Thursday, 29 November 2012

Guidelines for monitoring and expeditious disposal of the disciplinary roceeding cases - reg.

 Click here to view O M No. 425/04/2012-AVD-IV(A), dated 29th November, 2012 issued by Department of Personnel & Training, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pension

A Commemorative Postage Stamp on the Consumer Protection Act Issued

On the completion of the enactment of Consumer Protection Act (CPA), 1986, a commemorative postal stamp was issued by the president of India, Shri Pranab Mukhrji here today.

On the occasion Prof. K.V. Thomas, minister of state of consumer affairs, food and public distribution said that 1986 was a watershed year in the history of consumer movement in India that witnessed the enactment of the consumer protection act – the ‘magna carta’ legislation aimed at protecting the interests of consumers that they do not fall victims to the unfair trade practices and sub-standard services in the market place. He said that the special feature of this act is to provide speedy and inexpensive mechanism to redress the grievances of the consumer, and award compensation wherever appropriate. The act ensures consumer rights such as the right of choice, safety, information, public hearing and consumer education.

The minister said India’s 1.2 billion consumers are the lifeblood of our economy. “A vibrant economy depends on effective demand from consumers for affordable quality products and services. Among the consumers, the disadvantaged groups, particularly vulnerable low-income earners, the unemployed, the physically and mentally challenged need our special attention. This is why, more than ever, we need a well-conceived, empowered and pro-active consumer policy”, he asserted.

Prof Thomas said that it is a fact that the consumer movement in India gathered momentum with the enactment of the CPA, credit for which goes to our former prime minister, late Shri Rajiv Gandhi who had given a new thrust to the quality movement in India so that India could move into the 21st century with pride. This unparalleled act provides for the establishment of three tier disputes redressal machinery, consisting of the national commission, state commission and district fora. Since one of the most important consumer rights is the right to seek redressal, the act provides the consumers with a welcome alternative from the lengthy proceedings of civil court. at present, there are 627 district forums and 35 state commissions, apart from national commission, functioning in the country, with a disposal rate as high as 92%. , he said.

Highlighting the importance of consumer awareness, Prof Thomas said that provisions of consumer protection act alone may not be sufficient for consumers to assert their rights under this act. Amongst the various efforts undertaken by the government, consumer information and education remain the two most important areas of concentration as they are the most effective means to counter the malpractices of the manufacturers and the market forces. Therefore, the department of consumer affairs is running a massive consumer awareness campaign under the slogan “jago grahak jago”. Joint campaigns are being taken up with other ministries/ departments which have consumer interface. Towards this end in view, the department has used railway tickets, utility bills and post cards to reach remote parts of the country.

Minister of state of communications and Information Technology, Dr Kruparani gave the special features of the commemorative stamp and its objective. Issued in the denomination of Rs 5/, stamp shows consumer uniting against the banner ‘Jago Grahak Jago’. 
Source : PIB, 29 Nov 2012

Filling up of vacancies reserved for Persons with Disabilities- reg.

 
 to view O M No. 36035/6 /2012-Estt.(Res.), Dated 26th November, 2012 issued by Department of Personnel and Training, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.

Wednesday, 28 November 2012

Eligibility of children from a void or voidable marriage for family pension - clarification regarding-DOPT


No.1/16/1996-P&PW (E) (Vol.II)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, P.G. & Pensions
Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare
3rdFloor, Lok Nayak Bhavan,
Khan Market, New Delhi
Dated: 27thNovember, 2012

Sub: Eligibility of children from a void or voidable marriage for family pension - clarification regarding.

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department's O.M. No.1/16/96-P&PW (E), dated 2.12.1996 whereby it was clarified that Pensionary benefits will be granted to children of a deceased Government servant/pensioner from void or voidable marriages when their turn comes in accordance with Rule 54(8). It is mentioned in Para 4 of the O.M. that "It may be noted that they will have no claim whatsoever to receive family pension as long as the legally wedded wife is the recipient of the same."

