MEMORANDUM
for
POSTMASTER CADRE
in the
DEPARTMENT OF POSTS,
INDIA
Submitted to the 7th Central Pay Commission
by
All India Association of Postmaster Cadre
2 | P a g e
MEMORANDUM
for
POSTMASTER CADRE
in the
DEPARTMENT OF POSTS,
INDIA
Submitted to the 7th Central Pay Commission
by
All India Association of Postmaster Cadre
3 | P a g e
CONTENTS
Sl No Points Page
1 Preamble 3
2 Historical Backdrop 4-8
3 Creation of separate Postmaster Cadre in 2010-2011
with Great Expectation
9
4 Identification of most important Post Offices for
deployment of Postmaster Cadre
10-12
5 Selection by Limited Departmental Competitive
Examination (LDCE) only after initial constitution
13-14
6 Assurance and Appreciation already awarded by the
Department of Posts, India regarding the role of Post
Master Cadre
15-16
7 Duties and Responsibilities of Postmasters 17-25
8 Comparison with LSG, HSG-II & HSG-I Supervisors 26-27
9 Comparison with IP Line Officials 28-31
10 Vertical and Horizontal Relativities and Disparities 32-33
11 Cadre Restructuring Agreement in the Department of
Posts keeping away the Postmaster Cadre
34-37
12 Prayer before the 7th CPC 38-41
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Preamble
POSTMASTER CADRE is the ultimate product of the Department of
Posts, India and created as consequence of Technology Driven
Modern Indian Society. POSTMASTER is a well known designation
who is dear and near to every common man. Postmaster is the face
of Department of Posts shouldering all the responsibilities in
implementing all the schemes and delivering all the goods and
services to the citizens towards generation of main revenue
base. As a Head of an Office he has to set example to others in the
matters of cleanliness, punctuality, extending courtesy & efficient
service to the customers as a PROFESSIONAL MANAGER. They
are the only personnel in the Department of Posts who cannot
sit in the back office and designed exclusively to lead the Post
Office wherever they are posted.
This showcase cadre of the Department of Posts is deprived of a
right Pay Structure which it deserve and also handicapped /
handcuffed with further promotions by not being allowed to
apply for any departmental examinations except time bound
promotion in his own cadre. The below mentioned scenario
justifies and pleas to the 7th CENTRAL PAY COMMISSION for
financial up gradation of this cadre. As this is a product hatched
after 6th CPC and is coming under the first scrutiny, we are very
much hopeful that the POSTMASTER CADRE shall be dealt best
by 7th CENTRAL PAY COMMISSION.
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2. Historical Backdrop
2.1 Long ago, the Varadhachariar Commission recommended that the
Inspector of Post Offices (IPOs) now renamed as Inspector of Posts
(IPs) should continue to be graded with Lower Selection Grade (LSG)
in the general line and the recommendation was accepted by the
Government vide Para 46 (Page 302 Vol. II) of the report of the 2nd
Pay Commission.
2.2 The Department of Posts introduced a promotional scheme called
‘Time Bound one Promotion (TBOP) scheme w.e.f. 30-11-1983 and
the pay scale TBOP was made equivalent with the LSG.
2.3 4th Central Pay Commission recommended the same scale of pay
(1400-2300) for the LSG officials in general line and the IPOs.
2.4 A comparative study of increase of pay of LSG and IPOs over pay
scales of Postal Assistants / Sorting Assistants as per
recommendation of the 4th Central Pay Commission is tabulated
below:
Category 1st CPC 2nd CPC 3rd CPC 4th CPC 5th CPC 6th CPC
LSG over Postal
Assistants /
Sorting Assistants
166.66% 90.90% 63.46% 43.58% 12.5% 5.26%
IPO over Postal
Assistants / Sorting
Assistants
166.66% 90.90% 63.46% 43.58% 37.5% 77.63%
Fig. Showing comparative degradation of pay of LSG than IPOs from 5th
CPC whereas both were same from 1st CPC to 4th CPC
0
50
100
150
200
1st CPC 2nd CPC 3rd CPC 4th CPC 5th CPC 6th CPC
LSG
IPO
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2.5 Thereafter, the Department introduced BCR Scheme w.e.f 1-11-1991,
the scale of which was made equivalent with HSG II.
2.6 Both the TBOP and BCR schemes were introduced only as a financial
up-gradation as the said so-called promotion was not at all against
any norm-based Posts.
2.7 Due to non-holding of regular DPC for promotion to LSG, HSG-II
and HSG-I Cadre in most of the units nationwide for a
considerable period more or less from 80s upto 2003
(approximately) practical existence of LSG & HSG-II officials were
very few (viewable under microscope) during the tenure of Fifth Pay
Commission.
2.8 Therefore, the Fifth Pay Commission naturally did not mention
about LSG, HSG II, HSG-I hierarchical Promotions and observed
that “we do not recommend any change in the scales of Pay for
the time bound promotions. The scale of Pay of Rs. 1400-2300
will be the first ACP scale and Rs. 1600-2660, the second, thus it
applied the TBOP & BCR at par with ACP I & II”.
2.9 There was no mention about the existence of regular LSG, HSG-II
and HSG-I promotion in the report of the Fifth Pay Commission
owing to their practical non-existence as mentioned in para 2.7
above. 5th CPC actually enhanced the pay of LSG by 12.5% over
Postal Assistants indirectly as consequential effect of TBOP
Scheme whereas the same CPC enhanced the pay of IPOs by
37.5% over Postal Assistants as shown in the table under para 2.4
above.
2.10 In the year 2004 and 2005, LSG promotion was awarded to a
large number Postal Assistants with 10 years regular service in
the grade through an Aptitude Test under “Fast Track
Promotion (FTP) Scheme” as per Postal Directorate letter No 137-
1/96-SPB-II dated: 11-02-2002. Basically this promotion was
awarded against the 66.66% of vacant LSG Posts as per “the
Department of Posts [Posts and Telegraphs (Selection Grade Posts)]
Recruitment (Amendment) Rules, 2002”
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2.11 The said LSG promotion under “Fast Track Promotion (FTP)
Scheme” was awarded by the Department against the SWEET
WILL of the existing P3 Service Union Leaders who were till then
satisfied with TBOP presuming LSG and BCR presuming HSG-II. At
that moment, for the first time, they became aware of the fact
that TBOP & BCR were not actually promotion, rather a financial
up gradation.
2.12 As a consequence, they became furious and made inhumane
mental torture to the new FTP LSG Promotees of the Department
who wrote the said Aptitude Test and passed in every nook and
corner in the country.
2.13 But practically, the promotion to FTP LSG was an empty show as
so many BCR officials with higher pay scales (Rs. 5000-150-
8000) had been working under them (Rs 4500-125-7000) since
2004 making the LSG Promotion a real comedy. In some cases
Divisional Heads used to transfer the BCR Postal Assistants to a Time
Scale Single–handed/ Double-handed Post Offices with the
suggestions of the P3 Union leaders.
2.14 P3 Service Union Leaders did not bring the existence of FTP LSG
officials to the notice of the Sixth CPC properly as they were not
in a view to make distinction between LSG & TBOP and HSG-II &
BCR.
2.15 Naturally, the Sixth CPC also ignored LSG, HSG-II and HSG-I
promotion and also did not make any distinction between the
supervisors and the supervised. Rather recommended MACP with
abolition of TBOP & BCR Scheme. The MACP-I & LSG were granted in
the same grade pay and similar is the case of MACP II & HSG II.
