YEAR END REVIEW OF ACHIEVEMENTS AND INITIATIVE OF DEPARTMENT OF POSTS

Department of Posts has the largest postal network in the world.  It provides postal facilities within reach of every citizen in the country through its vast network at affordable prices. During the long journey from 1857 onward, India Post network has expanded from 23,344 post offices to 1,55,035 post offices as on 31.3.2008. Of these 1,39,173 Post Offices are in rural areas and 15,862 Post Offices in urban areas with an average post office serving 7,174 people and covering an area of approximately 21.2 sq. kms. Some of the important significant events of the Department, particularly focused at Aam Aadmi are as under:-

Enrolling the citizen for ‘Aadhar’ and dispatching the ‘Aadhar’ letters

MOU between Department of Posts and Unique Identification Authority of India - A Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) was signed between Department of Posts and Unique Identification Authority of India for printing, booking, transmission and delivery of letters carrying ‘Aadhar’ numbers of the residents through Speed Post. More than 2.5 Crores of ‘Aadhar’ letters have so far been printed and dispatched by Department of Posts. Department is also working as Registrar with Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) for providing ‘Aadhar' enrollment service through select Post offices.  During the year 2011(upto 1st week of Dec, 2011, over 41 lakhenrollments have been done.

Improving Mail processing and  delivery

            The Department of Posts has initiated Mail Network Optimization Project to improve the quality of mail processing, transmission and delivery. The project seeks to optimize the existing mail network of Department of Posts with a view to streamline core mail operations. It also seeks to bring in greater standardization and improvement in the operational processes relating to mail processing, transmission and delivery and proposes to introduce a more effective Performance Management Mechanism for mail operations.

           

Setting up of Automated Mail Processing Centre’s - The Department has undertaken a project to set up Automated Mail Processing Centers (AMPCs) in six  major cities  with a view to automate mail sorting.

The letter sorting machines would be able to sort approximately 35000 articles per hour whereas the Mixed Mail Sorter would sort approximately 16000 articles per hour.

The Mixed Mail sorting machines would help in faster processing of large size letters flats and packets/ parcels through the use of Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology.

Automation in mail processing would also help the department in modernization of mail network, consolidation of sorting activities and expedite mail sorting and delivery in these cities.

Creation of National Address Data Base Management System - Under this project, the Department has undertaken and initiative to put in place a national address database management system with an objective to effectively manage the address database of public/ customers, update the addresses online, and help the customers in locating correct addresses and PIN codes. The project has been completed in  to two metro cities  where address data up to street level has been collected and street directory prepared.

SENIOR POSTMASTER EXAMINATION POSTPONED

Directorate has informed that the limited Departmental Competitive Examination for Promtion to the cadre of Senior Postmaster scheduled to be held on 31.12.2011 is postponed indefinitely. Further date of conduction will be intimated later on.

555 Odissi dancers perform to set world record

As the rhythms of ‘mandala’ (drum specially used in Odissi dance) reverberated through the Kalinga Stadium here on Friday, the dancers, attired in bright Sambalpuri handloom saris and traditional ornaments, moved like waves in an ocean of myriad colours. The biggest congregation of Odissi dancers – 555 to be precise – from across India and abroad matched steps to perform the complete five-phase repertoire of classical Odissi for 30 minutes, a feat which they hope would ensure a place in Guinness Book of World Records. The dancers started with ‘Mangalacharan’ and followed it up with ‘Batu’, ‘Pallavi’, ‘Abhinay’ and finally ‘Mokshya’.

Prerna Vijayeni Panda, a dancer from New Delhi, said: “We rehearsed for three days at the venue here before the final performance. Performing at the event is the most exciting day in my life.”

Maria Laura Valdez from Peru, one of the 20-odd dancers from abroad who performed in the event, said: “The experience was exhilarating. I will cherish this moment all my life.”

Guru Ratikanta Mohapatra, who choreographed the sequence, said they organised the event as per the terms and conditions set by the Guinness Book of World Records authorities. “I am sure the performance will create a unique record,” he said.

Terming it as the most ambitious cultural event taken up by the Odisha government, Odisha tourism and culture secretary Ashok Tripathy said it would showcase Odisha’s culture and give a big boost to tourism at international level. “We have put in our best efforts. I hope Guinness authorities will recognise the feat after going through their procedures,” Tripathy said.

The Guinness Book authorities will get back in a few days.

