Pre-Retirement counselling, LTC Simplified, Aadhaar Link with Pension and Discontinuation of Interview - PERSMIN

Pre-Retirement counselling, LTC Simplified, Aadhaar Link with Pension and Discontinuation of Interview - PERSMIN

Discontinuation of Interview at Lower Level Posts - Procedural requirements for Leave Travel Concession simplified - Seeding of Aadhaar numbers in Pensioners' Accounts - Workshops on pre-retirement counselling on 'Sankalp' and 'Anubhav'

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

27-December-2016 19:39 IST

Year End review: Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions

Following are the highlights of the activities of Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions during the year 2016:

Prime Minister confers awards for excellence in implementation of priority programmes on 10th Civil Services Day, 21st April, 2016. For the priority programme Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJSY), Nagaon, Assam was awarded in North East and Hill States category, Chandigarh in UTs and North 24 Parganas, West Bengal in Other States group. Under Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), West Sikkim and Bikaner, Rajasthan were awarded in North East & Hill states and Other States category respectively. Under Swachh Vidyalaya programme, Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Ananthapuramu, Andhra Pradesh were awarded in North East & Hill states, UTs and Other States group respectively. In the implementation of Soil Health Card Scheme, Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh and Balrampur, Chhattisgarh were conferred award in North East and Hill states and Other States respectively.

Prime Minister addresses IAS Officers of the 2014 batch, August 02, 2016. The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressed the 2014 batch of IAS officers posted as Assistant Secretaries in the Government of India. He advised the young IAS officers to remain sensitive to their circumstances and surroundings, in order to be able to effectively connect with the people of India. The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi chaired the Valedictory Session of Assistant Secretaries on October 27, 2016. Eight selected presentations on various themes of governance were made by the officers, on themes such as DBT, Swachh Bharat, e-Courts, Tourism, Health and Satellite Applications in Governance.

Launching of six major initiatives of DoPT. On the occasion of ‘Good Governance Day’, coinciding with the birthday of former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee on December 25, 2016, Dr. Jitendra Singh launched six major initiatives of the DoPT. The initiatives are: Recruitment Rules Formation, Amendment Monitoring System (RRFAMS), Immovable Property Return through Property Related Information System (PRISM), announcement of E-Service Book, Mandatory online filing of APAR by all AIS and Central Group ‘A’ Service Officers, EO App on iPhone Operating System (iOS) and launching of redesigned website of DoPT.

Employees Online (EO) Mobile App of DoPT. Earlier, on October 28, 2016, MoS Dr.Jitendra Singh launched the Employees Online (EO) App. EO App is a mobile application of the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. The application would enable its users, which may include officers, media persons and all stakeholders to stay updated on real time basis with appointments and postings approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) and vacancies at senior level in the Government of India.

MoS Dr Jitendra Singh launches the telephonic feedback system for grievance redressal. Setting a precedence, the MoS (PP) Dr Jitendra Singh initiated a telephone feedback mechanism for grievance redressal of the citizens on March 22, 2016. He personally calls some complainants chosen on random basis weekly, who had registered their grievances in the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) and their grievances were disposed off. The Minister and senior officers of the DARPG also seek their feedback regarding the response given by the Government to the grievances. Dr Jitendra Singh also awarded Certificates of Appreciation to the Ministries/Departments for their performance in CPGRAMS during the year.

Seeding of Aadhaar numbers in Pensioners' Accounts. MoS Dr Jitendra Singh directed that priority should be given to pensioners visiting the bank branches for seeding Aadhaar number in their bank account. Special AADHAAR Seeding Camps were held from May 30, 2016 to June 10, 2016. These camps were organised all over the country in Pension disbursing banks and their branches. Eighty-seven percent of Central Government pensioners of all age categories have seeded their bank accounts with Aadhaar number.

Discontinuation of Interview at Lower Level Posts. The Central Government has decided to dispense with the interview for all Group C (including Group D) and non-gazetted Group B category in Central Government by 31.12.2015. Accordingly, instructions have been issued to the Staff Selection Commission mandated with the recruitment of mainly Group B (Non-Gazetted) and Group C (Non-technical) posts in the Central Ministries/Departments to discontinue the interview in all mandated recruitments commencing from 1.1.2016.

The Government decided that the issue of appointment letters need not be withheld pending the verification of character and antecedents of the successful candidates. The appointing authorities will issue provisional appointment letters after obtaining the attestation form and self declaration from the candidate.

Procedural requirements for Leave Travel Concession simplified. The Department of Personnel and Training has eased the difficulties faced by the Government employees in application and settlement of the Leave Travel Concession (LTC) claims. A copy of guidelines, that needs to be followed while availing LTC, is to be provided for the Government servant while applying for LTC.
19th National Conference on e-governance in Nagpur. The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways and Shipping, Shri Nitin Gadkari and the Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the 19th National conference on e-governance in Nagpur on January 21, 2016. The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis presented the National Awards for e-Governance for the Year 2015-16 in Nagpur on January 22, 2016. The awards were given for exemplary implementation of e-Governance initiatives.

Workshops on pre-retirement counselling on 'Sankalp' and 'Anubhav'. The Department of Pensions and Pensioners' Welfare, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions organized workshops on issues related to Pre-Retirement counselling on 'Sankalp' and 'Anubhav' during the year. Workshops are organized wherein the retiring employees are counselled on issues regarding steps and precaution to ensure timely payment of their retirement dues, the CGHS/medical facilities available after retirement and other related issues, most important being encouragement to employees to involve themselves in the social activities by using the time and skill available with them.

National Symposium on Excellence in Training focuses on Citizen Centric Governance. Dr. P. K. Mishra, Additional Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister inaugurated the 2nd National Symposium on Excellence in Training (NSET) on May 27, 2016. The Symposium was attended by more than 375 delegates that included Heads of State ATIs/ Central Training Institutes (CTIs) and the Faculty, Trainers and experts from Government and Private Institutions. Over-arching theme of the Symposium was Citizen Centric Governance and changing the mindset of Civil Servants to service orientation.

Two-day Regional Conference on ‘Path Breaking and High Impact Initiatives in Citizen Centric Services Delivery System’ in Guwahati, Assam (15-16 September, 2016). The conference is being organised by the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Government of India in collaboration with the Government of Assam. Delegates from 8 states of North Eastern Region and 4 states of Eastern Region i.e. West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha and Jharkhand and senior officers of DARPG participated in the conference.
Workshop on e-Office organised by DARPG (September 08, 2016). The workshop was organised in the light of the fact that the e-Office is an important tool of e-Governance for bringing efficiency and quality in public service delivery and the DARPG is the nodal Department for implementation of e-Office in Central Ministries/Departments.

Two-day Regional Conference on ‘Innovations in Citizen Centric Services Delivery' in Jaipur (December 21-22, 2016). The Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Government of India is organising a 2-day Regional Conference on ‘Innovations in Citizen Centric Services Delivery' in Jaipur, in collaboration with Government of Rajasthan. he Conference at Jaipur is an effort to create a common platform to share experiences in the formulation and implementation of best practises in citizen centric governance, improved public service delivery through e-Governance, transparent, accountable and citizen-friendly effective administration.

Vigilance Awareness Week observed. The Central Vigilance Commission, as part of its efforts to promote probity in public life and to achieve a corruption free society, observes Vigilance Awareness Week every year. The week in which 31st October, the birthday of late Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel falls is observed as Vigilance Awareness Week. “Public participation in promoting integrity and eradicating Corruption” was chosen as the theme for Vigilance Awareness Week this year by the Commission. The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi attended the Valedictory Function of Vigilance Awareness Week 2016 on November 07, 2016. Speaking on the occasion, he said that technology has a major role to play in bringing in transparency, and curbing corruption. The National Seminar on the occasion of the Vigilance Awareness Week-2016 was also held.

Annual Convention of the Central Information Commission (CIC). Two-day Annual Convention of the Central Information Commission (CIC) was organised on November 07-08, 2016. The Conference was inaugurated by the Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh. The Annual Convention has contributed immensely in generating awareness about innovative use of RTI provisions for the benefit of the citizenry thereby strengthening public trust in democracy.

Secretary, DARPG attends the Meeting of General Members of CAPAM at Malaysia (22nd August, 2016). An Indian delegation led by the Secretary, DARPG Shri C Viswanath visited Malaysia from August 17-20, 2016 to attend the Meeting of General Members of Commonwealth Association for Public Administration & Management (CAPAM) & CAPAM Biennial Conference at Putrajaya. Shri C. Viswanath was elected on Board of Directors of CAPAM. DARPG is an institutional member of Commonwealth Association for Public Administration and Management (CAPAM) since 1997. CAPAM is an international network of senior public servants, Heads of Governments, academics and researchers from over 50 Commonwealth countries.

Swachhta Pakhwada organised by DoPT. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions organised the Swachhta Pakhwada from December 01 to December 15, 2016. During the Swachhta Pakhwada, various activities were undertaken as a massive cleanliness drive by DoPT. A Poster(s)/Slogan Competition was also organised on the theme of Swachha Bharat during Swachha Bharat Pakhwada.

