6 Signs That India's Unemployment Problem Might Actually Be Getting Worse

19,000 people applied for 114 posts as sweepers last week in Uttar Pradesh town Amroha, officials said. "Of some 6000 applications we have seen so far, many are graduates in arts and sciences, post-graduates, even engineering graduates and MBAs," Amroha municipal superintendent Faiz Alam.

“Even sweepers in our village have a good standard of living and send their children to English-medium schools," applicant Shamshad Ahmed Saifi of Makhdoompur village, a B Com final year student told the Times of India.

If Q3-Q4 2015, and January 2016 are a sign of things to come, India’s unemployment problem might get worse in the coming years.

75,000 well trained people want to be peons

The New York Times

Last year, the State Government's Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Chattisgarh, was barraged by 75,000 applicants for 30 peon jobs - for a 14,000 Rupee job that includes a task of fetching tea. It wasn’t surprising that of the 70,000 online applications and 5000 post applications, many included requisitions from qualified engineers and management graduates.  According to Census 2011 data, over 20% of Indian youth (between the age bracket of 15-24) or 4.7 crore Indians are jobless.

Cash burn is making startups panic and fire startup employees

Last year, realty portal Housing.com announced plans to lay off at least 600 employees, in the wake of wannabe maverick co-founder and former CEO Rahul Yadav's dismissal. "Housing is being completely restructured and performance for each employee across departments is being (scrutinised)," said a top executive at the company, which in July fired for bad behaviour after months of chaos.  "While some people have been asked to leave because businesses are being shut down, others because of under-performance and in some cases due to over-staffing," a source stated.

The going is good as long as the funds were pouring in

Fire fast is often more pragmatic option than failing fast, and India's fluid business models mean the need for constantly changing skill sets.  The one-year-young Gurgaon-based hyperlocal grocery delivery service closed a Series B funding round of $36 million (around Rs 237 crore) in October this year. In 2015, PepperTap laid off some 40 employees, pegging its current headcount at a little over 2,000.  Reasons for the layoffs? Poor performance coupled with a business rejig, as the startup shifted from distributed customer care call centres to a centralized one.

India is still hesitant to add women to the workplace

McKinsey

"Decreased labour force participation of women in India is a big problem. It is very important to promote their participation, their involvement in the Indian economy," the chief of International Labour Organisation research division Raymond Torres said while launching a new global unemployment report.

According to a McKinsey report, women’s equality can add another 12 trillion dollars to the global economy, and India stands to benefit quite a bit:  “...the best-in-region outcome could increase annual GDP by 2025 by more than 10 percent over the business-as-usual case, with the highest relative regional boost in India and Latin America…”

India's number of job seekers is only increasing

India's unemployment rate remained at 3.5 per cent in 2014 and 2015 but will decrease slightly to 3.4 per cent in 2016 and 2017, according to the ILO findings. However, the number of people seeking jobs will increase to 17.6 million people in 2017 from 17.5 million people in both 2015 and 2016.   This is not India's problem alone: "The global economy is not generating enough jobs to reverse the continuing increase in the alarmingly high unemployment situation in the world," said the ILO Director- General Guy Ryder.  

The #StartUpIndia initiative doesn't necessarily mean more employment

reuters

Last week, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled incentives to boost start-up businesses. These included a tax holiday, capital gains tax exemption, a Rs 10,000 crore corpus, and and no inspections for the first 3 years of a startup's existence. It’s the exemptions from labour inspection that have scared India’s labour community. 

The popular faces of #StartupIndia, brands that can afford crores in advertising spends have hired – and fired liberally.

Soon after securing Rs 177 crores in funding to help it last another 12 months, Tiny Owl fired 300 people, in spree across multiple offices was that became the topic of much drama. By November, Housing.com had also fired 600 employees, and announced 200 more layoffs after its shareholders tightened budgets. Food Tech players Zomato and Foodpanda had also fired 300 employees each. PepperTap, which closed around around Rs 237 crore in 2015 suddenly fired 40 employees, citing poor performance and a newer business model.

