SUBJECTS TAKEN UP FOR DISCUSSIONS IN THE JCM (DC) MEETING TO BE HELD ON 27.11.2013 - RAISED BY TN CIRCLE UNION

ITEM NO.3. Divisional arrangement/local arrangement in selection grade posts, irregular
clarification issued in Tamilnadu Circle.

Under para 3 of the CPMG Tamilnadu circle Memo No. STA/2-79/SK/11 dated 08.08.2012, it
is instructed that it should be ensured that no ineligible officials are allowed to officiate in
higher posts and that they should not be drawn the pay applicable to higher posts. It had
resulted in stoppage of drawal of officiating pay to the LSG officials who have been ordered
to officiate in HSG II and HSG I posts in the absence of the eligible officials as per
Recruitment Rules. The officiating arrangements for HSG II and HSG-I posts are being made
from the LSG officials only in the dearth of eligible officials for regular promotion. Further the
instructions issued in Tamilnadu circle is utter violation of Rule 50 of volume IV and also
vitiates the Directorate instructions dated 30.07.2012 on the subject.

It is therefore requested to kindly cause appropriate instructions to rescind the order and
allow officials to draw the entitled officiating pay as per the rules.

ITEM NO. 4. Non implementation of Delhi High Court orders on revision of pay scales of
Packers, Foreign Post, case of Chennai Foreign Post in Tamilnadu Circle.

Despite clear orders dated 17.08.2012 and subsequent clarifications dated 03.09.2012 of the
Directorate, the implementation of the orders has not been carried out by the Director,
Foreign Post Chennai till date.

The Directorate vide its letter and 04.09.2012 clarified that they should be allowed the pay
scale of Rs. 950-1500 w.e.f 01.01.1986 and further pay scale of Rs. 3050-4590 w.e.f
01.01.1996 and Rs. 5200-20200 with grade pay Rs. 1900 w.e.f 01.01.2006. Earlier the DoPT
as well as the Directorate clarified that the previous financial upgradation in respect of Group
‘D’ shall be ignored and will be provided fresh refixation after the introduction of MACP.
Similarly there was a pay scale fixed for the posts having the pay scale of Rs. 950-1500 for
TBOP and after 01.11.1991 for also BCR after the introduction of MACP similarly orders have
been communicated after 6th CPC about the pay scales applicable for TBOP and BCR for the
entry pay scale of Rs. 3050-4590.

As such the clarifications sought for by the Director Foreign post is nothing but to delay the
dues to be paid the officials. Similarly the clarification sought by him about the next grade pay
after fixing with Rs. 1900 is totally unwarranted. The Director mentioned that the Directorate
orders are not clear about refixation of pay to Group ‘D’ officials whether it is notional or
arrears to be drawn despite very clear clarification is issued by the Directorate on 04.09.2012
to give effect from 01.01.1986. It is pertinent to mention that in all the three Foreign Posts
other than Chennai, the pay fixation was already carried out and arrears were drawn. Further
promotions were also accorded under MACP thereafter.

It is therefore requested to kindly intervene and cause appropriate instructions to be
concerned at the earliest for pay refixation and also drawal of due arrears to the aggrieved
officials.

Item No.8. Dequarterisation of Post attached quarters - Decentralisation of power to PMG –
regarding.

A huge numbers of post attached quarters, specially those are lying with rented PO Building
are in worse condition. Most of the quarters are shabby, dilapidated and far below in
standard. Moreover almost all quarters are narrow and less in size considering the
entitlement of Posts. The urgent need of the day is dequarterisation of those post attached
quarters.The power of dequarterisation may be delegated to the regional PMGs who are
having close access to the concerned PO & area. Furthermore the power of suspension of
quarters beyond 90 days may also please be delegated to the regional PMGs in order to
avoid delay in drawal of due HRA to the incumbent officials.
It is requested to consider both the issues and cause appropriate orders at the earliest.

Item No.14. Refixation of Pay/Pension to BCR/LSG officials who have officiated in HSG I Posts –
case of Tamilnadu Circle regarding.

In Tamilnadu circle many BCR officials/LSG officials who were ordered to officiate in HSG I
arrangements on adhoc basis vide Chief PMG letter dt. 25.6.2004 were paid the officiating
pay in HSG I during the years from 2004 to 2006. The officiating pay of such officials was
taken for pension fixation prior to implementation of Sixth CPC duly taking the average
emoluments of such officials.

