Monday 24 September 2012

No roaming charges from next year: Kapil Sibal

NEW DELHI: Telecom minister Kapil Sibal on Monday said that mobile phone subscribers will not have to payroaming charges from next year. "From next year. Our secretary has told you that it will be free from next year," Sibal said here in response to a query on the timing of removing roaming charges as proposed in the National Telecom Policy 2012.
The minister was speaking to the media on the sidelines of the curtain raiser event of India Internet Governance Conference. NTP 2012, approved in May, aims to abolish roaming charges and allow mobile phone subscribers to use same number across country without having to pay extra charges for services once they are outside their telecom circle.
Meanwhile, telecom secretary R Chandrashekhar said the Department of Telecom (DoT) is working on Notice Inviting Applications for spectrum auction after which it will work on unified licence (UL) guidelines - also a part of the NTP 2012.
"We are first going to attend to all issues linked to auction. The moment NIA is issued this week, we will focus on UL. After details of full UL is worked out, the modalities for free roaming will follow," he said. As per the schedule, NIA will be issued on September 28.
Source : The Times of India, Sept 24, 2012

Cabinet clears additional pension for ex servicemen

The Union Cabinet has approved the recommendations of the Committee headed by Cabinet Secretary for benefits to ex-servicemen on four issues.   The financial implications of the improvements made as per the Cabinet decision on the four items are broadly estimated at Rs.2300 crore per annum.  The details are as follows:
I.             One Rank One Pension:

On One Rank One Pension, the demand of the Defence Forces and Ex-Servicemen Associations is that uniform pension be paid to the Defence Forces personnel retiring in the same rank with the same length of service irrespective of their date of retirement and any future enhancement in the rates of pension be automatically passed on to the past pensioners. 
            The difference in the pension of present and past pensioners in the same rank occurs on account of the number of increments earned by the defence personnel in that rank.  There is also a difference between the pension of pre 1.1.06 and post 1.1.06 retirees belonging to a particular rank.  The UPA Government on two previous occasions has taken decisions to narrow the gap between the present and past pensioners, particularly those belonging to the ranks of JCOs and Other Ranks.
            On the issue of One Rank One Pension, the following have been approved by the Cabinet:
(i)         Bridging of the gap in the pension of pre 1.1.06 and post 1.1.06 JCO/OR retirees by determining the pension of pre 1.1.06 retirees on the basis of notional maximum for ranks and groups across the three Services as in the case of post 1.1.06 retirees.  In addition, the weightage of qualifying service in the ranks of SepoysNaik and Havaldar would be increased by two years for both pre and post 1.1.06 retirees.
(ii)        The pension of pre 1.1.06 Commissioned Officer pensioners would be stepped up with reference to the minimum of fitment table for the ranks instead of the minimum of pay band.
           
These are expected to largely meet the demands of the defence pensioners on one rank one pension. 
II.                   Enhancement of Family Pension :
(i)                   The pension of pre - 1.1.2006 family pensioners(Commissioned Officers, Honorary Commissioned Officers, JCOs/ORs ) be stepped up based on the minimum of the fitment table instead of the minimum of the Pay Band;
(i)            Establishing linkage of the family pension with the pension of JCOs/ORs, in those cases where the death takes place after the retirement of the JCO/OR since such a JCO/OR drew a pension based on the maximum of the pay scales, 60% of the pension applicable to JCO/OR pensioners would be granted to the family pensioner in case of normal family pension calculated a 30% of last pay drawn. Accordingly, based on the rank, group and length of service of the deceased JCO/OR pensioner, his pension would first be determined on notional basis. In cases where death of JCO/OR took place after retirement, the family pensioners in receipt of normal family pension would become entitled to 60% of the said pension determined on notional basis and those in receipt of enhanced family pension will be entitled to 100% of this pension. Similar entitlements would be determined in the case of Special Family Pension; and
(ii)                 The family pensioner of the JCO/OR would be granted pension arrived at on the basis of the family pension worked out as per the formulation at (i) above or the pension on the basis of stepping upwith reference to the minimum of the fitment table, whichever is beneficial. Further, the linkage of family pension with retirinpension be applied in the case of post 1.1.2006 family pensioners ofJCOs/ORs also.
III.           Dual Family Pension:
Dual family pension would be allowed in the present and future cases where the pensioner drew, is drawing or may draw pension for military service as well as for civil employment.
IV.          Family pension to mentally / physically challenged children of armed forces personnel on marriage:
Grant of family pension to mentally/physically challenged children who drew, are drawing or may draw family pension would continue even after their marriage.
The above recommendations made by the Committee on pension issues of Ex-Servicemen may be implemented from a prospective date and payment made accordingly.