2.16 After the 6th CPC, condition of FTP LSG became more pathetic
since MACP-III officials with Grade Pay of Rs 4600/- had been
working under LSG officials with Grade Pay of Rs 2800/- . 6th CPC
actually enhanced the pay of LSG by 5.26% over Postal Assistants
also indirectly as consequential effect of TBOP Scheme whereas
the same CPC enhanced the pay of IPOs by 77.63% over Postal
Assistants as shown in the table under para 2.4 above.
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2.17 Owing to the reasons stated from para 2.7 to 2.16 above pay of
the LSG Officials fell in the trench whereas pay of the IPOs was
increased considerably to a great height as shown in the table
under para 2.4 above whereas both the cadres occupied the
same respect / position in the 4th CPC.
2.18 As a consequence, Superior-Subordinates / Supervisor-
Supervised synchronisation was greatly disturbed in most of the
Post Offices which is still continuing.
2.19 This is brought to the kind notice of the Hon’ble members of the 7
CPC that the Department of Posts framed the Recruitment Rules
called the Department of Posts, Senior Postmaster (Group B
Gazetted), Postmaster (Grade ' III and II' – Group B non –
Gazetted) and Postmaster (Grade-I, Group C non-Gazetted)
Recruitment Rules, 2010.
2.20 Subsequently vide the Directorate Communication No No.4-17/2008-
SPB-II dated 22nd November, 2010, the Department has created a
separate cadre of Postmasters by way of carving out more or
less 1/3rd posts from existing General Line Selection Grade
Posts as represented below:
Existing Selection Grade General Line
Posts with Pay Band (6CPC)
Newly created posts of Postmaster
Cadre with Pay Band (6CPC)
Lower Selection Grade (LSG):
Rs. 5200-20200 + Rs.2800 Gr. Pay in PB-I
Postmaster Gr-I, 2097 Posts:
Rs. 5200-20200 + Rs.2800 Gr. Pay in PB-I
Higher Selection Grade-II (HSG-II):
Rs. 9300-34800 +Rs.4200 Gr. Pay in PB-II
Postmaster Gr-II, 511 Posts:
Rs. 9300-34800 +Rs.4200 Gr. Pay in PB-II
Higher Selection Grade-I (HSG-I):
Rs. 9300-34800 +Rs.4600 Gr. Pay in PB-II
Postmaster Gr – III 495 Posts:
Rs. 9300-34800 +Rs.4600 Gr. Pay in PB-II
PS Gr-B:
Rs.9300-34800 +Rs.4800 Gr. Pay in PB-II
Sr Postmaster 116 Posts:
Rs. 9300-34800 +Rs.4800 Gr. Pay in PB-II
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2.21 Thus from the fact detailed above , it is crystal clear that BASE
CADRE OF THE NEWLY CREATED POSTMASTER CADRE
(POSTMASTER GRADE-I) was made from LSG Cadre which
deserve minimum pay scale at par with IP Cadre in the
Department of Posts in accordance with the recommendation of
the 4th CPC vide para 2.3 & 2.4 above.
2.22 This is the first scrutiny by the 7th Pay Commission as the
Postmaster Cadre was created after 6th CPC in Postal Wing in the
year 2010-2011.
2.23 This time also, the Department created this cadre against the
SWEET WILL of the existing P3 Union Leaders. To them merit
doesn’t have any value and naturally they are reluctant to
highlight the distinction of this cadre with LSG, HSG-II & HSG-I
supervisors before the 7th Pay Commission.
2.24 They have stated manifold duties and responsibilities of LSG and HSGII
officials in their Memorandum. But they have not stated the fact
that a major number of officials are now working or will be
working in near future under the supervision of Postmaster
Grade-I, II & III and all such duties and responsibilities are
vested upon them. It is fact that there are very few offices
available which are in charge of LSG, HSG-II & HSG-I after
creation of Postmaster Cadre as all the important Post Offices
have already been deployed for Postmaster Cadre.
Endeavour made by P3 Union Leaders to repress the
merit in the Department of Posts is still continuing
since 2002
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3. Creation of separate Postmaster Cadre
in 2010-2011 with Great Expectation
3.1 The cadre was created with a great expectation. It was mentioned in
the para 2 of the said Dte’s letter dtd 22nd November, 2010 that “In
spite of the long existence of the Post Offices and challenges
being faced by the Department from private players in the field
there had never been an exclusive cadre for Postmasters. The
Postal Assistants, LSG/HSG-II, I etc. are posted to man the posts of
Postmasters. This system served the Department quite well till some
time back. But now in order to improve/upgrade the functioning
of the Post Offices, meet the present day requirement of
specialization in Postal office management in the wake of
introduction of technology, challenges from market and to
increase productivity it has absolutely become essential to
ensure that key Post Offices are headed by PROFESSIONAL
MANAGERS. Thus, in order to ensure that professionally
qualified, trained and meritorious officials head the key Post
Offices, it has been decided to introduce a separate cadre of
Postmasters comprising the following grades by carving out the
posts from existing General Line posts”
3.2 The Dept of Posts also drew a summary of the plan while creating
Postmaster cadre as mentioned in the letter dated 22nd November,
2010, important points of which is reproduced below:
I. Initial constitution of the various grades of Postmasters
shall be done by inviting options from the existing
incumbents of LSG , HSG-II, HSG-I in Post Offices and PS Gr
- 'B'.
II. The officials in PS Gr-‘B’ and Senior Postmaster (Gazetted)
would be eligible for induction in IPoS, Gr'A' on the basis
of a consolidated eligibility list.
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4. Identification of most important Post Offices
for deployment of Postmaster Cadre
4.1 The Postal Directorate vide order no 13-2/2010-PE.I dated 25th
November, 2010, issued necessary guidance for identifying the Post
Offices for deployment for Postmaster Cadre as represented below:
“While identifying the Offices, preference may be given to Head
Post Offices, Mukhya Dak Ghars, Offices identified for Core
Banking Solution (CBS), major delivery offices and offices
located in prime locations serving as face of India Post. In case of
such circles where sufficient number of Head Post Offices/Sub Post
Offices of the level of HSG-II is not immediately available for
deployment of Postmaster GR.II, the Chief Postmaster General of the
concerned Circles may identify major Lower Selection grade Sub Post
Offices to deploy them. While identifying LSG Sub Post Offices care
may be taken that such offices are identified which are located
in prime locations and have the potential to generate more
business in future” (mentioned under para 3 of the order no 13-
2/2010-PE.I dated 25th November, 2010).
4.2 The above are the extracts from the Directorate’s instructions while
creating the Postmaster Cadre and its initial constitution vide the
Directorate’s letter No.4-17/2008-SPB-II Dated 22nd November, 2010
and No 13-2/2010-PE.I Dated 25th November, 2010. Thus it is
beyond doubt that this Postmaster Cadre has been created by
the Department of Posts with care and great expectation to
shoulder the responsibilities arising out of the technological
induction all together.
4.3 Practically many Postal Circles have identified many Head Post
Offices for the deployment of Postmaster Grade-I. Here we like to
mention few example of Madhya Pradesh Circle in support of our
claim.
