STAY GRANTED BY CAT (P.B) DELHI 

AGAINST ABOLITION OF POSTS OF 

POSTMEN & MTS.

Department of Posts ordered abolition of 17093 posts of various cadres. Out of which about 7500 posts were related to Postmen & MTS. AIPE Union Postmen & MSE/Gr. ‘D’ filed a case No. 1736/21.05.13 in CAT (P.B) Delhi along with NUPE Postmen & MTS and AIPEU GDS (NFPE). The Hon’ble CAT Delhi has granted stay against the abolition of posts of Postmen & MTS.

Next date of hearing is fixed as 11.6.2013.

Orders will be exhibited in web-site on receipt.

If there is any imposition of orders of abolition of posts in any Circle. They can take up the matter with the authorities concerned on the basis of CAT (PB) Delhi orders.

GRANT OF ONE INCREMENT IN PRE-REVISED PAY SCALE - OM DATED 19.3.2012 – CLARIFICATION CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

F.No.1/1/2008-IC

Government of India

Ministry of Finance

Department of Expenditure

North Block, New Delhi

Dated the 22nd May, 2013

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Grant of one increment in pre-revised pay scale - OM dated 19.3.2012 - clarification regarding.

The undersigned is directed to invite a reference to this Ministry’s Office Memorandum of even no. dated 19.3.2012 which provides that those Central Government employees who were due to get their annual increment between February to June during 2006, may be granted one increment as on 1.1.2006 in the pre-revised pay scale as a one time measure and, thereafter, will get the next increment in the revised pay structure on 1.7.2006.

2.         As per this Ministry’s OM No. F. No. 1/1/2008-IC dated 30th August, 2008. fitment tables have been prescribed in Annexure-1 thereto, specifying the stages of revised pay in the revised pay band with reference to each stage of pre-revised pay in various pre-revised pay scales. As per the fitment tables, the stage of revised pay in the pay band has been mentioned at the same stage in respect of two consecutive pre-revised stages of pay in cases of certain pre-revised scales.

3.         This Ministry has been receiving references as to whether in cases where the fitment table provides for the same revised stage in case of two consecutive pre-revised stages in a particular pre-revised scale of pay, the benefit of bunching is admissible after grant of one increment in the pre-revised pay scale by virtue of this Ministry’s OM dated 19.3.2012.

           

4.         The matter has been considered and it is clarified that Fitment Table contained in the aforesaid OM dated 30.8.2008 is to he strictly followed for fixation of pay in the revised structure without any deviation.

5.         In cases where the stages of fixation of pay in the revised pay band as per fitment table contained in the aforesaid OM dated 30.8.2008 provides for the same revised stage in the Pay Band with reference to two consecutive stages of pre-revised pay in the corresponding pre-revised scales, then in such cases due to application of this Ministry's OM dated 19.3.2012, there will be no change in the revised pay as on 1.1.2006, if the revised stage with reference to the pre-revised pay after accounting for one increment in the pre-revised scale does not undergo any change as per the Fitment Table. It is also clarified that no further bunching will be allowed in such cases and no re-fixation of pay will be admissible in the revised pay as on 1.1.2006.

sd/-

(Amar Nath Singh)

Deputy Secretary to the Government of India

GDS AND CASUAL LABOUR LATEST NEWS

1.      Postal Board has sent the proposal for introducing Health Insurance Scheme to GDS, to Finance Ministry for approval.

2.      GDS Bonus ceiling limit raising – Finance Ministry has again returned the file with adverse comments.

3.      Casual Labourers Committee recommendations have been considered by the Postal Board and proposal of the Postal Board is being sent to Finance Ministry for approval. Kerala CAT also directed the Department to communicate its decision on the Casual Labour committee’s recommendations to the CAT.

Mass Dharna will be conducted in front of allDivisional offices on 28.05.2013 demanding immediate settlement of GDS demands. The Dharna will be organized by AIPEU-GDS (NFPE) and NFPE.

REVIEW OF THE SPECIAL RECRUITMENT DRIVE LAUNCHED TO FILL UP THE BACKLOG RESERVED VACANCIES OF THE SCHEDULED CASTES, SCHEDULED TRIBES AND OBCS.