Source : PIB Press Release

Cabinet approves 7% hike in DA for central government employees

NEW DELHI: The Cabinet on Monday approved a hike of 7% in dearness allowance (DA) for central government employees. This means, the DA will now be 72 per cent from the current 65 per cent of basic pay. 
This will benefit about 50 lakh employees and 30 lakh pensioners across India. Last time the government increased the DA was in March 2011 which came into effect from January 1, 2012. 
The current hike will be effective from July 1 this year and employees would be entitled for arrears from this date.
 

The government periodically hikes the DA, which is linked to consumer price index for industrial workers. The consumer price index (CPI) based on movement in retail prices, soared to 10.03% in August, from 9.86% in July.

IRDA mulling to follow 'lead insurance model' to enhance reach


MUMBAI: The insurance regulator IRDA today said it is mulling to follow the lead insurance model based on geography, which is presently followed by the banking industry known as 'lead banking model'.

"IRDA has proposed the lead insurance model on the basis of geography, just like the banking industry," IRDA Chairman J Hari Narayan said here at an Assocham summit.

He also said the regulator is waiting for feedback from the life insurance and non-life insurance council on this issue.

In the banking sector, lead bank model is followed in specific geographies in order to give emphasis on availability of various banking services in one particular zone, which the regulator is considering to replicate.

When asked about increase in cap of FDI in the insurance sector, the IRDA Chairman said, the industry needs a lot investment for future growth.

"So, we will welcome the steps to increase the FDI in insurance sector," he added.

Talking about approval of pension products, Hari Narayan said those filed by companies are not pension products.

"They may call it pension product. Its much like a mutual fund products. That is you make a periodic investment and you can pull back at any point of time. So, these products will not be approved. What we have said is that a pension product should have an annuity. So product without any element of pension will not be approved," he explained.

Hari Narayan further said the finance minister had met with select insurers earlier in September, in which the insurers had suggested some measures for the growth of life insurance industry. 
Source :  http://economictimes.indiatimes.com

AIPEU P3 CHQ News : General Secretary’s Desk


AIPEU P3 CHQ News : General Secretary’s Desk


Dear Comrades,

One Day Strike on 12.12.12
The Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers has professed a clarion call of one day token strike on 12.12.12 on 15 Charter of Demands. The gist of the demands is furnished in a nutshell below for the notice of all. All Branches and Divisional Secretaries are requested to translate the same in their Regional languages and organize the workers for 100% participation in the proposed strike.

Charter of Demands and short notes

1.      Revision of wages w.e.f. 1.1.2011.
(i)           In all the Public sectors and Banks, the wage review is being carried out once in 5 years.
(ii)         The 5th CPC set the norms for the appointment of next pay commission that whenever DA crosses 50%, it shall be appointed. Based on the same principle, the next pay commission should have been appointed w.e.f 1.1.2011.  The silence in the 6th CPC report about the formation of the next CPC cannot be taken as a ruse to deny or delay the next CPC.
(iii)       The anomalies arisen after the 6th CPC due to the introduction of a grade pay system and the loss of significance in the existence of cadres, disparity in pay fixation between officers and Government servants etc. can be sorted out only in the next CPC.
(iv)        The retail prices of essential commodities eroded the value of real wages by 160% within 5 years after 1.1.2006, whereas the DA compensation had been just 51%. Due to inflation, the real value of the wages has gone down.
(v)          The 6th CPC while determining the minimum wage has suppressed the retail price in the market and just take 20% alone of the wholesale price whereas in the market it was more than 60% than the wholesale price. Thus the demand of the minimum wage has been defeated with that clever and cunning decision of 6th CPC.
(vi)        Though the National Anomaly Committee met 5 to 6 times, it has not settled any major issue. The Anomalies existing in MACP are unredressed.
(vii)      The Fourth CPC categorically stated that GDS ought to have been included within the preview of pay Commission. This has been denied resulting in more exploitation in their wages and service conditions.
The above are the justification for the demand seeking immediate appointment of Seventh CPC and  revise the wages from 1.1.2011.

2.      Merger of DA with Pay
(i)     The 5th CPC recommended that the DA must be merged with Pay and treated as Pay for computing all allowances when DA exceeds 50%. This was carried out before the appointment of 6th CPC.
(ii)   The DA merger will partially compensate the erosion of real wages as per the report of Gadgil Committee in the post 2nd CPC period.
(iii) The 3rd CPC has also recommended such merger.
The merger of DA shall be considered in the case of GDS also in the Department of Posts.

