Thursday, 25 October 2012

A DRAFT REPLY FORMAT IS GIVEN FOR SHOW CAUSE NOTICE

Dear Comrades,

SHOW CAUSE NOTICE FOR PARTICIPATION OF STRIKE IS BEING ISSUED IN A FEW DIVISIONS. IT IS AS PER THE INSTRUCTIONS OF THE DIRECTORATE BEFORE COMMENCEMENT OF STRIKE. 
 
A DRAFT REPLY FORMAT IS GIVEN FOR SHOW CAUSE NOTICE
 
The matter was brought to the notice of the Director, SR and DDG (Est) during the course of discussion on 22.10.2012 and it was assured to instruct the concerned wherever such problem is noticed.  Hence there is no need to agitate over the issue, please maintain peace.  A draft reply format is given:

From:                                                                       Date: ……………….
………………………..
 
………………………..
   
…………………………
   
To:

The Sr. Supdt/Supdt/ASP
   
………………………….

…………………………..
   
Sir/Madam,

                                      Sub: Show cause notice – representation reg.

                                      Ref:

   
I humbly submit that I have acted as per the direction of the union which has given notice for strike w.e.f 16.10.2012.  Since I have not acted in any manner to attract disciplinary action the principle of no work no pay may be applied in my case as the strike was peaceful. 
   
I sincerely regret for the inconvenience caused in this regard as the circumstances was beyond my control.                                     

Thanking you,
                                                            Yours faithfully,

CHQ CIRCULAR ON STRIKE CALL OFF

Dear Comrades,


ALL INDIA POSTAL EXTRA DEPARTMENTAL EMPLOYEES UNION
(Central Head Quarter)
First Floor, Post Office Building, Padamnagar, Delhi 110007 

President:               D.N. Giri
General Secretary     S.S. Mahadevaiah

 

GDS/CHQ/1/1 /2012                                                                 Dated: 23-10-2012

To:

1. All Circle/Divisional/Branch Secretaries

2. CWC members,

Dear Comrade,

Revolutionary Greetings and Hearty congratulations to all GDS comrades who have participated in the struggle of INDEFINITE STRIKE, went for 7 days, with strong conviction and dedication. We also sincerely thank those who have extended their support for the cause.


As per the collective decision of the highest forum of AIPEDEU that is Central Working Committee and All India convention, the notice for Indefinite strike was issued.  Accordingly there was tremendous response from the GDS this time all over the country.  There was no strike in Kerala Circle and in West Bengal Strike it was partial for the first time in the history of Struggles.  No federation, including Confederation of Central Government where Com.S.S.Mahadevaiah, General Secretary AIPEDEU is one of the All India office bearers, Asst Secretary, supports this justified cause.  Even moral support was also NOT extended till the end of the Strike.  Despite the fact GDS employees exhibited extraordinary courage during the strike period and conducted the programme of INDEFINITE STRIKE beyond our imagination.  It was almost total in most of the circles, cent percent in good many divisions. Hats off to one and all for their timely action in making the struggle a thundering success.   We need to know the correct picture of the number of participants’ division wise of each circle for publishing the same in the next Rural post, in the following format.


Name of the Division:       Total GDS in the Division:     No. of GDS participated in strike:

Total percentage division wise and circle wise:

DURING STRIKE:
We had four rounds of discussion on Strike Charter during Strike.   Director (SR), DDG(EST), Member(P) and Secretary from department and Com.D.N.Giri, Com.S.S.Mahadevaiah, Com.B.V.Rao,Com.Raju Diwakar, Com.Lakwinder Singh,Com.Rambbir Singh,Com.Ram Singh, Com.S.S.Manjunath from the union side have participated in the discussion. 
On 15.10.2012, during first round of discussion Protection of TRCA of BPM was handed over to us.  We appreciated the positive reaction of the department and thanked for the same. 

When the Strike went 3rd day, the department requested us to withdraw strike on the basis of the order dated 15.10.2012.  There was no consensus on Strike Charter and we insisted that at least a Committee may be set up to examine the major No.1 demand of Departmentalisation of GDS employees.  We have submitted a document, RTI information revealing the facts about extracting work of GDS up to 8 hours.  The document is under examination.  However it was suggested to take up the issue with the next pay Commission.  Our suggestion to constitute a committee including staff side on this issue was not agreed to.  Since the issue of Bonus was rejected by Finance for the last 4 years we insisted that it should be resolved immediately.  Thus we had no other way but to continue Strike.

