All India Postal Employee Union, Gr-C is the major constituent of National Federation of Postal Employees - The biggest Federation of the Largest Postal Network of the World highlighting the principles of unity and struggle for the advancement of postal workers
Tuesday, 31 July 2018
UPU News : Addis Ababa Extraordinary Congress is about completing the Istanbul process
31.07.2018 - UPU News Interview with Siva Somasundram, UPU Director of Policy, Regulation and Markets Directorate
Q: What is the role of a UPU Congress?
A: A UPU Congress is the apex decision-making body of the Union and has supreme authority over the UPU Acts. It is a meeting where the plenipotentiaries of member countries make decisions about potential changes to the UPU’s governing rules and future work programs. They not only take stock of what has been achieved but also set new directions for the UPU’s strategy and priorities. Currently, a Congress is held once every four years.
Q: What changes have you noticed between the Doha Congress (2012) and the Istanbul Congress (2016) and where do you see a UPU Congress going in future years?
A: There is a range of standard topics addressed by every Congress. For example, there is typically a new set of rules relating to the UPU’s remuneration system and decisions about our future projects.
However, between Congresses new matters are often brought to the table as well. For example, in the case of the Istanbul Congress, compared to the Doha Congress, there were proposals in relation to the UPU’s institutional reform, the opening up of the Union’s products and services to wider postal sector players, and the review and modernization of its product remuneration system.
In my opinion, while each Congress has its usual business matters, there will also be other issues for plenipotentiaries to consider in light of current market demands. There are longstanding subjects to discuss, and there are always new matters driven by the needs of our stakeholders: governments, designated operators, regulators, and civil society.
Q: Why is there a need to organize the Extraordinary Congress in Addis Ababa in September?
A: When we met at the Istanbul Congress, there were a number of items on the agenda. Delegates talked about the UPU’s institutional reform, the Integrated Product Plan, the Integrated Remuneration Plan, the Pension Fund, and then, of course, the member countries’ contribution system.
While member countries were able to take important decisions on some of these matters, they also acknowledged that some further work was still required and would help ensure the ongoing relevance and sustainability of the Union. As a result, they decided to have an Extraordinary Congress to review the outcome of that work and to take the necessary decisions.
Therefore, the Ethiopian Extraordinary Congress is about completing the work that we started in the cycle leading to Istanbul, and, hopefully, about reaching a consensus among member countries on the outcomes of that work. Many of these issues cannot be postponed. They need to be dealt with because they are critical to UPU and its future.
It is a little-known fact that the First Extraordinary Congress was held in Berne in July 1900, well over a hundred years ago. That Congress was called to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Union’s foundation and a commemorative monument was erected. We have come a long way from those days. The content and form of the Second Extraordinary Congress will be very different.
Q: Do you think we will continue organizing Extraordinary Congresses in the future?
A: It is very important to understand the meaning of the word “Extraordinary”. The reason why we call it an “Extraordinary” Congress is that member countries felt there were extraordinary circumstances that required its organization in advance of the next regular Congress slated for 2020 in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. It will be up to member countries to decide if other Extraordinary Congresses are necessary in the future but the Acts do allow for that.
It is also important to draw a distinction between Extraordinary Congresses (which member countries can already agree on holding under Article 15 of the UPU Constitution) and the issue of whether regular Congresses should be held once every two years, as opposed to the current four-year cycle. Member countries will need to determine if there is a need for such a change and its impacts on the Union’s strategy, financing, and resources. This issue is still being discussed.
Q: What is the role of the UPU in bringing together postal stakeholders at a Congress?
A: At its core, a UPU Congress is a rule- and decision-making forum. Its primary task is about determining and agreeing on the Acts and any required changes to the UPU’s legislative framework, strategy, and future priorities. This core function is ensures the UPU’s framework of rules is fit for purpose and meets the needs of its stakeholders.
A secondary function of a Congress is to provide a platform for its member countries and other stakeholders to have an informed dialogue on a whole range of matters influencing the postal sector. Importantly, Congress provides a great opportunity for engagement with civil society. There is normally a wide range of other stakeholders present at a Congress: typically, there are other international organizations, for example, UN bodies, who are observers to the UPU’s procedures, and representatives from the private sector as members of the Consultative Committee. Such an engagement is part of the ongoing dialogue that UPU needs to foster in order to ensure that a broader range of stakeholders understand what we are doing and why. Therefore, a Congress is not just a technical body. It ensures high-level political and social engagement among the UPU’s varied stakeholders.
