Department of Posts (DOP) Holds Key Meeting with BPEF and Affiliated Associations to Address Staff Issues. Download BPEF Minutes of Meeting (MoM) in PDF.
New Delhi, October 2024
The Department of Posts (DoP) recently held a significant periodical meeting with the Bharatiya Postal Employees Federation (BPEF) and its affiliated associations to discuss key issues impacting postal employees nationwide. Chaired by the Secretary (Posts) and Director General (Postal Services), the meeting took place at Dak Bhawan, with various senior officers and representatives of the BPEF and affiliated service associations in attendance.
Secretary (Posts) Highlights Department’s Role Beyond Postal Services
The Secretary (Posts) opened the meeting by emphasizing the evolving role of the Department of Posts, which now includes offering a range of public utility services in collaboration with other ministries. The Postal Department has been instrumental in providing financial services to citizens, broadening its service base beyond traditional postal functions. The Secretary expressed appreciation for the commitment of postal staff in supporting these initiatives.
Key Discussion Points and Decisions
The meeting saw a series of discussions on agenda items presented by various associations, with action points outlined in response to each concern. Below are some of the significant items addressed:
1. Compensation for Extended Working Days
The Bharatiya Postal & RMS Supervisor Association raised concerns over additional working Saturdays in a month. The Department agreed to assess the situation in each office and recommended preparing a rotating duty roster for fairness.
2. RMS Operations and Route Concerns
Representatives from the Bharatiya RMS & MMS Employees Union discussed challenges associated with RMS office closures and long-route transportation. The Department agreed to review current transportation modes to balance cost, convenience, and safety, and invited associations to submit specific cases for further consideration.
3. Increasing Postman Workloads in Expanding Urban Areas
The Bharatiya Postal Employees Association (Postman & MTS) emphasized the need to revise Postman beats due to urban growth. The Department acknowledged this concern and will reiterate its recent guidance for adjusting Postman beats in high-growth areas.
4. Modernization of Parcel Transmission
With the introduction of the Road Transport Network (RTN), the Department has opted for road parcel transport as a secure, cost-effective solution, noting that transportation by RMS sections will be considered only if it offers distinct advantages.
5. Recruitment and Cadre Restructuring in Civil Wing and PAO
The Bharatiya Postal Civil Wing Non-Gazetted Employees Union raised the need for recruitment and cadre restructuring, especially as postal operations have expanded. The Department noted that further recruitment is currently on hold pending a cadre review by the DoP&T.
6. Addressing Disparities in Dress Allowance
Concerns regarding inconsistencies in the dress allowance for newly joined Postman and MTS staff were raised by the BPEA. The Department clarified its recent instructions and committed to proposing a revision to the Ministry of Finance (MoF).
7. Streamlining Departmental Examinations and Promotions
The BPEF requested a central monitoring committee for timely DPC and LDCE activities across all postal circles. The Department confirmed that exams for various posts are on schedule, with directives in place to ensure regular DPCs for all positions.
Conclusion and Staff Appreciation
The Secretary (Posts) and DG (PS) concluded the meeting with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all participants for their input and dedication to improving postal services and working conditions. The Department committed to taking appropriate action on each agenda item, demonstrating its dedication to both operational efficiency and employee welfare.
