary of 3rd Battalion Parachute Regiment (Special Forces)

 The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee released a Commemorative Stamp on the occasion of Bicentenary celebrations of the 3rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) at a function today (02.03.2013)at Rashtrapati Bhavan New Delhi.

The Stamp has been released in honour of the significant contribution made by the Force in ensuring the security of the nation and to inspire its men to tackle challenges which have in the past and will in the future continue to bring glory to the nation. Among the dignitaries present on the occasion were Union Defence Minister, Chief of Army Staff along with Secretary, Department of Posts.

The history of the Indian Paratroopers dates back to October 1941 when 50 Indian Parachute Brigade was raised in Delhi. The Paratroopers proved their mettle in Sangshak and Elephant Point during World War II. They were later expanded to form 44 Indian Airborne Division (later 2 Indian Airborne Division), comprising of 50 Indian PARA, 77 Indian PARA and 14 Air Landing Brigades. In the post independence restructuring, the Indian government only retained one Parachute Brigade, i.e 50 Independent Parachute Brigade. This brigade comprised of three distinguished battalions personally nominated by the then C-in-C, namely 1 PARA (Punjab), 2 PARA (Maratha) and 3 PARA (Kumaon). During J&K operations of 1947-48 these battalions had distinguished themselves with glory in the battles of Shelatang, Naushera, Jhangar and Poonch, wherein they were awarded the respective Battle Honours.

On 15 April 1952, the three battalions serving with the Parachute Brigade were taken away from their respective Infantry Regiments to form the Parachute Regiment. Since then the Parachute Regiment has grown to comprise ten battalions including Parachute (Special Forces) battalions. In that while, 8 PARA became a Mechanised Infantry Battalion, 21 PARA (Special Force) joined us from Maratha LI. During their short but eventful existance so far, battalions of the regiment have had extensive operational experience and singular achievements to speak of their level of professionalism.

Parachute battalions employed in the Counter Insurgency role, both in North East and J&K, have performed commendably, earning eleven COAS Unit Citations. In these operations, the Ashok Chakra, nations highest gallantry award in peace, has been awarded postumously to Capt Arun Jasrotia, SM (1996), Major Sudhir Kumar Walia SM * (2000) and Ptr Sanjog Chhetri (2003). Their unit 9 PARA (SF) has been conferred the “Bravest of the Brave” honour in 2001.

In 1999 nine out of ten Parachute battalions were deployed for OP Vijay in Kargil, which bears testimony to the operational profile of the Regiment. While the Parachute Brigade cleared the Mushkoh Valley intrustions, 5 PARA was actively involved in the forgotten sector Batalik, where it exhibited great courage and tenacity, and was awarded the COAS Unit Citation.

Calls of international peacekeeping have taken Parachute units to Korea (1953-54), Gaza (1956-58) and Sierra Lone (2000). The latter was a daring rescue mission conducted by the 2 PARA (SF) meanfully.

Courtesy : http://philamirror.info/2013/03/02/india-post-will-issue-stamp-on-3-para-today/

Editorial of Bhartiya Post - March-2013 : All Roads Lead to Thiruvanthapuram, Kerala

 

Circular from AIPEU NFPE (GDS)

 

Didi's 'reform' move runs into wall

KOLKATA: One of the key "reforms" in the transport sector - sending licences to applicants by registered post - came to an abrupt end with the Mamata Banerjee government deciding to revert to the old system of distributing licences from the regional transport offices (RTOs).

On behalf of the government, transport minister Madan Mitra defended the U-turn, saying: "We had to reintroduce the old system because the new one led to complexities." He blamed the "ill-equipped" postal department for poor implementation of the licence-by-post system, which was introduced only a year ago to verify the addresses and more importantly, end the middle-men era.

The notification for doing away with the system of sending driving licences to residences of applicants was issued earlier this week, much to the surprise of transport department officials.

"Hundreds of driving licences have been redirected to the RTOs since the applicants were not available at the given addresses. What are we supposed to do with all these smart-cards? The system would have worked had there been adequate back-up. The Indian postal system is hardly equipped for implementation of modern methods," he said.

According to sources, the transport department has so far posted around 64,000 licences. Of these, around 8,000 smart cards couldn't be delivered since the applicant was not there to receive his or her licence.

The transport minister insisted that driving licences shouldn't be compared with passports that are home-delivered too. "There is a huge difference between a passport-holder and a driving-licence holder. Many of the applicants don't have a proper home to live. Some times, a pavement dweller applies for a driving licence to eke out a living. How can we deliver his licence if he doesn't pick it up himself?" As an after-thought, Mitra added: "Those who want their licences home-delivered should apply to us and we shall consider their request."

It may be noted that the introduction of the new system had brought relief to officials, who would watch helplessly "agents" flourish at the RTOs, as well as the applicants, for whom it meant an end to standing in serpentine queues at the RTOs.

