SIX YEARS INNINGS ! SURE ! NOT OUT !

SIX YEARS INNINGS ! SURE ! NOT OUT !

Good-bye with Contentment

All of you are well aware that I am due for superannuation from the departmental service on 31.5.2012 and this is almost my parting General Secretary’s Desk. Perhaps I had the great chance of serving you in the capacity of General Secretary of this mighty organisation since 2006. I am recalling my affectionate association with all of you during this period and undoubtedly I am having the paramount pleasure that I did something to this movement and also to my fellow-men to the best of my ability. Gandhiji once said “ Satisfaction lies in the efforts; full effort is full victory” and as such I have not left any stone unturned in my efforts and exploited all the situations with full efforts to resolve the issues at the maximum despite the fact that I could not leave  a clean slate to my successor. Of course! It is not possible to anyone. As Com Lenin rightly told that trade unions are schools for learning; A trade union is an incessant movement and problems will never end and will creep new issues at any time. I am leaving some benchmarks to my successor as well as some pending issues for his further follow up action.

P3, the best beneficiary on JCA calls

I recollect my presentations in the August AICs held in Pushkar & Jwalaji on the urgent need of taking special interest to mitigate the issues of Postal Group ‘C’ comrades and in particular to the shortage of staff and deadlocks in the promotions   which were delaying a decade together. I have sincerely and seriously acted and settled many of the genuine demands of our Group ‘C’ during these six years. Whenever the Postal JCA notified strike calls, the best beneficiary among all was the P3 and many small issues remaining unsettled over decades were dealt with solutions. I wish to recollect your reminiscences to the following major advancements we have seen in our area.

Not exhaustive! Only very few

(i)              The vacancies unfilled up in the LGO examinations (Residual vacancies) since 1999 were filled up. The total no. of such vacancies in PA cadre was approximately to the extent of 13000 which alone construed to the 15% of total sanctioned posts.

(ii)            Mass scale recruitment of PAs by summoning all DPS Headquarters to Directorate was carried out in 2009, 2010 in the range of 8000 & 14000 Postal Assistants. The shortage of staff prevailed to the level of 40% were sorted out. The current vacancies are also notified for selection. Thus the long pending issue of shortage of staff in PA cadre has been sorted out despite the fact that there is no recruitment outside the Postal in Govt. Departments till now.

(iii)          First time, all the examination process has been brought under OMR process with objective type questions. Resultantly all the Group ‘B’ Posts, earmarked for General line which were kept unfilled up over decades were filled up. All IP posts were filled up. Even there is surplus list in LGO exams this year in all circles which is due to this objective type pattern only. The number of chances for LGO candidates has been enhanced.

(iv)           For filling up of all vacant IPO posts, surplus system was introduced. After four years it was discontinued as it affected the interest of candidates of own circle.

(v)             P.A. Recruitment Rules have been revised. To avoid resignation of selected candidates, all the candidates possessing 60 % in Plus II are now entitled for selection like Bank & Railway recruitments.

(vi)           The confirmation examination and its adverse effect if not passed within six chances has been scrapped. Many officials who did not pass the exam in six chances and stagnated in the last pay drawn are now benefiting.

(vii)         Filling up of all vacant LSG, HSG II & HSG I posts on notional basis and grant of officiating pay. All HSG I posts now occupied by IP line officials are to be transferred to general line. Leave sanctioning powers to HSG I Postmasters. Filling up all vacant LSG APM Accounts posts as per the LSG Recruitment Rules 1976. Revision of LSG recruitment rules.

(viii)       Applicability of CCS (Pension) Rules 1972 in respect of those put on induction training prior to 1.1.2004. Refund of pension contribution to those recovered irregularly.

(ix)           Stepping up of pay on promotion by comparing direct recruits. Extended the time limit for revision of option.

(x)             Formation of Scrutiny committee for upgradation of ACR for grant of MACP promotions & various clarificatory orders on MACP (more than seven; and still three more pending).

