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Sunday, September 30, 2012

Greetings to the Peoples Republic of China!


             Peoples Republic of China was formed on 1st October 1949. Despite all obstacles and opposition from the capitalist countries, problem of high population and the comparatively poor ,condition, it has grown tremendously during the last 6 decades and is the 2nd economic power in the world after US. It is stated that it will surpass US by the 2020s.
            The Socialist China has shown to the world its determination to improve the condition of its people and its dedication to the Socialist concept.  China became Republic after one year of Independence of India, But China has grown faster due to its socialistic method of growth.
         India and China are two biggest republics and neighbours and have to move forward in co-ordination and co-existence.
Greetings to the Peoples republic of China and its people!
Source: vannamboodiri.wordpress.com
 

REPORT ON FEDERAL EXECUTIVE MEETING OF NFPE HELD AT NEW DELHI ON 27.09.2012



               Federal Executive meeting of NFPE was held at NFPE office, 1st Floor North Avenue Post Office Building, New Delhi on 27.09.2012 from 11.00 A.M.   


             The meeting was presided by Com. S.P. Mukherjee Vice President- NFPE. Com. R.N. Parashar Assistant Secretary General NFPE welcomed all the leaders and guests who came to participate in the Federal Executive Meeting.     


               Before commencement of the meeting, condolence message was read out by Com. M. Krishan, Secretary General paying homage to those who lost their lives during the period. After that two minutes Mourn was observed in respect of martyrs.


                    Com. M. Krishnan, Secretary General NFPE, presented a brief report on the activities of NFPE since last Federal Executive Meeting held at Delhi on 21.03.2012.


                The Federal Executive meeting was inaugurated by Com. S.K. Vyas President Confederation of Central Govt. Employees and Workers who elaborately discussed the need and justification of all the demands mentioned in the 15 point Charter of Demands issued by confederation for the strike on 12.12.2012. He appealed the NFPE leadership to make the strike a historic success mentioning that the NFPE is the biggest affiliate of Confederation. He also praised the participation and role of NFPE in success of Parliament March on 26th July, 2012.


                 Com. K. Ragavendran Ex. Secretary General NFPE described the impact of Globalization policies on working class in general and Postal workers in particular and emphasized the need of united struggle to resist the onslaughts unleashed by the Central Government in the wake of Neo Liberal Economic policies.


                  Com. K.V. Sridharan Ex. General Secretary P-III and Leader, JCM Staff Side mentioned the achievements obtained by NFPE through various struggles. He stated that most of the long pending demands of Postal & RMS Workers have been settled and for remaining demands a memorandum should be submitted to the Deptt.


               All General Secretaries viz Coms. Giri Raj Singh (R-III) , Sivanarayana (P-III) , I.S. Dabas (P-4), P. Suresh (R-4), Pranab Bhattacharjee(Admn), T. Satyanarayana(Postal Accounts), S. Appan Raj (SBCO), P. Panduranga Rao (GDS-NFPE) and NFPE office bearers Coms. S. Raghupathy, ASG, Raj Kumar (Financial Secretary), S.P. Mukherjee(Vice President), K.K. Sharma (Vice President) and Com. S.P. Kulkarni, President (SBCO) expressed their views on Secretary General’s report and emphasized to submit memorandum on pending unsettled demands, they also suggested to observe some vegetarian programmes. They all endorsed the call of Confederation for one day strike on 12.12.12 and assured to make all efforts to make the strike a grand success.


            All the leaders emphasized for the need of an agitational programme by the All India leadership for the settlement of demands of GDS and Casual, part time and contingent staff.


               Com. M. Krishnan Secretary General NFPE summed up the discussion and clarified that most of the major demands related to Postal and RMS employees have been settled during the negotiations on strike charter of demands. Some demands are still pending for which a detailed memorandum will be submitted to Secretary (Posts) and even if these are not settled within stipulated period agitational programme will be launched. For the settlement of demands of GDS, Casual, Part-time and contingent employees, all efforts are being made and agitational programmes will be launched against the Department. He appealed to all to make all efforts for the success of one day strike 12/.12.12 on call of Confederation and two days strike on 20th & 21st, February, 2013 on call of all Central Trade Unions.


                     Vote of thanks was offered by Com. R.N. Parashar A.S.G. (NFPE).The meeting was concluded by Com. S.P. Mukherjee (President) by giving thanks to all.

Postal Crusader _ Editorial- Maintain unity and defeat the disruptors

                 The tradition of the Postal Trade Union movement, from the very day of its inception, is the total unity of the entire Postal employees and Central Govt. Employees – Whether they are called Departmental Employees or Extra – Departmental Employees. Late Comrades: Tarapada Mukherjee, Dada Ghosh, K. G. Bose, N. J. Iyer, Adinarayana, K. L. Moza and all those great leaders stood for the unity of the entire Postal workers. Unfortunately, of late, deliberate attempt is being made repeatedly, from certain quarters, to split and weaken the rock – like unity of Postal employees.

                       In 2008, all the unions of NFPE took an unanimous decision to go on indefinite strike from 6th January 2009, raising the main demands of the Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) i.e.; reject the retrograde recommendations of the Nataraja Murthy Committee report. But suddenly a strike notice was served by the then GDS union General Secretary for indefinite strike from 18.12.2008 i.e, 18 days before the proposed indefinite strike of NFPE. Other unions were not consulted. After serving the strike notice only it was known to others. What was the need for going on strike in a so hurriedly manner, when NFPE was ready for a joint strike from 06.01.2009. Will be sky come down if the strike is delayed for 18 days to ensure cent percent unity of Postal Employees. The intention was very clear to divide the unity of the Postal workers. The leadership of the so – called GDS union played in the hands of the Govt. and the Postal bureaucracy who are hell-bound to demolish the rock-like unity of Postal workers. With the help of the so-called GDS union General Secretary, the Government succeeded to some extent in creating a division among Departmental employees and GDS.

