7th Pay Commission Memorandum Part- III AIPEU POSTMEN & MTS

Please go though it & send your suggestions if any b7y E mail to rslnfpep4@gmai.com  or in writing Letter to p4CHQ with in 10^th June 2014

       CHAPTER – I

1.     AN INTRODUCTION

1-1       Postmen, The symbol of dedication and honesty

1-1-1       At the inauguration of the Sesquicentennial Celebrations of India Posts, our Honourable Former President of India Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam stated that “Post office is an institution. Postmen have knowledge of the village and they have a lasting relationship with the people. The core strength of the offices lies in its connectivity to each and every village and the personal knowledge of the Postmen of every house in the village”.

1-1-2       In the said meeting our Hon’ble Former Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh, after releasing a Commemorative Coin to mark the 150^th year of India Posts stated inter alia:

“The urge to communicate is a basic human instinct driven by a desire to keep in touch with one’s loved one’s. This is the major reason why sending and receiving mail has been centered in our lives and why the Post office and the Postmen have been dear to everyone’s heart…….. . Novels have been written, poems and songs composed and movies made about the Postman…….. .”

1-1-3       Thus, the Postman is the symbol of hard work, affection, dedication, commitment to humanism and efficiency, simplicity, honesty, devotion etc. and they are the pillars of the organization. They are the liaison officers between the common public and the Department (as a Commicator) as a visible symbol with their relativeness among the public.

1-1-4       The cadre of Postmen has been designated as “Brand Ambassador” of the Department of Post as they played a vital role on the success of Project Arrow Plan of the Department.

1 – 2    Facts and Failures

1-2-1       The Department of Posts is committed to Universal Postal Obligation and to provide basic postal service at reasonable rates. The loss incurred due to the rural Postal Communication should be retroceded and the loss should not be brought under the Postal budget. Similarly the expenditure incurred towards payment of pension to the Ex-Postal employees have also been charged under Postal budget instead of Govt. Exchequer from the Consolidated Fund. The Department of Posts is a socially committed organization and an essential Public utility service. As such, the problems and demands of the employees, particularly the Postman/MTS should be pursued with the evaluation, risk and responsibilities being shouldered by them instead of looking about the profit and loss accounts of the Department of Posts.

1-2-2       The Department of Posts, knowing well that the provision of section 4 (j) of the Indian Post office Act 1898 has been misinterpreted and misused by the private couriers, has not displayed any action over two decades to pluck the loopholes and arrest the menace of mushroom growth of couriers which had taken away the highest revenue of the Department. The Department of Posts thus left with lower revenue. By restoring the monopoly, the Department will revive its past glory with the optimum utilization of the field level personnel like Postmen and other work forces available in the organization.

1-2-3       It is most apt to mention that the Social Audit Panel headed by Justice Shri P. N. Bhagawati in its report appealed to the Government to allow freedom and flexibility to the Postal Department so that it could restructure itself and establish its operative competency. It is further stated that the Postal Services Board should be renamed as ‘Postal Board’ and be accorded the same status as the Railway Board or Telecom Commission. For the independent planning, practicing and progress, it is the dire need to grant functional autonomy and financial independence to the Postal department so that it would be able to decide its own personnel policies and expansion plan.

1-2-4       According to the Annual Report for 2011-12 of the Department of Posts, the mails are collected from 5,62,075 letter boxes and these mails are processed by a network of 390 RMS offices. The Department of Posts is handling 637.18 crore articles, including19.11 crore registered articles. It is handling 698.65 lakh of Money Orders amounting to Rs. 10201.49 crore. All these core activities and primary duties are being carried out by Group ‘D’/Postmen employees.

1 – 3    Business Post – The boost for India Post

1-3-1       After 2001, the Department of Posts ventured with various business activities and tied up with many bigger institutions. The address verification work pertaining to electoral roll has been entrusted to Postmen employees, which is arduous and risk in nature. The address proof verification is also being carried out through them only.

1-3-2       The Department of Post as part of enlarging business activities launched various new schemes, namely, Speed post, E-Posts, Logistic Posts, Greeting Posts, Direct Post, Bill Post, Bill Mail Service for all these activities, the services of Postman is fully utilized for delivery of these articles besides popularizing the schemes. Delivery of UIDIA Adhar Letter dt. 13April 2010 to December 2012 18.38.crore deliver.

1-3-3       The Postmen are being utilized for collection of Speed Post articles from various firms/companies. They are promoting speed post business. They do address verification work relating to BSNL, Hutch, Reliance etc., which has been entrusted to postmen and this has earned  good revenue to the Department of Posts. All these business activities earned total revenue of Rs. 2642.82 crore in 2013-14 and these additional delivery works are being performed by the Postmen staff.

1-3-4       The Department of Posts introduced a scheme that the SB depositor can withdraw money through postmen which is now being popularized. The Postmen have been entrusted the work of a messenger between the Post office and customers. The linkage on social communication has further been strengthened by the dedicated work of postmen.

1-3-5       The Postal Life Insurance (PLI) operated by the Department is the oldest welfare scheme which has now had 5006060 number of policies with the total business of Rs. 76591.33, crore at the end of 31.03.2012. As a result of Malhotra Committee recommendations, a new scheme called Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI) was launched in 1995 to cover populous rural areas which has grown with 99,25,103 Polices with an aggregate assured sum of Rs. 69254 crore. The postmen are crusading to popularize the scheme in the rural areas and they have been utilized effusively for the purpose.

1-4       I T  Modernization & Development – the role of Postmen

1-4-1       The Government of India has approved the Department of Posts’ IT Modernization Project, 2012 with a total outlay of Rs.4909 crore in November, 2012.  The IT Modernization Project aims at modernization and computerization of all post offices in the country, including 129378 Branch Post Offices in rural areas. By setting up an IT infrastructure spanning across all Post Offices and Branch Post Offices in rural areas, the Department will be able to harness the benefits of consolidated information and capabilities across various functional silos as well as geographical reach.

1-4-2       The transformation from physical to digital network will provide a national asset for all users apart from Post Offices including various Government Departments, business houses and citizens use the IT enabled country wide network for communication, Banking, Insurance and service delivery needs. 

1-4-3       This mega IT driven transformation is the first of its kind undertaken by any postal operator in the world as well as any Government Department in the country. Upon completion of this project, the Department of Posts shall emerge as an engine to transform the rural economic landscape in the country besides providing value-added mail and financial services to the urban customers.

1-4-4       The transformation from physical to digital network will enable the Government to use the postal network for communication, banking, insurance, mails and service delivery needs of the citizens. The IT Modernization Project, particularly the rural ICT solutions will rebuild the rural postal network to create an institutional last mile infrastructure for delivery of all government services to citizens. The project will make the post office the focal point of delivery of social security and employment guarantee schemes, including disbursement of wages under MGNREGS, Schemes of the Centre and State under Direct Benefit Transfer, will provide biometric authentication of financial transactions ,provide multiple channels like ATM, mobile banking, net-banking for savings bank customer.

1-4-5       It will provide an electronic and secure mode of money transfer, particularly in rural areas. The Post is poised to play an important role in the society bridging the urban, rural divide and bringing IT-enabled services to all sections of the society through 154822 IT-enabled post offices. The project is scheduled to be completed by mid-2014. It is most pertinent to mention that the Postmen/MTS are now imparting training in computer operations and they have been now entrusted to perform computer oriented works in the office besides their delivery work outside.

1-4-6       Whatever is the new schemes, the Department desired to implement, the postmen as the linkage and the promoting personnel of such activities with Department, public and customers. The Postmen are promoted and practicing the slogan of ‘Service before Self and rendering’ selfless service to the department and the public at large.

1-5       Denial & Deprival in the last Pay Commissions

1-5-1       It is most pertinent to mention that all the previous Pay Commissions observed that the duties of the postmen involved tact, initiative, skill and sense of responsibility. But they have not recommended higher scale of pay on the plea that the minimum educational qualification fixed for Postmen was only 8^th Standard.

1-5-2       Despite the fact that the Department itself in its memorandum submitted to the 5^th Central Pay Commission has stated that consequent upon the upgradation of minimum educational qualification for postmen as matriculation there is every justification to grant higher pay scale to Postmen but to the dismay that this has not been conceded by the 5^thPay Commission and they have been accorded with lesser Pay while comparing their counterparts in other Departments.

