Framing of Recruitment Rules in respect of Postal Assistants/Sorting Assistants in Department of Posts.

Framing of Recruitment Rules in respect of Postal Assistants/Sorting Assistants in Department of Posts.

No. 37-47/2010-SPB-I

Government of India

Ministry of Communications & IT

Department of Posts

Dak Bhawan, New Delhi-110001

Dated; 18.11.2011.

All Chief Postmaster General

Postmaster General

The Director, PSCI, Ghaziabad

Subject: Framing of Recruitment Rules in respect of Postal Assistants/Sorting Assistants in Department of Posts.

Sir/Madam,

I am directed to forward herewith a copy of revised Recruitment Rules dated 3.11.2011 for the Posts of Postal Assistants/Sorting Assistants in Department of Posts notified in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part-II Section 3, Sub-section (i) dated 3.11.2011.

It is requested that the provisions of Recruitment Rules may be brought to the notice of all concerned.

Yours faithfully,

Sd/-

                                                                                                                                                            (Alka Tewari)
                                                                                                                          Assistant Director General (SPN)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

National Postal Policy 2012

National Postal Policy 2012

The Government has started the exercise to formulate the new National Postal Policy 2012, to rejuvenate and bring the postal sector to the centre-stage of economic development.

The Department of Posts (DoP) will organise a roundtable conference next month to discuss various dimensions of the policy with key stakeholders.

“DoP may complete this (discussion) exercise by April, 2012,” the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Mr Kapil Sibal, said, adding that the agenda of the same should be submitted by November 20.

The Government said the National Postal Policy (NPP) would have clear goals, a defined role for various operators in the sector and a regulatory mechanism.

“The postal sector is a key information medium that contributes to both economic and social development. In recent years, the postal marketplace has grown increasingly competitive, complex and essential,” Mr Sibal added.
In line with market dynamics

The Minister, in his communication to the DoP, has indicated that the new policy should be in line with market dynamics and postal sector should contribute to social and economic development of the country.

The DoP had earlier come up with a National Postal Policy, which is viewed as ‘prototype' of the policy, a senior ministry official said.

The policy was written by couple of postal department officers without consultation with the industry, the official added. The new policy will be framed in consultation with various stakeholders of the Indian postal sector which will include various players in logistics, courier and e-commerce business.
Clear goals

“NPP'12 will have clear goals in terms of job creation, potential investment, guidelines for postal services and strategic focus area for the sector,” the official said.

With over 1.5 lakh post offices India's Department of Posts has the one of the largest postal network in the world.

To match the rapid growth of the country, the DoP is undergoing various radical changes, which include a proposal to convert over 1.5 lakh post-offices across the nation into full-fledged banks.

Amendments in the Central List of Other Backward Classes notified in respect of sixteen States

Amendments in the Central List of Other Backward Classes notified in respect of sixteen States

The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for notifying changes in the existing Central lists of OBCs.

The National Commission for Backward Classes advised the Central Government for amendment in the Central list of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) for the States of Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand and West Bengal and Union Territories of Andaman & Nicobar, Chandigarh, Delhi and Puducherry.

Accordingly, the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment would make amendments in the Central lists of OBCs in respect of these States and UTs. Inclusion of these castes/communities in the Central list of OBCs would enable them to avail the benefits of reservation in Central Government services and posts as well as admissions in the Central educational institutions, thus contributing to the goal of equity and inclusiveness.

 

Source : PIB Release, November 16, 2011

GRANT OF HARD AREA ALLOWANCE TO THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES: ORDERS OF MINISTRY OF FINANCE

GRANT OF HARD AREA ALLOWANCE TO THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES: ORDERS OF MINISTRY OF FINANCE

No. 12(4)/2008-E.II (B)

Government of India

Ministry of Finance

Department of Expenditure

New Delhi, O9th November, 2011

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:                Grant of Hard Area Allowance to the Central Government employees posted  in the Islands of UT of Lakshadweep other than Kavarati & Agati.

                The undersigned is directed to refer to this Ministry's O.M. No.12(1)/E-II(B)/03 dt. 01-03-2004 on grant of Hard Area allowance to Central Govt. employees posted in Nicobar Group of Islands w.e.f. 01-04-2004 and subsequent O.M. No.12(4)/2008-E.II(B), dated 29th August 2008, extending this allowance to all central Government employees posted in Minicoy in Lakshadweep @ 25% of (basic pay + NPA, where applicable), w.e.f. 01-09-2008 which was accepted by the Govt. based on the recommendations of the Sixth Central Pay Commission and to say that the proposal to also extend Hard Area Allowance in Islands other than Minicoy of UT of Lakshadweep has been under consideration of the Government for some time.

