A Call for Reform: Postal Employees' Charter of Demands
Download Postal Employees Union Charter of Demands (PJCA) in PDF
In recent times, there has been growing discontent within the Department of Posts as employees face what they describe as retrogressive policies that threaten the welfare and future of the postal services. The Postal Joint Council of Action (PJCA), representing various postal employees' unions, has issued a memorandum outlining their concerns and demands for reform.
Concerns over Recent Policies
The PJCA strongly criticizes the ongoing implementation of policies that, in their view, undermine the department’s operations and ignore the views of the staff side. Among the key issues, they point out the denial of legitimate rights to various categories of postal workers, including Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) and departmental staff.
A major point of contention is the Post Office Act, 2023, which the PJCA demands be withdrawn immediately. The union believes that this Act is a step backward, threatening the very existence of the postal department.
Key Demands of the Postal Employees
Post Office Act, 2023: The PJCA demands the immediate withdrawal of the controversial Act, which has been seen as detrimental to the interests of postal workers.
Derecognition Order: They also seek the immediate implementation of a stay order granted by the Jharkhand High Court on the derecognition of AIPEU, Gr. C, and NFPE, with a final objective of withdrawing the derecognition order.
Opposition to UPS and NPS: The union is vehemently against the implementation of the Universal Pension Scheme (UPS) and National Pension System (NPS), instead calling for the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for all employees.
Restoration of Postal Services: The union demands the restoration of the merger of L2 mail offices and the introduction of Integrated Communication Hub (ICH) and Postal Hub (PH) in all such offices. They also call for the resumption of all RMS (Railway Mail Service) transit sections suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Privatization Concerns: There is a strong stance against the outsourcing of postal services, which the union believes is a form of privatization, especially concerning Dak Mitras and franchise models. They demand the withdrawal of such orders and the cessation of mechanized delivery by personal two-wheelers.
Recognition of GDS: One of the major demands is the granting of civil servant status to Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS), placing them under the purview of the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC), thus ensuring pay parity with departmental staff. They also call for comprehensive benefits for GDS, including pensions, medical benefits, and gratuity.
Vacancies and Promotions: The union insists on filling all vacant posts across various cadres and implementing proper recruitment drives, especially for the electrical wing. Additionally, they call for 40% SCF (Seniority cum Fitness) quota promotions to Senior Accounts in the AAO cadre.
Restoration of Postal Posts: The union demands the restoration of 1,520 postal posts that were abolished under the guise of rationalization and opposes the decentralization of Post Accounts Offices (PAOs).
Cadre Restructuring: They also call for the implementation of cadre restructuring in all left-out cadres to ensure proper career progression for postal workers.
Promotions and Vacancies in Senior Cadres: The PJCA demands that officials in LSG/HSG (Lower Selection Grade/ Higher Selection Grade) from various offices, including CO/RO/DPLI, be allowed to appear for promotion to PS Group B cadre.
SBCO Mergers: The union also demands the merger of remaining SBCO officials with the GM PA & F cadre, along with the upgrade of all PAs in SBCO with five years of service to LSG.
Centralization of PLI/RPLI Accounts: The PJCA requests that the DPLI/Kolkata office continue to function as the central accounting office for Postal Life Insurance (PLI), Rural PLI (RPLI), and various other schemes.
A Call for Meaningful Dialogue
The memorandum concludes with a stern warning that if these demands are not met, the Postal Joint Council of Action will have no choice but to resort to drastic measures, including a nationwide strike. The union emphasizes the need for meaningful discussions and dialogue with the Department of Posts to address the concerns of postal employees at all levels.
This is a critical moment for the postal services in India, and the outcome of this movement could significantly shape the future of postal workers and the services they provide to the nation. The PJCA urges the authorities to take their concerns seriously and work towards a solution that prioritizes the welfare of postal employees and the continued strength of India’s postal system.