Air Chief asserted that One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme of the government is reasonably good

Air Chief asserted that One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme of the government is reasonably good

New Delhi: Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, on Wednesday asserted that One Rank, One Pension (OROP) scheme of the government is reasonably good and said that one should accept it.
"The OROP by the government is reasonably good. We should accept it. The anomalies are being resolved by one-judge committee. Some of the anomalies and the discrepancies which cropped up from the transition from the sixth to seventh pay commission have been resolved… others will also be resolved," he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday accused the Congress Party of betraying the jawans by not fulfilling the long-pending OROP demand in the last 40 years.

Addressing a parivartan rally in Dehradun, Prime Minister Modi said, "My Army jawans were demanding OROP for the last 40 years, the party that ruled the country then never thought of their demands."

"In reality, the budget for OROP is over Rs. 10,000 crore. Why did they (Congress) betray the Jawans by allocating 500 crore for this," he added.

He said the Centre was always clear that from day one that the Jawans must get their due and therefore, his government always stated that OROP will be a reality.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar earlier last month said 95 percent of veterans have already got the benefits of the OROP scheme and they are happy with it.

The scheme, announced in September 2015, is meant to ensure equal pension to servicemen who retired on the same rank and after the same duration of service, regardless of the year of retirement.
However, retired soldiers have been alleging that the government has not addressed their concerns fully about disparity in pension payments.

ANI

One Day Strike on 15.2.2017 : Towards the inevitable end - Victory

One Day Strike on 15.2.2017 : Towards the inevitable end - Victory

15th FEBRUARY 2017 - ONE DAY STRIKE
Towards the inevitable end - Victory.

K.K.N. Kutty
President, Confederation of Central Govt. Employees and workers.

December-January is fog days in Northern India, especially Delhi. Because of the high level pollution, it is not fog that engulfs Delhi but smog. Temperature dips and rises quite often. Air and Rail traffics are frequently disturbed and sometimes go out of gear. It was not unknown to the National Sectt.of the Confederation when they decided to organize the rally at the Parliament street on 15th December, 2016. There was no alternative as on November, 6th, the stipulated four months period was over. The National Sectt. of the Confederation came to the conclusion that the Government of India is run by people who indulges in double speak. They have no shame even in indulging in betrayal.

Confederation has a noble history and fine tradition. It does not indulge in the nasty habit of mincing words. It exhibits the courage of calling a spade a spade. It always has stood for the interest of the employees and workers, whom it represents. It was built up over the years in the high values and traditions of a fine trade union. While it believes that despite the differences in ideology, perception, and approach to the issues and problems, methods of negotiation, unity of the employees and workers are paramount in winning demands. It was to uphold that tradition, on innumerable occasions, it agreed to defer the strike action, and ultimately even on 11th July, 2016. It had perceived correctly the weak pretensions of the Government, demonstrated before the leaders of the NJCA both on 30th june, 2016 and 6th July, 2016. Therefore, its leadership could appreciate the criticism that emanated from the right thinking persons in its stride. Many of those who chose to criticize the decision were concerned of the dent the decision to defer the strike action had created to the image of the Confederation. An explanatory campaign was the need of the hour. For sheer paucity of time, it could not be undertaken. It would have allayed the apprehensions. When it was done, though a little belatedly, it had its salutary impact. And naturally, the National Sectt. could not have indulged in the luxury of revisiting the issue with independent action programme when the climate in Delhi could become tolerable. As is the case with every vibrant organization, there are persons who take advantage of the situation, criticize and create cacophony with the intent of destroying the very organization itself. The mammoth rally at Delhi in front of the Parliament house on 15th December, 2016 was the vindication of the understanding the Confederation National Sectt. had on the issues and a magnificent reply to all those whose intent was to destroy the organization.

It is quite heartening that our Comrades, who felt betrayed by the chicanery of the Present Government, weathered the inclement weather conditions, the disruption of rail and air traffic movements, the difficulties in reaching the venue by road, the chilly atmosphere at Delhi and above all the persisting engineered criticism of certain vested interest, exhibited the anger and discontent in the most exemplary manner on 15th December, 2016. They deserve our felicitation, congratulation and grateful salute in creating yet another historic and successful programme. They have through their loud and emphatic slogans raised and followed by thousands provided the required impetus to the National Sect. and confidence to go ahead with the forward steps of the battle. The decision that was announced by the Secretary General to organize a one day token strike in protest against the attitude of the BJP Government was greeted therefore, with great enthusiasm by the rallyists

The demonetization and the consequent debilitating impact over the availability of currency has indeed made insurmountable impediments. The whole country has been taken for a ride in the name of the noble cause of cleaning the economy of the black income. Neither the generation of the black income s tapped nor its proliferation has been targeted. About one fifth of the National income of the country is stated to be in black. That hurts and hurts the common people. While the successive Governments that came to power in the country since 1991, including the present in office had been extending concessions and exemptions for the corporate giants in crores, the common people were finding it difficult to make the both ends meet. The enforcement laws fear to knock at the doors of those who have looted the Nation and refused to pay back even the loan they had contracted from the Nationalized Banks . The circus in the floor of the Parliament, session after session, precludes any serious discussion or deliberation over the good or bad of the executive decisions concerning governance. All appears to be with a design to obliterate the real issues of the people from the centre stage.

The 105,000- crores, which is a highly exaggerated financial outflow worked out by the 7th CPC for this fiscal year has been substantially reduced, thanks to the deferring the grant of enhanced allowances, disapproval of the Option No.1 granted by the commission to the Pensioners as a relief, the continuous derailing of the negotiating machinery and the sheer refusal even to abide by the decisions of the Judiciary and Arbitration Boards, deferring decision on extending the benefit of revision of wages and pension to the employees of the autonomous organizations etc. To sustain the untenable actions, threats are employed invoking the provisions of the colonial rules and regulations. A good number of participants in the magnificent rally at the Parliament street on 15th December, 2016 was the retired personnel, despite their physical debilities due to the advancing age. They look forward to the NCCPA and the Confederation to articulate, present and fight for their demands and ensure that justice is rendered to them.

There is no doubt that the ongoing struggle undertaken by the Confederation will create sanctions not only on the Government but also on those who witness it from the sidelines but refuse to become part and parcel of an event that is bound to have its imprint in the history of the movement of the Central Government employees in the country. That should not deter us but steel our determination to march to its glorious end of victory.

Source: Confederation

Railways Act: Railways hikes relief from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 8 lakh in case of death

Railways Act: Railways hikes relief from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 8 lakh in case of death

New Delhi: Enhancing the financial aid in train accident, the government has amended the rules under the Railways Act of 1989 to double up the amount in case of death or physical disability like loss of limbs.

Under the Railway Accidents and Untoward Incidents (Compensation) Amendment Rules, 2016, the compensation amount of Rs four lakh has been increased to Rs 8 lakh in case of death or loss of hand and foot caused in train accident, an official notification said.

The relief amount will be given by the Railways Claim Tribunal to the kith and kin of the person who dies in the accident. In case the person is seriously injured like loss of hand and foot, then he would also get the same amount of Rs eight lakh as compensation after completion of inquiry process, said a senior Railway Ministry official.

According to the notification, if a person loses his eye sight or becomes absolute deaf due to the train accident, then he would be entitled for Rs eight lakh in compensation.

A person is also eligible for getting the same amount (Rs eight lakh) if he suffers from severe facial disfigurement due to the mishap, the official added.

The notification will come into effect from January, sources said.

PTI

7th CPC Implementations for ESIC Pensioners

7th CPC Implementations for ESIC Pensioners

EMPLOYEES STATE INSURANCE CORPORATION
PANCHDEEP BHAWAN C.I.G.MARG NEW DELHI

No.A-40/12/7th CPC/2016-A/cs-IV

Dated : 22.12.2016

To
All the Regional Directors/Dir.(I/c)/Jt.Dire(I/c) of Ros/SROs
Dir. (Med.) Delhi/NOIDA/K.K.Nagar
SSMC/SMC of all States.
Dean of all Medical/Dental Educational Institutions.
Medical Superintendents of ESI Hospitals/ESIC Model Hospitals

Subject : Implementation of the recommendation of 7th CPC - reg

Sir,

Please refer to E-III, Hqrs. Office Memo No.A-27/17/1/7th CPC/2016-E-III dt.01.11.2016 on the above subject. In this connection, the detailed procedure for preparation & sanction of PPO/revision of PPO in r/o pre-2016 pensioners and post 2016 pensioners by the competent authority are as detailed below:

1. For Pre-2016 retirees

a. In case of pensioners (pre-2016) who are drawing pension from Public Sector Banks, the concerned units (Regions / Hospitals / etc.) will authorize the Public Sector Banks for revising the pension / family pension by multiplying factor 2.57 in terms of Para 4.1 and 5 of Deptt. Of P&PW OM No.38/37/2016-P&PPW (A) (ii) dated 04.08.2016 (copy enclosed).

