Dear
Com. President, all the leaders on the dais and my beloved comrades.
On
behalf of Bhubaneswar Division in particular and Odisha Circle in general,
while I wish all round success of this AIC, I would like to express my sincere obligation
before the Reception Committee as well as all the comrades of Kerala Circle for
making such nice arrangements in every aspect. We the post office people really
feel blessed while we take a diversion from the cramped accommodation of the
post offices to such a spacious auditorium, from broken chairs to a
cushion-based push back one, from gloomy and unhealthy atmosphere to a bright
and healthy environment and from a compelling situation to struggle with the
anti-working class policies of the Government to a nice platform for finding
out every reply to all our issues and problems. Honestly, I do realize the so
called “look and feel good” concept of Project Arrow not in the Post Offices
but in this AIC venue.
Before
proceeding ahead, first of all, I would personally like to thank the CHQ team
for their nice thought, historic decision and timely effort in
circulating the draft biennial report to the grass root level leaders seeking
their involvement for additional suggestions,
corrections or amendments. Bhubaneswar Division has completed its
responsibility to the extent possible in suggesting the CHQ in this regard.
While going through the concluding part of the draft biennial report
emphasizing upon unity for struggle and struggle for unity, I would like to
recollect few lines from my article
titled “Understanding the Union” written
in the similar analogy “serve united and unite to serve” which has already been
published in February – 2008 issue of Bhartiya Post and where I have tried to
give a message to all the service union fraternity to simply understand the
meaning of only two words and two concepts i.e. service and union to maintain and honour the dignity of this
big democratic setup. I have a very
simple example for you all. To understand the whole concept of Srimad Bhagwat
Gita, there is no need to digest all the
chants, but to understand its first and last word only.
“DHARMA KHETRE KURU KHETRE SAMABETAH
YUJUSTUVAH ,
MAAMAKAAH PANDAVAASCHAIBA KIMKURBATA SANJAY”.
So the first word is Dharma. What is the last word then ? - “
JATRA
JOGESWARAH KRISHNO JATRA PARTHO DHANURDHARAH,
TATRA SRIRVIJAYO VUTIRDHRUBA NITIRMATIR MAMA ” .
So the last word of the Gita is Mama. On
combination, it comes to “Dharma
Mama” Comrades ! What is our Dharma then? To me, it is discharging
one’s duties and responsibilities according to his capability with every
sincerity and honesty which has been categorically emphasized in the “KARMAYOG ” of the holly Srimad Bhagwat Gita and many other
holly books of different religions.
Concentrating my discussion to this service union
only, I would like to say that our Dharma is nothing but to serve and to be
united. So to have a clear understanding of the entire union activities, the
very concepts of Service and Union are to be understood. We have to serve united
and we have to be united to serve. Comrades, we are not politicians. Service is
the motto of the union. Only two words and two aspects. The theory is very
simple. Let’s not make it complicate and simply determine our duties and
responsibilities at this critical juncture when India Post is moving ahead with
rapid modernization and computerization with big corporate plan. For the
purpose we have to strongly educate ourselves to find out what is actually
there inside the corporate Plan, Strategic Plan, IT Modernization Tool and all
such policies which the Department is implementing without any consultation
with the Staff Side and try our best to provide sufficient feed back to
strengthen our CHQ and NFPE to fight not only for the cause of the employees of
India Post but for the whole working class. Then only we will have every reason
to proudly say that we belong to NFPE which was serving the working class,
which is continuing its effort in this regard and committed in every respect to
continue with the same tempo in future.
Now, coming back to the issues and problems before
us, I would like to represent that Bhubaneswar Division is quite habituated in
disturbing its Circle Union, CHQ and NFPE in giving problems followed by
constructive suggestions. A brief note containing some important suggestions
will be handed over to the leadership sitting here for further disposal.
