YEAR END REVIEW 2020, DEPARTMENT OF POSTS - PIB

 YEAR END REVIEW 2020 DEPARTMENT OF POSTS

Ministry of Communications

YEAR END REVIEW 2020 DEPARTMENT OF POSTS

New version of DARPAN-PLI App deployed in Core Integration System (CIS) with facility of processing various financial and non-financial requests of PLI/RPLI insurants at 127115 Branch Post Offices

17,092 villages brought under the coverage of Bima Gram Yojana (BGY) From January, 2020 to November, 2020

Over 7 lakh Passport applications and more than 99 lakh requests for Aadhar enrollments / updations processed from January, 2020 to November, 2020

India Post tied-ups with Indian Drug Manufacturers Association, Director General of Health Services and a number of private firms and online pharmaceutical companies for delivery of medicines from their facilities to hospitals and beneficiaries during COVID-19

31 crore financial transactions enabled through Post Office and IPPB accounts during COVID 19 period

India Post won India Today Healthgiri Award for providing the best logistic services during COVID 19

Posted On: 29 DEC 2020

YEAR END REVIEW 2020 DEPARTMENT OF POSTS

For more than 150 years, the Department of Posts (DoP) has been the backbone of the country’s communication and has played a crucial role in the country’s social economic development. It touches the lives of Indian citizens in many ways: delivering mails, accepting deposits under Small Savings Schemes, providing life insurance cover under Postal Life Insurance (PLI) and Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI) and providing retail services like bill collection, sale of forms, etc. The DoP also acts as an agent for Government of India in discharging other services for citizens such as Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) wage disbursement and old age pension payments. In the year 2020, the Department strengthened its supply chain through capacity upgradation and expanding Road Transport Network. It played important role in countering impact of COVID-19 pandemic by enabling doorstep delivery of financial services and medicines etc. The Year End Review for Department of Posts highlights the achievements, and progress on various initiatives of department in the year 2020.

Supply Chain and e-Commerce: Mail, Express Services and Parcel:

• Capacity upgradation: Parcel handling capacity has increased from 6.0 crore per annum to 7.5 crore per annum.
• Road Transport Network: National level dedicated Road Transport Network rolled out on 56 routes touching 80 cities. Approx. 15000 bags containing 75 tonnes of parcels are being carried daily through the setup network.
• Improvement in Pan – India Average Transit Time for Speed Post: Average Transit time of Speed Post reduced from 105 hrs. in July,2019 to 81 hrs. in Feb,2020.
• Real-Time updation of Delivery: Postman Mobile App implemented in 1.47 Lakh POs including 98,454 post offices in rural areas. Real time delivery status of 14 crore Speed Post and Registered articles done through the Postman Mobile App.
• E-Commerce exports: ‘DakGharNiryat Kendra’ are being established at around 800 Post Offices covering all District headquarters to promote exports of MSMEs.
• International Tracked Packet Service extended to 3 more countries Mongolia, Bhutan and Sri Lanka taking the total from 12 to 15 countries.

Banking Services and Financial Inclusion:

• Digital Financial empowerment of the public at large: DOP serves more than 50 crore POSB customers through 1.56 lakh post offices across length & breadth of the country and have an outstanding balance of Rs. 10,81,293 crore under Post Office Savings Bank (POSB) Schemes. The Post Office CBS system is the largest network in the world with 23,483 Post Offices already on this network. Further 1,29,151 Branch Post Offices have been also enabled to access the network on real time basis. The CBS has enabled the DOP in providing 24×7 services through ATMs, Internet & Mobile Banking.
• Financial Empowerment of Rural Populace: All the 9 Small Savings Schemes of MoF are available in 1.56 lakh Post Offices. 5 Schemes, namely, Monthly Income Scheme, Senior Citizens Savings Scheme, Public Provident Fund, National Savings Certificate & KisanVikas Patra have been introduced in BOs through SB Order 27/2020 dated 23.07.2020. People living in rural India will not be required to come to town & cities to do any Post Office Savings Bank (POSB) transaction. The same will be available at their doorstep through local Branch Post Offices.
• Economic Empowerment of Girl Child: Sukanya Samriddhi Account (SSA) scheme is also known as girl child prosperity scheme and was launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji on 22nd January, 2015 in Panipat, Haryana. SSA scheme ensures a bright future for girl children. This scheme has facilitated them in proper education, marriage expenses and securing their future. The Sukanya Samriddhi Account can be opened in any post office. A total of 1.83 Crore Sukanya Samriddhi Accounts have been opened with deposits amounting to Rs. 58,822.62 Crore, by the Department of Posts, till November, 2020 since introduction of the scheme.
• Insurance and Pension coverage of masses at reasonable rates: The PM Jan Suraksha Schemes, namely, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), Pradhan Mantri Jeewan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) & Atal Pension Yojana (APY) were launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister in May, 2015. The DOP has been playing an active role under these Government of India flagship schemes and had made 3.2 Lakh Atal Pension Yojana (APY), 5.9 Lakh Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and 1.17 crore Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) enrolments so far.
• Simplified processing of deceased claim cases to expedite deceased claim settlement process and help claimants to get the claim amount expeditiously.
• Post Bank of India: More than 1.36 Lakhs Access Points enables for India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) transactions thus creating largest single bank network across the country. More than 2.90 Lakhs Gramin Dak Sewaks (GDS) and Postmen enables to act as Doorstep Banking Service Providers taking Banking services to the doorstep. More than 3.61 crore people benefitted from Aadhar enabled Payment System (AePS) transactions involving an amount of Rs.7,667 crore, majority of them during COVID-19 lockdown.
• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): More than 3.99 crores transactions were performed involving an amount of Rs. 4,040 crore for a period from January, 2020 to November, 2020. Disbursed benefits of more than 275 schemes of different Ministries to beneficiaries including those in remote and rural areas.
• Digital Inclusion: 1,29,159 Branch Post offices are using SIM based handheld POS devices. 40 crore digital transactions have been facilitated through promotion of Remotely Managed Franking Machines for a period from January, 2020 to November, 2020.

Postal Life Insurance (PLI)/ Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI) :

• Bonus of PLI for the financial years 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21 have been declared in the month of March, 2020. Similarly, Bonus of RPLI for the financial years 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21 have been declared in the month of April, 2020.
• A total of 26,54,652 transactions were done in respect of PLI/ RPLI amounting to Rs. 5,15,14,03,966/- in the month of April, 2020, inspite of nation-wide lockdown and extension of premium payment period to June, 2020.
• Since, April, 2020, there has been 48% increase in monthly PLI/RPLI online transactions.
• Inspite of lockdown and severe restrictions on transportation and staff attendance in offices, more than 90% of Central Processing Centres (CPCs) across the country were functional, more than 70,000 new proposals were processed and more than 40,000 claims were sanctioned in the month of April, 2020.
• Wirecard, the then existing payment gateway has been replaced by PayU for online premia payment, offering multiple channel of payment by customers, namely Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, Wallets and UPI.
• To simplify the process of acceptance of new proposals and facilitate settlement of claims within citizen charter’ norms, approver limits for acceptance of new proposals and settlements of claims have been revised and has been decentralized to Head Post Office/ GPO/ Divisional Level (except for early death claims involving inquiry, for which approving authority is Director). Accordingly, Rules 55, 55(1), 55(2), 58(1) and 59(2) of PLI (Postal Life Insurance) Rules, 2011 were amended.
• The process of settlement of Death Claim, Maturity Claim and handing of Loan requests in PLI/ RPLI has been simplified by prescribing Comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) for each.
• To facilitate faster processing of death claim cases, Rule 39 of PLI (Postal Life Insurance) Rules, 2011 has been amended keeping in line with the existing Industry practice.
• A new version of DARPAN-PLI App has been deployed in Core Integration System (CIS) with facility of processing various financial and non-financial requests of PLI/RPLI insurants at level of 127115 Branch Post Offices including those in remote and rural areas.
• Department has brought in more transparency in communication with customer by adding more SMSs relating to policy servicing.
• Department has removed 2 revival restrictions during the policy contract. Along with this, provision for revival of policy in instalments has been provisioned in the PLI system.
• Business Performance of PLI and RPLI: As on 30-11-2020, there were a total of 96.79 lakh active PLI and RPLI policies with an aggregate sum assured of Rs. 2.05 lakh crores.
• Investment Functions of PLI / RPLI Fund: The total corpus of PLI / RPLI fund has reached Rs 1.13 lakh crore by 30-11-2020.
• Bima Gram Yojana: From January, 2020 to November, 2020, 17,092 villages brought under the coverage of Bima Gram Yojana (BGY). Each BGY village has at least 100 households covered by one RPLI policy.