b. The pensioners (pre-2016) who are drawing pension concerned units (Regions / Hospitals / etc.), Head of Office will arrange for re-fixation for pension / family pension by multiplying factor 2.57 in terms of Para 4.1 and 5 of Deptt of P&PW OM No.38/37/2016-P&PPW (A) (ii) dated 04.08.2016.

c. A suitable entry regarding the revised pension / family pension shall be recorded by the Pension Disbursing Authorities (including Public Sector Banks) in both halves of the Pension Payment Order as stipulated in Para 9 of Deptt. of P&PW OM No.38/37/2016-P&PPW (A) (ii) dated 04.08.2016.

d. In order to have effective monitoring of implementation as envisaged in Agenda No. I (3) of Minutes of Meeting issued by Central Pension Accounting Office, Ministry of Finance, Govt. of India vide letter dated 30.08.2016 (copy enclosed), after issuing authorisation for pension revision in case of pre-2016 retirees, the Deputy Director (Fin.) / Assistant Director (Fin.) of concerned units (Regions / Hospitals / etc.) shall check & verify the amount disbursed on account of revised pension / family pension from pension scroll as received from banks in respect of each pensioner. In case of any discrepancy the same shall be brought to the notice of concerned bank immediately to ensure timely correction of such discrepancies at the earliest.

e. As stipulated in Agenda No. I (4) of Minutes of Meeting issued by Central Pension Accounting Office, Ministry of Finance, Govt. of India vide letter dated 30.08.2016 regarding report of revision of cases, in all above cases a certificate along with calculation sheet will be sent by Head of Office of concerned units (Regions / Hospitals / etc.) to Accounts-IV Branch of ESIC Hqrs. Office stating that due care was taken and correctness has been ascertained and also corrective action has been taken thereof.

2. For Post-2016 retirees

a. A reference is also invited to Deptt. Of P&PW OM No.38/37/2016-P&PPW (A) (i) dated 04.08.2016 (copy enclosed) regarding revision of pension of post-2016 pensioners/family, in case of pensioners whose pension was finalized under 6th CPC need to be revised under 7th CPC recommendations after doing the pay fixation under 7th CPC by concerned / respective units (Regions / Hospitals / etc.). Accordingly, for Group C,on pay fixation under 7th CPC, the concerned units will revise above mentioned pension cases of post-2016 retirees and issue revised PPOs after following the due procedures and pre-audit. The concerned units will also calculate the differential amount of gratuity, commutation, etc., based on the revision of each pension cases under 7th CPC recommendations. A separate committee may be constituted at unit level who will verify the pension revision as per 7th CPC / pre-audit each pensioner cases. In all cases a certificate along with calculation sheet will be sent by Head of Office of concerned units (Regions / Hospitals / etc.) to Accounts-IV Branch of ESIC Hqrs. Office stating that due care was taken and correctness has been ascertained and also corrective action has been taken thereof.

b. Similarly, in case of Group A & B, the concerned units (Regions / Hospitals / etc.) will ensure timely preparation of revised pension papers (based on pay fixation under 7th CPC) along with calculation sheet in accordance with the instructions contained in Deptt. Of P&PW OM No.38/37/2016-P&PPW (A) (i) dated 04.08.2016 (copy enclosed) regarding revision of pension of post-2016 pensioners/family for submission to Accounts-IV Branch of ESIC Hqrs. Office for further issue of revised PPOs. In these cases, Accounts-IV Branch of ESIC Hqrs. Office will ensure the compliance of pre-audit of each and individual cases of revision of pension before issue of revised PPOs

It is to further mention that units who have already initiated / undertaken the revision of pension/family pension in reference to E-III, Hqrs. Office Memo No.A-27/17/1/7`h CPC/201.6-E-III dt.01.11.2016 on the above subject are also required to comply with the above procedure at once.

This issues with the approval of Competent Authority.

Yours faithfully ,
(B.S.SANDHU)
DIRECTOR (FIN.)

Order Copy

Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules 1961 - Guidelines regarding prevention of sexual harassment of women at the workplace

No.11013/7/2016-Estt.A-III
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training
Establishment A- III Desk

North Block, New Delhi,

Dated the 22nd December, 2016

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:- Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules 1961 - Guidelines regarding prevention of sexual harassment of women at the workplace - regarding.

The undersigned is directed to refer to the DoPT OM number No.11013/2/2014-Estt.A-III, dated the 16th July, 2015 etc., vide which need for effective mechanism to ensure that inquiries in the case of allegations of sexual harassment are conducted as per the prescribed procedure and that they are monitored have been issued. Recently, a meeting was held under the Chairmanship of Minister, Women and Child Development wherein concern was expressed that the inquiries in such cases are taking unduly long time. It has, therefore, been decided that the following further steps may be taken to ensure that the inquiries are conducted expeditiously and the aggrieved women are not subjected to victimization:

(1) As already conveyed vide OM dated 2nd February, 2015 all Ministries/Departments shall include in their Annual Reports information related to the number of such cases and their disposal.

(2) As far as practicable, the inquiry in such cases should be completed within 1 month and in no case should it take more than 90 days as per the limit prescribed under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.

(3) It should be ensured that the aggrieved women are not victimized in connection with the complaints filed by them. For a period of five years after a decision in a proven case of sexual harassment, a watch should be kept to ensure that she is not subjected to vendetta. She should not be posted under the Respondent, or any other person where there may be a reasonable ground to believe that she may be subjected to harassment on this account. In case of any victimization the complainant may submit a representation to the Secretary in the case of Ministries/Departments and Head of the Organization in other cases. These representations should be dealt with sensitivity, in consultation with the Complaints Committee, Ministries/Departments and Head of the Organization in other cases. These representations should be dealt with sensitivity, in consultation with the Complaints Committee, and a decision taken within 15 days of the submission of the same.

(4) All Ministries/Departments shall furnish a monthly report to the Ministry of Women and Child Development giving details of number of complaints received, disposed of and action taken in the case.

(Mukesh Chaturvedi)
Director (E)
Tele: 23093176

DoPT Order 2016

Stepping up of pay of senior Assistants of CSS drawing less pay on promotion in the Section Officers Grade than their juniors

F.No.18/2/2014-CS-I(S)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, PG & Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training

2nd Floor, A Wing, Lok Nayak Bhawan, Khan Market
New Delhi, the 2th December, 2016

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Stepping up of pay of senior Assistants of CSS drawing less pay on promotion in the Section Officers Grade than their juniors - OM No.18/2/2007 - CS-I dated 20.05.2014 - Follow up action regarding.

Ref: OM No.18/2/2007-CS-1 dated 20.05.2014 & 08.07.2014 and reminders dated 09.09.14,30.04.15,13.07.15,31.07.15,11.09.15 & 01.10.15

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department's OM of even number dated 11.09.2015 (copy enclosed) on the subject mentioned above. The compliance report, as per the format attached as Annexure-I and information sought in Annexure-II with OM dated 11.09.2015, are still awaited from Ministries/Departments, complete in all respects. The information received in bits and pieces from some Ministries/Departments have been compiled and attached as Annexure-A.

2. As per the information available in this Department, there are Six OAs (OA No.2884/2015, 3870/2015, 293/2016, 2128/2016, 2352/2016 and 3318/2016) pending before CAT, Principal Bench, New Delhi in the matter. The CAT has ordered for maintenance of status quo till the next date of hearing and stayed recovery from the salary of the applicants in some of these OAs. The same has been indicated against the officers, who are applicants in such OAs, in the attached statement (Annexure-A). There may be some more cases, which are not in the knowledge of this Department.

3. The Office of the Director General of Audit (Central Expenditure) which conducted audit of the records and accounts of the Department for the year 2014-15 has also taken a serious view of the delay occurring in recovery of Government dues. A copy of the relevant extracts of the Inspection Report is enclosed. For settling this audit para, compliance reports, complete in all respects, is required from all Ministries/Departments at the earliest.

4. The Ministries/Departments are, therefore, once again requested to furnish the compliance report in the matter, except in those cases where matter of recovery is subjudice/stayed by order of any competent court, in the prescribed format, complete in all respects, along with information sought in Annexure-II vide OM dated 11.09.2015 immediately.

5. This may please be treated as TOP PRIORITY.

(Chandra Sekar)
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India
Ph:24624046

To
All Ministries/Departments
Ministry/Department of .............
(Director/Deputy Secretary (Admn./Estt.))

Copy for information to Under Secretary (B&A), DaPT, North Block, New Delhi with reference to their OM No.G-25011/2/2015-B&A dated 15.07.2016.

DoPT Orders 2016

Allotment of Type-II quarters to Railway employees in grade pay-1800/-

Allotment of Type-II quarters to Railway employees in grade pay-1800/-

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(Railway Board)

No.2008/LMB/10/16

New Delhi, dated 18/04/2016

The General Managers,
All Indian Railways and Production Units.
(as per standard list)

Sub: Allotment of Type-II quarters to Railway employees in grade pay-1800/-

Ref: Board's letter No. 2008/LMB/10/16, dt. 27.01.2011.