3.      Compassionate Appointments
(i)     Supreme Court has not given any direction to introduce 5% ceiling in compassionate appointments.
(ii)   Even though the Cabinet Secretary assured for reconsideration, no tangible action has been taken so far to delete the ceiling of 5%.
(iii) In Railways there is no such ceiling and this is very clear discrimination between the equals in the Government Service.
(iv)  In Department of Post the selected lists under RRR were scrapped and thereafter only the candidates who pleaded their cases up to the Supreme Court were offered the appointment and remaining approved candidates are left in the lurch.

Therefore we are demanding the directions should be issued to do away with the stipulation and compassionate appointments be provided in all deserving cases.

4.      Functioning of JCM
(i)        The National Council is as per the scheme to meet at once in 4 months. It meets after several years. The issues put forth should be disposed in the same meeting or in the next meeting where as a number of issues are kept pending for indefinite periods.
(ii)      Barring one or two items, most of the anoma`qds0tla#et in the Anomaly Committee meeting have not been considered and settled.
(iii)    In many Departments the Departmental Councils which are scheduled to be conducted once in four months have not been conducted years together.
Therefore, it is demanded that the periodicity of the National and Department Council meetings should be adhered and the forum should be ensured as an instrument to settle the demands of employees.

5.      Remove the Ban on Recruitment and creation of Posts.
(i)        The abolition of 2/3 vacancies which was in existence from 2001 to 2008 was applied only in the case of Group ‘C’ and Group ‘D’ and not even a single Group ‘B’ or Group ‘A’ was axed.
(ii)      The workforce in Group ‘C’ and Group ‘D’ has been drastically axed to the extent of 20% during the last decade ending with 2010.
(iii)    The blanket ban on creation of posts is in existence since 1983 and not even a single required post has been created without any matching Saving Scheme (example the case of System Administrators)
(iv)     We had a time tested and scientific system of assessment of workload with periodical revisions. This become obsolete and not even a single required post is created so far.
(v)       6th CPC communicated that it is not desirable to continue the ban and recommended to empower the respective departments to create need based posts for its effective functioning. This has neither has been accepted nor rejected so far.

6.      Downsizing, outsourcing and contractisation etc.
(i)     Many Departments had resorted to outsourcing of the functions. Some Departments virtually closed down. For example in passport office the entire work of processing and issue of passport is outsourced to TATA. Similarly the issue of PAN card and related works have also been entrusted to TATA consultancy. The IT returns submitted through E-mail are now entirely being processed by Infosys. Most of the work in Railways had been outsourced and on a contract basis and the staff strength has been depleted.
(ii)   In Postal, the Government desires to introduce PPP (Public private partnership) and providing a level playing field to the couriers by amending post office Act. The Monopoly of the Department of Posts is proposed to be unbundled with the clear direction for its corporation and further privatization. The fate met by the BSNL is not too far away to the Postal.
(iii) Outsourcing of department functions increased enormously over the years. The Quality of work suffered.
Therefore, it is necessary that the present scheme of outsourcing, privatization, PPP introductions and contractarisation shall be abandoned.

7.      Stop price rise and strengthen PDS.
(i)     The pursuance of the new economic policies and the consequent withdrawal of the universal public distribution system had been per se the reason for unbearable inflation.
(ii)   Government employees even of the lowest stage are precluded from the PDS as their meager wage is considered above ‘Poverty Line’.
Therefore, it is essential to bring back the PDS and control the price rise of essential food items.

8.      (a) Regularization of daily rated workers
(i)        Almost 25% of the workforce are casual workers in Government departments and they are not having any permanent and perennial nature of work.
(ii)      Resultantly Quality of work suffers besides exploitation of labour.
(iii)    The Govt should frame a scheme for regularization and they shall be paid equal pay for equal work.
(b) Absorption of GDS as regular Postal employees.
(i)      Till 1963, the GDS were called as ‘Extraneous Departmental Agents’ and treated as Govt. Servants.
(ii)     The Supreme Court declared in 1977 that they are holders of civil posts.
(iii)    Justice Talwar recommended that they should be treated as Govt. Servants and all facilities to be extended at par with regular employees.
(iv)         However Natarajamurthy had reversed all the above and now equated them with Anganwadi and Contingent employees. Many facilities were taken back.
(v)           There is ample justification to departmentalise the GDS. The General Secretary AIPEU GDS (NFPE) has submitted a detailed Memorandum to Hon’ble Minister exploring the ways & means for their departmentalization.
              Notwithstanding the demand of departmentalization, we demand immediate settlement of TRCA, Bonus and recruitment rules to PM/Group ‘D’related issues which were discussed in strike charters with the Department of Posts.