Q: What are your expectations of the Extraordinary Congress in Addis-Ababa?
A: The agenda of the Second Extraordinary Congress covers some complex and politically difficult issues. However, member countries recognize that they are critical to the UPU’s future, ongoing relevance, and sustainability. Accordingly, there is an imperative to agree on these matters. The Council of Administration and the Postal Operations Council have worked very hard since the last Congress to help prepare the proposals and documents related to the agenda for the upcoming Extraordinary Congress. I am confident that with good will, discipline and efficient and effective Union in mind, member countries will make further progress in Addis Ababa.
I think we are doing our very best within UPU to move the work forward so that we can arrive at positive outcomes and this remains my hope. Member countries will have to discuss difficult issues, but I am confident they will find a consensus on them and that the Second Extraordinary Congress will be a tremendous success.
POSTAL CRUSADER EDITORIAL AUGUST 2018
5TH SEPTEMBER JOINT MASS RALLY OF WORKERS BEFORE PARLIAMENT
Confederation of Central Government employees and workers and National Federation of Postal Employees along with other independent federations, Central trade unions, Mass Organizations and other workers organizations of organized and unorganized sectors have given the call to join Joint Mass Rally of workers before Parliament on 5th September 2018 and make it historic success.
This joint mass rally of workers has been organized to give final warning to the Central Government to stop and change the anti people, anti workers, neo liberal economic policies which are creating untold sufferings and miseries to the common man and entire working class including farmers and to defend their livelihood , hard earned democratic rights and to defeat the designs of big corporate which are responsible for exploitation of workers
None of the demands of 7th CPC related issues has been settled by the present Central Govt. The assurance given by the group of ministers during the negotiation with NJCA leaders in the wake of impending strike from 11th July 2016 to revise the minimum wage and fitment factor has not been fulfilled yet.
Our demand of scrapping New Pension Scheme or to give guarantee of minimum 50 % of the last pay drawn has not been considered. The Employees who joined service on or after 1-1-2004 are getting very meager pension after retirement. As per RTI information, out of 32 lakh Central Govt Employees 17,58,144 employees have come under purview of New Pension Scheme. The Government has set up one committee to stream line NPS but scrapping or guarantee of 50% pension is not mandated. The number of employees is increasing day by day and discontentment is also growing day by day and this volcano can burst at any time which will be uncontrollable to the Govt.
Six lakhs posts in various Central Govt. Departments were declared by 7th CPC at the time of submission of its report. Every month retirement of employees is taking place. This number may increase. But after lapse of 4 years vacancies have not been filled up.
The Government is not ready to consider the most genuine demands of Central Govt. Employees i.e HRA Arrears, MACP Bench Mark , MACP Promotional Hierarchy and date of effect from 1-1-2016, option – 1 for pensioners.
After 16 days of successful GDS Strike, The Kamlesh Chandra Committee Report has been implemented w.e.f July 2018 but the upgraded pay scales as recommended by committee have been implemented w.e.f July 18 instead of Jan-16. Positive recommendations either diluted or curtailed.
Large scale Out-Sourcing , Contractorization and Privatization in Govt. Services has become the order of day.
Large scale corporatization and privatization is taking place in Railway and Defence.
Railway stations are being given to private companies to maintain and develop for which they will charge user fees. 41 ordinance factories have been declared to be handed over to multinational and national companies for defense production. 12 out of 17 Printing Presses have been closed. Only one Postal Printing Press at Bhubaneshwar is also under process of closure.
Trade union facilities are being curtailed. Even ban has been imposed on Dharnas and orders are issued not to grant any type of leave to any official on the day of such notified Dharna or Demonstration. This is attack on the democratic rights of workers .
The membership verification was conducted in 2016 , but the result has not been declared yet.
GDS membership verification was cancelled after completion of whole process.
The draconian rules under FR56(J) and Pension Rule 48 are being misused to retire the employees compulsorily .
