Suggestions received from customs Jodhpur

Friends,

We have received this letter from Customs Jodhpur. Suggestions regarding CCL / basic facility at LCS/ Hardship/ requirement of permanent staff / sanction of additional posts have already been included in JCM points.

Matter of dearness allowance has been discussed with the federation and observed that it has already been taken up with the Secretary, Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, Govt. of India by the CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AND WORKERS vide letter D/16/2008 dated 10th October, 2008, wherein it has been requested that the reimbursement of travel and food charges may be made on self certification.

Complete text of the letter is available at

http://confederationhq.blogspot.com/2008/10/circular-no-182008.html .

Original letter received through mail id sawnanidass@rediffmail.com is placed below for members perusal.

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To,
Shri Lekhraj Meena,
General secretary,
AICEIA, Rajasthan.

Sir,

I, on behalf of the entire fraternity of the staff would like to draw your kind attention, on the work of Customs Clearance provided to the passengers of the THAR EXPRESS running between Khokrapar ( Pakistan) to Jodhpur(India) by the Customs, Rajasthan.

This train is running probably from the year 2004, as a goodwill gesture between the two countries and facilitation for the passengers of across the Border. However, no permanent staff has so far been posted for such a sensitive nature of work. The most sensitive work is being handled with such a casual approach endangering not only the national security of the Country but also deteriorating the health of the customs staff physically and mentally.

On every Friday the Customs staff (including Superintendents, Inspectors, Hawaldars/Sepoys) from Customs Division namely Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Barmer and Customs Ranges Sanchore, Sam, Ramgarh, Chohtan and Gadra Road has to start the tedious journey ranging between 100 to 300 Kms. (One way} to provide the Customs clearance to the passengers of the Thar Express. This staff is in addition to the staff already posted at LCS Munabao. The passengers at present to and fro ranging above one thousand.

After passage of considerable time there is stability in the train. Besides, the Government has also proposed the Goods Train at this routes. This will be an additional burden/ pressure on the existing staff. Already the staff is not only suffering from the health hazard due to hectic duty schedule but this is also deteriorating their efficiency, mental and physical health.

For example, every week 15 to 20 persons staff from Jodhpur Customs proceeds to LCS Munabao apart from the staff of the other formation. This I think is a unique and distinct feature of this train where customs staff traveled a journey of more than 300 Kms(one way) to provide customs clearance in such a far distance land Customs Station situated at International Border in adverse climatic condition of the Thar desert.

The staff is doing his job sincerely and honestly. This may be adjudged from the various seizures of fake Indian currency notes and other contraband by customs. Irrespective of all these none is paying any heed to develop / provide the proper infrastructure, civil amenities at LCS Munabao. I personally think that this would be the first station of its kind in the world situated at International border.

It is a pity not only on the part of the staff but also at the level of the federation. The staff is now become hopeless, no efforts appears to be made for proper man power resources, better infrastructure and civil enmities such as rest room, change room, air conditioning of baggage hall (as climate of the thar desert vary 11.C in winter to 48 . C in summer in the Thar Desert).No proper conveyance (such as at least a 32 seater air-condition 2X2 coach should be provided) from Jodhpur to have some relief from the tiredness journey.

Now, the previous procedure for payment of dearness allowance to the staff on journey has been curtained by the 6 th CPC. Now there will be reimbursement of expenditure on actual basis by producing the bill. The officials performing thar express duty adversely affected by this. As you are aware that it is difficult to have bills of tea, eatables etc. from the road side Dhabba on this deserted route and, therefore, in such a situation even the actual food expenditure of the staff is not reimbursable. The government will not change their policy for the customs staff, therefore, looking to the circumstances the Federation must approach to the Authorities for providing the dietary allowance. All the factors such as adverse climatic condition, hectic duty schedule and long duration of duty and specially the journey undertaken for customs clearance must be adhered to while deciding any such allowance.

The two issues which need immediate attention are :-
(1) posting of regular permanent staff as per the requirement keeping in view the proposed goods train.
(2) Development of proper infrastructure and civil enmities.

Recently the Ministry has taken an image building exercise of the customs by highlighting their adverse duty conditions. This being dealt by the Cadre Control Unit of the Hqrs. in which some input to media will be provided by the Ministry on the performance of customs highlighting their hard working duties. I request the Federation to take up the issue at personal level to have the Thar Express reflected in this by the Ministry as this will be at least a minimum recognization to the work of Customs Rajasthan.

With profound hope.

Comradely yours


HARSH VARDHAN SHARMA,

INSPECTOR, CUSTOMS, JODHPUR.
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