Postal Joint Council of
Action
National
Federation of Postal Employees
Federation
of National Postal Organizations
BHARATIYA
POSTAL EMPLOYEES FEDERATION
Odisha Circle, Bhubaneswar – 751 007
No.
PJCA-Odisha/ COVID-19/2020,
Dated at Bhubaneswar the 7th May,
2020
To
Sj.
Subash Chandra Barmma, IPoS
Chief
Postmaster General
Odisha
Circle, Bhubaneswar – 751 001
Sub:-Protest
against the recent whimsical decision of Odisha Postal Circle administration for
mandatory opening of DOP Salary Account with IPPB, 100% attendance in offices
during lockdown 3.0 etc. and notice for agitational programmes by Postal JCA,
Odisha Circle– reg.
Ref.- i. Postal JCA, Odisha Circle letter No. PJCA-Odisha/ COVID-19/2020, dated 05.05.2020 and 06.05.2020
ii. C O letter No. SB/53-1/COVID-19/2020,
Dated 04.05.2020
iii. C O letter No. SB/52-52/2015, Dated 06.05.2020
iv. C O letter No. DOP/Odisha/COVID-19/2020, Dated 06.05.2020
v. C O letter No. Arrow-VC/2010-CH.I, dated
06.05.2020
Respected Sir,
Before
going to register the sharp reactions of the staff members of Odisha Circle
including GDS towards the recent whimsical decisions of the Circle
administration to snatch away their welfare, rights and security forcefully, we
would like to be very specific at the outset that the Staff Side has never ever
opposed any policy decision of the Department and Govt. of India which are
issued for the welfare of the Department and nation as well. But definitely we
are strongly against the policy deficiencies which affect the welfare of the
workers and employees at large. And, the recent orders issued by the Circle
Office vide letter No. SB/53-1/COVID-19/2020,
Dated 04.05.2020 for mandatory opening of DOP Salary Account with IPPB, No. DOP/Odisha/COVID-19/2020,
Dated 06.05.2020 for 100% attendance in offices during lockdown 3.0 violating
Postal Directorate and MHA guidelines and No. Arrow-VC/2010-CH.I, dated
06.05.2020 to ask the Postmasters of all HOs to attend V C through ZOOM App in
Laptop or Mobile without supplying any such device to a single Postmaster etc.
completely stand against the employees’ welfare and depict the whimsical,
arbitrary and unacceptable decisions of the administration only and thus strongly
protested by the Postal JCA comprising NFPE, FNPO, BPEF and GDS Unions of Odisha Circle.
2. In this context, we would like to remind
the Circle administration that due to the dedication, hard work and significant
contribution of these employees, Odisha Circle could get the CHAMPION AWARD for overall best
performing Circle in Group ‘Y’ and SPEED
POST REVENUE GROWTH AWARD for highest growth rate in Speed Post Revenue in
category ‘D’ for the year 2018-19 in the annual Conference of Heads of the
Circles in Srinagar on 31.07.2019. Odisha Postal Circle has been able to open
2526604 POSB Accounts during 2018-19, the premium collection in RPLI and PLI
has touched to 160 and 220 corers respectively. In toto, the revenue earning
has been increased by 5.81% during 2018-19. And in all such contributions, IPPB
Ltd. which is attempted to be given an upward movement at the cost of the
Departmental employees and GDS had no role to play.
3. We are extremely sorry to say that while
deciding to snatch away the rights of these dedicated workforces of Odisha
Circle through above letters, the Circle administration did forget to weigh their
valuable contributions.
4. Now
coming back to our protest and replies there on by Circle administration, we
would like to submit the reactions / suggestions of the entirety of postal
employees and workers including GDS as follows.
5.
The Para-wise replies given by Circle Office vide C O letter under reference (
iii) above are not at all convincing due to the following reasons.
i.
The order of the Circle Office under
reference (ii) above for mandatory opening of DOP Salary Account with IPPB has
been issued in the absence of any authority from the Postal Directorate and is a
complete local decision taken arbitrarily without the knowledge of the Staff
Side.
ii.
No other Circle in the entire nation except
Odisha has any such proposal or movement so far.
iii.