 2.            The President is now pleased to decide that Central Government employees posted in Kiltan, Andrott, Kalpeni, Chetlat, Kadmat, Amini and Bithra Islands of Lakshadweep shall be paid Hard Area Allowance @ 15% of (basic pay + NPA, where applicable), on the existing terms & conditions.

 3.            These order shall take effect from the date of issue.

 4.            In so far as the persons serving in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department are concerned, these orders issue in consultation with Comptroller & Auditor General of India.

 5.            Hindi version Is attached.

 ( Madhulika P.Sukul)

Joint Secretary to the Government of India

Decisions on the recommendations of the Committee for Comprehensive Review of National Small Savings Fund (NSSF).

Decisions on the recommendations of the Committee for Comprehensive Review of National Small Savings Fund (NSSF).

Highlights

The maturity period for  MIS  and NSC will be reduced from 6 years to 5 years.

A new NSC instrument, with maturity period of 10 years, would be introduced.

Kisan Vikas Patras (KVPs) will be discontinued.

Aannual ceiling on investment under PPF will be increased from Rs.70,000 to  1 lakh.

Interest on loans obtained from PPF will be increased to 2% p.a. from existing 1% p.a.

Payment of commission on PPF schemes (1%) and Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (0.5%) will be discontinued.

Agency commission under all other schemes (except MPKBY agents) will be reduced from existing 1% to 0.5%.

Commission at existing rate of 4% will continue for Mahila Pradhan Kshetriya Bachat Yojana (MPKBY) agents.

No. 6-1/2011-NS.II (Pt.)

Ministry of Finance

Department of Economic Affairs

(Budget Division)

----

New Delhi, the 11th November, 2011.

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Sub:       Decisions on the recommendations of the Committee for Comprehensive Review of National Small Savings Fund (NSSF).

The Thirteenth Finance Commission in its Report had, inter alia, recommended that all aspects of the design and administration of the NSSF be examined with the aim of bringing transparency, market linked rates and other much needed reforms to the scheme. As a follow up of this recommendation, the Government had constituted a Committee on 8th July, 2010, headed by Smt. Shyamala Gopinath, the then Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India for comprehensive review of NSSF. The terms of reference of the Committee included review of the existing parameters for the small saving schemes in operation and recommend mechanisms to make them more flexible and market linked; review of the existing terms of the loans extended from the NSSF to the Centre and States and recommend on the changes required in the arrangement of lending the net collection of small savings to Centre and States; review of other possible investment opportunities for the net collections from small savings and the repayment proceeds of NSSF loans extended to States and Centre; review of the administrative arrangement including the cost of operation; and review of the incentives offered on the small savings investments by the States.

2.             The Committee submitted its report to the Government on 7th June, 2011. Comments/views of Department of Posts, Department of Revenue, Department of Financial Services, Department of Expenditure and all State/Union Territory Governments were sought on the recommendations made by the Committee.

3.             The recommendations of the Committee have been considered in detail, taking into account the views/comments received from other Departments, States/UTs and representations received from various agents’ associations and others. After detailed examination the following decisions have been taken:-

Rationalisation of Schemes

(i)            The maturity period for Monthly Income Scheme (MIS) and National Savings Certificate (NSC) will be reduced from 6 years to 5 years.

(ii)           A new NSC instrument, with maturity period of 10 years, would be introduced.

(iii)          Kisan Vikas Patras (KVPs) will be discontinued.

(iv)          The annual ceiling on investment under Public Provident Fund (PPF) Scheme will be increased from ` 70,000 to ` 1 lakh.

(v)           Interest on loans obtained from PPF will be increased to 2% p.a. from existing 1% p.a.

(vi)          Liquidity of Post Office Time Deposit (POTD) – 1, 2, 3 & 5 years – will be improved by allowing pre-mature withdrawal at a rate of interest 1% less than the time deposits of comparable maturity. For pre-mature withdrawals between 6-12 months of investment, Post Office Savings Account (POSA) rate of interest will be paid.

Interest Rates on Small Savings Instruments

(i)            The rate of interest paid under Post Office Savings Account (POSA) will be increased from 3.5% to 4% p.a.

(ii)           The rate of interest on small savings schemes will be aligned with G-Sec rates of similar maturity, with a spread of 25 basis points (bps) with two exceptions. The spread on 10 year NSC (new instrument) will be 50 bps and on Senior Citizens Savings Scheme 100 bps. The interest rates for every financial year will be notified before 1st April of that year.