Citizen Centric Services:

• Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (PoPSK): With the growing need of its citizens for a passport for various purposes, Ministry of External Affairs and Department of Posts mutually agreed for setting up Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (PoPSKs) in post offices to utilise the post office infrastructure and reach for delivering passport services. 426 PoPSKs have been made operational till date, of which 02 PoPSKs opened in 2020 namely (i) Seoni, Madhya Pradesh and (ii) Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Island. 7,27,329 applications have been processed through PoPSKs from January, 2020 to November, 2020.
• Aadhar Enrolment and Updation Centres: The facility has brought convenience to the citizens by way of generating new Aadhaar and updating their Aadhaar cards in case of any change/ mis-match. More than 42,000 Postal Officials/ MTS/ GDS have been trained/ certified to perform Aadhaar operations. The Aadhaar Enrolments are done free of cost. A sum of Rs. 100/- is reimbursed by UIDAI for every successful Aadhaar Enrolment to India Post. Aadhaar Updations are chargeable and a sum of Rs. 50/- is collected from the citizens for every demographic updation and Rs. 100/- is collected from the citizens for every biometric updation.13,352 Post Office Aadhaar Centres have been set up across the country. 99,25,630requests for enrollments / updations have been processed by these Centres from January, 2020 to November, 2020.
• A total no of 3,43,296 Gangajal Bottles have been supplied for the period from January, 2020 to November, 2020.
• Digital Advancement of Rural Post Offices for a New India (DARPAN): Carried out 17.41 crores online Postal and financial transactions involving Rs. 23,251/- crores for a period from January, 2020 to November, 2020 through 1.29 lakh Branch Post Offices in the rural areas of the country. More than 1.5 crores transactions per month are taking place through DARPAN devices.
• PO-CSC (Post Office-Common Service Centres): A convergence of Post Offices and Common Service Centres (Part of CSC e-Governance Services India Limited under Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology) for effective delivery of various citizen centric services is a part of the five-year Vision Document of the Department of Posts. Accordingly,10136 Post Offices are now providing services of Common Service Centres through the Digital Sewa portal of CSC. As on 30.11.2020, 48234 transactions worth Rs. 4.62 Crore were delivered through these Post Offices.
• There are 100+ CSC Services which are offered through these post offices which include Government to Citizen Schemes(G2C) such as Pradhan Manthri Street Vendors’ Athma nirbhar Nidhi Yojana (PMSVANIDHI), Pradhan Manthri Jan Arogya Yojana (Ayushman Bharat), Pradhan ManthriShram Yogi Maan-dhanYojana (PM-SYM), Pradhan Mantri Laghu Vyapari Maan-dhan Yojana (PM-LVM), The Election Card Printing, E-Stamp Service, and Various e-District Services. Some of B2C (Business to Citizens) Services offered includes Bharat Bill Payment System Bills (Electric, Gas, Water bills etc…), Renewal Premium collection for Life Insurance Policies and General Insurance such as Motor Vehicle, Health and Fire Insurance etc, Third party services such as EMI collections for various loans offered by financial institutions and submission of online application forms for loans and Travel services such as Ticket booking service is available for Flight, Train and Bus Tickets.

Opening of new Branch Post Offices (BOs) in 90 identified Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected districts in the country: In pursuance of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Note for Cabinet Committee on Security(CCS), a proposal for opening of 4903 new Branch Post Offices (BOs) in 90 identified LWE districts in the country was under taken. In the first Phase, 1789 Branch Post Offices in Panchayats not having post offices opened in LWE districts across the country, of which 16 Branch Post Offices have been opened from January, 2020 to November, 2020.

Public Grievances:

Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS): Department of Posts processes complaints registered by consumers of postal services in the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS). Streamlining of CPGRAMS was done by mapping over 1.55 lakh Post Offices till the level of Branch Post Offices by intuitive navigation of complaints to the line-end offices for faster resolution. This was done in collaboration with Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG) and the new version 7.0 was successfully launched in September 2019. Department of Posts is the only Department selected for the pilot study for the revamping by DARPG. The details of the complaints handled in 2020 upto 30.11.2020 are as under:

S. No.	Year	Complaints received during the period	Complaints settled during the period	% of settlement	Average disposal time (days)
1	01.01.2020 to 30.11.2020	57604	56935	98.8%	16

• Social Media Cell: Social media Cell is an independent entity and deals with the Twitter and Facebook accounts of the Department of Posts. The social media cell monitors the complaints sent to all the Circles on daily basis. The average first response time is approximately 4 hours. The details of the complaints handled in 2020 upto 30.11.2020 are as under: –

S. No.	Year	Complaints received during the period	Complaints settled during the period	% of settlement
1	01.01.2020 to 30.11.2020	197801	195896	99%

• India Post Call Centre (IPCC): ln wake of the initiatives taken up by Prime Minister to bring transparency and accountability in the Government, Department of Posts established 2ndIndia Post Call Centre with 24x7x365 IVRS (Interactive Voice Response System) facility for the citizens in Patna on 01.07.2019. IPCC is working in the four languages namely Hindi, English, Odiya and Bengali for the convenience of the citizens. 36,72,136 calls were received in IPCC from 01.01.2020 to 30.11.2020.
• Implementation of Dynamic Queue Management System (DQMS) in Post Offices: Dynamic Queue Management System (DQMS) has been installed in 57 Head Post Offices in the last one year having six or more than six working counters. Overall DQMS have been installed in 340 Post Offices. The Objectives & scope of DQMS are given below:-
• To reduce waiting time.
• To increase processing capacity.
• To reduce miscommunication among customers.
• To give a comfort level to staff and customers.
• To monitor customer flow.

Initiatives taken by the Department in the COVID-19 situation:

• Postal services were identified as essential services during lockdown. The vast network of post offices had been galvanized to respond to the challenges in coordination with State Governments and local bodies. Control Rooms at India Post HQ and Circle (State) HQs were established to manage, receive and respond for immediate needs.
• Supply Chain: Road Transport Network connecting 56 routes and 75 cities was commenced in April, 2020 utilizing Departmental Mail Vans. The network came handy to delivery essentials, medicines and medical equipment including ventilators, defibrillators, COVID 19 testing kits, masks and PPE kits. Around 36,000 tonnes of material were delivered through postal channels which also include use of Parcel Trains. Supply chain arrangements were also made for farmers to connect their farm produce to markets.
• Financial Inclusion: During lockdown and initial phase of unlocking more than 33.95 crore transactions valuing around Rs. 7.02 lakh crore were made through POSB accounts. Around 78 lakh POSB ATM transactions amounting to Rs. 2389 crore were made.
• Instructions issued during lockdown for the ease of customers:
• Waive off penalty/ revival fee (default fee) in RD/ PPF/ SSA Accounts for the deposits due in FY 2019-20 and April, 2020, till June, 2020.
• Relaxation in guidelines in respect of PPF/ SSA Accounts for a Single Deposit pertaining to FY 2019-20 till June, 2020.
• Extension of the prescribed time limit of one month post retirement for retirees, of Feb 2020 to April 2020, to invest in Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) till June, 2020.
• Relaxation in provisions for rebate on RD Advance deposits & default fee for the month of March 2020 to May, 2020 without default/ revival fee, till June, 2020.
• Reduction in TDS rate in POSB Schemes for the period from 14.05.2020 to March, 2021.
• Various relaxation under POSB schemes extended till 30.07.2020 instead of 30.06.2020.

