Order for Filling Up of Vacant Sorting Postman, Cash O/S, Mail O/S Posts.

Vacant sorting postman, Cash O/S , Mail O/S , Head Postman posts will be filled up very soon by a special drive.

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Important Zone Meeting on 21.04.2012 at 12 Zones. Don’t Miss It.

As per the decision of last working committee meeting, one day zone meeting will be held on next Saturday (21.04.2012) at 4:00 p.m. in the following 12 places . All members are requested to attend the zone meeting positively. You will get many new information in that meeting. So, all of you please attend the zone meeting on 21.04.2012 in any one of the following venues (nearest to your office) at 4:00 p.m. positively.

Serial No.     Name of the Office
1.                  AMTA.
2.                  ANDUL MOURI.
3.                  BAGNAN.
4.                  DOMJUR.
5.                  KONA.
6.                  LILUAH.
7.                  MUGKALLYAN.
8.                  MUNSHIRHAT.
9.                  PANCHLA.
10.                SHIBPUR.
11.                SHYAMPUR.
12.                ULUBERIA.



Note : Make the GDS Membership Verification a grand success !


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IMPORTANT WORKING COMMITTEE MEETING ON 18.04.2012 AT HOWRAH MEDICAL HALL (1st Floor).

Our next Working Committee Meeting is going to be held on 18th April, 2012 at the Howrah Medical Hall (1st Floor) at 12:00 p.m. All working committee members of NFPE Group of Unions, Howrah Division are requested to attend the meeting positively.

The meeting is most important due to many burning issues, to be discussed there. So, all  Working Committee members are intimated to attend the same with every seriousness. Please don't miss it. If you have any problem regarding the timely relieving from your office to attend the said meeting with special casual leave, please contact your Secretary immediately.


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Now take the challenge in this auspicious moment of ''Bangla Nabo Barsho''. Prepare for G.D.S. membership verification. ‘Shubho Naba Barsho’ to all of you !

Today is Poyla Boisakh, 1419, another happy moment in our life. From the NFPE Group of Unions, Howrah Division, wishing all of you ''SHUBHO NABABARSHO - 1419'', may this year be full of happiness and prosperity for you and your family.


To make this year a prosperous one for our union too, now you have to take the present challenge of G.D.S. Membership verification throughout the division due to change in the name of our G.D.S. Union, i.e., ALL INDIA POSTAL EMPLOYEES UNION - G.D.S. (NFPE).


So, all of our Working Committee members are requested to attend the extremely important next Working Committee meeting at Howrah Medical Hall on 18.04.2012 at 12:00 p.m. positively.


Don't hesitate to approach all good, steady and honest G.D.S. employees for this membership verification process. Let us take the challenge unitedly and make it a grand success !

AIPEU ZINDABAD !
NFPE ZINDABAD !!
AIPEU - GDS (NFPE) ZINDABAD !!!


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G.D.S - D.A. Order Released

GDS - DA ORDER

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS & IT

DEPARTMENT OF POSTS

(ESTABLISHMENT DIVISION)

Dak Bhawan

Sansad Marg

NEW DELHI-110 001

No.14-01/2011-PAP Dt.12th April,2012


To
All Chief Postmasters General,
All G.Ms.(PAF)/Director of Accounts (Postal).

Subject :- Payment of Dearness Allowance to Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) at revised rates with effect from 01-01-2012 onwards - Reg.

Consequent upon grant of another installment of dearness allowance with effect from 01st JANUARY, 2012 to Central Government Employees, vide Government of India, Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure O.M. No.1(1)/2012-EII(B), dated 3rd April, 2011, duly endorsed vide this Department's letter No.8-1/2012-PAP Dated 3.4.12, the Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS), have also become entitled to the payment of dearness allowance on basic TRCA at the revised rate with effect from 01-01-2012. It has, therefore, been decided that the dearness allowance payable to the Gramin Dak Sevaks shall be enhanced from the existing rate of 58% to 65% on the basic Time Related Continuity Allowance, with effect from 1st January, 2012.

2. The additional installment of dearness allowance payable under this order shall be paid in cash to all Gramin Dak Sevaks. The payment of arrears of dearness allowance for the month of January to March, 2012, shall not be made before the date of disbursement of TRCA of March, 2012.

3. The expenditure on this account will be debited to the Sub Head 'Salaries' under the relevant head and should be met from the sanctioned grant.

4. This issues with the concurrence of Integrated Finance Wing vide their Diary No.104/FA/12/CS, dated 12TH April, 2012

                                                                                                                    Yours faithfully

                                                                                                                           Sd/-
                                                                                                       (KALPANA RAJSINGHOT)
                                                                                                             DIRECTOR (ESTT)
                                                                                                          TEL : 23096036/23036793
                                                                                                     FAX:011-23096007/23096036



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Closed Holiday on 14.04.2012 on account of Birthday of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar - Directorate order released

Closed Holiday on 14.04.2012 on account of Birthday of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar - Directorate Order

 The following order was released on 11.04.2012 






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Clarificatory orders on GDS Transfer. May be helpful to you.

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS & IT

DEPARTMENT OF POST:: (GDS Section)

Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg,

New Dehil – 110 001

No.19-10/2004-GDS (Part) Dated:10 April, 2012

To

Chief Postmaster General

Kerala Circle

Thiruvananthapuram – 695 033

Sub:- LIMITED TRANSFER FACILITY TO GAMIN DAK SEVAKS – CLARIFICATION THEREOF.