2. The matter has been re-examined in consultation with the Ministry of Law and Justice(Department of Legal Affairs) and Ministry of Finance (Department of Expenditure). It has been decided that in supersession of Para 4 of the O.M., ibid, dated 2.12.1996, the share of children from illegally wedded wife in the family pension shall be payable to them in the manner given under sub-rule 7 (c) of Rule 54 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972, along with the legally wedded wife.

3. It has also been decided that in past cases, no recovery from the previous beneficiary should be made. On receipt of an application from eligible child/children of the deceased Government employee/pensioner born to an ineligible mother, a decision regarding division or otherwise of family pension may be taken by the competent authority after satisfying himself/herself about veracity of facts and entitlement of the applicant (s).

4. As regards pensioners/family pensioners belonging to the Indian Audit and Accounts Departments, these Orders issue after consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.

5. This issues with the concurrence of Department of Legal Affairs vide their FTS No. 3036, dated 17.10.2012.

6. This issues with the concurrence of Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure vide their I.D. No.530/E.V/2012, dated 23.11.2012.

Sd/-
(D.K. Solanki)
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India
Tel. No. 24644632

Source: www.persmin.nic.in

PERIODICAL MEETING AT DIRECTORATE- 29.11.2012

Government of India
Ministry of Communications & IT
Department of Posts
(SR Section)
                                                                          
                                                                Dak Bhawan, Parliament Street
                                                                                 New Delhi 110001
No. 8/15/2011-SR (ATR)                                                    Dated: 21st November, 2012
   
Sub:   Meeting notice of next periodical meeting with National Federation of Postal Employees (NFPE) and Federation of National Postal Organisations (FNPO) affiliated Unions.
Secretary (P) will take next periodical meeting with NFPE and FNPO affiliated Unions on 29th November, 2012 in Committee Room, Dak Bhawan as per the following timings:
(i)
National Federation of Postal Employees affiliated Unions.
1000 hrs to 1300 hrs.
(ii)
Federation of National Postal Organisations and its affiliated Unions.
1400 hrs to 1700 hrs.
2.         Please make it convenient to attend the meeting.
            Sd/-
        (Arun Malik)
           Director(SR)

Meeting on Change Management Process under "India Post 2012" IT Modernization Project.

Settlement of TA claims of the officials deputed for Training at PTC Mysore

e-Payment Tariff Structure Revised- wef 01/01/2013

Revision of e-Payment Tariff structure

Transaction Value
Rate (Per Transaction)*
Up to Rs.1000/-
Rs.5/-
Rs.1001/- to Rs.2500/-
Rs.10/-
Rs.2501/- to Rs.5000/-
Rs.15/-
Above Rs.5000/-
Rs.20/-
* Rate are exclusive of service tax.
The revised tariff structure will come into effect from 1st January, 2013
Source:-BD & Marketing Directorate OM No.36-60/2010-BD & MD dated 26thNovember, 2012.

Meghdoot Modules Requirements for B class office using Windows 7 and SQL Express

1. System Requirements:

The systems should satisfy the below given requirements.

a. Install operating system Windows 7 in both server and client machine.
b. Install SQL Server Express 2008 with SP1 in server machine.
c. Peer to peer connection should be established between two systems. This can be done by connecting both the systems using a Cross Cable and giving different IP addresses to them (For example 192.168.1.101 and 192.168.1.102)
d. The system theme should be changed to “Windows Classic” in both systems.
e. If the System is containing only one Drive (i.e., “C” Drive), then make atleast one more partition. Detailed procedure for partitioning is provided in Pages-2 and 3 of this document


2. General steps for installation of all modules
Please follow below steps in Server machine while installation process.
a. Install server component in the server machine.
b. Share the installation folder.
c. Install client component in server machine.
d. While configuring Meghdoot Modules for the first time, database cannot be created directly in C: drive. For creating databases in C Drive only, please create a folder in C: drive and provide its path for creating the Database at the time of configuration. Otherwise create database in other drives.

Please follow below steps in Client machine while installation process.

a. After each module is installed in server machine, install corresponding client component in client machine.
b. Give network path for SQL Server when asked for the same.