• India Post tied-ups with Indian Drug Manufacturers Association, Director General of Health Services and a number of private firms and online pharmaceutical companies for delivery of medicines from their facilities to hospitals and beneficiaries.
• During COVID period, Rs. 5200 crore disbursed to 2.5 crore beneficiaries through AePS at the doorstep who were not able to access banking facilities.
• 31 crore financial transactions enabled during COVID19 period through Post Office and IPPB accounts.
• Taking initiative in public interest, special features have been added to Post info App for accepting emergent service requests from people. More than 60,000 service requests have been attended by Department of Posts during lockdown.
• Activated Mobile Post Offices across the country to provide basic postal services, food and masks distribution etc.
• Free distribution of around 10 lakhs food and ration packets was made to the needy.
• Launched dedicated Road Transport Network in April, 2020 on 56 long haul routes and connected farm produce of farmers to markets by activating postal supply chain.
• India Post won India Today Health giri Award for providing the best logistic services during COVID19. The selfless service of the employees of India Post did not go unnoticed!
• Special Covers, Post Cards and Special Impressions were issued with messages to create awareness about social distancing and to express gratitude to Corona Warriors.
• A grace period was provided to all the Registered Newspapers from March, 2020 to November, 2020 for printing and posting of their editions as per their convenience.
• Department of Posts has extended the Postal Life Insurance (PLI) / Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI) premium payment period due on March, 2020, April, 2020 and May, 2020 upto 30.06.2020 without penalty/default fee due to outbreak of COVID19.Due to outbreak of COVID19, date for revival of lapsed policies, in which premia have not been paid during the last 5 years, was extended in phases.
• CPGRAMS Portal: A separate category for ‘COVID-19’ grievances was created on CPGRAMS to address and monitor grievances of the public with regard to their postal needs in the backdrop of the pandemic. 1235 grievances have been resolved within the prescribed timeline of 3 days since the creation of the category i.e. from 30.03.2020.
• Social Media: Social Media (Twitter handle of India Post) had a mitigating effect in this pandemic by providing immediate relief to the citizens by redressing their concerns in booking and delivering medicines and arranging financial transactions in post offices. 1.54 lakh grievances have been resolved during the period of lockdown.
• Separate category of COVID 19 Grievances provided on the Online portal. IPPC services over 25 Lakh calls during COVID 19 lockdown.

Miscellaneous:

• Human Resource Management: The Department has conducted various training sessions and a total no of 92,824 officers / officials were trained for the period from January, 2020 to November, 2020.

Source: PIB

India Post provides Covid-19 test kits from regional ICMR depots to test laboratories nationwide including remote areas

Ministry of Communications

India Post delivers Covid-19 testing kits from ICMR regional depots to testing labs across the country including remote areas

08 MAY 2020

India Post has entered into a tie up with ICMR for delivery of its Covid-19 testing Kits from its 16 regional depots to the 200 additional labs designated for Covid-19 Testing across the length and breadth of the country. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has set a target of carrying out around 1 lakh tests across the country per day. For this crucial work, India Post with its vast network of 1,56,000 post offices has once again geared up for performing as a strong COVID warrior. India Post has delivered consignments to remote areas such as Imphal, Aizawl apart from Dungarpur, Churu, Jhalawar, Kolkata, Bhubaneshwar, Ranchi, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Kota and other places.
Union Minister of Communications, E & IT and Law and Justice Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad appreciated the renewed commitment and partnership between ICMR and Department of Posts. He said that India Post has been delivering mails, medicines, financial assistance at doorsteps and even distributing food and ration to needy during lockdown. He further acknowledged that postmen of India Posts Department have risen to the occasion and stood shoulder to shoulder with the nation during these challenging times.

Also check: Closure of booking of Rooms of all the Holiday Homes due to COVID-19 DoE

The Government is taking all measures to ensure timely delivery of kits. Special arrangements has been made by India Post with ICMR for kits being delivered from 16 depots (located in 14 postal Circles/ States), to 200 labs located across the country even in remote areas such as Shivamogga, Tirunelveli, Dharmapuri, Tirupati, Darjeeling, Gangtok, Leh, Jammu, Udhampur, Jhalawar, Bhavnagar Sholapur , Darbhanga, Rishikesh, Faridkot to mention a few. These kits are being delivered packed in dry ice.

The India Post staff is working round the clock to ensure timely deliveries. Rising to the call of duty, deliveries are being made even at 11:30 pm. India Post is committed to ensure that the delivery of kits is made as per requirements even in far flung areas like Zoram Medical College , Mizoram.
Nodal officers have been identified from both the agencies (DoP & ICMR ) for each regional depot to ensure smooth operations . The Circles have made necessary arrangements with timelines for the priority transportation of the consignments to the concerned laboratories either as per the existing system or new arrangements depending on the requirement and have communicated the same to the ICMR nodal officers.

Each booking circle has opened a BNPL (Book Now Pay Later) account of Speed Post with the concerned Depot to make the arrangement hassle free for the agency. The delivery information is shared with the labs on daily basis through whatsapp. A Google spreadsheet has been shared with all nodal officers to update the details of booking and delivery of the testing kits to flag any operational glitches.

Union Minister of Communications, E & IT and Law and Justice Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad called upon the Department to continue with its good work and leave no stone unturned in making timely delivery of medicines, testing kits and other medical equipments. He asked the Department to galvanise its vast network and leave no gaps in delivery of essential items.

16 Depots of ICMR are NIMR, New Delhi, PGI Chandigarh, KGMU Lucknow, RMRI Patna, NIRNCD Jodhpur, NIOH Ahmedabad, NIREH Bhopal, NICED Kolkata, NIV Pune, NIV field unit Bangalore, NIN Hyderabad, NIE Chennai, RMRC Dibrugarh, RMRC Bhubaneswar, NIRRH Mumbai, GMC Guwahati.

PIB

GDS - Revised cash conveyance limits for Gramin Dak Sevaks

GDS - Revised cash conveyance limits for Gramin Dak Sevaks

GDS

No.17-18/2018-GDS
Government Of India
Ministry of Communications
Department Of Posts
GDS Section

Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg
New Delhi - 110 001

Dated:14.01.2020

To
All Chief Postmaster General
All Postmasters General
Director, RAKNPA Ghaziabad
Director, Postal Training Centers
Director of Accounts (Postal)
Addl. Director General, APS Bhawan, New Delhi

Subject: Revision of Security amount to be furnished by the Gramin Dak Sevaks

Sir/Madam
I am directed to invite your kind attention to para 4 of Directorate letter No.6-18/ 2010-PE-II dated 07.05.2010 on the above mentioned subject.

2. The Postal Operation Division vide letter No.24-3/2012-PO Dated 01st October 2018 has revised line limits for conveyance of cash for Gramin Dak Sevaks as Rs.1 lakh (Cash through BPM/ ABPM or Dak Sevak) and Rs.2 Lakh (Cash through BPM/ ABPM or Dak Sevak accompanied by another BPM / ABPM or Dak Sevaks).