1-5-3       However, this has been set right by the Sixth Pay Commission, but compared with ITBP CRP Constables. Thereafter, there are several new works entrusted to postmen. Now, they have to perform the DATA Entry duties of Postal Assistant also. They must acquire computer knowledge and engaged in the computer operations for issue and taking returns of articles entrusted for delivery. The postmen staff are regular training at WTCs for better imparting functioning at aroproject.

1-5-4       We are of the firm opinion that the postmen should be given an elevated pay scale with that of Grade Pay Rs. 2800/- in the existing scale considering their arduous hard nature of job and for that even the required educational qualification may be enhanced to the standard of 10 +2.

1– 6     Excellence Committee’s Observation on Postal employees

1-6-1    Similarly, as demanded by the Federation there should be granted at least five promotion financial upgradations to this cadre considering their responsibilities, skills, public relation activities, etc,. The Postal Excellence Committee in its report of 1987 observed that the public are totally satisfied with almost above 90% of Postal employees regarding the practice, the manner and trust of the postal employees. The committee mentioned that the postal employees are the best level of satisfaction for their honesty, courtesy, helpfulness, patience, efficiency, knowledge, ability, sincere and hard working.

1-6-2       The said Committee further observed that the postal services suffer from the insensitivity to the low morale of postal employees who do routine manual job which offer no chance of upgradation of their skill and self development. It is most pertinent to mention that even though the department has introduced various schemes and the postmen staff are involved in the same they are not provided with an adequate promotional avenue at least three tier promotion which is the need of the hour to encourage and motivate the postmen employees who are very much frustrated with the present type of three MACP promotions in lieu of regular promotions.

1-7       Hardworking & Deserving expectations for justice

1-7-1    Further, the nature of jobs performed by the MTS working in the post offices shall not be equated with the job evaluation with other MTS working in the Central Government departments as their job is arduous. They have exchange to open bags, arrange articles, deface the stamps and distribute. They should possess all the working knowledge with minimum rules while on performance in the mails, counter, etc,. If a tag is mislabeled or tied, this will result dislocation with a delay in the delivery of articles. Not only delay delivery but also cash bags can be misrouted.

1-7-2       Similarly MTS/Group ‘D’ official in the postal Department by changing the nomenclature as Packer/Mail peons and also enhancing the educational qualification as Matriculation should be granted with higher scale of pay. The injustices caused hitherto Postal MTS be set aside.

1-7-3       In a nutshell, we fervently request the Pay Commission to consider the further chapter, comprising with more details about the justification of higher pay scale and better service conditions to the postmen, allied cadres and Multi Tasking Staff working in the Department of Posts.

CHAPTER – II

1.     MULTI TASKING STAFF

2-1       Packers in the Post offices

2-1-1    The Sixth CPC has declared the entire Group ‘D’ Posts shall be brought under Group ‘C’. Thereafter, the Group ‘D’ was given a nomenclature as ‘Multi Tasking Staff’. All the non matriculate erstwhile Group ‘D’ staff after imparting computer training, were brought under Group ‘C’ MTS cadre with the Grade pay of Rs. 1800/-. In PBI

2-1-2    After the promulgation of MTS Recruitment Rules, 2012 covering all the 37240 Posts in existence in Postal Operative offices earlier having different nomenclature and different items of work are now called as ‘Multi Tasking Staff ‘ of Subordinate offices.

2-1-3    The Earlier distinction existed in between the two equals as Test category and non test category has been dispensed with totally and now all the MTS are called as Group ‘C’. Earlier the Group ‘D’ was designated with many names.

2-1-4    The Department of Posts arbitrarily changed the designation of Test Category of Group ‘D’ (Packers) Posts vide its administrative letter No. 1-17/2004-PCC dated 27.10.2004 as peons and mail peons instead of packer. However, as per the settled law, Statutory Rules cannot be overridden by executive instructions (Union of India & Ors. V. Somasundaram Viswanath & Ors., 1989 (1) SCC 175; and Vijay Sigh Rao V. State of Haryana & Anr., 1986 (1) SLR 455), it is only where the Rules are silent that the executive instructions can supplement (Union of India & Ors. Etc. V. S. D. Gupta & Ors., JT 1996 (2) SC 643).

2-1-5    However, the packers in the post offices who are having onerous responsibilities and duties were converted as peon in Group D Recruitment Rules, 2005 which has been deprived to these categories due to change of nomenclature of the posts of packers to peons as mentioned below. If the packer nomenclature would have been maintained then, they would have acquired the benefits of Rs. 2000/- Grade Pay at the time of implementation of Sixth Pay Commission.

2-1-6    As the nature of duties are different from peons and packers, the Hon’ble CAT Principal Bench held that the packers working in Foreign Post establishment are entitled with the higher scale of pay of Rs.3050-4590 as per the Fourth CPC Scales of Pay in the OA 2724/1992. This has been implemented to all the packers in the Foreign Posts and they are now equated with the Grade Pay of Rs. 2000/- in PB-I. Whereas the packers in the Postal are denied the same due to the change of nomenclature as peon which is not at all suitable to the nature of work performed by the MTS of the Postal Department.

2-1-7    Further, the CAT Principal Bench, New Delhi delivered its judgment on 20.11.2006 under para 30 of its OA No. 164/2005 held that:

            “Taking the totality of the facts and circumstances into consideration, we are in respectful agreement with the decision of this Tribunal in OA No. 2724/1992 (supra) wherein respondents were directed to implement the recommendations of the Fourth Central Pay Commission regarding the treatment of packers, as a matter of public policy so that each individual Packer may not have to approach this Tribunal for relief individually. We, therefore, direct that the applications in this O.A. shall be granted the same benefit as was granted to the applicants in OA No. 2724/1992 (supra). The pay scale so granted shall also be revised in accordance with the recommendations of the Fifth Central Pay Commission as has been done in the case of beneficiaries in OA No. 2724/1992 (supra). The applicant will also be entitled to all consequential benefits accordingly.”

2-1-7    The S. C. Dutta Commission appointed to sort out the issues of Strike Charter of Demands in December 1998 observed that the Group ‘D’ Cadre in the Department of Posts should not be treated at par with the General Group ‘D’ Pool under the Central Secretariat Service, Government of India. As a Group ‘D’ Official in the Department of Posts has to perform multifarious (skilled) jobs and as such they can be equated as Semi-Skilled Cadre and thereby justifying higher Pay Scale. However, the same has not been implemented in the Department of Posts. The Principal CAT judgment cited in Para supra has also not been taken in consideration by the Postal department to apply the same to all those to all those packers in the Post offices available at the time of implementation of the Fifth Central Pay Commission.

2-1-8    The Designation prevailing earlier to the Sixth Pay Commission and its Job profile will exhibit the nature of duties performed by the MTS working in the Department. They cannot be equated with the peons of the other Central Government Departments and they shall be given higher pay at par with their counterparts in Foreign Post with Grade Pay of Rs. 2000/- in PB-I.

2-2       MAIL PEONS

2-2-1    Mail Peons are employed in the Post offices situated at or nearer to the Railway Station where there is no mail office for the purpose conveying mails from and to the Railway Station, exchanging bags with R.M.S and clearing the letter boxes located at the Railway Station. They will be supplied with Postage Stamps for sale to the public. A mail peon should be able to recognize the bags made over to him and to check the numbers of bags entered in the mail list. He will be solely responsible for the numbers and condition of the bags received by him from the Post office, RMS Mail Contractors or from other mail carriers. Bags containing return train mails will be made over to the mail peon under receipt by the Railway Mail Service (RMS) Sections with the original and duplicate copies of the mailing list. On arrival of the train, to which the mails are to be exchanged, the mail peon should hand them over with the original and duplicate mail list to the Head Sorter of the Section to which they are tag labelled and the latter will return back the duplicate copy of the mail list to the mail peon, who will make it over to the mail department for record.

2-2-2    The Mail Peon must be present at the platform with the mails at least ten minutes before the arrival of the train by which they are to be conveyed. If the train is delayed, he must be in the platform till the arrival and exchange of mails. If there is a letter box to be cleared by him at the railway station, he will clear it and dispose of its contents in accordance with the instructions given to him by the Postmaster.

2-2-3    The Mail Peon should keep a book (Form MS-28) in which he should note the late arrival of trains, instance in which the mails miss that train and all other irregularities connected with the receipt of the dispatch of mails.

