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Monday 9 March 2020

NPS to OPS – Old pension scheme for 2004 employees

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Latest news on NPS to OPS

NPS to OPS – Old pension scheme for 2004 employees

Withdrawal of NPS and reintroduction of Old Pension Scheme under CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 to the Central Government Employees recruited on or after 01.01.2004.
 
Demand: In a nutshell all those employees irrespective of their date of recruitment / selection who were recruited against the available vacancies as on 31.12.2003 should all be brought under the Old Pension Scheme under CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972.

Latest Central Government Employees News

Shiva Gopal Mishra
Secretary

National Council (Staff Side)
Joint Consultative Machinery
for Central Government Employees
13-C, Ferozshah Road, New Delhi - 110001
NC-JCM-2020/CS/PM/NPS
March 2, 2020

The Cabinet Secretary
&
Chairman
National Council (JCM)
Cabinet Secretariat, Rashtrapati Bhawan,
New Delhi

Subject: Withdrawal of NPS and reintroduction of Old Pension Scheme under CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 to the Central Government Employees recruited on or after 01.01.2004.

Reference: Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare OM No. 57/04/2019-P& PW(B) dated 17th February, 2020.

Dear Sir,

Your kind and immediate attention is drawn to the above mentioned subject. You are aware that the entire Central Government Employees are opposing the National Pension System (NPS) imposed arbitrarily by the Government on the Central Government Employees who are recruited on or after 01st January, 2004. The Staff Side of the National Council (JCM) is repeatedly representing to the Government to withdraw the NPS and reintroduce the Old Pension Scheme under CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 to the Central Government Employees recruited on or after 01.01.2004.

Also check: Steps to complete the pension case as prescribed in in CCS Pension Rules, 1972

This issue was discussed as an Agenda Item (2. Item No. 02/05/NC-44) in the 44th Ordinary Meeting of National Council (JCM) held on 28th May, 2005 under the Chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary. In this meeting the Staff Side have specifically stated that “they would not accept the new Scheme and prefer to disagree.” The Official Side reiterated that the new Scheme was a Defined Contribution Scheme which is fundamentally different from a Defined benefit Scheme. Financial compulsions have necessitated to shift to the New Scheme.

The Official Side, however, stated that the views and concerns of the Staff Side have been noted.
Staff Side requested that action taken on the views noted may be reported and further discussed.
The issue was again discussed in the 45th Meeting of the National Council (JCM) held on 14th October, 2006, as Agenda Item (Item No. 03/06/NC-45). In this meeting the Staff Side has stated “The new Scheme that has been imposed on the new entrants to Government service (recruited after 01.01.2004) is not acceptable, as the same is subject to the vagaries of the stock market.”
Further again the issue was discussed in the meeting of the Standing Committee of the National Council (JCM) held on 14th November, 2006, the Staff Side once again oppose the NPS and reiterated their demand for withdrawing the NPS.

The Staff Side again raised the issue in the Standing Committee Meeting of the National Council (JCM) held on 14th December, 2007, wherein the Official side gave the following assurance. “For employees who had entered w.e.f. 01.01.2004 are not likely to be worse off vis-a-vis the current Pension system in force, as the replacement rate would match to the present one. Thus, NPS is a win-win situation for employees and the Government.”

However, the above assurance given by the Government has proved to be false since at present the employees who are appointed after 01.01.2004 and governed under the NPS have now started retiring from service and they are getting a very meager Pension of Rs. 2,000/- to 3,500/- per month, whereas the minimum Pension under the Government of India to the Central Government Employees is now Rs. 9,000/- + DR.

Considering the above situation we once again represented the matter before the 7th CPC and based on the 7th CPCs recommendation , Government constituted a Committee on NPS. The Staff Side submitted its detailed Memorandum to the Committee and also appeared in person before the Committee and have reiterated our position that the Central Government Employees as a whole must be fully excluded from the ambit of the Defined Contributory Pension Scheme, since it has taken away the benefit of defined and guaranteed Pension to the Central Government Employees.
The issue was once again raised by the Staff Side in the meeting of the Standing Committee of National Council (JCM) held under the Chairmanship of Secretary / DOP&T. The extract of the Minutes is given below for your ready reference.

“Item No. 7 : Scrap PFRDA Act and re-introduce the Defined Benefit Statutory Pension Scheme :

Staff Side told that they reiterate their stand in that, the NPS should be scraped and the Defined Guaranteed Pension under the CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 should be ·restored to the employees, who were recruited on or after 01.01.2004. They also demanded that GPF facility may be provided to the NPS governed employees on an optional basis.

Chairman desired that the Department of Pension may consider the demand in reference to GPF of the Staff Side.”

The Staff Side again raised the issue in the presence of the then Cabinet Secretary in the National Council (JCM) Meeting held on 13.04.2009. The relevant portion of the Minutes of the Meeting is given below :-

"4.3 Withdrawal of NPS and re-introduction of Defined pension under CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 he emphasized the Government to recommend at least 50% of the last pay drawn as minimum Pension to the retired I retiring Central Government Employees."

“5.14 Secretary, Staff Side stated that they were opposed to NPS and demanded that the Old Pension Scheme be restored. He further stated that the Government should guarantee Pension of 50% of the last pay drawn to the employees recruited on nor after 01.01.2004. He further demanded facility of GPF and Family Pension to all employees."
 
From all the above deliberations which have taken place in the National Council (JCM) you will appreciate that how serious the issue is.