Thanks to :
Manish Sheth, DSM,
Jamnagar-361001.

New Balance Matching Software Ver 4.0 (Include SCSS Matching)

New Balance Matching Software Ver 4.0 (Include SCSS Matching)

Download

DB Analyser and Negative list dated 26.11.2012

New DB Anlayser and Negative list released by SDC Chennai on 26.11.2012

Download

Tuesday, 27 November 2012

PLI/RPLI credit certificate in HOs and SOs

Total Viewer Software


A small reporting tool named Total Viewer developed by Sivakumar N.This tool will be very helpful for generating PLI/RPLI credit certificate in HOs and SOs, to know the dispatch details of registered article, etc.
Courtesy : Sivakumar N.
System Administrator
O/o Postmaster, Karunagappally
Kollam Division PIN 690518
Email : sivakumarn007@gmail.com

usb-cdrom-floppy-zip-drive-blocker

A tiny tools for block USB Pendrive, CDRom, Floppy Drive or ZIP Drive access to your computer. It helps you to protect your computer from virus. Recommended for cybercafe owners, home use, office use.

This tools only Block USB Pendrive/HDD Access, not any other USB device like Mouse / Modem, so after using this tools, u still can use other USB Device..

MBlock v1.0 for 64 Bit Windows
MBlock_v1.0_x64.zip (574.6 KiB, 819 hits)

MBlock v1.0 for 32 Bit Windows
MBlock_v1.0_x32.zip (459.3 KiB, 2,311 hits)

Source : http://technochat.in

Internet Explorer 10 Release

Download & upgrade.


Try the New Internet Explorer 10 Release for Windows 7 and discover the features that Internet Explorer has to offer.

Get Internet Explorer Now

IFS : International Financial System application

The International Financial System application (IFS) is a standalone application, which takes care of the electronic transfer of international money orders. IFS uses electronic data interchange (EDI) to send international money order data electronically, using sophisticated data encryption techniques to ensure the integrity of the data sent over the postal network. IFS also helps Posts provide electronic domestic money order services.

IFS is a complete management tool that responds perfectly to the needs of Posts in the electronic transfer of money orders especially at a time when the money transfer market is becoming increasingly competitive.

Its Gross National Index (GNI) based costing structure and low transaction-tax enables a very fast return on investment. The goal of the IFS system is to provide postal enterprises with reliable, secure, and timely electronic financial services, which in turn allows Posts to be more competitive in the global marketplace. The IFS system not only handles all phases of international and domestic money processing but also provides advanced features that facilitate cash management and accounting.
IFS has a wide range of functions, including:


Money order data collection, such as registration of any processing up to the final payment, reimbursement or cancellation of the transaction


Tracking and tracing of individual transactions or groups of transactions


Money order service monitoring and production of statistics


Quality control measurements


Bi-lateral agreement definition and automatic validation of transactions against the agreements


Production of UPU standard international accounting documents

IFS also supports a variety of money order and fund transfer services, from ordinary cash-to-cash orders to urgent wired transfers. On the IFS network, any transfer of data is protected by strong software encryption techniques. Network members are part of a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) operated by the PTC.

The IFS operational front-end is run as a Web application. This is specifically adapted for easy deployment over an Intranet or even over the Internet. It is possible to secure the protocol between the Web browser and the Application server.

IFS can easily be interfaced with an existing application, such as a counter operations system. In addition, the system user interface can be localised into any language.



