HEALTH IS WEALTH...

Side elevation of Aksa Guest House, Mumbai.

Landscaping done at Aksa Guesthouse, Mumbai.

Raised platform for functions at Aksa Guesthouse, Mumbai.

Recently, CESA Mumbai felicitated retired officers and released a directory, which includes the names of officers who have taken VRS. The work pressure is increasing to a great extent and some Senior officers, who are having a greedy approach, aggravate the stress levels of the Junior officers. In a calendar year, on an average, around twelve officers expire, due to stress related health problems, like cardiac arrest, etc. Around 42 officers have taken VRS either on health grounds or due to bleak promotion prospects.

Shri Suresh Krishnani on being posted as Commissioner Mumbai-I, Central Excise as well as Cadre Controlling Commissioner, initiated several permanent staff welfare activities. Priority was on improving working conditions. The entire Churchgate Central Excise Building was planned for renovations, five floors have been completed, including the canteen with modern amenities (shifted to ground floor). Only the sixth floor, where more rooms are being designed as guestrooms, remain to be completed. The basement was renovated, old records were kept in compactors. It was his dream as well as that of CESA, Mumbai (with the staff requesting) to have a gym in the basement so that the officers can shape their body and remain fit and healthy. Inspite of the change in his posting, all works are being carried out in a time bound manner, except for the gymnasium. 

Apart from the office, it is worth mentioning that he has taken interest in dismantling the old buildings in Bhandup, Antophill etc. The Aksa guesthouse (which had become a den for drug addicts), was not only renovated, but even the landscaping was done. This has now become a centre of attraction and the Central Excise staff feel proud to have such a fine guesthouse in their possession. Each piece of renovated work depicts his passion and skills, which grade him as an excellent administrator.  

Coming soon: Gyms in Govt. offices with trained instructor

A good news from the Centre on the eve of International Labour Day - Government of India has announced a scheme wherein a Gymnasium will be built in every govt. office.

The current regime wants its employees to be fitter so that they can deliver better results. On Labour Day, the Centre ordered all its offices across the country to set up indoor and open gymnasiums. Employees will be able to use these facilities after office hours and experienced gym instructors will also be appointed to guide them and teach them how to use the equipment. “Healthy employees are happy employees. A positive and energetic work force collaborates better and is more appealing to all stake-holders,” says the government order explaining the motto behind promotion of gyms in offices.

The Department of Personnel and Training has offered a one-time grant of Rs 5 lakh for offices with less than 500 employees and Rs 10 lakh in the larger offices to set up the gyms. In a scheme circulated to all ministries and departments, the DoPT said the gyms will help the employees to overcome the sedentary behaviour of sitting in chairs for hours together, that has many detrimental effects on the health, including the likelihood of developing illnesses. The circular also lays down the equipment that is to be bought and their price ceiling etc. It is mandated that the place should be clean, well-lit, ventilated, with fans or ACs and have clean toilets.

CESA, Mumbai, will follow up with the current Administration to set up a gym in all the offices, beginning with the Churchgate building and thereafter in the subordinate office buildings of the Department, at the earliest.

The Department will definitely be benefited with this current move.

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