The spectacular dance event in fact kicked off the International Odissi Dance Festival, which will be held over the next seven days till December 30. The festival, jointly organised by Bhubaneswar based Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre, US based Indian Performing Art Promotion and Odisha government’s Tourism and Culture department, has attracted more than 1000 dancers, including 200 from abroad, who will perform solo, duet and group Odissi presentations at different venues in Bhubaneswar.

 INDEFINITE STRIKE FROM  17th  JANUARY

TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE DIFFICULTIES EXPRESSED BY SOME OF CIRCLE SECRETARIES AND GENERAL SECRETARIES GDS UNIONS FOR ORGANIZING STRIKE IN AN EFFECTIVE MANNER WITH IN A SHORT PERIOD, THE CENTRAL JCA HAS DECIDED TO POSTPONE THE DATE OF INDEFINITE STRIKE FROM 3rd  JANUARY TO 17th  JANUARY, 2012. THERE IS NO CHANGE IN THE STRIKE NOTICE SERVING DATE AND HUNGER FAST BY GENERAL SECRETARIES.

      
COPY OF THE STRIKE NOTICE AND CHARTER OF DEMANDS IS PUBLISHED  BELOW

SOUREC:AIPEU BLOG

CHARTER OF DEMANDS

1. (a) Drop the Mail Network Optimisation Project (MNOP) and reject the Mckinsey Consultancy's disastrous recommendations. In spite of the opposition and disagreement expressed by the staff side in the MNOP Committee, the Department is going ahead with the implementation of L1, L2 (hub system for first class mails). Further the request for additional intra-circle speed post hubs proposed by the staff side is not yet fully implemented. Change of administrative jurisdiction of speed post hubs from Postal side to RMS side is also not considered favourably.

(b) Stop closure/merger of Post offices including Branch Post offices. Even though it was assured by the Secretary (Posts) in the minutes of the discussion held on 01.07.2011, that there will be no closure/merger of Post offices, except simultaneous relocation, instructions in this regard are yet to be communicated to the Circle/Regional heads. Even now some Regional heads are closing Post offices indiscriminately.

(c) Drop the proposed move to introduce delivery hubs for delivery of articles by withdrawing delivery from all town sub post offices in the urban areas. Orders for rotation of the Sorting Postmen work among Beat Postman may be withdrawn.

(d) Review CRC, EPP and logistics norms.
2. Grant status as Central Government Civil Servants to Gramin Dak Sevaks employees for all purposes including service matters, pay scale, increment, allowances, pension, promotion, leave, bonus, trade unions rights and other terminal benefits. Scrap the new Recruitment rules for appointment of postmen by 25% outside recruitment which curtails the promotional avenues of GDS and restore the previous Recruitment rules. Enhance the bonus ceiling of GDS to 3500/- at par with regular employees. Withdraw the tightened norms for cash handling, stamp sale, and other norms for assessing the workload of BPMs, stop reduction of TRCA in case of reduction in workload. Modify the orders restricting compassionate appointment of GDS. Scrap the newly notified "GDS Conduct & Engagement Rules" and restore the previous "GDS Conduct and
Employment Rules". Fill up all GDS Mailmen Posts in RMS. Providing norms for NREGS and till that time the higher rate of incentive may be paid. Inspite of assurances to reconsider the orders, no favourable orders have been issued so far.
3. Revise the wages of casual labourers including part-time and contingent employees w.e.f. 1.1.2006 as per Supreme Court orders based on the minimum pay implemented as per Sixth CPC recommendations. Stop outsourcing the work of casual labourers and contingent employees. Grant temporary Status to all full time casual labourers. Convert part-time into full-time by combination of duties. Absorb all part-time casual and contingent employees creating GDS posts. Inspite of favourable assurances during discussion no orders have been issued so far.
4. Immediate revision of OTA rates and stop recovery of OTA paid to officials who are engaged compulsorily on OTA overlooking the pay-ceiling.