The National convention of confederation held at Hyderabad on 10th June 2018 has declared Mass Rally on 5th Sept 2018 in front of Parliament and one day Strike on 15th November 2018 to fight out the retrograde and anti working class policies of Govt. N.F.P.E has endorsed the call of confederation .
We on behalf of NFPE call upon the entirety of Postal, RMS and GDS employees to participate in 5th September 2018 Mass Rally before parliament and make it historic success and further make all efforts to make one day strike on 15th November 2018 a grand success.
7TH PAY COMMISSION REPORT, BURDEN ON FINANCE/EXCHEQUER, PRODUCTIVITY LINKED PAY HIKE AND ANY ALTERNATIVE OF FUTURE PAY COMMISSION
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 1652
ANSWERED ON: 27.07.2018
Pay Commission Reports
RAJENDRA AGRAWAL
Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the reports of successive Pay Commissions have been increasing the burden on Government finances/exchequer in partially accepting their recommendations for increase in wages and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the last Pay Commission has suggested productivity linked pay hike to the deserving employees to eliminate below average or mediocre performance and if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether such periodic hikes in wages resulting from Pay Commission recommendations trigger similar demands from the State Government/public utility employees, imposing burden on already strained State finances and if so, the details thereof; and
(d) whether the Government is considering an alternative for increasing the salaries and allowances of Central Government employees and pensioners in future instead of forming Pay Commission and if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI P. RADHAKRISHNAN)
(a) The financial impact of the recommendations of the Central Pay Commission, as accepted by the Government, is normally pronounced in the initial year and gradually it tapers off as the growth in the economy picks up and fiscal space is widened. While implementing the recommendations of the last Central Pay Commission, i.e., the Seventh Central Pay Commission, the Government staggered its implementation in two financial years. While the recommendations on pay and pension were implemented with effect from 01.01.2016, the recommendations in respect of allowances after an examination by a Committee have been implemented with effect from 01.07.2017. This has moderated the financial impact of the recommendations. Moreover, unlike the previous 6th Pay Commission, which entailed substantial impact on account of arrears, the impact in the year 2016-17 on account of element of arrears of revised pay and pension on the present occasion of the 7th Central Pay Commission pertained to only 2 months of the previous financial year of 2015-16.
(b) The Seventh Central Pay Commission in Para 5.1.46 of its Report proposed withholding of annual increment in the case of those employees who are not able to meet the benchmark either for Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) or regular promotion within the first 20 years of their service.
(c) The service conditions of employees of State Governments fall within the exclusive domain of the respective State Governments who are federally independent of the Central Government. Therefore, the concerned State Governments have to independently take a view in the matter.
(d) No such proposal is under consideration of the Government.
Monday, 30 July 2018
Sunday, 29 July 2018
UPU Conference to show vital contribution of Posts to 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
26.07.2018 - How to release the postal sector`s immense potential in service delivery and profitability is the topic of the Universal Postal Union’s Ministerial Strategy Conference to be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 6-7 September 2018.
Speaking about the forthcoming conference, UPU’s Deputy Director General Pascal Clivaz said: “UPU is proud to hold the conference in Addis Ababa. The views of ministers and regulators are vital to the future of the global postal sector as innovative policies and regulations can energize the sector and stimulate efficiency.”
Titled, “Gearing up the postal sector to drive socio-economic development”, the conference will hear from high profile speakers including ministers in charge of the sector, regulatory chiefs, heads of intergovernmental agencies, and other senior leaders.
Held two days, panel sessions include discussions on developing effective policies, encouraging investments in the postal sector, regulating in the age of digital innovation, and the importance of partnerships in sustaining the relevance of the sector.
The conference will take place during UPU’s Extraordinary Congress in Addis Ababa, 3-7 September, which is scheduled to discuss the reform of the Union as the spur for encouraging significant changes in the overall postal sector.
In May, UPU released its annual Postal Development Report exploring the relationship between a country’s postal development and progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Research, for example, found that postal infrastructure is relatively more resilient than any other national physical infrastructure, as its operations rely primarily on people.