2-2-4    A Mail Peon, specially authorized in this behalf by the Superintendent may receive articles of the letter mail tendered at the Railway Station by railway officials and others for registration and grant receipts to the senders in the same manner as a Village Postman. For this purpose, he will be supplied with a book of receipts in the form prescribed for Village Postmen.

2-2-5    Registered articles booked by the Mail Peon should be made over soon after his return to the Post Office to the registration clerk. The receipts for the senders, detached from the registered journal, will be given to the Mail Peon in exchange for the articles and he should paste these receipts to the corresponding counterfoils in his book of receipts.

2-2-6    When Mail Peons are not employed in the duty of exchanging mails with the Railway Mail Service, their services may be utilized in the post office as packers and outside of delivery work.

2-2-7    From the above it is evident, that the nature of work performed by mail peon cannot be equated with other peons working in the administrative offices. They are having more responsibilities and their nature of the job is arduous. Eventhough all the Group ‘D’s are now called as MTS, the nature of work performed by these categories remain unchanged. They require better elevation with pay equal to that of packers.

2-3       LETTER BOX PEON

2-3-1    Letter Box Peons, employed in Post Offices that have a town, sub or branch offices attached to them, may be employed in addition to their other duties, in conveying mails to and from the town, sub or branch offices. Their services may also be utilized as Packers.

2-3-2    The Commission may appreciate the nature, degree of punctuality and responsibilities involved in the duties of a Letter Box Peon. They are not unskilled worker or performing a sedentary nature of work regularly. They may be granted with higher pay scales for MTS.

2-4       POST OFFICE PACKERS

2-4-1    Post office packers are actually behind every operation of the Post Office. The assistance provided by these officials helps in closing abstracts, Accounts of all the internal branches, be it a Saving Bank, MO Paid/issue, Registered Delivery, etc. The duties are prescribed in Rule 735 & 736 of Chapter 13, P & T Manual Volume IV which may be taken into consideration to have a reasonable assessment of their work. Packers should therefore be treated at par with the Packers working in the Foreign Post since the nature of work is more or less  similar and identical.

2-5       PACKERS IN THE POSTAL STORE DEPOT (PSD/CSD)

2-5-1    The Packers in Postal Stock/Store/Stamp Depots are to assist and help in all aspects of the functions of the Depots. They are required to stock and also supply, locks, bags, forms, books, stationery articles according to periodical and emergent indents. They have to store and supply all items like, furniture, maps, stamps, seals, scales, letter boxes, badges, arc boards, notice sign boards, sealing stoves, timepieces, carpets, handcarts etc.  Safe supply of all types of materials to be issued for computer and several other materials shall be ensured. Post Offices are totally depending upon the Postal Store Depots for running the office uninterruptedly. The duties of these packers are arduous in nature and they cannot be equated with the peons of the administrative offices. They deserve elevation of the pay scale at par with the packers of Foreign Post in the Postal Department.

2-6       PACKERS IN FOREIGN POST OFFICES

2-6-1    All over the country of India, there are four major Foreign Post offices located at Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai and Delhi with some other Sub Foreign Post Offices in the State Capitals like Jaipur, Ahmedabad etc. The establishment  & strength of Packer staff in these Foreign Post Offices with administrative control is given below:

Name of City	Staff Strength (Packers)	Administrative Control
Kolkata	110	Director
Mumbai	140	PMG
Chennai	75	PMG
Delhi	83	Director

2-6-2    The Postal Department is dealing with the packers employed by the Department of Posts to work in the Foreign Post Offices allocating in the exchange of Insured parcels, Insured letters, letters and Registered Post with about 152 countries who are the members of the “Universal Postal Union”. The rules are applicable throughout the International Postal Service between the member countries of the world.

2-6-3    The Packers in Foreign Posts are required to work side by side with the Custom Department Officials. They are trained to unpack foreign articles. They are trained for this work which is of a special quality in keeping up to the International Standards.

2-6-4    Perishable biological substances, such as (i) blood stain on cloth, earth, weapons (ii) blood and blood sera, (iii) dried specimen both animals and plants (iv) dried venoms, toxins or toxoids, (v) dead bacterial emulsions, (vi) live bacterial cultures and virus including plaque, etc., contain in the foreign parcels are being handled by the packers of the foreign post. The handling of such items may affect the health and likely to injure officials called upon to handle the articles.

2-6-5    The work of the Foreign Post office is more responsible and risky and requires skill as it relates to opening the sealed boxes and re-packing all the articles in the same manner. The so-called boxes may contain very valuable articles as well as material like acids, medicines and other toxic material, which are harmful to health, apart from being valuable. The smoke of wax is most injurious to health. After medical checkup, it is found that 80 to 90 percent Packers of Foreign Post Offices are suffering from tuberculosis (T.B) and ten beds are always reserved for them in the T. B. Hospital at Mehrauli for Delhi Circle. It is again averred that the duties of the Packers in Foreign Post Office are evaluated as more responsible and skilled, compared to the Packers working in other departments.

2-6-6    The Commission may further examine the Rule 37, Rule 47and several more rules prescribed for special mark up and packing of Foreign Post Articles. Considering their arduous nature work, they may be elevated from MTS and placed in the existing Grade Pay of Rs. 2400/- with enhanced educational qualification.

2-7       DAFTRY

2-7-1    Prior to 1.1.1960, the Daftries in the Posts and Telegraphs Departments were in the scale of Rs. 35-50 (1^st Pay Commission) and the 2^nd Pay Commission fixed them in the scale of Rs. 75-95. The Daftries are responsible for the proper upkeep of records, stitching of files, mending and pasting of the registers found torn. Moreover the Daftries in the Stores Department of Railways were in a better scale of payment i.e. Rs. 80-110, recommended by the 2^nd Pay Commission. The Board of Arbitration under the Joint Consultative Machinery, gave an award in March 1972 that the Daftries in Departments other than Stores in the Railways should also be placed in the scale of Rs. 80-110. The 3^rd,  4^th and 5^th Pay Commissions, while admitting all the above facts, have unjustly placed the category in the revised scale of pay far below to our expectations. The Sixth Pay Commission did not mention anything.

2-7-2    The following items of duties are to be performed by the Daftries of Postal Store Depots: -

(i)           To collect forms, publications, articles, etc. in different godowns as indicated in the pocket diary/invoice, etc. by the Supply Clerks after noting the quantities collected in the records of the respective stock branch.

(ii)         To count the forms/publications/articles, etc. at the time of collection from different godowns.

(iii)       To supervise the works done by the packers for removal of stores to the respective godowns and preparation/closing of bags of forms, articles and sending thereof and also opening of closed bags received from outside.

(iv)        To write down the names of the offices of destination and to affix the office stamp on the tag label to be tied at the necks of the bags to be dispatched.

(v)          To make over form bags prepared for the forwarding section with the help of the packers.

(vi)        To count the forms, publications, articles, etc. at the time of verifications.

(vii)      To maintain the files and put up files to the clerks, as and when required.

(viii)    To count forms, articles when delivered or received.

2-7-3    Besides these, there are also various types of miscellaneous works which are required to be performed by the Daftries as and when required Daftry should therefore be treated as “Skilled” cadre higher than the MTS Cadre and shall be placed with the Grade Pay of Rs.2400/- in the existing PB-I duly recognizing their hard services.

2-8       We Demand

(1)   The Categories mentioned above shall not be compared with peons working in the administrative offices and the nature of work performed by these categories shall be elevated to the standard of Rs. 2000/- Grade Pay in PB-I if required by enhancing the educational Qualifications. Except packers of Foreign Post who shall be elevated to be existing Rs. 2400/- Grade Pay.

(2)   The other categories like carpenter, workmen, painters, Form suppliers, etc. required a revision of Pay scale which shall be above from the peons of the administrative offices.

(3)   The educational qualifications can be enhanced in order to justify the skills and responsibilities of the above said MTS categories.

CHAPTER – III

Postmen / Village Postmen / Stamp Vendor

3-1-1    The Postman is the cutting edge of the Department of Posts. He represents the department in lanes and by lanes of this vast country and acts as a visible symbol of the Department of Posts in the mind of common man. The large majority of customers may not be visiting a post office regularly, but they do interact with a postman often. They primarily judge the quality of the service rendered by the Department by their performance of duties and he is the last man in the production process to hand over the end product to the Postal customer.