The Union Cabinet today approved the Special Recruitment Drive launched to fill up the backlog in reserved vacancies of the Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).           The achievement of the drive was reviewed in July, 2011 by the Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions as there was a large backlog of vacancies which were yet to be filled. The drive was re-launched to fill up the remaining identified backlog vacancies by the end of the financial year i.e. 31.03.2012. All Ministries/Departments were requested to make concerted efforts to ensure that the remaining backlog reserved vacancies of SCs, STs and OBCs were filled up by 31st March, 2012.           The achievement of the Special Recruitment Drive on its conclusion on 31st March, 2012, as reported by various Ministries/Departments is as follows:            (i) A total of 75,522 backlog vacancies were identified. Of these, 44,427 were in the direct recruitment quota and 31,095 in the promotion quota.           (ii) Of the 44,427 backlog vacancies in the direct recruitment quota, 28,588 have been filled up so far. The success rate in direct recruitment quota is therefore 64.35 percent.           (iii) Out of 31,095 backlog vacancies in the promotion quota, there are 11,347 vacancies (SC 4,239 & ST 7,106) for which eligible candidates are not available even in the extended zone of consideration. Therefore, it has not been found possible to fill up these vacancies. Out of the remaining 19,748 vacancies in the promotion quota, 19,446 vacancies have been filled up so far. After excluding the vacancies for which candidates are not available, achievement of the drive in respect of the promotion quota is 98.47 percent.                                                               *****

CONFEDERATION CIRCULAR NO. 2 DATED 22^nd MAY, 2013

CONFEDERATION OFCENTRAL GOVERNMENT

EMPLOYEES AND WORKERS.

1^st  Floor North Avenue Post Office Building, New Delhi-110001

E mail: confederation06@yahoo.co.in

Website:confederationhq.blogspot.com Ph. No. 011.23092771

  

Conf/ 2 /2013                                                                                  Dated: 22^nd  May,, 2013.

Dear Comrade,

The National Conference of Confederation held at Kolkata from 4^th to 6^th May, 2013 had directed the Secretariat to pursue the efforts to have a joint platform for struggles along with the Railways and Defence Federations. As a step towards that end, a meeting with the General Secretary of the All India Railway- men Federation has been arranged to take place on 28^th inst.  We shall convey to you the outcome of the discussions on 28^th.

The next meeting to discuss the pension related issues with the Secretary (Pension) will be held on 28^th May, 2013. Com. S.K. Vyas, Advisor and Com. K.K.N. Kutty, President will attend the meeting. A brief note on the outcome of the discussions will be placed on the website after 28^th inst.

The Conference had also decided that the Confederation must pursue the 15 point charter of demands through independent endeavours.   Accordingly the Conference had called upon all affiliates and the State Committees to organize a massive dharna  programme on 20^th June, 2013. The State Committees are requested to organize the programme in consultation with the respective units of the affiliates at all State Capitals as also other important towns and centres.  A report on the implementation of the programme may please be sent to the CHQ by 10^TH July, 2013.

With greetings,

Yours fraternally,

M.Krishnan

Secretary General.

Mobile: 09447068125

eMail: ID mkrishnan6854@gmail.com

INCREMENT PROVISION FOR RETIRING EMPLOYEES: GOVT REPLY IN RAJYA SABHA

In written reply of question "whether Government proposes to modify the existing recommendation of the Sixth Pay Commission that Central Government employees will get an increment in the month of July in every calendar year to ensure that those Government employees who are retiring irrespective of the month of the calendar year and have at least put in more than six months of service get the last increment", Govt has submitted that there is no proposal under consideration of the Government to make any changes in increment date.