The advantages of the International Financial System include:


IFS can be used as a simple gateway for accessing the postal network or as a complete money order management tool


IFS complies with all UPU regulations


IFS is easy to deploy and staff training can be provided during the installation phase. In most cases, no additional hardware is required


IFS is an end-to-end solution and can be used from the point of sale (at the origin) to the point of final payment (at the destination)


IFS supports multiple international and domestic services and service definitions are free. Each network member is free to negotiate and configure the service conditions, rules and prices bilaterally with each of its partners


IFS is scalable ensuring that the same software supports from very low to very high volumes of transactions


IFS functions are constantly enhanced, based on requests from all network members


IFS offers various options for connecting to the postal network, including leased line or dial-up over the Internet or using SITA lines

www.upu.int

How to Connect to Console Session with Windows Server 2003 Terminal Services

In Windows Server 2003, when you use Terminal Services, you can connect to the console session (session 0), and at the same time, open a shadow session to it (as long as you connect from a session other than the console). With this added functionality, you can log on to a Windows Server 2003-based server that is running Terminal Services remotely and interact with session 0 as if you were sitting at the physical console of the computer. This session can also be shadowed so that the remote user and the local user at the physical console can see and interact with the same session.

How to Connect to the Console Session

When you connect to the console session of a Windows Server 2003-based server, no other user has to be already logged on to the console session. Even if no one is logged on to the console, you are logged on just as if you were sitting at the physical console.

To connect from the remote Windows Server 2003-based computer, open a command prompt, and then type the following command:
mstsc -v:servername /F -console
where mstsc is the Remote Desktop connection executable file, -v indicates a server to connect to, /F indicates full screen mode, and -console is the instruction to connect to the console session.

When you use this command, you open the Remote Desktop session, and when the logon is authenticated, you are connected to the console session that is running on the Windows Server 2003-based server. If a user is currently working on the console session at the computer, you receive the following error message:
The user domain\username is logged locally on to this computer. The user has been idled for number minutes. The desktop is unlocked. If you continue, this user's session will end and any unsaved data will be lost. Do you want to continue?
The user of the current console session is then logged off, and you receive a message that states that the computer is currently locked and only an administrator can unlock it.

Note: If the console session user and the Terminal Services session user are the same, you can connect without any problems.

for more information read article : http://support.microsoft.com/kb/278845


Monday, 26 November 2012

Allotment of Grade Pay of Rs. 5400/- in PB-2 for Group 'B' Gazetted Officers and Grade Pay of Rs.4800/- in PB-2 to Supervisors in the Railways.


No.22/02/2009-IC-II
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure
New Delhi, dated the 15th May, 2012
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject : Allotment of Grade Pay of Rs. 5400/- in PB-2 for Group 'B' Gazetted Officers and Grade Pay of Rs.4800/- in PB-2 to Supervisors in the Railways.

The undersigned is directed to refer to Ministry of Railways OM No.PC VI/2008/IC/21 dated 06.01.2012 and DO letter No.PC-VI/2008/IC/20 dated 06.03.2012 on the subject mentioned above. The matter has been reconsidered in this department and as regards allotment of Grade Pay of Rs.5400/- in PB-2 for Group 'B' Gazetted Officers who were in the pre-revised scale of Rs.7500-12000, It is observed that Group 'B' Gazetted Officers in the pay scale of Rs.7500-12000 exists in all the Ministries / Departments also and agreeing to the instant proposal would have wide repercussion. In view of the above, this department’s earlier decision dated 11.08.2010 is re-iterated. Consequently the proposal for allotment of Grade Pay of Rs. 4800/- in PB-2 to Supervisors who were in the pre-revised scale of Rs.6500-10500 & Rs.7450-11500 is also not agreed to.

2. This issues with the approval of JS (Pers.).

sd/-
(Sunita Bansal)
Under Secretary to the Government of India
Source:IRTSA

All India Services (Medical Attendance) Amendment Rules, 2012.

======>>>Click here 
to view the notification dated 21st November, 2012.

How IDA increase is calculated?