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Region Division Head Post Offices under
Postmaster, Gr-I with PIN
Telephone No
with STD Code
BHOPAL HQ SAGAR DAMOH HO, PIN-470661 07812-222106
BHOPAL HQ HOSHANGABAD NARSINGHPUR HO,
PIN- 487001
07792-230604
BHOPAL HQ BHOPAL BHEL HO, PIN- 462022 0755-2673244
BHOPAL HQ BALAGHAT MANDLA HO, PIN-
481661
07642-250796
INDORE RATLAM JHABUA HO, PIN- 457661 07392-244217
INDORE SEHORE RAJGARH HO, PIN-
457661
07372-255042
INDORE INDORE CITY INDORE NAGAR HO,
PIN- 452007
0731-2535813
INDORE INDORE
MOFFUSIL
DHAR HO, PIN- 454001 07292-222350
INDORE KHANDWA KHARGONE HO, PIN-
451001
07282-231312
GWALIOR GUNA ASHOK NAGAR HO, PIN-
473331
07543-222726
GWALIOR GUNA SHIVPURI HO, PIN-
473551
07492-233386
4.4 Postmaster, Grade-I officials of those Head Post Offices are
efficiently Performing their duties as Head Postmaster since
2011 which were manned by HSG-I officials before deployment to
Postmaster Cadre.
4.5 Postmasters of those offices are acting as the DDO and also as
the Appointing and Disciplinary Authority for GDS. There are so
many Post Offices throughout the country where Postmaster, Grade-
I, Gr-II & III officials are acting as the Disciplinary Authority for GDS.
4.6 We like to appreciate the vision / foresight of the then M. P.
Circle Postal Administration for rendering the huge
responsibility of the HSG-I Head Postmasters to the Postmaster,
Grade-I officials who are now tested and successfully passed in
their Fire-Examination.
Beside the above many Mukhya Dak Ghars (MDGs)
have been deployed for Postmaster, Gr-I. Status of
those offices are equivalent to the Head Post Offices.
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5. Selection by Limited Departmental Competitive
Examination (LDCE) only after initial constitution
5.1 The Postal Assistants with five (5) years regular service in the grade
are getting entry in this cadre as Postmaster, Gr-I through Limited
Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) and already three (3)
three such LDCE were conducted in the year 2011, 2012 & 2013
nationwide and process of posting of successful candidates are also
completed. The syllabus for the said LDCE is represented below for
your kind ready reference.
5.2 SYLLABUS FOR DEPARTMENTAL COMPETITIVE EXAMINATION FOR
THE POST OF POSTMASTER GRADE- I IN POST OFFICES.
The examination for Postmaster Grade–I, consists of two papers of
100 questions & 90 minutes duration each. The questions will be on
the pattern of objective type multiple choice Questions.
PAPER – I
(i) Customer Services & Grievances:
a) Compendium of processing and disposal of public complaints.
b) Knowledge about DOPG, DOARPG and RTI cases.
c) Consumer Forum / Post Forum/Citizen Charter
d) Central Civil Services (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules
e) Conduct Rules
f) Financial Hand Books
(ii) Postal Operations:
Acts/Rules/Guidelines relating to inland and foreign post/mail
operations, Money Remittance, Savings Bank Schemes and
Certificates, Rural and Postal Life Insurance, latest administrative
and operational instructions/guidelines issued by the Department
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PAPER –II
a) Knowledge of products and services of Department of Posts.
b) Marketing: Principles of marketing; assessment of related
products and services.
c) General Awareness and Current Affairs including general mental
ability test covering logical reasoning (verbal and non verbal),
numerical analysis (Arithmetic) and basic mathematical equations
and statistical tools like mean, median, mode, graphical
representation of data, comprehension and basic language skills.
d) General principles of technology.
e) Basic technology requirement – computer, server, laptop
f) Connectivity of computers
5.3 From the above Syllabus for the LDCE of Postmaster Grade-I, one
can easily understand that the abilities of multifarious
activities such as Customer Service, Grievance Handling,
Marketing, General Awareness, Logical Reasoning, Basic
Computer Technology including server apart from
Departmental rulings and products are tested for Postmaster
Grade- I and no such marketing and technology
subjects are forming part of other LDCEs like
Inspector Posts and Postal Services (PS)
Group B.
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6. Assurance and Appreciation already awarded
by the Department of Posts, India regarding
the role of Post Master Cadre
6.1 The Secretary to the Ministry of Communication, Govt of India, the
Director General , Posts & Chairman Postal Services Board vide D.O.
No.1-28/2010-Trg dated August 11, 2011 to all the Postmaster
candidates in which the following truths and assurances are
explicitly expressed. They are as follows:-
6.2 “I take this opportunity to congratulate all of you who are successful
in coming into the newly created cadre of Postmaster (Grade-I)
either through a process of selection or through examination.
Postmasters are the front runners of this Department. The
image of the Post Office rests on their shoulders. Postmasters
are the best person to know the expectation of the customers
and are in a position to fulfil them. Traditionally in this country
Postmasters command a great respect from the people of the
neighbourhood because of their involvement in the public work and
because of their integrity. Presently, we are passing through a phase
of transition as household mails are declining. Post Office, today, is
being perceived more as an organization retailing the financial and
other public services. I am sure, you will be able to rise to the
occasion to satisfy the changing perception of the customers and
bring the Post Office back into the centre of the community
again.
The Postmasters Cadre was designed with great care and
expectation. You have a career profile with lots of
responsibilities and challenges ahead of you. As Postmaster
(Grade-l), you have to manage a big office, immediately on
completion of your training to be held shortly at the Postal
Training Centre. As Head of the Office, you have to set example to
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others in the matters relating to cleanliness of the office, punctuality
and in extending courtesy to the customers. You need to know the
institutions that are coming under your delivery jurisdiction, need to
monitor personally the delivery of mails in your office, you will need
to develop leadership skills, patience and prudence. I am sure;
with all these efforts you all will be able to bring back the past
glory of this organization.
I wish you all the best in your new exciting career.”
6.3 All the above observations are of the own words of Director General,
Department of Posts vide her D.O. No 1-28/2010-Trg dated August
11, 2011. But she never imagine that this cadre will face
bondage/jealous from other officials of the same department.
6.4 The Postmaster Cadre is so designed to meet the challenges of the
present day’s scenario encountered by the Department of Posts from
various corners such as the issues related to Technological
Implementation, Customers’ Delight, Marketing Management,
effectively carrying out of strategies and policies of Department,
to reach out the targeted groups in a desired and fruitful
manner, speedy implementation of new products at grass root
level etc. The need of the creation of new Postmaster Cadre is
established from the above description and proves its essentiality.
Thus the Postmaster Cadre deserves enhanced
pay to commensurate the weight of the post as
ordered to shoulder.
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7. Duties and Responsibilities of Postmasters
7.1 The various and enormous duties of the Postmasters are listed in
every manuals and orders of the DOP. As Postmasters are the
functional supervisors for all operations and transactions in a Post
office either directly or indirectly as envisaged by the Department,
they deserve for a better deal and scale in the background of recent
creation of separate Postmaster Cadre.
(a) They function as the Leave Sanctioning Authority except in Town
Sub offices for all kinds of leave for Postman, MTS and for GDS
under them. In the case of all subordinates including Postal
Assistants (Fresh, MAPC-I, II & III), LSG, HSG-II and HSG-I
Supervisors, they function as the Casual Leave & RH
sanctioning authority and maintaining the accounts and
credit of Casual Leave & RH.
(b) They function as reporting officer in the process of maintenance
of “Annual Performance Appraisal Report” (Earlier CR, now
APAR) for Postmen & MTS a vital and important document for
DPC to decide a Promotion.
(c) In Head Post Offices and Self Unit (Recruiting Unit) Sub Post
Offices they are acting as the Appointing as well as
Disciplinary Authority for GDS, MTS and even Postman.
(d) In Head Post Offices they are acting as DDOs.
7.2 Apart from the executive tasks entrusted, they are doing the
following routine duties; all are prescribed in manuals, instructions &
circulars issued by the DoP from time to time.