3-1-2    For a service organization like Department of Posts, he is not only a functionary but an image maker too. This area of activity, i.e. door to door delivery of Postal articles would necessarily be manual. This is so even in the developed countries like USA, UK and Australia too.

3-1-3    A Postman has to take decision to determine whether an accountable article has to be delivered to a particular person or not Considerable degree of trust operates between a postman and a customer. The postman has to be skillful in comprehending human behaviour, be discreet decent and also clever. The legal system of the country has also reposed great trust in him to the extent that the remarks given by a postman regarding the delivery or the reasons of non delivery of an article are taken as conclusive evidence in the court of law.

3-2       Job Profile

3-2-1    Under the prevailing circumstances Knowledge of Departmental rules is very indispensable to discharge the duty with efficiency and confidence. To manage this, the postmen are required to be more qualified. They must treat themselves bound to P&T Manual Volume IV, VI and VII and several other P&T Guide Books. If they fail to adhere to these rules on the plea of ignorance, that cannot be considered and punishment will be imposed on them due to dereliction of duty. Moreover, some special features of work hazards, skill, initiative, responsibility and personal risks are also involved in Postman’s day to day functioning. Some examples are appended asunder: -

           

(i)        The duties are fixed atan inconvenient time of the day.

(ii)      Required to attend office on two or three occasions to complete the duty.

(iii)    First attendance to the termination of last generally extends beyond ten to twelve hours in a day.

(iv)     Due to the later receipt of mails, receipt of unusual mails and late delivery is another form of extra attendance.

(v)       Foreign packets, parcels, photographs and insured articles containing currency notes and precious good should be handled with care.

(vi)     Postmen must know all the localities in a city, town and be ready to perform any delivery work at any time on any beat.

(vii)   The delivery of articles to the addressee is the final act of Postmen outside the post office. Sometimes letters are inadequately or wrongly addressed. The correct delivery of those articles mainly depends upon the skill, knowledge and effectiveness of the postmen. The postmen are responsible for the correct and final disposal of all articles entrusted to him for delivery. His personal supervision and check error cannot be corrected and wrong delivery of articles sometimes occurs loss to the Department. The delivery of postal articles is a hard task of Postmen’s work in the places of criss-cross streets, blocks of flats, houses, office premises, multistoried buildings, creates many hazards to perform delivery work. Many hours are there which are similarly in name and style.

(viii) Before effecting delivery of registered articles, money orders, insured letters, etc. required a careful check, accurate and detailed knowledge not only of instructions but also actual persons at each address. The recipient must be known as a permanent resident of the written address to the Postmen.

(ix)     After the introduction of Project Arrow, 100% delivery on the date of receipt itself is being insisted. Even though the rules do not provide any back route in the delivery area, postmen has to revisit the area once again to effect delivery of the articles on the same day. In some occasions, he must take risk to deliver the letter in the premises other than the addressee and if any complaint received about non delivery of letters to the concerned, he is held responsible. In many cases, they are being punished severely after the launch of Project Arrow in the Department of Posts.

(x)       Now, the postmen must aware of all computer operations order to perform the duties of the issue and taking returns of articles in the computers.

3-2-2    The performance of delivery of Postal articles by the Postman should not be underestimated. Facing all hazards of life and risking everything, Postmen are functioning as executors, operators, clerks, supervisors and postmasters upto themselves outside the post office and that way they have earned the faith and confidence of the members of the public at large on postal service.

3-2-3    The qualities required for a Postman cannot be judged from a simple yardstick of educational qualification at the entry point. The skill, memory and reliability in effecting delivery of thousands of letters to hundreds of addresses should be taken into consideration. The accurate delivery of Postal service. Taking all these into consideration, the 7^th Central Pay Commission, it is hoped, would do justice to Postmen cadre.

3-2-4    The nature of work performed by the postmen has undergone a sea change and now they are expected to work on the computers with the knowledge of different   software.

3-2-5    The Dept has now revised the norms for postmen by introducing the following new items of work, vide its letter No 25-20/2008-PEI dated 25.11.2008.

(i)      Data entries in various modules of Meghdoot software of all mail articles given to them for delivery.  This duty will be performed serving the addition 80 minute period on each working day.

(ii)     Assistance to Sorting Postmen/Head Postmen in beat sorting.

(iii)  Delivery of any pamphlets or brochures presented under Direct Post.

(iv)  Collection of surplus cash.

(v)     Segregation of missent articles, misdirected articles & Beat sorting.

(vi)    Preparation of special delivery slips for bulk addresses for data entry in the postman module.

(vii)   Sorting of accountable articles and money orders beat wise and their entry in the computer  system for printing the delivery slips.

(viii) Entry of undelivered accountable articles/money orders in the Postman module.

(ix)    To act as an Agent for promoting PLI/RPLI and Business Development Products.

(x)     Assistance to the treasurers in sorting of the currency notes and making bundles denomination wise and also escort the treasurers while drawing and remittance of cash to the Bank / Treasury.

(xi)    Drawal of revenue stamps from treasury/sub treasury.

(xii)   Utilizing the services for data entry of RPI/PLI proposals and generating acceptance memos for policies on payment of some incentive.

(xiii)     Preparing the beat list and the beat map of the beat and updating the same on a regular basis.

(xiv) Any other duties assigned by the department / head of the office.

3-2-6    After adding all these new items of work as additional duties to Postmen by an order dated 25.11.2008, the department has not considered elevation of this cadre.

3-2-7    Apart from the above, the following additional works are being attended by the Postmen for which there is no norms or time factor provided so far.

(i)           Procurement of mails in the beat.

(ii)         Selling of Postal stamps and stationery to the customers in the beat.

(iii)       Collection of Telephone bills, paying the same to the assigned Post Office and subsequent return of related TRC receipts to the customers.

(iv)        Verification of address of Landline and Mobile connection holders.

(v)          Verification of firms and companies Verification of Voter list as per the guideline of Election Commission of India.

(vi)        Procurement of RPLI business.

(vii)      Posting of recurring deposit collection in the Post Offices to which they are attached.

(viii)    Works related to the deposit of telephone and electricity bills in the post office.

(ix)        Delivery of postal articles in various new exploring areas without any proper briefing and training.

(x)          Data entry works and works related to electronic clearing schemes (ECS)

(xi)        Collection or SB withdrawal forms & Payment of withdrawal to the depositors.

The above are only illustrative and many more additional works have been entrusted to postmen.

3-2-8    In the following Paragraphs, the rules and responsibilities, procedure, etc. are described elaborately in order to have an idea about the importance and multifarious risky duties performed by Postmen.

3-3       Book of receipts for intimations of notices delivered

3-3-1    The nature of work and responsibilities to the Postmen is enumerated below. He must main the Book of receipt for intimations and notices delivery. The Procedure to maintain the register is as follows:

3-3-2    Every Postman must keep, in Form RP-53, a book of receipts for intimations and notices delivered in which, before proceedings on his beat, particulars and the following intimations and notices entrusted to him for delivery will be entered by the Postmaster, Registration, Parcel or Money order clerk, as the case may be: -

(1)   Intimation relating to insured articles.

(2)   Intimations relating to VP Articles exceeding Rs. 500/- in value.

(3)   Notices relating to Money Orders, payable to planters.

(4)   Notices relating to articles the contents of which have been damaged or appear to be contraband.

(5)   Intimations relating to registered articles and money orders for residents at hotels, clubs, etc. and

(6)   Intimation relating to parcels, weighing above 5 kgs.

3-3-3    The Postmen must himself write the name and address of the addresses or payee in the appropriate column and should deliver the intimations and notices with the receipts and acknowledgements in the case of insured articles and the acknowledgement and coupons in the case of money orders to the addresses and payees, whose signature should be taken in the book against the entries concerned.

3-3-4    In the case of insured articles, the value of which exceeds Rs. 500/- and which has to be delivered at the window of the Post Office, when the Postman delivers the addresses receipts, the acknowledgement and the intimation to the addressee, he should ask the addressee to sign the addressee’s receipt in form RP-31 or RP-1, as the case may be, in his presence who will endorse on the back to the effect that the addressee has signed the receipt in his presence.

3-4       Instructions for delivery

3-4-1    He must maintain Instructions for delivery and refer every day whenever any article receive in order to delivery to the authorized persons by the addressee. It involves more risk and responsibilities in their work. These instructions will contains all charges of residence, temporary and Permanent authorization for delivery, temporary instructions etc. The onus of responsibility lies with Postmen in case of any wrong in redirecting or delivery offices.