9.      Introduction of PLB and removal of ceiling limit
(i)     Adhoc bonus of 30 days should be converted as PLB in all Government departments.
(ii)   The ceiling of 60 days in PLB in Postal to be removed.
(iii) Bonus Act has no relevancy in PLB. There should be no ceiling of Rs. 3500/- for PLB.
(iv)  The injustice met out of the GDS in the ceiling should be modified.
      Therefore Bonus ceiling shall be computed on the basis of the actual emoluments of an employee receives.

10.    Revision of OTA and Night Duty Allowance.
(i)        OTA is now being paid as per the rates fixed by 4th CPC. There is no revision. Even the hourly rate of outsourced persons in much higher than the OTA granted to the Government Employees which is now at the rate of Rs. 15.85 per Hours.
(ii)      Non performance of OTA is being misused and some officials are being proceeded under disciplinary rules.
(iii)    The Board of Arbitration award enhancing the quantum of OTA has not been implemented.

11.    Arbitration awards
(i)   There are 17 arbitration awards in favour of employees. The financial implication is very meager. Even the staff side agreed to implement some of them with prospective effect.
(ii)  The Government is choosing to place the awards in the Parliament for rejection.

12.    Vacate all Trade Union Victimization
(i)     There is heavy vicimisation in IA & AD Department. More than 12000 employees are charge sheeted under Rule 14 & 16. Mass casual leave demanding vacation of victimisation ended with heavy casualities. Permission to hold meetings in the office are denied.
(ii)   The Trade union facilities are totally denied in many Government Organisation.

13.  Right to strike
(i)     ILO convention provides all trade union rights. However the decisions have not been made statutory by the Government.
(ii)   Govt. Employees continue to be denied the right of collective bargaining.
(iii) Supreme Court observed that Govt. Employees do not have any legal, fundamental or moral right to resort to strike action.
It is therefore urged that necessary legislation affording the right to strike to Govt. employees be made in the Parliament.

14.    Career Progression (5 Promotions)
(i)         All India Group ‘A’ Services provided 5 or more promotions without appearing any examination.
(ii)       In respect of Group ‘C’ no cadre review has been carried out.
(iii)     More promotional posts have not been identified because there is no functional justification; whereas no such yardstick is applied in case of officers.
Therefore, it is demanded to have five hierarchical promotions in one official carrier.

15.    Scrap the New Pension Scheme
(i)         The defined pension scheme was replaced by the contributory pension scheme from 1.1.2004 and the funds be managed by mutual fund operators in the share market.
(ii)       The new pension scheme is going to make social security uncertain.
(iii)     It is discriminatory as the scheme has been compulsorily imposed.
(iv)      Such schemes become failure in many countries like Chile, U.K and even the USA.
(v)        The contributory pension does not have the guarantee of Minimum 50% pension and there is no protection to the family due to denial of family pension.
     Therefore we demand to withdraw the PFRDA Bill and ensure the statutory defined pension scheme.

Dear Comrades,
If you go through the charter of demands, you can very well understand that all the demands are important and well related to all Govt. Employees. When the Govt. do not want to hear the voice of the C. G. employees, the Confederation which led the glorious struggles in 1957, 1960 and 1968 shall not shut its eyes and remain as mute spectators.

You may think that when other organizations like Railways & Defence are silent, what is the need for confederation to struggle alone. We cannot set aside the fact that in the freedom struggle, only 6 to 7 % of the people were actively involved. We cannot mention the same reason as a ruse and remain uncared of the C. G. Employees demands. We are having the responsibilities.

Further in the Postal over 20 years, we are conducting all the struggles under JCA except the strikes notified by all trade unions and mass platform organizations. This time FNPO, despite they understand the issues and the need for the strike, could not participate in the strike action. We should be clear in our minds that does not prevent us to proceed on our agenda. That is the main distinction and our specialty in focussing the common demands.

Resultantly in some areas, the cadres of their unions may join with us considering the justification of the demands; In some places, they may put hurdles and blockades to sabotage the strike; Some may act at the behest of the officers to scuttle our actions. Yes, we shall overcome all these.

It is clear that unless the seventh pay commission is constituted, there is no question of withdrawal or deferment of Strike by the Confederation. The strike will take place on 12.12.12. We shall mobilize all the workers and rally with us.