(xi)           Clear Instructions on fixing responsibilities under contributory negligence and no charge sheet without mentioning the violation of rules, upgradation of CR, no punishment for not performing OTA, irregular imposition of FR17A for the strike, withholding of pension, gratuity in case of minor case proceedings etc.

(xii)         Revision of honorarium for calculation of RD Premature closure, Processing of PLI/RPLI claims, for engaging departmental exam, incentive for NREGIS work, Honorarium for Sixth CPC fixation and drawal of arrears, fixation of pension, Honorarium for fixation of TRCA, Revision of FSC, Honororium for invigilators, revision of split duty allowance, revision of SB Allowance, revision of FMC, enhancement of 25% allowances etc. The revised procedure in RPLI incentive at circle levels is the major achievement.

(xiii)       Instructions on writing CRs.

(xiv)       25% incentive to Postal staff out of commission earned under business packages.

(xv)         Stopped the move to close 9797 post offices and RMS offices.

(xvi)       Formation of Cadre restructuring committee and the progress.

(xvii)     Allowing physically handicapped officials to write IP examination.

(xviii)   Settlement of various anomalies in post attached quarters, drawal of additional HRA, delegation of powers for dequarterisation and suspension of quarters and enhancing the financial powers of the divisional heads in securing accommodation for the post offices.

(xix)       Stoppage of organizing meetings and melas on all the Sundays & holidays.

(xx)         Problems of systems administrators and grant of conveyance and road mileage allowance to them.

The above are some of the noteworthy accomplishments but there are very many; Several long pending issues were elucidated and settled. We can proudly say that in almost all the issues, we placed in the Departmental council, we have resolved the maximum in favour of our comrades. The issues brought to our notice by the circles; sometimes even by the individuals were promptly attended.

As the Leader, Staff Side

As the leader of the Staff Side, JCM (DC), I contributed my best for the settlement of issues relating to other cadres (other than our P3) also. I had the satisfaction in my presentation during all the talks we had with the Department either in the Departmental Council or the Conciliation meetings held on the strike charter of demands and extended a lot to my fellow comrades. This is the great opportunity I have been provided due to my selection as the leader of the JCM staff side.

Trade union workshops

It is the first time in the history of P&T union, a Trade Union workshop was conducted in Thiruvanthapuram from 13.02.2011 to 15.02.2011. It was having the overwhelming response; followed by other unions. The workshop recently conducted at Puri from 04.02.2012 to 05.02.2012 is the landmark triumph of the CHQ in cultivating the cadres and leaderships on Trade Union history, Staff rulings, Disciplinary rules etc.

The materials compiled by me and distributed at the workshops and also in the two workshops conducted by NFPE at Munnar and Allahabad are the everlasting reference guides to our comrades. I had the honest satisfaction of generating a cream of leadership at all levels through the workshops and the participation of youth is most awesome. Many Circles followed the CHQ in steering such workshops at circle levels.

Experiences with Sixth CPC

It is my honour and pride to say that it is the first time in the P 3 movement, the draft Memorandum prepared by me within twenty days of my assumption as General Secretary for Sixth CPC was placed and discussed threadbare in the CWC held in Karimnagar. The collective wisdom was experimented. The memorandum submitted by the CHQ is the masterpiece of our work. I had the great opportunity to assist other General Secretaries also in preparing their memorandums. The experience I gained in submission of the memorandum, tendering oral evidences before Sixth CPC is ever rememberable.

Cultivating the cadres

(i)        Out of my own experience that how the knowledge on rulings will help the trade unionists in handling the issues with the administration, the compilation in two volumes of rulings on Trade Union facilities,  CCS (RSA) Rules 1993 & ED (RA) Rules 1995 were published and released on 25.08.2007 in the Allahabad CWC.

(ii)      On the same day another book ‘Venture’, the Compilation of Selective important orders was launched. This is the first occasion of such activities by CHQ.

(iii)    Hand Book 2010 was first time launched and printed 15000 copies. This was followed in 2011 & 2012 with 16500 copies & 13500 copies respectively. This is an historic record.