3-4-2    Each Postman’s beat is fixed by the Postmaster and he must on no account deviate from the beat prescribed. He is required to deliver, if possible, before he returns to the post office, all the articles entrusted to him for delivery to persons residing within the limits of his beat.

3-4-3    It the addressee of an article cannot be found at the given address, enquiry regarding his changed address should be made from the neighbours. If trustworthy information can be obtained the Postmen should deliver the articles at the new address, if it happens to be in his beat or make a note of the new address on the article so that it may be made over to another Postman, as the case may be. If sufficient information regarding the addressee cannot be obtained, the article should be returned to the Postmaster as “unclaimed”.

3-5       COLLECTION OF UNPAID POSTAGE BEFORE DELIVERY IS ONE OF THE FOREMOST WORK OF A POSTMAN.

3-5-1    A Postman is forbidden to deliver any article on which any postage or customs duty is due or any sum is to be recovered (As in the case of a V. P. article) until the full amount to be recovered has been paid. He is no obliged to give change. If nay un-necessary delay occurs in the payment of the charges recoverable on the article from the addressee, the Postman is authorized to take the article back to the Post office.

3-6       RESPONSIBILITY FOR CORRECT DELIVERY OF ARTICLES & PAYMENT OF MONEY ORDERS

3-6-1    The duties of Postmen areenormous and unique one. He must be aware of all the departmental rulings and keep up to date Knowledge. He is responsible for any mistake/lapse occurred while in delivery. The Postman is responsible for the correct delivery of all articles and the correct payment of all money orders entrusted to him. In all cases of doubt, the Postman must satisfy himself as to the addressee’s or the payee’s identify by making proper inquiries before delivering the articles or paying the money order.

3-6-2    In the case of un-insured registered articles of the letter mail and registered parcels, if the addressee is not personally known to the postman, delivery should be made I the presence of a respectable witness residing in the locality, whose name should be noted on the receipt. In the case of insured articles for persons unknown to the Postman, the same procedure should be followed, but the witness whose presence delivery is made, must also be able to identify the addressee.

3-6-3    Money Orders in favour of persons not permanently residing within the jurisdiction of the office of payment of the personality unknown to the Postman should be paid only on satisfactory proof of the identity of the claimant with the person named in the money order. The information obtained from the person who identified the claimant must be such as will enable the officials of the post office to readily find the payee again, in case mistake or fraud have occurred and with this object, the permanent address of the payee, as vouched for by the person who identified him, must be noted on the money order by the identified who should add his own address below his signature under the identifier’s Certificate printed on the money order form. If the refuses to comply with the request, the Postman should exercise greater care in accepting the identification as genuine. A Postman is not authorized to pay money order to anyone personally unknown to him unless and until he has been satisfactorily identified by some trustworthy person(s) known to the Postman and it must be understood that the statements of such persons are not be accepted without full enquiry as to his actual knowledge of the claimant. He should always be asked to explain how he became acquainted with the claimant and how long he has known him. It should not be considered sufficient evidence of the right of a claimant of a money order that the money has been remitted in response to a telegram sent by him.

3-6-4    In any case in which the Postman is not fully and clearly satisfied to the addresee’s or payees’ identity, he should not make delivery of payment, but adopt the safer plan of taking back the registered or insured article or money order to the post office at which the person who claims to be addressee or payee should be requested to call for the purpose of obtaining delivery or payment.

3-6-5    Whenever an article is delivered or a money  order is paid in the presence of a witness or is taken back to the post office because the Postmen is not satisfied as to the identity of the claimant, the Postman should report the circumstances immediately to the clerk concerned and also to the Postmaster. The precautions mentioned above are especially necessary in the case of articles and money orders for persons not very well known, but not so much in the case of articles for delivery or money orders for payment at the residence of well known persons.

3-7       RETURN OF UNDELIVERED ARTICLES

3-7-1    Postmen are required to return to the clerks concerned, at the hour fixed by the Postmaster, all the articles that they have been unable to deliver. A Postman may be in no circumstances keep the articles in these possessions for more than twenty four hours. When a paid un-registered articles or a registered articles of the letter or parcel mail of a money order entered in the Postman’s Book (M-27) is brought back undelivered or unpaid, remark stating why it was not delivered or paid should be written briefly but legibly on the address side by the Postman who should also note under his dated initial the number of the articles and copy of the remarks in his booked or on the delivered at the next delivery, it may, after examination, be handed back to the Postman

3-7-2    Undelivered unregistered articles of the letter mail must be returned by the Postman to the Postmaster or to official to whom this duty of the Postmaster has been delegated.

            Note: If the address of a VP article refuses to take delivery of the intimation relating the articles, when it is presented to him the Postman should note this fact under his dated initials as well as its number of the intimation.

3-8       POSTAGE DUE & REALISATION

3-8-1    The postage due on articles of the letter mail returned by each Postman will be entered in the Postage account by the Postmaster and the delivery clerk will deduct this amount from the amount of postage charged therein in each Postman and strike a balance. The postman must pay the amount of this balance at once in cash to the Treasurers who will initial the Postage account in acknowledgement of having received the money.

3-9       PENALTIES FOR NEGLIGENCE OR ERRORS

3-9-1    There are very strict Penal provisions are laid down in the rules. Either mistakenly or inadvertently, any wrong committed while performing duties, he will be proceeded under Rule 16 or Rule 14 of CCS (CCA) Rules under class 3 (ii) (iii) of unbecoming of Government Servants. Extraneous factors are not given any prominence in case of delay/non delivery of letters. The postman is expected to complete his work before the end of the day.

3-9-2    There are very strict provisions laid down in respect of Postmen during delivery. A Postman found guilty of habitually loitering on his beat or employing the agency of unauthorized person or persons unconnected with the post office to deliver or otherwise neglecting his duty is liable for removal or prosecution in a court of Law under the Post office Act.

3-9-3    The Rules reproduced above are only connected with the Money Order disposal. The Commission may call for the below noted rules printed in Volume of the Postal Department relating to work of Post Office connected with Postman: -

                                                            Vol. VI, Part – I

(a)   Chapter -4             -           Delivery Department

(b)   Chapter – 5           -           Deposit Department

(c)    Chapter – 6           -           Registration, Parcel and Insured Department

(d)   Chapter – 7           -           Money Order Department

(e)   P&T Guide Part II  -           Rulings

(f)     Post Office                        -           To determine the skill, ranking, Act classification and the pay 

                                          of Postman

3-10     VILLAGE POSTMEN

3-10-1  In regard to the Village Postman, no doubt the strength rapidly going down, but the existing staff who are required to perform duties can be termed as Traveling Post Office. The job of village Postmen is very intricate and its full range can be known if the Chapter on Sub Accounts, printed in P& T Manual, Volume VI, Rules 649, 650, 651, 652, 653, 654, 655, 656 and 657 are red carefully. We have not reproduced these rules and expect the Commission would obtain the relevant information from the official sources.

3-11     DEPARTMENTAL STAMP VENDOR  

3-11-1  As regards Departmental Stamp Vendors, it is not as a separate category, since it has been merged with the cadre of Postmen.

CHAPTER - IV

EVALUATIONOF THE HIGHER GRADE PAY TO THE POSTMEN / VILLAGE POSTMEN / STAMP VENDORS

            4-1-1    Postman cadre is the backbone of the Postal Department and the nature of work assigned to them with vital responsibilities. Postmen maintain actual public relation with the Postal Department who has direct relation with the customers and interact with them at their residence/door step. The postman is the main link of delivering all postal mail and articles. Postmen believe the message of the department that the customers are never wrong. In case of loss or misappropriation whatever be the circumstances liability thereof is squarely put on the shoulders of the Postman/Village Postman.

4-1-2    On the basis of all the materials submitted as per facts given above to the Commission we demand the pay scale for Postmen/Village Postmen/Stamp vendors as Rs. 2400 Grade Pay on entry with 1^st promotional scale of Rs. 9200, 2^nd Promotional Scale Grade pay 4200 and 3^rd Promotional Scale of Grade Pay 4600 with existing pay scale by raising educational qualification equivalent to 10 +2.