A. General:
1. Opening of office.
2. Supervising Cleaning and mopping of office.
3. Ensure punctual attendance of staff.
4. Maintenance of Attendance Register.
5. Allocation of duties to staff for the day.
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6. Attending Table Sorting of Mails received for delivery.
7. Identification of Unpaid and Insufficiently Paid articles.
8. Maintenance of Unpaid Register.
9. Authorisation of Money orders and electronic MOs for delivery.
10. Authorisation for Treasurer for payment to Postman
11. Check Registered / Speed Post articles received
12. Ensure Postman to Proceed on for delivery in time
13. Check Letters and Circulars received
14. Circulate circulars for Staff
15. Attend Phone Calls
16. Check emails
17. Check Customer Care complaints
18. Check ePost messages received for delivery
19. Check Articles booked at counter in random
20. Prepare & sign cheques for payment of Rs 20000/-& above
21. Attend supervisory work for SB transactions
22. Checking Sanchoy Post Pending forms for sanction.
23. Checking cash excess or shortage with treasurer
24. Order Drawal of Cheques from bank / Cash
25. Order Remittance of Cash to Bank / Cash Office.
26. Attend Public enquires and complaints at office
27. Check filing of work papers of the previous day
28. Ensure Punctual Clearance of Letter boxes
29. Supervise sorting of outward ordinary mails
30. Check Postman Return within dispatch schedule
31. Check Articles returned by postman
32. Check Redirection / Refused / left articles for dispatch
33. Check Payment vouchers of eMos and Mos
34. Ensure Articles returned are dispatched on the same day
35. Check of Standard Remarks by Postman
36. Check all articles booked are dispatched on the same day.
37. Check articles in deposit with the Abstract
38. Collect Articles in deposit for safe custody
39. Ensure undelivered insured articles with treasurer
40. Check VP articles in deposit with VP Register
41. Check Consolidation of VP / MO
42. Check Registered / Speed / Parcel Abstract and sign
43. Check POS account verification for all staff
44. Authorize eMOs booked
45. Check submit accounts for Postman / window
46. Check and sign Schedules printed in POS / Postman
47. Check TCB with the physical balance of cash and stamps
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48. Check for incorporation of accounts in Daily account
49. Invoicing documents and requisitions in daily account
50. Generating and Printing of Daily Account
51. Cross check Documents with Daily account
52. Preparation of Account Bag for dispatch
53. Closing of Office.
B. Additional Duties of a Postmaster with Branch Post Offices:
54. Ensure Articles for BOs are sorted
55. Ensure accountable items are invoiced in BO slip
56. Ensure Instructions and circulars are sent to BO
57. Ensure cash request and cash remittance to BO
58. Ensure supply of forms and stationery to BO
59. Ensure closing of BO bag in time for conveyance
60. Opening of BO bags
61. Check remittances sent is acknowledged
62. Check remittances received at office with TCB
63. Check BO daily account items with vouchers
64. Check for same day delivery of mails at BO
65. Check for articles in deposit with reasons
66. Check MOs in Deposit with reason
67. Check for request for cash and stamps.
68. Check accounts and closing balances of BOs
69. Check for accounting of unpaid articles at BOs
70. Ordering, scrutinizing of BO daily account.
71. Check and sign the BO summary posted.
72. Transfer of Items and Vouchers to respective branches
73. Check for incorporation of BO accounts in SO
74. Check for any irregularities, Omission in BO
75. Reporting of irregularities to the concerned authority.
C. Daily Duties relating to Softwares at Office:
76. Switch on Server and ensure Client Systems are on
77. Authorise Day Begin, Shift begin packages in sequence
78. Activate or Inactivate users accordingly
79. Change Names of Postman if any for the day
80. Allocate work for the day in each software
81. Check Consolidated reports in POS at regular intervals
82. Order Cash transfer to Treasurer from POS / SB counter.
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83. Submit Postman Cash to Treasurer
84. Transfer VP Particulars for POS for booking
85. Authorise SB transactions at Sanchay Post
86. Submission of accounts for Postman
87. Verification of transactions for POS
88. Verification of SB transactions at SB Cash
89. Day end / Shift end of Softwares in Sequence
D. Periodical Duties of Postmaster in maintenance of systems
and equipments at office:
90. Check UPS and Batteries at office
91. Check Genset periodically for cleaning and servicing
92. Purchase of Diesel /Kerosene for Gensets
93. Check printers for refilling and catridge changes
94. Ensure cleaning of all systems by AMC through Divl office
95. Ensure Disk cleaning and defragmentation
96. Check Back-up
97. Ensure updation of software
E. Daily Duties relating to Systems and softwares
98. Ensure that all communication packages work.
99. Updation of MIS
100. Check emails and sites for updation
101. Reply to Complaints at CCC website
102. Transfer of sanchay post data
103. Running DPT Tools and uploading DATA manually.
104. Watch for Updation of antivirus and OS
105. Ensure upgradation of Drives and space in system
F. Standard Duties of Postmaster relating to office Accounts
/Assets and fittings & Stock maintenance:
106. Maintain Stock book for all furniture fittings
107. Maintain stock books for all display boards
108. Maintain stock / history sheets for all systems and devices
109. Maintain stock book for all software CDS
110. Maintain stock book for all stationery items
111. Maintain stock books for all SB & certificate related items
112. Maintain stock book for all Postal Stationeries
113. Maintain stock book for all unserviceable items of the office
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114. Maintain stock book for all condemned items
G. Duties relating to Preparation of Accounts and statements:
115. Preparation of monthly report and submission to HO
116. Preparation of Business Annexure II statement for DO/RO/HO
117. Preparation of SO account month wise
118. Preparation and submission of money order Returns on
fortnightly basis
119. Submission of Paid substitute bills for Postmen& MTS
120. Preparation of Leave orders and APAR for Postmen& MTS
121. Daily submission of Business development report
122. Checking of SO Slip and documents received there on
123. Payments relating to salary and mazdoor for staff
124. Payments relating to GPF and other advances
125. Preparation of Bills paid list for HOs
126. Settlement of OM from HOs and SBCO
127. Updation of erros in Sanchay Post softwares
128. Preparing and forwarding of half yearly balances for
Recurring Deposit accounts & Checking of half yearly balance
report pertaining to MIS accounts
H. Duties relating to Inspection Reports and Verification
Reports
129. Compliance report for Inspection Reports and Visiting Reports
130. Explanations and reporting for IR s and VR s
131. Facilitating for inspection of records as and when needed
132. Maintenance of Order book
133. Verification of memos received from Sub Divisions
134. Submission of Yearly Village Returns and Half Yearly
enumeration returns
I. Duties relating to his own office
135. Preservation of records according to periods
136. Maintenance of MDW, DMSL , Duty chart , Book of information
137. Maintenance of Complaints and suggestion Book
138. Maintenance of CMAB
139. Drawal of cheques for Payments for accounts closed
140. Drawal of cash from bank
141. Maintenance of remittance register for cheques / cash to banks
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142. Ensuring clearance of cheques presented to bank
143. Updation of date of clearance of cheques for ebills
144. Maintaining Office Order book
145. Daily check on closing stamp advance for office and staff
146. Ensuring cleaning of all seals and stamps of office
147. Check and signing Book of Postmarks on daily basis
148. Ensuring staff for relief on leave / Deputation / Training
149. Attending customer enquiries at office and clarification of
Doubts
150. Indenting for Forms and stationery
151. Indenting for stamps
152. Indenting for cash certificates
153. Indenting for Pass book and other registers
J. Duties as a Care taker of the Office Building and premises:
The Postmaster shall see:
154. Outside campus cleaned and garbage removed
155. Watering of plants/trees/lawn
156. Cutting of hedges and trimming of trees whenever required
157. All the campus lights and back lit boards in working order
158. Cleaning and mopping of office floors with disinfectant
159. Cleaning and mopping of counter area twice a day or more as
per the customer traffic and empting of waste paper baskets in
public hall/office hall
160. Dusting of furniture/counters
161. Cleaning of window glass panes / counter glasses
162. Cleaning of toilets with phenyl and availability of water
163. Cleaning of wash basin and availability of naphthalene balls
164. Punctuality of staff
165. Availability of soap/liquid soap in toilet
166. Mopping of drinking water area every half an hour
167. Availability of sufficient cash at the counters
168. Fans / Tube lights/roof/walls to be cleaned at frequent
interval as required at least once in a month
169. Ensure availability of forms used by the customers at the
identified place in public hall.