As per instructions contained in Para – 2 of Directorate
letter No.F.No.17-11/2017 (PIB), dated 07.08.2018 (2 years old) attached to the reply given to us vide C O
letter under reference (ii), opening of DOP Staff Salary Account is just a
proposal of IPPB for wide publicity amongst the end users and super users for
incentive purpose. Nowhere in the said letter it is instructed to be mandatory
and thus, the instructions of the Directorate has been wrongly interpreted by
the Circle administration.
iv.
While forcing the DOP employees for Staff
Salary Account with IPPB, the administration did not think it wise to intimate
us the number of employees of IPPB now taking their salary through IPPB Account
to motivate our employees. As per information available with us not a single employee
of the IPPB Ltd are taking salary through IPPB Account. It should be
implemented first in IPPB Ltd. Even the officers who are running after this
issue are far away from the policy.
v.
While comparing the facilities of POSB / Bank
Account with IPPB Account, it is witnessed that most of the facilities now
enjoyed by the Account holders of POSB / Bank Account are replied as ‘can be done’, ‘will be ensured’, ‘can be
registered’, ‘can be withdrawn’, ‘will be enable’ etc. with IPPB Account. It is
just like to order to fire without gun and bullet. The employees should be free
to choose his facilities as per his choice as as such his own bank.
vi.
While mentioning IPPB as our own Bank, the
administration concealed the fact that India Post is a commission agent of IPPB
Ltd. At all it is our own Bank, the differences in leave, salary, working
hours, infrastructure and ambiences and nature of job in between the DOP
employees and IPPB employees need to be clarified. The staff members of India
Post are also interested to know the contribution of these highly paid IPPB
personnel in motivating the general public for opening of accounts and other
related issues. We are surprised that while employees of India Post are working
day and night as COVID-19 warriors during this critical juncture of national
pandemic, most of the IPPB officials/officers are enjoying in AC rooms and involved
in instructing and dominating the DOP employees with the knowledge of the
Circle administration. The Postal JCA has taken this aspect very seriously.
vii.
While replying to the Union, it is said that
no bank in India allows their employees to have their salary account with any other
banks. But Circle Office did not mention the reasons in this regard. All bank
employees do avail extra benefits against their accounts than the normal customers,
viz. heavy amount of personal loans and HBA with low rate of interest and low
EMI and higher rate of interest on all deposits. Can the Circle administration
gives any guarantee on behalf of the President of India for providing such
facilities to its employees?
viii.
Circle Office letter No.
SB/53-1/COVID-19/2020, dated 04.05.2020 states, “The Divisional Heads will also
submit a copy of the list of the DDOs for crediting the salary of the employees
opted for IPPB (SBDOP) Account.” Thus, it is clear that salary will be credited
provided the employee opts for this. But some Divisional Heads have crossed all
limitations in threatening the staff members ignoring the above instruction of
the Circle Office. Illustratively, we would like to say that SPOs, Sambalpur
Division vide its letter No. E/R-13/Corr, dated 06.05.2020 has categorically
threatened not to credit / payment of monthly salary / allowances henceforth in
case of failure to open IPPB Account and linkage with POSB Salary Account. While Circle office is silent on issuing
such instructions, may we know the reasons of such high-handedness of the SPOs,
Sambalpur. Condemning the attitude of the SPOs, Sambalpur, the postal JCA is
also categorical in this regard while intimating the sharp reactions of the
staff members that incase of non-credit of the monthly salary and other
benefits due to the above reason even for a single official in the Circle, the
Staff Side will be forced to lunch appropriate agitational programme all on a
sudden to protest the interest of its members.
ix.
While issuing the order for opening of DOP
staff Salary Account with IPPB, the problems of GDS, single-handed SPMs and
officials working in non-CBS offices under TNF locations are ignored. We don’t
want to explain the technical deficiencies which are well-known to the
administration. We are in doubt perhaps the IPPB personnel have concealed the
fact to the Circle administration while giving the above reply to the Union that
a single-handed SPM cannot deposit / withdraw in / from his own IPPB Account
using his own ID due to technical error, “Employees Own Account. Transaction
Not Allowed”. How can we ask someone to open IPPB Salary Account with such
disadvantages?
x.