The Strike was intensified and we also sought the help of various MPs, Ministers and Union leaders in order to bring pressure upon the Department and the Finance Ministry. 

A good number of GDS from neighboring circles arrived at the Delhi headquarters and staged demonstration on 18th and 19th of this month before Dak Bhavan and later in Jantar Mantar, New Delhi.  Since it was a peaceful strike we did not allow them to resort to violent action. 

Some local officers in the divisions/circles started issuing notices to the GDS participating in the strike. Misleading activities to dilute Struggle was also seen during Strike. But the GDS employees were firm on their stand and continued to be in struggle till the end.

When the Strike entered 7th Day, we tried to meet Minister for Communication in vain as he was in tight schedule at Sanchar Bhavan.  Our efforts to bring pressure from MPs, Minister for Home, Labour etc. continued.  Reviewing the entire situation of Strike and possibility of consideration of demands like Bonus, regularization of GDS etc., it was decided to enter into an agreement with the department.  Accordingly another meeting was held with departmental officers who were cordial and discussion was with open mind.  We finally decided to call off the strike. 

 

ON STRIKE DEMANDS:
1.    Departmentalisation of GDS- Grant of Status:  Not agreed, asked to take up with the next Pay Commission.  We already have a demand of 7th Pay Commission for GDS and reviewing it at our level.  We also explore other remedies also.
2.     Bonus ceiling of Rs: 3500/- - Finance ministry approval is awaited positively soon
3.    Health scheme – RSBY expected soon
4.    Abolition and filling up of posts – Department releasing instructions
5.    Compassionate appointment – note from union demanded and will be examined.
6.    VP Singh’s committee on Cash handling, pay protection, Cash conveyance etc. -  Order on protection issued for BPMs and another order for other under examination, other issues still  under consideration.
7.    New recruitment of Rules – Already under process, not agreed to.
8.    Casual labors – Being looked into.

 

We once again thank the organizers, well-wishers and GDS employees who have made the event possible for EFFECTIVE STRUGGLE, THE ULTIMATE FORM OF DIRECT ACTION A THUNDERING SUCCESS.  This struggle is a milestone in the history GDS TU movement.  We shall advance with same commitment and determination towards realizing our justified DEMANDS.
     LONG LIVE WORKER’S UNITY, AIPEDEU ZINDABAD, GDS UNITY ZINDABAD.

 
    With warm revolutionary Greetings,

     Comradely Yours,

           Sd/-                                                                                                 S.S.MAHADEVAIAH
 General Secretary

Monday, 22 October 2012

Seven Day Strike ended with heroism ......... Let's wait for the result.... when and what.... most demanded item: Departmentalisation of the Poor GDS employees......., but until then do not remain silent... let's remain prepared for the ultimatum... Long Live GDS Unity

Dear Comrades,

Message from CHQ



Revolutionary Greetings and Congratulations to all GDS comrades who have participated in the INDEFINITE STRIKE with strong determination and dedication for 7 days .  The Strike was almost total in most of the circles.  It was partial in a few circles because of confusion created by Anti-GDS elements and disruptive forces.

The GDS leadership left no stone unturned for the success of the Strike.  Apart from series of discussions with the administration the leaders sought for the intervention of the MPs, Ministers to bring pressure on the Government/Department.  Today the leadership with active leaders met Home Minister who is from Maharastra, our All India president Com.D.N.Giri is also from the same state/circle.  Since Sri.Kapil sibal minister(MOC) was totally busy today we could not meet him.  However we have ensured that he had taken sincere action in the matter.  Some senior MPs have spoken to Hon’ble MOC today on our Bonus issue, with positive response.

In the above background talks with the administration was held, with Director S/R and DDG(est) at 3.30 pm.   Meeting lasted for about  one  hour in a congenial atmosphere.  The demands viz.,Protection of TRCA, Bonus and Health insurance(RSBY) received attention.  As regards other demands are it was agreed to consider them sympathetically. 

