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
Thursday, 28 February 2019
Demonstration by employees of RMS 'N' Division , Cuttack against the arbitrary decision of shifting of Divisional Office from Cuttack to Bhubaneswar.
NFPE, Odisha State CoC extends its full solidarity to the joint movement of RMS Employees from NFPE, FNPO and BPEF, Cuttack Divisional branch against the arbitrary decision of the Circle and Divisional administration.
Thanks to Com. Fanibhushan Tripathy, Divisional Secretary, AIRMS & MMS Employees Union, Group-C, RMS 'N' Division, Cuttack.
Wednesday, 27 February 2019
Tuesday, 26 February 2019
Toxic IL&FS bond exposure hits 47 lakh Postal Life Insurance holders
The IL&FS bond toxicity contagion is spreading rapidly. The virus has now spread to a rather large body of savers, in this case insured, which coming as it does just before the general election is not good news for the government. With a concerned Trinamool Congress top gun and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader Brinda Karat both expressing their displeasure over the exposure of 15 lakh salaried employees to these highly toxic bonds in IL&FS, the emergence of Postal Life Insurance (PLI) policy holders being exposed to the same bonds directly will lead to soul searching by the government.
It is imperative for the government to take congnisance of this terminal decline in these bonds and to look at an immediate corrective strategy to arrest the growing panic. What is worrisome is that at the end of 2016-17, 213,323 new policies were added to the PLI policy holders' list with a sum assured of Rs 11,096.67 crore. For the total number of 46.8 lakh policies at the end of the FY 2016-17, the aggregate sum of Rs 1,13,084.31 crore was involved which is humongous by itself. The fund balance at the end of FY 2016-17 was Rs 55,058.61 crore while premium income for that year was Rs 7233.89 crore.
Given that this is life insurance business, its exposure to the toxic bonds is direct, unlike salaried employees of private and PSU companies which is indirect through EPFO and Pension Funds.
Top of the line private and public sector companies as exposed by IANS are part of this myriad list. The ever burgeoning community of salaried employees is concerned about its money deposited with the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). At the cutting edge of the ever burgeoning IL&FS crisis, these employees are exposed to toxic investments. Most of these Employee Provident Funds and Employee Pension Funds have already stated that the IL&FS resolution plan must provide repayment before secured creditors as the resolution framework proposed by the company doesn't provide for any payment to secured creditors.
PLI is the oldest insurance company in India which was formed on February 1, 1884 under British India. The insurance company was initially set up for the welfare of postal employees. Their plans are exclusive to public sector employees. As far back as 1894, it became the first insurance company to cover female employees of the P&T Department. It is enormously popular because it is the only insurer in the Indian Life Insurance market today which gives the highest return (bonus) with the lowest premium charged for any product in the market.
PLI has grown substantially from a few hundred policies in 1884 to more than 46 lakh policies as of March 31, 2017.
It now covers employees of Central and State Governments, Central and State Public Sector Undertakings, Universities, Government aided educational institutions, nationalised banks, local bodies, autonomous bodies, joint ventures having a minimum of 10 per cent government/PSU stake, credit cooperative societies etc. PLI also extends the facility of insurance to the officers and staff of the defence services and paramilitary forces.
Apart from single insurance policies, PLI also manages a Group Insurance scheme for the Extra Departmental Employees (Gramin Dak Sevaks) of the Department of Posts. PLI is an exempted insurer under Section 118 (c) of the Insurance Act of 1938. It is also exempted under Section 44 (d) of LIC Act, 1956.
If one adds a vast number of 46.8 lakh policies which are now exposed to this new bug, then the number of salaried and other types of government employees rises to close to 61 lakh. The company enjoys a vast network spread across the country with around 1,55,669 branches making it India's largest and also the most trusted retail and financial services provider. When contacted on the new expose, IL&FS declined to comment.
The types of policies vary and are essentially five in number -- Whole Life Assurance (Suraksha), Endowment Assurance (Santosh), Convertible Whole Life Assurance (Suvidha), Anticipated Endowment Assurance (Sumangal), Joint Life Assurance (Yugal Suraksha) and Children Policy (Bal Jeevan Bima).