CHAPTER – V

SORTING/READER/HEAD POSTMEN, CASH/MAIL OVERSEERS

5-1-1    The Sorting Postmen, Reader Postmen, Head Postmen, Cash and Mail Overseer in the Department of Posts are interchangeable. These Posts are filled up from Postmen staff on the basis of seniority cum fitness.

                        The Third CPC recommended a depressed scale of Rs. 225-308, after a struggle and negotiation, department revised the pay scale of Rs. 260-350 w.e.f 1.1.1978, subsequently the Board of Arbitration revised the date and gave effect from 1.1.1975. A special allowance of Rs. 25/- per month was paid to about 10 percent of the posts of Head Postman/Sorting Postmen/Mail overseer etc,. Where as all these special allowances were frozen at the time of introduction of TBOP scheme in Postal in 1983. Similarly the concept of promotional cadre has also been stopped and they are treated at par with ordinary postmen only.

5-1-2    A clear injustice is met out to this cadre and it is to be rectified. These posts shall be revived as a promotional post in postmen cadre.

5-2       SORTING POSTMEN

5-2-1    The “Sorting Postmen” is a misnomer. They may be redesignated as “Beats Sorter”. The better sorting has to be performed and he has to ensure sorting of letters with maximum speed to send the postal articles or delivery according to the beats of various postmen, mail received for delivery from an office (delivery Post office). He has not only to ensure perfect sorting and commit to memory hundreds and thousands of addresses and has to maintain maximum speed of movement. Annual tests are held to test his memory. The sorting has to be done with high speed to send postal delivery according to scheduled timings. He has to leave home in the early hours and stay back in office to perform split duties for which he has to incur extra expenditure due to additional trips on each spell of his duty. Where there is no post of Head/Overseer Postmen in the delivery office or Sorting Postmen, they are also expected to escort the Postmen when there is heavy cash for payment.

5-2-2    Keeping in view the supervisory interchangeable nature of the work of Sorting Postman. Head Postman, Reader Postman, Cash and Mail Overseer, it is worthwhile to mention that Special pay/Special allowance is equal to two annual increments may please be considered.

5-3       OVERSEER POSTMEN

5-3-1    The overseer postmen may be redesignated as “Beat Inspector” in the nature of duties assigned to him. The Overseer Postman assists Public Relation Inspector (Postal). He has to submit his diary about the work done during the day to the PRI (P)/Postmaster. They should perform the duties prescribed for PRI (P) in Rules 304, 305, 306 and 310 to 314. Their Post shall be elevated to that of HSG II/I in postmen cadre and will be placed in the grade pay of Rs. 4600/- considering their nature of work in inspections, verification etc.

5-4       HEAD POSTMEN

3-4-1    The duties of Head Postmen are as under: -

             (P & T Manual Volume IV, Part III, Rule 691)

(i)                 In the larger offices there are usually one or more Postmen designated as Head Postmen who are trusted with the duty of paying of TMOs and conveying money to and from the Treasury, Sub-Treasury or town sub-offices. Head Postman may also be required to take out for delivery of articles that have been returned by the other Postmen, as unclaimed or refused and to take up the work of any Postman who is temporarily absent.

(ii)               For the sake of greater security, Head Postman may be ordered by the Postmaster to accompany the Postman to whom several insured articles or money orders of considerable aggregate value have been made over for delivery or payment.

(iii)             Head Postman may be employed to make enquiries into minor complaints, verify payment of money orders and test the work of Postmen and Letter Box Peons whom they can be spared for such purpose.

5-4-2    Keeping in view the supervisory interchangeable nature of the work of Sorting Postman, Head Postman, Reader Postman, Cash and Mail Overseer, it is worthwhile to mention that Special pay/Special allowance is demanded at least Rs. 1000/- per month.

5-5       CASH OVERSEER

5-5-1    Cash overseers have to convey in person cash worth lakhs of Rupees unescorted. The said cash is collected from the Sub Post offices, Banks and deposited in the nominated Post office or in the Bank. In the context of the present vulnerable conditions around, the work done by the cash overseer is not only risky but it is awfully terrible. The Cash allowance earlier drawn to the extent of Rs. 20/- is also not being drawn.

5-5-2    The duties of a Cash Overseer are very well defined in the Rules. The duties prescribed by the Department for Cash Overseer are detailed in Chapter 10 of P&T Manual Volume VI, Part III. We are reproducing only one Rule out of many which are relevant to the duties assigned to Cash Overseer. The Commission may pursue the rule 583-A of P&T Manual Vol. VI, Part III, which reads as under.

             (“Limits for Remittances by various modes of conveyance”)

           

5-5-3    For remittance of cash by different modes of transport such as Railways, Motor Vehicles, Tongas, Boats, etc. the following (not quoted) limits should be considered normal. These limits can be increased where necessary in consultation with the police authorities. The intention is that normally given limits apply unless the Head of the Circle has reason to believe that it will not be safe to entrust cash up to the limit or that conditions on the route are, such as to permit a higher limit. Ordinarily consultation with the Police should be necessary only when it is proposed to go beyond the normal limits or prima facie there is reason to feel that due to any special circumstances, such as the route going through thick jungle, dangerous country or a sparsely populated area, a lower limit may be fixed keeping in view the mode of transport used…………………

5-5-4    Taking the hard tasks of cash conveyance through thick jungles, dacoits infested areas during nights, etc., we expect the commission, will appreciate and give a proper weightage to the enormous responsibilities, Risk should by Cash Overseer in performing their duties by providing, higher pay with Grade pay of Rs. 4200/- with grant of special allowance equal to two annual increments.

5-6       MAIL OVERSEERS

5-6-1    The duties of Overseers commonly known as Mail Overseers in the Postal Service are published in the P&T Manual Volume VIII, Part III, Chapter 7. We have also reproduced the entire Chapter 7, containing the duties and responsibilities of this category to the Commission. We hope it will appreciate and give a proper weightage to the enormous responsibilities shouldered by Mail Overseers in performing their duties.

5-6-2       DUTIES OF OVERSEERS

The Overseer is primarily responsible for the efficient working of the mail line of lines under his charge, but he may also, under the orders of  Head of the Circle, he required conveying or escorting remittances of cash between two offices either under a regular system or as occasion arises. He will be held personally responsible rate of speed. He must constantly travel over his beat to supervise the runners, and to satisfy that the proper numbers are always present at the different stages when the mail arrives. Where the cash conveyance work is heavy, the head Circle may sanction Overseers exclusively for such work. They will be designated as Cash Overseer. It is; however, open to  Head of the Circle to specify any other duties to be attended  in addition to Cash Conveyance.

5-6-3       Examination of VP and Insured articles and money orders in deposit in Branch Offices.

Whenever and Overseer visits a Branch Post office for any purpose, he should examine all the Insured and Value Payable (VP) articles and money orders in deposit and satisfy himself that they agree with the entries in the branch office journal and that no articles or money order has been detained without justification and that no article bear any sign of damage or tampering. If any VP articles have been delivered before the Overseer’s visit and if the receipts signed by the addressees are in a branch office, the Overseer should verify the correctness of the dates of delivery shown in the receipt.”

5-6-4       OVERSEER’S BEAT

The beat of an Overseer will be arranged by the Divisional Supdt. and will comprise the main line (main and branch) placed under his charge and the office (if any) that he is required to visit in connection with cash remittances. One of the offices situated in the beat will be selected by the Superintendent as the Overseer’s Central office and he will be required to return to that office regularly at fixed intervals.

The Superintendent will furnish each overseer with a route statement showing the period to be occupied by the Circuit of the lines which he has to supervise and the offices (if any) which he has to serve in connection with the transport of cash, the date in each month or the day or days of week on which he must be at his Central Office in order to begin each circuit and the lines and names of the offices (if any) to be visited during the circuit, arranged in the order in which they are to be visited. The Overseer will not be required to visit each line of office on a particular day, but he will be required to visit in the time fixed, all the lines and offices shown in his route statement. It may not be possible in every case for the Overseer to complete his circuit within the prescribed time owing to his having go proceed to another part of his beat in order to enquire into loss the case or make mail arrangements, etc. But whenever this is the case and explanation should be given by the Overseer in his diary.’