This has a reference to your office letter No.CO/LC/21/OA/12 dated 27^th Mar 2012 received only on 29.03.2012 seeking advice if the various categories of the GDS Posts as prescribed in Rule 3 (d) of GDS (Conduct & Engagement) Rules, 2011 could be classified based on the skills or hierarchy or TRCA slabs within these categories.

2. The issue has been examined in this Directorate and I am directed to clarify the position as under;-

(a) Rule 3 (d) the Department of Posts, Gramin Dak Sevaks (Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 2011 currently recognizes only the five categories of Gramin Dak Sevaks i.e. GDS BPM, GDS MD, GDS MC, GDS Mail Packer and GDS Stamp Vendor.

(b) With the issue and implementation of orders relating to downgrading the EDSO's to EDBO's the category of GDS SPM is not in vogue. For the purposes of TRCA, Gramin Dak Sevaks are closed as three categories i.e. GDS BPM, GDSMD/SV & GDS MC/Packer, Their TRCA has been fixed based on pre-revised scales of pay of the corresponding categories of regular Government employees on pro-rata bases. Their TRCA is further based on workload assessed as per laid down norms and slabs.

(c) There is no concept of higher or lower post or skilled within a category and /or amongst various approved categories as recognized from time to time.For the purpose of direct recruitment to MTS Group C post, their seniority is reckoned with reference to date of entry in any GDS post based on seniority in the concerned division as a whole. There is no categorization of various GDS posts into 'White Collar' or 'Blue Collar' and such a classification is not also defined anywhere.

(d) The 'Recruiting Authority' mentioned in Rule 4 and further defined in the Scheduled annexed to the Department of Posts, Gramin Dak Sevaks (Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 2011 is based on working arrangement and for administrative convenience only. As the Gramin Dak Sevaks are entitled to protection under Article 311 (2) of the Constitution as held by Apex Court, the concerned authority will exercise his disciplinary jurisdiction as per the categories of GDS, for which one is designated as recruiting authority.

(e) The existing provisions governing Limited Transfer Facility do not prescribe any restriction for allowing transfer form one category to another and amongst the various categories of Posts irrespective of TRCA slabs prescribed for these categories and even from one wing to another i.e., RMS to Postal or vice versa. The requirement is fulfilled of required qualification and other conditions for limited transfer facility.

(f) While circulating the Department of Posts, Gramin Dak Sevaks (Conduct and Employment) Rules. 2001 vide DG letter No. 22-1/2000-ED & Trg dated 24.04.2001, it was clearly provided in Para 4(ix) of letter dated 24.04.2001 that "executive instructions issued and published below the respective rules as also those brought out in other sections such as method of recruitment, etc of Swamy's Compilation of Service Rules for the Postal ED Staff shall also stand revised / amended mutandis in keeping with the amended / revised rules. Thus, the executive instructions providing for method of recruitment issued prior to circulation of the 2001 rules was provided by amending the Note II (iv) of Rule 3 of Rules and in accordance with the amended provision, limited Transfer Facility was provided under this Directorate letter No. 19-10/2004- GDS dated 17.07.2006 subject to terms and conditions mentioned therein.

(g) Hon'ble Supreme Court in the case of UOI Others vs. Kameshwar Prasad 1998 SCC (L&S) page 447 wherein the system and object of engaging EDA's and their status was considered and adjudicated upon, Held that P&T Extra Department Agent (C&S)Rules, 1964 are a complete code governing service, conduct and disciplinary proceedings against EDA's P&T EDA's Rules, 1964 were repealed and a fresh set of rules replacing the earlier rules was issued under GDS (Conduct & Employment) Rules, 2001 and thereafter 2001 rules have also been replaced by GDS (Conduct & Engagement) Rules, 2011.

(h) So far protection of TRCA is concerned, this Directorate letter No. 14-16/2001-PAP(Pt.) dated 11.10.2004 issued in supersession to all previous provisions provided for protection of TRCA on reduction of workload and redeployment of staff on abolition of post and not in cases where redeployment was made on request. These provisions were not applicable under transfers which have occurred under Limited Transfer Facility extended to GDS under this Directorate letter No. 19-10/2004-GDS dated 17.07.2006. Para 3 (iii) of this Directorate letter dated 17.07.2006 prescribed that TRCA of the new post shall be fixed after assessment of actual workload of the post measured with respect to the cycle beat in respect of GDS MD/MC/Packer/Mail Messenger in this Directorate letter No. 14-11/97-PAP dated 1.10.1987. Based on this analogy, the incumbents of GDS BPM post in terms of points. This Directorate vide letter No. 19-10/2004-GDS (part) dated 21.07.2010 prescribed further that on transfer to a new post, the GDS cannot have any claim for protection of their TRCA drawn in the old post and his/her TRCA will be fixed at the minimum of the TRCA slab of the transferred post depending upon the workload of the said post.

(i) The power to allow transfer under the Limited Transfer Facility is vested only with the Head of the Circle and not with any other lower functionary. The position on this has recently been clarified under No.19-10/2004-GDS (part) dated 19.03.2012.

3. In view of the foregoing, immediate action may please be taken to get rectified the stand in conformity with the above. In order to avoid controversies and different stands before the Court of Law in future, prior consultation/approval of the Head of the Circle in each court case is prescribed to the mandatory required before taking a stand before the Court of Law.

Sd/-

(Surender Kumar)

Assistant Director General GDS/PCC

Copy to:-

All Heads of Postal Circles except Kerala Circle- for information & disseminating the contenets to the notice of all concerned for strict compliance.

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Revised D.A. rates for Central Government Employees - Effective from 01.01.2012

Scanned Copy of the Order :-

.