                            Now again, the same thing is being repeated. The entire Central Government Employees, including the National Federation of Postal Employees has decided to go on a nation-wide one day strike on 12th December 2012. One of the major demands of the strike charter is the issues related to the GDS employees – i.e.; 7th Pay Commission to examine the wages and service conditions of GDS, 50% DA merger for GDS and not 5% TRCA increase, Departmentalization of GDS and extending all the benefits of departmental employees, Bonus discrimination, protection of allowance, Health Scheme, time bound promotion etc. Intensive campaign all over the country is taking place for making the strike a grand success. The strike was declared on 2012 July 26th in the historic Parliament March in which about 20000 Central Government Employees participated in which a large majority of them being Postal & RMS employees including Gramin Dak Sevaks.

                     Again, all of a sudden, the General Secretary of the truncated GDS Union, gave another strike notice for indefinite strike from 16th October 2012. When the entire employees are preparing for a joint strike, what is the need of giving a sudden notice for another strike. Again, the intention is very clear. They are playing in the hands of the Government. The Central Government wants to scuttle the December joint strike by creating division among the Departmental Employees and GDS. The leader is behaving as an agent of the Government and poor GDS are the victims. GDS are not going to be benefited by such sectarian strike.
                    Shall we allow such leaders to break the unity of Postal workers, by stabbing from the back? Shall we allow the Government to break our unity by joining hands with such leaders? No, we shall not. We shall expose those disruptors and at any cost, shall uphold the unity of the Postal workers and march forward under the banner of NFPE for protecting the interest of the Postal employees including Gramin Dak Sevaks. Let us fight against the policy of the Government and make the 12th December strike a thundering success

Saturday, September 29, 2012

BSNLEU AIC held successfully


          The VI All India Conference of BSNLEU  Ludhiana was a great success.  Inaugural Session, Seminar, Open Session, Mahila Convention and delegate sessions were held in the  four days of the AIC from 25th t0 28th September. More than 3,000 delegates, including delegates and observers attended the AIC.
          Coms. V.A.N.Namboodiri, P.Abhimanyu, Animesh Mitre and S.C.Bhattachargee were  elected as President, General Secretary, Dy. General Secretary and Treasurer respectively.

Fighting sexual harassment at work place


In today's corporate environment, its inhabitants are put under various kinds of pressures. Arshie Chevalwala speaks to experts about one such nuisance, sexual harassment
Effects of sexual harassment can vary depending on the individuality or personality of the recipient, and the severity and duration of the harassment. Often, sexual harassment incidents fall into the category of the "merely annoying." In other situations harassment may lead to temporary or prolonged stress and/ ordepression depending on the recipient's psychological abilities to cope up with it, and the social support or lack of it for the recipient. Victims who do not submit to harassment may also experience various forms of retaliation, including isolation and bullying.
"Coping with harassment at work is a very stressful task. What really helps is support from the management. It is vital that companies provide a nurturing environment where victims feel confident enough to approach them and report an instance," suggest Rupa Dutta (name changed), an employee who was subject to harassment at work.
Dr. Arvind Gupta, consultant psychiatrist, Max Hospital talks about the common effects on the victims. He says, "Some of the psychological and health effects that can occur are depression, anxiety and/or panic attacks, sleeplessness and/or nightmares, shame and guilt, difficulty concentrating, headaches, fatigue or loss of motivation, stomach problems, eating disorders (weight loss or gain), alcoholism, feeling betrayed and/or violated, feeling angry or violent towards the perpetrator, feeling powerless or out of control, increased blood pressure, loss of confidence and self esteem, withdrawal and isolation, overall loss of trust in people, traumatic stress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex post-traumatic stress disorder, suicidal thoughts or attempts, suicide."
Common psychological, professional, financial, and social effects of sexual harassment and retaliation pointed out by Dr. Gupta are:
- Psychological stress and health impairment
- Decreased work performance as a result of stress conditions; increased absenteeism in fear of harassment repetition
- Firing and refusal for a job opportunity can lead to loss of job or career, loss of income;
- Being objectified and humiliated by scrutiny and gossip
- Defamation of character and reputation
- Loss of trust in environments similar to where the harassment occurred
- Loss of trust in the types of people that occupy similar positions as the harasser or his or her colleagues, especially in case they are not supportive, difficulties or stress on peer relationships
Weakening of support network, or being ostracized from professional or academic circles ( friends, colleagues, or family may distance themselves from the victim, or shun him or her altogether). Thus, sexual harassment is a known menace of today's corporate environment and employers are taking active measure to prevent and contain bad behavior. Pragya Kumar, HR head at Yatra.com concurs, "Sexual harassment is one of the key employee grievances today and knows no gender bar. Corporates must conduct annual workshops and regular training sessions for the employees wherein they are taught the importance of maintaining a congenial working environment, keeping it a safe, happy and secured one. We ensure a close monitoring of the work places and a free and transparent interaction with manager and as well at the employee level in order to keep a tap on the decorum. To keep a complete check on such issues cropping up at the workplace, we have incorporated policies that ensure an environment that is conducive for the growth of our employees in every aspect."
Steps to prevent sexual harassment 
- Get high-level management support Obtain high-level support from the chief executive officer and senior management for implementing a comprehensive strategy to address sexual harassment.
- Write and implement a sexual harassment policy
- Develop a written policy, which prohibits sexual harassment in consultation with staff and relevant unions.
- Ensure that managers and supervisors discuss and reinforce the policy at staff meetings. Verbal communication of the policy is particularly important in workplaces where the literacy of staff may be an issue.
- Periodically review the policy to ensure it is operating effectively and contains up-to-date information. (c) Provide regular training and information on sexual harassment to all staff and management
- Conduct regular training sessions for all staff and management on sexual harassment and the organisational policy. This training should be behaviourally based which means it should increase knowledge and understanding of specific behaviours that may amount to sexual harassment under the Sex Discrimination Act. Regular refresher training is recommended.
Source : The Times of India, Sept 27, 2012

