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Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Red Salute to Chicago Martyrs !


127 years have passed  since the Hay Market (Chicago) massacre and hanging of trade union leaders August Spies, Adolph Fisher, Albert Parsons and George Engel. It was on 11th November 1887 that these comrades were hanged by the US colonialist rulers who wanted to protect the interests of the capitalists and exploiters. When they were being marched to the gallows they sang the Marseillaise, the international revolutionary anthem of the period. Before being hanged August Spies stated: "The time will come when our silence will be more powerful than the voices you strangle today". How prophetic!
1st May, the day of  Chicago massacre in 1886, is observed /celebrated as May Day, International Working Class Day, in memory of the workers struggle and the martyrdom.
The working class world over will ever remember their great sacrifice.
chicago monument 
Red Salute to the Chicago Martyrs!

DRAFT REPORT OF THE SECRETARY GENERAL CONFEDERATION FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF THE AIC AT KOLKATA

9th FEDERAL COUNCIL of NFPE AND OUR TASK AHEAD



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 9th to 12th June, 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 19th 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, 19th 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 12th 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 9th Federal 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 7th 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.

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Proposal for functioning of post offices as banks: Govt reply in Rajya Sabha



Department of Posts raised a proposal for setting up the Post Bank of India and providing banking services with a network of 1.55 lakh post offices with special focus on rural areas and financial inclusion. 

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has informed that all commercial banks have been constituted by the Government by various Acts of the Parliament. 

Hence, to set up the Post Bank of India (PBI) by an Act of Parliament, necessary legislation will need to be framed and passed by the Parliament. 

Or to set up the Post Bank as banking company, the same would require a banking licence from RBI as per RBI’s extant guidelines issued in February, 2013. 

RBI is of the view that it is useful to take up a detailed Cost Benefit Analysis on the proposal. 

In addition, viability and strategic study, market research, business plan and profitability analysis including business projections for next 4-5 years needs to be carried out to assess the commercial viability of the proposal. 

The above information was submitted by Fin Min in reply of undermentioned Rajya Sabha Questions:-

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF  FINANCE
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-3153
ANSWERED ON-23.04.2013

Functioning of post offices as banks
3153 .       SHRI C.P. NARAYANAN
(a)            the reasons for not allowing Indian Post Office system to function as a banking system to mop upmoney lying idle with people while the declared policy of the Union Government is inclusive development and extension of banking operations to all rural people;

(b)   whether post would be enrolled as one among the new banks with about 1,55,000 branches all over the country and with a good track record of successfully running Post Office Savings Bank for many years; and

(c)    whether it is possible to substantially improve the quality of service of post offices in the process if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
The Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance (Shri Namo Narain Meena)

(a)
            
to (c): **see above**

Source: Rajya Sabha Q&A [qref=191160]

NFPE - EASTERN ZONE STUDY CAMP - GUWAHATI


NFPE - EASTERN ZONE STUDY CAMP – GUWAHATI
Two days (27 & 28 April 2013)NFPE Study Camp is being held in Guwahati, Assam Circle

Com.K.K.N.Kutty interact with the delegates 

Delegates
27-04-2013 : Day -1

Venue : District Library Auditorium, Guwahati.

 Com.Rahaman, General Secretary, Chairman, RCC, Assam invited all the leaders and guests to the dais.

Com.M.Krishnan, Secretary General, NFPE, 
Com.K.V.Sridharan, Leader, JCM Staffside, 
Com.I.S.Dabas, General Secretary, AIPEU-PM&Gr.D/MTS., 
Com.Giriraj singh, General Secretary, R-III., 
Com.T.Satyanarayana, General Secretary, AIP AEA, 
Com.Pranab Bhattacharya, General Secretary, AIP AOEU, 
Com.P.Pandurangarao, General Secretary, AIPEU-GDS(NFPE),  
Com.R.Sivannarayana, President, AIPEU Gr.C (CHQ), 
Com.S.P.Mukherjee, Vice President, NFPE, 
Com.R.N.Parashar, Asst. Secretary General, NFPE, 
Com.R.K.Bardhan, President, R-III(CHQ) 
were present.

Inaugural Session :

Session presided by Com.L.P.Saikia, Chairman, Reception Committee, Circle Secretary, AIPEU Gr.C., & Orgg. General Secretary (CHQ).

Study camp inaugurated by Com.Tapan Sen, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, General Secretary of CITU with his speech on “Significance and Importance of 2013 February 20 & 21 two days strike and Future course of action”.

Com.Tapan Sen answered many questions & queries raised by the delegates.