The drawal of officiating pay to BCR officials was stopped during 2007 and a reference was
made by the CPMG Tamilnadu Circle to the Directorate about the drawal of officiating pay to
the BCR officials who were officiated in HSG I arrangements around 81 and the same was
not disposed yet.

In the meanwhile, at the time of refixing the pension the DA (P) Chennai has not taken the
officiating pay sanctioned and drawn to the officials in between 2004 to 2006 which were
earlier taken for pension calculation based on the 10 month average. Resultantly officials
forced to approach the CAT vide OA No. 839/2011 and 840/2011 in which the Hon. CAT
directed the Department to revise and refix pay and pension of applicants by taking into the
revised pay applicable to the post HSG I in which they were ordered to officiate within a
period of 3 months. In addition to the four applicants of the case stated above, there are
around two or three cases similar to the above pending in Tamilnadu Circle.
Having offered to higher post and also drawn the officiating pay which was earlier construed
as pay for calculation of pension the denial of the same at the time of implementation of 6th
CPC is causing a concern. The copy of CAT Judgement was submitted earlier vide union
letter Dt. 03.05.2012.

It is therefore requested to kindly implement the orders and render justice to the aggrieved
officials.

Item No. 16. Applicability of various kinds of TA in Case of System Administrators.

A kind attention is invited to the Directorate letter No. 1/02/2011/PAP dated 17.01.2012, in
which the application of SR-25 has been prescribed in the case of System Administrators and
they have been asked to maintain log books for the grant of conveyance allowance.
It is pertinent to mention that the nature of the duties of the S.A cannot be equated with that
of the PRI (P) and the others. Whenever there is call to attend the fault, the SAs has to rush
to rectify the faults for immediate restoration of the system and office. Similarly all the
inspecting officer has been granted TA/DA including road mileage allowance to carry out their
duties.

As such if the SAs have to utilize public vehicle for their conveyance under TA/DA, it will
cause more dislocation in services. Further the nature of work of SA shall not warrant to look
after the faults so leisurely and they have to rush the spot to rectify the errors.

It is therefore requested to delete the provision of SR 25 and apply the road mileage
allowance in the case if the official utilize his own vehicle for official Journey.

Item No. 20. Creation of New Posts of System Administrators and Marketing Executives instead
of redeployment of the sanctioned PA posts.

At present, the Postal Assistants are being deployed to carry out the jobs of systems
Administratiors, Marketing Executives etc for which no establishment norms had been laid
down. Resultantly there is an absolute shortage in the operative works being carried out by
the Postal Assistants. Necessary action may please be taken for the creation of justified
Posts.

Item No.21. Penalising innocent officials in the name of minus balances.

Despite the fact that it was assured not to penalize the officials without evincing any action to
recover the minus balance from the depositors, the divisional heads are resorting action to
recover the amount from the innocent official by hook or crook by misusing the contributory
factors provisions. The AIPEU Group ‘C’ has sent a detailed note earlier about the cause,
effect and remedy in settlement of minus balance for which there seems no action.
It is therefore requested to kindly ensure not to recover any amount of minus balance from
the innocent officials without resorting action to recover the amount from the depositors
concerned.

Item No.23. Providing norms for BD, Technology, RTI oriented works and Project Arrow works.

No establishment norms as per SIU standard for works relating to BD, Technology, Project
Arrow and RTI oriented works has been formulated so far our knowledge goes. It is evident
that huge work hours for disposal of those items of works have already been created in
CO/ROs but no man power to deal with the cases has been provided due to non framing of
norms to adjudge the quantum of such work.

Item No.24. Irregular postings ordered in the LSG Promotion in some Circles :

In Some Circles, promotion is granted to the cadre of LSG (NB) based on the dates of
confirmation in the entry grade and not based in the DCCs. This has resulted in many junior
S.As/P.As getting promotion as LSG (NB), while senior P.As/ S.As have been deprived of
their due promotion. Clear clarification is required.

Item No. 35. Construction of Postal Staff quarters in Madurai.

Madurai City is the second biggest city in Tamilnadu State. The postal quarters built was converted as Postal Training Centre during 1985.As on date there is no postal quarters in the city. However Postal Dept. has acquired plots from Tamilnadu Housing Board at Ellisnagar (Madurai) scheme and proposal for constructions of staff quarters have been submitted during 1990s. Due to delay in approval of the proposal the site remains vacant for decades. Immediate approval as well as the allotment of funds is requested for the commencement of construction of Postal Staff Quarters at Madurai.