5-7       WE DEMAND

5-7-1    To categories of staff whose duties and responsibilities have been explained in the above paras are promoted from the cadre of postman and interchangeable periodically. They are at present placed in an almost depressed scale of pay:

(1)   Head Postman

(2)   Sorting Postman

(3)   Overseer Postmen

(4)   Reader Postman

(5)   Cash Overseers

(6)   Mail Overseers

5-7-2    Keeping in view the supervisory interchangeable nature of work of Sorting Postman, Head Postman, Reader Postman, Cash and Mail Overseer, it is worthwhile to mention that Special Pay/Special allowance is demanded at least Rs. 1000/- per month apart from fixing them under supervisory posts with grade pay of Rs. 4200 & 4600 and convert them as hierarchical promotional cadre for postmen.

CHAPTER - VI

MATTER MERITS CONSIDERATIONS

6-1       Promotional avenue for Postmen cadre: The Postman who completes 10 (Ten Year) regular service should be considered eligible for promotion to the cadre of PA selection for willing postmen and should be automatically promoted to the PA’s cadre automatically with a separate quota provided they are possessing required educational qualifications.

6-2       Survey of Postmen Beats: Survey of beat from length to breadth, number of houses to be served, the number of all type of postal articles to be delivered.  It was seen in the past that the survey is done on the table not a practical measurement of biometric systems.  This results in justice to the postmen cadre. 

6-3       Combination of beats/double duty: Actually neither combination of beats nor double duty is possible by a postman in addition to his own duty.  Work left with them is taken as dereliction of duty inviting punishment despite the extra work performed with sincerity with devotion. Efficient delivery is possible only when justified workload with reference to length and breadth of beat is assigned. Leave Reserve (LR) posts and unfilled vacancies of postmen are filled up.  This problem is always let off and no improvement is seen resulting continuous harassment with the postmen cadre.

6-4       Considering the insurgent of women employees, and grant of CCL etc., the LR strength, they shall be enhanced to the extent of 20% which will alone mitigate the present hardship.

6-5              Anomaly in MACP in Postal

The DOPT vide its OM No. 35034/3/2008-Estt (D) Dated 09.08.2010 clarified under para 11  inter alia: -

“Since the pay scales of Group D employees have been merged and placed in the Grade Pay of Rs.1800/-. Whether they are entitled to grant of increment @ 3% during pay fixation at every stage.

Clarification:- Yes, on the analogy of point 22 of Annexure I of MACPs the pay of such Group D employees who have been placed in the Grade Pay of Rs.1800/- w.e.f. 1.1.2006 shall be fixed successively in the next three immediate higher Grade Pay in the hierarchy of revised Pay Band and Grade Pay allowing the benefit of 3% Pay fixation of every stage.

While clarifying MACP provisions vide Directorate letter No. 1-20/2008-PCC (Pt) Dt. 18.2.2011 under para 4, it is mentioned about the grant of Grade Pay, but did not clarify about the fixation of 3% for every stage as stated in the OM in para supra.

On receipt of orders from DoPT, the pay fixation for MACP has been refixed by allowing 3% for every stage, which has been irregularly objected by the Audit in respect of West Bengal Circle and Andhra Pradesh Circle. Huge recovery is being ordered which is against the orders of the DoPT. The anomaly has not been settled so far.

6-6       Cash handling Allowance to Postmen:  It was granted on the basis of the Board of Arbitration Award in CA Reference No.14 of 1981. The Board of Arbitration Awards operative for 3 years as per JCM Scheme, as such, this benefit was available only up to 30.11.1986. However, various Circles continued this till orders were issued by the Departments of Posts for withdrawing the payment of cash handling allowance to postmen with effect from February 2001 after the demand was raised by the Union in the Departmental Council for the restoration of this  allowance, it was agreed to take up the matter with the Department of Expenditure. Accordingly, the matter was referred to the Ministry of Finance (Department of Expenditure). On their advice, the matter was taken up with the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). They considered the case, but did not agree for restoration of this allowance, as they found no justification in the proposal. Thus the postmen are aggrieved in non continuation of Arbitration Award and it shall be restored, considering the risk and nature of job involved and the rates be revised accordingly.

6-6               FIXED MONETARY COMPENSATION in lieu OF OTA

The orders issued vide letter No. 10-7/2001-PE.II dated 28-1-03 for enhancing the double duty allowance as follows  to the Postmen staff.

When Postmen performing the duties of another Postmen – Rs.29/- per day.

2. When the beat of the postmen is divided – Rs.14 per person

3. Holiday duty Rs.43/- per person.

           

The amount fixed for carrying out the full duty of another Postman is just Rs. 29/- which is nothing but exploitation. For performing duties on holidays, the amount has been fixed at Rs. 43/- which is not even compensating the conveyance or incidental charges. This shall be enhanced to Rs. 300 & Rs.600/- respectively

6-7              Indoor and outdoor Medical treatment to Postal Pensioners in CGHS hospitals

Eventhough all the pensioners are brought under the issue of plastic cards for awaiting Medical treatment in CGHS hospitals and approved hospitals on demand, the Postal Pensioners are denied such facilities. Only pensioners who were the CGHS card holders alone permitted to continue the Medial treatment after retirement. This is a clear discrimination among the equals. Despite various judicial pronouncements, the Government implemented the decision to those applied and in some cases, the Government filed SLP in the Supreme Court.

It is therefore requested to remove the discrimination and Postal Pensioners shall also be permitted to avail medical treatment in CGHS hospital and its recognized/empanelled  hospitals.

6-8              COUNTING OF TRAINING PERIOD FOR POSTMEN SERVICE

The DoPT issued instructions to count the training period of direct recruits as qualifying service for increment and pension. Where as the training period of the Gramin Dak Sevaks who have been appointed under direct recruitment as Postman / MTS (Gr.D) has not been taken as qualifying service. This is against the provisions and double yardstick has been adopted in respect of direct recruitment officials.

CHAPTER - VII

KIT ITEMS TO STAFF

7-1-1    Quality and quantity of cloth:-

            The cloth of uniform supplied is always about the worst of its quality despite of the assurances held out by the department.  This uniform does not last till the next supply.  The Duppatta supplied to the female staff and cloth of Pagri is of substandard quality.  In this regard the fabric quality of cloth should be assured of superior and impressive in wearing to the uniformed staff. The quantity of cloth should be assured according to the size of the person. Timely supply of uniforms has not been ensured yet.

7-1-2    Periodicity of supply of uniform:

At present the periodicity of supply of summer uniform is one set in one year and winter uniform one set in four years. When staff will wear uniform on duty daily, then it is not possible that the cloth of worst quality will last for one year and naturally it would wear out sufficient time before it becomes due for next supply.  Similarly the winter uniform made from substandard cloth, it would also be worn out sufficient time before it becomes due for next supply.   It is suggested to recommend that two sets of summer uniform for one year and one set of winter uniform once in two years may be considered.

7-2-1    Washing Allowance:

It is the duty of the uniformed staff that they should be in proper uniform when they are on duty. While working on wearing the uniform becomes dirty due to dust and sweating oozing out of the body.  It starts giving unbearable bad smell which invites serious skin disease, if it is not changed for next duty.  To maintain the uniform, washing and ironing is very essential.  Washing Allowance of Rs 60/- granted to the staff is very inadequate. It should be enhanced from Rs. 60/- to Rs.150/-

7-2-2    Supply of Shoes and Chappals:

            These items supplied to the staff are made of substandard material and does not go a long way as per periodicity prescribed. These items become worn out before the next supply as the worth of the price prescribed by the department for Shoes and Chappals as Rs 350/- and Rs 200/-need to be enhanced as it does not agree with the actual supply of the item purchased, does not agree with the actual supply of the item purchased to the extent of Rs 600/- and Rs 400/- respectively. It is suggested to make cash payment instead of items in kind to avoid long and tedious processing in purchasing and supply.  It would also avoid delay in supply.

7-2-3    Shoe repairing charges: At present rates of shoe repair charges are very less and need to be enhanced to Rs. 200/- and the periodicity needs to be revised.

7-2-4    The Umbrella and Rain Coat  supplied to the eligible staff are made of substandard quality as the material used is not worthy, of the price approved for each item by the department.  It would be appreciated, if very good quality of folding type of umbrella is supplied as the present one is inconvenient to use while on duty.

7-3-1    Supply of postman bag- The item is very indispensable for safe custody of mail meant to be delivered in the beat by the postman.  It is a matter of serious concern that the bag in question is not made available to the postmen staff since long back.  The mail for delivery is kept at their own arrangement and risk.  The supply of a postman bag should be made of the best material of convenient size printed with the postal emblem on the front of the bag for long duration.