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Congratulations to the newly elected GDS CHQ leaderships.

Heartiest Congratulations !!!

Com. P. Pandurangarao, BPM, Akkagaripeta  (Pellakur S.O ) in Gudur division has been unanimously elected as General Secretary & Com. Bijay Gopal Sur ( Our Circle Secretary of GDS Union ) has been elected as President of All India Postal Employees Union GDS (NFPE), a newly formed All India union under the guideline of NFPE with assistance of AIPEU, Group - C,CHQ & AIPEU, Postmen & MSE ( Group -D ),CHQ in All India conference held at Gurukunj Ashramam ( Amaravathi ), Maharastra from 06-04-2012 to 07-04-2012. All three unions of Howrah Division congratulates them & wish them all success in the coming days.

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New GDS Union Formed Under The Guidance Of NFPE.

NEW GDS UNION FORMED UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF NFPE CAMP : LET US COME FORWARD, NOURISH AND STRENGTHEN IT

A new union of Gramin Dak Sevak comrades (erstwhile Extra Departmental) has been formed at Amaravathi, Marashtra. The name of the new organisation is 'ALL INDIA POSTAL EMPLOYEES UNION - GDS (NFPE)'.

During past few years, resentment was fuming inside GDS comrades against the nontransparencies, doubtful activities, autocratic style of functioning of the General Secretary (CHQ), AIPEDEU, S.S. Mahadevaiyah. We are sorry to mention that he is the General Secretary of the poor GDS employees but he is accustomed to lead a luxurious and sophisticated lifestyle. Moreover, he was totally reluctant to launch effective movements or conflicts against the administration even when GDS 'Employment' Rules was substituted by GDS 'Engagement' Rules, thereby actually converting the GDS cadre equivalent to Casual Labours. Rather, he preferred to spend his time more to campaign against and malign NFPE, though everyone knows that the names 'NFPE' and 'GDS' are synonyms to each other. On the other hand, he never bothered to explain numerous confusions and questions arose in the minds of the members regarding him. In the ongoing All India Conference, he tried to continue same style of functioning and impose on everybody, but comrades were not ready to accept this any more. GDS comrades and NFPE had tried their best to retain the unity of Postal Employees, but finally the General Secretary, GDS Union, compelled us to divide the unity. For the struggling force, there was no other alternative but to form a new Union for the interest of GDS and Postal Employees as a whole.

Finally, a large number of delegates from various Circles, attending the All India Conference of AIPEDEU at Amaravathi, Maharashtra, walked out from the house protesting the activities of S.S.Mahadevaiyah and formed the new All India Union.

The All India Committee of 'AIPEU-GDS (NFPE)' is headed by the following comrades :-

President : Com. Bijoy Gopal Sur (West Bengal)
General Secretary : Com. Pandu Rao (A.P.Circle)
Treasurer : Com. Murgham (Kerala).

Due to the prevailing situation, the GDS comrades fighting to form a struggling organisation with the banner of NFPE, sought help from and were advised appropriately from different corners of the country by prominent leaders like Com. M.Krishnan, Secretary General, NFPE, Com. K.Raghavendran (Working President, Confederation & former S.G., NFPE), Com. K.V.Sridharan (G.S., Group-C), Com. I.S.Dabas (G.S., Postmen & MSE/Gr-D), and Com. Tapan Dasgupta (Circle President Group-C, West Bengal) & Com. Asit Das (General Secretary, SBCO, West Bengal).
Our Federation (NFPE) is committed to guide, support and nourish the development of this organisation and confident that soon this organisation will emerge as the pioneer of the GDS movement in coming days. The task of all Circle/Branch/Divisional Secretaries and organisers will be to jump into action immediately to shape the newly formed AIPEU GDS (NFPE) everywhere. This is the lesson of history that the struggling force emerges as the main and the largest platform of the workers. The case of BSNL workers is a glaring example. But it will not happen automatically. We have to make it possible.

In this backdrop, All Branch / Divisional Secretaries are required to remain present in the extended circle working committee meeting in Kolkata on 12th April in person without fail, where the situation and our responsibilities will be discussed in details. We are happy to announce that Com. K.N.Parashar, Dy. Secretary General, NFPE, who was present in open session of All India Conference of AIPEDEU and delivered a nice speech for the struggling GDS employees, will be present in our Extended Circle Working Meeting.

NOTE:-
The above post was published in our Circle UNION's website today. Due to its importance, reproduced here for the information of all our members.


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D.A. Orders issued by the Finance Ministry

Enhanced D.A. (w.e.f 01/01/2012) orders have been issued by the finance ministry vide Memo No.1.(1)-2012-E-II (B) dated 03/04/2012. Now revised D.A. from 01/01/2012 is 65%.

D.A. Order

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Congratulation Comrades! All of you have done a great job! Opening of Franchisee Outlet stopped immediately.

On Friday 30th March, it came to our notice that the R.O. was creating immense pressure on our Divisional Super to open at least one or two Franchisee Outlet in our Howrah Division. Immediately, our divisional comrades of three unions took a good & bold decision to protest against such a  move. As the Divisional Secretary of Group-C Union was out of station, rest of the leaderships of NFPE Group of Unions, Howrah Division, organized strong demonstration in front of the chamber of SSPOs & the divisional super ultimately halted the process to open any franchisee outlet in our division. Congratulation and Red Salute to all Comrades who has taken an active part in that move.

Our Circle Union, in their website congratulated them with these lines,  

''recently Circle Unions have written twice to the Circle Head reiterating the stand of NFPE against expansion of postal service in this fashion by inviting private players slowly. It was one of the strike demands also by the Postal JCA. Please recall that we are against Franchisee Outlets because it opens up our business to private parties slowly and silently."