In continuation to this office letter cited above, on considering the demand of Railway Federation, the Competent Authority has approved allotment of type-II quarters to employees in Grade Pay Rs. 1800/- in case at any location, Type-II quarters are vacant and no one entitled for it is in waiting list, subject to the condition that the license fee shall be liable to be recovered would be of type-II quarters and not as per the entitlement for the employees in Grade Pay Rs. 1800/.

2. This order will come onto force from the date of issue.

3. Rest of the terms & conditions shall be as mentioned in this office letter of even number dated 27.01.2011, cited above.

4. This issues with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways.

(Anurag Tripathi)
Dy. Director/LM(L)-1
Railway Board

Benefit of financial upgradation under MACP Scheme to the Pharmacist category-reckoning GP 4200/- (PB-2) as entry Grade Pay for granting financial upgradation under MACPS

Benefit of financial upgradation under MACP Scheme to the Pharmacist category-reckoning GP 4200/- (PB-2) as entry Grade Pay for granting financial upgradation under MACPS-reg.

No. IV/MACPS/09/Part 10

Dated: 22/12/2016

The Secretary (E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,
Sub: Benefit of financial upgradation under MACP Scheme to the Pharmacist category-reckoning GP 4200/- (PB-2) as entry Grade Pay for granting financial upgradation under MACPS-reg.

Ref: NFIR’s letter No. IV/MACPS/09/Part 10 dated 30/08/2016 addressed to Rly., Bd.
Federation vide its letter No. IV/MACPS/09/Part 10 dated 30/08/2016 on the subject invited Board’s attention to the O.M. No. 22011/10/84-Estt. (D) dated 4th February 1992 circulated by DoP&T wherein criteria has been laid down vide Para 2.2 to treat the placement of employees on upgradation to higher replacement scale without higher responsibilities or higher qualification but with higher eligibility service as appointment. In the said communication the case of Pharmacist GP 2800/- (PB-1) to GP 4200/- (PB-2) has been cited which is fully covered under the said instructions of DoP&T. The Federation has accordingly requested the Railway Board to review the case afresh and issue suitable clarification treating the placement of Pharmacist to GP 4200/- as appointment. A period of more than three months has passed, unfortunately neither clarification has been issued nor progress on the action taken has been conveyed to the Federation. A copy of Federation’s communication dated 30/08/2016 is enclosed or ready reference.

NFIR, therefore, once again requests the Railway Board to kindly consider the points mentioned in Para 2.2 of the DoP&T O.M. dated 4th February 1992 and issue clarification early to the GMs of Zones etc., so that the staff could avail the benefit of MACPS as a result of reckoning entry into the GP 4200/- as appointment. A copy of the instructions issued may be endorsed to the Federation.

Yours faithfully,
(Dr. M. Raghavaiah)

No. IV/MACPS/09/Pt.10.

30.08.2016

The Secretary (E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi.

Dear Sir,
Sub: Benefit of financial up-gradation under MACPS to the Pharmacist category - Reckoning GP Rs.4200/-  PB-2 as entry Grade Pay for granting financial up-gradation under MACPS -reg.

Railway Board’s attention is invited to Para 2.2 of DOPT O.M. No. 22011/10/84-Estt(D) dated 4th February, 1992 which is reproduced below:

"2.2. Where the up-gradation involves a higher replacement scale without higher responsibilities or higher qualifications but with a higher eligibility service, the incumbent need not be assessed for their suitability but it should be ensured that they have completed the requisite qualifying service for appointment to the upgraded post. In case they had completed the qualifying service on or before the date notified by the Government, they may be appointed to the upgraded post from that date. In the case of other who fulfill the qualifying service on a later date, they should be appointed to the upgraded post from the date on which they complete the qualifying service. This would be subject to the condition that irrespective of the date of appointment, the original seniority of the incumbent in the grade prior to up-gradation will be maintained for appointment to the upgraded post".

The Railway Board is aware that those pharmacists who have put in 2 years service in Grade Pay Rs.2800/- (PB-1) were upgraded to the next Grade Pay of Rs.4200/- (PB-2). This up-gradation has to be termed as "appointment" in terms of Para 2.2 of DOP&T O.M. dated 4th February, 1992.

The Railway Board vide letter No.PV/2009/ACP/2 dated 20th April, 2011 addressed to the GMs had however clarified that every financial up-gradation has to be treated as an up-gradation and accordingly placement of Pharmacists in Grade Pay of Rs.4200/- in PB-2 on completion of 2 years regular service in the Grade Pay of Rs.2800/- in PB-1 has been counted/treated as one up-gradation under the MACP Scheme. This clarification of the Railway Board is contrary to Para 2.2 of DOP&T O.M. dated 4th February, 1992. In the said Para 2.2 of DOP&T O.M., it has been clearly stated that where the up-gradation involves only a higher replacement scale without any additional responsibility/higher qualification but with a higher eligibility service, the incumbents need not be assessed for their suitability, but it should be ensured that they have completed the requisite qualifying service for “appointments" to the upgraded post.

The Pharmacists of GP Rs.2800/- (PB-1) have been upgraded to GP Rs.4200/- (PB-2) having fulfilled 2 years service prescribed in the grade pay of Rs.2800/-. Their entry into Grade Pay of Rs.4200/- (PB-2) has to be treated as “appointment” in terms of Para 2.2 of DOP&T O.M. dated 4th February, 1992, thus they are required to be considered for granting financial up-gradations under MACPS.
NFIR therefore requests the Railway Board to kindly review the case a fresh and issue clarification, allowing benefit of MACPS to the Pharmacist category duty reckoning entry into the Grade Pay of Rs.4200/- as “appointment”.

Yours faithfully,
(Dr. M. Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source: NFIR

Pay fixation in 7th CPC Pay Matrix level in the case of employees who are in 6th CPC -1S Pay Band (Rs. 4440-7440) + GP 1300

Pay fixation in 7th CPC Pay Matrix level in the case of employees who are in 6th CPC -1S Pay Band (Rs. 4440-7440) + GP 1300-reg.

No. IV/NFIR/7 CPC (Imp)/2016/R.B.

Dated: 22/12/2016

The Secretary (E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,
Sub: Pay fixation in 7th CPC Pay Matrix level in the case of employees who are in 6th CPC -1S Pay Band (Rs. 4440-7440) + GP 1300-reg.

Ref: NFIR's letter No. IV/NFIR/7 CPC (Imp)/2016/R.B. dated 24/26-08-2016 addressed to Railway Board.

Federation vide its letter of even number dated 24/26-08-2016 brought to the notice of Railway Board a case non-fixation of pay of staff working in Pay Band-1S/Rs. 4440-7440 in whose favour no orders have been passed for fixation of these staff pursuant to the implementation of the recommendations of 7th CPC. For the purpose the Federation cited Railway Board’s notification issued under RBE No. 90/2016 where there are no instructions for these staff.

In addition to above, Federation proposed to the Board to consider the skills and service experience gained by the staff, presently in- 1S, for considering placement in Level-I (Rs. 18000/-) of the
7th CPC Pay Matrix. Federation feels sad to point out that thereafter a period of over three months has passed there is no feed back with the result the employees have been made to suffer unnecessarily. A copy of Federation's letter dated 24/26-08-2016 is enclosed for reference.

NFIR, thereofore, requests the Railway Board once again to take further necessary action and advise to the Federation only.

Yours faithfully,
(Dr. M. Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source: NFIR

Absorption of Diploma Holder as JE-II - Case of Diploma Holder progressmen working in RE Organization

No.I/2/Pt.III

Dated:19/12/2016

The Secretary (E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,
Sub: Absorption of Diploma Holder as JE-II - Case of Diploma Holder progressmen working in RE Organization - reg.

Ref: (i) NFIR/PNM item No.12/2011 & 24/2012.
(ii) Para 2 of Board’s letter No.2016/E(LR)I/NMI-12 dated 14/12/2016.

Kind attention of Railway Board is invited to the minutes of the PNM meeting of NFIR held on 19/20-12-2014 on the subject matter relating to agenda items No.12/2011 and 24/2012, as reproduced below:-

“Necessary instructions have been issued to concerned Zonal Railways vide Board’s letter No.E(NG)II/2011/RC-3/3/PNM-NFIR dated 22/25.08.2014. Federation was also provided with a copy of the letter.

Federation wanted that GM/RE should be written to fix up responsibility for not complying with Railway Board’s instructions”.

Federation is disappointed to state that though a period of two years has passed, action on Board’s instructions is yet to be taken by the concerned Zonal Railways and the RE Organization.
Further, Federation desires to have particulars of implementation and non-implementation of Board’s instructions dated 22/25-08-2014.