3. Taking into consideration of the thrust on digital transactions/ digital payments, other transactions of IPPB and consequent upon launching of India Post Paymant Bank vide their letter No.24-3/2012-PO dated 01st October,2018 Department has carefully examined the issue of revision of Security amount to be furnished by the Gramin Dak Sevaks in view of increase in line limit of cash conveyance and handling of cash by the Gramin Dak Sevak.

4. The Competent Authority has ordered to enhance the security amount to be furnished by the Gramin Dak Sevaks as here under:-

Sl. No.	Category of GDS	Present Security	Revised Security
1	Branch Post Masters	Rs. 25000/-	Rs. 1,00,000/-
2	Assistant Branch Post Masters / Dak Sevaks	Rs. 10000/-	Rs. 1,00,000/-

5. The security will be in the form of Fidelity Guarantee Bond or National Saving Certificates pledged to the Department in the name of the President of India OR in the shape of a Bank Guarantee from any Nationalized Bank.

6. The periodicity of renewal of the Fidelity Guarantee Bond will be once in 5 years' (quinquinnelly). The required premium for 5 years' block may be recovered and the Fidelity Guarantee Bond obtained for full 5 years' block from the recognized Co-operative Credit Society at a time. In case of any fresh engagement in the middle of the block, the Fidelity Guarantee Bond can be obtained from the date of joining of the GDS to the end of the block. The blocks can be fixed uniformly for 5 years. Revised FGBs for the existing Gramin Dak Sevaks will take effect after the expiry of the currency of the existing security bonds, and thereafter the new FGBs have to be obtained for a period 5 years. Meanwhile, for existing GDS, additional FGBs of Rs.75,000/- for BPMs and Rs.90,000/- for ABPM / GDS may be obtained for remaining period of block of 5 years, as GDS has already submitted FGB for Rs.25,000/- by BPM & Rs.10,000/- by ABPM / GDS. After completion of the period, Fresh FGB of Rs.1,00,000/- may be obtained from existing BPMs/ ABPMs/ CIDS.

• For example, the currency of the existing security bonds is expiring by 31.03.2020, the new FGBs/Security should be obtained for a block of 5 years from 01.04.2020.
• In case any GDS is getting discharged upto 31.03.2020, fresh FGB need not to be obtained.
• In case any GDS is getting discharged, within the five years block, the security must be obtained from 01.04.2020 till date of discharge for the balance period only.
• In respect of new entrants, these orders will take with immediate effect and FGB must be obtained for five years from date of entry.

7. This orders is in supersession of all earlier guidelines on the subject. The contents of this letter may be brought to the notice of all the Divisional Heads in the Circle for strict timely compliance in obtaining the revised security and the periodicity in obtaining the security.

8. This issues with the approval of Competent Authority.

9. Hindi version will follow.

(S.B.Vyavahare)
Assistant Director General (GDS /PCC)
Tel.No.23096629
E-mail: adggds @ indiapost.gov.in

Deduction of TDS in respect of Cash Withdrawal above One Crore by a National Savings Schemes account holder - DoP

Deduction of TDS in respect of Cash Withdrawal above One Crore by a National Savings Schemes account holder - DoP

SB Order No. 02/2020

F.No 109-27/2019-SB
Govt. of India Ministry of Communication
Department of Posts (F.S. Division)

Dak Bhawan, New Delhi-110001
Dated: 09.01.2020

To,
All Head of Circles / Regions
Addl. Director General, APS, New Delhi

Subject :- Deduction of TDS in respect of Cash Withdrawal above Rs. 1 Crore by an account holder of National Savings Schemes regarding .

Sir / Madam,
The undersigned is directed to inform that Government of India has inserted Section 194 N in the Income Tax Act, 1961, through Finance Act (No.2) 2019 for deduction of TDS @2% on cash withdrawals in excess of Rs. 1 crore in a year, from 1.9.20 19, and the new provision mentioned in Section 194 N is applicable from the financial year 2019·20. Text of the new Section is reproduced below :-

Payment of certain amounts in cash.
194 N. Every person, being,-

• a banking company to which the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (10 of 1949) applies (including any bank or banking institution referred to in section 51 of that Act);
• a co-operative society engaged in carrying on the business of banking; or
• a post office,

Also check: National Savings Certificates Scheme 2019 - Gazette Notification

who is re possible for paying any sum, or, as the case may be, aggregate of sums, in ca h, in excess of one crore rupees during the previous year, to any person (herein referred to as the recipient) from one or more accounts maintained by the recipient with it shall, at the time of payment of such sum , deduct an amount equal to two per cent of sum exceeding one crore rupees, as income tax:
Provided that nothing contained in this sub-section shall apply to any payment made to,

• the Government;
• any banking company or co-operative society engaged in carrying on the business of banking or a post office.
• any business correspondent of banking company or co-operative society engaged in carrying on the business of banking, in accordance with the guidelines issued in this regard by the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 ( 2 of 1934);
• any white label automated teller machine operator of a banking company or co­ operative society engaged in carrying on the business of banking, in accordance with the authorization issued by the Reserve Bank of India under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 (51of 2007);
• such other person or class of persons, which the Central Government may, be notification in the Official Gazette, specify in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India ;

Further Clarification issued by CBDT on 30.8.2019
(extract from press release of CBDT dated 30.08.2019)

“…..The CBDT, having considered the concerns of the people, hereby clarifies that section 194N inserted in the Act, is to come into effect from 1st September, 2019. Hence any cash withdrawal prior to 1st September, 2019 will not be subjected to the TDS under Section 194N. However, since the threshold of Rs. 1crore is with respect to the previous year, calculation of amount of cash withdrawal for triggering deduction under section 194N shall be counted from 1st April, 20 19. Hence, if a person has already withdrawn Rs. 1crore or more in cash up to 31st August , 2019 from one or more accounts maintained with a banking company or a cooperative bank or a post office, the 2% TDS shall apply on all subsequent cash withdrawals made on or after 1st September, 2019.”

Also read: National Small Savings Schemes 2020 interest rate

2. With this amendment, now TDS @2% will be applicable on all cash withdrawals above Rs. One Crore taken by an account holder in his/ her all type of Small Savings Schemes Accounts / Certificates taken together, from 1.4.2019 onwards. However, for the current financial year (2019-20) as per clarification issued by CBDT, TDS will be deducted on cash withdrawals taken on or after 1.9.2019, even if cash withdrawals are taken in excess of Rs.1 Crore from 1.4.2019 to 31.8.2019. The TDS @ 2% is to be deducted on all subsequent cash withdrawal (from 01.09.2019) to be taken by a customer who has taken cash withdraw als in excess of Rs. lcrore during 2019-20 in his/ her all accounts.

3. Necessary changes in FINACLE will be done in due course to automatically deduct TDS at the time of such cash withdrawal. Till these changes are done, CEPT Team will inform details of such Account Holders in the first week of every month to the respective CPC which will inform the concerned Post Office to deduct TDS @2%. Post Offices have to ensure that PAN number of such account holder are invariably taken and fed in Finacle. TDS so deducted should be accounted under Section 194N and incorporated in TDS return of HO (for HO and its SOs). Account holder should be informed of such deduction at the time of cash withdrawal.

