Orders on Postmaster Cadres:

In continuation of the Department's order No. 13-2/2010-PE.I, dated 03.02.2010, now the Department vide its order of even No. dated 25.11.2010, directed the Circle Heads to identify the Head Post Offices / Sub Post Offices of respective circles to the extent of number indicated in the Annexure where the Postmasters of respective grades in each of the identified offices are to be deployed. During Identification, preference may be given to Head Post offices, Mukhya Dak Ghars, Offices identified for Core banking Solution, major delivery offices and offices located in prime locations serving as face of India Post. The decision once taken by the Chief Postmasters General would be final and no change in future would be permissible without consulting the Directorate.
In Odisha Circle, 60 LSG, 18 HSG-IIand 18 HSG-I posts have been carved out and designated as Postmaster Geade-I, Grade-II and grade - III respectively.
The scanned copy of the Directorate's letter No.13-2/2010-PE.I, dated 25.11.2010 is reproduced above for the information of our members/viewers.

Important instructions and guide lines on seniority issued by DoPT
No.20011/1/2008-Estt.(D)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
(Department of Personnel & Training)
New Delhi, dated the 11th November 2010
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: SENIORITY - Consolidated orders on...
The undersigned is directed to say that instructions have been issued by this Department from time to time laying down the principles for determining seniority of persons appointed to services and posts under the Central Government. For facility of reference, the contents of the important orders on the subject have been consolidated as a compilation "Instructions and Guidelines on Seniority". The number and date of the original O.M.'s has been referred in the relevant instructions* for easy reference to the context. The consolidated instructions include revised instructions on the following:
i. Seniority of persons appointed on direct recruitment from the reserved panel at a later date, specifically when the officers from the subsequent selection panel have already joined.
ii. Inter-se seniority of two panels of direct recruits, where more than one selection panel are received from UPSC/SSC through letter of same date.
iii. Fixation of seniority of a person who has been transferred to a lower post under FR 15-A.
iv. Seniority in case of appointment on compassionate grounds
2. Also, certain areas within the existing instructions, which require frequent clarifications, as is evident from the references received from various Ministries/Departments, have also been incorporated under the head "clarification", for reference. This may be brought to the notice of all concerned for information, guidance and necessary action.
3. The consolidated instructions along with Annexure containing O.M.'s referred will be issued separately in the form of handbook.
4. Hindi version will follow.
Sd/
(Smita Kumar)
Director(Establishment)
To view and download the complete instructions and guidelines please click on the following links: http://www.persmin.nic.in/DOPT/Seniority_Instructions_Guidelines/Seniority_Instructions_Guidelines.pdf

Postal news and information from across the world

1. The Manchester Evening News has reported that "Union bosses are stepping in to sort out problems which postal workers fear will bring Christmas deliveries to a grinding halt. Workers at the Wardley sorting office, which serves Walkden, Swinton, Boothstown and Little Hulton, claim they are struggling to deliver mail under a new regime and have called in their union leaders to mediate. New working practices are being rolled out across the country, which staff at Wardley sorting office, on

Shield Drive, on the Wardley Industrial Estate, say is stretching the system to breaking point."

2. Post & Parcel has reported that "Russian Post has increased staff wages by 7% during the first nine months of 2010. For the entire year, Russian postal employees will enjoy a rise of up to 12%, it has been reported."

3. Havana Times has reported that "The Cuban Postal Company decided to temporarily suspend the sending of postal packages to the United States, where only regular and certified correspondence that does not contain any type of object will be able to be sent. The measure comes after the announcement of exceptional security measures taken by the US Postal Service in the face of recent terrorist threats in that country, limiting the reception of packages that weigh over 16 ounces, reported IPS."

4. Japan Today has reported that "The ruling Democratic Party of Japan has decided to carry forward bills to roll back postal privatization measures."