(With inputs from Agencies and TNN)

Source :  http://www.indiatimes.com/

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There Is No Proposal For Introduction Of New Post Office Bill Or Bifurcation Of The Postal Department

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA 

MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 4022

ANSWERED ON: 23.12.2015

Streamlining Postal System SANJAY(KAKA) RAMCHANDRA PATIL 

Will the Minister of

COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-

(a) the budget allocations made for the Department of Posts during the last three years and the current year along with the target fixed and achieved during the said periods and the shortfall, if any, in achieving the targets;

 (b) whether the Government also proposes to introduce new post office bill and also bifurcate the postal Department with a view to streamline the postal system and compete with the challenges posed by courier companies; and

(c) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

 ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD)

 (a) Details of budget allocations and achievements for Department of Posts under Plan, for which targets were fixed, for financial years 2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and the current financial year 2015-16, are furnished as under:-

 Financial Year

Budget allocation (in Rs. Crore)* Actual Expenditure booked during the financial year** % Achievement

2012-13 222.40 185.21 83.28

2013-14 430.00 393.80 91.58

2014-15 300.00 306.71 102.24

2015-16 468.61 174.86 Under implementation

*Final Grant for 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15 and BE for 2015-16

 **Booking up to 31st March for 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15 and up to 30th November, for 2015-16 Amount in Crore) 

(b) No, Madam. There is no proposal for introduction of new post office bill or bifurcation of the postal Department.

 (c) Not applicable in view of (b) above.

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There Is No Proposal For Introduction Of New Post Office Bill Or Bifurcation Of The Postal Department

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA 

MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 4022

ANSWERED ON: 23.12.2015

Streamlining Postal System SANJAY(KAKA) RAMCHANDRA PATIL 

Will the Minister of

COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-

(a) the budget allocations made for the Department of Posts during the last three years and the current year along with the target fixed and achieved during the said periods and the shortfall, if any, in achieving the targets;

 (b) whether the Government also proposes to introduce new post office bill and also bifurcate the postal Department with a view to streamline the postal system and compete with the challenges posed by courier companies; and

(c) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

 ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD)

 (a) Details of budget allocations and achievements for Department of Posts under Plan, for which targets were fixed, for financial years 2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and the current financial year 2015-16, are furnished as under:-

 Financial Year

Budget allocation (in Rs. Crore)* Actual Expenditure booked during the financial year** % Achievement

2012-13 222.40 185.21 83.28

2013-14 430.00 393.80 91.58

2014-15 300.00 306.71 102.24

2015-16 468.61 174.86 Under implementation

*Final Grant for 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15 and BE for 2015-16

 **Booking up to 31st March for 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15 and up to 30th November, for 2015-16 Amount in Crore) 

(b) No, Madam. There is no proposal for introduction of new post office bill or bifurcation of the postal Department.

 (c) Not applicable in view of (b) above.

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Postal Department Has Been Continuously Earning Higher Revenue Every Year: Lok Sabha Q&A

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 2965

ANSWERED ON: 16.12.2015

Revenue and Market Share of India Post 

DEVENDRA (ALIAS) BHOLE SINGH SINGH

JAYADEV GALLA

KUNWAR SARVESH KUMAR

ASADUDDIN OWAISI

Will the Minister of

COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the revenue and market share of India post has been declining; 

(b) if so, the details of revenue generated separately from different segments such as parcel and speed and post expenditure incurred along with market share of India post during the last three years and the current year;

(c) whether Government proposes to introduce some scheme on Public Private Partnership (PPP) model and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether India post is paying special focus on parcel segment and plan to establish 48 new set of parcel centres and if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the other measures taken by the Government to improve the postal delivery system of India post and increasing its revenue?

ANSWER 

THE MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD)

(a) No Madam, the Postal Department has been continuously earning higher revenue every year and its share of revenue has been increasing year after year. 

(b) Not applicable in view of reply at (a) above.

(c) No Madam.