(iv)     An updated Venture Edition II was related in the Federal council held in June 2010 and 3000 copies were printed.

(v)       For the benefits of GDS, one book titled as GDS Crusader was released in the last AIC held in Alandi on Jan 2011. 3000 copies were printed.

(vi)     Again for the benefits of GDS comrades, another book titled as ‘GDS Refresher’ was released in April 2012 to commemorate the formation of AIPEU GDS (NFPE). 3000 copies were printed.

I can proudly say that despite in the midst of the heavy brunt of the work in the CHQ, I endeavored and succeeded in releasing those books by foregoing several nights and burnt the midnight oil to educate the rank & file which I sensed a revolution of knowledge in the midst of our cadres after seeing their overwhelming response for those publications.

First Website

We can proudly say that we are the first among all C. G. Government employees unions/associations launched website for the union on 2007 January itself after our assumption in the CHQ and placed the memorandum which we submitted to Sixth CPC as the first post. So far we are having the viewers to the extent of 16 lakhs! So many items essential for the members are being exhibited including the address, Telephone No. & e-mail address of all divisional secretaries, Govt orders, manuals, publications, Bhartiya Post etc. Our branches are also motivated by CHQ in launching web sites for their own and at present our union is having seven Circle union websites and around 51 Divisional unions' websites. Thus we inspired all to exploit and fully utilize the benefits of the mechanization and I.T.

Bhartiya Post

We enriched and enhanced the superiority of Bhartiya Post among all the journals with the contents, quality and its presentation and also doubled its size as well as its subscribers. It comprises everything and as the Editor, I strained my best for its number one existence among all the union journals and also its prompt release. In order to penetrate its prominence in the Hindi speaking areas, minimum of four pages materials are being printed in Hindi with the caption of ‘Dak Jagirithi’.

Co-ordination

During this period, I had the best relationship with all sister unions as well as with other unions and in particular with Com Theyagarajan, Secretary General FNPO. I contributed a lot to the joint and effective functioning of all unions. The contribution I made for the revival & recognition of our Federation, thwarting the ill move of the Bhartiya union court case and thereafter the coordinated functioning with NFPE is the benchmark renowned for the effective joint functioning. I maintained a good relationship with the confederation leadership and contributed to its functioning also.

Bridged the gap between the equals

I can proudly say that my General Secretary Desks, Frequent interactions through mails, exhibiting all the developments then and there on the website and transparent functioning has bridged the gap between the leaders and cadres existed earlier. Even the ordinary member is seeking information directly from CHQ. The Motto which I adopted in my personal life and also practiced in public life that “ All are equal: I am one among the equals; Because I got the opportunity, I am General Secretary; that does not mean I am superior and more knowledgeable: There are many other intellectuals who did not get the chances; Otherwise they will shine better than me”.

The interaction, I introduced wherever I visited whether it is at circle level or divisional level has certainly enthusiase the comrades and more youngster are now embracing active participation in trade unions

More “I” s - Sorry Please

This is the first circular that I am using more “I” s because this is my last one and also  the recollection of records of my activities before my departure and also the study materials for the future leadership to consider and set some of my actions as bench mark for the effective functioning of the leadership.

Too many Court cases – not diluted my will

This is also on the records that I shall be the only General Secretary who had faced 49 court cases right from Municipal Court to Supreme Court that too from my own circle. My elections as General Secretary was challenged and many more. Despite all the mental torture purported by some vested interests, I never tired or slept in focusing the demands of our comrades. No one can point our any lethargy in my action in taking up the cases. No paper received by CHQ was filed without any reply that too sent in time during this period.

I can proudly say that the recognition cancelled to our union due to the Court case filed in the Madras High Court by the Bhartiya Federation was thwarted within 20 days and restored recognition which alone paved way for the recognition of Federations in the Department of Posts. My timely action and contribution to the court case for dismissing the case filed by the Bhartiya federation is the milestone for which Com A.Veeramani, AGS also contributed a lot.