Friday, September 28, 2012

WHY MUST YOU DRINK WATER


Regular intake of water is essential for maintaining good health

Most of us know that up to seventy per cent of the total body weight is due to water. Although it is present in all parts of the body, it is more present in organs such as lungs and brain and fluids such as blood, lymph, saliva and secretions by the organs of the digestive system. The common belief is that we feel thirsty only when our body needs water. While this is true, recent research studies have indicated that there are several other indicators of inadequate water in some or all parts of the body. Ignoring these indicators can lead to several major diseases. Most of us spend a lot of our working hours in air-conditioned environment so naturally we don't feel thirsty but that does not mean that our body does not need water. Lack of water can lead to fatigue too. So, for your glowing health, drink enough water.     

Importance of water for maintaining normal health:

Just as water helps a seed grow into a tree, it also helps our body. The flow of water inside and outside the cells generates energy. This energy is stored in body along with other chemical sources of energy in the body. The energy generated by the water in the cells helps transmit impulses in the nerves. Water content in the body influences the functions of the various proteins and enzymes that are dissolved in it.

Water helps maintain the moisture of the lining of the internal organs of the body. It maintains normal volume and consistency of fluids such as blood and lymph. It regulates body temperature.

It removes 'toxins' from the body
Water is essential for regulating the normal structure and functions of the skin. The body loses about four litres of water every day. It is, therefore, necessary to replenish this volume by drinking at least the equivalent amount of water every day. Inadequate intake of water can lead to dehydration.        





Source:-The Times of India

Orders issued for increasing the DA from 65% to 72% for Central Government Employees


7% DA increase with effect from 01.07.2012

No. 1(8)/2012-E-II (B)
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure
North Block, New Delhi
Dated: 28th September, 2012
OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Payment of Dearness Allowance to Central Government employees – Revised Rates effective from 1.7.2012.

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Ministry’s Office Memorandum No. 1 (1)/2012-E-11 (B) dated 3rd April, 2012 on the subject mentioned above and to say that the President is pleased to decide that the Dearness Allowance payable to Central Government employees shall be enhanced from the existing rate of 65% to 72% with effect from 1st July, 2012.
2. The provisions contained in paras 3, 4 and 5 of this Ministry’s O.M. No. 1(3)/2008-E-II(B) dated 29th August, 2008 shall continue to be applicable while regulating Dearness Allowance under these orders.
3. The additional installment of Dearness Allowance payable under these orders shall be paid in cash to all Central Government employees.
4. These orders shall also apply to the civilian employees paid from the Defence Services Estimates and the expenditure will be chargeable to the relevant head of the Defence Services Estimates. In regard to Armed Forces personnel and Railway employees, separate orders will be issued by the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Railways, respectively.
5. In so far as the persons serving in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department are concerned, these orders issue in consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.
Download Office Memorandum No. 1(8)/2012-E-II (B) dated 28.09.2012 for hike in DA from 65% to 72%

Thursday, September 27, 2012

SPEEDPOST RATE FROM 1ST OCTOBER




NEW SPEEDPOST RATE Changed From 1st October 2012

Source: sapost.blogspot.com 

No roaming charges from next year: Kapil Sibal

                     Telecom minister Kapil Sibal on Monday said that mobile phone subscribers will not have to payroaming charges from next year. "From next year. Our secretary has told you that it will be free from next year," Sibal said here in response to a query on the timing of removing roaming charges as proposed in the National Telecom Policy 2012.
               The minister was speaking to the media on the sidelines of the curtain raiser event of India Internet Governance Conference. NTP 2012, approved in May, aims to abolish roaming charges and allow mobile phone subscribers to use same number across country without having to pay extra charges for services once they are outside their telecom circle.
                     Meanwhile, telecom secretary R Chandrashekhar said the Department of Telecom (DoT) is working on Notice Inviting Applications for spectrum auction after which it will work on unified licence (UL) guidelines - also a part of the NTP 2012.
                  "We are first going to attend to all issues linked to auction. The moment NIA is issued this week, we will focus on UL. After details of full UL is worked out, the modalities for free roaming will follow," he said. As per the schedule, NIA will be issued on September 28.
 
Source : The Times of India, Sept 24, 2012

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Finance Ministry for zero charges on e-transfer of funds up to Rs 1 lakh



To promote cashless transactions, the Finance Ministry has asked public sector banks to take steps to reduce the fee to zero for electronic transfer of funds up to Rs one lakh.

Currently, most banks charge a maximum fee of Rs 5 per transfer of funds up to Rs 1 lakh from one account to another through National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) system.

Transfer of funds up to Rs 10,000 through NEFT system attract a maximum charge of Rs 2.50 per transaction.

In a recent communication to the state-owned banks, the Ministry had asked them to "take action" to reduce the NEFT charges to zero for value up to Rs 1 lakh.