5. Implement the assurances made on 12.07.2010 strike settlement and also in the JCM Departmental Council Meeting held on 23.08.2010. Ensure prompt holding of Departmental Council Meetings. In spite of assurance that next JCM meeting will be held within one month, no meeting has been notified so far.
6. Immediate finalization of Cadre Restructuring proposals including Postal Accounts as assured by the Secretary Department of Posts and its implementation. In spite of the assurance that the proposals will be finalized within one month, the process is still in the initial stage.
7. Stop decentralization of Postal Accounts, PLI and RPLI and ensure status-quo. Save DPLI office, Kolkata and ensure job security to the staff of DPLI. Certain items of work relating to PLI has been decentralized unilaterally.
8. Expedite the process of filling of all vacant posts in all wings including GDS. Create additional new post wherever workload is heavy. 2/3 posts for the period up to 2008 kept in skeleton may be redeployed to offices where additional post is justified.
9. Ensure 100% filling up of LSG, HSG-II, HSG-I promotional posts before implementation of Postmasters Cadre, remove the retrograde eligibility conditions for appearing the examination of Grade I and PSS Group B and allow Account line officials also.
10. Create the System Administrators posts as assured with specified norms and other works and make it a separate cadre as a promotional cadre to PA/SA.
11. Stop combination of beats /double duty, stop harassment of staff insisting 100% impracticable condition for delivery under Project Arrow. Settle the demands raised in the Postmen Committee such as distance factor, number of articles, Grant of Cycle allowance without distance condition, cash payment for uniform and kit items, Supply of good quality uniforms, Revision of norms. Stop imposing unmanageable workload on staff in the name of verification of applications and delivery of Adhar cards to public. Settle the items already submitted by Postmen Unions.

12. Fixing norms for newly assigned works of Multi Tasking Staff. Allow to decline postman promotion for MTS under seniority quota without loosing MACP promotions and review the recruitment rules of MTS to Postmen / Mail Guards.
13. Grant promotions to Drivers / Artisans at par with other C.G. organizations like Railways/Defence. Higher Pay Scales to charge hand & Drivers.
14. Declare SBCO Staff as Divisional cadre, Stop harassment of SBCO officials under contributory factors. Complete the Ledger Agreement Work and update the SBCO before launching Core Banking.
15. Fill up all Postal Civil Wing and Electrical Wing posts as per CPWD norms. Creation of one Civil Circle and Electrical and Architectural Division in every Circle. Expedite the Restructuring of Civil Wing Cadres. Restrict the transfer of non-gazetted staff within the concerned Postal Circle only. Retain Head clerk designation instead of Assistant and declare Head clerk as supervisory posts.
16. Ensure full fledge functioning of newly formed Postal Accounts Offices by providing adequate staff strength and accommodation. Rectify the anomaly caused due to promotion of Group 'D' official to the cadre of LDC after 2006. Restore the residency period of three years in respect of JA to SA promotion retrospectively w.e.f. 13.12.2006. Grant MACP to those joined in Sorter cadre treating LDC as entry grade as the Sorter grade has been defunct since 2000. Expedite the process of filling up of vacant posts in the Postal Accounts Wing.
17. Counting of past services rendered by erstwhile RTPs for promotions and MACP.
18. Implement Apex Court Judgment in case of RRR Candidates in true sprit and extend to all approved RRR Candidates awaiting for absorption.
19. Stop Harassing and victimization of innocent officials under contributory negligence factors. Implement the true spirit of Govt. orders and Volumes and no recovery should be made if the concerned is not directly responsible for the loss sustained to the department.20. Stop discrimination towards PO & RMS Accounts Cadre, Create separate cadre and earmark percentage of posts for norm based promotions in the same cadre, Count Special Allowance for fixation on promotion, Withdraw the recovery imposed on Postman Pay fixation and drawal of bonus to GDS. Restore the date of passing the Accountant examination for according LSG promotions instead date of entry in PA cadre.
21. Enhance the LR strength on all cadres to the extent of 20% and fill up all vacant LR posts.
22. Ensure prompt grant of Child Care Leave as per the liberalized orders, unnecessary hurdles
put forth should be dropped.

23. Review the MACP clarificatory orders and rectify the issues like, non drawal of special allowance on acquiring MACP, wrong interpretation of IIIrd MACP to departmental promotes only after 30 years, Counting as double promotions as Group D & Postmen even in the case of promotion to Postman on GDS quota, non counting of training period for MACP, ignore promotions acquired on deptl. exam for MACP, ignore all uncommunicated average bench marks for MACP as per Judicial verdict. Ensure prompt holding of DPCs at Circle and Divisional level as per DOP&T latest instructions. Grant of Grad pay 1900, 2000 with effect from 01.01.2006 to those Group D (MTS) who were given TBOP/BCR before 1.01.2006.
24. Stop attack on Union office bearers by misusing Rule 37 transfers and Rule 9 of CCS (CCA) Rules. Dispose all Rule 9 (Pension rules) disciplinary cases and review petition cases pending at Directorate years together.
25. Denying the legitimate right of employees to avail holidays & Sundays by compelling them to attend frequent meetings/Melas arranged by the department. In spite of the instructions issued by Directorate, some of the lower authorities are still compelling the staff to attend melas and meetings on Sundays and holidays.