4. It is requested to circulate this amendment to all concerned for information and guidance and necessary action.

5. This issues with the approval of Competent Authority.

Yours Faithfully,
(Devendra Sharma)
Assistant Director (SB)

Clarification on applicability of Very Good benchmark for financial upgradation under MACPS and consideration of Good benchmark for the previous years before 25.07.2016

Clarification on applicability of "Very Good" benchmark for financial upgradation under MACPS - DOP

MACP

No.7-8/2016-PCC (Pt.)
Government of India
Ministry of Communications
Department of Posts

Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg
New Delhi - 110001
Dated: 13.03.2019

To
All Chief Postmasters General/Postmasters General.

Sub : Clarification on applicability of "Very Good" benchmark for financial upgradation under MACPS and consideration of "Good" benchmark for the previous years before 25.07.2016.

This office is in receipt of large number of references consequent upon the clarification issued vide DG Posts' letter of even number dated 02.07.2018 on the above mentioned subject, regarding allowing opportunity of making representation against 'good' benchmark and relaxation of benchmark for MACPS.

2. In this context, it is reiterated that opportunity of making representation against the APAR which are post 2009 cannot be given as it is already disclosed to the employees in APAR process.

3. Further, the benchmark for the purpose of financial upgradation under MACP was enhanced from 'good' to 'very good' w.e.f. 25.07.2016 i.e prior to 25.07.2016 the benchmark was ‘good’ for MACPS. As such, the 'good' grading of APAPRs for the period prior to 25.07.2016 may be considered for financial upgradation under MACPS. However, the "very good" benchmark applicable w.e.f. 25.07.2016 cannot be relaxed for MACPS.

4. All concerned may be informed accordingly.

(S.B.Vyavahare)
Assistant Director General (GDS/PCC)
Tel. No. 011-23096629
Email-adggds@indiapost.gov.in

India Post Circulars: DA to Central Government employees effective from Jan 1, 2019

India Post Circulars: DA to Central Government employees effective from Jan 1, 2019

No.8-1/2016-PAP
Government of India
Ministry of Communications
Department of Posts
PAP Section/(Establishment Division)

Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg,
New Delhi - 110001
Dated: 28/02/2019

To

1. All Chief Postmasters Generay Postmasters General
2. Chief General Manager, BD Directorate,/Parcel Directorate/ PLI Directorate
3. Director RAKNPA/ GM CEPT/ Directors of All PTCs,
4. Addl. Director General, Army Postal Service, R.K. Puram, New Delhi
5. All General Managers (Finance)/ DAp/ DDAP

Sub: Grant of Dearness Allowance to Central Government employees - Revised Rates effective from 1.1.2019.

I am directed to forward herewith a copy of the Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure's Office Memorandum No. 1/1/2019-E.II (B) dated 27th February, 2019 on the subject cited above for information and further necessary action.

This issue with the approval of the competent authority.

(S.B,Vyavahare)
Asstt. Director General (ESTT.)

Encl: As above.
Copy to:

1. PPS to Secretary (Posts)/ PS to Director General Postal Services.
2. Addl. DG (Co.ordination)/ Member (P)/ Member (O)/
3. Member (PLI)/ Member (Banking)/ Member (Tech)/ Member (Plg & HRD)
4. AS & FA
5. Sr. DDG (Vis) & CVO/ Sr. DDG eA-F.)/ Director General P&T (Audit)
6. Secretary, Postal Services Board
7. Chief Engineer (Civil) Postal Directorate
8. Budget Section/ PA Wing/ STT Section of Postal Directorate
9. All other Sections of Postal Directorate
10. All recognized Federations/ Unions/ Associations
11. GM, CEPT for uploading the order on the India post website
    Guard File/Spare Copies.

Click to get the Grant of Dearness Allowance to Central Government Employees

Uploading of orders/circulars on India Post Website

 Uploading of orders/circulars on India Post Website

File No. Z-92011/1/2018-Coord./O and M
Government of India
Ministry of Communications
Department of Posts

 Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg,
New Delhi - 110001
Dated 12th December, 2018

To,

1.All CPMsG,
2. Director, RAKNPA, Ghaziabad,
3. Directors, all PTCs.

Subject: Uploading of orders/circulars on India Post Website - reg.

Sir/Madam,

Circulars issued by this office about rulings and other orders reach circle offices, regional offices, divisional offices, sub-divisional offices and further to concerned officers/officials and to Post Offices by post through HOs,SOs and BOs and this process takes lot of time.

2. These circulars and orders are uploaded on India Post website also. However, in some cases involving enquiry of fraud, the charged officials argued that they have not seen the orders/or it has not reached to their office, although it was uploaded on India Post website.

3. Therefore, all circulars issued by various Divisions of Department of Posts concerning and other orders [in English and Hindi] may be sent to O/o GM (CEPT) for uploading on India Post website.

4. Circulars/orders uploaded on India Post website shall be deemed to have been seen by all concerned and the message be notified through CSI.

5. This issues with the approval of competent authority.

Yours faithfully

(Prem T N)
Assistant Director General (Admin.)

Source : Confederation

Closing of domain name .nic.in for India Post ePost application and shifting to new URL i.e. http://www.epost-indiapost.gov.in

Closing of domain name .nic.in for India Post ePost application and shifting to new URL i.e. http://www.epost-indiapost.gov.in

India Post

No.52-01/2006 BD&MD
Government of India
Ministry of Communications
Department of Posts
Business Development & Marketing

Directorate 5th Floor, Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg
New Delhi - 110001

Dated : 26.09.2018

Office Memorandum

Subject: Closing of domain name .nic.in for India Post ePost application and shifting to new URL i.e. http://www.epost-indiapost.gov.in

As per policy decision of NIC, all web sites using ".nic.in" are to be stopped. Accordingly, India Post ePost application URL "http://www.indiapost.nic.in" has been shifted to "http://www.epost-indiapost.gov.in".

2. Both, old "http://www.indiapost.nic.in" and new "http://www.epost-indiapost.gov.in" URLs are working at present but old URL i.e. http://www.indiapost.nic.in will be stopped on 30th September-2018.

3. This may be brought to the notice of all concerned.

S/d,

(Brajesh Kumar)

General Manager (BD)

Aadhar not mandatory for booking an International Parcel, says Department of Posts

Ministry of Communications
Aadhar not mandatory for booking an International Parcel, says Department of Posts

10 SEP 2018

The Department of Posts today clarified that it is mandatory to produce an Identity Proof acceptable for important transactions like booking an International Parcel or International EMS (Merchandise) for safety and security reasons. One of the accepted Identity Proof is Aadhaar, along with others like driving license, Passport, Voter ID etc which are also acceptable. Aadhaar, as per the prevailing norms in the country, is not a mandatory document to be produced at the time of booking. Moreover, all such documents are only required for office record and are NOT required to be pasted on the consignments.

The clarification comes in the wake of a news report published in The Times of India, Bengaluru edition dated 10.09.2018 with the heading "India Post asks for display of Aadhaar number on parcels". The department said that it appears that the confusion was created by an erroneous message generated from the twitter account of the office of the Chief Postmaster General, Delhi Circle wherein it was mentioned that pasting of ID proof on consignments is in accordance with international guidelines.

 Instructions are being reiterated to the post offices to ensure smooth booking of articles taking the convenience and regulatory requirements into account together. The Department of Posts said that a copy of any ID proof including Aadhaar is required for booking of International Parcel and International EMS (Merchandise) for security purpose based on requests received from organizations like Narcotics Control Bureau and Wild Life Crime Control Bureau. India Post is committed to ensuring safety and security in its operations.

PIB

Speedy implementation of GDS Committee recommendations and related matters- AIGDSU

AIGDSU - Speedy implementation of GDS Committee recommendations and related matters reg

ALL INDIA GRAMIN DAK SEVAKS UNION (AIGDSU)
(Central Head Quarter)
First Floor, Post Office Building, Padamnagar, Delhi 110007

President: M. Rajangam
General Secretary S.S. Mahadevaiah
No.GDS Committee/Agit/2018

Date: 19.04.2018

To:
The Secretary,
Department of Posts,
Dak Bhavan,
New Delhi-110001.