See full details of Rajya Sabha Q&A:-

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF  FINANCE

RAJYA SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-4380

ANSWERED ON-07.05.2013

Increment provision for retiring employees

4380 . SARDAR BALWINDER SINGH BHUNDAR

(a)  whether Government proposes to modify the existing recommendation of the Sixth Pay Commission that Central Government employees will get an increment in the month of July in every calendar year to ensure that those Government employees who are retiring irrespective of the month of the calendar year and have at least put in more than six months of service get the last increment;

(b)  if so, by when a revised notification will be issued to benefit those retiring Government employees as it affects their pensionary benefits etc.; and

(c)  if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)

(a) to (c) : The existing provision for uniform date of annual increment on 1st July every year is based on the recommendations of the 6th Central Pay Commission which went into the service conditions of the Central Government employees taking into account all relevant factors. There is no proposal under consideration of the Government to make any changes therein.

LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO 582 ANSWERED ON 08.05.2013                POST OFFICE SAVINGS BANK   582 . Shri MAHESH JOSHI ARVIND KUMAR CHAUDHARY Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:- (a) the details of the Post Office Savings Banks (POSB) functioning separately in the rural and the urban areas and the share of post office savings in total rural savings in the country, State-wise; (b) whether the Government proposes to provide ATM facility to POSB account holders and if so, the details thereof along with the ATM installed and proposed to be installed, State-wise; (c) the number of agents for post office savings working in the country; (d) whether cases of alleged financial irregularities/fraud by postal employees and agents in post office savings have been reported in the country; and (e) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government against them? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI KAPIL SIBAL) (a) to (e) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House. STATEMENT TO BE LAID ON THE TABLE OF THE LOK SABHA IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 582 FOR 8TH MAY, 2013 REGARDING “POST OFFICE SAVINGS BANK” (a) Madam, information is under collection and will be laid on the Table of the House. (b) Yes, Madam. So far, no ATM has been installed. The State-wise detail of ATMs proposed to be installed is placed at Annexure-A. (c) As on 31.3.2013, there were 3,04,259 agents working for mobilizing funds for Small Savings Schemes. (d) Yes Madam. (e) The details of financial irregularities/fraud by postal employees and agents in post office savings reported in 2012-13 may be seen in the attached Annexure-B.

SHORTAGE OF STAFF IN POSTAL DEPARTMENT

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 6875

ANSWERED ON 8.05.2013

SHORTAGE OF STAFF IN POSTAL DEPARTMENT

6875 . Smt. DARSHANA VIKRAM JARDOSH, ASHOK TANWAR
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government has abolished 17093 posts across the cadres in the department of posts during the period from 2005 to 2008; 

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; 

(c) whether there is a shortage of staff in various cadre in the department and in the post offices in the country; 

(d) if so, the details thereof, State-wise; and 

(e) the steps proposed to be taken to fill the vacant posts expeditiously, so as to ensure prompt and quality service to customers?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (Dr. (SMT) KILLI KRUPARANI)
(a) Yes, Madam.

(b) The details of abolition of posts are placed at Annexure-I. The reasons for abolition of posts were in accordance with Department of Personnel & Training OM No. 2/8/2001-PIC dated 16.5.2001 vide which the Scheme of Optimization for Annual Direct Recruitment Plan was launched. As per this Scheme, the direct recruitment was to be limited to 1/3rd of the direct recruitment vacancies arising in a year subject to a further ceiling that it does not exceed 1% of the total sanctioned strength of the Department. The remaining direct recruitment posts were required to be abolished. 

(c) Manpower requirement and regular recruitment is an ongoing process in the Government. Shortage of staff in the Department and in the Post offices in various cadres arises mainly due to promotion, retirement, death, leave or transfer. 

(d) Does not arise in view of (c) above..

(e) Vacancies in the Department are filled up by promotion or by direct recruitment as per extant procedures regularly.

ANNEXURE-I

Abolition of posts across various cadres in the Department of Posts during 2005-2008.

Year	No. of direct recruitment vacancies abolished
2005	2121
2006	5426
2007	4957
2008	4589
Total	17093

Filling up the posts of Postmaster Grade - III in Post Offices in Postal Circles

PM’S ADDRESS AT 45TH SESSION OF THE INDIAN LABOUR CONFERENCE

Following is the text of the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s address at the 45th session of the Indian Labour Conference in New Delhi today:

         “Let me begin by emphasizing that this is a very important conference that deliberates issues of critical importance to our workers and industry, and therefore to our economy and society at large. I feel happy that as Prime Minister I have participated in all Sessions of the Indian Labour Conference that have taken place since 2005, except the one in 2009 which I could not attend due to ill-health. As you begin proceedings in this 45th Session of the Conference, I compliment you on your past achievements and extend my best wishes for your efforts in the future. It is also my hope that this Session will build further upon the rich legacy of the earlier Sessions.