Some of the affected entities have filed an intervening petition with the tribunal (NCLAT), thereby impleading themselves in this gargantuan case on how to run a corporate into the ground, include Apco Infratech, Apco, Titan, Asian Paints PF, Asian Paints Management Cadre Superannuation scheme, Aditya Birla Sun Life MF, Thomas Cook PF, Titan Watches, Hindustan Unilever (HUL), M & M PF, Himami, Bajaj Finance, Hindalco EPF, Max Financial Services PF Trust, IDBI Trusteeship Services Ltd, IndusInd Bank, Hudco Employees CPF, MMTC CPF, 63 Moons, Nayara Energy EPF, Indian Oil Corp, ITPO, CIDCO, SBI PF, GUVNL PF, Ambuja Cement, HDFC AMC, IREDA among others.
The employee provident funds of various companies and other entities had invested in IL&FS bonds and bond holders are unsecured and may or may not get paid in the ongoing crisis at IL&FS. In any case, they are seen pretty much last on the priority list.
Disclaimer: Information, facts or opinions expressed in this news article are presented as sourced from IANS and do not reflect views of Moneylife and hence Moneylife is not responsible or liable for the same. As a source and news provider, IANS is responsible for accuracy, completeness, suitability and validity of any information in this article.
Source : https://www.moneylife.in/article/toxic-ilfs-bond-exposure-hits-47-lakh-postal-life-insurance-holders/56433.html
Monday, 25 February 2019
Examination of issues relating to Postmaster Cadre
Click here to view the complete report of the Committee constituted for the purpose under the Chairmanship of the Member (Personnel).
The Post’s role in tapping Africa’s e-commerce potential
22.02.2019 - With a population of more than 1.2 billion people, Africa is the second most populous continent on the planet behind Asia. However, according to a 2018 UNCTAD report, the region’s online shoppers (at 21 million in 2017) accounted for only 2 percent of the global e-commerce customers, meaning there is considerable potential for expansion.
The UPU is working steadfastly to help Posts seize this opportunity – one it seems they are ideally positioned to fulfil. The 21,700 post offices and 138,000 post agents in Africa represent an expansive distribution network that can offer immense support to Africa’s e-commerce growth.
“The Post has the comparative advantage of its global network. Posts have an extended physical network infrastructure covering both rural and urban areas and therefore have the opportunity to reach and connect more people than other delivery agents,” says Leolinda Dieme, Africa Regional Expert for the UPU’s Development Cooperation Directorate.
With more Posts diversifying their product portfolios, this network spans more than just the physical web of 677,000 post offices worldwide, explains the UPU’s Expert for E-Commerce Operational Integration, Fredrick Omamo. Posts also offer financial and electronic networks, which are key components for facilitating e-commerce transactions.
“Since the untapped e-commerce potential in Africa is so huge, postal supply chain stakeholders in Africa have to integrate e-commerce into their operations right now or they might miss the train. As ever more business traffic is generated through online transactions, the window of opportunity is fast closing for many African Posts if they do not embrace e-commerce,” he urges.
According to Dieme and Omamo, African countries have several key challenges to overcome if they want to capture the market. They need to introduce regulatory frameworks that safeguard the Universal Service Obligation – or the provision of an affordable basic service for all citizens – and fair competition. They also need to prioritize postal development in their national budgets and to modernize their postal infrastructure. Countries must also work together to set up de minimis thresholds, cross-border merchandise return policies and improve logistics infrastructure to ensure goods can be transported across the region, including by rail, road, sea and air.
The UPU is working on getting the region’s postal operators up to speed with the global online market.
Dieme and her colleagues in the UPU’s Development Cooperation Directorate are working with African countries so they can meet international operational standards for e-commerce through the Operational Readiness for E-commerce project, helping them to evaluate postal processes and provide guidance on international standards, quality of postal services, and the exchange of electronic data required to collect and distribute e-commerce items worldwide.
“Once we do our on-site evaluation and complete a compliance report with recommendations, countries, in need of financial support, have the possibility to use the UPU Quality of Service Fund to make necessary investments for compliance. We also have a special fund dedicated to the least developed countries which we use for procurement of IT equipment, licenses and vehicles to meet the minimum operational requirements for e-commerce,” she says.
The Quality of Service Fund finances development projects directed at improving the quality, reliability and durability of the postal network.