Circle Union congratulates member of Howrah Division for our sensible movement even in absence of Group-C divisional secretary and requests all of our divisional unions to react instantly and obstruct such effort wherever and whenever it is noticed and to contact Circle Union immediately.

This attempt was stopped by our instant strong protests, but very surprisingly it has to be mentioned that, there was no trade union activities against this act, from the National Unions, Howrah Division !

So, Comrades, let us be aware of any further steps from the administration in future. Be alert and protect our department.

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Com. Mathura Prasad Mondal, Postman, Howrah H.O. have successfully passed the P.A. Examination

From Howrah Division, Com. Mathura Prasad Mondal, Postman, Howrah H.O. have successfully passed the P.A. Examination. He is among the fourteen successful candidates selected through out the West Bengal Circle. Com. Mondal is allotted to Sikkim Division. 


Our heartiest congratulation on his splendid achievement. We wish him every success in life.

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Post office savings deposit interest hiked

In a bid to lure millions of small savers who had exited the National Small Savings Fund (NSSF) schemes in pursuit of higher returns, the government on Friday raised the interest rates on post office savings account (POSA), time deposit schemes of various tenures, monthly income scheme (MIS) and Public Provident Fund (PPF).

According to a Finance Ministry statement here, while the interest rate on POSA stands increased to 4 per cent from 3.5 per cent for the current fiscal, deposits in schemes such as MIS and PPF will fetch attractive returns of 8.2 per cent and 8.6 per cent respectively, as compared to the existing interest rates of 8 per cent.

While all time maturities will fetch significantly better returns by way of higher interest rates than hitherto, the biggest gainer is set to be the one-year fixed deposit scheme with its interest rate pegged at 7.7 per cent as compared to the prevailing 6.25 per cent.

TO BE NOTIFIED SOON

As per the decision approved by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, the new rates are to be made applicable from the date of notification to be announced soon.

The move to make the small savings schemes more attractive and align them with current market rates is in line with the recommendations of the Shyamala Gopinath Committee, which was set up to look into the matter, as was advised by the 13th Finance Commission.

NEW NSC INSTRUMENT

Alongside, however, the government has decided to discontinue the Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) scheme. It has also reduced the maturity period for MIS and National Savings Certificate (NSC) schemes to five years from the existing six years and has introduced a new 10-year NSC instrument with its interest rate pegged at 8.7%.

LIMIT INCREASED

Another bonanza for small savers is that the annual investment ceiling in PPF savings accounts has been raised to Rs. 1 lakh from the current limit of Rs. 70,000.

At the same time, what may irk investors is that loans against such savings would be at a higher interest rate of 2 per cent as against 1 per cent at present.

BONUS SCRAPPED

The government has also scrapped the 5 per cent bonus on maturity of MIS schemes and abolished the commission for agents on PPF and Senior Citizens Savings Schemes.

(originally published in the newspaper The Hindu)

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Strike Settlement – Government Order, Decentralisation Of PLI / RPLI

Directorate of Postal Insurance
Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications
Information Technology, Government of India
Chanakyapuri Post Office Complex, New Delhi-110 021
No. 30-1/2010-LI Dated 27.01.2012


To


1. Col. Kamlesh Chandra,
    Chief Postmaster General,
    Uttar Pradesh Circle,
    Lucknow-226001


2. All CPMsG.


      Respected Sir,


                           Kindly refer to letter no. 08/15/2011-SR dated 16.01.2012 from SR Section Department of Posts enclosing minutes of the meeting taken by Secretary(Posts)/Postal Staff Board with the Postal Joint Council of Action on 10.01.2012 and 12.01.2012.


                             It is requested to kindly take necessary action with regards to Para 7 of the minutes.


Sd/-


(R. Santhakumar)
Dy. Divisional Manager


CONTENTS OF PARA -7 OF THE MINUTES


PARA 7 DECENTRALISATION OF PLI/RPLI


The staff side was explained in detail about the competition being faced by the Department in the field of PLI / RPLI and the benefits to be derived by decentralizing the functions. The staff side expressed apprehension about relocation of staff due to the process of decentralization. Member (PLI) explained as to how the role of DPLI was going to be redefined by making the job more productive and the fact that job description for each category of staff had been worked out and the staff of PLI will play an important role in increasing the business and providing after sale service. The request of the staff side to permit the Circle/Regional Office branch of PLI to accept, process and service the policies relating to their Headquarter cities where they were located was accepted to.


The issue relating to payment of incentive, instead of honorarium, will be examined by CGM PLI as it forms a part of Charter of Demands. It was assured that all the officials deputed for PLI/RPLI work to RO/CO from Divisions will be repatriated immediately.


The above post was published in the website of NFPE, reproduced here for information of our divisional members.

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Ministry Of Finance Issued Orders On Anomaly Over Increment Between February And June 2006.

Ministry of Finance issued orders granting one time measure increment on 01.01.2006 for all officials whose increment fell due between February and June 2006

JCM Standing Committee meeting had earlier decided to consider grant of the above increment and accordingly the government has now issued orders

All government employees as on duty on 01.01.2006 and whose date of increment was between February and June would be now given an increment in the pre-revised scale of pay as 'one time measure' and then again another increment on 01.07.2006.

All such officials whose pay will be re-fixed w.e.f. 01.01.2006 should get arrears and officials who retired after 01.01.2006 will get their pension upwardly revised with all consequential retirement benefits.