Thus, taking all aspects into consideration it was decided to Call Off the STRIKE with immediate effect.  The Dte., orders are also printed herein.  However at last the Secretary Madam remarked that the Department was considerate to the demands of GDS. 

  Comrades, we once again extend revolutionary Greetings to you for your swift action in making the Strike a historic one.  That itself is the victory over the attacks on you in various ways.  Even though Kerala did not take part in the struggle, West Bengal partially participated in Strike, there was total struggle in all other circles.  This shows the readiness of the GDS to fight for the cause independently.  

LONG LIVE GDS UNITY, LONG LIVE AIPEDEU.

WORKERS’ UNITY –ZINDABAD.

INDEFINITE STRIKE CALLED OFF

Dear Comrades,


INDEFINITE STRIKE CALLED OFF

 
The Indefinite Strike is called off, details will be given in the website shortly. 
 
We thank one and all for their steadfast courage, participation and co-operation extended during STRIKE.

Saturday, 20 October 2012

INDEFINITE STRIKE ENTERED 6TH DAY TODAY THE 21ST Oct,2012.

Dear Comrades,

INDEFINITE STRIKE ENTERED 6TH DAY TODAY THE 21ST Oct,2012.
The Striking employees’ organized meetings and processions all over the country.  In Karnataka massive rally was organized at Freedom park, Bangalore for the last two days attended by GDS in large number including comrades from the neighboring divisions of Bangalore. Com.P.S.Prasad, Gen.Secretary, COC and various local leaders addressed the meeting.
At all divisions mass rallies and processions are reported from Karnataka.  Hassan comrades visited the house of former Prime Minister Sri.H.D.Devegowda and submitted a memorandum.  There was naked procession also at Haradanahalli. 
In Channapatna division also there was a massive meeting and padayatra despite heavy downpour.
This time reportedly GDS employees are participating in Strike more enthusiastically, willfully and spontaneously.  Their only urge is that there should be honorable settlement!
We also met several MPs and sought their help in bringing pressure upon the Fiance Minister and Minister for Finance.    
Pressure needs to be brought on our Communication minister and Finance minister we strongly feel as the powers of the postal Directorate is limited. 
WE THEREFORE LOOK FORWARD FOR MASS MEETINGS AND DEMONSTRATION ON 22ND Oct, 2012 which will strengthen our talks.
Comrades, Follow the directions of the AIPEDEU WITHOUT FAIL AND HELP US FOR BETTER BARGAINING POWER.
MEMORANDUM TO THE COMMUNICATION MINISTER Hon’ble Kapil Sibal at UJJAIN in Madhyapradesh:  Our comrades submitted a memorandum to the Hon’ble Minister at a function in Ujjain.  There was a press news in the new paper today about our GDS demands including Bonus ceiling of Rs.3500/-
Comrades, continue strike till honorable settlement. 
With warm regards,
  S S Mahadevaiah, Gen Secy. AIPEDEU.

Circle Secretary, Odisha Circle

STRIKE CONTINUES, IT WILL CONTINUE TILL SETTLEMENT OF OUR DEMANDS HONORABLY.

Dear Comrades,

Please DO NOT listen to FALSE messages. 

STRIKE CONTINUES, IT WILL CONTINUE TILL SETTLEMENT OF OUR DEMANDS HONORABLY.
DEPARTMENTAL EMPLOYEES ARE REQUESTED TO SEND E.POST TO PRIME MINISTER   TO SETTLE DEMANDS OF GDS. 
Also request villagers and prominent persons to write to Prime Minister by e.Post. 
BE FIRM, COURAGEOUS.  Don’t give any importance to any notice or letter of the department.  It is a mere formality. 
Do not be afraid, we are ready and capable of  tackling any situation effectively.  This is NOT the first time we are on STRIKE.
NO WORK, NO PAY PRINCIPLE WILL BE APPLICABLE FOR ANY STRIKE NOW.  WE ARE IN DEMOCRACY AND NO DICTATORSHIP WILL BE FORCED ON US. 
PLEASE MAINTAIN PEACE AND ENSURE 100% STRIKE PARTICIPATION IN YOUR PLACES.
With revolutionary regards,
-     S.S.Mahadevaiah,
  Gen.Secretary, AIPEDEU
 
 Circle Secretary, Odisha Circle

Thursday, 18 October 2012

ONLY ONE VOICE IS REACHING CHQ OF AIPEDEU, THAT IS DO NOT WITHDRAW STRIKE, WE ARE READY TO FIGHT TO THE LAST/TILL SETTLEMENT! : THE 2ND DAY OF INDEFINITE STRIKE OF G.D.S IN THE COUNTRY ENTERED 3RD DAY.