Yours faithfully,
(Dr M. Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source: NFIR

200 more railway stations to have Wi-Fi in 2017

200 more railway stations to have Wi-Fi in 2017

Thiruvananthapuram: As part of its programme to upgrade facilities for rail users, Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu said here today that 200 more stations and some additional trains would be providedwith Wi-Fi in 2017.

Dedicating six Wi-Fi facilities to rail users at Kannur, Ernakulam and Kollam at a function here, he said 100 stations had been fitted with Wi-Fi this year and the target was to double this number in 2017.
“More trains will also would be provided with Wi-Fi next year,” he said.

“The objective is to have Wi-Fi facility in all railway stations in small cities and towns,” he said.
The Minister said steps were also on to construct escalators in stations, he said.

Welcoming the Kerala government’s decision to sign a Joint Venture with Railways for development projects in the state, he said that as partners, the railways would be developed in the state.

“The Centre and state will have equity in the venture and funds for the projects will be raised through market borrowings with the consent of the state government,” he said.

The resources spent under the JV would be in addition to funds earmarked in the Railway budget, he added.

Stating that investment in railway infrastructure can bring development to its optimum level in Kerala, Prabhu said he had asked some banks to prepare a business plan for the state.
Prabhu admitted that there was a lack of railway investment in Kerala and saidthe NDA government’s move was to reverse that trend.

Referring to remittances to the state from Non-Resident Keralites, he said even they could invest in railway projects.

“They can develop a railway station”, he said, adding that the key objective was to join hands for development.

The Railways was also looking out for resources other than its normal revenue.

They were also looking into the possibility of coverting its hospitals as medical college hospitals, he said.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and G Sudhakaran, PWD Minister and in charge of Railways were among those present.

PTI

Demonetisation is short term pain for long term gain: PM Narendra Modi

Demonetisation is short term pain for long term gain: PM Narendra Modi

Raigad (Maharashtra): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday articulated that demonetisation is only short term pain for long term gain, adding that the present regime would not shy away from taking difficult decisions that are in the interest of the country.

"Demonetisation is only short term pain for a long term gain. We will continue with sound economic policies to ensure India’s bright future in the long run," he said.

Speaking at the inaugural function the National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) in Raigad, Prime Minister Modi said that India is being seen as bright spot and to see how far India has travelled one should look back to 2012-13 when the currency was falling sharply.

"India has earned a good name for its well regulated securities markets," Prime Minister Modi said.
The Prime Minister Modi also expressed the view that public investment has increased in the last three years and progress has been made in ease of doing business.

"Constitutional amendments on GST that remained pending for years has been passed and the long awaited GST will soon be a reality," he said.

"For financial markets to function successfully, participants need to be well informed," he added.
Prime Minister Modi further said that those who profit from financial markets must make a fair contribution to nation-building through taxes.

Highlighting the progress made by the Indian economy the Prime Minister said, " SEBI should work for closer linkage between spot markets like e-NAM and derivatives markets to benefit farmers. The country has made progress and improved the ease of doing business as foreign direct investment(FDI) has now reached record levels."

The Prime Minister asked stock markets to raise capital in innovative ways for projects in agriculture.
"Government is very keen to encourage start-ups as stock markets are essential for the start- up ecosystem," he added.

Earlier, Prime Minister Modi arrived in Raigad to inaugurate the new campus of the National Institute of Securities Markets in Panvel.

During his one-day-visit to the state, the Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for the grand memorial of Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on an island in the Arabian Sea off Mumbai and a metro project in Pune.

ANI

7th CPC - Departmental Anomaly Committee Meeting

7th CPC - Departmental Anomaly Committee Meeting

Meeting of the Departmental Anomaly Committee to discuss the anomalies arising out of the implementation of the 7th CPC in respect of Defence Civilian Employees

F.No.17(01)/2016-D(Div-I)
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
(Department of Defence)

Sena Bhawan, New Delhi,
Dated: 20 December 2016

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Meeting of the Departmental Anomaly Committee to discuss the anomalies arising out of the implementation of the 7th CPC in respect of Defence Civilian Employees

A meeting of the Departmental Anomaly Committee will be held under the chairmanship of Additional Secretary (J) for preliminary discussion with the respesentatives of the Defence Civilian Federations about the anomalies arising out of the implementation of the 7th CPC as under:

Date / Time / Venue
26th Dec. 2016 (Monday)/ 11.30 A.M./Room No.102, South Block, New Delhi

2. The members of the Committee (as constituted vide MoD O.M.17(01)/2016-D(Viv-I) dated 6th October 2016) are requested to make it convenient to attend the meeting. The Federations are also requested to depute two representatives each to attend the meeting, as per schedule/venue indicated above.

sd/-
(Pawan Kumar)
Under Secretary to the Govt of India

Authority: http://www.mod.nic.in/

Government to launch lucky draw schemes on Dec 25 to push e-payments

Government to launch lucky draw schemes on Dec 25 to push e-payments

New Delhi: Government today said it will launch awards under the Lucky Grahak Yojana and Digi-Dhan Vyapar Yojana in 100 cities over 100 days on December 25.

The first draw of the Lucky Grahak Yojana to provide a cashback of Rs 1,000 to 15,000 consumers every day for the next 100 days will be launched on December 25, 2016 in New Delhi, the Niti Aayog said in a statement.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Minister of Electronics & IT Ravi Shankar Prasad will inaugurate the first draw of lots in Delhi.

To create awareness in different parts of the country, this event would be followed in 100 different cities across India over the next 100 days until March, Niti Aayog said.
Winners will be selected on a daily and weekly basis under the Lucky Grahak Yojana and weekly basis under the Digi-Dhan Vyapar Yojana respectively, leading up to a mega draw on April 14, 2017, thereafter the scheme shall be reviewed for further implementation.

With the goal of ensuring that easy and user-friendly methods of digital payments become a mass movement in India, the government had announced a slew of incentives to encourage general public to move from cash to a digital platform, it added.

Thus discounts will now be given for payments made on a digital platform at petrol stations, for insurance premium, tolls at national highways and for railway tickets.

The statement further said to reduce transaction costs of digital payments several fees and charges being levied so far by banks and on various government portals have either been reduced or done away with.

Besides, schemes have also been launched to improve supply of cards and POS machines in rural areas.

Niti Aayog, along with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) as its implementation partner, launched two major schemes - Lucky Grahak Yojana for consumers and Digi-Dhan Vyapar Yojana for merchants.

By providing monetary rewards for undertaking Digital Transactions made with Rupay cards, AEPS, UPI Apps and USSD, these schemes attempt to attract general public and facilitate significant behavioural change among public, the NITI Aayog said.

Niti Aayog expressed hope that large sections of the population would be able to shift from a cash based to a digital platform.

In the long-term such a mass movement is expected to shift large sections of the consumer and producer sections which was hitherto in the informal sector to the formal fold of the economy, it noted.

PTI

Revision of the restored one-third pension and notional full pension of Central Government employees who have been permanently absorbed in autonomous bodies and have drawn one-time lump sum terminal benefits equal to 100% of their pensions and have been granted restoration of one-third commuted portion of pension

CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL GOVT. EMPLOYEES & WORKERS
1st Floor, North Avenue PO Building, New Delhi- 110001

Ref: Confdn/Pen/2016-19

Dated : 20.12.2016

To,
The Secretary
Department of Pension & Pensioner’s Welfare
Government of India
Sardar Patel Bhawan
New Delhi - 110001

Sub : Revision of the restored one-third pension and notional full pension of Central Government employees who have been permanently absorbed in autonomous bodies and have drawn one-time lump sum terminal benefits equal to 100% of their pensions and have been granted restoration of one-third commuted portion of pension- reg.

Kind attention is invited to para 7A of Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare OM F.No.38/37/2016-P&PW(A) Dated the 4th August, 2016 wherein it has been stated that :

" the pension revision with effect from 1/1/2016 in respect of Government servants on permanent absorption in public sector undertakings/autonomous bodies continue to draw pension separately from the Government will be updated in terms of these orders. In cases where the Government servants have drawn one time lump sum terminal benefits equal to 100% of their pensions and have become entitled to the restoration of one-third commuted portion of pension as per the instructions issued by this Department from time to time, their cases will not be covered by these orders and that orders for regulating pension of such pensioners will be issued separately."

2. It may be noted that issue of orders regarding the revision of the one third restored portion of pension of the above category of pensioners is still pending for the last four months.

3. During implementation of the CCS (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008 with effect from 1/1/2006, based on Sixth Pay Commission recommendations, Orders on revision of pension of pre-2006 pensioners were issued on 1/9/2008, (vide OM No. 38/37/08-P&PW (A) dated 1/9/2008) and the orders on revision of the restored one third Pension of this category of pensioners, were issued on the FIFTEENTH DAY vide OM No. 4/38/2008-P&PW(D) dated 15/09/2008.

4. Early action may kindly be taken for issuing orders regarding the revision of the one third restored Pension and Notional Full Pension with effect from 1/1/2016.