David Dadge
Manager, Communication and Events Programme
Universal Postal Union (UPU)
Executive Office Directorate
International Bureau
Weltpoststrasse 4
P.O. Box 312
3000 BERNE 15
SUISSE
T +41 31 350 31 23
www.upu.int
UPU announces theme of next year’s International Letter-Writing Competition
19.07.2018 - “Write a letter about your hero” is the inspirational theme of the 2019 International Letter-Writing Competition for Young People organized by the Universal Postal Union (UPU).
“I urge all UPU member countries, including those that have never participated, to seriously consider taking part. The competition is an excellent way of promoting literacy among young people and encouraging their creativity,” said UPU’s Director General Bishar A. Hussein.
Adopted at UPU’s 1969 Tokyo Congress and officially launched in 1971, the competition brings talented young people together from thousands of schools in dozens of countries.
The competition’s primary goal is to advance global literacy and education among young people. It is closely bound to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development under Goal 4, which seeks to achieve an inclusive and equitable education for all.
Every year, UPU announces a theme. Participating countries then organize the competition at the national level with support from their Posts, and often with the assistance of education authorities.
Each country chooses a national winner and submits their entry to the global round held by UPU. An international jury, chosen by UPU, judges the letters and selects the winners and entries worthy of a special mention.
The theme of the 2018 competition is “Imagine you are a letter travelling through time. What message do you wish to convey to your readers?” Winners of the 2018 competition will be announced at an official ceremony held on World Post Day, 9 October, at the Universal Postal Union’s headquarters in Berne, Switzerland.
UPU’s Manager of Communication and Events David Dadge said, “The goal of the competition is to inspire children, to encourage them to articulate a sense of their selves, and to foster a passion for the written word and its ability to communicate experiences.”
For further information, please contact:
David Dadge
Manager, Communication and Events Programme
Universal Postal Union (UPU)
Executive Office Directorate
International Bureau
Weltpoststrasse 4
P.O. Box 312
3000 BERNE 15
SUISSE
T +41 31 350 31 23
Filing of Income Tax Returns extended from 31st July, 2018 to 31st August, 2018
Ministry of Finance
Extension of Due Date for filing of Income Tax Returns
Posted On: 26 JUL 2018 6:16PM by PIB Delhi
The due date for filing of Income Tax Returns for Assessment Year 2018-19 is 31.07.2018 for certain categories of taxpayers. Upon consideration of the matter, the Central Board of Direct Taxes(CBDT) extends the ‘due date’ for filing of Income Tax Returns from 31st July, 2018 to 31st August, 2018 in respect of the said categories of taxpayers.
Confederation Circular
No.Confdn/Genl/2016-19 Dated 28-07-2018.
To
1. All National Secretariat Members,
2. All Affiliated organisastions
3. All State C-O-Cs.
IMPORTANT/URGENT
1. 05th September 2018 - Mass Rally at New Delhi - Intensify Mobilisation and ensure Maximum Participation of Employees as per Quata fixed:
Campaign for making the 15th November 2018 strike a thundering success has started in all states. Affiliated organisations are also conducting department wise campaign and mobilisation. State/District level conventions are to be completed before 15-08-2018. Copy of the memorandum to be submitted to people’s representatives will be published in the Confederation website during the 1st week of August 2018. During the month of August, copy of the memorandum should be submitted to all MPs/MLAs, Chief Ministers etc. by personally meeting them, with a delegation of Confederation leaders. They may be requested to write a letter to Prime Minister and also raise questions in the Parliament. 3rd phase of our campaign programme is Mass Dharna at all District Headquarters/Divisions on 21st August 2018 Tuesday. All are requested to start advance preparation for making the 21st August dharna a grand success. All affiliated organisations/C-O-Cs are requested to issue instructions to their lower units/affiliates to organise the dharna programme with maximum participation of employees. Fourth phase of struggle programme is Mass Rally at New Delhi on 5th September 2018. Please instruct those delegates participating in the rally to book their travel tickets without any further delay. All are requested to bring maximum banners, placards and flags to the rally. More banners and placards with demands like “SCRAP NPS. RESTORE OLD PENSION SCHEME TO ALL” may be brought. Quota already fixed and communication already sent to all concerned is attached as Annexure to this circular again.
