Modification of instructions regarding booking of Air Tickets on Govt. Account

 

Reception Committee for 33rd AIC of AIPEU, Gr-C, CHQ

 

Suggestion of Law Ministry on NPS

 

UPU’s Quality of Service Fund strengthens the postal network

Since the Abidjan Congress in August last year, the UPU’s Quality of Service Fund (QSF) team has been working hard on developing the procedures for the new Least Developed Countries Special Account which was approved during the 27th Congress.

The aim of the new LDC Special Account is to create a long-term sustainable funding stream that prioritizes the countries’ special needs. The account was set up to ensure that no one is left behind in the postal sector.

“Since its inception in 2001, the QSF has been a stable source of funding for development projects aimed at improving quality of service, strengthening weak links, and enhancing the sustainability of the UPU global postal network,” Gaurav Mehta, Expert, QSF Projects said.

As of 31 December 2021, 909 QSF projects have been implemented or are currently being implemented by the beneficiary designated operators. In brief, the QSF manages contributions from member countries, which are then dispersed to finance postal development projects in developing countries.

These projects mainly focus on fulfilling the critical requirements of the operators in terms of mail conveyance and delivery, the modernization and reorganization of mail processing facilities, IT, and security. “These are the key operational development areas that will help developing countries bridge the gaps with the more developed counterparts,” Mehta added.

Helping to bridge the gaps is exactly why the USPS has played an important part in QSF fund management as a member of the board of trustees since the fund launched in 2001.

Speaking on behalf of the United States as Chair of the QSF Board, Michaela George, who is also Manager of International Accounting Operations at the US Postal Service (USPS), said, “The QSF is important because our postal network is only as strong as our weakest link. The QSF can assist designated operators with insufficient capacity by providing finances to support participation in the global postal supply chain. In turn, the improvements created enable partner posts to retain and grow their international customer base and volumes.”

One way the QSF has helped bridge the gap is by supporting developing countries and LDCs with the implementation of the UPU’s Global Monitoring System. Since 2010 there have been 13 multinational projects related to the System. The aim of these projects is to help operators improve their quality of service in line with the targets set by the UPU.

Alongside the new LDC Special Account, the QSF also has the Common Fund, which was adopted at the 26th Congress in Istanbul, Turkey. This is an additional funding mechanism which mobilizes resources for global projects and extends their scope to cover all critical e-commerce elements. One of the most important Common Fund projects is Electronic Advance Data (EAD), which will support operators with handling new customs regulations.

There are more than 144 participants currently participating in the EAD project which aims to empower operators to implement the Customs Declaration System and transmit messages about postal items. Approximately USD 3 million has been allocated from the QSF for the project, which involves activities such as the implementation of the Customs Declaration System, the provision of tools and equipment and capacity building.  

George concluded, “I would like to encourage QSF beneficiary countries to utilize their funding to implement quality of service improvement projects. In particular, the Electronic Advanced Data project is available to provide support for operators working to comply with international laws and, specifically, the US STOP Act in providing the data needed to keep our common mail stream safe and thereby ensuring that mail volumes containing goods can continue to enter the United States and that commerce and free trade continue unimpeded."

Revised Notice for CWC Meeting of AIPEU, Gr-C, CHQ

 

Departmental facilities and conferences at all levels in respect of Service Associations / Federations extended up to 30.06.2022

 

NFPE Federal Executive Meeting to be held on 19.02.2022

 

No proposal under consideration of Govt. of India for restoration of Old Pension Scheme

 

Revision of Standard Inspection Questionnaire for Branch Post Office

 

Employees at all levels, without any exemption, shall attend office on regular basis with effect from February 7, 2022

 Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh says, after a review of the pandemic situation, full office attendance shall be resumed from tomorrow

The Minister Says, employees at all levels, without any exemption, shall attend office on regular basis with effect from February 7, 2022

Posted On: 06 FEB 2022 7:16PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh announced this evening that a review of the pandemic situation was done today and in view of the decline in the number of COVID cases as well as decline in positivity rate, it has been decided that full office attendance shall be resumed from tomorrow and employees at all levels, without any exemption, shall attend office on regular basis with effect from February 7, 2022.

The Minister further informed that the Head of Departments shall, however, ensure that employees wear face masks at all times and continue to follow the COVID appropriate behaviour.

This is in supersession of the earlier Circular according to which the 50% office attendance rule had been extended till 15th of February. But, after obtaining inputs from the relevant quarters and review of the situation, a fresh OM (Office Memorandum) is issued by the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) informing that all the employees at all levels, without any exemption, will report to office from tomorrow, that is, 7th of February 2022. There will no more be "work from home" option for any employee.

Pertinent to mention that DoPT had issued certain guidelines through an Office Memorandum (OM) dated 3rd January 2022 and the same were being reviewed from time to time depending upon the pandemic situation.

In a subsequent review, it was considered appropriate to extend these guidelines up to 15th February. The physical attendance of government servants below the level of the Under Secretary was restricted to 50 percent of the actual strength and the remaining 50 percent were asked to work from home. In addition to this, the persons with disability and pregnant women employees were exempted from attending office. The officers and staff working from home were asked to remain available on telephone and other means of communication at all times.

Meanwhile, last month, Dr Jitendra Singh held a video conference and spoke to the employees working from home as well as those who had tested positive for COVID. He had enquired about their well-being and also sought their inputs and views.

However, now, in supersession of the earlier Circular according to which the 50% office attendance rule had been extended till 15th of February, a fresh OM (Office Memorandum) is issued by the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) informing that all the employees at all levels, without any exemption, will report to office from tomorrow, that is , 7th of February 2022. There will no more be "work from home" option for any employee.