How IDA increase is calculated?
We have been reporting the increase in IDA every three months, always before official announcement is made.
We have not been making predictions or assumptions.  Our reporting has always been based on standard calculation used for the purpose.  We feel that the members also should be aware of the calculation. Hence this article.
The IDA rate revision is based on All India Consumer Price Index.  After Second Pay Revision w.e.f. 1.1.2007, the base index has also been revised to 1.1.2007, which is 126.33 

For arriving at IDA increase we need to know the All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers [CPI(IW)] for the previous three months.  For IDA revision w.e.f. 1st July of a year, the CPI of March, April and May are required. For IDA revision w.e.f.1st October, CPI of June, July and August are required and so on.
The average CPI of the three months is then taken  for calculation and the following formula is used: 
New IDA rate = (Average CPI – Base Index) x 100 / Base Index
Increase in IDA rate = New IDA rate – Old IDA rate
Example: 
CPI for    
June 2009 - 153
July 2009 - 160
August 2009 - 162 
Average: 158.33 
  
Calculation:     158.33 – 126.33 x 100 
                         --------------------------      =  25.3 
                                   126.33 
IDA rate w.e.f. 1.7.2009 was 18.5 
Therefore Increase in IDA rate w.e.f.1.10.2009 was = 25.3-18.5 = 6.8 
CPI for a month is notified on the last day of the next month in Labour Bureau Website at http://labourbureau.nic.in/indnum.htm. This information is also published in ‘The Hindu’ on the first day of every month in Business column.
That’s all. It is so simple. Now, any one can on his own calculate the IDA rate increase w.e.f. 1.4.2010, on 31st March 2010 itself.  Those who don’t want to take that little effort can login to http://www.aibsnloa.org/related/idacalculation.xls and just fill in the CPI for February 2010 and get the magic figure of Increase in IDA rate w.e.f.1.4.2010.
Courtesy: Com.V.V.S.Murthy, Vijayawada.
Source: www.aibsnloa.org
[http://www.aibsnloa.org/related/idacalculation.pdf]

Sunday, 25 November 2012

Criteria for Issue of Passport under Tatkaal Scheme

Ministry of External Affairs

The Government had introduced the Tatkaal scheme to issue passport to citizens in an expedited manner (after liberalizing the requirement of documents and within the basic parameters of security consideration). The Scheme was launched on 1 January 2000 to provide a transparent and systematic avenue to applicants for issue of passports in a time bound manner, subject to production of proof of urgency. Under the scheme, passport applications are processed on post-police verification basis (where required).
The Scheme was further expanded and liberalized with effect from 23 December 2006. Now, no proof of urgency is required for out of turn fresh/re-issue of passport under Tatkaal Scheme. Similarly, no Tatkaal documentation is required for minor passport, if application falls in no Police Verification category. There was also expansion of the list of the officials authorized to issue Verification Certificate. Also the applicant has been given an option to submit the Tatkaal applications on the basis of three documents out of 16 documents (one of the three documents has to be a photo identity document).
The Government has further reduced the delivery period for issuing of passports under Tatkaal Scheme. As on today, fresh Tatkaal passports are issued within 1-7 working days of the date of application and re-issue passport under Tatkaal category within 1-3 working days, subject to completion of all formalities.
In order to further simplify the submission of passport applications, the Passport Seva Project has been successfully implemented under the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) of the Government of India. Under this Scheme, the applicant applies on-line for submission of passport application at Passport Portal [www.passportindia.gov.in].
The Minister of State in the Ministry Of External Affairs Shri E. Ahamed provided this information in reply to questions in Rajya Sabha today.

Reservation in promotion to SCs and STs: Latest statement by Minister of Personnel

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL,PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-101
ANSWERED ON-22.11.2012
Reservation in promotion to SCs and STs
101 . SHRI NARENDRA KUMAR KASHYAP
(a) whether a Supreme Court verdict has come wherein the reservation for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in promotions has been held unconstitutional;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether Government has taken any concrete steps to obviate the hurdles being faced in giving promotions to SCs and STs; and (d) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office. (SHRI V. NARAYANASAMY)
(a) & (b): The Supreme Court in the matter of M.Nagaraj Vs. Union of India has held that the constitutional amendments made to enable the State to provide reservation in promotion are constitutionally valid. However, the States have to collect quantifiable data showing backwardness of the class and inadequacy of representation of that class in public employment, keeping in mind maintenance of efficiency, as indicated in Article 335.
Recently, the Supreme Court in the matter of Rajesh Kumar Vs. Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited has struck down the provision of reservation in promotion in the employment of State of Uttar Pradesh, because the aforesaid requirements were not complied with. Earlier also, on similar ground, the Apex Court in the matter of Surajbhan Meena Vs. State of Rajasthan had quashed the provision of reservation in promotion in the employment of State of Rajasthan.
(c) & (d): The Government of India has already taken required steps to provide constitutional safeguards to obviate hurdles being faced in giving promotions to SCs and STs. A Bill, namely, The Constitution (One Hundred and Seventeenth) Amendment Bill, 2012 has been introduced in the Rajya Sabha on 5th September, 2012 to provide impediment free reservation to SCs and STs in promotion.
Above statement has been submitted by Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office in reply of undermentioned Rajya Sabha Question.
Source: Rajya Sabha Q&A