2. All India Women’s Study Camp and Convention at Haridwar on 29th & 30th October 2018.
All India Women’s Study Camp will be held at Haridwar on 29th and 30th October, 2018. C-O-C Uttar Pradesh State has agreed to host the camp. Delegate fee is fixed as Rs.800/- (Rs. Eight hundred only) per delegate. Accomodaion will be provided from 28th October Afternoon to 31st October 06.00 AM. Food will be provided only on 29th and 30th. As Haridwar and Hrishikesh are world famous tourist/pilgrim centres, there will be heavy rush of tourists during the period. All affiliates/C-O-Cs are requested to instruct the lady delegates to book their travel tickets immediately. Three months time is there, but ticket booking should be given topmost priority. Quota fixed for each affiliated organisation and C-O-C is furnished below:
Sl. Name of affiliate/C-O-C No.of delegates
1. National Federation of Postal Employees
and all its affiliates (NFPE) 80
2. Income Tax Employees Federation (ITEF) 25
3. All India Audit & Accounts Association 15
4. All India Civil Accounts Employees Association 15
5. National Federation of Atomic Energy Employees
(NFAEE) 10
6. All india Central Ground Water Board Employees
Association (AICGWBEA) 5
7. Geological Survey of India Employees Association
(GSIEA) 5
8. All other affiliated organisations 3 each
(minimum)
9. C-O-C Delhi State 15
10. C-O-C UP State 15
11. C-O-C West Bengal 20
12. C-O-C Kerala 20
13. C-O-C Tamilnadu 15
14. C-O-C AP & Telangana 15
15. C-O-C Karnataka 10
16. C-O-C Maharashtra 10
17. C-O-C Odisha 5
18. C-O-C Assam & NE 5
19. All other C-O-Cs 3 each
(minimum)
Affiliates/C-O-Cs are requested to allote quota to their units/organisations immediately so that ticket booking can be done without delay.
For all enquiries and necessary help in connection with the camp the following comrades may be contacted.
1. Com.Virendra Tiwari, Chairman, C-O-C, UPState: 09839195933
2. Com.J.P.Singh, General Secretary, C-O-C, UP State: 08005445445
As it is not possible to hold a separate Women’s Convention again this year, on 30th October 2018 (Second day), All India Women’s Convention will also be held along with the Camp and new office bearers and Women’s Sub Committee members will be elected.
3. 2018 September 19th - 50th Year of 1968 September 19th Strike - Organise Martyrs Day in a befitting manner:
2018 September 19th is the 50th Anniversary day of historic 1968 September 19th strike of the Central Govt. Employees. The main demand raised was “Need Based Minimum Wage” approved by the 1957 Fifteenth Indian Labour Conference which was formulated based on Dr. Wallace Aykroid’s Formula. The Central Government banned the strike declaring it illegal. Essential Service Maintenance Ordinance was promulgated. Militry, Para-military and Police forces were deployed to crush the strike. Firing took place at many places. 17 (Seventeen) comrades were brutally killed. About 40000 suspended and terminated from service. Many leaders and cadres arrested and jailed. Thousands chargesheeted and transferred. Inspite of all these repressive measures, the strike was cent percent success all over the country. The struggle to vacate victimisations continued for years. We are commemorating the 50th year of the historic strike, when the Confederation of Central Govt. Employees & Workers are in the midst of mobilisation and campaign to make the 2018 Noember 15th strike a grand success. Let us draw inspiration from the sacrifice of those who were victimised in the 1968 strike, especially from the great martyrdom of those comrades who laid down their lives for the working class of our country and for the posterity.
Confederation National Secretariat calls upon all the affiliated organisastions and C-O-Cs to organise the 2018 September 19th Matrys day at all centres, by organising seminars, General Body meetings,Flag hoisting, homage to matrys, honouring of 1968 strike victimised employees and leaders and other programmes, if possible jointly with other fraternal organisastion. The history and significance of 1968 September 19th strike should reach each and every member of our affiliated organisations. The importance of the fight against the anti-labour neo-liberal policies pursued by the Central Government and the need to make 2018 November 15th strike a grand success may also be explained and emphasised.
Fraternally Yours,
M. Krishnan,
Secretary General,
Mob: & WhatsApp: 09447068125
Email: mkrishnan6854@gmail.com