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Interest Rates On GPF - 8.6% with effect from 01.12.2011.

Interest Rates On General Provident Fund (GPF) has been revised to 8.6% (eight point six percent) with effect from 1.12.2011...

Resolution - accumulations at the credit of subscribers to the GPF and other similar funds - 2011-2012(89 KB) (Dated 19th March, 2012)

(PUBLISHED IN PART I SECTION 1 OF GAZETTE OF INDIA)

F.NO. 5(1)-B(PD)/2011

Government of India

Ministry of Finance

(Department of Economic Affairs)

New Delhi, the 19th March, 2012

RESOLUTION

It is announced for general information that during the year 2011-2012, accumulations at the credit of subscribers to the General Provident Fund and other similar funds shall carry interest at the rate of 8% (Eight per cent) for the period from 1.4.2011 to 30.11.2011 and 8.6% (eight point six percent) with effect from 1.12.2011.

The funds concerned are:—


1. The General Provident Fund (Central Services).
2. The Contributory Provident Fund (India).
3. The All India Services Provident Fund.
4. The State Railway Provident Fund.
5. The General Provident Fund (Defence Services).
6. The Indian Ordnance Department Provident Fund.
7. The Indian Ordnance Factories Workmen’s Provident Fund.
8. The Indian Naval Dockyard Workmen’s Provident Fund.
9. The Defence Services Officers Provident Fund.
10. The Armed Forces Personnel Provident Fund.

2. Ordered that the Resolution be published in Gazette of India.

sd/-
(Brajendra Navnit)

Deputy Secretary (Budget)

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News, in SHORT, but IMPORTANT !

COMING STUDY CAMPS IN VARIOUS DIVISIONS :-
We are requesting all the Divisional / Branch Secretaries, who are going to organize division level Study Camps (as per the instruction of our Circle Unions), if you need any kind of help for that, you may contact Com. Abhijit Maity, P.A., Howrah H.O.(9093970564) to collect necessary documents required for the same. Feel free for any kind of help required from us. We would be very glad to help you. Wish your Study Camp a Grand Success ! Hope, that it will get better day by day.

WHAT A TRAGEDY ! RAILWAY EMPLOYEES ARE FIGHTING FOR THE FARE HIKE !! :-
Several times, it has been seen that, employees are fighting against the Authorities for reduction in Fare etc. But, this time, the typical political situation, compelled the five Railway Trade Unions to write to Prime Minister in favour of the proposed railway fare hike! Otherwise, it will take them in the same way of DOT ( at present, BSNL). So, they have warned the Central Government regarding the necessity of the fare hike to save Indian Railway from today's crisis and also requested to go ahead with the Budget already presented at the Parliament in the Budget session. Just think about that, what will be the future of our Railway Department?

IN LAST FEW MONTHS, SO MANY MEMBERS ( OF VARIOUS CADRES ) ARE BEING ADMITTED IN VARIOUS HOSPITALS DUE TO SUDDEN ILLNESS. IS THERE ANY PREVENTION? :-

In last few months, it has been seen that so many members of our divisional unions are being admitted to the local hospitals due to sudden serious illness. Our beloved ''Laxmi Da'' of Botanic Garden S.O. (Ex.Gr.-D), unfortunately died due to sudden massive heart attack on the way to his office.

We think that, all of them definitely have some earlier symptoms of those diseases due to which they were admitted to the hospitals. Their mere negligence cost them a lot.

Now its our duty to aware our comrades regarding the same and to convince all regarding the theory of ''Prevention'', which is better than cure.

Now we are raising one proposal for every member's support & suggestion ....
May we start one special health care policy for our every members in the following manner. The specific proposal is :-

1. Every Members of NFPE Group of Unions, Howrah Division will have to submit Xerox copy of their blood test (for regular examination, blood sugar, cholesterol level) reports twice a year. One in the month of January and another in the month of June every year.

2. Lady members will strictly submit the xerox copies of their Ultra Sound reports (whole abdomen) twice in a year (to be cautious and avoid any kind of tumor in lower abdomen and ultimately to prevent any kind of malignancy), keeping six months gap between the two tests.

3. Every members have to submit their ECG Report twice in a year and Liver Function Test report once in a year compulsorily.

With all these reports, we will organize one Health Camp at Howrah every year. In which specialist doctors will evaluate your health conditions and will suggest as per your requirements. With this, we may prevent the sudden loss of our members lives.

If all of you agree with the above proposals, then please send SMS to 9830479985 with your opinions and suggestions (with your names) and also register your discord (if any).

After going through your suggestions and opinions, we will discuss the same in the next Working Committee Meeting with every seriousness.


If the Working Committee passes this proposal with two-third majority, then it will be implemented from JUNE 2012. The required test will cost one member a little amount compared to the cost of his / her good health. So please respond to this post immediately.

We think, beside trade union movements to protect our rights, nowadays, its also our duty to raise awareness among all members regarding the above mentioned subject. Definitely Healthy members means Healthy Organizations !

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APPROACH TO THE BUDGET - 2012.

Finance minister Pranab Mukherjee today presented budget for the financial year FY 2012-13. The Budget 2012 pledges reforms, it does little to trim the ballooning fiscal deficit.

Here are some highlights of the Budget 2012 that will have direct and indirect impact on the IT industry:

* For Indian economy, recovery was interrupted this year due to intensification of debt crises in Euro zone, political turmoil in Middle East, rise in crude oil price and earthquake in Japan.

* GDP is estimated to grow by 6.9 per cent in 2011-12, after having grown at 8.4 per cent in preceding two years.