Our Branch/Divisional Secretaries shall observe the following programme of action to organize the comrades.
(i)           Hold Gate Meetings in nearby offices.
(ii)         Meeting every member and explain the demands and its importance.
(iii)       Hold executive meetings and allot all office bearers according to their capacity to organize in the workspots.
(iv)        Issue circulars in local language about the importance of the demands.
(v)          Issue phamplets and distribute to the public about our proposed strike action on 12.12.2012 seeking their cooperation; mainly focusing the wrong policies of the Department which were printed in Bhartiya Post earlier.
(vi)        Hold Jathas and invite representatives from other wings of the Confederation so that it will its own importance.
(vii)      Explain our position and convince the employees about the non participation of other unions under JCA.
(viii)    Each & Every GDS shall be contacted in person by the office bearers and inform them that this is the first time the Departmentalisation of GDS is placed in the charter of Demands of the Confederation.
(ix)        Intimate the position & requirements to the Circle unions & CHQ. The Circle unions will organise tour programmes of its office bearers and organize more meeting.
(x)          The Circle Secretaries should ensure the prompt conduct of meetings as notified by the NFPE & Confederation. If they want to change the dates for the meetings, they can contact the office bearers allotted to their circles; but there should be no failure in holding meetings in any circle.

Organize! Organise!! Organise!!!
Make the strike call of confederation after 1968 an historic success.

Let us meet in the next
Comradely yours,

(R. Sivannarayana)
Offg. General Secretary

National Postal Policy 2012



Salient Features of draft National Postal Policy, 2012
1. Setting up a 'Postal Development Board' for overall development and governance of Postal Sector. Besides this, the Board will draw roadmap for unbundling of functions (operations, regulation and policy making) in postal sector over a period of time, in order to develop an organized, competitive, effective, well governed and commercial postal market in India.
2. Constitute Postal Advisory Council comprising policy makers, postal operators and other stakeholders. The council will be an advisory body for effective implementation of the policy.
3. Create, Institutional Framework for continuous data collection from all postal operators. Collected data will be used to develop postal indicators and quality measurement systems.
4. Develop minimum & fair standards and quality measurement systems for all postal operators. Govt. to support small and medium postal operators to provide quality services and encourage entrepreneurship in the sector.