However, here are some important suggestions for
the CHQ and NFPE to see and examine:
a. If
the restrictions of 15 elected office bearers can be eliminated to accommodate at
least one representative from each Division in the Circle body and at least one
representative from each Circle in the CHQ body.
b. If
we can persuade the officials under
Postmaster Cadre not to form separate association and others who are on the
line for the benefit of NFPE.
c. If proper
hierarchical control structure in
P A cadre can be maintained.
d. If
the officials can be promoted to HSG-II and HSG-I from the date of attaining
their eligibility in LSG and HSG-II cadre respectively without any relation to
the date of joining due to delayed DPC as is being done under MACP Scheme.
e. If
parcel and letter bomb detectors can be supplied to all post offices.
f. If
we want promotion or financial up-gradation.
g. If
we need Postmaster Cadre, or LSG/HSG-II/HSG-I or MACP-1/II/III.
h. If
arm guards can be deployed in all HOs / GPOs
i. If
provision of Police escorts can be made mandatory in cash vans and during
conveyance of cash for payment of MGNREGS etc.
Hope
this AIC will discuss and decide all the issues and find out ways and means for
solution.
Lastly, I would like to thank the President for
allowing me to share my views and you all for giving me a patient hearing.
Thank you all once again.
Suggestions to
CHQ at 29th AIC, Thiruvanthapuram
(from
10.03.2013 to 12.03.2013 )
1.
No further association on diversion from
NFPE :
All
might be aware that during last re-verification process, 33 associations in 12
different categories had applied for recognition out of which 20 associations
have been given recognition under CCS (RSA) Rules, 1993 including All India
Association of Postal Supervisors (General Line). Now as witnessed, the System
Administrators and officials opted for Postmaster Cadre are on the move of
forming separate associations. The problems created by such proposed
associations have been seriously witnessed during the recent strikes. If I am
not misunderstood, concentrating my discussion to Odisha Circle, I have no
hesitation to admit that most of the officials under Postmaster Grade - I did
not participate in the last strikes considering themselves under a separate association.
Honestly admitting, formation of separate associations on diversion of
membership from AIPEU, Group-C is not a good sign at all. This AIC should
discuss on the issue.
2.
Vacation of the restriction to elect 15 office bearers :
It is noticed that
due to the restrictions imposed by the Directorate vide its letter dated
05.01.1993, the number of elected office bearers has been restricted to 15 only
for which many Divisions and Circles are not being accommodated in the Circle
Union and CHQ body respectively. I have
experienced, even during unanimous selection of office bearers of the Circle
Union, some Divisions are ignored however subject to fulfillment of other
restrictions like quota etc. Similar is the situation in the CHQ where there is
dearth of representations from all circles. As a result , many efficient
leaders of the drop-out Divisions and Circles who possess the ability to
contribute more and guide effectively
are also remaining out of the elected body both at the Circle Union and
CHQ level. For the purpose, Bhubaneswar Division has already suggested before
Guntur AIC to appraise the Directorate to abolish the limitation of 15 elected
office bearers and amend our constitution accordingly so that we can accommodate
at least one representative from each Division in the Circle body and at least
one representative from each Circle in the CHQ body. Hope, this AIC will
reconsider and resolve, if this proposal is found feasible.
3.
Promotion
from the date of attaining eligibility:
While issuing clarificatory orders
on Postmaster Cadre, the Directorate at Para 10 of its letter No.
4-17/2008/SPB.II, dated 07.02.2011 has instructed that no DPC will be convened till such time
the revised Recruitment Rules for HSG-I are notified which is totally
contradictory to the existing principles that holding of DPC meetings need not
be delayed or postponed on the ground that Recruitment Rules for
a post are
being reviewed / amended. Secondly, the existing 3 years
of qualifying service for promotion of
LSG officials to HSG-II and HSG-II officials to HSG-I may be changed to 6 years
and 5 years respectively as indicated in Para – 5 Directorate’s letter No. 4-17/2008/SPB.II,
dated 07.02.2011. Thus there is a doubt whether the existing LSG and HSG-II who
have already completed 3 years of regular service will be given justice or not.