Dear Comrades,

MIRACLES OF UNITY AND DETERMINATION
THE INDEFINITE STRIKE OF G.D.S IN THE COUNTRY ENTERED 3RD DAY.
SPONTANEOUS WHOLE HEARTED PARTICIPATION, PARTICIPATION OF G.D.S IRRESPECTIVE OF UNION AFFILIATION, RALLIES, NAKED PROCESSIONS, SUBMISSION OF MEMORANDUMS ETC. REPORTED THROUGH OUT THE COUNTRY.
ONLY ONE VOICE IS REACHING CHQ OF AIPEDEU, THAT IS DO NOT WITHDRAW STRIKE, WE ARE READY TO FIGHT TO THE LAST/TILL SETTLEMENT! 

We are called Grameen Dak Sevaks;

We work for the Government of India;

We do every work of Postal Department;

We are the reason to reach the remote areas;

We bring business even from drought areas to feed the department;

We are declared as holders of Civil Posts by The Honble Supreme Court of India 35 years ago;

But then also the Government is not declaring us as Departmental Employees.

We appeal to everyone to support our legitimate demand

" DECLARE US DEPARTMENTAL EMPLOYEES "

PRODUCTIVITY LINKED BONUS FOR THE ACCOUNTING YEAR 2011-2012: DOP issued PL Bonus order for 60 days @ 3500/- per month for Deptl. Employees and @ 2500/- per month for GDS Employees: PRODUCTIVITY LINKED BONUS FOR THE ACCOUNTING YEAR 2011-2012

Dear Comrades,

PRODUCTIVITY LINKED BONUS FOR THE ACCOUNTING YEAR 2011-2012
File No. 26-05/2012-PAP
Government of India
Ministry of Communications & IT
Department of Posts
(Establishment Division)
Dak Bhawan,Sansad Marg,
New Delhi-110 001
Dated :18.10. 2012
To      
All Chief Postmasters General,
Postmasters General
 General Managers (Finance)
/Deputy Directors of Accounts (Postal)
Subject: - Productivity Linked Bonus for the Accounting year 2011-2012
Sir/Madam,
        I am directed to convey the approval of the President of India for payment of Productivity Linked Bonus for the accounting year 2011-2012 equivalent of emoluments of 60 (Sixty) days to the employees of Department of Posts in Group `D`,Group `C` and non Gazetted Group `B`. Ex-gratia payment of Bonus to Gramin Dak Sevaks who are regularly appointed after observing all appointment formalities and Ad-hoc payment of Bonus to Casual labourers who have been conferred Temporary Status are also to be paid equivalent to allowance/wages respectively for 60 (sixty) Days for the same period/year.
1.1      The calculation for the purpose of payment of Bonus under each category will be done as indicated below.
2.         REGULAR EMPLOYEES:
 2.1      Bonus will be calculated on the basis of the following formula:-
Average emoluments X Number of days of Bonus
30.4 (Average no. of days in a month)
2.2. The term “Emoluments” for regular Departmental Employees includes basic Pay in the pay Band plus Grade Pay, Dearness Pay, Personal Pay, Special Pay (Allowance), S.B.Allowance, Deputation (Duty ) Allowance, Dearness Allowance and Training Allowance given to Faculty Members in Training Institutes. In case of drawl of salary exceeding Rs.3500/- (Rs. Three Thousand Five hundred only) in any month during the accounting year 2011-12 the Emoluments shall be restricted to Rs.3500/- (Rs. Three Thousand Five hundred only) per month only.
         
