Back to Square One

‘Back to Square One’ was the comment posted in this blog by one of our members in Odisha Circle (namely - Sri D K Samal) in the context of the meeting held by our Association with the Secretary (Posts) recently, the minutes of which were posted in the blog for information of our members. There could not have been more appropriate words to express the situation relating the question of upgradation of GP of IPs. The matter has been in limelight since November 2009 but after lapse of a period nearly two years we have now reached the situation where we have to start it afresh as if it is a new issue. Sri Samal further adds to his comment – “I don't understand why CWC meetings and General body meetings are held and resolutions passed. Only God can help a confused body like this Association.” Sri Samal follows every event of the Association minutely and his comments clearly show the position where we stand now. Sri Samal’s observation is just a symbolism of what is going on in the minds a several members of our cadre across the country.

While reviewing the activities in retrospect, it would be worth mentioning that ahead of the All India Conference scheduled in April 2010, the then General Secretary Mr. S Samuel had called for views of the Circle Branches of the Association  regarding the proposed merger of  two cadres for facilitating upgradation of the GP of IPs. There was instruction for the Circle Secretaries to take the views of the members in CWC / General Body meetings on the proposal. The Circle Secretary, Odisha Circle Branch had responded to the communication within no time intimating that IP and ASP cadres should merge and the CHQ should go ahead with the merger proposal without waiting for decision of the Circles in General Body meeting during All India Conference which could just be formality. It was intimated at the same breath that such opinion is communicated without prior consultation of CWC  but the CWC would definitely decide that way since that was the only way to bring mass benefit. Anyway, the CHQ waited for the decision till the All India Conference was held in April 2010 at New Delhi. The issue was debated at length and a majority decision emerged to the effect that IP and ASP cadres should merge. This was in line with what Odisha Circle had expected. The CS, Odisha Circle had gone one step ahead in suggesting the CHQ (in writing which must still be there in the records of CHQ) during the All India Conference that in order to get GP of Rs.4600/- for merged cadre, Gazetted status to ASP cadre can be surrendered if it becomes a necessary condition for merger of both the cadres.

When Gazetted status to ASP has stood on the way of getting the GP of IPs upgraded to Rs.4600/- there is no point in continuing the obsession of the Gazetted status as the so called vanity has not helped the IP cadre anyway. We have to look at the larger canvass of reaching at the GP of Rs.5400/-, at least under MACP III  so as to get other benefits attached to such GP. We have lost precious time of nearly 2 years with obsession of getting benefits both ways -  GP of Rs.4600/- for IPs and  Gazetted status for the ASPs, at the same time.

When the proposal of upgradation of GP did not move for a long time, Odisha Circle on its own started wearing black-badge in Feb 2011 to protest against the Govt’s apathy towards IP cadre. Similar protest was expected in other parts of the country. But no such thing happened despite suggestion to CHQ. Odisha Circle also suggested for joining strike with Postal JCA and even initiated dialogue with the General Secretary of Gr.C Union keeping the GS informed. But the proposal finally fell through as according to CHQ, majority of Circle Branches did not favour this view.

We have no courage to protest unjust delay of nearly two years in getting the proposal implemented. We are too careful, cautious and scared of the consequences of joining strike to press for early implementation of the proposal. We know how to keep changing our suggestions unmindful of whether or not they are practicable for implementation. We are presenting our views in such a way which suits the authorities in Directorate very well to deny us the long awaited benefit on different pretext.

The merger proposal was intimated to Directorate on 05.04.2010. What the Directorate has been doing all these days? The present Secretary (Posts) must be credited with (another achievement of) befooling this cadre through out her tenure without considering a single demand of this Association. Supply of Laptop to Sub-Divisional Heads ( and NOT  to all Inspectorial staff) which could be claimed as a credit, is in fact was required more as an administrative need rather than a favour to cadre members. When she retires in October this year she will have the last laugh that  while every work from this poor cadre was extracted to the maximum extent so that she could walk away with a number of awards for the Department she did not have to yield anything to this cadre. Yet we continue discussing a number of issues among ourselves at All India Conference and CWC meetings wasting time, energy and money in return of getting nothing. 

Let us understand that further delay runs the risk of getting nothing and we must not lose further time in pressing for upgraded GP of Rs4600/- for the merged cadre of IPs and ASPs w.ef 01.01.2006, without being rigid on the nomenclature for the merged cadre. There should not be any objection in accepting the nomenclature of Inspector of Posts for the merged cadre as we must show our concern and keenness for the upgradation  of GP as the priority item. If we cannot do this promptly now let us openly admit what Mr. Samal has mentioned in his comment  and stop indulging in unnecessary discussions in General Body/ CWC meetings.

B B Mohanty

Circle Secretary, AIAIASP

Odisha Circle Branch

NB: This article is in response to the posting in CHQ blog by GS asking for opinion of Circle Branches for the proposed merger of IP and ASP cadres