Yours faithfully,

(M. Krishnan)
Secretary General

Source : Confederation

State Bank to grant two-day special leave to employees

State Bank to grant two-day special leave to employees

State Bank of India will grant special leave of two days to its employees as reward for having taken additional stress since November 8 when demonetisation was announced.

Employees would be able to avail this leave any time until March 2018, said SBI Chairman Arundhati Bhattacharya in Mumbai on Wednesday.

"Our employees will get rewarded, I am sure. We are looking into what can be done. We have already given overtime wherever it is due."

On the issue of new currency notes being diverted by some bank employees, Bhattacharya clarified that in any system there would be a few bad examples.

She observed that such incidents of Rs.100-200 crore being diverted to a select few had created doubts in the minds of people. The banking sector had dispensed Rs.7 lakh crore worth of money in the system during this period. But those who are guilty of such malpractices will be dealt in accordance with law, she said.

Bankers have been going about their job silently and without being given credit for implementing such a challenging task, she said.

They had been putting in late hours and many could not go home in the initial few days, she said.
The SBI chief said that there were checks and balances in place but if checks were tightened further, banks would not be able to serve their customers.

SBI was using analytics to ascertain the number of notes received by the bank versus the number issued to customers, besides reporting suspicious transactions on a daily basis, Bhattacharya said.

Source : The Hindu

Announcement of new Passport Rules

Announcement of new Passport Rules

1. In order to streamline, liberalize and ease the process of issue of passport, the Ministry of External Affairs has taken a number of steps in the realm of passport policy which is expected to benefit the citizens of India applying for a passport. The details of these steps are given below:

PROOF OF DATE OF BIRTH

2. As per the extant statutory provisions of the Passport Rules, 1980, all the applicants born on or after 26/01/1989, in order to get a passport, had to, hitherto, mandatorily submit the Birth Certificate as the proof of Date of Birth (DOB). It has now been decided that all applicants of passports can submit any one of the following documents as the proof of DOB while submitting the passport application:

(i) Birth Certificate (BC) issued by the Registrar of Births & Deaths or the Municipal Corporation or any other prescribed authority whosoever has been empowered under the Registration of Birth & Deaths Act, 1969 to register the birth of a child born in India;

(ii) Transfer/School leaving/Matriculation Certificate issued by the school last attended/recognized educational board containing the DOB of the applicant;

(iii) PAN Card issued by the Income Tax Department with the DOB of applicant;

(iv) Aadhar Card/E-Aadhar having the DOB of applicant;

(v) Copy of the extract of the service record of the applicant (only in respect of Government servants) or the Pay Pension Order (in respect of retired Government Servants), duly attested/certified by the officer/in-charge of the Administration of the concerned Ministry/Department of the applicant, having his DOB;

(vi) Driving licence issued by the Transport Department of concerned State Government, having the DOB of applicant;

(vii) Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC) issued by the Election Commission of India having the DOB of applicant;

(viii) Policy Bond issued by the Public Life Insurance Corporations/Companies having the DOB of the holder of the insurance policy.

Report of the Inter Ministerial Committee

3. A three-member Committee comprising of the officials of the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Women and Child Development was constituted to examine various issues pertaining to passport applications where mother/child has insisted that the name of the father should not be mentioned in the passport and also relating to passport issues to children with single parent and to adopted children. The Report of the Committee has been accepted by the Minister of External Affairs.
The following policy changes have been made inter-alia on the basis of the recommendations of this Committee:

(i) The online passport application form now requires the applicant to provide the name of father or mother or legal guardian, i.e., only one parent and not both. This would enable single parents to apply for passports for their children and to also issue passports where the name of either the father or the mother is not required to be printed at the request of the applicant.

(ii) The total number of Annexes prescribed in the Passport Rule, 1980, has been brought down to 9 from the present 15. Annexes A, C, D, E, J, and K have been removed and certain Annexes have been merged.

(iii) All the annexes that are required to be given by the applicants would be in the form of a self declaration on a plain paper. No attestation/swearing by/before any Notary/Executive Magistrate/First Class Judicial Magistrate would be henceforth necessary.

(iv) Married applicants would not be required to provide Annexure K or any marriage certificate.

(v) The Passport application form does not require the applicant to provide the name of her/his spouse in case of separated or divorced persons. Such applicants for passports would not be required to provide even the Divorce Decree.

(vi) Orphaned children who do not have any proof of DOB such as Birth Certificate or the Matriculation Certificate or the declaratory Court order, may now submit a declaration given by the Head of the Orphanage/Child Care Home on their official letter head of the organization confirming the DOB of the applicant.

(vii) In case of children not born out of wedlock, the applicant for the passport of such children should submit only Annexure G while submitting the passport application.

(viii) In case of issue of passport to in-country domestically adopted children, submission of the registered adoption deed would no longer be required. In the absence of any deed to this effect, the passport applicant may give a declaration on a plain paper confirming the adoption.

(ix) Government servants, who are not able to obtain the Identity Certificate (Annexure-B)/ No-Objection Certificate (Annexure-M) from their concerned employer and intend to get the passport on urgent basis can now get the passport by submitting a self-declaration in Annexure-‘N’ that he/she has given prior Intimation letter to his/her employer informing that he/she was applying for an ordinary passport to a Passport Issuing Authority.

(x) Sadhus/ Sanyasis can apply for a passport with the name of their spiritual Guru mentioned in the passport application in lieu of their biological parent(s) name(s) subject to their providing of at least one public document such as Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC) issued by the Election Commission of India, PAN card, Adhar Card, etc wherein the name of the Guru has been recorded against the column(s) for parent(s) name(s).

4. Necessary notifications would be soon published in the Official Gazette to give effect to these changes. Instructions are also being issued to the Passport Issuing Authorities in India and abroad on these revised regulations.

5. The Ministry of External Affairs expects that the above changes in the Passport Rules would further ease the process for passport applicants in getting their Passport. At the same time, it would enable this Ministry to continue to deliver passport related services to the citizens in a timely, transparent, more accessible, reliable manner and in a comfortable environment through streamlined processes and committed, trained and motivated workforce.

PIB

Travelling Allowance claim by family of deceased Government Servants timelimt extended

Travelling Allowance claim by family of deceased Government Servants timelimt extended

Applicability of provision below SR-147 to the family of deceased Govt servant, in special circumstances- clarification regarding

No.19016/1/2015-E.IV
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure

North BlocK, New Delhi
Dated the 21st December, 2016

Office Memorandum

Sub : Applicability of provision below SR-147 to the family of deceased Govt servant, in special circumstances- clarification regarding.

Various references are being received in this Department seeking clarification from this Department as to whether Rule below SR-148 for admitting Travelling Allowance (TA) claim by family of deceased employees beyond one year period of the death of the employee is also covered under GOI decision 2(iii) below Rule SR-147 which provides that ‘TA to Central Government servant on retirement may be availed of by a Government servant who is eligible for it, at any time during his leave preparatory to retirement, or within one year of the date of his retirement and powers to extend the time-limit of one year will be exercised by the Administrative Ministries/ Departments with the approval of the FA concerned, in individual cases attendant with special circumstances.'

2. The matter has been considered in this Department and it has been decided that the above provision below SR-147 for extension of time limit of one year with the approval of FA of the concerned Ministry, will also be applicable in case of family of the deceased Govt. servant.

3. This is issued with the approval of Joint Secretary (Personnel).

(Nirmala Dev)
Deputy Secretary (EG)

Original Copy

Revision of Pension and grant of DR to the pensioners of Autonomous Bodies

Revision of Pension and grant of DR to the pensioners of Autonomous Bodies

CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL GOVT. EMPLOYEES & WORKERS
1st Floor, North Avenue PO Building, New Delhi- 110001

Ref: Confdn/Pen/2016-19

Dated - 19.12.2016

To
The Secretary
Department of Pension & Pensioners Welfare
Government of India
Sardar Patel Bhawan,
New Delhi - 110001

Sub :- Revision of Pension and grant of Dearness Relief to the pensioners of Statutory/Autonomous Bodies.

The Government of India - vide the resolution dated 4th August 2016, accepted the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission on pensionery benefits and have granted the benefits of revised pension with retrospective effect from 01.01.2016 to all the Central Government Pensioners.
Accordingly, in terms of OM dated 04.08.2016, Central Government pensioners have been paid arrears of pension due to them on 31.08.2016 along with their revised pension for the month of August 2016. Recently they have been granted the Dearness Relief with effect from 01.07.2016. Similarly, the employees of Autonomous Bodies have been granted Dearness Allowance with effect from 01.07.2016 based on the orders issued by the Finance Ministry.

