Summary of the Meeting with Non-Gazetted Service Associations and AIGDSU Held on 18.09.2024. Download AIGDSU Minutes of Meeting (MoM).
A meeting was held on September 18, 2024, between key representatives of the Department of Posts (DoP) and Non-Gazetted Service Associations, including the All India Gramin Dak Sevak Union (AIGDSU), the All India Savings Bank Control Employees Union, the All India Postal Stenographers’ Association, and the Postal Officers Association (INDIA). The discussions focused on improving work conditions, providing training, and addressing specific operational requirements within various postal divisions. Below are the key points discussed during the meeting and the decisions made:
1. Record Rooms for Savings Bank Control Office (SBCO) Branches
The All India Savings Bank Control Employees Union requested dedicated record rooms in SBCO branches to securely store and manage essential documents. The DoP responded that instructions had already been issued to all Circles to arrange appropriate storage solutions for records within SBCO branches.
2. Training for Stenographers on SPARROW System
The Postal Officers Association highlighted the need for training in the SPARROW (Smart Performance Appraisal Report Recording Online Window) system for stenographers in Senior Administrative Grade (SAG) and Junior Time Scale (JTS) positions. In response, the Department informed the representatives that the SPARROW training course for stenographers is available on the iGOT portal. Additionally, a relevant training course, “Dak Karmachari Training 1,” is accessible on the eLearning platform.
3. Manning of SBCO Branches
To address staffing concerns, the All India Savings Bank Control Employees Union requested that the SBCO branches be properly manned under the supervision of Divisional Heads. The DoP committed to issuing strict guidelines to Divisional Heads to manage and maintain sufficient staff in SBCO branches. They also emphasized the importance of completing relevant training on the iGOT platform to equip the personnel with the necessary skills.
4. MDW for Stenographers’ Cadre
The All India Postal Stenographers’ Association raised the need for an updated Manual of Office Procedures (MDW) specific to the stenographers' cadre. In response, the DoP assured them that relevant guidelines from the Department of Personnel & Training (DoP&T) would be circulated to all Circles to ensure a standardized process for stenographers across divisions.
5. Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) for JTS, SAG, and SHS
The Postal Officers Association sought clarity on the scheduling of the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) meetings for promotions from the Postal Service Group to higher grades such as Junior Time Scale (JTS), Senior Administrative Grade (SAG), and Super Higher Scale (SHS). The DoP stated that the proposal had already been submitted to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), and the dates for the DPC meetings would be announced shortly.
Conclusion
The meeting concluded with the DoP affirming its commitment to addressing the concerns raised by each association. The department’s proactive steps, such as circulating updated guidelines, improving training accessibility, and facilitating promotional processes, reflect a continued effort to enhance the efficiency and workplace conditions for all employees within the postal system. The DoP assured the associations that their concerns and requests are prioritized, and necessary actions would be implemented promptly to support a progressive and employee-friendly postal department.