170. Proper display of Notices and Instructions for the public at the
allotted space
171. Genset is in working order and its cleanliness and readiness
172. Availability of sufficient diesel
173. UPS in working order – water level of batteries checked
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174. Availability of sufficient office stationary
K . Duties relating to BD and Marketing:
175. Ensure sale of Retail Post items for Business
176. Market all retail post items
177. Ensure placement of Advertisement Boards in and out of office
178. Ensure sufficient stock of Retail Post items by Proper indenting
179. Attend meetings and melas
180. Provide Daily / Weekly / Monthly / quarterly / half yearly /
Annual reports as required
L. Duties relating to e-based services:
181. Market and book IMOs and Videsh MOs at office
182. Facilitate customer with refreshment for IMT transactions
183. Explain features of eProducts and service
M . Duties relating to PLI and RPLI:
184. Procure PLI and RPLI business for the target allotted to the
office
185. Conduct melas and Drives for motivating & procuring RPLI
186. Process policy proposals for submission to Sub Divisional
Head
187. Account Proposals and Insured value procured at office and
BOs
188. Issue Certificate of Credit for Premiums paid at the office
189. Process and send loan / closure / maturity of policies
190. Payment of Maturity / loan for policies at office marked by HO
191. Motivate Postman and GDS officials for procurement of RPLI
policies
N . Duties relating to repairs to Software / Systems and
equipments
192. Log call with the AMC company for repair to systems and
equipments
193. Inform DO / SA on software problems
194. Inform RO on problems referred to .
195. Record all problems relating to software / hardware and
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equipments
196. Ask for replacement of systems and equipments for repaired
one
197. Call log with BSNL authorities for internet connectivity
problems
O. Duties relating to office expenditure
198. Monitoring the Use of telephones only for official purpose
199. Ensure the bill does not exceed the authorized limit for the
Office
200. Ensure forms are not misused and wasted at office
201. Ensure electric appliances are switched off when not in use
202. Ensure that office stationery is not put to waste
203. Economical usage of water & Electricity and fetching of
optimum results.
P. They are playing the major role in disbursement of
MGNREGA and Social Security Pension Money Orders
nationwide.
7.3 All the above duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. In the
changed environment of total technological induction on
regular basis new tasks and responsibilities are inclusive for
this cadre. It is imperative to divulge that this Postmaster Cadre,
the face of the Department.
7.4 Now the Department of Posts has stepped in online banking
through its CBS Project that works 24 x 7 on live environment
with SMS alert/Net Banking/ATM/associated transactions with
other banks/financial institutions. Moreover, online shopping
partners are also being joined with the DOP giving new face to
all Post Offices on existing staff; implementation of which is on
shoulders of Postmaster. But they don’t deny their
responsibilities in this regard. The Secretary, Department of
Posts rightly recorded “Postmasters are the front runners of
the department; Postmasters are the best person to
know the expectations of the customers and in a position
to fulfil them”.
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7.4 In a nutshell, the duties of Marketing, HR Management,
Grievance Handling, Planning, Organizing, Staffing, Directing,
Coordinating, Reporting, Stock Management, Hardware &
Software Basics and Updates, Current Products with trend and
tactics etc are additional to their un-intermittent regular
supervisory roles in the following software modules (i)Postman
(ii) Sub-Account (iii) Speed Net (iv) Despatch (v) Point of Sale
(vi) Sanchay Post (vii) SB Cash (viii)Treasury (ix) e-Payment (x)
e-MO apart from communicative web applications like
customer Care & grievance handling , eMO Client, ePayment
Client, Accounts MIS, Project Arrow , Speed Net communication,
Registry Net , iMO, Data Profiling Tools(DPT) for CBS Premigration
Activity and other business partners web
applications like Western Union Money Transfer, MoneyGram ,
Travel Ticket Booking modules of various tie up companies.
7.5 Postmaster is expected to be fluent in all the modules
introduced by the Dept of Posts.
7.6 Postmasters in all Taluk head quarters are designated
as CAPIO (Central Assistant Public Information Officer)
for all Central Government Departments and doing an
important role under RTI.
Such arduous nature of duty has not
been vested to any other civil cadre in
the same or other department.
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8. Comparison with LSG, HSG-II & HSG-I Supervisors
8.1 Employees belonging to Postmaster Cadre are more superior in
quality than the employees of existing Selection Grade Posts owing to
following reasons:
8.2 As per creator of this cadre, Madam Radhika Doraiswamy, Hon’ble
former DG Posts, this cadre is the front runners of the department
and they are made to bring back the past glory of the
department vide her D.O. No. 1-28/2010- Trg dated 11/08/2011
addressed to all new entrants of Postmaster Cadre. From the D.O.
dated 11/08/2011, it is crystal clear that the Department
lost confidence over the existing LSG, HSG-II & HSG-I
Supervisors.
8.3 This cadre is the only cadre in the Department of Post for which
an exclusive managerial training program has been designed by
the department to make them professionally trained and to cope
up with the change management environment in the
department.
8.4 They are recruited by merit (by examination) not by promotion
(on the basis of seniority cum fitness).
8.5 They are much young, talented and motivated for rapid
development towards managing the most important Post
Offices.
8.6 They are heading the important Post Offices as detailed above, in
which all type of services/products offered by the DOP are
activated as well as running smoothly.
8.7 They are taking most important role in mechanization of postal
services particularly migrating to Core Banking Solution (CBS).
8.8 They have adequate knowledge regarding computer, server, and
laptop including connectivity of computers which are part of
syllabus for LCDE for Postmaster Grade-I Examination.
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8.9 They never participate in any kind of strike/Bandh/Pen down
program called by any political/ non-political organizations,
thus rendering uninterrupted services to the members of the
public.
8.10 The employees of this cadre are serving as the face of India Post in
accordance with para 3 of the Postal Directorate order no 13-
2/2010-PE.I dated 25th November, 2010, still they did not get any
sort of indication regarding their pay restructuring from the
department, though they accepted the call of the Department
to face the current days’ challenges of modern
administration. As a consequence, many qualified candidates from
LCDE for Postmaster Cadre are declining their promotions, e.g. one
official with 10 years regular service in Postal Assistant cadre
who is getting Grade Pay of Rs.2800/- in PB-I will get zero
financial benefit after promotion to the Postmaster Grade-I . So
the department is losing the most suitable managers.
8.11 The Postmaster Cadre officials are the only personnel who
cannot sit in the back office like LSG, HSG-II & HSG-I supervisors
and exclusively designed to lead the post office wherever they
are posted.
Thus, Postmaster Cadre officials owing to
their quality have left LSG, HSG-II & HSG-I
supervisors far behind in the race.