          Before I proceed further, let me also state that our Government has paid very serious attention to the issues that Trade Unions have raised from time to time. The recent two-day strike by Trade Unions focused on a number of issues relating to the welfare not only of the working-classes but also the people at large. These include demands on which there can be no disagreement. For example, demands for concrete measures for containing inflation, for generation of employment opportunities, for strict implementation of labour laws, are unexceptionable. There can however be differences on the best ways of fulfilling these demands and we are willing to engage constructively with the Trade Unions in this regard.

           Some other demands raised by the Trade Unions are already under an advanced stage of consideration by the Government. These include issues like universal social security cover for workers in both the organized and unorganized sectors and creation of a National Social Security Fund, fixing a National Floor Level Minimum Wage and provision of minimum pension of Rs. 1000 per month under the Employees’ Pension Scheme. In fact, the Cabinet has already approved amendments to the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 to provide for a statutory National Floor Level Minimum Wage.

          The third set of demands relates to issues on which further dialogue with Trade Union leaders appears necessary, including tripartite discussions. We have set up a Group of Ministers under the Finance Minister to go into the whole gamut of demands raised by the Trade Unions and I am confident that soon you will see some forward movement on these demands. 

          I believe that many of the demands of the Trade Unions reflect the concern that our growth and progress should be inclusive and should particularly benefit the under-privileged sections of our society. This is a concern that has been very dear to our Government. We believe that providing our people with productive employment opportunities is the best way of achieving this objective.

          According to some available data, we created 20 million additional job opportunities during the period 2004-05 and 2009-10. The unemployment rate came down from 8.3% to 6.6% during the same period. This period suffered from one of the worst global meltdowns in history and most of the countries, developed and developing, have registered increases in their unemployment rates while we were still able to create additional jobs. Employment in the organized sector registered a growth of more than 9% from 26.5 million in 2005 to 29 million in 2011. It is heartening to note that women employed in the organized sector have also registered a growth of about 19% during the same period.

         Our Government has also made serious efforts in implementing various employment generation programmes such as Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), National Rural Livelihood Mission, Swarnajayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojna and Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme. There has been an increase in allocations of these schemes over the years which have provided employment opportunities to a large number of men and women, particularly persons belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes. MGNREGA has been particularly helpful in reducing inter-State migration of labour, eliminating bonded labour and raising the purchasing power of the rural households. Women participation under the scheme has been more than 48%. It is also heartening to note that rural women are increasingly going for self-employment opportunities in ever increasing numbers. Out of a total of 44.32 lakh Self-Help Groups in our country, 30.21 lakh are exclusively for women which accounts for more than 68%. We propose to continue this effort in future as well.

          Clearly, skill development is crucial to our efforts for providing decent employment opportunities to our large and growing young population. A skilled workforce is also a pre-requisite for the achievement of our objective of rapid and inclusive growth. Therefore, we have laid special emphasis on skill development. 

          Our aim is to skill 5 crore people by the end of the 12th Five Year Plan. This will not only help in generating good quality employment but will also provide Industry with the skilled workforce they need to expand and modernize their operations. During the last five years, the number of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in the country has doubled from about 5000 to about 10000. About 1700 Government ITIs have been modernized. Another 3000 ITIs, 5000 Skill Development Centres and 27 Advanced Training Institutes are proposed to be set up during the 12th Five Year Plan (2012-17). The Modular Employable Skills (MES) programme of the Ministry of Labour & Employment provides short duration courses to prospective trainees using both Government and private infrastructure. It is an attempt towards increasing employment in the unorganized sector at a rapid pace. 

        In order to achieve our ambitious targets, the skilling efforts of both the Central and the State Governments need to be supplemented by the private sector. Furthermore, skills need to be closely matched with emerging job requirements. This calls for setting up of national standards for skill formation benchmarked to global standards, development of appropriate curriculum design for specific skills and formation of new assessment and certifying bodies besides strengthening the existing ones. 