2.3. “ Average Emoluments” for regular Employees is arrived at by dividing by twelve ,the total salary drawn during the year 2011-12 for the period from 1.4.2011 to 31.3.2012, by restricting each month’s salary to Rs.3500/- (Rs. Three Thousand Five hundred only) per month. However, for the periods of EOL and Dies-Non in a given month, proportionate deduction is required to be made from the ceiling limit of  Rs.3500/- (Rs. Three Thousand Five hundred only)
         
2.4.  In case of those regular employees who were under suspension, or on whom dies-   non was imposed ,or both, during the accounting year, the clarificatory orders issued vide Paras 1 & 3 respectively of this office order No. 26-8/80-PAP (Pt-I) dated 11.6.81 and No. 26-4/87-PAP (Pt.II) dated 8.2.88 will apply.
2.5. Those employees who resigned, retired, left service or proceeded on deputation within the Department of Posts or those who have proceeded on deputation outside the Department of Posts on or after 1.4.2011 will also be entitled to Bonus. In case of all such employees, the Bonus admissible will be as per provisions of Para 2.1 to 2.3 above.
3.      GRAMIN DAK SEVAKS (GDS)
3.1  In respect of Gramin Dak Sevaks who were on duty throughout the year during 2011-2012, Average monthly Time Related Continuity Allowance will be calculated taking into account the Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA) plus corresponding Dearness Allowance drawn by them for the period from 1.4.2011 to 31.3.2012 divided by 12 (Twelve). However, where the Time Related Continuity Allowance exceeds Rs 2500/- (Rs.Two Thousand Five hundred only) in any month during this period., the allowances will be restricted to Rs 2500/- (Rs.Two Thousand Five hundred only) per month. Ex-gratia payment of Bonus may be calculated by applying the Bonus formula as mentioned below:-
Average TRCA  X  Number of days of Bonus
30.4 (Average no. of days in a month)
3.2       The allowances drawn by a substitute will not be counted towards Bonus calculation for either the substitute or the incumbent Gramin  Dak Sevaks. In respect of those Gramin Dak Sevaks who were appointed in short term vacancies in Postman/Group `D` Cadre, the clarificatory orders issued vide Directorate letter No. 26-6/89-PAP dated 6.2.1990 and No.  26-7/90-PAP dated 4.7.91 will apply.
3.3       If a Gramin Dak Sevak has been on duty for a part or the year by way of a fresh appointment, or for having been put off duty, or for having left service,he will be paid proportionate ex-gratia Bonus calculated by applying the procedure prescribed in Para 3.1 .
3.4.      Those Gramin Dak Sevaks who have resigned, discharged or left service on or after 1.4.2010 will also be entitled to proportionate ex-gratia Bonus. In case of all such Gramin Dak Sevaks, the Ex-gratia Bonus admissible will be as per provisions of Para 3.1 above.
3.5.      In case of those Gramin Dak Sevaks who were under put off duty or on whom dies non was imposed, or both during the accounting year ,the clarificatory orders issued vide Para 1 & 3 respectively of this office order No. 26-8/80-PAP (Pt I) dated 11.6.81 and No. 26-4/87-PAP (Pt II) will apply.
4.    FULL TIME CASUAL LABOURERS INCLUDING TEMPORARY STATUS CASUAL LABOURERS)
4.1            Full Time Casual Labourers (including Temporary Status Casual Labourers ) who worked for 8 hours a day, for at least 240 days in a year for three consecutive years or more (206 days in each year for three years or more in case of offices observing 5 days a week) as on 31.3.2012 will be paid ad-hoc Bonus on notional monthly wages of Rs.1200/- (Rupees Twelve Hundred only)
 