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Legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar passes away at the age of 92

 Ministry of Information & Broadcasting

Legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar passes away at the age of 92

Government announces a two-day national mourning in memory of Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar

Posted On: 06 FEB 2022 1:47PM by PIB Mumbai

Mumbai, February 6, 2022

Legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar passed away at the Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai today, February 6, 2022. The veteran singer, popularly known as the Melody Queen, was 92. She had been admitted to hospital on 8 January after having tested positive for COVID-19.

Government has announced a two-day national mourning in memory of Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar. As a mark of respect, the national flag will fly at half-mast for two days. A state funeral will be accorded to the legendary singer, who received the Bharat Ratna, in 2001.

 

Expressing his condolences, President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind said in a tweet: ‘Lata-ji’s demise is heartbreaking for me as it is for millions the world over. A Bharat Ratna, Lata-ji’s accomplishments will remain incomparable.’

Vice President of India Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu said India has lost its voice, in the death of Lata ji, who has enthralled music lovers in India and across the globe for many decades with her mellifluous and sublime voice.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in his tribute said that he has always received immense affection from Lata Didi and that interactions with her will remain unforgettable. In a tweet, the PM said: “Lata Didi’s songs brought out a variety of emotions. She closely witnessed the transitions of the Indian film world for decades.’

Union I&B Minister Shri Anurag Thakur said the demise of the melody queen is an irreparable loss, adding that she will live forever through her songs.

Other ministers, artists and people from various walks of life have expressed their grief and condolences on the demise of the great vocalist.

Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari visited the Breach Candy Hospital today morning to pay his last respects. Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal had visited Lata Mangeshkar in the hospital yesterday

The mortal remains of the ace singer will be kept at Shivaji Park, Mumbai for people to pay homage. Members of the film fraternity are mourning the loss of the great singer. Shri Prasoon Joshi, Chairperson of Central Board of Film Certification expressed his respect for the late singer on Twitter.

Lata Mangeshkar was born on September 28, 1929, to a Marathi and Konkani musician Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar. Originally named Hema, she was the eldest of five siblings, including veteran singer Asha Bhosle. Her father Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar was a classical singer and theatre actor.

Lata Mangeshkar recorded her first playback song for a Marathi film, Kiti Hasaal, at the age of 13, and even acted in a Marathi film, Pahili Mangalagaur in the year 1942. In year 1946, she recorded her first Hindi film playback song for Aap Ki Seva Mein, directed by Vasant Jogalekar.

In 1972, Lata Mangeshkar won the first National Award for Best Female Playback Singer for the film Parichay. Over the years, the veteran singer won numerous national and international awards including the prestigious Bharat Ratna, the title of Officer of the French Legion of Honour, Dadasaheb Phalke Award, three National Film Awards, four Filmfare Best Female Playback Awards, Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award and many more. In 1984, the State Government of Madhya Pradesh instituted the Lata Mangeshkar Award, while the Government of Maharashtra also instituted a Lata Mangeshkar Award in 1992 to promote singing talent.

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NFPE Odisha pays its respectful homages to the legendary singer.

NFPE Odisha State CoC served revised notice to the Chief PMG, Odisha Circle for participating in the nationwide strike on 28-29 March 2022

Online programme on 13.02.2022 in remembrance of our legendary leaders

CGHS Webinar on Menstrual Problems in Women and need for special care at puberty and menopause

UPU improves and expands distance learning

The UPU’s distance learning tool, TRAINPOST, has been modernized and relaunched with new features that will help to bridge the gap between more developed and less developed countries’ Posts. 

TRAINPOST is changing its target population, technological capabilities, and wide range of features, with involvement from the UPU regional training centres and postal operators’ stakeholders, such as customs and airlines, said the platform’s administrator, Sofiene Jouini, Subdirector of the Tunisian Post Virtual School.

 

For example, there will be the possibility for live, online training via the integrated web conferencing system, Jouini said.

 

Users will notice “more reliable, user-friendly, multi-device support; more engaging content through various online training activities; possibility for the award of badges and certificates; reduced errors and technical issues; and offline training,” he said.

 

The training tool can develop and enhance the capacity of UPU member countries, said Pooran Parampath, Regional Expert, Caribbean and Training. It offers improved on-the-job performance, large cost benefits with free courses and services over the internet.

 

“Trainpost is one of the key capacity building tools in UPU’s Cooperation and Development efforts,” Parampath said. “Owing to the cost effectiveness of this solution, it bridges the gap between more advanced and less advanced Posts. Through this tool, learning can take place at any place and time, irrespective of the developmental status of the postal administration.”

 

Additionally, he explained, Posts of all development levels have access to the same case studies, best practices, benchmarks and standards that are offered in TRAINPOST courses.

 

“It is important that these changes happen for several reasons. Firstly, to take advantage of new learning technologies, we should provide training not only on the workplace but also through mobile devices and smartphones to boost mobile learning,” Jouini said. “Secondly, to reinvigorate the TRAINPOST network of users from all over the world.”

 

He also explained that Trainpost can help manage in-person training workshops, allowing groups to review lessons in recorded videos. This will boost communication and enable continuous training after the workshop has ended. It also provides a way to evaluate and measure the effects of training and ROI.

 

TRAINPOST allows postal players to acquire knowledge and skills needed to improve performance, adhere to UPU standards, network with others in the global learning network, and offer better service to their customers, Parampath said.

 

TRAINPOST has benefited 192 countries, Jouini said, with more than 25,000 participants trained since 2006 in eight training fields.

TRAINPOST is distance-learning platform offering free modular courses on a range of topics, including postal reform and regulation, postal products, financial services, management of postal operations, postal technologies, and human resource management techniques.