Dear Comrades,
In spite of every strictness of the police during
this lockdown period in the capital city of Bhubaneswar, we could manage to
have one – to - one discussion with the Chief Postmaster General, Odisha Circle
today in his chamber on the issues already communicated to him through our
various letters including our demand for complete closure of post offices till
restoration of normalcy to contain the spread of COVID-19.
The Chief PMG giving a patient hearing politely disagreed
to our above demand citing the latest orders from the Directorate in which the
Department of Posts has been categorized as an essential service Department.
Whatever order has been issued especially for closure of Post Offices may be
treated as final. However, he agreed to our proposal to bring some relaxation for
the staff members of the Post Offices which are operational during this period
of national crisis.
Dear Comrades! As you are witnessing, we are
writing almost regularly, discussing both over telephone and in person with the
higher authorities including the Chief Postmaster General and trying to bring
some positive result for our staff members. You need to understand that we have
several limitations and compulsions. We do understand that the decisions taken
by the Circle Office are not appreciable by many. We do notice several
arguments, counter arguments, criticisms and also receiving telephone calls
from many staff members with irritating attitude especially on complete closure
of all Post Offices by the Circle. Yes, we do welcome all constructive
suggestions and criticisms to act smarter and better. But, some staff members
are always seen criticizing the Department. How can one be so irresponsible?
How can they forget that they have no existence without the Department? Really,
we are extremely sorry for these people.
In this context, we should make this clear that
Circle Office is acting on the guidelines / instructions issued by the DoPT,
Ministry of Health, State Governments and our Directorate which do not permit
for complete closure of Post Offices. We are always in touch with all group
officers of Circle Office including Chief PMG and DPS and also receiving
positive responses most of the time. As you know, in spite of NFPE’s demand before
the Secretary (Posts) for complete closure, no action has yet been taken. The
Govt. of Odisha has also enlisted Department of Post as an essential service Department.
You might have gone through our letter written to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of
Odisha to appraise the Prime Minister of India for complete closure of Post
Offices. But a message was received by us that CMO office will not take any
action on our letter since Department of Posts comes under an essential service
Department. What more can be done!
As such, during this critical situation of our
country, we people who have got the opportunity to serve the people and the
nation should feel fortunate. We know, hearing this some people may frown and
groan. But we have to go by reality. We are trying our best and will keep
trying. The result is clear to you all.
Our request is to go by the instructions of the
Circle / Divisional Head adopting the preventive measures circulated in
different modes to contain spread of COVID-19.
Pray for all of you before Lord Jagannath to
keep you all hale and hearty.
Stay healthy and allow others to remain healthy.
Regards.
= Bruhaspati Samal =
Circle Secretary
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