  The maximum ad-hoc Bonus will be calculated as below:-
       (Notional monthly wages of Rs.1200) X (Number of days of Bonus)
                                                30.4 (average no. of days in a month)
  Accordingly, the rate of Bonus per day will work out as indicated below:_
                                                Maximum ad-hoc Bonus for the year
                                                                          365
            The above rate of Bonus per day may be applied to the number of days for which the services of such casual labourers had been utilized during the period from 1.4.2011 to 31.3.2012. In case where the actual wages in any month fall below Rs. 1200/-during the period 1.4.2011 to 31.3.2012 the actual monthly wages drawn should be taken into account to arrive at the actual ad-hoc Bonus due in such cases.
5.         The amount of Bonus /Ex gratia payment /Adhoc Bonus payable under this order will be rounded to the nearest rupee. The payment of Productivity Linked Bonus as well as the ex-gratia payment and ad-hoc payment will be chargeable to the Head `Salaries` under the relevant Sub –Head of account to which the pay and allowances of the staff are debited. The payment will be met from the sanctioned grant for the year 2012-2013.
6.         After payment, the total expenditure incurred and the number of employees paid  may be ascertained from all units by Circle  and consolidated figures be intimated to the Budget Section of the Department of Posts. The Budget Section will furnish consolidated information to PAP Section about the total amount of Bonus paid and the total number of employees (category-wise) to whom it was distributed for the Department as a whole.
7.            These issues with the concurrence of Integrated Finance Wing vide their diary No. 262/FA/12/Cs dated 18.12.2012.
8.            Receipt of this letter may be acknowledged
(L.K. GANGADHARAN), Assistant Director General (Estt)






Wednesday, 17 October 2012

Message from CHQ: MIRACLES OF UNITY AND DETERMINATION

Dear Comrades,

Message from CHQ

MIRACLES OF UNITY AND DETERMINATION
THE 2ND DAY OF INDEFINITE STRIKE OF G.D.S IN THE COUNTRY ENTERED 2ND DAY.
SPONTANEOUS WHOLE HEARTED PARTICIPATION, PARTICIPATION OF G.D.S IRRESPECTIVE OF UNION AFFILIATION, RALLIES, NAKED PROCESSIONS, SUBMISSION OF MEMORANDUMS ETC. REPORTED THROUGH OUT THE COUNTRY.
ONLY ONE VOICE IS REACHING CHQ OF AIPEDEU, THAT IS DO NOT WITHDRAW STRIKE, WE ARE READY TO FIGHT TO THE LAST/TILL SETTLEMENT!
DEPARTMENT INVITED FOR TALKS!
At the end of the day, the department invited us for talks.  Open mind discussion is desired by the official side.  We are always prepared for such objective discussion and accordingly
MEETING TIME IS FIXED AS 08.45 TOMORROW.
          
Dear Comrades,
Please maintain peace and tranquility during STRIKE.  Many are proposing still higher form of action which will be considered after the talks with the administration.
WE SALUTE ONE AND ALL THAT HAVE MADE THIS STRUGGLE REALLY WONDERFUL.  HATS OFF ONCE AGAIN TO ONE AND ALL WHO HAVE MADE THIS AN EVENT.  WE SHALL HEAD TOWARDS FURTHER ADVANCEMENT!

Wish You all a very happy Vijaya Dashami

Dear Comrades,

Strike continued... Go ahead with all preparations.

Wish You all a very happy Vijaya Dashami. 
May Maa Durga bring joy and victory to us in this holy festival.

 


Tuesday, 16 October 2012

INDEFINITE STRIKE A THUNDERING SUCCESS, CONGRATULATIONS COMRADES.

Dear Comrades,



Successful Strike in Odisha Circle by GDS Employees in many divisions.


All the Divisional Secretaries are requested to motivate all the GDS employees to participate in this indefinite strike and make it cent percent success.



GDS EMPLOYEES’ INDEFINITE STRIKE A THUNDERING SUCCESS 
 
HATS OFF TO ALL LEADERS AND EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE MADE IT POSSIBLE
WE SHALL ADVANCE OUR DEMANDS EFFECTIVELY IN THE GIVEN SITUATION WHERE AS PER THE REPORTS POURING IN THE STRIKE IS MORE THAN 80% ON AN AVERAGE.
MAXIMUM DIVISIONS HAVE RECORDED 100% STRIKE.
CONGRATUALTIONS COMRADES,
With Revolutionary Greetings,
S.S.MAHADEVAIAH,
                                                                                                               General Secretary.

