Guidelines on Postal Staff Union Concerns Regarding iGOT Online Learning Courses

Guidelines on Staff Union Concerns Regarding iGOT Online Learning Courses.

The Ministry of Communications, Department of Posts, has addressed concerns raised by Staff Unions regarding the iGOT (Integrated Government Online Training) platform. The issues, which have implications for the smooth implementation of training under Karmayogi Bharat, were detailed in a letter (Memo No. Tr-13/28/2023-Training-DOP) dated November 28, 2024, to Ms. V. Lalithalakshmi, CEO, Karmayogi Bharat.

Key Concerns Raised by Staff Unions

The concerns summarized below aim to improve the accessibility and fairness of online training programs:

1. Compensatory Time Off for Extended Training Sessions
   Staff Unions have requested compensatory time off when online training sessions exceed standard working hours, highlighting the need for work-life balance.

2. Classification of Training Courses
   A clear distinction between mandatory and non-mandatory courses has been sought to help employees prioritize and manage their training commitments effectively.

3. Compensation for Internet Expenses
   Many employees access online training through personal devices. The unions have proposed reimbursement for internet charges incurred while participating in these training sessions, whether conducted at home or in the office.

4. Conducting Mandatory Training Locally as Group Sessions
   To enhance accessibility, unions suggest organizing mandatory training programs locally as group sessions, fostering collaborative learning environments.

5. Non-Linking of Karmayogi Training Completion with APAR
   Concerns have been raised about linking the completion of Karmayogi Bharat training courses with the Annual Performance Appraisal Report (APAR), emphasizing that such a linkage may create unnecessary stress for employees.

Need for Prompt Action

An earlier communication (Memo No. Tr-13/4/2023-Training-DOP, dated November 7, 2024) had already sought input from Karmayogi Bharat on these issues. However, no response has been received to date.

The Assistant Director General (Training), Mr. Ashutosh Narayan Rao, has urged for expedited guidance to address these concerns effectively. A timely resolution will allow the department to take informed decisions and update the Staff Unions accordingly.

Conclusion

Providing clear guidance on these concerns is crucial for promoting inclusivity, accessibility, and fairness in the implementation of iGOT training initiatives. Addressing these issues will enhance employee satisfaction and the overall success of Karmayogi Bharat’s training programs.