SIX YEARS INNINGS ! SURE ! NOT OUT !
Good-bye with Contentment
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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 31st 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
www.aipeup3chq.com/