5. According to the Daily Mail,, around three Post Offices are closing down every week in U K and 900 could disappear by next year, shocking research revealed yesterday. The massive number of closures is a major embarrassment for a government which has repeatedly promised to protect the network. Since January, 161 Post Offices have hung up the ‘Closed’ sign, with many saying it is simply impossible to make enough money to continue trading. The list of closures, seen by the Daily Mail, shows branches are shutting up shop everywhere from remote Scottish islands to the north Cornwall coast. In all cases, they are listed as ‘long-term temporary closures’, which means Post Office Limited is trying to find a new sub-postmaster. But the Communication Workers’ Union yesterday insisted that was ‘a code for closed’ while the company ‘can still claim there are no closures’. In most cases, a sub-postmaster decides to retire, and the struggle to find a replacement proves impossible. Billy Hayes, general secretary of the CWU, said Post Offices are closing at ‘an alarming rate’, and predicts the number could hit 900 between April 2010 and April 2011. He said: ‘Post Offices are closing at an alarming rate but don’t register until it is too late because they are misleadingly classed as temporary closures.’ It comes after a savage programme of closures masterminded by Labour which saw Post Offices disappear in their thousands. In 1997, there were 19,000 in Britain. By 2010, there were just under 12,000. Since coming to power, Edward Davey, the Postal Affairs Minister, has repeatedly promised: ‘There will be no programme of closures.’ Yesterday he described the figures from the CWU as ‘misleading’, and said they failed to take into account the fact that the closures may be temporary.

6. Voice of Vietnam News has reported that "The 17th ASEAN Post and ASEAN Post +4 summits is being held in the Furama Resort in the central city Da Nang from November 25-27. The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Office of PosMalaysia, Dato Syed Faisal Albar is presiding over both summits. Attending the 17th ASEAN Post summit are representatives from the postal departments of 9 ASEAN countries. They are discussing ways to enhance electronic transactions in the region and around the globe, the projects hopes to develop electronic commerce within ASEAN and international electronic money transfers. Attendants to the summit are also focusing on proposals from the private sector and developing new projects in the field of postal finance and marketing strategy for the express mail service and electronic commerce."

7. Royal Mail this week announced it will be discounting new or additional direct marketing campaigns throughout March and April next year by as much as 20%, to encourage advertisers to try new direct mail tactics. Mark Thomson, Media Director at Royal Mail, said: "Direct mail is back, pure and simple. It has regained its position as the consumer’s favourite direct marketing channel because people love to receive well targeted, well crafted advertising mail. "And for the advertiser, direct mail’s ROI is performing better and better and the discounts in this sale will help them to benefit from its increasing power even further."

8. The BBC has reported that "The Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority (JCRA) has outlined plans for Jersey Post to face more competition. It has set out goals of developing a more competitive telecoms market, liberalising postal services and working more closely with Guernsey. The JCRA has decided to grant another postal license to TNT Post UK, to ship items for the mail-order industry."

9. Radio Netherlands has reported that "Workers at Dutch postal company TNT are staging a national strike for two days starting Thursday morning. This comes after approximately 8000 postal workers rallied in The Hague last week to protest TNT plans to retrench 3100 staff. Although there is no plan for a rally this time, some 500 postmen are meeting to follow the current debate in the Lower House about the effects of last year’s liberalisation of the Dutch postal market. A petition urging the cabinet to intervene and protect TNT employees will be handed to Social Affairs Minister, Henk Camp, just before the debate."

10. The National Association of Major Mail Users has reported that "Canada Post has introduced Canada Post Comparison Shopper, a one-stop shopping website that helps Canadians instantly find, compare and purchase products online. The site uses a ranking system that filters through over 4 million products from 500 well-known and respected retailers that actually sell to Canadians. The patent-pending system evaluates criteria like price, return policies and customer service to determine which retailer offers the best match for the consumer’s search."