5. Create 'Postal ICT and R&D Fund' to ensure adequate flow of investment into postal R&D to enhance and standardize utilization of leT in the sector.
6. Promote Public Private Partnership for Development in the sector.
7. Government to Develop National Postal Infrastructure (transportation system, addressing database and standards, automated mail sorting, database management systems etc.) which will be sharable among all postal operators.
8. Develop Vocational training Framework for the postal sector through institutional linkages between postal and other sectors and between postal sector and educational institutions.
9. Adopting a pragmatic and equitable approach for managing the usO.
10.  Transform post offices into public delivery channel for services like e­commerce, e-governance and financial inclusion. Post Offices to be identified as Primary Public Access Points (PPAP) for these services.
11. Strengthen India Post by redesigning business structures with sufficient autonomy, digitizing and connecting all post offices and establishing Post Bank of India.
12. lmplement strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of the postal sector including harnessing renewable energy sources like solar, biomass and wind.
13. Attract investment to facilitate expansion of National Postal Infrastructure in rural and undeserved areas.
14. Organize studies and campaigns for increasing public awareness on the developmental role of the sector.       
15.  Launch of Special Purpose Vehicle (SPVs) and Joint Ventures (JVs) to promote collaboration between the government and the private sector in commercial ventures.
16. Amend the Indian Post Office Act 1898 to meet the objectives of National Postal Policy 2012.
National Postal Policy 2012
Draft
Department of Posts
Ministry of Communications and information Technology,
Government of India
Preamble
Postal services originated out of the need for conveying the written word. They evolved over the ages, and grew in scope, spread and complexity. The post, today, is a ubiquitous network which serves the world by connecting individuals and communities, promoting trade and commerce, and reaching financial services to the common man.
Despite the advent of the digital revolution, post is still the most economical and accessible among the different modes of communication available to the public. The mandate of the postal sector is three dimensional - being a channel for moving information, goods and money. This mandate makes postal services a tool of development, an enabler of commerce and a facilitator of the aspirations of the people.
The current postal environment is complex and dynamic. Based on international experience, the status and direction of the postal sector can be summarized as under:
         ¨    Declining letter mail volumes, increasing electronic substitution, and growing competition.
         ¨   Postal Administrations which concentrate on the core business of mail are struggling for survival, while those which diversified into non­mail businesses like financial services and e-Commerce are successful in negotiating the changed environment.
        ¨       Postal administrations worldwide are increasing their productivity by employing state of the art technology.
         ¨      Though the principle of separation of regulator and operator is widely discussed, it is yet to find universal acceptance.
         ¨    Postal markets in emerging economies continue to be fragmented and unorganised.
         ¨    New business models are evolving from emerging economies, with increased level of resource sharing and cooperation among various service providers.
The environment, thus, poses overwhelming challenges to the postal sector. However, it has also thrown up many opportunities. Potential exists today for an overarching role for the postal sector in facilitating internet based commerce, as a trusted third party who provides a secured space for transactions. 'Cash on delivery services', fulfillment services for lightweight packets and just-in-time shipment of goods are some of the services for which demand is growing. The postal sector needs to be creative and innovative to capitalize on these opportunities.
The National Postal Administration forms the core of the postal sector. A strong and self-sufficient National Postal Administration is essential for the survival of the sector, as this alone has a countrywide distribution network, which can be leveraged for profitable partnerships involving the private sector or other government agencies.
The postal market in India is governed by the Indian Post Office Act 1898. The Act entrusts the Central Government with the exclusive right to collect and deliver letters, which is implemented through the National Postal Administration. The term 'letter', however, is not defined in the Act. A large number of courier operators are present in the postal market in India. They are free to handle documents, parcels and other items of mail which -do not fall under the category. 'letter'. No authentic data exists regarding the number of such operators or the volume of mails they handle.
Entry and exit in the postal sector are free. However, there are issues related to governance, standardization and quality of service which call for institutional reforms. Such reforms are essential to allow free interplay of market forces and the consequent stabilization of the postal market. They are also required to ensure the delivery of efficient and affordable universal postal services, which is essential for the geographical and social cohesiveness of the country.
Effective governance of the postal market has proved to be a key feature of reform in advanced countries. Hence any postal sector in developing countries also requires an effective governance mechanism.
Another issue that needs attention at the policy level is the fragmented lCT environment of the postal sector, which is contributing to underutilization of resources on many fronts. The absence of organized efforts in Human Resource Development and Planning, and the non-adoption of modern practices in this area are also concerns, as they deprive the postal sector of skilled workforce.
The postal sector in India is in urgent need of legislative and institutional reforms to build the foundation for its future growth. Governance, market development, definition of universal service obligation and standardization of leT practices are important elements in this reform process.
The National Postal Policy has been developed to address the systemic challenges facing the postal sector and to enhance contribution of the sector to the national economy. It recognizes the specific needs, expectations and service requirements of governments, customers, postal operators and other stake holders. The Government will use the Policy to provide necessary guidance and direction to the postal sector with the aim of maximizing public good.
Guiding Principles
      a)   Development of an organised and well governed postal sector.
      b)   Provision of Universal Postal Services countrywide.
      c)   Promotion of partnerships between private and public sectors.
      d)   Provision of quality services at affordable prices.
      e)   Adoption of inclusive and transparent processes for policy formulation, implementation and monitoring ..
Vision
An organised and well governed postal sector, recognised as contributing to the economic and social development of the nation.
Mission
        ¨    To maximise public good by providing reliable, efficient, secure and affordable postal services
