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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REGULARIZATION OF CASUAL LABOURERS - WINS A LEGAL BATTLE. POST OF NFPE RE PRODUCED FOR YOUR INFORMATION.

AFTER WAITING 30 YEARS, 150 POSTAL STAFF REGULARISED

Chennai, Mar 9, 2012(TNN): After waiting for 30 years, close to 150 employees of the postal department will finally become regular employees, thanks to the intervention of the Central Administrative Tribunal ( CAT). A bench of G Shanthappa, judicial member and R Satapathy, administrative member, passed orders on the matter.

The applicants were appointed mazdoors with the department of posts in 1982. While joining, they were assured that their services would be regularised. Based on directions in a Supreme Court judgment, the department introduced a scheme in 1991 which stipulated that all casual labourers who worked for eight hours a day for 240 days every year as on November 29, 1989 would be conferred temporary status.

Those who were granted temporary status and had worked for three consecutive years would be conferred with 'Group D' status. These employees – who are now called multi-tasking staff – would be eligible for pension and other service benefits.

When they approached the tribunal in 2010, they were directed to make individual representations to authorities by listing out their grievances. But their claims were rejected mainly on two grounds – that they were overage and that they did not have the qualification.

When their fresh applications came up for hearing, M Ravindran, additional solicitor general who appeared for the Union government, said authorities did not have any objection to regularise their services.

The bench said there "cannot be any hindrance for the absorption of applicants" who have been working for so long. "It has also come to our notice that there are enough vacancies to accommodate the applicants before us," the bench said.

Authorities were directed to consider regularising these applicants and give age relaxation and training for those who did not possess matriculation skills within three months.

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Happy Holi !

May you get all the colours of life, colours of joy, colours of happiness, colours of friendship, colours of love and all other colours you want to paint in your life.

Best wishes to you and your family for a Holi filled with sweet moments and memories to cherish for long.

*** ~~~~~~~~~~ !! Happy Holi !! ~~~~~~~~~~ ***

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All India Postal Employees' Union Group-C, W. B. Circle covers our Study Camp.

All India Postal Employees' Union Group-C, W. B. Circle covers our First Trade Union Study Camp organised at Howrah H.P.O. on 3^rd and 4^th March 2012. 

The following was published on their website " http://aipeup3wb.blogspot.in " on 5th March, 2012.

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Howrah Divisional Unions arranged Trade Union Study Camp at Howrah H.O. from the evening of 3rd March to 4th March 2012. The camp was organised in the model of the All India camp at Puri. 

   Com. Shib Sankar Roy, Jt. Convener, 12th July Committee and our teacher, spoke on the History of Trade Union Movement in India. Com. Gouranga Deb Maity, AGS Gr-C (CHQ) & A.C.S. Gr-C,  delivered in the session of Disciplinary Proceedings. Sri A.K.Maity, SSPOs, Spoke on utilisation and scopes of RTI Act 2005. Study material was supplied to around 100 participating comrades. 50 questions and answers were supplied in printed form in Bengali. A note on disciplinary proceedings prepared by Com. Gouranga Deb Maity was distributed among the participants. Another note on day-to-day troubleshooting of computer-related problems for computerised offices, prepared by Com. Jayanta Chandra, P.A. (System Assistant), Howrah Divn and member, Circle Union's Technology Sub-Committee  had also been circulated.

    Apart from the Divisional Leadership of Howrah, Secretaries and activists of other divisions like South Hooghly, Tamluk, Asansole also extended their help and some of them were also present. Com. Asim Deb, Vice-President, Circle Gr-C Union and invited as Convener, Sangrami Dak Sub-Committee, was also present. The program was a grand success.

    Circle Union congratulates comrades of Howrah Divn for this timely effort and as the Circle Level Study Camp follows on next Saturday & Sunday at Kolkata GPO, all divisional/branch secretaries are requested to take similar efforts in their divisions in coming days.  

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 Thanks for covering our event. Our best wishes for the upcoming Circle Study Camp.

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Com. Anandi Kumar, P.A., Aandul Mouri S.O. is the highest scorer of our study camp. Congratulations comrade !!!

Com. Anandi Kumar, Postal Assistant, Andul Mouri S.O. has scored the highest in the multiple choice examination, in our Study Camp held at Howrah H.P.O. on 04.03.2012.


Congratulation to him !!! As per our earlier announcement, he will be our Special Delegate to the Circle Study Camp to be held at Kolkata GPO on 10th & 11th March, 2012. The individual scores will be intimated shortly to all other delegates (who has submitted their Answer Sheet in due time on 04.03.2012.) individually. We hope, that all of you have enjoyed the Study Camp in its true spirit.

The Circle Study camp is expected to be another magnum opus of A.I.P.E.U. Com. Anandi Kumar is requested to apply for the special casual leave on Saturday (10.03.2012) to attend the event with other delegates from our division.