Thus, vide our Divisional Union letter dated 8th August, 2011, we
have already suggested both to our CHQ and NFPE to appraise the Directorate
that the proposed Recruitment Rules for HSG-I should have prospective effect
after giving full justice to the existing HSG-II officials and Circle Heads
should be instructed by the Directorate to ascertain the date of eligibility of
such officials for promotion to HSG-II
and to promote them to HSG-I from the date of completion of three years.
Similarly the LSG officials may be promoted to HSG-II from the date of
completion of three years. The official should not suffer for the fault of the
administration by not convening DPC meetings in time. Hope, this AIC will reconsider and
resolve, if this proposal is found feasible.
4.
Maintenance of proper
hierarchical control structure :
Actually,
the promotional avenues of the P As are yet to be understood. We have not yet
decided whether we want promotion or financial upgradation or both. Though we
are not satisfied with the Postmaster cadre created on par with LSG, HSG-II and
HSG-I followed by a day dream of entering into PS Group-B. As per Para 2.2.11
of the report of the Sixth CPC, the Grade
pay will determine the status of a post with a senior post being given higher
grade pay. But this is not happening in case of the employees of India Post.
After creation of Postmaster Cadre and with existing status of
LSG/HSG-II/HSG-I, now a senior Postal Assistant conferred with 3rd MACP with grade Pay Rs.4600/- is working
under an LSG / HSG-II or Postmaster Grade – I / Grade – II official having
Grade Pay with Rs.2800/- / Rs.4200/-? I feel it totally unconstitutional and a
defective control structure with clear contradiction to the recommendations of
sixth CPC. Since the proposal of cadre restructuring is yet to be finalized,
perhaps this is the right time for this AIC to take a suitable decision to
maintain the hierarchy.
5.
Supply
of letter / parcel bomb detectors to all Post Offices :
Another important issue which was
brought to the notice of the Circle Union, CHQ and NFPE as well vide my
Divisional Union letter dated 21st January, 2012 is regarding supply
of letter and
parcel bomb detectors to post offices. While we have not forgotten the
unfortunate parcel bomb explosion in Suryanagar NDT SO, Bhubaneswar – 751 003
on January 3, 2002, the first of its kind in India Post giving serious
injuries to our counter P A throughout his body who could be able to save his life
narrowly with a struggle of nearly three years continuously and lastly
losing his right palm and making non-functional his left leg below the
knee, we witnessed another two such incidents after 10 years on 13th
and 20th January, 2012 delivering letters containing detonators to
the Chief Election Commissioner and the Chief Secretary, Govt. of Odisha ,
Bhubaneswar. This might be happening in other parts
of the country to which we are not aware. Since the issue is not confined to
Bhubaneswar Division only, we have suggested take necessary action at each
level with every seriousness starting from Circle to Directorate to appraise
the appropriate authority for immediate supply of letter and parcel bomb
detectors to all post offices without delay to save the lives of the employees
and protect the properties of India Post as well. It has also been suggested
that bomb detectors may be installed in RMS points and sorting hubs throughout
the country as done in air ports and railway stations. On 17th
July, 2012, Bhubaneswar Division has been replied that this issue will be taken
in the next Departmental Council meeting. Hope, this AIC
will reconsider and resolve, if this proposal is found feasible.
6. Provision of Police Escort for
conveyance of cash:
The
cash vans especially in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela are conveying heavy cash
beyond limits without police escort throwing unnecessary risks on the staff
members. It is worth mentioning here that the police escorts provided earlier
in both the cities have since been withdrawn. Though the circle administration
is quite competent and the
item has since been discussed in Circle office and Regional Office level, no
tangible action has yet been taken. In addition, while cash is being conveyed
from H O to rural SOs / BOs for payment of MGNREGS beneficiaries, no police
escort is being provided in spite of
conveyance of lakhs of rupees. No other special arrangement has also been made
by the concerned Divisional heads which throws an unnecessary risk to all the staff members starting from H O to B O who are dealing with the same. It may kindly
be noted that unfortunate activities by naxalites and Maoists may not be
avoided if suitable provision is not made for conveyance of cash.