PRESS STATEMENT OF THE ALL INDIA GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE ALL INDIA POSTAL EXTRA DEPARTMENTAL EMPLOYEES UNION, CENTRAL HEAD QUARTERS NEW DELHI ON 16-10-2012

Dear Comrades,

PRESS STATEMENT OF THE ALL INDIA GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE ALL INDIA POSTAL EXTRA DEPARTMENTAL EMPLOYEES UNION, CENTRAL HEAD QUARTERS NEW DELHI ON 16-10-2012

During 65 years after independence, the department of post has registered tremendous progress in rural areas through huge network or extra departmental Post offices. In the rural areas which represents a population ratio of 74.20% the postal development is much more phenomenal. A total number of 2.7 lacks of Gramin Dak Sevaks (ED Employees) are taking care of the postal needs of the population through 1,27,183 branch Post Offices. This represents 89.42% of total connectivity whereas the urban connectivity is about 10.58%. The statistical data for the past decades goes to demonstrate the vast growth of Rural Post Office and GDS staff. It is GDS who are actually running the country's postal services.
It is illegal and extremely unfair Labour practice to consider main workforce of the Postal Department providing 90% of Postal connectivity as "Extra Departmental". The whole system of maintaining lakhs of workers as Extra Departmental employees is itself illegal. Since overwhelming part of the postal services are run by them, almost 90%, they should immediately be departmentalized/made integral part of the Department and paid all benefits admissible to regular employees. They indeed are the real Postal workforce in the country running largest and one of the most efficient Postal services in the world. It is unjust to consider them as class apart from the regular employees. Time has come to undo the wrong done to the GDS and treat them as Central Govt. employees as ordered by the Supreme Court.
All the 2.7 lacks of Gramin Dak Sevaks (ED Employees) working throughout the country will go on an indefinite strike from  16.10.2012.The formal due strike notice was served to the Director General Department of Post New Delhi on 21.09.2012. The Charter of Demands of the strike is as follows:
1.     Grant Status/Regularisation as government servant to GDS employees as recommended by Justic Talwar Committee. The Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in its land mark judgement date 22-04-1977 held that the Extra Departmental agents (now Gramin Dak Sevaks) are holders of civil posts. He is doing multifarious activities viz.,RPLI,Savings/NREG,Business etc. and most of the GDS are working more than 5 hours and it is high time to consider the demand.
2.     Grant Bonus ceiling of Rs. 3500/- at par with Departmental staff. It is grass injustice and discrimination done to Gramin Dak Sevaks by denying Bonus ceiling of Rs. 3500/-.
3.     Grant compassionate appointments in all cases by removing irrational conditions and restrictions/norms prescribed recently.
4.     Scrap new recruitment rules of Postman/Mailguard and MTS. Restore the previous recruitment rules.  The promotion from GDS to postmen and MTS is direct recruitment in the version of the department.  Promotion under seniority quota should be restored.
5.     Stop abolition of GDS posts and fill up of all vacant posts in all categories of GDS in postal and RMS offices.
6.     Withdraw illegal order of reduction of TRCA of GDS.  Protection of pay and right to life is the fundamental right.  Implement Sri V.P. Singh, then D.D.G (Estt.) committee recommendations regarding cash handling points to BPMs, cash conveyance, Pay protection etc.
7.     Implement immediately Restriya Swasthya Bhima Yojana (RSBY). The scheme has already been approved by the cabinet.
8.     Grant immediate pro-rata revised scales to Casual labourers including part time and full time and MMC workers and restore DA which has been stopped for the last four years.
All the participants are insisted that the strike was inevitable since the Department of Post and the Central Government is much adamant to implement even the Hon’ble Supreme Court Verdicts and the reports of committees headed by Hon’ble retired Hight Court Judge Justice Talwar and others which was duly appointed by the Government
Gramin Dak Sevaks are on Indefinite Strike
2.7 lakhs Gramin Dak Sevaks are going on Indefinite Strike started from 16-10-2012 morning all over the country to achieve the following Charter of Demands. General Secretary of Gramin Dak Sevaks S.S. Mahadevaiah reported that 1,29,442 Branch Post offices are stand closed due to the indefinite strike. He urged the department to settle the justified demands of GDS immediately.
To,
The News Editor,
Sir,
For favour of publication in your worthy journal. 
                                                                                      (S.S. Mahadevaiah)
                                                           General Secretary
                                                                          AIPEDEU(CHQ)