Web Based Status Tracking Facility for Income Tax Refunds

Web Based Status Tracking Facility Launched to Check Corruption in Income Tax Refunds.

Instances of alleged corruption for settlement of refund claims and complaints come to notice from time to time. Whenever any such instance or complaints comes to notice, the same is verified and if it is found to be correct, the concerned officers/officials have to face penal consequences depending on the facts and circumstances of the case.
   The process of issue of refunds has been streamlined in the course of computerization and encouraging e-filing of returns for speedy processing and issue of refunds through refund banker scheme. A web based status tracking facility for refunds has also been launched. The grievance redressal mechanism has been strengthened for ensuring prompt disposal of all such complaints.
   Significant success has been achieved. An e-filed return claiming refund is now on an average processed within three to four months of its filing.
   This was stated by the Minister of State for Finance, Shri S.S. Palanimanickam in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.
Source: PIB

Additional LTC Benefits to newly recruited Central Government Employees

Leave Travel Concession for Central Government employees in general provides for reimbursement of fare entitled to the employee and his / her family concerned for the travel to home town twice in four years or to a place any where in India in lieu of one home town travel concession once in four years.
As far as newly recruited Central Government Employees are concerned, LTC Scheme provides for some additional benefits which are discussed in this article.

LTC Scheme after implementation of Sixth Pay Commission report – Benefits to Fresh Recruits in the form of additional LTC trips

LTC Rules amended after implementation of sixth pay commission provides certain more Benefits to Fresh Recruits in the form of allowing additional home town trips under LTC (after completion of one year of continuous service in central government service)
As per the amendment made in Rule 8 of LTC Rules, Fresh recruits to Central Government may be are allowed to travel to their home town along with their families on three occasions in a block of four years and to any place in India on the fourth occasion.
This facility shall be available to the Government officers only for the first two blocks of four years applicable after joining the Government for the first time. In other words after completion of one year of continuous service in Central Government service one can avail LTC for three Home town trips and one All India trip in each of two LTC blocks that fall in in the first eight years of Government service
The blocks of 4 years shall apply with reference to the initial date of joining the Government even though the employee changes the job within Government subsequently. The existing blocks will remain the same but the entitlements of the new recruit will be different in the first eight years of service.
After grant of this additional LTC benefits to fresh recruits, doubts were raised whether this additional benefits can be allowed Central Government Employees who have joined in the Government Service prior to 23.09.2008 (i.e. before the date of issue of OM) but yet to complete 8 years of service.
Later, DOPT clarified in this aspect to the effect that all Government servants who have not completed 8 years of service as on 01.09.2008 would be entitled for the LTC benefits available to fresh recruits.

Married and unmarried Central Government Employees can travel to home availing LTC once a year in one block of 4 years:**

This benefit was available even prior to implementation of sixth pay Commission. Under this clause, Married and unmarried Central Government Employees can travel to home availing LTC once a year in one LTC block of 4 years. There is no restriction in the form of number of years of service to avail LTC in this clause. However, this LTC for travel to home town once a year in the block of 4 years restricted to employee only. The family of the employee is not entitled LTC under this clause.
However, following conditions are to be satisfied in order to avail additional Home Town Trips in one LTC block:
1.The family of Central Government Employee should be living away from him/her at her/his home town.
2.No other LTC claim including LTC to all India and home town can be made by the employee for self and his/her family in the LTC block.
(** It is just an assumption that family of fresh recruits would usually be away from him/her at his/her home town. In fact this facility is available all central government employees whose family is at home town. There is no restriction in the form of number of years of service completed)

Saturday, 24 November 2012

No Examination in APS


Copy of Directorate’s Memo No. A-34020/11/2011-DE dated 15/2/2011 is reproduced below:

Subject : Discontinuation of conducting examination in APS Units/Centres.