However, some banks are yet to intimate the Ministry about the action taken by them to reduce the charges, sources said.

RBI has, however, retained maximum charges of Rs 15 per transaction for electronic transfer of funds beyond Rs 1 lakh to less than Rs 2 lakh,

The government has been asking banks to encourage transactions through e-payment channels so as to reduce the number of transactions through cheques and other expensive modes of transactions.

The public sector banks have also been asked to identify top 20 per cent branches in respect of business volumes to bring down the number of cheque based transactions by at least one-fifth in the current financial year.

The banks have also been asked to ensure that all payments and disbursements by them, except sundry payments, are made only electronically.

The RBI had recently said that it is "desirable" that the benefits accruing on account of increasing volume of transactions are passed on to the customers so as to incentivise greater use of the electronic payment system.


Source : The Economic Times

BSNL Day on 1st October 2012

BSNL is completing 12 years of service to the people on this 1st October. BSNL is loved by the people who wants it to improve and provide a better service to them.

This is one occasion when the workers and the management together has to make all out efforts to strengthen BSNL and provide the best service to the nation. The unions/associations of the workers have an important role in the matter. The Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations are continuing with the 'Customer Delight Year' in this context. Each and every worker can try towards this end.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

NFPE NEWS bulletin - visitors at a glance Sep 18, 2012 11:30 AM – Sep 25, 2012 10:30 AM

Pageviews by Countries

Graph of most popular countries among blog viewers
EntryPageviews
India
418
United States
49
United Kingdom
32
Argentina
11
Turkey
4
France
3
Russia
3
South Africa
3
Germany
1
Indonesia
1

Dearness Allowance from July 2012 – Cabinet Approved

The Union Cabinet approved a 7 percent hike in the Dearness Allowance (DA) for central government employees.
The approval will benefit 80 lakh central government employees and pensioners.
The government had last increased DA in March this year from 58 percent to 65 percent, which was effective from January 1, 2012. It will now be increased to 72 percent
Related Posts: Cabinet meeting postponed to next week – Delay in Dearness Allowance hike 7% DA hike likely for central govt employees Dearness Allowance expectation from July 2012 Dearness Allowance to Central Government and the Central Autonomous Bodies continuing to draw their pay in the pre revised scale as per 5th cpc Dearness Relief to Central Government pensioners/family pensioners from January 2012

Monday, September 24, 2012

Central D.A. likely to be cleared by cabinet on Monday evening


It is all set to approve 7% D.A. for Central employees and pensioners by the cabinet. The cabinet meeting scheduled on Friday, the 21st September has been rescheduled on Tuesday and then advanced to Monday (24/09/2012) evening.
Once approved the total Dearness Allowance payable from 1st July 2012 will be 72% of total pay. Employees are likely to get 3 months arrears in cash and the enhanced pay will be effected from the salary of October 2012.
Pensioners are likely to get it with the pension of October 2012.

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Working more than 8hrs a day ups heart risk


Working more than eight hours a day raises the risk of heart disease by up to 80 per cent, a new study has revealed.

Researchers said that long working hours could be condemning thousands of employees to heart attacks and strokes.

The warning follows analysis of 12 studies dating back as far as 1958, involving a total of 22,000 people from around the world.

The analysis, by scientists at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, found that those whose working days that were longer than the traditional eight hours had a 40 to 80 per cent greater chance of heart disease.

The size of the increase varied depending on how each study was carried out.

The effects were more pronounced when participants were asked how long they worked for - but when researchers closely monitored working hours, the increased risk of heart disease was closer to 40 per cent.

Lead researcher Dr Marianna Virtanen said the effects could be due to "prolonged exposure to stress."

Other triggers could be poor eating habits and lack of exercise due to restricted leisure time.

Middle-aged workers putting in 55 hours or more a week had poorer brain function than those clocking up no more than 40 hours, with lower scores on tests to measure intelligence, short-term memory and word recall.

Britons work some of the longest hours in Europe, with full-time employees averaging 42.7 a week.

Those in Germany typically work for 42 hours, while Danes do 39.1.

It estimated that more than five million people a year in Britain work unpaid extra hours to hang on to their jobs.

But the long-term toll on workers' health could be devastating, the new research suggests.

"There are several potential mechanisms that may underlie the association between long working hours and heart disease," the Daily Mail quoted Dr Virtanen as saying in a report on the findings.

In addition to prolonged exposure to psychological stress, she said other triggers could be raised levels of the stress hormone cortisol, poor eating habits and lack of physical activity due to restricted leisure time.

Source :  http://timesofindia.indiatimes

Friday, September 21, 2012

Cabinet meetings Scheduled on 21st Sept, postponed – Cabinet approval for Dearness Allowance increase likely to be Delayed


The meeting of the Union Cabinet, which was scheduled to consider a 7 per cent hike in dearness allowance to 80 lakh central government employees and pensioners, has been put off to next week.
“The Cabinet, CCEA (Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs) and CCI (Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure) meetings scheduled for Friday, have been postponed,” an official announcement said.
Cabinet meetings usually take place on Thursdays, but they have been postponed apparently in view of the rapid political developments in the aftermath of the government’s decision to hike diesel prices and operationalise its earlier move to allow foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi- brand retail.
Increasing DA from 65 per cent to 72 per cent to provide relief to 50 lakh central government employees and 30 lakh pensioners was on the agenda of the meeting. It is now likely to be taken up next week.
Once approved, the hike in dearness allowance will be effective from July 1, 2012, and the employees would be entitled to arrears from that date.
The additional burden on exchequer on account of increase in DA would be around 5,000 crore for the eight-month period between July, 2012 and February, 2013. It will be Rs. 7,400 crore for the full financial year.
The government had last increased DA in March this year from 58 per cent to 65 per cent, which was effective from January 1, 2012.
The government periodically hikes the DA, which is linked to consumer price index for industrial workers.
The consumer price index (CPI) based on movement in retail prices, soared to 10.03 per cent in August, from 9.86 per cent in July.
Source: NDTV

