1. Regular promotion to LSG & HSG SBCO Grade.
Regular promotion to LSG, HSG II and HSG I SBCO Cadre are not taken up periodically in all circle by convening DPC. As a result, majority of supervisory posts are lying vacant and being managed under office arrangements. This pre-empts the availability of eligible LSG Officials to go on promotion to HSG II and HSG I Cadre and causes extra work load to T/S PAs SBCO. Therefore it is requested to issue necessary instructions to all Circle Heads to convene the DPC in a time bound manner and accord promotions to the staff every six months.
2. Restoration of Administrative powers to AO ICO
SBCO functions are devised for auditing and accounting according as per the prescribed procedures. PAs SBCO belong to circle cadre and their Appointing Authority is Director of Postal Services. The progress of the work performed by the officials of SBCO is virtually reviewed by AO ICO (SB) who is well versed in SBCO procedure. The inspection of SBCO Branch is conducted by the AO ICO (SB) every year and by this they acquire thorough knowledge about the staff and their capabilities. Since the SBCO is an audit section, it has to bring out the deficiencies and discrepancies of the SB Branch to the Divisional Administration by raising objections and through reports. This action is not is not relished by the Administration and the SBCO Branch is being considered as nuisance by them. As such, the power of writing of CRs over SBCO staff vested with Divisional Heads is counter-productive and this is being used by the Divisional Administration to coerce the SBCO staff from raising genuine objections. Hence, it is requested to restore the power of writing of CRs to AO ICO (SB) to enable the SBCO staff for maintenance of proper accounting and auditing.
3. Transfer liability (SBCO)
The present transfer liability in respect of SBCO Cadres gives more hardship to officials. On completion of post tenure, the Officials are transferred to far off places in many circles. Hence, the privilege of transfers limited within division, being enjoyed by other categories of staff in PO may be accorded to SBCO also.
4. SB Incentive to SBCO
It is requested that the SB incentive may be granted to the staff working in SBCO also at par with the Postal Assistants working in SB Branch. The issue may be taken up with Ministry of Finance for approval.
5. Permission for appearing for Gr. 'B' Cadre Exam
Postal Assistants, SBCO are permitted for appearing for Inspector (Posts) Examination. But, LSG Supervisors, SBCO are not allowed to write the examination for promotion to Group 'B' cadre. It is against the principles laid down in Article 14 of Constitution of India as this deprives the opportunity to eligible officials. The grievance may be redressed and LSG SBCO officials with eligible service may be allowed to appear for Group 'B' cadre Examination in Postal Department.
6. Irregular Recovery /Contributory negligence cases
The staff of SBCO is actually exercising the decentralized Audit and Accounts duties and their work actually start after accounting of the transactions. It is, therefore, penalizing the SBCO employees by imposing recovery of Loss irrationally for frauds committed in the savings schemes in Sub/Branch Offices is contrary to statutory rules. It is learnt that the employees working in Postal Accounts are exempted from the liability of contributory negligence cases. Hence, on the same analogy, the SBCO staff may also be accorded the same status.
7. Fixing time factor
In view of additions in current duties after introduction new SB Schemes, decentralisation of RD/MIS/SCSS, and computerization of SBCO Branch a revised time factor should be evolved judiciously so that additional posts can be created to avoid accumulation of arrears of work.
8. Mid-service training
To acquire updated knowledge in Ruling in Saving Schemes amended then and there, introduction of modified version in SB Software, suitable refresher training in the middle of service to all cadres of SBCO may be arranged.
9. Financial upgradation to Pre-UDCs
Based on the judgment issued by CAT, Calcutta, and dismissal of SLP moved by the Department in Supreme Court, necessary orders are to be issued to grant financial up gradation under Time Bound Promotion to pre-UDCs from the date on which the pre LDCs were granted promotion after introduction of TBOP and BCR schemes in SBCO wing.
10. Withdraw the operative work
A number of operative works were added to SBCO such as maintenance of Account-wise balance in V2 SBCO for the categories of RD, MIS, SCSS, Verification MPKBY/SAS Agents commission Bills, Deputation to sub office for verification of account balances, settlement of minus balance / objections. These items of work are not covered under the control procedures. It is requested that such works should be withdrawn from SBCO.