It has been brought to our notice by the pensioners/family pensioners of Statutory/Autonomous Bodies that they have neither been granted revised pension in terms of 7th CPC orders contained in OM dated 04.08.2016 nor the Dearness Relief, though the Central Government pensioners have already got their revised pension and dearness relief. We wish to bring to your kind information that, hither to, pensioners/family pensioners of Statutory/Autonomous Bodies were getting revised pension as per the CPCs recommendations, as and when accepted by the Government, and Dearness Relief, as and when sanctioned, simultaneously along with the Central Government pensioners. This time, unfortunately, both these revised pension, in term of 7th CPC orders, and Dearness Relief have not been sanctioned to the pensioners of autonomous/statutory bodies. We fail to understand why such discrimination is meted out in respect of pensioners of Autonomous/Statutory Bodies.

We also wish to bring to your kind information that, immediately on issue of orders by the Finance Ministry granting Dearness Allowance to the staff of Central Government/Autonomous Bodies, the Department of pension was issuing orders granting Dearness Relief to pensioners of Central Government and Autonomous Bodes. While the DOPT has already issued the orders granting Dearness Relief to the pensioners of Central Government w.e.f. 01.07.2016, similar orders have not been issued in respect of pensioners of Autonomous/Statutory Bodes.

While the pensioners/family pensioners of Statutory/Autonomous Bodes, most of whom are in the evening of their lives yearning for betterment of their finances for a peaceful retired life, have been disappointed/frustrated, on the one hand, by the inordinate delay in the extension of 7th CPC orders to them, they have been further disappointed by the Government in not granting the Dearness Relief due to them with effect from 01.07.2016.

We, therefore, request you to issue the orders granting the 7th CPC benefits as also Dearness Relief due to the pensioners of Autonomous/Statutory Bodies, without any further delay, thereby facilitating the pensioners to lead their retired life, peacefully.

Thanking you,

Yours faithfully,

(M. Krishnan)
Secretary General
Confederation

Source : Conferderation

Reporting Cash Transactions under Rule 114E of Income Tax Rules, 1962

Reporting Cash Transactions under Rule 114E of Income Tax Rules, 1962

Rule 114E of Income-Tax Rules, 1962, for furnishing Statement of Financial Transactions (SFT) came into force with effect from 1st April, 2016. Any person who is liable for audit under section 44AB of the Income-Tax Act, 1961 is required to furnish a statement in respect of transaction at serial no. 11 of Rule 114E(2) relating to receipt of cash payment exceeding Rupees 2,00,000/- (Rupees Two Lakh) for sale of goods or service. Doubts were raised if such transactions are required to be aggregated for reporting.

The norms of aggregation contained in sub-rule 3 of Rule 114E have been amended vide CBDT’s Notification No. 91/2016 dated 6th October, 2016; clearly indicating that the said transactions did not require aggregation and the reporting requirement under SFT for this purpose is on receipt of cash payment exceeding Rupees Two Lakh for sale of goods or services per transaction.

PIB

Ex-gratia lump sum compensation - Recommendations of the Seventh Central Pay Commission

Ex-gratia lump sum compensation - Recommendations of the Seventh Central Pay Commission.

Office of the CGDA, Ulan Batar Road, Palarn, Delhi Cantt-10

No.5613/AT-P/Vol.XXXI/Ex-Grata

Dated: 20/12/2016

To,
The PCDA (P),
Allahabad-211014

Subject: Ex-gratia lump sum compensation - Recommendations of the Seventh Central Pay Commission.

Government of India, Ministry of Defence D(Pay/Services) vide their letter No.20(2)/2016/D(Pay/Services) dated 2nd November,2016 has issued order on the above subject matter. The same has been uploaded on HQrs. Office website viz. www.cgda.nic.in that may please be downloaded and circulated to all concerned with necessary implementation instructions. The copy of the implementation instructions may also be uploaded on your website under intimation to this HQrs. Office.
Jt.CGDA (Pen) has seen

(A.K. Maiviya)
Sr.AO (AT-Pen)

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Bonanza for Central government employees: 7th Pay Commission recommendations rolled out

Bonanza for Central government employees: 7th Pay Commission recommendations rolled out

New Delhi: The government had in January 2016 had set up the high-powered panel to process the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission which will have bearing on the remuneration of nearly 50 lakh central government employees and 58 lakh pensioners.

The Union Cabinet on June 29 cleared the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission headed by AK Mathur in respect of the hike in basic pay and pension. However, the decision on 7th Pay Commission suggestions relating to allowances had been referred to a Committee headed by the Finance Secretary.
The Committee will complete its work in a time bound manner and submit its reports within a period of 4 months. Till a final decision, all existing allowances will continue to be paid at the existing rates.
The 7th Pay Commission examined a total of 196 existing allowances and, by way of rationalization, recommended abolition of 51 allowances and subsuming of 37 allowances. Given the significant changes in the existing provisions for allowances which may have wide ranging implications, the Cabinet decided to constitute a Committee headed by Finance Secretary for further examination of the recommendations of 7th CPC on allowances.

On 29 June 2016, Government accepted the recommendation of 7th Pay Commission Report with meager increase in salary of 14 percent after six month of intense evaluation and successive discussions. The Finance Minister of India claimed it historical increase of salaries due to little knowledge of Sixth Pay Commission.

The new scales of pay provide for entry-level basic are now up from Rs 7,000 per month to Rs 18,000, while at the highest level i.e. Secretary, it would go up from Rs 90,000 to Rs 2.5 lakh. For Class 1 officers, the starting salary will be Rs 56,100.

The recommendations will benefit over 1 crore employees. This includes over 47 lakh central government employees and 53 lakh pensioners, of which 14 lakh employees and 18 lakh pensioners are from the defence forces.

Here are the Key Highlights

• Gratuity ceiling doubled to Rs 20 lakh
• Housing loan allowance hiked from Rs 7.5 lakh to Rs 25 lakh
• Minimum pension increased from Rs 3,500 to Rs 9,000
• 7th Pay Commission recommendations to be implemented within 6 months from due date
• Existing rates of monthly contribution towards Group Insurance to continue
• Total annual burden of pay, pensions and arrears of 7th Pay Commission recommendations: Rs 1, 02,100 crore
• 7th Pay Commission recommendations on allowances to be referred to a Committee headed by Secretary
• Based on minimum pay, fitment factor of 2.57 approved for revising pay of all employees uniformly across all level
• Minimum pay fixed at Rs 18,000 per month; maximum pay at Rs 2.25 lakh
  The Cabinet approval will benefit nearly 50 lakh central government employees and 58 lakh pensioners
• Pay hike to be implemented from January 1, 2016
• Budgetary allocation

While the Budget for 2016-17 fiscal did not provide an explicit provision for implementation of the 7th Pay Commission, the government had said the once-in-a-decade pay hike for government employees has been built in as interim allocation for different ministries. Around Rs 70,000 crore has been provisioned for it.

Source: zeenews

Government Clarification on Amendment to Payment of Wages Act

Government Clarification on Amendment to Payment of Wages Act

It is seen from the media reports that there is a general impression that is being created that the Government is bringing an amendment to the Payment of Wages Act to make mandatory the payment of wages to the workers only through cheque or accounts transfers. This is not the correct position.
It is clarified that the government proposes to bring an amendment to Section 6 of the Payment of Wages Act which will further provide crediting the wages in the bank account of the employees or payment through cheque along with the existing provisions of payment in current coin or currency notes.

This is being done to facilitate the employers from making payment of wages using the banking facilities also in addition to the existing modes of payment of wages in current coin or currency notes.
Also, the appropriate Government (Centre or State) will have to come up with the notification to specify the industrial or other establishments where the employer shall pay wages through cheque or by crediting the wages in employees’ bank account. It is, therefore, clear that the option of payment through cash is still available with the employers for payment of wages.

It may be understood that the Payment of Wages Act was passed in the year 1936 (eighty years ago) and the situation prevailing at that point of time has completely undergone a technological revolution. Most of the transactions now take place through the banking channels. The proposal of Ministry of Labour and Employment to bring an amendment to Section 6 of the Act is an additional facility of crediting the wages in the bank account of the employees or payment through cheque along with the existing provisions of payment in current coin or currency notes.

The above proposed amendment will also ensure that minimum wages are paid to the employees and their social security rights can be protected. Thus the employers can no longer under-quote the number of employees employed by them in their establishments to avoid becoming a subscriber to the EPFO or ESIC schemes.

It is also pointed out that the states like Andhra Pradesh/Telangana, Kerala, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Haryana have already come out with notifications to provide for payment through banking channels.

PIB

Filling up the post of Executive Director (North), Delhi, in Food Corporation of India under Department of Food and Public Distribution

F.No. 9/6/2016-EO(SM-I)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel and Training
Office of the Establishment Officer

North Block, New Delhi, 15th December, 2016

To
1. The Chief Secretaries, All State Governments.
2. The Secretaries of all the Ministries/Departments of Government of India.

Subject: Filling up the post of Executive Director (North), Delhi, in Food Corporation of India under Department of Food and Public Distribution.