Protest Day/ Bharat Bandh on 20th September

The All India Protest Day /Jail Bharao/Rasta Roko programme organised by the eight non-BJP, non-Congress parties including the four Left parties against the anti-people policies of the UPA government was a big success in most of the states. BJP had called for a Bharat Bandh also. The strong protest of the people against the increase in diesel price, 51% FDI in multi-brand retail which will result in the collapse of the small retail trade on which more than 5 crore people earn their living, 49% FDI in aviation which will result in the take over of Indian companies by MNCs etc. was supported by the people on a large scale. Many trains were stopped by the protesters. Shops remained closed and buses and other vehicles did not ply. The people fully co-operated with Bandh. The strong protest was a slap on the face of the UPA government which has surrendered to the interests of the MNCs and imperialist countries, specially US.
In Delhi a big protest demonstration was held near Jantar Mantar and all India leaders courted arrest.  After holding a joint demonstration at Jantar Mantar, the leaders of SP, four Left parties, JD(S), TDP and BJD marched to Parliament Street Police Station along with supporters and courted arrest.
Besides Yadav, Karat (CPI-M)and Bardhan (CPI), other prominent leaders who courted arrested included Sitaram Yechury (CPI-M), Chandrababu Naidu of TDP and Deve Gowda(JD-S).
Courtesy:   vannamboodiri.wordpress.com

Don’t privatise Chennai, Kolkata Airports – Com.Tapan Sen M.P.


Com. Tapan Sen, M.P. and General secretary, CITU has demanded the government not to proceed with privatisation of the Chennai and Kolkata Airports. In a letter addressed to Shri Ajit singh, Minister for Civil Aviation, Com. Tapan Sen has pointed out that the modernisation of the Chennai and Kolkata Airports has already been started by the Airport Authority of India(AAI) and thousands of crore of rupees have already been spent. At this stage any PPP (Public-Private-Participation)programme has no meaning except to unduly benefit private companies. Both these airports are in profit and are running effectively. Further the Tripartitie Committee appointed by the government earlier has strongly recommended that the modernisation is to be done by AAI and not by any private participation.
Com.Tapan Sen, therefore, has demanded the Minister to drop the proposal for PPP in the modernisation of the Chennai and kolkata airports.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

September 19th - Martyrs day

19th September 1968 is a memorable day in the annals of the struggles of the Central Government employees. It was on this day lakhs of CG employees went on a historic strike demanding Need Based Minimum Wag,e, DA etc., defying all black laws and threats including the Essential Service Maintenance Act. There was no other way for the unions other than to go on strike, since the government denied the justified demands of the workers.

                 The strike was only for one day, a token strike. But the entire country was paralysed with employees of Railways, Posts and Telegraphs and other CG services on strike. It was dealt by the Central Government with all its mighty state apparatus. Thousands of employees were arrested, jailed, dismissed, suspended, terminated and imposed with heavy punishments.


                   But the workers fought back and by about two to three years almost all the dismissed/terminated employees could be reinstated. But all the victimisation could not be cancelled and suffered not only till retirement but in pension also.

                It was a heroic struggle well knowing the consequences. But it had its results. Gradually the government was compelled to agree to many of the demands. No struggle is in vain.

                        None of those valiant comrades who participated in the strike are in service now, since all of them might have retired by this time. But till their last, all of them will have the memory of this great struggle.


It was a historic strike indeed!

Demand of grade pay Rs.4600/- for IPOs

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

REIMBURSE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES FOR PRIVATE TREATMENT


              A central government servant is entitled for reimbursement even if he takes treatment in a private hospital under emergent situation, the TN Bench of the Central Administrative Tribunal has held.
             M Mohamed Salia, Deputy Chief Engineer, Southern Railway, while returning home, suffered a heart attack on November 20, 2008. Due to the urgency of the matter, his wife admitted him in the nearest private hospital Frontier Lifeline, as the Railway Hospital was 10 km away from her residence. After a by-pass surgery and necessary treatment, he was discharged on December 12, 2008. He paid Rs.3.10 lakh towards hospital bills.
         When he applied for reimbursement of Rs.2 lakh to which he was entitled, the railway authorities rejected his claim on the ground that treatment in a non-recognised private hospital without referral by the railway authorised medical officer was not admissible. Hence, the present application.
          Rejecting the contentions, CAT judicial member G Santhappa said that in this case, the applicant had produced the emergency certificate and that had not been considered by the railways. The Personnel Branches Circular (PBC) dated May 4, 1994 listed under what circumstances reimbursement of medical expenses could be made. It included that if a patient falls ill at a place where there was no government or railway hospital and that if transporting the patient to the nearest government hospital would result in loss of life, the servant could be admitted in a private hospital. The rejection was against the law laid down by the SC, the tribunal said, set aside the order and directed the railways to sanction the amount in a month.

Source : www.newindianexpress.com



Saturday, September 15, 2012

Five foreign consultants in race for ‘Post Bank of India’ project

              The Department of Posts has issued request for proposals (RFP) to five top notch foreign consultancy firms for the proposed Post Bank of India project.