7. Deployment
of arm guards for safeguarding overnight stock of cash and valuables in all Head
Post Offices:
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 H Os
/ GPOs, the administration should consider deployment of arm guards in the
campus of and inside all HOs / GPOs.
8. Making
the SPMs / Postmasters free from achieving targets:
Since
the jurisdiction of the SPMs / Postmasters is confined to the four walls of the
Post Office on one hand and they have no scope to move outside leaving the
office for mobilization during the working hours, fixation of unachievable
targets for them under POSB Scheme and PLI / RPLI etc. seems to be quite
inappropriate and unjust. Instead of pressurizing the SPMs/Postmasters who are
already over burdened, the SAS/MPKBY/PLI/RPLI agents may be sensitized for the
purpose.
9. Construction of P O buildings / staff quarters/ local
training centers / auditorium / examination hall on acquired lands.
In
spite of acquirement of lands by the Department of Posts for construction of
Departmental buildings for Post Offices / residential quarters, no action by
the Postal Administration is being taken for years together. As a result, most
of the Post offices are functioning in rented buildings as per availability in
respective localities causing heavy loss in Govt. revenue in terms of house
rent paid to private house owners. Hundreds of plots are left vacant in Odisha
Circle. This might be the position in all other circles. Many plots are seen
encroached by outsiders. Immediate construction of post office buildings / staff quarters /
local training centers / auditorium / examination hall on acquired lands may be
considered to save loss of Govt. revenue / property.
10. Dequarterization
of Post Offices below schedule of accommodation:
Odisha
Postal Circle has many post offices
having attached post quarters below the Schedule of Accommodation and
completely in uninhabitable condition. The service unions are continuously demanding for dequarterization of all such
Post Offices. As per information available, there are several post attached
quarters where the rent paid by the Govt. to the house owner is too less than
the HRA not paid to the concerned employee which show how the Department is
doing monopoly in earning profit out of the pay of the officials and
compelling the staff members to occupy
the unsuitable post quarters bearing heavy financial losses which is too illogical and needs to be addressed at
any cost. It is worth mentioning here that all most all the post attached quarters except a few those in the
departmental buildings are below the schedule of accommodation and all are
uninhabitable due to zero maintenance either by the house owner or by the
Department
Thus,
all such Post Offices should be dequarterized immediately.
11. Supply of
literatures / brochures / leaflets:
Though
the Department is putting every pressure on the Postmasters / SPMs for
achieving the targets in Revenue Realization , the Post Offices are not supplied with sufficient literatures
/ brochures / leaf-lets etc .on P L I / RPLI, S B / S Cs , Speed Post and other
premium products for wide circulation amongst the customers for effective
motivation. While the Department is spending crores of rupees in
computerization and modernization, no post office is being supplied with a
leaflet on small savings / PLI / RPLI
and other products and services.
The Sub Post Offices may be supplied with sufficient brochures on all products and
services offered by the Department of Posts for benefit of the members of
public which will help the SPMs/Postmasters to motivate customers and to earn
revenue for the Department.
12. Proper
training to staff members on basic knowledge in computer:
It
is a matter of happiness that the post office is now under transformation in
the concept of look and feel good namely “Project Arrow”. While all most all
the offices are going to be computerized, most of the staff members are
witnessed not to posses even basic computer knowledge and there by delivering a
very slow service at the counters. As we know, the WCTCs and PTCs of the
Department are imparting various trainings to its staff members only on
packages directly which are beneficial to it.
Computerization in India Post is a recent development. As such, the
Department is having a large number of staff members who do not posses basic
computer knowledge and thus fail to operate the packages properly effecting
prompt service to the members of public.
Therefore,
before imparting training on packages, the staff members should be trained on
basic computer knowledge and then on packages. The training programme of the
Department should be modified accordingly both to suit the need of the staff
members and Department as well.