Sir/Madam,
It is proposed to fill up the post of Executive Director (North), Delhi, in Food Corporation of India in the pay band of Rs. 37,400-67,000/- (PB-4) + Grade Pay Rs. 10,000/- (prerevised) on deputation basis vice Shri Bhagwan Shankar, lAS (SK:88). The post is a Non-Central Staffing Scheme post to be filled up through the Civil Services Board (CSB) procedure.

2. Names of willing and eligible officers, who have been empanelled to hold Joint Secretary or equivalent posts at the Centre, may be recommended to this office along with cadre clearance, vigilance clearance, detailed bio-data, viz. name, date of birth, service, batch, contact telephone number, e-mail address, educational qualifications, complete experience/posting detailsetc. CR dossiers/certified ACRs for the last five years, details of debarment & cooling off in respect of past central deputation. In case the officers are currently on Central deputation, their nomination may be forwarded with the approval of the Minister-in-charge concerned.

3. The post is a Non-Central Staffing Scheme post to be filled up through the Civil Services Board (CSB) procedure. It may be noted that no 'Mandatory Posting Certificate' for allotment/retention of Government accommodation would be issued by this office to the officer appointed on the above referred post. However, those officers who have served and are currently serving on Central Staffing Scheme post in Delhi for at least four years and require to retain Government accommodation, would be issued a certificate to the effect that the officer concerned has served for at least four years in CSS post and he/she needs to retain Government accommodation for his/her tenure on non-CSS post.

4. It is requested that the applications of the eligible candidates may be forwarded so as to reach this Department within one month from the date of issue of this circular.

Yours faithfully,

(Rajender Kumar)
Deputy Secretary to Government of India

Source: persmin.nic.in

Review of CSSS officers in the Grade of Private Secretary (PS) under FR 56(j) and Rule 48 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972

Review of CSSS officers in the Grade of Private Secretary (PS) under FR 56(j) and Rule 48 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972

Reminder-II

4/3/2016-CS.II(A)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension
Department of Personnel & Training

Lok Nayak Bhavan, Khan Market,
New Delhi-110003, 20th December, 2016

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Review of CSSS officers in the Grade of Private Secretary (PS) under FR 560) and Rule 48 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 - reg.

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department's D.O. letter No 3/8/2015-CS.I (D) dated 26.02.2016 and subsequent reminders dated 09.06.2016 & 08.11.2016 vide which all the cadre units of CSSS were requested to furnish the inputs in the format annexed therewith with respect to the officers who in the opinion of the Ministry/Department, are covered under extant provisions of FR 56G)/Rule 48 of CCS (Pension) Rule, 1972. However, the inputs sought in respect of PS Grade are still awaited from several Cadre Units.

2. All defaulting Cadre Units (as per Annexure) are ,therefore, requested to furnish the requisite information in respect of PSs Grade who are due for review under the provisions of FR 560) to this Department without further delay.

(Umesh Kumar Bhatia)
Under Secretary to the Government of India
Tel.No.24623157

To
Under Secretaries of all the defaulting cadre units of CSSS
Get the circular here

CBT recommends 8.65% interest on EPF to its subscribers for the year 2016- 17

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Labour & Employment

19-December-2016 16:54 IST

Shri Bandaru Dattatreya chaired the 215th meeting of the Central Board of Trustees (EPF)

CBT recommends 8.65% interest on EPF to its subscribers for the year 2016- 17

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment (Independent Charge) Shri Bandaru Dattatreya chaired the 215th meeting of the Central Board of Trustees (EPF) in Bengaluru today.

Following are the key decisions of the Board.

1. The Board adopted the 63rd Annual Report on the work and activities of the EPFO for the year 2015-16 for placing it before the Parliament.

2. Paragraph 60(1) of Employees’ Provident Funds Scheme 1952, requires EPFO to credit to the account of each member interest at such rate as determined by the Central Government in consultation with the Central Board. The interest is credited to the members account on monthly running balances basis with effect from the last day in each year. Interest rates are dependent on return on investments done following the pattern of investment prescribed by the Central Government from time to time under Para 52 of the Scheme.

To recommend the rate of interest for the year 2016-17, the status of estimated amount to the credit of the members as on 01.04.2016, budget estimates (BE) of the Contributions and Withdrawals during 2016-17 and the estimated income from the investment holdings are taken into consideration. Interest income from Provident Fund investments for the year 2016-17 has been estimated mainly on the basis of interest income received/receivable in the financial year 2016-17 including surplus from previous year of Rs 410 crore. It may be noted that the last year income included a surplus from previous year of Rs 1604 crore.

Taking into account relevant factors, the Central Board decided to recommend 8.65% interest to its subscribers for the year 2016-17. Roughly 17 crore subscribers’ accounts will be updated with this interest rate upon acceptance by the Government.

3. Enrolment and Establishment coverage campaign 2017

This special campaign will be run in the following manner:

For effective monitoring and implementation the Zonal Addl. CPFCs shall lead the campaign. District Offices of EPFO will be activated and sufficient number of officers will be exclusively engaged.
Meetings with the stakeholders namely Employer & Employee associations and State Governments will be held to make it a success. During the campaign wide publicity of PMRPY and PMPRPY benefits will also be undertaken. Online enrollment facilities to workers will form a key feature of the campaign.
Window will be provided from 01.01.2017 till 31.03.2017.

Following recommendation will be made for approval of the Government.

i. A nominal rate of levy of damages from the establishment for payment of contribution for the past period during the campaign for enrolment will be Rs one (Rs.1) per annum.

ii. Any employer during the campaign period, may send declaration for membership of the employees who were required or entitled to become members of the fund on or after the 1st day of April, 2009 but before the 1st day of January, 2017 who could not be enrolled for any reason.

iii. For the declaration made under this campaign, the employer shall be responsible to remit the contributions and interest payable in accordance with the provisions of the Act and the Schemes read with special provisions notified by the Central Government for enrolment campaign.

iv. No administrative charges will be leviable for the past period in respect of the employees enrolled during the campaign. The necessary amendments will be carried out under the relevant provisions of EPF & EDLI Scheme

v. The interest of workers enrolled under the campaign will be fully protected and they shall be eligible to get all eligible interest and benefits as laid down in the Schemes.

vi. To have uniform and nominal rate of levy of damages from the establishment for payment of contribution for the past period during the campaign for enrolment shall be fixed at Rs one (Rs.1) per annum. Enabling provision shall be inserted under para 32(a) of the EPF Scheme 1952 and under para (5) of Employees Pension Scheme, 1995 and para 8-A of EDLI Scheme, 1976.

This campaign will be suitably staffed and resourced so that employers who come forth to extend social security to their employees receive all possible assistance from EPFO. The action will meet the twin objectives of increasing the enrolment, extending social security benefits to all workers and reducing litigation.

4. The Board approved a set of guidelines for streamlining process of surrender of exemption granted to establishments. Surrender of exemption is a situation where an establishment requests to discontinue the exemption granted to it. As the Act and Scheme is silent regarding the procedure of surrender of exemption by an establishment, the decision assumes importance in helping ease of doing business.

5. The Supreme Court in SLP no.33032-33033 in the matter of R. C. Gupta & others has passed certain orders of credit of amounts in the EPF accounts to the previous accounts of employees in respect of wages more than the statutory wage limit. The orders are to the effect that if amounts exceeding statutory wage ceiling have been credited to EPFO, the classification thereon shall be at the joint option of employers and employees. In accordance, the Central Board approved a proposal for facilitating compliance. The 8.33% of the employer’s contribution proportionate to the salary of employees in excess of Rs.6500/- shall now be credited to the pension scheme along with the interest accrued in the provident fund account The employees however shall be required submit joint application along with their employer wherever the same has not been done. This will be applicable only in those case where the members/pensioners have contributed on higher wages than the statutory wage ceiling of Rs.6500/- with or without exercise of option prior to the issue of notification for increase of wage ceiling to Rs.15000/- effective from 01.09.2014.

6. The administration cost of the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme (EDLI), 1976, is met from the administrative and inspection charges collected from the employers of un-exempted and exempted establishments. No charges however are levied to run Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS), 1995.

The Central Government in consultation with the Central Board of Trustees, EPF fixes the administrative charges from time to time. The administrative charges were last reduced from 1.10% to 0.85% with effect from 1st January, 2015.Considering the need to promote the “Ease of Doing Business in India” and to make Indian business more competitive, and in response to the financial efficiency gained by EPFO, the Central Board decided to recommend further reduction of administrative charges to 0.65 %. It also recommended to abolish administrative charges levied in implementing the EDLI Scheme, 1976 passing on the benefits of efficiency and computerisation to employers. The Central Board also decided to constitute a sub-committee of CBT with members drawn from employees and employer representatives to make a pragmatic study of employment trends for next 10 years and recommend appropriate administrative charges to the Central Board.

7. The Chairman, CBT and the Minister of State for Labour and Employment (Independent charge) announced that Organisational Restructuring has been approved by the Union Government for implementation. This includes Cadre Restructuring which will ensure career progression of 20,000 staff/officers of EPFO. The Minister announced that this will be implemented as a New Year gift.