It is not clear if the government has buckled under the pressure of the Bengal Taxi Association, which had pleaded on behalf of taxi-drivers from other states and without permanent addresses, to reconsider its decision to continue with the latest system.

Source : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Reclassification of posts of Senior Accountants as Group-B (Non-Gazetted)

Budget 2013: India post finds CBS proposal as a great developmental step

 NEW DELHI: Union Budget of 2013-14 has come with a major development proposition for India post. Not only postal department big shots, but even small postal service agents are also happy with the announcement of Finance Minister.

"Government has initiated an ambitious IT driven project to modernize the postal network at a cost of Rs. 4,909 crore. Post offices will become part of the core banking solution and offer real time banking services. I propose to provide Rs. 32 crore for the project in 2013-14," said the FM in his budget speech.

Clear enough, the initiative will be a big shot in the arm of Indiapost that already is a major small savings service provider in India. "We are happy with the decision as we have been asking for this since long.

CBS will empower us to go full fledged in banking services," said Mr. John Samuel, Chief Post Master General of J & K who also plays a vital role in visualizing Indiapost's modernization and new business sector.

Although India post has always traditionally remained as a major agency facilitating small savings especially in rural areas, it was never allowed to initiate full-fledged banking services.

Moreover, manual operation of postal department versus electronic and cyber age core banking solution of all other banks have pushed Indiapost to back bench in providing financial services.

But, "Indiapost has 1.55 lakh establishments in India touching deepest interiors. This is almost double of total 83,000 establishments of all banks put together. With introduction of modernized services, now we will be able to contribute in a big way to GoI's targeted financial inclusion drive in India," said Mr. Samuel.

Beside the postal top brasses, "It is great for us too as now we can increase our service volume and earn even higher through postal services," said Mr. T K Das, a veteran postal savings agent.

Source : http://economictimes.indiatimes.com

CONFEDERATION PRESS STATEMENT ON BUDGET 2013

CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AND WORKERS

Chq: Manishinath Bhawan, A/2/95 Rajouri Garden, New Delhi.110 027

E mail: confederation06@yahoo.co.in,Website:confederationhq.blogspot.com.

28^th February, 2013

PRESS STATEMENT

 Another pro-rich budget

The Union Budget 2013-14 presented by the Finance Minister Shri P. Chidambaram, today in the Parliament was extremely disappointing to the common working people . No doubt they have not expected any relief from this anti people Government and especially from its Finance Minister, Shri P.Chidambaram.  However, they hoped against hope that the Government will read the discontent that is growing fast amongst the people, manifested admirably in the two day strike of the Indian Working Class on 20^th and 21^st.  Despite the erosion of the real value of the wages due to the high rate of inflation, the wage earners genuinely thought that they would be provided with some relief by way of an adjustment of the non taxable maximum.  While the give away to the corporate sector continued as the Finance Minister himself has noted in his budget speech in as much as the revenue foregone on direct taxes did register an increase from a lakh crore rupees to Rs. 1.13 lakh Crores in the last year he never felt the need to address the agony of the workers. 

    

Despite the fall in the rate of growth of economy, the Finance Minister has taken pride in the fact that India continues to be one of the fast growing economy.  What type of growth he was visualizing is hard to gauge when the number of people below poverty line had been on the increase year after year.  There had been all-round increase in the prices of all essential commodities including those where the Government had a say in determining it.  The Railway Minister did not increase the fare for passenger trains for he did it before he presented the budget.  The economic growth and recovery would be a mirage so long as the purchasing power of people get depleted.  There had been substantial reduction of workforce in the organized sector due to intensified contractorisation.

 The pronouncement of increased allocation of funds for agriculture, rural development, education etc. is a travesty of truth.  The FM  has made comparison of the present allocation with the revised estimates of the previous year, which in fact was much lesser than 2011-12.  There had been gross underutilization of the allocated funds in respect of most of the welfare scheme of the Govt. last year.  While presenting the economic survey, the Finance Minister assured the country that the days of recession were over and the era of growth will usher in soon, which has only pleased the TNCs and corporate houses in the country. The FM has unambiguously spelt out the continuance of the neo liberal economic path of development with much more fervor in the months  to come.

  To expect that the Govt.  will address the concern of the common people and the working class is foolish, if the Budget proposal is any indication.   But how long the people  are to suffer this agony.  Every decision of this Government being anti-working people and the Budget being a policy pronouncement, we must strive our best to organize movement to oppose the disastrous  policies being pursued by the UPA Government. 

K.K.N. Kutty

Secretary General.

Confederation Circular : Observe International Women's Day highlighting the theme of the day for 2013

CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AND WORKERS

Chq: Manishinath Bhawan, A/2/95 Rajouri Garden, New Delhi.110 027

E mail: confederation06@yahoo.co.in, Website:confederationhq.blogspot.com.