         The National Skill Development Corporation has been established for promoting private sector efforts in the area of skill development. In addition, the Government has recently taken the decision to set up the National Skill Development Agency (NSDA) to anchor and operationalize the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) which should play a vital role in transforming the quality of training in our country. The NSDA will also endeavor to bridge the social, regional, gender and economic divides in processes of skill development.

         I have no doubt that with active participation of the industry, the Trade Unions and the Government, we will be able to achieve more effective outcomes in improving the employability of our youth and thus pave the way for generating decent employment opportunities for them commensurate with their rising aspirations. This is the task to which I commit our country. 

         Ever since the UPA Government came to power in 2004, we have endeavoured to work for the welfare of workers. When I look back at what I had said when I addressed the 40th Session of this Conference in 2005, I feel a sense of satisfaction that we have delivered substantially on the promises we had made at that time. I had at that time spoken about the need for a new deal to the working people, the need for ensuring the welfare and well being of all workers, particularly those in the unorganized sector, and the legislation that was under consideration in this regard. I am happy that we have achieved good results in these areas, though I would be the first one to recognize that there is much that still needs to be done. 

        We launched the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) in 2008 to provide for smart card based hospitalization facilities for workers in the unorganized sector. We have been expanding the reach of the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) to cover larger numbers of workers in the informal sector. Under this scheme, 3.41 crore smart cards have been issued so far. The RSBY now covers additional categories of workers including construction workers, street vendors, domestic workers and even beneficiaries of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme.

       Our Government enacted the Unorganized Workers Social Security Act, 2008 for the benefit of the workers in the informal sector. 

         We have increased the eligibility limit under the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965 from Rs 3500 per month to Rs 10000 per month. The medical bonus payable under the Maternity Benefit Act of 1961 has also been enhanced. We have also enhanced the period of unemployment allowance to retrenched workers from 6 months to 1 year under the Rajiv Gandhi Shramik Kalyan Yojana.

       The National Policy on Safety, Health and Environment and the National Policy on HIV and AIDS in the World of Work were put in place in the year 2009.

         We have taken proactive steps for elimination of child labour. Our Government has taken a decision to amend the Child Labour Prohibition & Regulation Act, 1986 to ban all child labour below 14 years to enable our children to exercise their right to education. I am happy that the number of children working as labourers in our country has decreased by 45% from 90.75 lakh in 2004-05 to 49.84 lakh in year 2009-10. We now need to ensure that this is brought down further.

         A number of Bills have been introduced for amending Acts such as the Labour Laws (Exemption from Furnishing Returns and Maintaining Registers by Certain Establishments) Act, 1988, the Mines Act, 1952 and the Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979. Besides, a number of amendments in labour laws are at various stages of consideration.

         The Employees` State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Act was amended in the year 2010 to cover factories employing 10 or more workers, instead of the earlier threshold of 20. The wage ceiling for coverage of employees has been enhanced from Rupees 10,000 to Rs.15,000 per month. The number of establishments covered has increased to 5.80 lakh till the end of 2011-12 from 3.94 lakh in year 2008-09. Twenty seven ESIC hospitals are being modernized and four have already been upgraded. Five new ESIC hospitals were commissioned in 2011-12. Insured persons are now being issued Smart Cards and super specialty treatment facilities have been extended to them. The ESIC organization has undertaken a massive computerization project for more effective delivery of benefits to the insured persons. 

        Modernization initiatives in the Employees Provident Fund Organization have resulted in 25% increase in the settlement of claims as compared to the previous year. The Status of all Provident Fund Accounts is now available online along with SMS alerts for important account information. Payment is now possible through National Electronic Fund Transfer (NEFT). 

        There are certain vulnerable groups of workers that need our special attention. I would urge this Conference to focus particularly on the well being and welfare of migrant workers, domestic workers and those working in unsafe conditions. These groups not only need special legislative support but also a more effective implementation of the existing laws that have been made for their protection and wellbeing. We need to bring in the best international practices for bringing about improvements in their working conditions.