(d) & (e) Yes Madam, 48 dedicated Parcel Centres have been established in 2014-15 and another 9 have been established this year. Department is laying special emphasis on the Parcel segment through upgradation of Parcel infrastructure, improving the delivery system and revamping parcel transmission modes and routes. Some measures taken to improve quality of parcel service are as follows:-

i. The Parcel transmission & delivery network is being continuously reviewed and monitored for checking and improving efficiencies and better service quality.

ii. The Department of Posts offers end-to-end track & trace for Speed Post, Registered and other parcels through its website (www.indiapost.gov.in). This track and trace facility is available to retail as well as bulk customers for tracking the consignments on a real time basis.

iii. Department is developing its Road Transport Network for fast and secure transmission of parcels on identified routes. 11 major routes have been started this year.

iv. Department has introduced Mechanized Nodal Delivery of parcels from identified delivery centres in certain cities.

  

v. GPS devices have been installed in mail vans and other security measures improved.

vi. As a result of the efforts towards improving the quality of its services, the revenues of the Department have been consistently growing in the last several years.

Trend of Revenue Growth (Rs. In crore)

Trend of Revenue Growth (Rs. in crore)

Item FY 2012-13 FY 2013-14 FY 2014-15

Total Revenue 9366,60

10730.42

11635.98

(vii) Parcel revenue registered 37% growth in 2014-15. 117% growth in parcel revenue till 31st October 2015 in the current financial year.

(viii) Rs. 970 Crore Cash On Delivery collection done by Department of Posts till November 2015.

(ix) Speed Post revenue growth in the current financial year is more than 16%. CAG report laid in Parliament on 8th May 2015 highlighted that Speed Post is far better than private couriers, in terms of reach, assured delivery and delivery time.

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EMPOWERED COMMITTEE CONSTITUTED FOR 7th CPC

AIPEU GDS (NFPE) - CIRCLE CONVENTION - KOTTAYAM (KERALA) ON 26-01-2015

On 26th January, 2016 AIPEU GDS (NFPE) Circle Convention has been held in SPCS Conference hall, Kottayam under the Chairmanship of Com.Jacob Thomas, Vice Chairman, CCC, Kerala.

Shri P.Karunakar, Hon'ble Member of Parliament attended and Chief Guest and addressed. Com. M.Krishnan, Secretary General, CCGEW., Com.P.Pandurangarao, General Secretary, GDS (NFPE) were also present and addressed the meeting.

BSNL Employees leaders, all Circle Secretaries & Mahila Committee Members of NFPE Unions, Kerala were also attended and graced the convention.

After conducting division-wise conventions through out the Circle with the discussion of GDS issues primarily on viz., GDS Pay Committee,  ensuing Membership Verification, organizational activities, this Circle Convention of GDS had taken place with the participation of more than 500 GDS comrades representing from all 24 divisions of Kerala.

More than 50 GDS comrades raised doubts and opinions on the subjects and a detailed explanation given by Com.M.Krishnan.

Com.M.S.Sabu, Circle Secretary, GDS (NFPE) presented the report on behalf of the Circle Union and adopted by the convention unanimously with resolutions. 

ADDRESS SPECIFIC DELIVERY OF SPEED POST ARTICLES

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GDS Court case - Pr CAT, Delhi - information on the latest position

It is informed by the Advocate that the Court Proceedings on the GDS case filed by NFPE & AIPEU GDS (NFPE) in Pr.CAT, Delhi is further adjourned to 04-04-2016.

On receipt of details from the concerning authorities, necessary information can be published in the websites.

3 DAYS DHARNA SUCCESSFUL - CONDUCTED IN ALMOST ALL CIRCLES ON THE CALL OF NJCA

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  

  

....

3 DAYS DHARNA PROGRAMME - 19th, 20th & 21st January 2016 - NJCA

Conduct three days Dharna at all state capitals and Industrial Centres/Establishments on 19^th, 20^th & 21^st January 2016.

NJCA head quarters decided to hold three days Mass Dharna at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi. Dharna shall commence at 10:30 AM and continue for full day on all three days.

There will be a huge rally of about 5000 Central Government employees (Railway, Defence, Confederation) at Jantar Mantar on 19^th January during lunch hour. NJCA leaders will address the dharna and rally.