Conf/ 24 /2013                                                                                         Dated:27^th  February  2013

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY – 08.03.2013

Dear Comrades,

                The International Women' day which falls on 8^th March is observed throughout the world. The UN theme for the International women's day 2013 is "A promise is a promise; time for action to end violence against women". This year in India, we saw a massive uprising against the atrocities on women immediately after the barbarous sexual assault on student in Delhi.  She later succumbed to the injuries suffered during the assault. 

                 Thousands of young men and women, students and common people assembled at Vijay Chowk and elsewhere in Delhi and other parts of the country demanding stringent action against the culprits besides asking the Government to make enactment to protect the women. Empowerment of women is an issue that has to be focused and taken to its logical end. There is no shortcut for that. Raising the conscious level of the society at large through sustained campaign and struggles is the only way out. It is a painstaking path, but there is no other alternative.

The brutalities against women, attempt to dispossess the women of their right to property is the outcome of the patriarchal system that has taken roots in our country. In our society today women are being portrayed as a commercial commodity an offshoot of the impact of the neo liberal economic policies where except profit nothing matters. The fight for empowerment of women, hence, cannot be separate from the struggle against finance capital driven neo-liberal economic policies.

We call upon  every affiliate and the State Committee to observe the International Women's Day in a befitting manner by holding Seminar, Convention, meetings etc depending upon the local situation. The programmes may be utilized to drive the theme of the International Women's Day 2013. The apathy of the rulers towards crime against women must be exposed.  We must bring to the public gaze that many in the ruling class have criminal background and are facing charges of assault on women. The convention/seminar/meeting may be preceded by handbills focusing on this issue.

Kindly send us a detailed report on the observance of the International Women's Day .

With greetings,

Yours fraternally,

KKN Kutty

Secretary General

Department of Posts ( Assistant Superintendent of Posts ) Recruitment Rules, 2013

Please click here to view the Gazette Notification

Department of Posts ( Inspector of Posts) Recruitment Rules, 2013

Please click here to view the Gazette Notification

Budget 2013: Home loan borrowers allowed additional deduction of Rs 1 lakh

NEW DELHI: In a move that will bring cheer to many prospective home-owners, Finance Minister P Chidambaram announced incentives for home loan borrowers in his budget 2013 speech.

Chidamabram said that any person taking a first time home loan up to Rs 25 lakh during the financial year 2013-14 will be allowed an additional tax deduction of interest of up to Rs 1 lakh.

Finance Minister said that the move will help promote affordable housing and also provide employment to many in the construction sector.

Chidambaram started his speech by reiterating the resolve of his government to cut expenditure and bring the Current Account Deficit back on track. He also pointed out how India is still the third fastest growing economy amongst the bigger countries.

As the speech progressed, the FM went on to reiterate UPA's pet goal of inclusive development. he subsequently announced many schemes & allocations for SC, ST, women, differently-abled and other schemes such as Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan & provided additional allocation for the food security plan.

Presenting his eighth Union Budget, Finance Minister P Chidambaram in his budget 2013 speech gave emphasis to the need for 'inclusive growth'. The budget will focus on higher growth and financial inclusion, he said.

"Many people will be left behind if we do not pay attention to growth," he said. Chidambaram said that any growth should also be sustainable.

Chidambaram acknowledged that the room for a fiscal stimulus is constrained and that deficit levels are high.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/

Initiation of online filling up of data about representation of SCs,STs and OBCs and Persons with Disabilities in Central Government Services.

Click here to view details.

Improvement in Facilities for Passengers of General Sleeper Class

Facilities for General Sleeper Class is continuously being improved upon and now Non Air Conditioned sleeper class coaches are being provided with snack tables, bottle holders, magazine bags and mobile/laptop charging socket etc.

Beside, these sleeper class coaches are also being covered under various coach housekeeping schemes viz., frequent cleaning of coaches on run on select trains under On Board Housekeeping scheme, enroute cleaning of coaches at nominated stations under ‘Clean Tain Station Scheme’.

The number of passengers of sleeper class during the year 2011-12 is 332.16 million and the revenue accrued from them as fare is Rs. 7261.5 crore. The number of passengers of other classes is 7892.23 million and the revenue earned from other classes as fare is Rs. 20984.84 (both Suburban and Non Suburban classes).

A total number of 382 second class sleeper coaches have been planned to be manufactured in Production Units of Indian Railways during current year i.e. 2012-13.

During the period 01.04.2012 to 31.12.2012, a total number of 288 second sleeper class coaches have been used for permanent augmentation of Mail/Express/Passenger trains. Besides, attachment of coaches including second class sleeper class coaches in trains is an ongoing process on Indian Railways and is done keeping in view the traffic pattern of different class of passengers, operational feasibility, commercial viability and availability of resources.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Kotla Jaya Surya Prakash Reddy in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today. 

Source : PIB Release, 01 March, 2013