* India however remains front runner in economic growth in any cross-country comparison.

* Monetary and fiscal policy response for better part of past 2 years aimed at taming domestic inflationary pressure.

* Growth moderated and fiscal balance deteriorated due to tight monetary policy and expanded outlays.

* Indicators suggest that economy is turning around as core sectors and manufacturing show signs of recovery.

* At this juncture, it is necessary to take hard decision to improve macroeconomic environment and strengthen domestic growth drivers.

* Twelfth Five Year Plan to be launched with the aim of "faster, sustainable and more inclusive growth". Five objectives identified to be addressed effectively in ensuing fiscal year.

* If India can build on its economic strength, it can be a source of stability for world economy and a safe destination for restless global capital.

OVERVIEW OF THE ECONOMY

* GDP growth estimated at 6.9 per cent in real terms in 2011-12. Slowdown in comparison to preceding two years is primarily due to deceleration in industrial growth.

* Headline inflation expected to moderate further in next few months and remain stable thereafter.

* Steps taken to bridge gaps in distribution, storage and marketing systems have helped in more effective management of inflation.

* Developments in India's external trade in the first half of current year have been encouraging. Diversification in export and import market achieved.

* Current account deficit at 3.6 per cent of GDP for 2011-12 and reduced net capital inflow in the 2nd and 3rd quarters put pressure on exchange rate.

* India's GDP growth in 2012-13 expected to be 7.6 per cent +/- 0.25 per cent.

* Deterioration in fiscal balance in 2011-12 due to slippages in direct tax revenue and increased subsidies.

FRBM ACT

* Introduction of amendments to the FRBM Act as part of Finance Bill, 2012.

* Concept of "Effective Revenue Deficit" and "Medium Term Expenditure

* Framework" statement are two important features of amendment to FRBM Act in the direction of expenditure reforms.

* Effective Revenue Deficit is the difference between revenue deficit and grants for creation of capital assets. This will help in reducing consumptive component of revenue deficit and create space for increased capital spending.

* "Medium-term Expenditure Framework" statement will set forth a three-year rolling target for expenditure indicators.

* Recommendations of the Expert Committees to streamline and reduce the number of centrally sponsored schemes and to address plan and non-plan classification to be kept in view while implementing Twelfth Plan.

* Central Plan Scheme Monitoring System to be expanded for better tracking and utilisation of funds.

SUBSIDIES

* Some subsidies, while being inevitable, may become undesirable if they compromise the macroeconomic fundamentals of economy.

* Subsidies related to administering the Food Security Act will be fully provided for.

* Endeavour to keep central subsidies under 2 per cent of GDP in 2012-13. Over next 3 year, to be further brought down to 1.75 per cent of GDP.

* Based on recommendation of task force headed by Shri Nandan Nilekani, a mobile-based Fertilizer Management System has been designed to provide endto-end information on movement of fertilisers and subsidies. Nation-wide roll out during 2012.

* All three public sector Oil Marketing Companies have launched LPG transparency portals to improve customer service and reduce leakage.

* Endeavour to scale up and roll out Aadhaar enabled payments for various government schemes in atleast 50 districts within next 6 months.

TAX REFORMS

* DTC Bill to be enacted at the earliest after expeditious examination of the report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee.

* Drafting of model legislation for the Centre and State GST in concert with States is under progress.

* GST network to be set up as a National Information Utility and to become operational by August 2012.

DISINVESTMENT POLICY

*Government has further evolved its approach to divestment of Central Public Sector Enterprises by allowing them a level playing field vis-a-vis the private sector in respect of practices like buy backs and listing at stock exchanges.

*For 2012-13, '30,000 crore to be raised through disinvestment. At least 51 per cent ownership and management control to remain with Government.

STRENGTHENING INVESTMENT ENVIRONMENT

Foreign Direct Investment

* Efforts to arrive at a broadbased consensus in consultation with the State Governments in respect of decision to allow FDI in multi-brand retail upto 51 per cent.

Advance Pricing Agreement

* Provision regarding implementation of Advance Pricing Agreement to be introduced in Finance Bill, 2012.

Financial Sector

* Rajiv Gandhi Equity Saving Scheme to allow for income tax deduction of 50 per cent to new retail investors, who invest upto '50,000 directly in equities and whose annual income is below `10 lakh to be introduced. The scheme will have a lock-in period of 3 years.

Capital Market

* Various steps proposed to be taken for deepening the reforms in the Capital markets, including simplifying process of IPOs, allowing QFIs to access Indian Bond Market etc.

Legislative Reforms

* Official amendment to "The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Bill, 2011", "The Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2011" and "The Insurance Law (Amendment) Bill, 2008" to be moved in this session.

* Various Bills proposed to be moved in the Budget session of the Parliament to take forward the process of financial sector legislative reforms. Capitalisation of Banks and Financial Holding Company

* To protect the financial health of Public Sector Banks and Financial Institutions, `15,888 crore proposed to be provided for capitalisation. Possibility of creating a financial holding company to raise resources to meet the capital requirments of PSU Banks under examination.

* A central "Know Your Customer" depository to be developed in 2012-13 to avoid multiplicity of registration and data upkeep.

Priority Sector Lending

* Revised guidelines on priority sector lending to be issued after stakeholder consultation.

Financial Inclusion

* Out of 73,000 identified habitations that were to be covered under "Swabhimaan" campaign by March, 2012, about 70,000 habitations have been covered. Rest likely to be covered by March 31, 2012.