Respected Sir,
Sub: Speedy implementation of GDS Committee recommendations and related matters reg.

In spite of our countrywide requests, memorials, protest meetings/Demonstrations and Strikes there is unreasonable delay in consideration and implementation of the GDS Committee recommendations. The level of tolerance has already crossed it limits. This time we have accepted OFFICERS Committee with open mind but still discriminative attitude is seen towards this low paid and neglected/exploited lot.

The Gramin Dak Sevaks role in future INDIA POST especially in Banking is more significant and we are also carefully watching the developments. There cannot be any compromise about their status and service conditions in the changed scenario and the GDS should get what they deserve. The Government, being a model employer, should consider our reasonable demands in the interest of service to the rural population of this country. The old policies of the British regime such as cheap labour and exploitation are outdated in the present situation and it is high time that decisions are at the appropriate levels in democratic norms. India is a welfare state and we are eagerly waiting for BETTER TREATMENT TO G.D.S AT LEAST THIS TIME.

We do sincerely hope that you will take personal interest in this matter and play vital role for speedy implementation OF ALL RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMITTEE TO TAKE EFFECT FROM 01.01.2016 at par with 7th CPC extended to Departmental counterparts.
With profound regards,

Yours faithfully,
S/d,
S.S.MAHADEVAIAH
General Secretary

Source : ruralpostalemployees

Minimum Balance Requirements In India Post Accounts and Other Details

Minimum Balance Requirements In India Post Accounts and Other Details

As we know, India Post, under the Department of Posts (DoP), offers a host of services. Besides delivering mails, India Post also offers a range of financial and retail services. These include small savings schemes such as PPF Public Provident Fund (PPF) and National Savings Certificate (NSC), bill collection and sale of forms. India Post also offers savings accounts. India Post's savings accounts - with or without cheque book - are among the most popular of its products, say financial experts. Post office savings accounts are opened by cash only, according to India Post.

But what is the interest rate offered in post office savings accounts? And what is the minimum balance permitted in these accounts? What are the other services offered by it?

Post office savings accounts interest rate
India Post currently offers an interest rate of 4 per cent on individually or jointly-held post office savings accounts, according to its website - indiapost.gov.in. The interest earned is tax-free up to Rs. 10,000 in a financial year.

Post office savings account minimum balance
The minimum balance required in a post office account without cheque book facility is Rs. 50, according to India Post. For savings accounts with cheque book facility, the minimum balance permitted is Rs. 500.

India Post savings accounts come with an ATM facility.
Among other features, post office savings accounts are opened in two modes - with cheque book facility and without cheque book facility. pls put this as first para under this particular sub head
Those holding a post office savings account without the cheque book facility originally also have the option to upgrade their account to subscribe to the facility. India Post - which has a network of over 1.5 lakh post offices - also offers the facility to transfer savings accounts from one post office branch to another, according to its website. However, only one account can be opened by an individual in one post office.

Minimum balance in other post office accounts

Type of account - Minimum balance
SB(Cheque account) - Rs.500/-
SB(non Cheque account) - Rs.50/-
MIS - Rs.1500/-
TD - Rs.200/-
PPF - Rs.500/-
Senior Citizen - Rs.1000/-

Among other popular instruments, India Post offers PPF at a minimum balance of Rs. 500 and Monthly Investment Scheme (MIS) at a minimum balance of Rs. 1,500. For senior citizen savings scheme, the minimum balance required is Rs. 1,000, according to India Post.
Monthly Income Scheme or MIS is a popular investment scheme wherein an individual invests a particular amount and gets an assured monthly income in the form of interest.

Source: indiapost.gov.in

Opening of Online Customer Survey by India Post

Ministry of Communications

Opening of Online Customer Survey by India Post

20 FEB 2018

Since inception in 1854, India Post has been serving its citizens by catering to their basic requirements of communications. Over the years, it has evolved by providing varied services to Indian Citizenry in terms of Mail Services (both domestic and international), Money remittances (both domestic and international), Small Savings, Philately, Securing lives, Retail Services and Bill Payments etc.

 As plethora of services are being provided by the India Post, it is imperative to know the nerve of the customer, how (s)he feels regarding the services provided, where the services need improvement and to change the customer orientation from customer satisfaction to customer delight.

In this connection, an Online Customer Feedback Survey is conceived wherein a customer can give his feedback or opinion on the services rendered by India Post. This Customer Feedback Survey will be for three months from 16.02.2018 to 15.05.2018 and available to public through India Post Website (www.indiapost.gov.in). Any citizen of the country can give feedback on the quality of service provided by India Post. The customer can also provide his comments/suggestions, if he so desires.

 On the basis of the feedbacks received from the survey, suitable inferences will be drawn upon areas to be improved not only for a particular service but will also help in identifying the lagging post office.

PIB

India Post launches logo and tagline design contest for IPPB on MyGov

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Communications & Information Technology

10-June-2016 14:41 IST

India Post launches logo and tagline design contest for IPPB on MyGov

The Department of Posts on 10.6.16 launched a logo and tagline design contest for the soon to be set up India Post Payments Bank on the MyGov website. The Cabinet has on 1st June 2016, given its nod to the setting up of the IPPB under the Department of Posts to further financial inclusion in the country.

Department of Post wants to connect with and involve the people of India in designing the DNA of the India Post Payments Bank. One of the guiding principles of the India Post Payments Bank would be cocreating value propositions and products with its customers and other stakeholders. The present contest is the first step towards this ongoing engagement. It has also initiated a nationwide survey to understand the needs of different segments of customers.

Reward: The contest is open to all Indian citizens, institutions, agencies and entities for a period of one month, until 9th July 2016. The best entry will be awarded Rs 50,000/. A panel of eminent designers/ experts will help shortlist 20 best entries which will thereafter be put up for voting on the MyGov platform for the final selection of the winner.

About the India Post Payments Bank
The India Post Payments Bank will offer digitally enabled payments, banking and remittance services of all kinds between entities and individuals and also provide access to insurance, mutual funds, pension and credit products in partnership with third party financial service providers and Banks. It is poised to emerge as the main vehicle of financial inclusion in the country by bringing the physical reach of 1.55 lakh post offices and a modern payments platform powered by ubiquitous information and communication technologies together to create a national payments architecture that can be accessed by all users like never before. The stakeholders of the India Post Payments Bank within the Government and outside are looking at this new entity as a catalyst to social and financial inclusion. The roll out of the IPPB is to be completed by September 2017.

PIB

Opening a postal bank account just a phone call away

Opening a postal bank account just a phone call away

Post Offices are going to function as Commercial Banks. Postman are going to act as mini ATM. Pensioners & account holder will get benefited

Postal Bank to be launched soon – Minister says postal bank account can be opened by just dialing designated phone number – Swiping Machines to be carried by Postmen for transaction at place of account holder

NEW DELHI: Opening a postal bank account is just one phone call away and if you are a pensioner, the money will reach at your door step through your friendly postman. These are a few of the many customer friendly initiatives approved last week by the Postal Board.

Aimed at making postal banking a major commercial success, the board has identified a number of touch points that required ease of customer interface. Customers will soon be able to drop cheques in those forgotten red post boxes, to deposits money in their postal account. In order to open postal bank accounts, all a person has to do is call a number that will be announced soon. This call will be diverted to the local postman of the area. The postman will speak to the called number that will be displayed on his smartphone/tab, (to be soon issued to all post man) and fix an appointment to visit the caller.