         The Government of India, Industry, Trade Unions and State Governments need to work in partnership to strengthen our society, our economy and our country. I would like to take today`s opportunity to reaffirm our Government`s firm commitment to building such a partnership. We are all aware that our economy is going through difficult circumstances and our growth is not what we would like it to be. Even as the Government works for reversing this situation and I am confident, we can do so and we will do it, we need the cooperation of both Captains of Industry and our Trade Unions. In the recent months we have taken a number of steps to boost investment, encourage enterprise and improve business sentiment. We have paid special attention to the need for removing bottlenecks that hamper new industrial activity. I would urge you all Captains of Industry and Trade Union leaders to help us in making a success of these efforts. I wish your deliberations all success.” 

****
SH/NK/SKS
(Release ID :96045) (PIB 17.05.2013)

INTER-CIRCLE TRANSFER GUIDELINES

HSG-I PROMOTION ORDER

24TH NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AND WORKERS, COM. M. KRISHNAN ELECTED AS NEW SECRETARY GENERAL

The 24^th National Conference of the Confederation of Central Government Employees & Workers held at Kolkata from 4^th to 6^th has elected following as main office bearers. Com. S. K. Vyas (Advisor), Com. K. K. N. Kutty (President) Com. M. S. Raja (Working President), Com. M. Krishnan (Secretary General), Com. K. P. Rajagopal (Secretary) Com. Vrighu Bhattacharjee (Finance Secretary). 13 lakhs Central Government employees of 106 affiliated organisation are members of Confederation.

KERALA CIRCLE JCA (NFPE & FNPO) DECIDED TO CALL OFF THE THREE DAY STRIKE IN CENTRAL REGION

KERALA CIRCLE JCA (NFPE & FNPO) DECIDED TO CALL OFF THE THREE DAY STRIKE IN CENTRAL REGION

After written Assurance Given by Chief PMG. Chelur and alacode closed post offices will be reopened. RMS Night set/L-1 office will be restored. All other issues favourable settlement. Directorate given full power to Chief PMG to implement the assurance. No other victimistaion except “No work No Pay”. No FR-17 A. Kerala Comrades Celebrating the VICTORY. 

RED SALUTE TO ALL

புரட்சிகர வாழ்த்துக்கள்

புரட்சிகர  வாழ்த்துக்கள் 

INDEFINITE STRIKE IN KERALA FROM 1st MAY 2013

ENTIRE  POSTAL &  RMS  EMPLOYEES  (NFPE & FNPO) OF CENTRAL REGION KERALA CIRCLE STARTED  INDEFINITE  STRIKE FROM Ist MAY, 2013 AGAINST THE ATROCITIES AND PERVERTED ACTIONS OF SHRI GEORGE NAINAN PMG . STRIKE 100%. ALL POST OFFICES AND RMS OFFICES REMAINED PARALYSED. IF DEMANDS ARE NOT SETTLED BEFORE 5TH MAY, 2013, ENTIRE KERELA CIRCLE WILL GO ON INDEFINITE  STRIKE

MAY DAY CELEBRATION

EDITORIAL POSTAL CRUSADER MAY 2013

9th FEDERAL COUNCIL AND OUR TASK AHEAD

Ninth Federal Council of NFPE, which is the highest policy decision making body, is being held at Hyderabad from 9^th to 12^thJune, 2013. National Federation of Postal Employees is a class-oriented militant organization representing about five lakh postal employees.

The P &T Trade Union movement in India has inherited a history of struggle and sacrifices right from the days of British Raj. In 1905, when there was no freedom to form unions, Babu Tarapada Mukherjee started this organization in the name of Recreation Club at Kolkata GPO. Tarapada was dismissed from service by the British Govt. in the year 1921 for delivering speech at Lahore All India Conference. During the last one hundred years many great leaders of this organization has been tortured, arrested and put under jail and even murdered, both by British and the Indian Govt. Com. Dada Gosh, the first Secretary General of NFPTE was arrested, jailed and suspended from service. Com. K. G. Bose, who electrified the P&T trade union movement and who led the 1946 historic P&T strike was also dismissed from service. Com.N.J.Iyer, former All India President of NFPE was arrested and put under jail for 18 months for delivering a speech against the “emergency” in 1975. Com. K. Adinarayana, the Ex-Secretary General of NFPE was in jail for three years for participating the Telangana struggle against Nizams. Com. Om Prakash Gupta who was the Secretary General of NFPTE for many years and Com. K. L. Moza, Ex-Secretary General were also jailed and punished. Many other legendary leaders who led this movement has sacrificed their entire life for the postal employees and the working class as a whole.