Sincerely strained but no results

I tried my best in focusing all the issues. However there are some issues which I could not get positive results like counting of services to RTP. The cadre review proposal submitted by us has not been finalized so far. Orders in respect of the many assurances decided during talks on strike charters have not been issued. Of course! One cannot have a clean slate!

Acknowledgement

I never desired, thought or expected to become the General Secretary. Of course! It was quite accidental at Jwalaji. Com. Balu, Ex-Circle Secretary, Tamilnadu was the instrumental in my elevation at that time. I am recording my sincere thanks to him. The wave length existing between me and our President Com. M. Krishnan is almost the same and we had a very perfect understanding and without his cooperation and guidance, I can't place this much records. My special thanks to Com. Balwinder Singh, Financial Secretary who is always in CHQ without minding time and working very hard assisted me not only in all my decisions but also even taking care of my ailing health on all occasions. Similarly I am placing on records my thanks to Com. Somenath Mukherjee, Ex-Deputy General Secretary Com. Com. R. Sivannarayana, Deputy General Secretary for their unstinted cooperation and affection during this period. The love and affection shown by my Office bearers and Circle secretaries are laudable which I enjoyed throughout these six years. My abundant thanks to all of them. Com C.C.Pillai and Com K. Ragavendran Ex Secretary Generals contributed a lot for my effective functioning and we had a perfect understanding during those days. I record my sincere thanks to them. Com. K. M. Ramesh, my advocate in Chennai rendered all legal assistance and vacated the stay and dismissed the BPEF case and all other Tamilnadu court cases. My special thanks to him.

My staff, My press & My caretaker

My staff,  Com. Shiv Lal, Com Dhananjay and Naveen, despite my strict posture in office work, loved me very much and very affectionately. They learnt many things from me! Of Course,  Our CHQ is the only union adopting the principle of model employer treating its staff as equals. I have received enormous cooperation from the Press and in particular from Sri Pradeep, Owner of Deep Printers in publishing Ventures, Handbooks, GDS Crusader GDS Refresher and also the Bhartiya Post to my taste. I remember and salute him at this juncture. I will be failing my duty if I did not mention Com Jaiprakash, Secretary, Lodhi Road who is my caretaker in the Sarojini Nagar quarters. The love and affection of Delhi divisional secretaries and comrades are ever rememberable.

Tamilnadu Comrades, the inspiration

As you know, I am retiring from the department service on 31^st May 2012, I am getting ready to leave. I recall my association with you with great pride and with greater happiness. I am taking leave with more happiness. A man born and brought up in a remote village of Tamilnadu and served this august movement with sincerity and devotion right from 1974 ie. 38 years of unstinted trade union services; experienced with joys and tribulations in the public service is  being relieved from the service while holding the highest echelon as General Secretary and Leader Staff Side in the midsts of love and affections of all my comrades throughout the nation which itself is the glory I am blessed. I am placing on records my special thanks to my Tamilnadu Comrades who were the object for my elevation and they were with me in the days of many tribulations and shared my burdens. My Narasimhulu who is associated with me during these 37 years shared all my sorrows during the days of tribulation and remained with me. My special thanks to my friend who is the example of the real friendship.

Loveable affection all along

I am especially grateful to you for your cooperation and good will all through my career as General Secretary of this union. The affectionate welcome and reception I enjoyed right from divisions to circles throughout these years are the sweetest memories I am taking along with me at this time.  I am indeed proud of our association and thank you and also to your office bearers and your members having made me to do service sincerely since six years.

Keep an inch space in your heart for constant repair

A man is a bundle of relations; a knot of roots whose flower and fruits are very dear and sweet. A man should always keep his relations in constant repairs. Friendship is like love is destroyed by long absence and increased by short intermissions. We have seen many great leaders who have been forgotten due to out of sight. My only request before all of you “ Kindly allot an inch space in your heart and keep me in constant repair which I feel the most pleased and privilege for the service I rendered to this august movement.    

I look forward to staying in touch with you always and my service is also always available.

GOOD BYE COMRADES AND RED SALUTE TO ALL OF YOU

Comradely Yours,

(K. V. Sridharan)

General Secretary
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