He will take pictures of the necessary documents on his smart phone/tab and get it processed at the postal bank. Union Minister for Communications, Information Technology and Post Ravi Shankar Prasad has received the decisions taken by the board and is understood to have approved them.

The major support that postmen will offer is to the more than 5.5 million pensioners in India, who will soon get the benefit of receiving pensions at their door steps, delivered by their postman. “We have a target to launch these services before March 2017,” sources in the Department of Post said.

Among other benefits to customers include Core Banking Systems at all the places of historical, cultural and tourist importance, as well as all state capital cities. Which means that all the facilities that are available at major postal offices will be available to them The core banking system at all major post offices are in advanced stages of connecting to CBS.

New roles galore

• The post man will also act as a mini ATM, to help the old and infirm to deposit and withdraw money
• Postmen will carry hand held card swipe machines that will accept deposits and also withdraw money, if a prior request is made
• The Department of Port is aiming at a launch date before March 2017
• 5.5 million pensioners will get the benefit of receiving pensions at the doorstep, delivered by postmen
• The post man will also act as a mini ATM, to help the old and infirm to deposit and withdraw money
• Postmen will carry hand held card swipe machines that will accept deposits and also withdraw money, if a prior request is made
• The Department of Port is aiming at a launch date before March 2017
• 5.5 million pensioners will get the benefit of receiving pensions at the doorstep, delivered by postmen

Source:  newindianexpress.com

Service Discharge Benefit Scheme for Gramin Dak Sevaks

Service Discharge Benefit Scheme for Gramin Dak Sevaks

Department of Posts clarifies to All India Gramin Dak sevaks Union (AIGDSU) that Gram Dak Sevaks are eligible for New Service Discharge Benefit Scheme (SDBS) utilizing the platform of the “NPS-Lite” Scheme of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA)

New Service Discharge Benefit Scheme (SDBS) for the Gramin Dak Sevaks utilizing the platform of the “NPS-Lite” Scheme of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).  Issue of PRAN Card will be discussed with PA.

Ministry Of Communication & Information Technology has issued a communication to All India Gramin Dak sevaks Union (AIGDSU) regarding Provisional Pension to GDS.

F.No.6-11/2009-PE-II(Pt.)/PAP

Government Of India
Ministry Of Communication & Information Technology
Department Of Posts
(Establishment Division/P.A.P.Section)

Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg
New Delhi – 110 001
Dated:15th January, 2016

To
The General secretary,
All India Gramin Dak sevaks Union (AIGDSU)
Central Headquarters
First Floor, Post Office Building
Padamnagar, Delhi – 110 007

Sub: Implementation of a New Service Discharge Benefit Scheme (SDBS) for the Gramin Dak sevaks – reg.

Please refer your letter No.GDS/77/6/2015 dated 16.10.2015 on the subject cited above.

2. In this context, I am directed to inform you that as far as the provisional pension is concerned, SDBS is operated utilizing the platform of the “NPS-Lite” Scheme of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). As per Gazette Notification of Pension Fund Regulatory and Development authority (Exits and withdrawals under the National Pension System) Regulations 2015, Copy enclosed there is no provision for provisional pension of any amount, as requested by the union, as far as the matter of non-issuance of PRAN Card and non-settlement of the case is concerned, the matter is being forwarded to PA wing for providing status in the matter.

(Major S.N.Dave)

Assistant Director General (Estt.)

Probation and or confirmation of Direct Recruit Postal Assistants / Sorting Assistants in the Department of Posts

Probation and or confirmation of Direct Recruit Postal Assistants / Sorting Assistants in the Department of Posts

No. 37-47/2010-SPB-I

Government of India

Ministry of Communications & IT

Department of Posts

(Personnel Division)

Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg,

NewDelhi-110 001

Dated: 16.04.2015

To
1. All Heads of Circles,
2. Director, RAK National Postal Academy, Ghaziabad
3. A11 Directors of PTCs

Subject: Probation and / or confirmation of Direct Recruit Postal Assistants / Sorting Assistants in the Department of Posts - reg.

Sir / Madam,

I am directed to refer to the above mentioned subject and to say that the issue of probation and / or confirmation of the Direct Recruit Postal Assistants / Sorting Assistants (PAs/SAs) has been engaging the attention of the Department for some time. It is indicated that presently on their appointment, such PAs/SAs are imparted induction training and they have to pass the prescribed tests during the said training.

2. Currently, such Direct Recruit PAs/SAs undergo institutional training of upto 48 days at the Postal Training Centres (PTCs). They have to obtain at least 60% marks in the tests in order to come out of training successfully. If any PA/ SA fails to obtain 60% marks, he/she is retained in the PTC for re-training for 2 weeks and undergoes two tests (one each week). Despite retraining, if such PA/SA still does not obtain 60% marks, suitable adverse notice is taken against him/her.

3. The matter has been revisited by the Department in consultation with the Department of Personnel"& Training (DOP&T). At the outset, it is emphasized that the tests, which the Direct Recruit PAs/SAs undergo while on training, need to be closely monitored and it should be ensured that only those PAs/SAs who obtain required marks in the tests may be declared to have satisfactorily completed the probation period and confirmed ‘in service, provided such PA/SA has also performed/acted satisfactorily during the probation period. As per the Recruitment Rules of PA/SA issued by the Department of Posts, the Direct Recruit PAS/SAs are confirmed in service by a Departmental Confirmation Committee (DCC) and pending confirmation, they remain on probation and their services are governed by CCS (Temporary Service), Rules, 1965.

4. Besides above, following points may be kept in view by the PTCs and the Circles while considering the confirmation of such Direct Recruit PAs/SAs, who are on probation:

(1) Direct Recruit PAs/SAs (on probation) who fail in the tests held in PTCs:-

(a) If any Direct Recruit PAs/SAs (on probation) is unable to clear the tests in the first attempt, he/she may be given two more chances to pass the tests. These three chances (including first chance during training) may be held/conducted within the two-year mandatory probation period. In the interregnum, such PA/SA may be posted temporarily to a Post Office/RMS office against a non-sensitive post.

(b) Before the third chance is given to a PA/SA, who has failed in two attempts, he/she may be given a written warning to the effect that his/her failure in mandatory tests does not justify his/her confirmation in the Service and that, unless he/she showed substantial improvement within a specified period and clears the test, the issue of terminating him from service will be considered.

(c) If any PA/SA is still unable to clear the Tests in three attempts within two years, the probation period in his/her case will be extended by six months during which time he/she shall have to mandatorily pass the tests. For such PAS/SAs, whose probation period has been extended by six months due to failure to pass the tests, a qualifying test will also be introduced which will be in addition to the existing tests. The modalities of such qualifying test will be prepared/finalized by the Training Division of the Postal Directorate.

(d) In case he/she passes the required tests and qualifying test and has also acted/performed satisfactorily during the entire period of probation including extension also, he/she may be declared to have successfully completed the probation period and may be confirmed in service by the DCC.

(e) If a PA/SA again fails in the tests and/or does not pass the qualifying test, the services of such temporary Direct Recruit PA/SA shall be terminated.

(II) Direct Recruit PAs/SAs (on probation) who pass the test, but their conduct/ performance is unsatisfactory:

(a) In case conduct/performance of a PA/SA is found unsatisfactory during the probation period irrespective of the fact that he/she has passed the required tests, the probation period of such PA/SA will be extended for six months in order for him/her to improve his/her conduct/performance to a satisfactory level.