         ¨    To offer mail, courier, express, parcel, logistics, e-commerce and remittance services to the entire population of the country.
      ¨    To promote the economic and social connectivity of the people in the country.
      ¨    To foster sustainable development of the postal sector through an inclusive and transparent institutional framework, good governance and adoption of fair common standards and technological innovation.
      ¨    To promote cooperation, interaction, resource sharing and fair competition among stakeholders.
         ¨    To adopt global best practices of Human Resources Management for developing a skiiied, committed and motivated workforce.
Objectives
1. Developing an organised and well governed postal sector
Better governance in the postal sector and strengthening of the universal postal service will benefit citizens, businesses and governments.
Strategies
      a.   To provide efficient and effective basic postal services at affordable prices to all sections of the population over all geographies.
      b.   Leverage the network, infrastructure and expertise of the National Postal Administration for the growth and development of the postal sector.
      c.    Develop postal statistical indicators and include relevant postal indicators among broader infrastructure development indicators.
      d.   Provide holistic support to micro, small and medium postal service providers and encourage entrepreneurship in the sector.
      e.   Integrate programs for development of the postal sector with National lCT Policy Framework and National Development Plans.
      f.    Promote the role of postal sector in achieving Millennium Development Goals as identified by the United Nations
2. Augmenting access to postal services
Access to postal services is critical for disseminating information, conr1ecting individuals and communities, and facilitating trade aild commerce. Appropriate and affordable technology solutions are to be adopted to augment the access.
Strategies
      a.   Ensure basic postal services at affordable prices.
      b.   Upgrade both capacities and capabilities of the weaker links in the postal network to improve their effectiveness.
      c.    Integrate the physical network with electronic services to provide value added products and services.
      d.   Implement a programme to encourage the community, the civil society and the private sector to participate in provisioning of postal servIces.
      e.   Recognise post offices as primary public access points for Internet services,
e-Government services (tax, procurement, public utilities, passports, birth certificates, driving permits, pensions, social security benefits etc.) and
e-Commerce applications (online product/service ordering, delivery, payments, private utilities/services etc.)
      f.    Organise campaigns for increasing public· awareness on the developmental role of the sector.
3. Enhancing the quality of service.
Enhanced quality of service at affordable price is critical to the survival of the Postal Sector. Quality of service is reflected in the degree of professionalism with which postal service providers fulfil the changing needs of customers. Improving the quality of postal services calls for investments in infrastructure, adoption of ICT, and raising a well-trained and motivated workforce.
Strategies
      a.   Set up and enforce minimum and fair standards in the postal sector, in line with global trends and documented best practises.
      b.   Develop quality measurement systems applicable to all postal operators.
      c.    Utilise ICT in the provisioning of postal services, especially in areas like automation of mail processing, and adopt modern practices like data and address management systems and digital stamping.
     d.      Enhance mail security by sharing knowledge, experience and best practices with National Postal Administrations of other countries and adopting statutes to enforce appropriate governance standards.         
      e.   Develop a modern transportation network to support countrywide conveyance and delivery of mail.
      f.    Enhanced cooperation with Universal Postal Union, APPU, SAPU and other similar bodies for evolving common global and regional approaches for improving postal services.
4. Developing postal and supporting infrastructure
Postal infrastructure consists of elements like distribution networks, PIN code based address system, mail access points, automated mail sorting systems and data management systems. Supporting physical infrastructure on the other hand includes roads, electricity, and general utilities. Service quality and cost of operations are directly related to the state of postal and its supporting infrastructure.
Strategies
      a.   Define National Postal Infrastructure and recognise it as essential Public Infrastructure.
      b.   Enable National Postal Administration through legal and institutional framework to create National Postal Infrastructure.
      c.    Take steps to attractjnvestment to facilitate expansion of National Postal Infrastructure in rural and underserved areas.
      d.   Identify National Postal Administration as the repository of all postal addresses and support it with required legal provisions.
         e.   Define addressing standards. Promote usage of PIN Codes.
      f.    Formulate guidelines for infrastructure sharing and partnerships.
      g.   Implement strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of the postal sector, including harnessing renewable energy sources like solar, biomass and wind.
5. Promoting the use of lCT in provisioning of postal services
ICT offers immense opportunities to the postal sector to reduce cost, improve efficiency and enhance quality of service. Some of the common areas of ICT deployment in postal sector are automation of mail processing, mail coding, tracking of mail and ERP solutions. Interoperability and standardization are two critical requirements that need to be met while developing and deploying ICT solutions in the postal sector.
Strategies
      a.   Identify and analyse the emerging technologies and business models to help the postal sector achieve sustainability in the growing digital and mobile economies .
      b.   Promote, stimulate and support the development of customised ICT applications for the postal sector.
      c.    Minimize usage of paper and paper products in postal sector by promoting the use of relevant ICT solutions.
      d.   Create centres of excellence for training, research and development of postal ICT products.
      e.   Create and maintain an open forum for consultation and dialogue on matters of ICT in the postal sector.
      f.    Create a "Postal lCT and R&D Fund" to ensure adequate flow of investment into postal R&D to enhance utilisation of ICT in the postal sector.
6. Promoting utilisation of postal services to deliver national programmes and e-services.
The addition of lCT capabilities to its traditional strengths of last mile reach and trust of the masses will make the postal network the ideal choice to deliver e-governance and
e-commerce. The e-service solutions will improve the speed and efficiency of service delivery to the citizens and institutions. The National Postal Administration is the ideal implementation partner for government agencies in growth and poverty reduction programmes.
Strategies