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TRADE UNION STUDY CAMP AT HOWRAH H.P.O. -- A GRAND SUCCESS.

“The essence of the knowledge is, having it, to apply it; not having it, to confess your ignorance.” - Confucius.

First Trade Union Study Camp of Howrah Division, organised by NFPE Group of Postal Unions, Howrah Divisional Branch, was held at Howrah H.P.O. on 3^rd and 4^th March 2012. A good number of all classes of employees (i.e. PA, Postman and GDS) more than hundred in numbers, belonging to the age group of 19 years to 59 years of our Division, attended that study camp with their passionate spirit to make the camp a grand success. We have also invited members of FNPO; and there were two delegates from the National Group-C Union, Howrah Division, who have attended the study camp. We are congratulating them for their spirit.

The camp was inaugurated by Sri Jagannath Sarkar, Sr. Postmaster, Howrah H.P.O. on 3^rd March at 05:30 p.m. Com. Pinaki Mandal, Secretary, A.I.P.E.U., Group-C, Howrah Divisional Branch, addressed the delegates on 3^rd March, 2012 offering warm welcome to all and described the underlying idea and essence of the Study Camp in details .

Work paper, study material on department ruling and GDS ruling, one Xerox copy of the work paper given at ‘’Puri Study Camp’’ were distributed among the delegates on that day. 

Classes were taken on 4^th March by 

1. Com. Gouranga Deb Maity, Assistant General Secretary on Disciplinary Proceedings & Departmental Rulings)
2. Com. Shibsankar Roy, Ex-Circle Secretary of A.I.P.E.U., Group - C, West Bengal Circle & Joint Convenor of State 12^th July Committee on History of the Postal Trade Union Movement & our task
3. Sri A.K. Maity, Sr. Supdt. of North Kolkata Division on RTI Act, 2005 and its application.

Gracious presence of Com. Ashim Deb, Convenor, Sangrami Dak Patrika, Com. Swarup  Ghanti, Secretary,AIPEU,Group-C, Asansol Division, Com. Sudipta Giri, Asansol Division, Com. Sirshendu Sahoo, Secreatary, AIPEU, Group C, Tamluk Division, Com. Samit Mukherjee, Assistant Secretary, AIPEU Group - C, Kolkata G.P.O., Com. Jayanta Malakar, Assistant Secretary, AIPEU Group-C, North Kolkata Division and Com. Niladri Pal, Financial Secretary, South Hooghly Division inspired all the delegates of the study camp.

Com. Pinaki mondal, Secretary, A.I.P.E.U., Group-C, Howrah Divisional Branch conducted the Question, Answer Session and Discussion Session on some common problems and Examination on all staff related matters and rulings. Guidelines of Meghdoot Version 7.0 ( brilliantly prepared and designed by Com. Jayanta Chanda, Organising Secretary of A.I.P.E.U., Group-C, Howrah Divisional Branch ) was distributed to all the SPMs of computerised Sub offices (along with the visitors from other divisions), who were present as delegates on 4^th March.

The reception committee under the able and dynamic leadership of Com. Pinaki Mondal, Secretary, A.I.P.E.U., Group-C, Com.Swapan Mondal, President, A.I.P.E.U., Group-C, Com. Bankim Dolui, Secretary, A.I.P.E.U., Postman & Group-D, Com. Sunil Hazra, President, A.I.P.E.U., Postman & Group-D, Com. Asgar Ali Mallick, Secretary, A.I.P.E.D.E.U. and Com. Pankaj Ghara, President, A.I.P.E.D.E.U. made an excellent arrangement for the camp.

We congratulate all the comrade, delegates and our working committee members (specially who has played a big supportive role in it) for extending their full co-operation and support to make the Trade Union Study Camp a grand success.

Note : Special thanks to Com. K.V. Sridharan, our G.S., for the experience & inspirations of All India Study Camp, Puri, which we have implemented in our Camp. One copy of the workpaper on the day to day computer operations at computerised Sub Offices, was handed over to Com. Ashim Deb with an earnest request to distribute a copy of it to all the Divisional Secretaries, who will attend the Circle Study Camp at Kolkata GPO. It was really a brilliant work by Com. Jaynta Chanda, System Assistant & Instructor, WCTC Howrah H.O. 


The highest scorer of the last examination (taken at the end of the Study Camp), will be given the elusive opportunity to attend the Circle Study Camp on 10^th & 11^th March at Kolkata GPO.

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At last, it's the prime time, our first trade union study camp at Howrah H.P.O from tomorrow.

On 03.03.2012 , our first 'Trade Union Study Camp' will start at 05:30 p.m., in the first floor of Howrah H.P.O. Building. There will be 125 delegates in the Study Camp. On 04.03.2012, it will start sharp at 10 a.m. So, all delegates are requested to attend both the session on time. Otherwise, you will definitely miss a lot. Hope, you will co-operate with us to make it a grand success.