Sir,
          I am directed to say that system of all Departmental Examinations is being revised.

          In this connection, Competent Authority has decided that the following Examinations hitherto being conducted in the APS units are discontinued.

i)            Examination for promotion to Postman cadre;
ii)           Examination for promotion to PAs/SAs (LGO);
iii)          Examination for promotion to Inspector Posts;

Candidates working in APS who wish to attend the above mentioned Examinations will have to appear at the nearest possible Postal Centres.

Yours faithfully,
Sd/-
(L. Mohan Rao)
Assistant Director General (DE)

Army Postal Service - A brief History


Origin of APS dates back to 1856 when the first FPO accompanied the British Expeditionary forces to Persia. FPOs continued to be requisitioned by the Army from the Dept of Posts to accompany Expeditionary Forces till World War I. During World War II volunteers from the Dept of P & T were drawn as combatants to run the FPOs. In 1947 when Indian troops were rushed to J & K, the handful of personnel, who remained with the occupation forces in Japan, were sent to provide postal services to the troops. This group germinated into the present Army Postal Service. 

Initially the organisation was affiliated to the ASC. In Mar 1972, APS was formed into a separate Corps.

Events before Independence
1856
First FPO raised to accompany the British Expeditionary Force to Persia.
  
1867
Inter FPO Mail was postage free mail exchanged between FPOs.
  
1882
Regular FPOs within India.
  
1914
World War-1, Army Postal Service joined the War and accompanied various forces continued to function till 1923.
 1941
Army Postal Directorate formed in QMG's Branch C/O 56 APO was raised.
  
1946
Army Postal Service Centre was raised at Kamptee.
Events after Independence
1947
1 CBPO was raised in New Delhi.
  
1964
2 CBPO was raised at Kolkata.
  
1969
SDS handed over to APS.
  
1970
The Philatelic Bureau started functioning in APS from 18 Jul 1970. These are functioning at 1 CBPO and 2 CBPO to cater to the needs of Armed Forces personal and their families. This Bureau is the special cancellation of special cover is done by "56 APO" and "99 APO" respectively.
  
1972
APS Corps emerged as Independent Corps.
  
1973
First Re-union of APS was held in Mar.
  
1975
APS took over the Postal Life Insurance work relating to the insurants of Defence Services from DD PLI Calcutta.
  
1978
(a)   Post Office Savings Bank facilities introduced in full to Defence services personals through Field Post Office.
  
(b)   Central Base Post Offices (CBPO) will perform all functions of Head Post Offices and Addl Directorate Gen APS exercise the powers and functioning of a Postal Circle wilth regard to this item of work.
  
(c)   Technology Induction-RD computerization at 1 CBPO from 1986 and at 2 CBPO from the year 1991.
 (d)   Minimum essential hardware supplied to all FPOs and counter operations of FPO have been computerized.
  
(e)   Sanchay Post software for SB operation installed in 275 FPOs. This is being installed in the remaining FPOs shortly.
  
1980
Second Re-union of APS was held in Dec.
 1990
Automation of APO Tele Centre was launched.
  
1991
Third Re-union of APS was held in Jan.
  
1994
Speed Post introduced in APS. A time bound and guaranteed service of the department of Posts is now available in FPOs. All FPOs are linked with the 157 National Speed Post Centres. Speed Post articles are dispatched to the destination by air.
  
1995
VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) commissioned at 1 CBPO for transmission of MOs electronically and in 2 CBPO in the year 1996.
  