13. Fitting of
glass panels in counters:
While the counters of the
indentified Post Offices in Phase – III and onwards under Project Arrow have
been fitted with glass panels facilitating the customers to come in queue , such Post Offices under Phase
– I and II have been left open as a result of which confrontations / arguments in between the
counter assistants and members of public are quite regular in such post
offices. In spite of several Visiting Remarks and Inspection Reports of the
higher authorities, no progress has been made till date in Odisha Postal
Circle.
Therefore, the counters of all the
indentified Post Offices in Phase – I and II
under Project Arrow need to be fitted with glass panels.
14. Provision of A C and water coolers in all
Project Arrow Post Offices:
Though
the original concept of “Project Arrow” is based on look and feel good factor,
most of the Project Arrow Offices in
Odisha Postal Circle have not been air conditioned. Due to scorching heat, the
overhead water tanks fail to supply cold water now days. The water filters
supplied to P Os are too small to supply sufficient water. As a result the
offices where large number of customers are rushing fail to supply a glass of cold
water to the members of public.
As we have witnessed the idea of
giving the post offices a corporate look has failed to be materialized. The
concept of Project Arrow needs to be followed in letter and spirit with
provision of A C and water coolers in all project arrow and bigger post
offices.
15. Examining
ground reality before computerization:
It
is felt that without accessing the
ground reality, the administration is computerizing Post Offices whimsically.
Most of the post offices are functioning in private rented houses having acute
space problems and thus not at all suitable for computerization. Without any
civil and electrical maintenance works computers are seen to be installed even
without required furniture.
Thus,
the administration should examine the ground reality before computerization.
Suggestions on Organizational Restructuring in
India Posts
1. Since the post of Chairman, Postal
Services Board is presently held by the Secretary & DG (Posts), the
Secretary is being over-burdened to look after the overall administration of
the Department. On the principle of one man, one post, the D G(Posts) should be
made free from holding the post of Chairman, PSB. Decentralization of power
will strengthen the PSB to function efficiently. The post may be considered to
be offered to any people’s representative, or to any retired officer with good
record of service or in worst case to the Minister,
Communication & IT.
2. There should be one functionary as
Chief General Manager (Technology) under Member (Technology) to look after this
advancing field of the Department on which the future is largely dependent.
3. There should be one post of Director (
Technology ) in each circle in the line of Director ( B D Cell & Marketing
). Such posts should be field in through Direct recruitment from open market
having required qualification preferably
MBA / Marketing for B D Cell and M Tech. for Technology wing with at least 5 to
10 years experience in respective fields. The Asst. Directors who are presently
working in BD Cells and Technology wings and do not possess requisite knowledge
/ qualification should be allowed to gain such qualification.
4. Organizations like Postal Stores Depot,
Postal Printing Press, Civil and Electrical wings need to be restructured completely.
a. All the Divisional Heads should be
given such financial and administrative powers to purchase, print, procure and
supply all the required articles and stationeries for their respective
Divisions.
b. The construction, maintenance and
repairing works should be undertaken by each Divisional head for their
respective Divisions under the direct control
and approval of the Circle Head. The Circles should have only Technical
Supervisors i.e. one Asst. Engineer (Civil) and one Asst. Engineer ( Electrical
) assisted with one Junior Engineer ( one each for Civil and
Electrical wing ) in each region who will only verify the proposals from
technical grounds and recommend for submission by the Divisional heads to the
Circle Head.
5. All
the posts of Heads of the Divisions should be upgraded to Class-I with additional administrative and financial
powers. There should not be any Class-II Division.
6. All
the postmasters of Head Post Offices should be given gazetted status.
Alternatively all the HSG-I / Postmaster Grade - III posts should be declared
gazetted with additional financial and administrative powers required to run
the post offices smoothly. There should be no discrimination in the
administrative and financial powers in between the Senior Postmasters, HSG-I postmasters
and Postmasters Grade – III.
7. There
should be no non-delivery post Office. All the single handed / double handed non-delivery post offices
should be merged with the nearest delivery office and all the ‘A’ Class
non-delivery post offices should be converted to delivery post offices which should function under a Postmaster not
below the rank of LSG / Postmaster Grade-I.
( Bruhaspati Samal)
Secretary
