DPS, SR Lr to all IPs / ASPs

Copy of Lr No. DPS / misc / 09 Dt. 09.01.10 of DPS, O/o PMG, SR, Madurai addressed to all SSPOs / SPOs & all Sub Divisional heads in SR is reproduced below.

It has been brought to my notice that some IPs / ASPs who have been given duties of attending to senior officers programs on tour, inspection etc turn up in a drunken condition. Some other officials who are facing disciplinary action also have been noticed in drunken condition when they approach the disciplinary authorities.

Attention of all is drawn to Rule 22 of CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964 an extract of which is enclosed. As per GoI instructions, violations of this Rule will constitute a good & sufficient reasons for taking disciplinary action.

Sd//
V.S.Jayashankar,
Director of Postal Services,
O/o PMG, SR,
Madurai 2.
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OUR UNION LETTER TO DPS IS REPRODUCED BELOW.

No. TN/AIAIPASP/SR 13.01.2010
To
The Postmaster-General,
Southern Region,
Madurai 625 002.

Respected Sir,
Sub: Harassment of IPs/ASPs in Southern Region-Regarding
Ref: Director, O/O PMG, Southern Region, Madurai letter No.DPS/Misc/09 dated 09.01.2010

It is strange to notice that such kind of letter as referred to above(a copy of which is enclosed for ready reference) was issued by the Director, Southern Region, Madurai stipulating motives and sweeping charges against our cadre only.

All are aware that there is no total prohibition in Tamilnadu and consuming liquor is not a sin or crime as per the belief of people who consume drinks. Some consumes it as medicine prescribed by the doctor and others for their pleasure. This is the universal procedure accepted by everyone as this is the case pointing out a particular cadre for commitment of this act and generalizing and accusing as if all IPs and ASPs in Southern Region are habituated to this practice. This view strongly hurts the sentiments of our cadre. Instead of taking action against the erring official, sending such kind of common circular deserves strong condemnation. Such kind of sweeping accusation against a particular cadre shows biased mind of the administration against this cadre. This kind of act will in no way enhance the dignity of administration but only demoralize the cadre and lose hope of protecting the sincere and loyal workers. This Association strongly condemns the attitude of the administration and request to withdraw the said letter immediately. If no positive action is taken, the regional administration cannot expect any cooperation from our members in future and the Association will be forced to take-up the appropriate trade union action.

Thanking you sir,

With profound regards,
Yours faithfully,

/K. Ezhil/
Circle Secretary
Copy to:-
(1) The Director of Postal Services, O/o the Postmaster General, Southern Region-Tamilnadu, Madurai-625 002
(2) Shri P. Karunanithi, Asst Circle Secretary and ASP (Estt), O/o PMG, SR-TN, Madurai-625 002. He will please prepare our members for agitation, if necessary.
(3) All IPs/ASPs, Southern Region through Asst Circle Secretary, SR, Madurai-2

/K. Ezhil/
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OUR GS LETTER TO Chief PMG, TN IS REPRODUCED BELOW.

ALL INDIA ASSOCIATION OF
INSPECTORS AND ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENTS POSTS
CHQ: No.CHQ/IASP/01 date: 18th January 2010

To
Shri. S.K.Chakrabarti
The Chief Postmaster General
Tamilnadu Circle,
Chennai 600002

Sir,
I request you to kindly go through the attached communication No.DPS/Misc/09 dated 09.01.2010 issued by DPS, Southern Region, Madurai to all Divisional/Sub Divisional Heads in Southern Region.

All IPs and ASPs feel that it is a direct assault on the cadre of Inspectors and Assistant Superintendent Posts and only reveals the mind of the author to belittle the cadre before the operative staff rather than find solution to unhealthy situations through reformative process. The cadre of Inspector Posts, known for its knowledge of rules and regulations, knows very well the meaning of Rule 22 of CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964 and its implications.

The all pervading retail “Arrack shops” run by TASMAC is a menace not only to the Department but also the family dependent on the official. If any higher officer regularly visits any Post Office, he would understand the practical situations and how the officers at supervisory level struggle to maintain command and control over field staff.

It would not be out of place to mention here that there are several officers in JAG and SAG level in Department of Posts who share their evenings and rest hours with IMFL in the company of IPs and ASPs, the cost of such entertainment being borne by the respective IPs and ASPs. Sometimes, IP/ASPs are forced to supply liquor to higher officers. We also hear that the DPS, Southern Region demands especially non-vegetarian food from Divisional heads and IPs and ASPs for himself and also for those accompanying him. This Association believes that it would be wrong to generalize such individual acts and we have therefore refrained from taking any steps to high light such individual aberrations.

-2-
The present circular casts a slur on the image on the cadre. Tamilnadu is the only Circle where large number of women have chosen to serve as Inspectors and there can be no doubt that these Inspectors and ASPs command good respect and support from field staff. By generalizing an individual act, an attempt is being made to malign the character of the entire cadre. More particularly,as it applies to women IPs and ASPs also, it tantamounts to direct sexual harassment of women IPs and ASPs in the strict sense of the term. .

The IPs and ASPs in Southern Region are being ill treated by the DPS, Southern Region by compelling them to perform odd jobs and indirect favours unconnected with the official work. We learn that he is forcing IPs/ASPs to do his personal work and also the personal work of his relatives/friends visiting Tamilnadu on sight-seeing trip. The Inspection vehicles of Divisions are forcibly misused by him and his visiting friends and relatives. The IQs/Holiday Homes in the Region meant for officers and staff of Department are always reserved for his friends/relatives.

The circular, obviously issued to malign the cadre has totally demoralized the entire cadre. This is the only cadre which works hard, day and night without proper infrastructure and supporting staff. IPs and ASPs do not sit in A/C comfort and enjoy higher pay and perks. Even legitimate grade pay is being denied to this cadre. While all other Departments have settled the anomalies, the Department of Posts is yet to study the anomalies relating to this cadre. Still the IPs and ASPs are putting in their best. The circular is therefore provocative in nature, obviously done to derive undue benefits under duress.

This Association does always believe in maintaining good relationship with administration. A solitary act has to be dealt with as such and generalization is bound to have a deleterious effect and harm the good relationship with the Administration. The IPs and ASPs are bound to be looked down upon by such uncharitable generalized observations. This Association therefore demands that this objectionable circular should be withdrawn immediately in the interest of the entire cadre and also the administration at Divisional level. This alone would pave way for assuaging the hurt feelings of this cadre and reassure them to give their best even in adverse situations. We believe that the Circle Administration would do the needful.

Yours sincerely,
(S.Samuel)
General Secretary
Copy to:
1. Director General - for information please.
Department of Posts, New Delhi-110001
2. The Postmaster General, Southern Region, Madurai-625002

(S.Samuel)
General Secretary