POSTAL JOINT COUNCIL OF ACTION
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF POSTAL EMPLOYEES
FEDERATION OF NATIONAL POSTAL ORGANISATIONS
ALL INDIA POSTAL EXTRA DEPARTMENTAL EMPLOYEES UNION
NATIONAL UNION OF GRAMIN DAK SEVAKS
NEW DELHI

No: JCA/AGTN/2011 Dated 05.12.2011


To
Ms. Manjula Prasher,
Secretary Department of Posts,
Dak Bhawan,
New Delhi-110116


Subject: Non implementation of assurances and revival of postponed Indefinite Strike.


Respected Madam,

         The meeting of the Central JCA held on 03.12.2011 at New Delhi, have reviewed the post-5th July deferred strike settlement situation and have come to unanimous conclusion that Postal Board has failed to implement the assurances given by the Secretary [Posts] on agreed demands, even after a lapse of four months. Further it is going ahead with the unilateral implementation of the Mail Network Optimization Project [MNOP] in spite of vehement opposition of the Staff Side.During the discussion with the Secretary [Posts] on 5th July deferred strike demands, it was assured that there will be no closure/merger of Post Offices, other than simultaneous relocation. But orders in this regard are yet to be communicated to the Heads of the Circle. Orders on Sorting Postman need further modification.On GDS issues no favourable orders are issued on any of the items till this date. Payment of Pro-rata wages and absorption of Casual labourers and Part Time contingent employees still remains unsettled, even though it was assured that orders on payment of pro-rata wages to pre-1993 appointees will be issued within a month.JCM Departmental Council meeting is indefinitely delayed. Cadre-restructuring Committee has not yet finalized its final proposals. Issues relating to Postmen, Mail guard and MTS are still in the negotiating stage and no settlement in sight. Demands of the Circle / Regional Offices administrative staff, Postal Accounts, SBCO and Civil Wing employees are not given serious consideration. In short, abnormal delay is taking place in settlement of the genuine demands raised in the Charter of Demands.On contrary, even when most of the burning issues of the employees are totally neglected or remains unsettled, the Postal Board is going ahead with implementation of the retrograde recommendations of the McKinsey on Mail Network Optimization Project [MNOP]. In the Committee constituted under the Chairmanship of Member [Operations] for reviewing the issues arising out of the implementation of speed post Hubs and proposed L1, L2 in first class mails, the Staff Side representatives have vehemently opposed the implementation of L1, L2 in first class mails as it will adversely affect the efficiency of the services resulting in abnormal delay thereby leading to erosion of public faith on the postal services. Further it will also result in large-scale dislocation / transfer of employees and will adversely affect their promotional prospects. In spite of our objection and disagreement, the Postal Board has made it clear that they are going ahead with the implementation of the MNOP Project.In the above circumstances, the Staff Side is left with no alternative, but to revive the postponed strike decision and resort to the agitational path once again. The Central JCA after in depth analysis of the entire situation, have decided to go on indefinite strike from 17thJanuary, 2012. It was also decided to serve the strike notice on 15.12.2011 and to conduct mass demonstrations / dharnas in front of all Chief PMG / PMG Offices and Divisional Offices on that day. As a second phase of the agitation, the Secretary Generals of NFPE and FNPO and the General Secretarie and CHQ Office Bearers of Federations /All India Unions / Associations of the JCA shall sit on hunger fast in front of Dak Bhawan on 26.12.2011.We hope that the Postal Board shall come forward for a negotiated settlement on all the issues mentioned above.

Detailed charter of demands and strike notice will be served on 15-12.2011.

Yours faithfully,
M. Krishnan D. Theagarajan
Secretary General, NFPE Secretary General, FNPO

S. S. Mahadevaiah P.U. Muralidharan

General Secretary General Secretary

AIPEDEU NUGDS

REVISED ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR RECRUITMENT OF POSTAL ASSISTANT AND SORTING ASSISTANT

Eligibility criteria for the posts of Postal Assistants and Sorting Assistants…

This information was given by Minister of State in the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology SHRI SACHIN PILOT in written reply to a question (2145 - Shri M.B.RAJESH) raised in Lok Sabha on 07.12.2011 regarding the eligibility criteria for recruitment in Postal Department.

MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR RECRUITMENT

Question :-

(a) whether the Department of Posts has specified any fresh eligibility criteria for the posts of Postal Assistants and Sorting Assistants;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(c) whether the Department has specifically excluded vocational streams from the recruitment process;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(e) whether the Government proposes to amend the eligibility criteria to include vocational streams;and

(f) if so, the details thereof and the action taken in this regard?

Answer :-

(a) Yes Madam.

(b) The educational criteria and otherqualifications required for direct recruits are:

(i) 10+2 standard or 12th class pass with at least 60% marks, from recognized University/Board of School Education/Board of SecondaryEducation with English as a compulsory subject (excluding vocational streams), 55% for other Backward Classes and 45% for Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribes.

(ii) Should have studied local language of the State or Union Territory of the concerned Postal Circle or Hindi as a subject at least in Matriculation or equivalent. Earlier “Scheme of Examination” for direct recruitment provided for, shortlisting of the candidates to the extent of 10 times of the reported vacancies, based on the marks obtained by them in 10+2 standard or 12th class. As per the amended Recruitment Rules, all candidates having the prescribed educational qualification and are otherwise found eligible would be called for appearing in the examination. Apart from it, the candidates who had studied Hindi up to Matriculation have also been madeeligible. The said amendments in the Recruitment Rules have been done to widen the field of selection.

(c) The provisions of the earlier Recruitment Rules in this regard have been retained.

(d) Not applicable in view of reply to (c).

(e) No Madam.

(f) Does not arise in view of reply to (e) above.

Centre sanctions 19 polytechnics-One of the polytechnics will be in Jaipatna in Kalahandi.

The Centre has sanctioned 19 polytechnics for the State to be established under the public private partnership (PPP) mode.
The State Government has proposed to set up the polytechnics at Kalinga Nagar, Champua, Padampur, Rairangpur, Paradip, Astarang, Bhanjanagar, Baliapal, Khurda, Koraput, Daspalla, Rairakhole, Pallahara, Narsingpur, Titlagarh, Jaipatana, Bisamkatak, Sundargarh and Umerkote.
The Ministry will provide ` 3 crore one- time assistance for each polytechnic on the recommendation of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). The State Government will provide either land or ` 2 crore as its share.

The industry partners will deposit a minimum amount of` 10 crore for infrastructure development like construction of building and procurement of equipment for the institute.
The industry partners may set up the polytechnics within the industry campus or else the State Government will provide land. If the industry partner provides land, the land deeds are to be transferred to themanagement committee of the institute.
The recurring expenditure of the proposed institute will be borne by the management committee from fees collected from the students and internal revenue generation. The private partners will meet the additionalexpenditure, if any, of the institute.

Admission to the polytechnics will be based on common entrance examination or the existing procedure adopted in the State. However, concessional fees will be mandatory for weaker and disadvantaged section of society.
The Government and the private promoters will sign a memorandum of understanding with AICTE.
Admission fee for the polytechnics will be decided by the State Government in consultation with the management committee of each institute.
As per the circular of the Ministry of Human Resource Development, programmes or courses to be offered by polytechnics will be decided by the management committee. The trades to be offered should relate to the industries partnering under the project.
If the private partner is not an industry, the Governmentwill identify the needs of the region in consultation withthe managing committee.
The proposed polytechnics will be affiliated to the Boardof Technical Education and the State Government may accord autonomous status in consultation with the AICTE.
Multiple industry partners may join together to set up polytechnics so that collaboration in different areas will be possible.

* The Ministry will provide ` 3 crore one-time assistance for each polytechnic
* The State Government will provide either land or ` 2 crore as its share.
* The industry partners will deposit a minimum amount of ` 10 crore for infrastructure development
* The industry partners may set up the polytechnics within its campus or else the State Government will provide land

Over 1 lakh branch post offices will be equipped with IT infrastructure by 2012-13

Over 1 lakh branch post offices will be equipped with IT infrastructure by 2012-13, Parliament was informed today.

"About 24,015 departmental post offices have been supplied with computer hardware. The remaining 1,279 departmental post offices and 1,29,497 branch post office of the Department would be equipped with Information Technologyinfrastructure under ''India Post Technology Project-2012'' by 2012-13," Minister of State for Communications and IT Sachin Pilot said.

There were 1,54,866 post offices in the country atthe end of March 31, 2011, of which 24,015 are computerised and 12,202 have Internet connectivity, Pilot said in a written reply to Lok Sabha.

In reply to another question, he said there were 98 Telegraph offices in the country as on November 30, 2011 and all of them are working on modern technology -- WTMS (Web Based Telegraph Messaging System).

