The Directorate has circulated a
draft copy of the proposed Scheme on Circle Welfare Fund for GDS. We made a
careful study of the scheme. It is found that the contributory CWF Scheme which
now exists in some circles is more advantageous and beneficial than the present
proposed scheme.
For example, in Kerala circle, the financial assistance being
granted towards the medical treatment to GDS goes up to 1 lakh and there is no
restriction in the claims in respect of all major diseases and also in respect
of other welfare measures, it seems with more benefits positively than the present
scheme proposed by the department.
More over the maternity grant, death
relief, scholarship for children of GDS etc., are being granted already from the
Welfare Fund of the Dept irrespective of the contribution made by the GDS.
Except grant of loan up to Rs50000 that too for a limited three purposes like
construction of room for BO, purchase of computers and motor cycle etc, nothing
new in the proposal.
The new proposal is nothing but to
manage the welfare grants hitherto granted by the Govt from the welfare grant and from the contribution of the GDS. The employee’s contribution is proposed as
Rs.240 p.a and the Dept’s contribution is fixed as Rs.100 p.a. only. The amount proposed for certain welfare
grants are also very meager and reflected the same rates as prevailing today.
The
freezing of benefits and refund for penalties imposed in cases viz., removal,
dismissal and resignation etc., is the retrograde provision even though they contributed
for the scheme.
Taking into consideration of many
other facts, this union is dissatisfied and disappointed on the proposed scheme.
However, for those circles where no such scheme is in existence, it may not be
ruled out the benefits.
There may be many changes required in the proposed
scheme and the rates prescribed for all the welfare measures are inadequate and
requires further revision. Otherwise the scheme will be half-baked and the desired results
may not reach the most exploited GDS.
This union is requesting the
Department to modify the scheme after studying the schemes now existing in many
Circles and make it more attractive and beneficial to the GDS.
P.Pandurangarao
General Secretary