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9. Comparison with IP Line Officials
9.1 Postmaster Cadre is expressly forbidden to appear in any promotional
examination like PS Group B, Senior Postmaster and even for
Inspector of Posts to enhance their Grade Pay & to fulfil career
aspirations. This strange provision is distancing and neglecting the
Postmaster Cadre to get their right of “EQUALITY” as enshrined in
our mighty constitution.
9.2 It is very unjustly that 75 percentages of Senior Postmaster posts
are set to LDCE in which the Postmaster Cadre officials are not
permitted to sit. The entire examination quota is only for
Inspector line despite they never belong to the Hierarchy
Postmaster Cadre.
9.3 The normal promotional scopes in the hierarchy for the Postmaster
Cadre and Inspector Line are tabled below for comparison.
Hierarchy of Postmaster Cadre
Post Name No of Posts Remarks
Postmaster
Grade-I
2097 Postal Assistants with five year
continuous service through LDCE
Postmaster
Grade- II
511 Postmaster Grade-I with six years
continuous service through selection
Postmaster
Grade-III
495 Postmaster Grade-I with six years
continuous service through selection
Senior
Postmaster
116 Out of Total 116 Posts, 87 posts
(75%) for LDCE only for Inspector line.
Postmaster Grade officials are “NOT
PERMITTED” to appear to their own
hierarchical promotional post
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Hierarchy of IP Line officials
Post Name No of Posts Remarks
Inspector,
Posts
2187 Postal Assistants with five year
continuous service through LDCE
Assistant
Supdt, Posts
1824 For Normal promotion to IP line officials
PS Group B 657 For Normal promotion to IP line officials
(Assistant Supdt, Posts)
Senior
Postmaster
87 LDCE Exclusively for IP line – Beyond
their Hierarchy
PS Group B 166 LDCE Exclusively for IP line- 19 % Exam
Quota
9.4 The above table explicitly portrays that the Inspector Line officials are
getting their promotional posts comfortably where as the Postmaster
Cadre posts are so created with less than one third of the opportunity
as available for the IP Line officials.
LDCE IP line Postmaster Cadre General line
IPO -----  Up to LSG 
PS Gr B   LSG & above  under
6% quota
Sr PM   
9.5 It is noticeable that the Inspectors of Posts are eligible for all
Departmental Promotional Avenues but the Postmaster Cadre is
denied for all, even in their own Hierarchy.
9.6 Many erstwhile LSG & HSG II officials who were eligible for appearing
in PS Group B innocently opted for Postmaster Grade under initial
constitution were denied to write the PS Group B Exam. In the years
2011, 2012, 2013 & 2014, the zealed and enthustic Postmaster Cadre
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optees of General Line are kept out from LDCE for PS Group B which
is being conducted after several years.
9.7 Basic eligibility, educational qualification, minimum qualifying
service etc are same for both IP and PM Cadre Line. But the
Postmaster Cadre Officials are far ahead of the IP Line officials in
respect of their technological knowledge, effective customer
handling, grabbing business for the department, marketing
especially for their MANAGERIAL/ MANAGEMENT TRAINING
exclusively designed and provided by the DOP.
9.8 An engineer with a management degree is paid higher than that
of a general engineer in every organisation.
9.9 This is not only a great loss to the optees of Postmaster Cadre in their
career progression but also to the department by blocking young
blood in the lateral entry to PS Gr-B and Sr Postmaster. Some
aggrieved Postmaster Cadre officials have won their cases in CAT
Chennai in OA No.676/2011 recently.
9.10 In a reply to the staff side by the Postal Directorate regarding allowing
exclusively the IP line officials for 75 % of Senior Postmaster posts
states that it is for the sake of LATERAL ENTRY of YOUNG BLOOD.
But why doesn’t it applicable in the case of Postmaster Cadre
though their quality in present day situation is far better than
that of the IP Officials as detailed in para 9.7 above?
9.11 The same logic of lateral entry opportunity through LDCE needs to be
extended to Postmaster Cadre officials in the ‘Senior Postmaster
Examination’ and also in the ‘Postal Services Group-B Examination’
not only to induct the talented people to the Sr Postmaster and PS
Gr-B Posts for enhancement of Govt Revenues but also to fulfil the
career aspirations of the disappointed, deserted category of
Postmaster Cadre officials. It is the duty of the Government to fulfil
the career aspirations of every cadre, but contrary, the newly
born Postmaster Cadre is either ignored or forgotten child for
feeding and now crying before the 7th CPC hoping to get justice.
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9.12 In present day computerised environment the role of IP Line
officials has greatly been reduced since the work of individual
offices can directly be viewed by the Administrative Offices like
Divisional Office, Regional Office, Circle Office even the
Directorate with the help of Data Extraction Tool’s Report (DET)
run by every office after day’s work through Meghdoot MIS
Account Client.
9.13 Customer Care Centres under the DOP’s portals are acting in every
post office mostly run by the Postmaster Cadre officials through
which most of the grievances of the nationwide customers are
promptly being settled.
9.14 Daily reports are now being submitted to the Divisional
Superintendents electronically with in a moment even as and when
they demand.
9.15 In a nutshell, the traditional duties of the IP Line officials have
drastically reduced whereas Postmaster Cadre officials are now
rendering the main revenue base to the Department.
9.16 It will be the extreme minimum after full implementation of
Centralised Banking System (CBS) and centralised platform Core
System Integrator (CSI) of other basic postal transactions like
Registered Post, Speed Post, Parcel, Money Order, Postal Like
Insurance etc within one or two years.
9.17 In Head Post Offices and Self Unit (Recruiting Unit) Sub Post
Offices they are acting as the Appointing as well as Disciplinary
Authority for GDS, MTS and even Postman like the IP Line
officials.
Therefore, Postmaster Cadre officials are going
ahead than IP Line officials in present day scenario.
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10.Vertical and Horizontal Relativities and Disparities
10.1 Postmaster Cadre is created as an aftermath effect of
technological drive and implementation of various business tieups’.
This Cadre is given birth after Sixth CPC.
10.2 The comparison of duties and responsibilities were not properly
taken in to account while fixing the Grade pay of Rs 2800/- for
Postmaster Grade- I where as this cadre was deserved for Grade
pay of Rs 4600/-or even more. It was lower ranked during its
birth and under feed causing desperation and frustration among
the entrants of this Cadre.
10.3 Many erstwhile LSG officials opted for Postmaster, Grade-I during
Initial Constitution got their promotion to LSG after 25 years of
service in PA Cadre. Naturally they were already getting the benefit
of 2nd MAPC and they joined as Postmaster, Grade-I with grade Pay of
Rs 4200 i.e. they joined the post with Zero Financial Benefit. Still they
are more than 500 in number.
10.4 The entry level qualifying service of Five Years in PA Cadre is
same for both the LDCEs of Inspector of Posts Examination &
Postmaster Grade I Examination. Both are Merit based and not
qualifying in nature. But due to its origin under initial
constitution clause by carving out from General line, the scale of
pay for this cadre is under estimated.
10.5 As of now, more than seventy percent of Postmaster Grade I are in
place meritoriously come out through LDCE. The inequality shown in
the scale is unscientific, irrational and illogical. It deserves the
starting Grade pay of Rs 4600/-or more comparative with that of
Inspector Posts.
10.6 The duties designed and assigned to Postmaster Cadre is totally
managerial in nature and they need to be fluent in all the
software modules both as Operator (for guiding subordinates)
and as Supervisor. Being a supervisor , the Postmaster Grade-I
should explicitly be put in the scale of Pay Band II , not below the
33 | P a g e
Grade pay of Rs 4600/- by virtue of its own position even
without the need of comparison to any cadre .