1997
Fourth Re-union of APS was held in Jan.
  
1998
Computer Facility commissioned at APS Centre.
1999
Express Parcel Post a premium product of the department of Post launched in APS during this Year. Fast, economic and guaranteed way to sent parcels.
  
2004
(a)   Fifth Re-union of APS was held in Jan.
   
(b)   ePost service introduced up to CBPO level from Dept of Posts.
 (c)   APS Vision Perspective Plan of APS Corps. In this vision APS will be economically managed organization , offering a wide range of Postal Services, Financial Services, SDS and Logistic Support to all Formation and Units of the Indian Army by making extensive use of the available technology and well trained man power to enhance the user satisfaction to the level of absolute.
  
2005
(a)   Department of Posts allotted PIN block for all Army units in India for use in APS. The PIN codes scheme introduced in APS to enable FPOs and CBPOs to hand over the troops mail and other technology based products and services efficiently.
   
(b)   Pin Block "9" allocated to APS operations. Units and stations were identigfied with unique PIN identifications.
  
(c)   A V Singh Committee recommendations on Time Bound Promotions were made applicable for APS Officers.
 2006
(a)   Intelligent Networking PCOs installed in most of the FPOs and India Telephone Cards (ITC) are available in all FPOs.
 2007
(a)   Field Postal Orders (FPOr), a cost effective remittance facility that will meet the remittance needs of the soldiers was launched with a view to mitigate the hardship being faced by the troops and also to provide a convenient remittance facility to the troops.
  
(b)   Services of 847 Sep Packers on deputation from Dept of Posts were regularised in their parent recruiting unit.
2008
(a)   Pack Post has introduced on experimental basis through selected 100 FPOs wef 22 Feb 08.
 (b)   Library Post has been introduced w.e.f 07 Apr 08.
  
(c)   ePost service has been launched in APS w.e.f 15 May 08.
  
2009
(a)   Speed Post Envelopes introduced under post from 28 Jan 09.
  
(b)   Introduction of Express Parcel Post w.e.f 01 May 09.
  
(c)   Library Post 'Pay on receipt' introduced from 06 Aug 09.
  
(d)   Electronic Money (eMO) introduced w.e.f 24 Aug 09.
 2010
(a)   Speednet version introduced in all ePost Centre/SBPOs/CBPOs w.e.f 27 Jan 10.
  
(b)   Booking of MOs of Non eMO FPOs at eMO FPO w.e.f 08 Sep 10.
  
2011
(a)   Introduction of 'Debit Army ePost' at FPOs w.e.f 02 May 11.
 (b)   Introduction of Flat rate Parcel (Domestic) w.e.f 13 May 11.
  
(c)   From 01 Oct 11 there will be no limit for retaining balance in single as well as joint saving account.  The rate of interest increased from 3.5% to 4% w.e.f 01 Dec 11.
  
(d)   Kisan Vikas Patra discontinued w.e.f 01 Dec 11.
  
(e)   Revision of maturity period (for 5 years) and maturity value of 6 years National Savings certificates (NSC)VIII issue w.e.f 01 Dec 11.
  
(f)   Revision of maximum limit of PPF account from Rs 70,000/- to Rs 1,00,000/- w.e.f 01 Dec 11.  The rate of interests 8.6% per annum.
  
(g)   Introduction of new scheme called "National Saving Certificate (IX-issue) Rules-2011" w.e.f 01 Dec 11.
  
(h)   Revision of rate of interest of Time deposit accounts effective from 01 Dec 11.
 (j)   Revision of maturity period, rate of interest and discontinuation of 5% bonus on maturity of MIS account scheme w.e.f 01 Dec 11.
  
2012
(a)    Revision in Interest rates of Small Savings Schemes w.e.f. 01 Apr 2012.
  
(b)    Maximum limit of insuring lives under Postal Life Insurance has been enhanced to 20 Lakh (aggregate in respect of one class / all classes of Insurance policy(s) taken together whereas children policy limit will remain the same).

Courtesy : http://indianarmy.nic.in