Open session:

Session presided by Com.S.P.Mukherjee, Vice President, NFPE.

Com.Satanjib Das, Joint Convener, Joint Council of Action of Trade Unions, Assam State delivered his speech on “ Importance of joint Trade Union Movement with particular reference to Assam & North East Region”.

Vote of thanks presented by Com.R.N.Parashar, Asst. Secretary General, NFPE for the Inaugural & Open sessions.

Post Lunch session:

Presided by  Com.T.Satyanarayana, General Secretary, AIPAEA.

Com.K.K.N.Kutty, Secretary General, Confederation of CGE & W delivered his speech on “ Role of Confederation in the Central Government Employees Movement”.

After conclusion of the speech, Com.K.K.N Kutty replied to the questions raised by the delegates.

Com.M.Krishnan, Secretary General, Com.I.S.Dabas, General Secretary, Com.Giriraj singh, General Secretary, Com.Pranab Bhattacharya, General Secretary delivered their speeches on the present day situation in the postal department and future course of action by the postal working class against privatization & corporation policies of the Govt.

Com.D.K.Debdutta presented the vote of thanks.

More than 350 delegates attended the sessions. Reception Committee, Assam Circle made very good arrangements for the delegates and smooth conduct of the sessions.

Next adjourned to 28-04-13 morning at 09-00am.

National Conference of Confederation of CGE and Workers



The 24th National Conference of the Confederation of Central Govt. Employees and Workers will be held at Kolkata from 4th to 6th May 2013.
The Confederation of CGEW since its inception in 1957 has always been in the front of the struggle for improving the conditions of the Central government Employees. It played a pivotal role in the 5 days glorious strike of 1960, One Day Token Strike of 1968, Bonus Strike in 1974 and so on. And now, along with the AIRF and AIDEF it is on struggle path for the appointment of VII Central Pay Commission w.e.f. 01-01-2011 (5 years after the VI CPC in 2006), and for withdrawal of the anti-worker PFRDA Bill.
The oncoming National Conference of the Confederation is expected to take important decisions on the demands of the central government employees, which will have important bearing  on the demands of the PSUs and other sectors.
We wish the conference a great success!

Friday, April 26, 2013

Active Post Offices and Letter Boxes in the Country


The year-wise number of post offices and letter boxes operational in the country from 2003- 2004 to 2011-12  are given in the table below.

Number of Post Offices and Letter Boxes in the Country
from 2003-04 to 2011-12


Year
No. of Post Offices(*)
No. of Letter Boxes (*)


2003-04
1,55,669
5,97,149

2004-05
1,55,516
5,84,006

2005-06
1,55,333
6,01,319

2006-07
1,55,204
5,89,666

2007-08
1,55,035
5,91,054

2008-09
1,55,015
5,85,087

2009-10
1,54,979
5,79,595

2010-11
1,54,866
5,73,749

2011-12
1,54,822
5,62,075

(*) Numbers  as on 31st March


28,877 letter boxes were removed in the last nine years.

 Complaints were received in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Kerala Circles and those complaints were settled with restoration of letter boxes  wherever justified as per  prescribed norms.

Government has decided to install 66,666 new letter boxes in rural areas under the Plan Scheme –“Rural Business & Acess to Postal Network” in the current Plan subject to availability of plan funds.

This information was given by Dr. (Smt.) Killi Kruparani, Minister of State for C&IT in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

Source : PIB Release, 26 April, 2013

NOTICE FOR FEDERAL COUNCIL - NFPE



No. PF-1(a)/2013                                                      Dated:   20th April, 2013
NOTICE

          It is hereby notified under article 10 of Constitution of NFPE that the IXth Federal Council Session of National Federation of Postal Employees will be held at  “ Kala Nilayam,  Sundaraiah Vignana Kendram, Baghalingampalli, Hyderabad-500 044” from 10.06.2013 to 12.06.2013.

            The following shalll be the Agenda of the Federal Council:

AGENDA

1.         Confirmation of the proceedings of VIIIth Federal Council held at New Delhi from 20th June 2010 to 21st June, 2010.

2.    (a)   Consideration  and adoption of the Triennial Report and Audited Accounts for the year 2010 - 2011, 2011-2012 and 2012-2013.
        (b)  Budget estimates for next three years.