             The five short-listed firms are Accenture Services, Boston Consulting Group, Ernst & Young, KPMG Advisory Services and McKinsey & Co.



            The Department of Posts (DoP) is looking to set up a bank — Post Bank of India (PBI) — to provide banking services with special focus on rural areas.



           Besides providing a platform for financial inclusion, the Post Bank of India will provide means of additional revenue generation for the DoP.



                  The consultancy firms chosen, out of the five short-listed ones, will as part of the assignment focus on Detailed Project Report (DPR) on creation of PBI, financial viability of PBI, proposed organisational structure of PBI in the light of RBI regulations, and relationship between PBI and Post Office Savings Bank.

Source : http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/

Friday, September 14, 2012

Govt. move to disinvest in 5 PSUs



The central government is on the move to sell shares of 5 more PSUs in the near future. The Union Cabinet which is scheduled to meet today is reported to take decision on selling of stakes of 5 PSUs viz. Hindustan Copper Limited ( 9.6%), NALCO ( 12.2%), Oil India Limited (10%), Neyveli Lignite Corporation Ltd. ( 5%) and MMTC (9.3%).
This aggressive disinvest programme has been on the line in accordance with the neo-liberal policy of the government. The Central trade Unions have strongly objected to any disinvestment and ‘No Disinvestment of PSUs’ is one of the most important demands they have raised in the All India Convention held at New Delhi on 4th September 2012.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

NFPE SOUTH ZONE STUDY CAMP AT CHENNAI

            As decided by the Federal Secretariat of NFPE, this year’s NFPE Trade Union Study Camps are being organized on REGIONAL BASIS. “South Zone Study Camp“will be conducted at CHENNAI on 13th and 14th October, 2012.(13.10.2012 & 14.10.2012 Saturday & Sunday)

VENUE ADDRESS:

ALAMELU MANGA KALYANA MANDAPAM RADHAKRISHNAN STREET- CHENNAI-600 017


Wednesday, September 12, 2012

BHEL to recruite 5,000 employees


 BHEL is planning to recruit 5,000 employees for posts ranging from artisans to plant engineers and management executives over the next five years, according to a report in the ET.  In the previous five years, BHEL had hired 15,000 personnel as it undertook a modernisation and expansion drive in three phases across its various plants in the country. As of now, the total headcount in the PSU was 49,300, including 10,500 in Haridwar, 10,400 here, 7,800 in Bhopal and 7,300 in   Hyderabad, as per a spokesman of the BHEL.
Other PSUs also, including BSNL,  should think about recruiting young people. This is utmost necessary to have continuation as also new talent.

Monday, September 10, 2012

DOs & DON'Ts for e-ticket booking through agents


In order to educate people who book e-tickets through agent outlets and eliminate cases of tampering, overcharging, etc., the following Do’s and Don’ts are prescribed.
DOs
1) It should be checked whether the agent outlet is an authorised o­ne. The details of authorized agent outlets are available o­n the IRCTC website www.irctc.co.in. The photo ID and the authorization certificate of the agent which is prominently displayed at the agent outlet should be verified.
2) Fill up the booking/cancellation request and insist that your mobile number is fed into the system correctly. An SMS will be received o­n the above mobile number from IRCTC immediately as confirmation of booking. This SMS serves as a valid ticket which can be shown to the TTE along with the following proof of identity (in original) during travel.
Voter identity card/ Passport/ PAN card/ Aadhaar Card (UID)/ Driving Licence/ Photo ID card issued by the Central/State Govt./ Student Identity card with photograph issued by recognised school/college/ Nationalised Bank Pass book with photograph/ Credit card with laminated photograph
3) A print out is not necessary. If a print out is taken, it should be ensured that the name, address and contact number of the principal agent is printed.
4) A receipt for all bookings/cancellations should be insisted upon.
5) E-tickets can be cancelled through the same agent outlet without any additional service charge for cancellation.
DON’Ts
1) No additional charges have to be paid other than the following approved service charges per e-ticket (irrespective of the number of passengers)
·First AC, AC 2-tier, AC 3-tier : IRCTC Service charges `.20/- & Agent service charges `.20/-
·Sleeper & Second Sitting : IRCTC Service charges `.10/- & Agent service charges `.10/-.
·Gateway charges as applicable will be added.
2) No charges have to paid for printing or cancellation of tickets.
3) Do not buy e-tickets from agents which are issued between 8 AM and 12 Noon. If anyone is found travelling with such tickets, the ticket is liable to be cancelled and penal action will be initiated under the Railways Act. The website www.irctc.co.in is open exclusively for individual users from 8 AM to 12 Noon.
If the agent demands more than the prescribed service charges, complaint may be lodged at agentcomplaint@irctc.co.in (011-23475962) or care@irctc.co.in (011-39340000).
 
(V.J. ACCAMMA)
Chief Public Relations Officer

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Punjab Circle in full steam to make BSNLEU AIC a big success


The Punjab Circle of BSNLEU and the Reception Committee is working full-time to make the All India Conference of BSNL Employees Union to be held at Ludhiana from 25th to 28th September a great success. The Programmes have already been finalised in consultation with the Central Head Quarters.
Let the AIC be one more historic milestone in BSNLEU's advance march