To yet another question, Pilot said India Post has signed an agreement with the National Stock Exchange on September 26, 2011, for installation of LCD screens in the post offices that is aimed at creation of financial literacy and awareness leading to financial inclusion.

"All expenditure, except electricity charges on setting up of LCD screen in post offices, shall be borne by the NSE," the minister said.

Source: http://news.in.msn.com

Orissa Govt introduces 15-day paternity leave

The state government today announced introduction of 15-day paternity leave for its male employees and extended the period of maternity leave from three months to six months, official sources said.

The decision in this regard was taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. The government introduced the new leave system in order to facilitate parents of new born children, they said. Though the women government employees were earlier entitled to avail 90 days of maternity leave, the facility had been extended to 180 days or six months.

The decision in this regard will be implemented from December 1, officials said. The new child birth related leave was introduced as per the recommendation of the sixth pay commission, they said.

Odisha Civil Services (OAS) Preliminary Exam 2011

Odisha Civil Services Preliminary Exam 2011 notification has been issued by Orissa Public Service Commission (OPSC). Exams will be held by OPSC to the recruitment 2011-12 to the Posts and Service in Category-I & Category-II. There are total 364 vacancies.

Category I Vacancies:

      i) Odisha Administrative Service
     ii) Odisha Police Service, Group-A

Category II Vacancies:

    iii) Odisha Co-operative Service
    iv) Odisha Revenue Service, Group-B
    v) Odisha Taxation & Accounts Service

Qualification required is Bachelor’s Degre

Four attempts are permitted for every candidate appearing at the Civil Services Examination.

Test will consist of 3 stages:
     1. Preliminary Exam (Objective Type Questions)
     2. Main Exam
     3. Personality Test or Interview

Exam fee is Rs. 100. Fee should be submitted through account payee Bank Draft/Pay Order in favour of Special Secretary, Odisha Public Service Commission payable at any scheduled Bank of Cuttack OR in shape of deposit of the amount in the Government Treasury under the Head “0051-PSC-105-State PSC-Examination Fee”.

Application form is available at the commission’s offices. Form can be submitted by Registered Post/Speed Post/Courier Service to “the Special Secretary, OPSC, 19, Dr. P.K. Parija Road, Cuttack-753001”. Last date to submit applications is 31st Dec 2011.

POSTAL JCA DECIDES TO GO ON INDEFINITE STRIKE FROM 03.01.2012

Postal JCA decides to go on Indefinite strike from 03.01.2012

The meeting of the Central JCA held on 03.12.2011 at New Delhi, have reviewed the post-5th July deferred strike settlement situation and have to come unanimous conclusion that Postal Board has failed to implement the assurances given by the Secretary [Posts] on agreed demands, even after a lapse of four months. Further it is going ahead with the unilateral implementation of the Mail Network Optimization Project [MNOP] in spite of vehement opposition of the Staff Side.

The Central JCA after in depth analysis of the entire situation, have decided to go on indefinite strike from 3rd January, 2012. It was also decided to serve the strike notice on 15.12.2011 and to conduct mass demonstrations / dharnas in front of all Chief PMG / PMG Offices and Divisional Offices on that day. As a second phase of the agitation, the Secretary Generals of NFPE and FNPO and the General Secretaries and CHQ Office Bearers of Federations /All India Unions / Associations of the JCA shall sit on hunger fast in front of Dak Bhawan on 26.12.2011.

SB ORDER NO. 30/2011 - Introduction of 10-Year National Savings Certificate (IX-Issue)

In accordance with the decisions taken by the Government on the basis of the recommendations of the Committee for Comprehensive Review of National Small Savings Fund (NSSF), headed by Smt Shyamala Gopinath, the then Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India, Notifications on changes made in various small saving schemes except 10-Year National Savings Certificate, have already been issued on 25th November 2011.

                The Notification for launch of new savings instrument, namely 10-Year National Savings Certificate (IX-Issue), 2011, has been issued today, the 29th November, 2011.

                The major highlights of this scheme are as follows

- Investments in Certificate will earn Interest at the rate of 8.7% p.a. compounded semi-annually.

- On investment of Rs. 100, the depositor will get Rs. 234.35 on maturity of the Certificate.

- This Certificate will be available in the denominations of Rs. 100, Rs. 500, Rs. 1000, Rs.5000 and Rs. 10,000.

- There is no upper limit for investment in the Certificate.

- This Certificate can be transferred from a post office where it is registered to any other post office and it can be pledged as a security.