3.         Organizational Review.

(i) (a)   Role of NFPE during last 3 years in building united movement of Postal Employees and Central Government Employees.
    (b)  Organizational position at All India / Circle/Divisional level.
(ii)        Review of settlement of Strike Charter of Demands 2010, 2011 & 2012.
(iii)       Review of General Strikes including 2013 February, 20&21 two days strike.
(iv)       Review of 12th December 2012 CG Employees Strike.
(v)        Functioning of Postal JCA (NFPE/FNPO).
(vi)       Functioning of affiliated Unions/Associations.
(vii)      Functioning of Departmental Council/RJCMs.
(viii)     Formation of AIPEU GDS (NFPE)-Grant of Associate membership & problems of GDS Employees.
 (ix)      Formation of Casual labourers Federation and review of Casual
           Labourers problems.
(x)        Review of Trade Union Education Camps conducted by NFPE (CHQ).
(xi)       Right to Strike and Victimization of Trade Union Activists Office  
          Bearers by administration..
4.         Confederation of C G Employees & Workers and common issues of C G
           Employees.

            (i)         Constitution of 7th CPC and merger of 50% DA.
            (ii)        Downsizing, Outsourcing, Contractrization and Privatisation.
            (iii)       Restriction on compassionate appointments.
            (iv)       Ban on creation of Posts and filling up of vacant posts.
            (v)        Anomalies arising out of the 6th CPC Report implementation.
            (vi)       PFRDA Bill and New Pension Scheme.
            (vii)      MACP related issues.
            (viii)     Proposed Medical insurance scheme and our stand thereof.
            (ix)       Inclusion of Federation representatives in the National Council JCM.
            (x)        Revision of Bonus Ceiling / OTA rates and implementation of
                     Arbitration awards.
            (xi)       Five Promotions
5.         Policy Offensives against Postal Services and Staff.

(i)         National Postal Policy- 2012.
(ii)        Structural re-organization of Department of Posts.
(iii)       Closure and merger of  Post Offices and RMS Offices.
(iv)       Mail Net work optimization project(MNOP).
           (v)         Project Arrow.
(vi)       Amendment to Indian Post Office Act 1898.
(vii)      Out sourcing and Downsizing of Postal Services.
6.         Sectional problems.
(i)  Cadre re-structuring in Postal
(ii) Review of items relating to various cadres discussed in the JCM
     Departmental Council and during Strike Charter discussion.
7.         (a) I T Modernization Project of Department of Posts and its  
     implications.
(b) Post Bank of India.
8.         Financial Review.
9.         Postal Crusader and other publications.
10.       Amendments to the Constitution.
11.       Policy and programmes Resolutions and other resolutions.
12.       Election of Office Bearers.
13.      Appointment of Auditor.
14.       Venue of next Federal Council.
15.       Any other item with the permission of Chair.
           
           Vote of Thanks
                                                                          
(M.Krishnan)
Secretary General
Copy to:
1.         The Secretary Department of Posts , Dak Bhawan, New Delhi-110001 with the request to issue instructions for  grant of Special Casual Leave to the Federal Councillors and All India Office Bearers of NFPE and General Secretaries.
2.         All Chief Post Master Generals for information and action for grant of Special Casual Leave to the Federal Councillors and All India Office Bearers of NFPE and General Secretaries .
3.         All Office Bearers of NFPE.
4.         All General Secretaries of Affiliated union. / Associations.
Note:              Amendments to the Constitution if any should be sent to Secretary General NFPE at least 30 days before the Federal Council i.e. before 10th May, 2013 as per constitutional provisions.
(M.Krishnan)
Secretary Genera

7TH PAY COMMISSION NEWS


7TH PAY COMMISSION NEWS – NO PROPOSAL TO SET UP SEVENTH PAY COMMISSION FOR CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AT PRESENT SAY MINISTER OF FINANCE IN RAJYA SABHA

It is informed by Minister of State in Finance Ministry Shri.Namo Narain Meena in Rajya Sabha recently that Government at present has no proposal to set up seventh pay commission as there has been a gap of a minimum 10 years between two successive Pay Commissions.
Full Text of this Rajya Sabha Q&A is as follows
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF  FINANCE
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-3148
ANSWERED ON-23.04.2013

Setting up of Seventh Pay Commisison

3148 . SHRI SUKHDEV SINGH DHINDSA
(a) Whether Government proposes to set up the Seventh Central Pay Commission for Central Government Employees to neutralize the effects of soaring inflation;
(b) if so, by when it is likely to be set up; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)
(a) to (c) : The recommendations of the 6th Central Pay Commission were given effect to from 1.1.2006. Generally, there has been a gap of a minimum 10 yearsbetween two successive Pay Commissions. Therefore, no proposal to constitute the Seventh Central Pay Commission is at present under consideration.
Source : Rajya Sabha Q&A