At the regional level, Omamo says there is a big opportunity to drive South-South cooperation. This is something he and his cross-cutting team of UPU experts are trying to achieve with the UPU’s Ecom@Africa initiative. The project will see leading countries in the region establish integrated cross-border e-commerce ecosystems provided by postal operators through physical e-commerce fulfilment centres, or ‘hubs’, interfaced with online e-commerce platforms.
UPU experts have identified potential hubs by analysing big data on postal exchanges and pinpointing countries that have conducive regulatory conditions and investment climate to support the project. So far, Tunisia, Côte D’Ivoire and Ethiopia have all signed on, agreeing to establish fulfilment centres that would serve surrounding countries. Eventually, they will also work on establishing virtual marketplaces that will interface with each other.
Omamo stresses that Ecom@Africa is not a postal project, but a national infrastructure project requiring commitment and support from governments and key postal supply chain stakeholders, such as customs and airlines. He hopes the initiative will sensitize governments to the need to develop and integrate the e-commerce logistics and payment network across the continent.
“Regional organizations such as the African Union are already starting to think about integration. Nearly 50 countries have already signed an agreement to establish an African Continental Free Trade Area. This would greatly galvanize the south-to-south cooperation and boost intra-African trade which is currently still less than 20 percent according to recent reports,” he adds.
“Africa is lagging behind in e-commerce, but with a young population, this represents an opportunity for the continent to come up with innovative initiatives and solutions that can overcome existing structural deficiencies. Africa can leapfrog into the digital world and create its own development path,” he says.
To learn more about ORE project, check out the UPU’s Regional Development Plan for Africa.
Read more about Ecom@Africa here.
As a member of the United Nations family, UPU is working to help achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the postal sector. The UPU’s work on the development of e-commerce relates to Goal 8 on decent work and economic growth.
Source : http://news.upu.int/
Sunday, 24 February 2019
ISSUE OF PENSIONERS IDENTITY CARD TO PENSIONERS- REVISED FORMAT
No.41/21/2000-P&PW(D)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare
3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhawan
Khan Market, New Delhi
Dated the 19th Feb, 2019
Khan Market, New Delhi
Dated the 19th Feb, 2019
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Sub: Issue of Pensioners’ Identity Card to Pensioners- Revised Format.
The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department’s OM of even no. dated 12.08.2015 and to say that the instructions related to the issue of Pensioners’ Identity Card to Pensioners were issued by this Department. In para 2 of the OM dated 12.08.2015, it is mentioned that Pensioners’ ID Card shall include the Aadhaar No. of the pensioners, if available. Accordingly, a format for the pensioners’ Identity Card was also issued.
2. The matter has been reconsidered. It has been decided that henceforth, the Pensioners’ Identity Card may be issued to the pensioners in the revised format (copy enclosed).
Revised Format for Pensioners Identity Card for persons retiring under CCS(Pension) Rules 1972 Form – Download Click here
Revised Format for Pensioners Identity Card for persons retiring under New Pension Scheme Form – Download Click here
NFPE Circular dated 22.02.2019
National Federation of Postal Employees
1st Floor North Avenue Post Office Building, New Delhi-110 001
Phone: 011.23092771 e-mail: nfpehq@gmail.com
Mob: 9868819295/9810853981 website: http://www.nfpe.blogspot.com
No.PF-1(e) 2019 Date: 22nd February, 2019
CIRCULAR
To,
All General Secretaries / NFPE Office bearers.
All Circle / Divisional and Branch Secretaries
Comrades,
Federal Executive meeting of NPE was held at NFPE Office, North Avenue, New Delhi on 21st February,2019.
After thorough discussion on all agenda items and problems prevailing in Department of Post, the Federal Executive has come to a conclusion that the Postal Administration is not serious to settle the long pending genuine problems of employees. For settlement of 23 points charter of demands on 2 days Nationwide strike on 8 & 9 January-2019 , a meeting was convened at Directorate on 07thJanuary,2019 , under Chairmanship of Shri P.K. Bisoi , Member (P). Thorough discussion took place on all agenda items, but there was no concrete assurance on any issue, thereby we decided to go on 2 days strike on 8&9 January,2019. The strike was grand success.
After strike is over a period of more than one and half month has been passed but nothing has been done by the Department so far.
Therefore, it was decided unanimously that agitational programs should be conducted in phased manner culminating in indefinite strike. As the Lok Sabha Election can be declared at any time and election Code of Conduct will come in to force after that.