(b) Such PA/SA as mentioned in (a) above may be given a written warning that unless his/her conduct/performance improves to a satisfactory level, the issue of terminating his/her services will be considered. In case his/her conduct/performance has improved to a satisfactory level during the extended probation period, he/she may be declared to have successfully completed the probation period and may be confirmed in service. If not, the services of such temporary Direct Recruit PA/SA shall be terminated.

5. The PTCs shall send reports relating to conduct/performance and passing/failing in the tests/qualifying test etc. as the case may be, in respect of each Direct Recruit PA/SA (on probation) to the Divisional Head concerned.

6. In order to ensure that termination cases are decided appropriately, the Divisional Head concerned, the Appointing Authority of PA/SA, will first issue a speaking Show Cause Notice covering reasons in detail for termination to the PA/SA concerned within 15 days after completion of extended six months’ period of probation. The said PA/SA will be given 15 days’ time to make representation, if any. Subsequently, the said Divisional Head, after carefully examining all relevant documents as also the representation, if any, of the official concerned, will decide the case of his/her termination within 45 days from the date of issue of Show Cause Notice.

7. Successful completion of training is a pre-requisite for completion of probation. Therefore, above may be included in the provisional offer of appointment issued to the candidates.

8. This may be brought to the notice of all concerned.

Yours faithfully,

(N T Paite)

Director (SPN)

Source: http://www.indiapost.gov.in/DOP/Pdf%5CCirculars%5CProb_Confir_PA_SA_2087_Pub_Upload.pdf

Capturing Mobile Telephone Number for the booking of eMO

Capturing Mobile Telephone Number for the booking of eMO

G.I., Dep. of Posts., Circular No 3-4/2014-Po, dated 3.2.2015

Subject: Capturing Mobile Telephone Number for the booking of eMO.

Attention is invited to the Directorate memo no.27-6/2014-PO dated 17-07-2014, vide which a combined Money Order Form was introduced.

2. The new Combined Money order form referred to above provides the fields for capturing Mobile Number of the sender as well as that of the addressee/receiver The functionality to enter the mobile number of the sender and addressee also exists in the eMO software. However, these fields have not been made mandatory either in the form or eMO software.

3. Meghtdoot 7.9 2. released by CEPT on 20th December 2014, has a provision to send an SMS to the addressee in case of eMO apart from Speed Post, Registered Post, Parcel and Foreign Money Order The SMS is electronically triggered once the central server receives the message pertaining to the receipt of eMO at the delivery Post Office concerned. However, this would be possible only if mobile number of the addressee is captured in Point of Sale (Meghdoot) at the time of booking of eMO.

4. If the mobile number of the addressee is captured at the time of booking, the auto-populated SMS would intimate the addressee about arrival of the eMO at the delivery Post Office. This would have a major impact on eMO delivery. Therefore, the Circles may sensitize the Postmasters as also officials deployed at the counters to encourage the senders of money orders to provide details of senders as well as addressee’s mobile number in the eMO form. If the customers are informed about the advantages, they are likely to provide the mobile number for the purpose of booking of eMO.

Source : www.indiapost.gov.in

Revised eligibility criteria for engagement to GDS posts

Revised eligibility criteria for engagement to GDS posts

No. 17-39/6/2012-GDS

Government of India
Ministry of Communications & IT
Department of Posts
(GDS Section)
Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg

New Delhi- 110001
Dated: 14 Jan 2015

To
All Chief Postmasters General

Subject: Revised eligibility criteria for engagement to GDS posts

The review of selection criteria and eligibility conditions for engagement to GDS posts has been engaging the attention of the Department for quite some time. A Committee, namely the DKS Chauhan Committee, was constituted by the Department to look into various aspects related to the Gramin Dak Sevaks. Based on the recommendations made by the aforesaid Committee, it has been decided by the Department to revise the eligibility/ selection criteria for engagement to GDS posts.

The selection to GDS posts will now be based purely on the marks secured in an Objective Aptitude Test which will be conducted for the purpose at Circle level on six monthly basis. This will replace the present selection criteria which were based on marks secured in Matriculation/VIII Standard. The detailed selection process is being notified separately vide this Directorate’s letter No. 17-39/7/2012-GDS dated 14 Jan 2015.

The eligibility conditions for engagement to the posts of GDS have also been revised and comprehensive instructions on the subject are issued as given below. The revised eligibility conditions & criteria of selection will be effective for the vacancies notified on or after 01.04.2015. The engagement process initiated before 01.04.2015 shall be finalized as per the existing instructions.
 
A. Age
B. Educational Qualification
C. Residence
D. Adequate means of Livelihood
E. Furnishing of Security
F. Fulfillment of other terms and conditions
G. Adequate representation of SC/ST/OBC & Physically Challenged

(Surendra Kumar)
Assistant Director General (GDS)

Source/View/Download : http://www.indiapost.gov.in

Retention of excess cash balance in Post offices: Instructions by Department of Posts

Retention of excess cash balance in Post offices: Instructions by Department of Posts

File No.21-03/2014-PO
Government of India
Ministry. of Communications & IT
Department of Posts
(PODivision)

October 13, 2014

Subject: Retention of excess cash balance in Post offices

P&T Audit team during visits to a number of'post offices has found that a large volume of cash have been retained by the post offices in violation of their prescribed limits fixed by the Circle. The weekly statement of cash balance report sent by HPOs/GPOs to Divisional / Circle Officesfor verification / investigation is not complied with by the Post Offices and Circles are not ensuring the submission of report. in case, the excess balancesare retained frequently in any Post Office, SSPO should properly investigate the matter and report the same to Circle Office. Excess retention of cash beyond the prescribed limits is also not desirable on the reasons of security in post offices.

2. The Directorate has viewed excess retention of cash by the Post Offices seriously and thus instructs the Circles to follow the prescribed limits, norms and guidelines issued by the Directorate time to time. Circles are instructed strictly implement the monitoring mechanisms (weekly report) to ensure retention of prescribed cash limit and review the authorized cash balance of the Post Offices, if they require more cash. Circle shall ensure proper implementation of other related instructions which shall ensure-that only. prescribed cash is retained at the post offices such as post offices with large cash transactions having cash turnover more than 40 lac per annum may be allowed to open bank accounts directly and issue cheques instead of making cash payments wherever applicable. The matters relating to excess retention of cash balances are properly investigated by the Divisions / Circles.

3. The receipt of this letter may be acknowledged and instruction shall be complied with immediate effect.

(M.S. RANA)
ADG (PO)

Source: http://www.indiapost.gov.in/DOP/Pdf%5CCirculars%5CRetention_Excess_Cash_1590_181020114_Pub_upload.PDF

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Merger of ASP cadre in to PS Gr. B cadre : Meeting postponed

Merger of ASP cadre in to PS Gr. B cadre : Meeting postponed.

No. 25-35/2011-PE-I
Government of India
Ministry of Communications & IT
Department of Posts
(PE-I Section)

Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg,
New Delhi – 110 001
Dated:12th September, 2014

To,
The General Secretary,
All India Association of Inspectors and
Assistant Superintendents, Posts,
CHQ Qtr. No. 12, P & T Colony,
Khurshid Square, Civil Lines, Delhi – 110 054

Subject: Merger of ASP cadre in to PS Gr. B cadre – Proposal regarding.

Sir,

Kindly refer to this office letter of even number dated 28.08.2014, on the subject mentioned above, wherein the Association was requested to attend a meeting with Director (Estt.) on 16th September, 2014 at 11:00 am to come up with a viable proposal for restructuring of IP and ASP cadres. However, this is to inform that due to some unavoidable circumstances the meeting has been postponed. The next date of meeting will be intimated shortly.

Yours faithfully,

Sd/-
(Tarun Mittal)
Assistant Director General (PE-I)
Tele: 011-2303 6239