10.7 The responsibilities are thronged and expectations are more from
this cadre. There are a high percentage of requests for reversion
to feeder cadre from this Postmaster Cadre.
10.8 Reversion intention is mainly due to lesser pay scale disproportionate
to tasks, promotional avenues, disparity and inequality with the
comparable cadres like Inspector Posts in the own department,
Section officers, Assistants even having lesser tasks in other
Departments /Ministries.
10.9 A good number of candidates are passing in the Postmaster,
Grade-I Examination every year. But surprisingly a large
numbers of successful candidates are not joining in the grade.
Specific DATA in this regard in under collection under RTI Act,
2005 and will be submitted to the 7th CPC shortly. This nonjoining
is owing to following reasons:
I. Pay of the promotional post is having less pay.
II. There is little enhancement of pay or in most cases no
enhancement of pay on promotion as detailed under para
8.10 and 10.3 above.
III. They have to stay away from their family and household
expenditure will drastically increase due to double
establishments.
The 7th CPC will perhaps agree that all the above are
frustrating the very purpose of creation of Postmaster
Cadre. This is also against the policy to attract the most
suitable talent to the department, promote efficiency;
accountability and responsibility in the work culture and
foster excellence in the public governance system to
respond to the complex challenges to the modern
administration as published in the Public Notice vide davp
15101/11/0004/1415.
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10.10 Owing to the fact detailed under para 10.7 above there is still
513 (2097-1584) vacant posts of Postmaster, Grade-I after four
years of its creation as elicited from the very information under
RTI Act, 2005. Category-wise present (as on Jan-2015) working
staff strength of Postmaster Cadre is tabulated below:
Sl. No. Name of the Circle Working Strength Total
Gr-I Gr-II Gr-III
1 Andhra Pradesh 131 29 0 160
2 Assam 28 8 4 40
3 Bihar 58 7 2 67
4 Chhattisgarh 20 1 3 24
5 Delhi 37 9 2 48
6 Gujarat 47 3 6 56
7 Haryana 36 3 0 39
8 Himachal Pradesh 28 7 5 40
9 Jammu and Kashmir 11 4 0 15
10 Jharkhand 27 3 1 31
11 Karnataka 130 26 25 181
12 Kerala 102 8 14 124
13 Madhya Pradesh 61 5 4 70
14 Maharashtra 197 16 10 223
15 North East 7 0 1 8
16 Orissa 57 13 0 70
17 Punjab 58 1 3 62
18 Rajasthan 50 2 8 60
19 Tamilnadu 223 41 10 274
20 Uttarakhand 27 6 2 35
21 Uttar Pradesh 165 11 22 198
22 West Bengal 84 37 0 121
Total 1584 240 122 1946
Truth cannot be suppressed and comes out anyway
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11. Cadre Restructuring Agreement in the Department
of Posts keeping away the Postmaster Cadre
11.1 The Department of Posts on 28 th April, 2014 in Room No 347-D, DAK
BHAWAN, SANSAD MARG, NEW DELHI, has made an agreement with
the existing P3 service unions regarding cadre restructuring
consequent upon the direction of the Anomaly Committee which
arose after the 6th CPC and submitted the same to the DoPT for
approval. Relevant part of the said agreement is represented below:
(a) The posts of Sub Postmasters in Single Handed Post Offices and
Double Handed Post Offices will be placed in the Grade Pay of Rs
2800/- in the Pay Band PB-I.
(b) The posts of Sub Postmasters in Triple Handed Post Offices and
all other existing norm based LSG Posts in Post Offices will be
placed in the Grade Pay of Rs 4200/- in the Pay Band PB-II.
(c) All existing posts in HSG-II will be placed in the Grade Pay of Rs
4600/- in the Pay Band PB-II along with the existing HSG-I
posts.
(d) After the implementation of above restructuring, the officials in the
Grade Pay of Rs 4600/-, who have completed two years of regular
service, will be granted the Gr Pay of Rs 4800/- in the Pay Band II on
non-functional basis after following the usual procedure of nonfunctional
up-gradation(s).
(e) In respect of Postmaster, Grade-I, Grade-II and Grade-III posts
once the recommendations of this committee are implemented;
the matter will be examined in the light of the same.
11.2 In the above-mentioned (para 11.1) Cadre Restructuring Committee’s
report (Page 2 & 3 of 9), while defining the Attributes of Ideal
Cadre, the Department of Posts directed the following:
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(a) A cadre should entirely cater to the functional requirement of
the service and should not be utilized for performing functions
other than those for which the service is intended.
(b) The grades into which the cadre is divided should be
clearly distinct in the sense that each carries a distinct
level of responsibility within the functional area of
concerned service. The post within a grade should also be
interchangeable.
(c) The cadre should ensure smooth mobility both
horizontally and vertically.
(d) An ideal cadre should be capable of fulfilling the legitimate
carrier aspirations of the member of the service and there
should be a balance between the carrier expectation and
functional needs of the service.
(e) Every cadre should have separate provision for various
types of reserve like leave, training and deputation.
(f) The internal structure of the service depends on the initial
structural ratio and pattern of subsequent recruitment. Every
individual cadre controlling authority will have to
carefully consider the cadre structure of the service on its
own merits and determine the desirable structure in terms
of both functional needs and carrier opportunity. The basic
approach in a cadre restructuring is to balance these two
aspects so as to maintain a high level of morale and efficiency
consistent with the economy.
11.3 We don’t find any reflection of para 11.2 (b) to (f) above on the
Postmaster Cadre though all the directives are of the
Department of Posts for which we have been compelled to beg
at the door of 7the CPC.
11.4 As stated earlier it is worthy to mention here again that the
Department of Posts created the Postmaster Cadre unilaterally
against the SWEET WILL of the existing major federations.
Naturally they have been protesting against the creation of
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Postmaster Cadre since 2010 publicly and after creation they
are acting against the advancement of this cadre from behind
the screen for their fear for reduction of their supremacy over their
staff members.
11.5 Owing to the rise of Postmaster Cadre they are not in a position
to make their illogical Strike / Bundh Programme successful.
This is why they are playing a malicious game against the
Postmaster Cadre which is crystal clear from the “Cadre
Restructuring Agreement”. They have succeeded in their vicious
plan in keeping the Postmaster Cadre away from the “Cadre
Restructuring Agreement” as mentioned under para 11.1 above.
11.6 One of the major federations of the Dept of Posts is advocating for
“same pay for same post which includes similar duties and
responsibility” under the principle of “EQUAL PAY FOR EQUAL
WORK”. They are in the view of mixing the duties and
responsibilities of time scale Sub-Postmasters, LSG or HSG-II or
HSG-I Supervisors with that of the duties and responsibilities of
Postmaster, Grade-I, Grade-II, Grade-III and Sr Postmaster.
11.7 Managing a small office with one/ two/ three officials or
managing a single section of a big office is completely different
from managing / leading a large important office serving as the
face of the Department.
11.8 A primary school teacher will get equal pay with that of a
lecturer of a college or university if the above-mentioned logic of
“same pay for same post which includes similar duties and
responsibility” is applied and the Dept of Posts didn’t require
creation of Postmaster Cadre.
11.9 Apart from above, Postmaster Cadre officials have to manage the
adjacent small offices by directing Postal Assistants from their offices
in case of necessity as per direction of the Divisional
Superintendents. At that time, they have to manage their own
offices anyway with scarcity of Postal Assistants showing the
quality of an ideal manager who can manage his or her office
using available resources.
