Meeting Minutes of PJCA (Postal Joint Council of Action) & DOP
Record of Discussion Between Department of Posts and Postal Joint Council of Action (PJCA)
A significant meeting was held on 28th February 2025, between the Department of Posts (DoP) and the Postal Joint Council of Action (PJCA) at Dak Bhawan, New Delhi. The meeting was co-chaired by Member (P) and Member (O) of the DoP, with key officers and representatives from various postal associations and federations in attendance. The discussion focused on important issues affecting the department and its staff, as well as potential future transformations and developments.
Opening Remarks
The meeting began with a warm welcome from DDG (P&SR) to all participants. In their opening remarks, Member (P) and Member (O) emphasized the vital role the Department of Posts plays in India's public service infrastructure. They underscored that India Post is no longer just a postal service provider but has expanded its scope to offer various public utility services, collaborating with different ministries. They also highlighted that the Department is crucial in promoting financial inclusion, especially in rural areas, and has received special mention in the Union Budget for FY 2025-26.
Staff Welfare and Transformation
A key topic during the meeting was the welfare of postal staff, which remains a priority during the ongoing transformation of the Department. The leadership expressed their recognition of the staff’s contributions and emphasized that their well-being would continue to be a focal point throughout the department’s modernization efforts.
Issues Raised by the Associations
Several representatives from the associations raised critical issues:
- Withdrawal of AIPEU Group 'C' Recognition: This matter is currently sub-judice in various courts, and no immediate action can be taken.
- Old Pension Scheme: The implementation of the old pension scheme was raised, but it was noted that this issue is beyond the Department's jurisdiction.
- Post Office Act, 2023: An unjustifiable demand to withdraw this Act was made. The representatives were informed that no action could be taken in this regard.
The meeting also touched upon operational concerns, with representatives raising queries about various ongoing projects. Member (O) addressed these concerns by providing data and examples to explain the department’s approach to modernizing its operations.
Departmental Transformation
The Department is currently undergoing a transformation phase, spearheaded by the Ministry of Communications (MoC) and Ministry of State for Communications (MoSC). The goal is to significantly grow the Mail and Parcel business by FY 2028. To achieve this, the Department plans to increase its handling capacity and reduce operational costs, making India Post more competitive within the Courier, Express, and Parcel (CEP) market.
Collaboration and Consultation
The representatives expressed the desire for earlier consultation on any new decisions that could impact staff. Member (O) appreciated this constructive approach and assured that employee concerns would always be at the core of discussions. They also reiterated the importance of involving associations in the decision-making process before finalizing policies. The topic of Delivery Centers was discussed, with Member (O) clarifying that associations had been consulted on the guidelines issued on 07.02.2025.
Decentralization and Abolition of Posts
Concerns were raised about the decentralization of postal services and the potential abolition of posts in the Postal Accounts Offices (PAOs). However, it was clarified that there was no proposal for decentralization, though discussions on post abolition and rationalization could occur in separate meetings.
GDS Employees' Demands
A key demand from the GDS Association was the inclusion of GDS employees in the jurisdiction of the 8th Pay Commission. This proposal will be forwarded to the Finance Ministry, which holds the final decision-making power on the matter. Additionally, the Department had requested the Health Ministry to extend the benefits of the CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme) to GDS employees, but the request was not accepted.
Closing Remarks
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with the representatives of the associations acknowledging the efforts of the Department in organizing the meeting and taking steps for the welfare of the staff. Both Member (P) and Member (O) appealed to the PJCA to withdraw any proposed agitation, which was met with a favorable response from all representatives.
Conclusion
The meeting demonstrated the Department's commitment to maintaining an open dialogue with its employees and ensuring that the transformation of India Post is carried out with their well-being and input in mind. While some concerns were raised and addressed, the overall tone was one of mutual respect and collaboration, with a shared goal of enhancing the effectiveness and competitiveness of India Post in the evolving landscape of public services.
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