Streamlining functioning of CGHS Hospitals

Dear Comrades,
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued orders for streamlining the functioning of CGHS dispensaries.
1. The CMO In-charge must make every effort to ensure user friendly environment.
2. The Senior Citizens/Pensioners need to be given out of queue treatment and service at each activity level.
3. A complaint/suggestion/feedback Box with details like number of complaints received and disposed etc. under a seal and lock will be kept at each dispensary.
Please click on the following links to know details.http://mohfw.nic.in/writereaddata/cghsdata/mainlinkfile/File294.pdf

Introduction of Postmasters Cadre in Postal Wing

Department of Posts, Senior Postmaster ( Group-B Gazetted ), Postmaster Grade – III and II Group- B non-Gazetted )and Postmaster ( Grade – I Group – C non-Gazetted ) Recruitment Rules, 2010

As intimated earlier vide Postal Directorate letter No.13-2/2010-PE-I, dated 03.02.2010, the Department of Posts now ordered for introduction of Postmasters cadre vide Dte.’s No.4-17/2008-SPB-II, dated 22.11.2010 the scanned copies of which are reproduced above for information of, analysis and comments by all staff members.

Conditional Appointment to selected PAs/SAs

Pending completion of pre-appointment formalities / training at PTCs, Postal Directorate orders for offering conditional appointment to the selected Postal Assistants / Sorting Assistants recruited against the vacancies of the year 2009 & 2010 .
The copy of the Directorate’s letter is reproduced below for information .

MOST IMMEDIATE
No. 60 – 9 / 2010 – SPB – I
Government of India
Ministry of Communications & IT
Department of Posts

Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg
New Delhi – 110001
Dated, 10 November, 2010
To
All Chief Postmasters General
Subject- Appointment of Postal Assistants / Sorting Assistants by direct recruitment against the vacancies of the years 2009 and 2010
Sir / Madam,
I am directed to refer to this Department’s letter of even number dated 05.10.2010 on the above subject and to say that it is observed that at present there is acute shortage of Postal Assistants / Sorting Assistants (P As / S As) in the circles with the result that many references are received from VIPs pointing out the shortage. Apart from it, the issue of shortage of staff is raised in both the Houses of Parliament. Moreover, in order to improve / upgrade the postal operations to meet the present day requirement of specialization in postal operations in the wake of introduction of computer technology, respond to market challenges and increase productivity , it is absolutely essential to ensure that the required staff strength of PAs / SAs becomes available to the circles at the earliest.
2. As per the procedure being followed , the candidates selected for appointment of PA/SA after the completion of pre-appointment formalities viz. character and antecedents verification, medical examination and verification of their educational certificates are required to undergo training in PTCs before their services could be utilized. This often causes delay in making the offer of appointments because of non-availability of seats with the result that they start looking for opportunities elsewhere and ultimately a good percentage of the selected candidates does not become available for appointment and the vacancies may remain unfilled.
3. The matter has been considered in the Directorate and it has been decide by the competent authority that the circles should take immediate action to ensure that the pre-appointment formalities of the candidates are completed at the earliest. In this regard following time –lime may be followed.
i. Declaration of result by 21.11.2010
ii. Issue of offer of appointment with the condition
mentioned there in that it is subject to satisfactory
character and antecedents verification, medical
examination and verification of educational certificates. by 10.12.2010
iii. Completion of pre-appointment formalities by 10.02.2011
iv. Issue of appointment order by 25.02.2011
4. CPMGs are requested to ensure that the circle liaison with the concerned authorities in the states so that the pre-appointment formalities are completed by the target date. If need be CPMGs may use their good offices to expedite the completion of formalities.
5. On completion of the pre-appointment formalities in respect of the candidates, they may straight away be issued offer of appointment by the circles. This would motivate them to join as P A / S A immediately. Thereafter, when they join, they may be deputed for training as soon as slots become available in the PTCs. Pending their training, the circles may issue their posting orders and commence their in-house training by chalking out the course as far as possible based on the PTC syllabus depending on the resources available with them. The in-house training that may be imparted to the candidates by the circles in no way shall be treated as substitute for the formal training to be imparted by PTCs unless it is so vouched by Training Wing / PTCs. Till they are trained by PTCs, they may not be detailed on sensitive seats nor deputed to man the counters. For instance, they can be utilized in back office under effective supervision and in turn the already trained PAs / SAs who in the said process become available may be deputed on the counters. But in case there is inordinate delay in their training and competent authority in the circle satisfied himself that such PAS / SAs could be entrusted with the selective responsibility their services may be utilized accordingly.
6. The receipt of letter may please be acknowledged.
Yours faithfully,
Sd/-
( V C KAJLA )
Director(SPN)

