MINUTES OF THE 11TH
MEETING OF POSTAL SERVICES STAFF WELFARE BOARD (PSSWB) HELD ON 16.05.2012 UNDER
THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF HON`BLE MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATION &IT (P).
D.G. Posts No.
1-01/2009-WL/Sports Dated
11.06.2012
A meeting of Postal
Services Staff Welfare Board(PSSWB) was held on 16.05.2012 in Shri G.P. Roy
Committee Room , Dak Bhawan, under the Chairmanship of Hon`ble Minister of
State for Communications & IT.
Secretary (Posts) , while welcoming the Hon`ble Chairman, explained in brief
the various welfare schemes being run by the Department of Posts, with special
reference to the initiatives recently taken in regard to Garmin Dak
Sevaks. It was assured that the schemes would be run more efficiently under the
guidance of the Chairman.
After the Minutes of the Meeting of the Board and the action report thereon,
was confirmed by the Board, discussion on the agenda items began. During the
deliberations of the meeting, the following decisions were taken:
1.
Opening of Holiday Homes.
The members of the Board were explained that the power to set up holiday homes
stands delegated to the Heads of Circles. However, the proposal to have Holiday
Homes at various places was discussed and it was decided to issue instructions
to all the circles to take action keeping in view the demand as also the powers
delegated. In regard to booking of holiday homes on line, the Board was
informed that this facility would become available shortly.
2.
Timely allotment of Welfare Funds.
The Board was explained that whatever delay occurred in allotment of funds in
the recent past was due to late receipt of audited accounts from the Circles.
The matter has been re-considered and it has been decided to ensure timely
release of funds to those Circles whose audited accounts have been received in
time. The Circles which delay submission of accounts will be released funds in
the second installment.
3.
Enhancement of powers of head of circle for grant of financial assistance in
case of prolonged illness/major surgical operations to postal employees/Gramin
Dak Sewaks/full time and part time casual lbourers.
The following decisions were taking in this regard.
- In case of Gramin Dak
Sewaks, the limit of Rs. 5000/- which is being observed for grant of financial
assistance for prolonged illness/ major surgical operations was raised to
10000/-.
- All cases for grant for
financial assistance under category (both regular employees as well as
GDSs)will be considered by a committee comprising of the CPMG, DPS and DAP..
4.
Enhancement of immediate death relief of the family / dependents on the death
of postal employees and Gramin Dak Sewaks/full time and part time casual labourers.
- All other things remaining unchanged, it was decided
to raise the amount of financial assistance payable to family/dependents of
Postal Employees/GDSs /full time and part time casual labourers from the
existing Rs.7000/- to Rs. 10000/- in case of death due to accident while on
duty.
5.
Enhancement of financial assistance under Education Scheme:
The following decisions were taken in this regard.
a)
It was decided to increase the existing amount of scholarships both for
technical and non-technical courses by 25%.
b)
It was agreed to increase the mount of book award to Gramin Dak Sevaks by 25%.
However, the grant of book award to regular employees of he Department was
dropped as this facility is now a component under CEA being granted for school
education.
The issue of revision of pay ceiling for grant of Scholarship was also decided
to be examined in the context of MTS where both husband and wife are working.
6.
Introduction of scholarship for Post Graduation.
- It was decided to
grant scholarship for all technical courses at Post Graduation level on par with under graduate courses.
7.
Grant of award for outstanding performance of children of employees in the
Public Examination for 10th Standard.
- The Board was
informed that some of the education boards follow grading System in place of
percentage of marks. Therefore, it was decided to examine the issue in the light of grade criterion fixed
by various education boards, for which all Heads of Circles will be addressed.
8.
Provision of Canteen in Circle Head Quarter.
- The Board was
explained that there are centralized instruction of the
Department of Personnel
and Training regarding provision of various
categories of canteens, depending upon
manpower of an office. All infrastructural facilities are provided
by the Department in the running of canteens and its employees are Departmental employees. There is no provision to
grant any subsidy in this regard.
9.
Implementation of health insurance scheme.
- The proposal does
not fall within the purview of PSSWB of Department of Posts and
therefore no action is warranted.
10.
To increase the subscription of Group Insurance Scheme.
- The subject
matter concerns Ministry of Finance.
11.
Increase in subsidy to crèche.
- It was decided to
examine the issue regarding revision of financial assistance being provided for
meeting recurring and non-recurring expenditure in the matter of crèches which includes monthly
remuneration to ayahs/helpers, visits by Doctors,remuneration to lady
supervisor, expenditure of medicine, supplementary nutrition and
contingencies like soap oil & deodorant etc.