As replied by Circle Office, no independent
transaction can be completed alone by IPPB. Whatever is to be done is only
through POSB linked Accounts only. While most of the officials are now taking
their salary through POSB Accounts, then there is no need of linking it with
IPPB Account which has low rate of interest. There is no need to compel the employees
for continuous swipe in / swipe out, NEFT / RTGS etc. for which both the time
period and amount are limited in IPPB Account.
xi.
It is the reaction and suggestion of the
staff members that before compelling them for opening DOP Staff Salary Account
with IPPB Ltd. because it is so good in all aspects as explained C O’s reply to
the Union, the Department should close the Postmaster’s Account / Account of
all DDOs (Sr. Postmaster / Head Postmaster) including DA(P) and other welfare
fund accounts of Circle Office etc. now in Banks and open the same with IPPB for
the betterment and promotion of IPPB Ltd. The Staff Side expects a reply on the line.
xii.
While the COIVD-19 warriors of India Post are
to be rewarded, the staff
members are quite disappointed with the mid 1800s approach of the
administration to adopt ‘Carrot and
Stick Policy’ which is nothing but a caricature to treat the rank and file
as donkeys in order to get massive amounts of work out of them in exchange of
very little reward. These dedicated workforce, now the COVID-19 warriors who
are directly responsible for earning revenue for the department and working day
and night sacrificing their own comfort and luxury and without caring for the
health and future of their family members upholding the pride of this glorious
department even during this critical juncture of corona national pandemic are
highly discouraged with the above approach.
6.
The reply given to the Postal JCA on opening of offices with 100% attendance
during lockdown 3.0 vide Circle Office letter under reference ( iv ) completely
violates the guidelines of the Directorate issued vide its letter
No.
Z – 92011 / 25 / 2020 – Coord / O & M, dated 04.05.2020 along with the
letter of even number dated 25.03.2020 for the lockdown 3.0 from 04.05.2020 to
17.05.2020. The plea taken by the
administration that the purpose of rendering our services for the betterment of
the nation as an essential service department will not be solved with 50% staff
is not acceptable at all because of the following reasons.
i.
During lockdown 1.0 and 2.0 we have
effectively served the nation with 50% staff of GPO, HO, MDGs to the
satisfaction of the people of the entire state.
ii.
As officially recorded by Odisha Circle, by
20th April, 2020, we have performed 271019 transactions amounting to
Rs.1148.95 crores during the lockdown period even with 50% staff on duty.
iii.
No serious public complaint is seen to be recorded
for service deficiency during the lockdown period with 50% staff on duty.
iv.
Customers are seen to very cooperative with
the limited staff members of the post offices.
v.
With 50% staff members, we have been able to
maintain proper social distancing when supply of sanitizer, mask, hand gloves
and other preventive materials is seen to be very scanty by the administration.
vi.
All the Divisions are fully engaged in
distribution of dry food packets, preventive materials etc. to the needy
persons in slums and unreachable areas.
vii.
100% attendance in offices as ordered will
definitely affect the social distancing factor which is the last and only resort
contain the spread of COVID-19.
7. It is quite unfortunate to witness that the
Postmasters of the HOs have been ordered to attend a V C under the Chairmanship
of the Chief PMG on 08.05.2020 at 11 AM through ZOOM App in their laptop or
mobile. The administration is well aware that not a single Postmaster is officially
supplied with any laptop or mobile nor even they are reimbursed with any
monthly mobile vouchers for official use. Rather their personal mobile numbers
are being added to different WhatsApp groups both by the Circle and Divisional
administration without their consent. At the cost of their own data, own mobile
and own money, the administration is exploiting these Postmasters severally by
asking different official information and threatening for disciplinary action
for non-compliance. There are several instances. Postal Assistants in Kalahandi
Division have already been charge-sheeted and punished. We have taken up the
issue separately.
The
Postal JCA doesn’t appreciate the above forceful activities of the Circle
administration.
8. We have many other important pending issues
to be intimated which though have been taken in several forums are yet to be
settled. We will write phase-wise.