The 25 days historic 1946 P&T strike gone to the annals of the history of India’s freedom movement as one of the most militant struggle launched by the P&T employees against the British Raj. 1960 five days strike of Central Govt. employees, 1968 September 19^th strike for ‘need based minimum wage’ in this 17 employees has been brutally murdered by the Govt. by resorting to firing and lathi charge, 1974 Bonus strike in solidarity with the striking Railway employees, 1984 September, 19^th strike for the emancipation of three lakh Extra Departmental employees, 1993 five days postal strike, 1996 eight days strike for removal of bonus ceiling, 1998 eight days postal strike, 2000 December 14 days Postal strike all are lead by the National Federation of Postal Employees under the banner of Confederation of  Central Govt. Employees & Workers and also jointly with FNPO under the banner of Joint Council of Action. The one day strike of the Central Govt. Employees conducted on 12^th December 2012 is another mile stone in the history of the Postal Trade Union movement. It is in this back ground the leaders of the postal movement are meeting in the Federal Council at Hyderabad.

NFPE has been participating in all the nationwide General Strikes conducted by the Central Trade Unions, right from 1991 onwards including the two days strike of 2013 February 20 & 21, against the neo-liberal imperialist globalization policies pursued by the Central Govt. The Hyderabad Federal Council shall review the participation of the Postal employees in the General Strikes and also workout remedial measures for ensuing cent percent participation of employees in all the programmes including strike against the neo-liberal policies of the Central Govt., NFPE conducted innumerable struggles for realization of the legitimate demands of the Postal & RMS employees including Gramin Dak Sevaks and Part-time/Casual, contingent employees. Many demands are settled but still many demands are pending. During this period, the Govt., has tried to close or merge many post offices and RMS offices. Further attempt is also made to abolish justified posts. Due to the continued struggle carried out by NFPE & JCA we could halt many policy offensives of the Govt., though these measures are not withdrawn completely. Many sectional issues like Cadre Restructuring, Postmen issues, MNOP, Project Arrow, Postmaster cadre, PO & RMS Accountants, System Administrators, GDS problems, PLI/RPLI related issues, problems of the Postal Accounts, SBCO and Civil wing Cases, Casual Labourer’s problems, RTP issues etc., to be settled. This 9^thFederal Council shall deliberate all these issues and shall chalk out agitational programme   for realization of the sectional demands of the Postal employees.

          Due to the neo-liberal policies implemented by the Central Govt., during the last two decades, the Central Services including Postal department is facing great threat against its existence. Ban on creation of new posts, non-filling up of vacant posts, outsourcing, downsizing, controctorization, contributory pension scheme, non-regularization of the services of Gramin Dak Sevaks and Casual Labourers, restrictions on compassionate appointments, bonus discrimination, all are the off-shoots of this policy. Due to the unprecedented price rise the real wages of the employees and workers has eroded like anything. The Central Govt. employees are on continuous struggle demanding appointment of Seventh Pay Commission, 50% merger of DA, Regularization of Gramin Dak Sevaks and Casual Labourers, grant of five promotions etc, we have to intensify and carry forward the struggle. The  Hyderabad Federal Council shall take appropriate decisions for ensuing largest unity of all Central Govt. Employees and to prepare for an indefinite strike, if the demands of the Central Govt. Employees  including appointment of 7^th CPC, DA merger, scrapping PFRDA bill are not accepted by the Govt,.

In short, the ninth Federal Council of NFPE shall deliberate all the issues agitating the minds of postal employees and shall take decision to protect the postal services and also for realization of demands of the postal employees. The decisions of the Federal Council shall have far-reaching implications in shaping the future and destiny of the entire postal employees.