* As a next step, Ultra Small Branches are being set up at these habitations. n In 2012-13, "Swabhimaan" campaign to be extended to more habitations. Regional Rural Banks

* Out of 82 RRBs in India, 81 have successfully migrated to Core Banking Solutions and have also joined the National Electronic Fund Transfer system.

* Proposal to extend the scheme of capitalisation of weak RRBs by another 2 years to enable States to contribute their share.

INFRASTRUCTURE AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

* During Twelfth Plan period, investment in infrastructure to go up to `50 lakh crore with half of this, expected from private sector.

* More sectors added as eligible sectors for Viability Gap Funding under the scheme "Support to PPP in infrastructure".

* Government has approved guidelines for establishing joint venture companies by defence PSUs in PPP mode.

* First Infrastructure Debt Fund with an initial size of `8,000 crore launched earlier this month.

* Tax free bonds of `60,000 crore to be allowed for financing infrastructure projects in 2012-13.

* A harmonised master list of infrastructure sector approved by the Government.

* IIFCL has put in place a structure for credit enhancement and take-out finance for easing access of credit to infrastructure projects.

National Manufacturing Policy

* National Manufacturing Policy announced with the objective of raising, within a decade, the share of manufacturing in GDP to 25 per cent and creating of 10 crore jobs.

Power and Coal

* Coal India Limited advised to sign fuel supply agreements with power plants, having long-term PPAs with DISCOMs and getting commissioned on or before March 31, 2015.

* External Commercial Borrowings (ECB) to be allowed to part finance Rupee debt of existing power projects.

Transport: Roads and Civil Aviation

* Target of covering a length of 8,800 kilometre under NHDP next year.

* Allocation of the Road Transport and Highways Ministry enhanced by 14 per cent to `25,360 crore.

* ECB proposed to be allowed for capital expenditure on the maintenance and operations of toll systems for roads and highways, if they are part of original project.

* Direct import of Aviation Turbine Fuel permitted for Indian Carriers as actual users.

* ECB to be permitted for working capital requirement of airline industry for a period of one year, subject to a total ceiling of US $ 1 billion.

* Proposal to allow foreign airlines to participate upto 49 per cent in the equity of an air transport undertaking under active consideration of the government. Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor

* In September 2011 central assistance of `18,500 crore spread over 5 years approved. US $ 4.5 billion as Japanese participation in the project.

Housing Sector

* Various proposals to address the shortage of housing for low income groups in major cities and towns including allowing ECB for low cost housing projects and setting up of a credit guarantee trust fund etc.

Fertilisers

* Government has taken steps to finalise pricing and investment policies for urea to reduce India's import dependence in urea.

Textiles

* Government has announced a financial package of `3,884 crore for waiver of loans of handloom weavers and their cooperative societies.

* Two more mega handloom clusters, one to cover Prakasam and Guntur districts in Andhra Pradesh and another for Godda and neighbouring districts in Jharkhand to be set up.

* Three Weaver's Service Centres one each in Mizoram, Nagaland and Jharkhand to be set up for providing technical support to poor handloom weavers.

* '500 crore pilot scheme announced for promotion and application of Geo-textiles in the North Eastern Region.

* A powerloom mega cluster to be set up in Ichalkaranji in Maharashtra with a budget allocation of `70 crore.

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises

* '5,000 crore India Opportunities Venture Fund to be set up with SIDBI.

* To enable greater access to finance by Small and Medium Enterprises (SME), two SME exchanges launched in Mumbai recently.

* Policy requiring Ministries and CPSEs to make a minimum of 20 per cent of their annual purchases from MSEs approved. Of this, 4 per cent earmarked for procurement from MSEs owned by SC/ST entrepreneurs.

AGRICULTURE

* Plan Outlay for Department of Agriculture and Co-operation increased by 18 per cent.

* Outlay for Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) increased to '9,217 crore in 2012-13.

* Initiative of Bringing Green Revolution to Eastern India (BGREI) has resulted in increased production and productivity of paddy. Allocation for the scheme increased to '1,000 crore in 2012-13 from '400 crore in 2011-12.

* '300 crore to Vidarbha Intensified Irrigation Development Programme under RKVY.

* Remaining activities to be merged into following missions in Twelfth Plan:

* National Food Security Mission

* National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture including Micro Irrigation

* National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm

* National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology

* National Horticultural Mission

* National Mission for Protein Supplement

* '2,242 crore project launched with World Bank assistance to improve productivity in the dairy sector. '500 crore provided to broaden scope of production of fish to coastal aquaculture.

Agriculture Credit

* Target for agricultural credit raised by '1,00,000 crore to '5,75,000 crore in 2012-13.

* Interest subvention scheme for providing short term crop loans to farmers at 7 per cent interest per annum to be continued in 2012-13. Additional subvention of 3 per cent available for prompt paying farmers.

* Short term RRB credit refinance fund being set up to enhance the capacity of RRBs to disburse short term crop loans to small and marginal farmers.

* Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme to be modified to make KCC a smart card which could be used at ATMs.

Agricultural Research

* A sum of '200 crore set aside for incentivising research with rewards.

Irrigation

* Structural changes in Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) being made to maximise flow of benefit from investments in irrigation projects.

* Allocation for AIBP in 2012-13 stepped up by 13 per cent to '14,242 crore.

* Irrigation and Water Resource Finance Company being operationalised to mobilise large resources to fund irrigation projects.

* A flood management project approved by Ganga Flood Control Commission at a cost of '439 crore for Kandi sub-division of Murshidabad District.

National Mission on Food Processing

* A new centrally sponsored scheme titled "National Mission on Food Processing" to be started in 2012-13 in co-operation with State Governments.