      a.   Identify challenges in public administration for which solutions can be evolved by utilising the postal system and develop adequate postal solutions to cope with them.
      b.   Promote cooperation and synergy between government and private sector entities through the route of Public Private Partnerships for achieving national goals and public welfare.
      c.    Transform post offices into public delivery channel for services like
e-Commerce, e-Governance and financial inclusion programmes that involve a huge customer-base.
      d.      Develop appropriate National Address Database Systems and applications using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to support the delivery of
e-Services.
      e.   Provide a wide range of e-enabled value added products and services.
7. Developing a framework for Human Resource Development and Planning
Being a labour intensive sector, the quality of manpower in the postal sector is the key determinant of the quality of the services it offers. Untrained and unskilled manpower not only increases the cost of operations but also affects quality of service.
Strategies
      a.   Develop vocational training programmes through institutional linkages between the postal and other sectors and between the postal sector and educational institutions.
      b.   Introduce specialised training courses for postal managers.
      c.    Develop compliance mechanism for implementatioil of relevant government regulations relating to employee benefits and workplace practices.
      d.      Create centres of excellence with public private partnership for Research and Development.
      e.   Encourage alignment of job qualifications and recruitment processes with the requirements of the sector.
      f.    Empower each employee with essential IT capabilities in areas of functional relevance
8. Promoting competition in the provision of postal services
Fair competition leads to consumer satisfaction through lower prices, more choice and better quality of service. Efforts aie therefore required to promote competition in the provision of postal services so as to maxi mise benefits to customers, particularly those in rural and inaccessible areas.
Strategies
      a.   Create a market responsive and well governed postal sector that aspires to maximize customer satisfaction.
      b.   Develop a governance and legislative system that promotes fair competition in the postal market and offers customers ample choice.
      c.    Spell out modalities for forming Special Purpose Vehicles (SPV) and Joint Ventures (JV) that would Promote collaboration between the government and private sector in commerciai ventures.
      d.   Promote adoption of ethical practices in the postal sector and consider adopting internationally recognized standards in this area.
9. Develop an institutional and governance framework.
Appropriate and responsive governance and institutional framework acts as the foundation for the development of the postal sector. Rapid advances in information technology as well as the converge!1ce of technologies and delivery platforms offer· tremendous opportunities for the development of. the postal sector. The backing of a robust governance and statutory framework will enable the postal sector to capitalise on these opportunities.
Strategies
      a.   Set up a 'Postal Development Board' for overall development and governance of Postal Sector. Besides this, the Board will draw roadmap for unbundling of functions (operations, regulation and policy making) in postal sector over a period of time, in order to develop an organized, competitive, effective, well governed and commercial postal market in India.
               The Postal Development Board will be chaired by Secretary (Posts) and will have Secretary (Deity), Secretary (Commerce), Secretary (Economic Affairs) and two members from Postal Services Board as full time members and part time members from other stakeholder bodies and Ministries.
      b.   Amend the Indian Post Office Act 1898 to meet the objectives of National Postal Policy.
      c.    Constitute Postal Advisory Council comprising policy makers, postal operators, and other stakeholders. The council will be an advisory body for effective implementation of the policy.
      d.   Create institutional framework for continuous data collection from all . postal operators.
      e.   Adopt a pragmatic and equitable approach for managing the USO.
         f.    Equip Department of Posts to handle legislative issues in matters relating to exchange of goods through postal and courier network and deal with international trade negotiations in WTO, GATS and other multilateral and bilateral negotiations relating to the sector.
10. Strengthen the Natron~1 Postal Administration
The National Postal Administration plays a critical role in the p05tal sector by ensuring uninterrupted Universal Postal Services and providing affordable postal and financlal services to the less privileged sections of the population. It operates in a complex environment of government control and competition with private players. Strengthening the National Postal Administration and transforming it into a reliable and trusted business partner in the national economy is essential to maximize public good.
Strategies
      a.   Redesigning the business structure on modern lines with the twin objectives of scaling up traditional silos of business like mail, parcel, banking and insurance and capitalising on emerging opportunities in areas like e-commerce, mobile-based services, e-governance, express and logistics and financial retail services. The restructured business silos to be given functional autonomy, wherever required.
         b.   Operationalize all post offices into a fully converged digital network.
      c.    Redesign Human Resource policies (recruitment rules, reward and recognition schemes, apprentice and internship programmes, specialized training
programmes etc.) to achieve the objectives of National Postal Policy.
      d.   Creating a business environment that will enable and encourage all stake holders of the sector to cooperate for mutual benefit.
      e.   Establish Post Bank of India as the dominant vehicle of financial inclusion.
11. Financing of postal sector
Effective implementation of objectives and strategies forming part of the policy calls for adequate financing through the following:
Strategies
      a)   Create an environment for attracting international and domestic investments.
      b)   Endeavour to place postal sector projects within the ambit of consideration of entities that provide project financing.
      c)   Provide a stable fiscal regime to st!mulate investment and make . services more affordable.
12. Policy Implementation
Department of Posts, in consultation with stakeholders, may develop a monitoring and evaluation framework for the National Postal Policy. A mechanism may be evolved to monitor the impact of the Policy in terms of achieving the objectives.
      a.   Establish a comprehensive Monitoring and Evaluation framework for the implementation of the postal policy.
13. Conclusion
An efficient postal sector is a force multiplier in the economy, promoting communication and commerce, and maximising public good. In the information age, the postal sector is ideally placed to bridge the Digital Divide. The National Postal Policy aims to facilitate the emergence of a robust, organrsed and well governed postal sector in India. The Policy aims at developing and deploying a participatory and transparent framework for policy formulation, implementation, monitoring and