Saturday, September 8, 2012

CONFEDERATION CIRCULAR NO. CONF/ 16/2012 DATED: 6TH SEPTEMBER, 2012



PROGRAMME OF ACTION BY NATIONAL CONVENTION OF WORKERS
Dear Comrade,
                The National convention of workers, as intimated earlier, was held at Talkatora Stadium on 4th September, 2012.  The convention was organised by the united platform of Central Trade Unions in which the representatives of all Federations, Associations and Unions took part.  The convention was addressed by the leaders of the eleven Central Trade Unions. Copy of the declaration is enclosed. The following programme of action to press for the demands viz. to contain the ever rising prices of essential commodities, to take concrete measure for employment generation, enforcement of the existing labour laws, universal social security scheme for all workers,( i.e. assured pension for all)  stoppage of disinvestment of PSUs, granting the minimum wage at Rs. 10,000/- etc  have been unanimously adopted.
                Programme of action:
To hold State/District level joint conventions throughout the country to mobilise the workers during September, October and November, 2012.
To organise Satyagraha / Jail-Bharo / Court-Arrest programme on 18 or 19th
December in all States.
To organise a massive march to Parliament on 20th December, 2012 at Delhi from among the workers stationed at Delhi and adjoining States of U.P. Haryana, Punjab etc.
Organise a countrywide Two days General Strike on 20th and 21st February, 2013.
The Confederation of CGEs and workers has decided to endorse this decision and calls upon all its affiliates and State Committees to take necessary steps to make the various programmes successful. The National Sectt. of the Confederation will meet after 12th December, 2012 to chalk out campaign programme for the ensuing two days strike.  The State Committees of U.P, Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh may take necessary steps to enlist participation of large number of Central Government employees for the 20th December, rally and March to Parliament.  All State Committee may kindly get in touch with the units of the All India State Government employees Federation and other Central Trade Union units to jointly hold the State and District level Conventions.  
With greetings,
Yours fraternally
Sd/-,
K.K.N. Kutty
Secretary General.

Friday, September 7, 2012

NFPE SOUTH ZONE STUDY CAMP-2012

NFPE CIRCULAR


No. PF-01(e)/2012 DATED 05.09.2012

CIRCULAR

To,

All General Secretaries of Affiliated Unions

All office bearers NFPE

All Circle Secretaries of affiliated unions} Kerala, Karnataka,

All Divisional Secretaries of affiliated unions} Tamil Nadu & AP Circle.

NFPE SOUTH ZONE STUDY CAMP-2012

Dear Comrades,

          As decided by the Federal Secretariat of NFPE, this year’s NFPE Trade Union Study Camps are being organized on REGIONAL BASIS. “South Zone Study Camp“will be conducted at CHENNAI on 13th and 14th October, 2012.(13.10.2012 & 14.10.2012 Saturday & Sunday). Exact venue will be informed shortly. The Camp will commence at 10A.M. on 13.10.2012 and continue upto 5 P.M. on 14.10.2012
1. DELEGATE FEE PER DELEGATE IS FIXED AS Rs. 500/- (Rupees Five hundred only).

2. Food for two days and Accommodation from 12th night (for those reaching on 12th) to 14th evening will be provided.

3. Names of the delegates participating from each Circle should be intimated to the Reception Committee by the concerned Circle Secretaries before 20.09.2012. Address and contact number, email ID of the Reception Committee will be intimated shortly.

4. All General Secretaries are requested to issue instructions to their Circle/Divisional Unions to ensure participation of delegates from each Circle as per the quota shown above.

5. Delegates may be advised to book their up and down tickets well in advance.

6. Programme and other details of the Study Camp will be intimated before 20.09.2012.

Yours fraternally,


{M. KRISHNAN}

Secretary General

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

NATIONAL CONVENTION OF WORKERS AT NEW DELHI





                The National Convention of Workers organised under the auspices of the 11 Central Trade Unions at Talkatora Stadium, New Delhi on 4th September 2012 has chalked out agitational programmes including a two-days General Strike on 20th and 21st February 2013.




             The Talkatora Stadium was filled up and was overflowing to outside the stadium by the massive participation of workers who have come from all the states, especially from the nearby Haryana, Rajasthan, UP, Bihar, Punjab etc. More than 5,000 delegates must have attended. The entire compound and the outside of the stadium was decorated and there were large number of flags and banners of the Central Trade Unions and the various Independent federations of workers in various sectors like Central-State governments, Postal, BSNL, Banks, Electricity, Coal, Transport, Insurance etc.
               A big colourful banner was displayed in the back of the decorated stage with the name of the convention and of the Central Trade Unions. The Presidium consisting of the Presidents or senior leaders of each central trade union sat in the front row. It included Coms. A.K.Padmanabhan (CITU), Amarjit Kaur (AITUC) and others. The General Secretaries and other senior leaders sat in the second row.
             The Convention was addressed by Shri Rai, General Secretary, BMS, Dr. Sanjeeva Reddy, General Secretary, INTUC, Com. Gurudas Dasgupta, GS AITUC, Com. Tapan Sen, GS CITU and other leaders. All of them strongly opposed the anti-worker policies of the government and called upon the workers to continue the struggle against the neo-liberal policies which is causing more and more misery to the toiling masses. They impressed upon the workers the need for complete unity amongst the workers, not only at the leadership level but at all levels. Each speaker was enthusiastically applauded by the house by clapping of hands.
              After the speeches were over, the Presidium moved the Resolution on programmes, which was already circulated to the delegates. The Resolution cited the various agitational programme conducted earlier on the demands raised by the CTUs and the good support received from the workers at all levels. It was reported that more than 10 crore workers participated in the last one day strike organised on 28th February 2012. The following demands were reiterated in the resolution:

Demands:


1) Contract measures to contain price rise. 2). Concrete measures for employment generation. 3) Strict enforcement of Labour Laws. 4) Universal social security cover for organised and unorganised workers and creation of National Security Fund and 5) Stoppage of disinvestment in Central PSUs and undertakings.