* Steps taken to create additional food grain storage capacity in the country.

INCLUSION

* Scheduled Castes and Tribal Sub Plans

* Allocation for Scheduled Castes Sub Plan at '37,113 crore in BE 2012-13 represents an increase of 18 per cent over BE 2011-12.

* Allocation for Tribal Sub Plan at '21,710 crore in BE 2012-13 represents an increase of 17.6 per cent.

Food Security

* National Food Security Bill, 2011 is before Parliamentary Standing Committee.

* A national information utility for computerisation of PDS is being created. To become operational by December, 2012.

Multi-sectoral Nutrition Augmentation Programme

* A multi-sectoral programme to address maternal and child malnutrition in selected 200 high burden districts is being rolled out during 2012-13.

* Allocation of '15,850 crore made for Integrated Child Development Service (ICDS) scheme, representing an increase of 58 per cent over BE 2011-12.

* '11,937 crore allocated for National Programme of Mid Day Meals in schools.

* An allocation of '750 crore proposed for Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls, SABLA.

Rural Development and Panchayati Raj

* Budgetary allocation for rural drinking water and sanitation increased from '11,000 crore to '14,000 crore representing an increase of over 27 per cent.

* Allocation for PMGSY increased by 20 per cent to Rs.24,000 crore to improve connectivity.

* Major initiative proposed to strengthen Panchayats through Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Sashaktikaran Abhiyan.

* Backward Regions Grant Fund scheme to continue in twelfth plan with enhanced allocation of '12,040 crore in 2012-13, representing an increase of 22 per cent over the BE 2011-12.

* Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF)

* Allocation under RIDF enhanced to '20,000 crore. '5,000 crore earmarked exclusively for creating warehousing facilities.

EDUCATION

* For 2012-13, '25,555 crore provided for RTE-SSA representing an increase of 21.7 per cent over 2011-12.

* 6,000 schools proposed to be set up at block level as model schools in Twelfth Plan.

* '3,124 crore provided for Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) representing an increase of 29 per cent over BE 2011-12.

* To ensure better flow of credit to students, a Credit Guarantee Fund proposed to be set up.

HEALTH

* No new case of polio reported in last one year.

* Existing vaccine units to be modernised and new integrated vaccine unit to be set up in Chennai.

* Scope of 'Accredited Social Health Activist' - 'ASHA' is being enlarged. This will also enhance their remuneration.

* Allocation for NRHM proposed to be increased from '18,115 crore in 2011-12 to '20,822 crore in 2012-13.

* National Urban Health Mission is being launched.

EMPLOYMENT AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT

* MGNREGS has had a positive impact on livelihood security.

* Need to bring about greater synergy between MGNREGA and agriculture and allied rural livelihoods.

* Allocation of '3915 crore made for National Rural Livelihood Mission representing an increase of 34 per cent.

* To ease access to bank credit, corpus for 'Women's SHG's Development Fund' enlarged.

* Proposal to establish Bharat Livelihoods Foundation of India through Aajeevika scheme.

* Allocation for Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme increased by 23 per cent to '1,276 crore in 2012-13.

* Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana being expanded to cover upgradation of 7 more Government medical colleges.

* Increase in service tax means your monthly phone bills will go up.

* LCD and LED panels exempted from custom duty. To impact prices of TVs, laptops and PC monitors positively.

* Mobile phone parts exempted from basic customs duty. May have a positive impact on prices of low-end handsets being manufactured in India.

* Restrictions on venture capital investment removed. Likely to help tech start-ups.

* No change in corporate tax. Status quo for IT Inc who feared an increase in tax outgo.
* Defence budget raised to Rs 1.93 lakh crore. Will partially help telecom software, signalling equipment companies.

* Aadhar platform to drive Public Distribution system. Digitisation of PDS to help IT sector.

* Tax law amended, seems to be eying Vodafone-like transactions
* Share of manufacturing in GDP will be increased. Will partially go towards telecom manufacturing too.

* Telecom towers made eligible for viability gap funding

* Mobile-based fertilizer management system for transparent transfer of subsidy. Fertiliser subsidies implementation to change by using more.

--- SOURCE : TIMES OF INDIA.

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Some of the sweet memories of our first divisional study camp at Howrah H.P.O.

Com. Shibsankar Roy delivering his speech on Trade Union Movements & our task.

Com. Bhola Bhattacharjee, Secretary, CGCC, Howrah Division on stage with other teachers & guests.

All delegates are listening to Com. Gourango Deb Maity's speech on Rulings.

Its the time to tick the 'Yes or No' questions.

Oh! What a last minute discussion within the seniors. All are very serious.

Junior most delegate Com. Sonali Das(19yrs.) & others are also enjoying the same.

Now its the time to submit first Answer Sheet. So... The Senior most delegate

Com. Pannalal Poddar(59yrs.) checking his answers before submission.

Little discussion at the end during the last exam.

Com. Bhola Bhattacharya, Secretary, CGCC, Howrah Division with Com. Niladri Pal, Tr., South Hooghly Division.

Our teacher Com. Shibsankar Roy, Joint Convenor 12th July Committee, West Bengal taking class, while Com. G.D. Maity, Com. Swarup Ghanti, Com. Ashim Deb, Com. Jayanta Malakar &

Com. Sirsendu Sahoo are sitting on stage.

Section of delegates (Group 6 & Group 8) sitting in the right side of the stage.

Com. Sudipta Giri, Asansol, Com. Sunil Hazra, President, P-IV, Com. Utpal Dutta with others.

At last, now its the time to submit final exam's Answer Sheet. Comrades are collecting the same.

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