Latest DoPT Order:

CG Employees Study Leave for Fellowships offered by reputed Institutes
No. 1302312/2008- Estt.( L)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, P.G. and Pensions
(Department of Personnel & Training)
New Delhi, the 18th November, 2010
Office Memorandum
Sub: Study Leave for Fellowships offered by reputed Institutes

Study Leave is normally granted to a Government Servant for a course of study having direct and close connection with the sphere of his duty. However, it can also be granted for studies which may not be closely or directly connected with the work of a Government Servant, but which are capable of widening his mind in a manner likely to improve his abilities as a civil servant and to equip him better to collaborate with those employed in other branches of the public service. Keeping in view the above spirit, this Department had allowed Study Leave to those selected for the award of Jawaharlal Nehru Fellowships in relaxation of the rules.
2. In light of the above, this Department is examining the feasibility of bringing more Fellowships under the purview of Study Leave, on the same terms and conditions as the Jawaharlal Nehru Fellowships. All Ministries / Department are requested to provide relevant /requisite inputs regarding fellowships offered by reputed institutions which may be of benefit to their area of work. It would be appreciated if the feedback is received by the under signed by 15th December 2010. The same may be mailed to the under signed at pads@nic.in.
Sd/- Simmi R. Nakra
Director

To
All Ministries / Departments of the Govt. of India, etc
(As per standard mailing list).

DEPARTMENTAL PROCEEDINGS AGAINST GOVERNMENT SERVANTS –
CONSULTATION WITH THE UNION PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION FOR ADVICE

No. 39011/12/2009-Estt (B)
Government d India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
(Department of Personnel & Training)
New Delhi, dated the 16th November, 2010
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Departmental proceedings against Government Servants – consultation with the Union Public Service Commission for advice.

The undersigned is directed to say that the existing instructions issued by this Department provide that the disciplinary proceedings taken against Government servants should be processed and completed expeditiously. Occasionally, the charged officers approach the Courts to quash the disciplinary proceedings and in many such cases the courts give direction to the Government to complete the proceedings within a time limit prescribed by the court. In certain instances the Government seeks further time from the court and in certain other instances, the petitioners file contempt petitions for not having completed the proceedings as per the court orders. In many of such cases, the UPSC has to be consulted as per the existing regulations, before the final orders are issued.
2. The UPSC has brought to the notice of this Department that In the above cases, some Ministries / Departments have stated in the affidavit filed before the Court that the matter has been pending with the UPSC and the delay in completing the proceedings was due to the delay In receipt of advice from the UPSC although such cases had been returned by the Commission to the Administrative Ministry to rectify the deficiencies noted by it. In this connection, attention of Ministries / Departments is drawn to this Department's OM of even number dated 10.5.2010 and 14.9.2010 in which it has been reiterated that the Commission generally takes 3-4 months to render its advice after the complete case records have been received by the Commission and that the Ministries / Departments should ensure that the prescribed pro-forma for sending the case records to the UPSC filled with due care and attention to avoid any back reference by the Commission to rectify the deficiencies. A case may not be taken as delayed on the part of UPSC If the Commission has returned the same to the Administrative Ministry to remove deficiencies.
3. All Ministries / Department. are requested that In cases where the Courts are being apprised the time taken in finalizing a disciplinary proceeding through affidavit, information In regard to the pendency of the matter before the Union Public Service Commission may be correctly projected.
Sd-
(CA Subramanian)
Director

RESULT OF RECRUITMENT TO PA / S A CADRE DECLARED
IN ODISHA CIRCLE
Congratulations to all the successful candidates!
As per the scheduled programme the result of the recruitment to the cadre of Postal Assistant / Sorting Assistant for which aptitude test was conducted on 14.11.2010 all over
Odisah Circlewas declared late night on 19.11.2010
The complete result sheet of the whole circle can be seen with the following links:http://www.indiapost.gov.in/pdf/PASA_Result_of_Orissa_Circle_for_2009_2010.pdf