On the above issues, the Convention demanded immediate action by the Government of India to ensure:

No Contractorisation of work of permanent /perennial nature and payment of wages and benefits to the contract workers at the same rate as available to the regular workers of the industry / establishment.

Amendment of Minimum Wages Act to ensure universal coverage irrespective of the schedules and fixation of statutory minimum wage at not less than Rs. 10,000 linked with cost price index.

Remove all ceilings on payment and eligibility of Bonus, Provident Fund; Increase the quantum of gratuity.

Assured Pension for all.

Compulsory registration of trade unions within a period of 45 days and immediate ratification of the ILO Conventions Nos. 87 and 98.

The National convention also adopted the following action programme to press for once again the above burning issues facing the working people:

1. State/District/Sector level Joint Conventions during September, October and November 2012.


2. Satyagraha, Jail Bharao/Court Arrest on 18th / 19th December 2012 in all states throughout the country.

3. March to Parliament of 20th December 2012 ( mobilisation by the unions from the states adjoining Delhi)

4. Countrywide Two Days General Strike on 20th and 21st February 2013.

         The resolution was supported/signed by BMS, INTUC, AITUC, CITU, HMS, AIUTUC, TUCC, AICCTU, UTUC, LPF, SEWA and Independent Federations of Workers and Employees.


             The programmes should be effectively organised and there should be maximum propaganda.



              The National Convention was not only a show of strength and Unity but also one more historical milestone in the fight for the cause of the workers.


Monday, September 3, 2012

PA / SA Direct Rect applications available in ONLINE

Website Link: http://www.examinationonline.in/dop/

Good news for applicants of PA / SA Recruitment 2011 & 2012. You can get it through Online.
Dte has requested the outsourced agency to print 10 lacs OMR kits for sale throughout India thro selected POs. Due to huge sale of forms, it is difficult to print within short period. Hence Dte is decided to upload the forms in www.indiapost.gov.in so as to download by the applicants.
Online application kits will be available in www.indiapost.gov.in from 03.09.12 to25.09.12 only.
Those applied thro OMR kits need not apply again.
Online Procedure :
Click “Register Online” link.
Enter the details like a. Name b.DoB c.e mail ID d. Alternative e mail ID.
Click Submit button.
The following forms will be sent to the provided e mail ID within 24 hrs.
a. Special instruction sheet.
b. Application form.
c. Instruction sheet / Information brochure (11 sheets).
Fees :
Cost of Application form - Rs.50
Exam fee – Rs.200. Female, SC, ST & PH applicants are exempted, however they should pay Rs.50.
Total Rs.250 should be paid under Unclassified Receipts thro any POs and attach Original alongwith the Application form. Applicants can keep Xerox copies.
Applications should forward thro either Speed Post of Regd Post (other meant not accepted)to the following address.
Direct Recruitment Cell,
New Delhi HO,
New Delhi 110 001
Applicants can check the status of receipt of Cell on www.indiapost.gov.in
For more details, pl refer the advertisement of the concerned Circles.
Dte Memo No : A-34012 / 5 /2011-DE Dt. 31.08.12.

Saturday, September 1, 2012

CPI-IW for July 12 at 212, Calculate DA from January 2013


Labour Bureau released the All India Consumer Price Index Numbers for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) for the month of July 2012. The index now stands at 212, an increase by four points from the last month. The increase is 1.92% between June and July which is less when compared with 2.12% last year same time. 

The increase by four points is due to the increase in the food prices which went up by 2.38 per cent, contributing 2.44 percentage points to the total change. The highest increase was in the prices of Rice, Arhar Dal, Green-chilly, Onion, vegetables, mainly Potato and Tomato, and Sugar. There were come relief as the decrease in prices of French Bean, Brinjal, and Poultry (Chicken). 

The CPI-IW will be used for the calculation of the Dearness allowance for Central Government employees and Pensioners. It will be too early to predict the DA expected from January 2013, as the calculation involves the index figures for the previous 12 months, i.e. index from January 2012 to December 2012. Even if only 7 of 12 indices are available currently, for illustration, it can be assumed that in-case of index remaining constant at 212 over next 5 months, the DA will be 79% from January 2012

Lok sabha Q & A on compassionate appointment


GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL,PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARREDQUESTION NO1775
ANSWERED ON  22.08.2012
COMPASSIONATE EMPLOYMENT
1775 .Shri UMA SHANAKER SINGH
A.T. NANA PATIL
Will the Minister ofPERSONNEL,PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONSbe pleased to state:-


(a) whether no time limit has been fixed for appointment on compassionate grounds;

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

(c) the number of cases of appointment on compassionate grounds pending in various Ministries/Departments during the last three years;

(d) whether the Government is considering to provide employment compulsorily to any one of the family member of the deceased who has applied for job on compassionate grounds;

(e) if so, the details thereof; and

(f) if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office. (SHRI V. NARAYANASAMY)

(a) & (b): The compassionate appointment is regulated in terms of instructions issued vide O.M. dated 09.10.1998 as amended from time to time. Based on Hon’ble Allahabad High Court judgment dated 07.05.2010 in Civil Misc. Writ Petition No. 13102 of 2010, instructions dated 05.05.2003 prescribing three years time limit has been withdrawn. At present, there is no time limit for compassionate appointment.

(c): Information on details of cases pending for appointment on compassionate ground in various Ministries/Departments/PSUs is not centrally maintained.

(d), (e) & (f): No such proposal is under consideration. As per Supreme Court judgment, appointment on compassionate grounds can be made only if a vacancy is available for that purpose.