Item No. 52. Revision of Syllabus for Departmental Exams:

As the only avenue open to the cadre of Postman / MTS for higher promotion is that Postal Assistants through competitive examinations. The Department opted for revision of syllabus and pattern of examinations and the Staff Side to agree to it. It was told to us that the revision of syllabus and pattern of examinations would go a long way to help more candidates get through the examination to avoid many vacancies go unfilled after every examination. It took a long time for finalizing the syllabus and new method of examination introduced for LGO exam. However it is found that contrary to what was told by the Department the examinations of LGOs as well as the examinations from GDS to Postman and MTS have become so tough that it has become extremely difficult to answer many questions. This has led to a situation wherein the candidates could not get through these examinations and a large number of vacancies remain unfilled after the examinations.

Item No. 80. Replacement of outdated computer, Printers and prompt supply of computer stationeries.

In many POs, the computers are more than 10 years old and it could not cater to the present day
requirements. Many printers are out of service and there is no action to replace such systems and
printers. Many UPS are not in good condition. Further due to non supply of adequate funds,
Computer stationeries are not supplied and there are restrictions.All Circle heads may be directed to assess such accessories and replace them in a phased manner and ensure smooth functioning of the systems. Further when the demand of supply of Lazer Printers was taken up by the circle unions, it was replied that there is no plan provision for this activity and the matter has to be taken up with the Directorate. For the efficient and effective work, the supply of Lazer printers is a must.

Item No. 82. Enhancement of special casual leave for union meetings.

At present, 20 days have been allowed for the grant of special casual leave to the officials for
attending union meetings, circle conference, seminars etc. This is insufficient. Further in some circles, the days in which the union secretaries attending the Monthly Meetings/Bi-monthly Meetings are also construed as special casual leave instead of duty period as the formal meetings with administration will not cover up with other union meetings.

It is therefore requested to clarify the same and also to enhance the number of special casual leave to attend union Meetings/Seminars.

Item No.86. Engagement of Qualified GDS in vacant Posts of PA/SAs.

The shortage of staff in Postal Assistant/Sorting Assistant is very acute due to non filling of vacant
posts, prolonged officiating in LSG, HSG II & HSG I Posts, diversion of Posts to ME & System
oriented works, deputation to circle office etc. The officials are forced to look after two or three PAs works daily which causes erosion in efficiency and criticism from customers. In order to overcome the present shortage, it is requested to kindly cause orders to engage well qualified GDS available in the department on daily rated basis as if engaged in Postmen/Group ‘D’ short term vacancies.

Item No. 101. Grant of peripheral HRA in consonance with the List of Urban Agglomerations notified in 2011
Population totals released by the Census of India 2011 of Govt. of India, instead of awaiting for
dependency certificate years-to-gether from the respective collectors. It is well placed in the Census of India 2011 that the notified urban agglomeration is a continuous urban spread constituting a town and its adjoining growths. Instead of forwarding separate proposal, the Circle heads may be advised to collect all details and take up the proposals as one time. It will minimise the time and workload as well enable to issue early sanctions.

Item No. 102.Request to withdraw the extension of business hours up to 5.00 PM (total 7 hours) including Saturdays against ILO norms and against 5 day week- administrative office/ 6 day week – operative office principles.

As per the instructions contained in Dte. No. 11-2/2004-p. o. dt. 26.6.2012 instructions were issued
to all the Divisions/units in other regions also to revise/extend the business hours up to 17.00 hours based on demand and revenue and based on this in Tamilnadu Circle, in one region ordered
to extend the counter working hours for seven hours which results the closure of all offices late . The counter working hours should not be raised beyond five hours and six hours for bigger offices agreed upon earlier. It is requested to cause appropriate instructions in this regard.

Item No. 102. Maintaining LR strength and filling up the vacancies.

Due to acute shortage of staff, the existing LRPAs were positioned against regular vacant posts,
years-together, and slowly the LR P.A. S were amalgamated within the sanctioned strength mostly
in all the Divisions and the Rectt. was denied against the 10% LRPAs posts, as in the case of residual vacancies. Hence a thorough review is requested in order to restore the LR strength exclusively.

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