9. Therefore, under the facts and
circumstances, giving due honour to the reactions and rights of the staff
members, we would like to request you to kindly consider the following issues
immediately.
i. Withdraw the Circle Office Order issued vide C O letter No. SB/53-1/COVID-19/2020,
Dated 04.05.2020 for mandatory opening of DOP Staff Salary Account with IPPB immediately
to avoid any legal complicacy in future.
ii. Guide the Divisional Heads not to show their high-handedness
like SPOs, Sambalpur Division and refrain from the negative attitude of
non-credit of salary and other benefits in case of failure of the employees to
open IPPB Account and link with IPPB Account.
iii. Opening of IPPB Account and its linking with POSB Account for
salary purpose should remain optional. No employee including GDS need to be
forced in this regard either by the Divisional or Sub-Divisional Heads.
iv. Guide the IPPB personnel not to be authoritative over the DOP
employees and to visit post offices regularly for motivating and educating the
end users / field staff and to solve their issues without confining themselves within
the A C rooms.
v. Ensure 50% attendance of officials in offices as before till the
lockdown period is over as per Directorate/DoPT/MHA guidelines to maintain
proper social distancing to contain spread of COVID-19.
vi. Fix limited working hours of all Post and RMS Offices as done in
other Circles keeping an eye to the daily increase in the number of affected /
positive / death cases.
vii. Ask the Divisional Heads to assess the daily requirements of
preventive materials in the post offices under their control and arrange immediate
supply as per requirement. The ground reality is very alarming in this regard.
viii. Ask the Divisional heads to arrange for regular sanitization of post
offices especially bigger offices facing unexpected crowds even during the
lockdown period.
ix. Arrange official supply of Laptops / Mobiles to Postmasters of
Head Post Offices if it is required before ordering for V C or for any other
purpose.
10. Further to intimate that if the above
demands are not addressed properly at once, the Postal JCA, Odisha Circle has decided
to adopt the following agitational programmes tentatively in protest against
the above arbitrary and inhumane orders of the Circle Office.
i. Wearing of black
badges while on duty from 11th to 16th May, 2020.
ii. Lunch hour protest
demonstrations in workplaces on 12th May, 2020 maintaining the norms
of social distancing as required.
iii. One day Dharna
Programme before Circle Office, Bhubaneswar soon after the lockdown is over
where the future course of action for going on strike with all pending issues
will be decided, if situation compels.
A
line of reply on the action taken is highly solicited at the earliest.
With
regards.
Yours faithfully,
(Raj Kishore Mohapatra)
Circle Secretary, P-III,
BPEF, Odisha
|
(Manoj Ku Panigrahi)
Circle Secretary, P-III,
FNPO, Odisha
|
(Bruhaspati Samal)
Circle Secretary, P-III
NFPE, Odisha
|
(J Pradhan)
Circle Secretary, P-IV
BPEF, Odisha
|
(Lambodar Raut)
Circle Secretary, P-IV
FNPO, Odisha
|
(M C S Rao)
Circle Secretary, P-IV
NFPE, Odisha
|
(S B Jena)
Circle Secretary
BEDEU, Odisha
|
(R N Pattnaik)
Circle Secretary, R-III
FNPO, Odisha
|
(Dusmanta Ku. Sethi)
Circle Secretary, R-III
NFPE, Odisha
|
|
|
(Syed Basha)
Circle Secretary, R-IV
FNPO, Odisha
|
(R N
Mohanty)
Circle Secretary, R-IV
NFPE, Odisha
|
|
|
(Goutam Das)
Circle Secretary
NUGDS, Odisha
|
(Kalinga Ku. Panda)
Circle Secretary
AIPAEA, Odisha
|
|
|
|
(Srikanta Mallick)
Circle Secretary
AIPEBCOEA, Odisha
|
|
|
|
(Pradosh Ku. Mohanty)
Circle Secretary
AIPAOEU, Odisha
|
|
|
|
(Ashok Kumar Panda)
Circle Secretary
AIPEU GDS, Odisha
|
Copy for
kind information and necessary action to:
1. The General Secretaries / Secretary Generals of all Unions /
Federations.
2. The Circle Secretaries of all Unions/Associations in Odisha Circle.
3. The Divnl./Branch Secretaries of all Federations in Odisha Circle to
aware their members for successful
conductance of the proposed agitational programmes.
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