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THE TERROR CONTINUES IN THE 'UNIQUE DEMOCRACY' OF WEST BENGAL.

The environment of panic and terror continues even on the next day of the historic strike. Despite severe threats all over the state, the political hooligans could not succeed to foil the strike. The desolate streets, locked gates and empty vehicles told the story other way. Many of our comrades were threatened before the strike to attend office, but they did not. So, the hooligans appeared today at places to take their accounts.

Early information reached us today that at Srirampore H.O.(South Hooghly Division), Police picked up Com. Subrata Nag, Group-D Mail Peon from office without permission or intimation to the departmental administration. No reason furnished, no warrant shown, no allegation uttered. Information from local sources also reached at the office that the Offg. Postmaster (our member) would be attacked shortly as he did not obey the dictum of the miscreants not to strike. Few such known faces were also noted gathering in the vicinity. An FIR was also reportedly filed against the Offg. Postmaster for not opening office. The Divl Leadership contacted the Divl Supdt and the Circle Secretary met the PMG, South Bengal Region immediately. Both the officers reacted appropriately and the Police was intimated by the department that the Postal Employees proceeded on strike upon serving prior notice. Finally, the Police released Com. Subrata Nag and the Divl Supdt assured us that no FIR was lying and the department filed no complaint against anybody, Police was hyperactive due to some outside influences.

At Nakshalbari S.O. in Darjeeling Division, few political miscreants found gheraoing the office today morning and waiting for the staffs to come, whom they threatened the other day not to participate in the strike. Our comrades were aware of probable attack and they kept safe distance. Divl leadership intimated the Supdt and Circle Secretary also talked with Sri M.L.Kalia, PMG, North Bengal & Sikkim. The PMG talked to the higher ranks of the Police and finally, a police force went to the office and dispersed the gathering.

At Nandan nagar and Kanchrapara S.O.s in North Presidency Division, the situations were no different. The SPM of Nandan nagar S.O. was directed today morning by the miscreants to meet them in an adjacent office of a Political Party (opposing the strike) before he left for home. However, security was arranged and he did not require to oblige them. Postal staffs of Kanchrapara S.O. had previous experiences of similar threats.

Comrades, there are several more instances. We are only citing these as we intend to let you all know that how bravely our comrades are fighting. The threats and today's revengeful attitude establish that the hooligans could not succeed in their mission, but we have achieved ours. Please hold the demonstration today at recess hours to bring all these issues into light. Involve every single postal employee, expose our enemies and build up class-hatred. 

This post has been copied from our Circle Unions website and published in our website only to intimate all of you regarding the scenario of our state, and also to know, who are our enemies. Today, on 02.03.2012, at Howrah H.O., we are organizing one massive lunch hour demonstration in protest of all these incidents. Please join it positively.

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NATIONAL Group C Union, Howrah Division violated their Central Head Quarters instructions and signed the option forms as non-strikers, only for a day's Salary?

Yes Comrades, now this is the biggest question in our division. Is it the fact ? The members of NATIONAL Group C Union, Howrah Division ( who are affiliated to INTUC ) violated the instruction of Central JCA and also the instructions from their CHQ Leaders, and decided not to participate in the strike on 28.02.2012 ! To get the salary for that day,without performing any work (only giving attendance in a white paper), they were very much active in few offices, and continuously pressed the two DDO's in the two head offices to draw their salary for that day of strike also. With all these activities, they were trying to spoil our fight against corruption. Please identify those persons. Because, it is too much important for the success of our future struggles.

In this connection,we have filed two RTI Applications to the Divisional Head and the Senior Postmaster, Howrah H.O. on 29.02.2012, seeking detailed informations related with the non strikers of FNPO.

Through this post,we are requesting our Circle Union to collect data in this regard, from the CPMG also and take some important and proper immediate steps to intimate this event to the CHQ of NATIONAL, Group - C Union, through our General Secretary, to ensure their positive role in future under the banner of JCA ( in the next joint movement ).

Note The members of the National, P-IV Union, Howrah Division took active part in the last strike as strikers, and made it a huge success. In your communication to CHQ, it is to be mentioned also.

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Congratulation to the participants in General Strike. SERIES OF THREATS AND ATTACKS : CONDEMN THROUGH DEMONSTRATION ON 01.03.2012.

WORKING CLASS AND POSTAL EMPLOYEES OF WEST BENGAL HELD THE FLAG OF STRIKE HIGH : IN ALL DIVISIONS .

The working class including our employees has entered a new era of struggle against the anti-people policies of Central Govt. through unique success in 28^th Feb,2012- strike. In West Bengal the State Govt and the Administration practically took drastic stand against the strike and measures to break strike by any means. Being encouraged the main ruling political forces also induced anarchism throughout the state. But the fact is that in spite of severe threats and mental pressure, the success of to-day’s strike is unprecedented.