(iii)          Assuming the date of implementation of the recommendations of the Committee as 1st December, 2011, the rate of interest on various small savings schemes for current financial year on the basis of the interest compounding/payment built in the schemes, will be as given below:-

Instrument	Current Rate (%)	Proposed Rate (%)
Savings Deposit	3.50	4.0
1 year Time Deposit	6.25	7.7
2 year Time Deposit	6.50	7.8
3 year Time Deposit	7.25	8.0
5 year Time Deposit	7.50	8.3
5 year Recurring Deposit	7.50	8.0
5-year SCSS	9.00	9.0
5 year MIS	8.00 (6 year MIS)	8.2
5 year NSC	8.00 (6 year NSC)	8.4
10 year NSC	New Instrument	8.7
PPF	8.00	8.6

(iv)          Payment of 5% bonus on maturity of MIS will be discontinued.

Commission to Agents

(i)            Payment of commission on PPF schemes (1%) and Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (0.5%) will be discontinued.

(ii)           Agency commission under all other schemes (except MPKBY agents) will be reduced from existing 1% to 0.5%.

(iii)          Commission at existing rate of 4% will continue for Mahila Pradhan Kshetriya Bachat Yojana (MPKBY) agents.

(iv)          Incentives, if any, paid by the State/UT Governments will be reduced from the commission paid by the Central Government.

Investments from NSSF

(i)            The minimum share of States in net small savings collections in a year, for investment in State Governments Securities, will be reduced from 80% to 50%. The remaining amount will be invested in Central Government securities or lent to other willing States or in securities issued by infrastructure companies/agencies, wholly owned by Central Government.

(ii)           Yearly repayment of NSSF loans made by Centre and States, will be reinvested in Central and State Government securities in the ratio of 50:50.

(iii)          The period of repayment of NSSF loans by Centre and States will be reduced to 10 years, with no moratorium.

(iv)          For the current financial year the prevailing interest rate of 9.5% will continue. From 1st April, 2012 revised interest rate will be notified.

(v)           Half yearly payment of interest by the Centre and the States will be introduced.

(vi)          Interest rate on existing investments from NSSF in Central Government securities till 2006-07 will be re-set at 9% and on those from 2007-08 till 2010-11 will be re-set at 9.5%.

Operational Issues of NSSF

(i)            A Monitoring Group drawn from Ministry of Finance, Reserve Bank of India, Department of Posts, State Bank of India, other select banks and select State Governments will be set up to resolve various operational issues like reducing the time lag between collection and investment, etc.

4.             Necessary notifications, including those requiring amendments to rules of various small saving schemes and   National Small Savings Fund (Custody & Investment) Rules, 2001 will be notified separately. The above decisions will take effect from the dates to be specified in the notifications.

5.             This has the approval of Finance Minister.

Sd/-

(Shaktikanta Das)

Addl. Secretary to the Govt. of India

Ms. Manjula Prasher, IPoS-1976 - the new Secretary ( Posts ):

Ms. Manjula Prasher, IPoS-1976 - the new Secretary ( Posts ):

Ms. Manjula Prasher, IPoS-1976 has assumed the office of the Secretary, Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications & Information Technology and Chairperson, Postal Services Board.

All India Mail Survey-2011

All India Mail Survey-2011

Government of India

Ministry of Communication & IT

Department of Posts

Mall Business Development & Operation Division

Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg, New Delhi-110001

No. 38-0112011                                                                                                                        Dated 30.09.2011

To
All Heads of Circles

Subject: All  India Mail Survey-2011

 The Annual “All India Mail Survey” for the year 2011 will be conducted in November 2011 on the prescribed pattern for this purpose. The survey will be carried out separately in Urban and Rural Post Offices.

2.             For the year 2011, “All India Rural Mail Survey” will be conducted on 03.11.2011 and the “Urban Mail Survey” will be conducted on 17.11.2011. The methodology or  the survey remain the same as is enclosed.

3.             Each Circle will consolidate the survey results received from Regional Offices / Division in the proforma given as Annexure ‘C’ and ‘C-I’ in respect of both Rural and  Urban mail survey for each category of mail, and forward the reports to this  Directorate latest by 25.11.2011. Norms for transmission and delivery of mail, work sheet, Annexure ‘A’, ‘B’, are enclosed for guidance.

4.             The data so collected, should be thoroughly scrutinized at the Circle level before being forwarded to the Directorate. The nature of action taken subsequently to eliminate delay in transit and delivery of mail shall be communicated accordingly. All efforts should be made for accurate compilation of the data. It is recommended to include Post Offices identified under “Project Arrow” for the survey in concerned Circles to the extent possible.

5.             As soon as the results of the survey are compiled, Circles may also take necessary action to analyze the data and review the mail arrangement wherever needed.