12
.Increase of grant of scholarship/Transport charges to handicapped/physically
challenged and ward of Postal employees and GDS.
- It was decided to
examine the revision of financial assistance being provided to physically challenged Postal
Employees/GDS and physically challenged wards of employees, including GDS.
13.
Allocation of Funds under the Head SC-Sub Plan & ST-Sub Plan.
- The item does not
fall within the purview of PSSWB.
14.
To make provision for including representatives of All India P&T SC/ST
Welfare Association in all Circle Welfare Board and Circle Sports Board.
- It was agreed to
issue suitable instructions in this regard to all Heads of Circles.
15.
To make provision of IQ for Circle/Divisional representatives of P&T SC/ST
Welfare Association, irrespective of any scale/Posts.
-
The Bard was explained that provision of IQ in not one of the trade union
facilities where office bearers of the association could be given preference.
The eligibility for the IQ is to be decided as per standing instructions.
16.
To increase Postal Hospital as there is no facility in CGHS Dispensaries for
indoor treatment, OPD in evening shift on working days and Sundays/Holidays.
- The Board
appreciated the view point of the Circle representatives about lack of adequate medical
facilities being made available to the Postal Employees. The Board was
informed that this matter also came up for consideration in the 10th
Meeting of the Board and as a result
thereof, the matter was taken up at the level of Hon`ble Minister with the Ministry of Health
& Family Welfare. The matter is being pursued and monitored
very closely.
17.
To fix time limit for deciding representation/appeals/petitions/Review
Petitions etc. by the concerned Authorities.
- Does not fall
within the purview of PSSWB.
18.
To make provision for granting festival advance on the Birth day Celebration of
Dr. Br. Ambedkar and Sant Siromani Guru Ravidas Ji.
- Does not fall
within the purview of PSSWB.
19.
To exempt from duty work the retirees on the day of retirement so that he/she
may complete all formalities without any tension.
- Does not fall
within the purview of PSSWB
20.
Issue of Plastic Card/Smart Card to all employees /Pensioners for availing
medical facilities irrespective of places/areas.
- The Chairman
appreciated the suggestion and it was decided to start it in one or two Circles and based on their experience,
it may be followed in other Circles also. The selection of circles will be
finalized soon.
21.
Opening of Postal Dispensary at Madurai or extension of CGHS scheme to Postal
Staff at Madurai Corporation.
- Does not fall
within the purview of PSSWB.
22.
Grant in aid to P&T Residential Welfare Association (RWA).
- The issue was
discussed at length to understand the activities of the RWAs on which the amount of
financial assistance is to be spent. The Heads of Circles will be addressed to invite their comments in this regard.
23.
Annual Medical check up for those who are above 45 years of age.
- It was decided to
have annual medical cheek up of employees of and above the age of 50 years. Suitable
instructions in this regard will be issued to All Heads of Circles.
24.
Sanction of loan from Circle/Regional Welfare Fund for purchase of a computer
to the wards of the employees studying Degree/Engineering /Polytechnic etc.
- Does not fall
within the purview of PSSWB
25.
Increase of voluntary contribution to Circle Welfare Fund.
- The members of
the Board were explained that being voluntary contribution, it may not be desirable for the Department to make it
mandatory, to contribute towards this fund. However,
if the representatives of the union give in writing to the Department conveying willingness of their members, the issue would be examined.
26.
Enhancement of cost of memento presented to the retiring officials.
- Not covered under
any of the Welfare Scheme of the Department, and hence no action.
27.
For all Postal Colonies constitution and membership of RWAs should make
compulsory so that P&T Colonies could be managed well.
- The item was well
taken by the Board and it was decided o issue suitable
instructions to All Heads of Circles, taking
into account the step taken by Rajasthan
Circle in this regard. It was
also decided to ensure membership of RWAs while issuing
letters regarding allotment of quarters as also their continuation.
28.
Raising of the present limit for 500 KMS for Excursion Trip.
- The Board, after
deliberations, agreed to raise the limit existing 500 Kms. to 700Kms. for Excursion Trip. Further,
not more than one Excursion Trip will be arranged in a year.
In the summing up of the meeting, the Hon`ble Chairman stressed on the need to
hold the meeting of the PSSWB at least once in a year. The need to have full
utilization of the grant-in-aid for the benefit of the employees/GDSs was also
highlighted by the Chairman with clear direction to the Board to submit a
complete proposal towards that during the next 3 to 4 months.
The meeting ended with
vote of thanks to the Chair.