NJCA will meet on 8^th February 2016 to decide the date of commencement of indefinite strike.

(M. Krishnan)

Secretary General

Confederation

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3 DAYS DHARNA PROGRAM ON THE CALL OF NJCA

CONDUCT THREE DAYS MASS DHARNA

AT ALL CENTERS

THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY

ON 19th, 20th & 21st JANUARY 2016

Painful Reality Behind India Post COD Services

Thousands of products from e-commerce companies such as Amazon, Snapdeal, Flipkart, HomeShop18, Shopclues, Naptol and Yepme are reaching the remotest corners of India everyday, owing to their last-mile partnership with India Post, the government-operated postal network. On its part, India Post transacted business worth Rs 500 crore in cash-on-delivery alone for e-commerce players in 2014-15. Its revenue from this business rose from Rs 20 crore in 2012-13 to Rs 100 crore in 2013-14. But that’s just one side of the story.

To reach as many customers as possible at the fastest pace, even if it means getting drones to do the job, online retailers are learnt to be coping with the infrastructure hurdles of India Post. In fact, many leading companies are said to be directly in touch with Union minister of communications, Ravi Shankar Prasad, as well as senior bureaucrats in the ministry, to resolve last-mile issues.

While e-commerce companies tied up with India Post to reach India’s interiors and access pin codes that no courier company could, this has helped them only in a limited manner. On bicycles, India Post delivery men hardly match courier boys on motorbikes, who are faster and are also able to carry heavier parcels. Some postmen have to walk on rough terrains to reach distant addresses with parcels containing anything from mobile phones and apparel to fancy accessories and kitchenware.

A senior Snapdeal executive told, “As most of the India Post team uses bicycles, we have ensured products weighing less than five kg are routed through them for delivery.” Against that, a courier delivery boy often carries parcels 10 times the size, according to industry sources. An Amazon spokesperson said, “We appreciate and understand that the last-mile delivery methodology of India Post is mostly on bicycles and we are in discussions with India Post to come up with a solution/delivery methodology for large-sized Amazon packages.”

Flipkart did not respond to a questionnaire on the issue.

An official at India Post said the department was gearing up for the challenges and infrastructure was being upgraded. The department has already generated substantial revenue from its tie-up with e-commerce companies. While there’s no word yet on replacing bicycles with motorbikes and on whether the current India Post delivery staff, typically much older than those employed by private courier companies, are ready for the change, the official said logistics could be outsourced to a third party for delivery of goods, depending on volume.

Currently, the slow mode of sending parcels via India Post to pin codes unheard of is upsetting the sales targets of top e-commerce companies, for which every missed delivery could translate into a lower GMV (gross merchandise volume) and valuation. Also, it could mean missing the next round of funding from a marquee investor.

There are other issues, too. For instance, a Bengaluru-based online retailer-cum-stylist had partnered India Post in 2013. However, according to its co-founder, the two-year-old company had to discontinue the arrangement after it was found postmen were seeking money from customers for deliveries to remote areas such those in the Northeast. “Such incidents are serious enough to malign the reputation of a company,” he said.

Another challenge is the India Post delivery team doesn’t get any volume-based incentive because it’s a government organisation.

On the other hand, private courier companies were often enthused by such offers, an official said.

The fact that 70-80 per cent of orders for companies such as Flipkart and Snapdeal are from non-metro areas shows how critical it is for them to compete in the remotest parts of India. Amazon, for example, took pride in saying it had delivered a parcel to pin code 790002 — a destination called Balemu in Arunachal Pradesh’s West Kameng district.

The dark side of the e-commerce revolution is equally real. A recent Wall Street Journal report had highlighted the plight of courier boys carrying parcels weighing 23-46 kg in large backpacks day after day, all for a monthly salary of less than Rs 10,000. “This low-tech army of urban sherpas hauls bags of online purchases down narrow alleys and up flights of stairs, lugging everything from laser printers and kitchen appliances to cans of Coca-Cola for their country’s burgeoning consumer class,” the report had said.

Source: The Business Standard

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