6.             Receipt of this memo may be acknowledged to Shri R Kumar Raj, AD (Task Force), Mail Business Division.

Sd/-(Kalpana Tewari)

CGM (Mail Business)

Copy to:

1.             All Regional Postmasters General

2.             Addl. D.G. APS, APS Directorate, R.K. Puram New Delhi-110066

3.             Director Postal Staff College, India, Ghaziabad (UP)

4.             Director Postal Training Centers, Saharanpur/ Madurai / Vadodara / Darbhanga / Guwahati / Mysore

Methodology  for All India Live Mail Survey

The following methodology would be adopted for the survey:

1.             The Rural Survey will be conducted on the designated dates at the selected Post Offices throughout the country. For the Rural Mail Survey, one delivery post office in each post sub-division from amongst the rural post offices should be identified by the Divisional Superintendent.

2,             The Urban Mail Survey will be conducted on designated dates. For the Urban Mail Survey, one delivery post office in each post Sub —division, from amongst the urban post offices should be identified by the Divisional Superintendent.

3              . The survey should be carried out in respect of letters, registered letters, money orders, parcels and 2 class mail. For this purpose, 25% of mail in each category, with clear date stamp impression, should he taken as random sample for surveys Mail received at Sub Post Offices and meant for delivery through Branch Post Offices should also be included for the sample

4.             After collecting the sample from the total mail, those emanating from the same district, same circle, neighboring circles and distant circles should be segregated and further separated category-wise.

5              . The date of posting should be identified from the post marks and based on this the transit time taken should be worked out. The letters which do not bear legible post marks should not be taken into account for the survey.

6.             Each article should be categorized under L)+i, D+2,D±3, D+4,D+5 and D+ & above for same district, same circle, neighbouring and distant circles, and details be filed in the relevant column of the work sheet (copy enclosed).

7.             Based on the transit norms for mail already available with the Circle (copy enclosed), the articles which have been received beyond the transit norms should be identified. Thereafter, the data should be incorporated in proforma at annex-A, and sent to the Divisional Superintendent for further analysis. If the mail arrangements are such that the articles received in a Sub-Post Office are delivered in branch Post Office on the day following the day of their receipt at the Sub-Post Office. One more day should be added to the transit time for such mail.

 
8.             The stations from where the large numbers of articles are received with delay should be identified and the mail routes checked to pinpoint the cause of delay.

9.             In each Postal Division, a task force, comprising officials of the level ASP/SDIJPRIs/SPMJDY, PM and the postmaster/SPM, will be constituted by the Divisional Superintendent for conducting the mail survey. An official from the CO/RO, neighbouring RMS Division viz: APMGIAD/SSRM/SRM/DY. SRM/ASRM from amongst the official available should be nominated by the Circle Office/Regional Office to monitor the survey at close quarters.

Eighth meeting of National Council for Older Persons held

Eighth meeting of National Council for Older Persons held

The eighth meeting of the National Council for Older Persons (NCOP), the highest body of senior citizens to monitor implementation of National Policy and programmes/policies of Government for welfare of senior citizens as well as to advise Govt. on various issues pertaining to senior citizens, was held here today under the Chairmanship of Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment Shri Mukul Wasnik.

The Council comprise of 50 members which include senior citizens of eminence in the country, concerned Ministries/Departments of Central Government and representatives of 5 States/UTs.

Some of the important agenda items discussed in the meeting are:

(i)            Draft National Policy on Senior Citizens, 2011 of Smt (Dr) V. Mohini Giri’s Committee

(ii)           Review of Progress of Implementation of The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 in various States/UTs

(iii)          National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE) of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare

(iv)          Other emerging issues relating to senior citizens.

Council members while broadly supporting the draft National Policy on Senior Citizens, 2011 has however, emphasised the need for effective implementation mechanism of the policy and also desired that the new Policy be finalised at the earliest. Members also felt the need for massive awareness generation about the various provisions of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 at the State and grassroots level.

Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment and Chairman of the NCOP in his concluding remarks assured that the views/suggestions submitted by the members on draft National Policy on Senior Citizens, 2011 would be incorporated in the final Policy as far as possible. The Minister also agreed to the suggestion for a time bound action plan for finalisation of the new National Policy on Senior Citizens. He further emphasised that massive awareness generation programme needs to be undertaken among the general public and the officials concerned with the implementation of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007. Shri Wasnik also expressed the need for further expansion of the programmes conducted by the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD) in order to cater the increasing demand for caregivers. He also informed that a new scheme of National Awards for eminent senior citizens and institutions working in the field of ageing would be formulated shortly.

Source : PIB Release, November 2, 2011

.

Ms Radhika Doraiswamy retiring on superannuation.

Ms. Radhika Doraiswamy (IPoS-1974), Secretary (Posts)/Chairperson,PSB/DG (Posts) Department of Posts, Dak Bhawan, New Delhi is retiring on superannuation from Government service wef 31.10.2011. Afternoon. During her tenure, the postal services had seen sea changes and also several issues remaining for years together had been properly mitigated.

We record our sincere thanks to Madam and wish her a happy and peaceful retired life