7-3-2    Uniform and Kit Maintenance allowance:  At present there is no provision for providing uniform/kit maintenance allowance for up keeping the uniform and other kit items for better get up and long duration like other uniform wearing staff such nurses etc. Washing allowance and stitching charges are very small amount and don't serve the purpose.

CHAPTER - VIII

PROOTIONS

8-1-1    There are no proper hierarchical promotions ensured for the MTS or Postmen Cadre. Unless they have written the LGO exam and come out successful in merit, they shall utilize only the existing three MACP financial upgradations.

8-1-2    The Posts of Mail overseer, Cash overseer, Sorting Postmen, Head Postmen numbering around 10000 Posts were earlier upto 1984 called as hierarchical promotional posts to postmen. Similarly, Jamedar Posts were termed as Selection grade promotions to erstwhile Group ‘D’s. Unfortunately, now all the said posts were equated with basic cadre.

8-1-3    When the issue of Cadre review was discussed and decided at departmental level, it was decided that MTS being a common cadre in all Central Government Ministries/Departments will be extended the same benefits as commonly decided for them. But there is no proposal in other department to have a common cadre review. It is also pertinent to mention that the nature of duties performed by the Postal MTS are entered differing as narrated in the earlier chapters.

8-1-4    With regard to Postmen cadre, the Cadre review committee has decided that “in the light of the peculiar situation of the Postman / Mailguard cadre where the work for the bulk of the cadre continuous to remain the same, as special cases the committee recommends the ratio as worked out in pursuance of PA cadre may be considered for implementation for these cadres as well and that the cadre so restructured may concurrently get the benefit of MACP also.”

8-1-5    We are agreeing to the above proposal, but at the same time we sincerely request to declare the cadres stated in pre paras as promotional posts so that the seniors will get the prestigious posts. Similarly, in the existing ratio of 50% Quota in LGO exam in PA vacancies, 20% shall be allotted to the Postmen who posses requisite qualification on seniority-cum- fitness which will provide a boost to the seniors who possesses the Qualification plus the practical knowledge.

8-1-6    After the introduction of the MACP, the postmen who appeared LGO exam to become PA are getting equal pay to those who have not appeared the LGO exam. This has ill motivated and frustrated the budding postmen youngsters, the MACP shall be determined only in the cadres and the ex service in the previous cadre and financial upgradation shall not be taken for MACP in higher cadre. The Jodhpur CAT judgment in OA No. ……………. Shall be implemented in true spirit.

CHAPTER - IX

PROBLEMS OF WOMEN EMPLOYEES

9-1-1       The following recommendations of the Fifth CPC providing special facilities to women employees were not so far been considered by the Government.

(a) "Introduction of a voluntary system of option for serving women employees to work half time for a maximum period of six years in a career when the children are young and family commitments are of the maximum.  This half time working may be accompanied with half of the Pay and Allowances, but not detract from other benefits like housing, LTC, Pensionary entitlements, etc.  The Government should work out the scheme in detail."

(b) "The Government has set up day-care centers  and crèches in some places, but their number is far below the requirement. The Government should consider setting up more day-care centers on Government land, construction of buildings being financed by Government Welfare Funds.  More crèches in offices or major residential areas may be set up by the Government.

(a)      "The age of recruitment for women employees may be enhanced to 35 years."

(b)      "Government may earmark funds separately for construction of more single women's hostel. There should also be some scheme to assure housing for married women employees."

(c)       "Arranging charted 'ladies-special' buses in bigger cities."

(d)      "Where husband and wife are both Government employees the creation of an earned leave bank to be availed of by either spouse may be considered only for the period needed for rearing very young children (such period not exceeding six years in all), provided the women employee has exhausted the earned leave at her credit and there is earned leave to the credit of her husband"

(e)      "The Ministries having a higher concentration of women employees may consider to provide for higher Leave Reserve."

Most of the above-said recommendations are not implemented.  We request to examine and reiterate the recommendations for implementation.

9-2           CHILD CARE LEAVE

9-2-1        Even though every women employee is entitled to avail 730 days Child Care Leave during their entire service, in practice, it is not being granted owing to shortage and reluctance to undertake additional work and other reasons. Unless the Leave reserve (LR) strength is enhanced, this cannot be settled. Women employees should exercise their privilege as they require without any hurdle.

9:3            CRÈCHES:

9:3:1         The Department has issued orders to subordinate offices to provide Crèches under certain conditions. There require liberalization. However the number of employees is small, the Department may on payment, enter into arrangement with crèche houses opened by other Department like Telecom etc. to enable the Postal Women employees to leave their Children under the care of trained matrons when they proceed to work.

9:4            TRANSFERS:

9:4:1         Though Government have issued orders that women employees should be transferred to the stations where their husbands are serving etc., at field level, there appears to be much delay to concede their request. This should be avoided.

9-4-2        The women employees should not be posted where basic facilities are lacking.

9-4-3        It is further requested to entertain transfer cases to their native places as requested in respect of unmarried women employees and to the places where their husbands are working in respect of married employees without putting any restrictions, reservations or rejections.

9-5           HOSTELS:

9-5-1        The Fourth CPC recommended under Para 25.5 that “the Government should construct single working women’s hostel in all major centers of employment. Priority may be given to women in allotment of residential accommodations. Similarly, it recommended vide para 25.06 that special transport facilities including aborted buses on payment wherever possible may be provided to women employees. This has not been implemented in major urban cities so far.

Keeping in view that women employees, both married and unmarried have to serve away from home-stations due to circumstances beyond their control, the following are suggested.

1.            That women hostels may be constructed if the number of women employees is large and

2.            Rooms may be reserved for women employees in hostels which may be constructed in other Department of Government.

3.            Allotting staff quarters earmarking for women employees who are working in those places out of their native places.

9-6          DEPUTATION

9-6-1       In the case of Leave Reserve period, the women employees are indiscriminately subjected to deputations to single handed offices and other offices where basic amenities are not available and offices which are beyond 8 km radius resulting in change of Head Quarters. This should be avoided.

9-6-2       GRANT OF SPECIAL LEAVE: A large number of the women employees are facing problems like removal of uteruses, etc,. after attaining age of 40 or more which requires special rest.  The women employees may be granted one month special leave in case of the removal of uteruses etc, .The above suggestions on the working women Postal Assistants may please be considered and recommended accordingly.

9-7          FLEXI WORK HOURS

9-7-1       According to the survey conducted by  National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) during 2009-10, the share of female employed on usual status basis was 26.1% in rural areas and 13.8% in urban areas. This share was 29.9% in rural areas and 13.9% in urban area during 1999-2000. There is a decline in the women's employment. In rural areas, 79.4% women are mainly working as cultivators and agricultural labourers. In urban areas, 34.6% of women are working in other services such as public administration, education and community service etc,.

9-7-2       The Home Ministry introduced Flexi working hours to its employees, which provides that the duration of late arrival or early departure can be compensated by devoting extra hours of work so as to ensure 40 hours work schedule for the entire week. Similarly, late coming between 15 and 30 minutes can be relaxed, keeping in view of transport problems, traffic congestion in the city or any other unforeseen eventuality subject to the condition that the duration of late arrival is compensated by sitting late in the evening, preferably the same day or any other day of the week according to the order. Similar kind of Flexi hours shall be introduced in all departments which will provide relief to the employees particularly women employees.

Chapter X

CONCLUSION

10.1                The Department of Posts itself declared that the Postmen is the Brand Ambassador of the Department after the implementing the successful plan Project Arrow by ensuring 100% delivery of articles on the day of its receipt. The Postmen are neglected cadre having no promotional hierarchical posts despite their hard work, sincerity and devotion of duty. Many of their genuine demands are being protracted and remain unsettled.

10.2                The objectives of the job evaluation are to provide definite scientific and factual assessment of relative work of the job performed by the similarly situated persons to determine a decent wage and salary structure. We pray, therefore, the Seventh Pay Commission to consider the memorandum and render justice and fair play.

10.3                This Union fervently    believe and also confident that the Seventh Pay Commission  will analyze and evaluate the duties, skills, responsibilities of the Postmen, MTS and others and prescribe suitable pay scales besides perks and concessions.

With profound regards,

(R.SEETHALAKSHMI)

GENERAL SECRETARY

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