In our jurisdiction, truly speaking we are proud of our employees. We are really happy to convey our comradely greetings and Red Salute to the postal employees. It is mainly our brave comrades, organizers working in different branches/divisions in an alarming state of affairs and our general employees irrespective of unions took part in strike and made it a grand success. As per the official communiqué, 90% of the employees including GDS in out Circle participated in strike directly. Com M Krishnan, our beloved Secretary General has also conveyed his congratulations and red salute to us.

It is our experience that for last 4/5 days the ruling political force has been threatening the employees in work-spots and residences to open the Post Offices on 28-2-2012. In the last 30 to 35 years it is new phenomenon that the ruling party has perpetrated hooliganism against the Govt officials who supported the strike. Midnapore H.O., Siliguri H.O., Baruipur H.O., Chinsura H.O., Arambag H.O., Contai H.O., Malda H.O., Burdwan H.O., Purulia H.O. etc. are such examples where the concerned Postmasters were compelled to open the Post Offices under the pressure and threats. But even in these offices almost all the officials refused to attend the office and firmly took part in strike.

Role of Police :

We are surprised to note that in case of Moynaguri S.O. under Jalpaiguri Dn, the Police behaved as like as ruling political forces. At the dictate of that force, the police rushed to the residence of striking Postmaster, picked him up and paved him to open the office . Here also the employees remained absent from office taking part in strike. Now the serious question is that whether the Police can act in such a manner as they did in Moynaguri. Obviously not. So what will be the future of law and order situation in our state ,we can easily guess. Almost same are the experiences we gathered in PSD Kolkata, Durgapur H.O., Belghoria H.O., Chakdah S.O., Nalikul S.O., Tarakeswar S.O., Mohanpur B.O. ( Contai Dn).

Political Hooliganism 1 :

In Belghoria H.O. , when the Postmaster was attacked , Com Rina Saha our beloved leader came hurriedly from her house to rescue the Postmaster. We are shocked to mention that she was also attacked and hackled by the miscreants. Finally the office was opened , but neither Com Rina Saha nor concerned Postmaster deviated from their stand and took part in the strike. May be the restraint of Com Rina Saha has been hurt, but her unique role is encouraging to all of us.

Political Hooliganism 2 :

In Tamluk Divn , 50/60 miscreants rushed to the residence of Com Jitendranath Hatai, President of P-III, Tamluk (NFPE). But at that time he was not available in his house, but other members including his wife and two daughters were available. Without caring the female members those miscreants broke the house of Com Hatai to take revenge only because Com Hatai took part in strike. Red salute to Com Hatai that even after this torture on him or his family , he refused to open Tamluk H.O. and finally, Tamluk H.O. was not opened. Same pressure was also to open Srirampore H.O., but it is our comrades and employees who did not bend down under tremendous pressure and finally kept Srirampore H.O. closed.

Circle Office :

Yogayog Bhawan, our circle head quarters was opened , but except a few higher level officers, the staff of Yogayog Bhawan did not turn up and took part in strike spontaneously.

MMS/RMS/DPLI/PAO :

In MMS/RMS, DPLI and Postal Accounts also most of the employees participated in the strike ignoring the threats.

Brave Comrades in far-flung areas :

In Sikkim Division also, the strike was almost 100%.

The Assessment

The alarming incidents we have faced today exposed the anti-working class as well as anti-democratic attitude of the ruling political forces in West Bengal. There are sufficient reasons to apprehend that this will be intensified. We, the working class have to prepare ourselves to fight against any kind of draconian attack.

In respect of all India scenario we have received so far, the strike of the whole working class is a great success and the role postal employees have played to participate in the strike is historic one .We convey our heartiest greetings to Federations and JCA and to the general employees.

The Program in Condemnation :

Protest against the above mentioned incidents in WB Circle. Hold massive demonstration (DHIKKAR SABHA) at recess hours on 01-03-2012 or 2-3-2012 at every work spots and send savingram to CPMG, Respective PMG and Head of the Divn.

Text of the Savingram

“APPROPRIATE STEPS TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST THE POLITICAL HOOLIGANISM FACED BY THE POSTAL EMPLOYEES IN CONNECTION WITH 28^th FEBRUARY 2012 STRIKE CALLED BY JCA AAA ALL CROSS SECTION OF THE POSTAL EMPLOYEES ARE VERY MUCH AGGRIEVED AAA ALSO DEMAND PREVENTIVE MEASURES.”

(President of the meeting)

This post was published in our Circle Union's website, for our divisional comrades information we are re producing the same. We will organize massive protest against these activities on 01.03.2012 at Howrah H.O. in the lunch hours.

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