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11.10 Managerial training of Postmaster, Grade-I begins with the
introduction “POSTMASTER AS A MANAGER”. But it reality they
are still “Showpiece Manager”
11.11 Postal Assistants with financial benefit of MAPC-III (Grade
Pay of Rs 4600/-) may work under the supervision of
Postmaster, Gr-I with Grade Pay of Rs 2800/- as per existing
system. This incidence is very common in the Head Post
Offices and MDGs as happened in case of FTP LSG officials
shown in para 2.16 above.
The 7th CPC will perhaps agree that this system of
ignoring the merit is not healthy for the organisation
too. Recommendation of appropriate pay scales and
other benefits for all cadres according to their merit
and quality now lies on the 7th CPC. We are very much
hopeful that the 7th CPC will exercise the same in
judicial manner.
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11. Prayer before the 7th CPC
As described in the foregoing paras, the importance and motive for the
creation of the Postmaster Cadre are more effective marketing of goods &
services of the DoP as well as serving the purpose of reaching out the goals
and fulfilling the needs of survival and betterment of points of presence
(POP) of the DoP stationed at all important terminals and junctions
scattered in every nook and corner of our country. The DoP can launch and
go ahead as planned in 10th, 11th and finally in 12th Five year plan at
large, by advancing the work force at important field levels and the role of
Postmaster Cadre cannot be under estimated who leads at fields for such
transformation.
Thus with a view to attract the most suitable talent to the department,
promote efficiency; accountability and responsibility in the work
culture we submit the following prayer before the 7th CPC for
favourable consideration:
I. All the post of Postmasters (HSG-I) in Head Post Offices situated at
District Head Quarters may kindly be upgraded to the posts of Senior
Postmasters.
II. 100% of the Posts of Senior Postmasters may kindly be filled up
from amongst the Postmaster Cadre officials. Fifty percent (50%)
of the posts of Senior Postmasters are to be allotted for hierarchical
promotion to Postmaster Cadre by DPC on the basis of seniority &
remaining fifty percent (50%) may kindly be thrown to LDCE for
Postmaster, Grade-I, Grade-II and Grade-III.
III. The Present proportion of Postmaster Grade I, II, III is 4:1:1
(2097:511:495) is comparatively very less than the Inspector Posts
Cadre (2187:1824:744 = 23:19:8) and this proportion may kindly be
optimized as 2:1:1 by enhancing the number of Postmaster Grade II &
III posts.
IV. All the Postmaster Cadre officials may kindly be allowed to take part
in all LDCEs for promotion to the posts of Postal Services Group B and
Senior Postmaster.
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V. A pool of the Postmaster Grade-I officials may be made in all the
Circles and attach at least two of them in each HO or Divisional Office
for utilisation as reserve like leave, training and deputation as per
attribute of an ideal cadre made by the Department vide para
11.2 (e) above.
VI. The Postmaster Grade II & III are to be provided with Gazetted
Status not only for the interest of officials but also for the easy
accessibility of a Gazetted Central Government Officer to the common
people.
VII. The reasonable Financial Powers of the In-charge of the Post Offices
may be enhanced to cater the present need in the changed
technologically advanced scenario of Post Offices & maintain
customer relationship.
VIII. Caretaking Allowance @ 10% of Basic Pay may kindly be granted to
each In-charge of the Post Offices where there is no post of caretaker.
IX. Split Duty Allowance may kindly be granted to the In-charge of the
Post Offices where there is provision for Split Duty.
X. Double Transport Allowance may kindly be granted to In-charge of
the Post Offices who is doing Split Duty.
XI. The Grade pay of the Postmaster Grade-I may kindly be elevated to Rs
4600/- in the Pay Band-II from the existing Rs 2800/- in Pay Band-I
corresponding to the proposed Staff side’s proposal of minimum
pay of Rs 66000/-.
XII. The Grade pay of the Postmaster Grade-II may kindly be elevated to
Rs 4800/- in the Pay Band-II from the existing Rs 4200/- in Pay Band-
II corresponding to the proposed Staff side’s proposal of pay of Rs
74000/-.
XIII. The Grade pay of the Postmaster Grade-III may kindly be elevated to
Rs 5400/- in Pay Band-II from the existing Rs 4600/- in Pay Band-II
corresponding to the proposed Staff side’s proposal of pay of Rs
78000/-.
41 | P a g e
XIV. The Grade pay of the Sr. Postmasters may kindly be elevated to Rs
5400/- in the Pay Band-II from the existing Rs 4800/- in Pay Band-II.
But the Grade Pay of Rs 5400/- in Pay Band-II of the Sr
Postmasters may kindly be elevated to Rs 6600/- in the Pay
Band-III for those who have completed two years service in the
grade on non-functional basis after following the usual
procedure of non-functional up-gradation(s).
XV. Beside the above Personal Pay of Rs 2000/-, Rs 3000/-, Rs 4000/- and
Rs 5000/- may kindly be rendered to the Postmaster, Grade-I, Grade-
II, Grade-III and Sr Postmasters respectively as component of their
Basic Pay owing to their arduous nature of duty.
On implementation of the above, the extra financial burden that may
lie on the department in this regard is calculated below:
AT PRESENT
All in INR PM Gr-I PM Gr-II PM Gr-III Sr PM
Diff. in Grade Pay
+ Personal Pay
Rs.(4600-2800)
+ 2000 =
Rs 3800
Rs (4800-4200)
+ 3000=
Rs 3600
Rs(5400-4600)
+ 4000=
Rs 4800
Rs (5400-4800)
+ 5000=
Rs 5600
Plus DA @ 107% Rs 4066 Rs 3852 Rs 5136 Rs 5992
Individual
increase in the
pay
Rs 7866 Rs 7452 Rs 9936 Rs 11592
Present extra
financial burden
on filled up posts
(Para 10.10)
Rs 7866{(1584-
500(Para 10.3)}
+-{(4600-4200)
+ 2000 +
DA@107%}500=
Rs 8526744 +
2484000 =
Rs 11010744
Rs 7452 x 240
= Rs 1788480
Rs 9936 x 122
= Rs 1212192
Rs11592x116
=Rs 1344672
Grand Total 1,53,56,088.00 ( One crore fifty three lakh fifty-six
thousand eighty-eight) per month for the whole country
42 | P a g e
AFTER FILLING UP ALL THE POSTS IN FUTURE
All in INR PM Gr-I PM Gr-II PM Gr-III Sr PM
Diff. in Grade Pay
+ Personal Pay
Rs. (4600-2800)
+ 2000 =
Rs 3800
Rs (4800-4200)
+ 3000=
Rs 3600
Rs (5400-4600)
+ 4000 =
Rs 4800
Rs (5400-4800)
+ 5000 =
Rs 5600
Plus DA @ 107% Rs 4066 Rs 3852 Rs 5136 Rs 5992
Individual
increase in the
pay
Rs 7866 Rs 7452 Rs 9936 Rs 11592
Multiplied by
number of posts
2097 511 495 116
Total Financial
Burden
Rs 1,64,95,002 Rs 38,07,972 Rs 49,18,320 Rs 13,44,672
Grand Total Rs 2,65,65,966.00 ( Two crore sixty five lakh sixty-five
thousand nine hundred sixty-six) per month for the
whole country
The said amount is proposed to be incurred for the most
important human resource that represent the main production
house of the Department of Posts at operative level and whom
the Department of Posts has created to Bring Back The Past Glory
of Post Offices (D.G., Posts D.O. No 1-28/2010-Trg dated August 11,
2011).
Shri Arun Kumar Bal Shri Balveer Singh
Postmaster, Grade-II Postmaster, Grade-I
President General Secretary
(Ad-hoc Committee)
All India Association of Postmaster Cadre (Proposed)