So as a 1st Phase of agitaional programme was decided to conduct One Day Dharna at all Divisional Headquarters on 07th March-2019 by the NFPE Co-ordination Committee jointly.
It was also decided that Resolution for settlement of 24 Points Charter of demands should also be sent addressed to Secretary (Post) , Director General (Post) and Minister Communications and IT:
CHARTER OF DEMANDS
1. Withdraw NPS and Guarantee minimum pension 50% of last pay drawn.
2. Implement all positive recommendations of Sri Kamlesh Chandra Committee report and grant Civil servant Status to GDS.
3. Fill up all Vacant Posts in all cadres of Deptt of Post i.e P.A/S.A, Postmen, Mail Guard , Mailmen, MMS, MTS, GDS, Postal Acctts, P.A Admn Offices, P.A SBCO & Civil Wing etc within a time frame and separate identity of all cadres.
4. Settle all the problems arisen out of implementation of C.S.I & R.I.C.T.
5. Membership verification of G.D.S and declaration of result of regular employees membership verification conducted in 2015.
6. Implementation of orders of payment of revised wages and arrears to the casual , Part time, Contingent employees & daily rated mazdoors as per 6th and 7th CPC and Regularize Services of casual Labourers.
7. Implement Cadre Restructuring for left out categories i.e RMS, MMS, Postman/MTS, PACO, PASBCO, Postal Acctts, Postmaster Cadre and Civil Wing etc.
8. Stop Privatization, Corporatization and out sourcing in Postal Services.
9. Scrap Bench Mark in MACP .
10. Implement 5 days week in Postal and RMS
11. Enhancement of higher pay scales to those categories whose minimum qualification has been enhanced e.g Postmen, Mail guard.
12. Grant of pension to the promoted GDS based on Supreme Court Judgement in SLP No (C) 13042/2014
13. Withdraw orders of enhancement of cash conyance limit without security.
14. Implement all High Court and Supreme Court decisions in C/W MACP, RTP and others.
15. Cash less treatment under CGHS and allotment of adequate fund under head MR & T.A
16. Retention of Civil wing in the Deptt of Post.
17. Holding of Deptt. Council Meetings and periodical meetings at all levesl.
18. Stop Trade Union victimization and in the name of unscientific targets.
19. Provide 40 percent SCF quota promotion in AAO cadre and amend RR incorporating the modifications demanded by AIPAEA.
20. Status of audit to SBCO.
21. Restore Special Allowance to PO & RMS Accountants and OSA to RMS/MMS Staff.
22. All NSH and I.C. Speed Post Hubs should be under the administrative control of RMS and All L-2 Mail Offices should be identified as I.C. Speed Post Hubs and as Parcel Hubs.
23. Permission to all Staff of Circle Office, Postmaster Cadre, SBCO, Postal Accounts and RMS/MMS Staff to appear in Departmental Examination for promotion to PSS Group-B.
24. Amendment in Transfer Policy guide lines and under Rule-38 Transfer guidelines.
Further the Federal Executive has endorsed the following call of NJCA.
1. One day dharna and Demonstration on 13th March 2019 at Jantar Mantar , New Delhi - focusing main demand as Scraping of NPS and Restoration of Old Pension Scheme: All are requested to take part in large number.
2. One day Dharna 28th March- 2019by the All India leader of all constituent organizations of National Council , JCM at Jantar Mantar , New Delhi, for revival of JCM forum at all level.
All India leaders, Circle Secretaries, Divisional Secretaries of NFPE unions are requested to take part in Dharna.
The Federal Executive has also endorsed the following agitational programmes called by Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers.
1. Campaign Fortnight from 15th March to 30th March, culminating in Mass Rally at all District and State Headquarters for settlement of Charter of demands mainly focusing on demand “Scrapping NPS and restoration of OPS.
2. (i) Day long Mass Dharna on 11thApril 2019 at all District and State Headquarter.
(ii) Candle light protest on 23rd April-2019 at all District and State Headquarters.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY ON 08TH MARCH-2019
All are requested to celebrate International Women’s Day on 08thMarch-2019 focusing mainly on Women related issues.
NCCPA DHARNA ON 15TH MARCH-2019 AT NEW DELHI
We as NFPE request entire rank and file to make all the programmes a grand success by larger participation
With revolutionary greetings.
Yours Comradely,
R.N Parashar
Secretary General