In this situation the Department of Pension and PW vide OM No. 57/04/2019-P&PW (B) dated 17th February, 2020 have issued an instructions extending the benefit of the Old Pension Scheme to a particular section of employees. The relevant portion of the DOP&T OM dated 17th February, 2020 is given below for your kind ready reference.

“4. ……………… in all cases where the results for recruitment were declared before 01.01.2004 against vacancies occurring on or before 31.12.2003, the candidates declared successful for recruitment shall be eligible for coverage under CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972. Accordingly, such Government servants who were declared successful for recruitment in the results declared on nor before 31.12.2003 against vacancies occurring before 01.01.2004 and are covered under the National Pension System on joining on or after 01.01.2004, may be given a onetime option to be covered under the CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972.”

Already the Government employees are divided into two classes, one making subscription and another making no subscription but receiving 50% of the last Basic Pay as Guaranteed Pension. Now by the above mentioned DOP&T OM again another class of employees within the NPS Scheme has been introduced. This has resulted in lot of discontentment amongst the Central Government Employees. Therefore, without prejudice to our right to continue to represent to the Government to withdraw the NPS and to reintroduce the Old Pension Scheme under CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 to all the Central Government Employees especially those who are recruited on or after 01.01.2004, we suggest the following as an immediate redressal of the grievance.

1) All the Central Government Employees who were recruited against the available sanctioned vacancies in different categories during the Year 2003, irrespective of the fact that whether selection process was completed on or before 31.12.2003, or the Notification / Call Letter / Interview / Selection process was completed on any year after 31.12.2003, but vacancies on the particular post were available on 31.12.2003, all such cases should be brought under the coverage of the Old Pension Scheme, since the recruitment process was delayed by the concerned Departments even though vacancies were available on 31.12.2003. In a nutshell all those employees irrespective of their date of recruitment / selection who were recruited against the available vacancies as on 31.12.2003 should all be brought under the Old Pension Scheme under CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972.

As assured in the National Council (JCM) Meeting, GPF Scheme may be introduced to the employees governed under NPS at present.

As demanded by the Staff Side 50% of the last pay drawn should be guaranteed as Pension under the NPS Scheme till the Government withdraws the NPS for Central Government Employees.

Conclusion
We request you to convene a meeting of the Standing Committee of the National Council (JCM) under your Chairmanship to discuss the entire issue and to reach an amicable settlement.

Thanking you,
Yours Sincerely,
Sd/-
(SHIVA GOPAL MISHRA)
Secretary

Increase / decrease in DA / DR for Central Government employees – 7th CPC Expected DA/DR from January, 2020

Babloo - 00:45:00

7th CPC Expected DA/DR from January, 2020

If it's a fact that Central Govt has a Daily Allowance (DA) and a Dearness Relief (DR). Employees and pensioners are due as from 4 January 2020

Increase / decrease in DA / DR for Central Government employees – 7th CPC Expected DA/DR from January, 2020

Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure

Rajya Sabha

Unstarred Question No. 1336
To be answered on
Tuesday, 3 March, 2020
Falguna 13, 1941(Saka)

Increase / decrease in DA / DR

1336: Shri Majeed Memon
Will the Minister of Finance be pleased to state:

(a) Whether it is a fact that Daily Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) for Central Govt. employees and pensioners have become due with effect from 4th January, 2020.
(b) If so, the details thereof
(c) Whether DA/DR is based on rise in inflation and increase in prices of essential commodities; and
(d) If so, whether the increase in DA allowance is in line with increase in price of essential items and if not, the reason therefore?

Also check: 4% DA hike to Central Government employees is confirmed as from 1 January 2020

Answer

Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance :
(Shri Anurag Thakur)

(a) & (b): Yes Sir. Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief are granted to serving employees and pensioners of the Central Government respectively each year with effect from 1st January and 1st July and normally paid in the month of March and September respectively.

(c) & (d): Yes Sir. The level of inflation for the purpose of DA/DR to Central Government employees/pensioners is calculated on the basis of All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers which is issued by Labour Bureau, Shimla

Wednesday 26 February 2020

Request to update the vigilance status for CSSS officers in the Web Based Cadre Management System – instructions for Nodal officers

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Latest DoPT Orders 2020


No.25/12/2020-CS.II(A)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training

3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhawan,
Khan Market, New Delhi-11 0003.
Date: 21.02.2020

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Request for updation of the vigilance status in Web Based Cadre Management System in respect of CSSS officers – instructions for Nodal Officers – regarding.

The undersigned is directed to say that the Web Based Cadre Management System is functional since 2012. It is enabled to capture the data of all CSSS officers relating to their date of joining, address, posting, promotions, training etc.

For effective and efficient cadre management, it is necessary that the data of all officers be available on real time basis. In absence of complete data, CSCMS portal cannot be fully relied upon for processing cases related to Rotational Transfer, Promotion, Voluntary Retirement etc. It is seen that at the time of promotions, the cases gets delayed for want of updation of vigilance status of officers in the zone of consideration. Hence, it has been decided to strengthen the Vigilance Information System (VIS).

Also check: Revised Rotational Transfer Policy applicable to CSS officers – Latest DoPT Orders 2020 January 27, 2020

Presently, the vigilance status of the decentralized grades is available only with the cadre units and also the vigilance status of Principal Private Secretary and above level officers is shared with CS.II Division, only at the time of promotion etc.

As such, it has now been decided that vigilance status of all grades of officers will have to be updated on a quarterly basis by all the cadre units on the CSCMS portal. If any change in the vigilance status of any officer happens in the interim period, the same must be updated immediately. The process to be followed for all grades of CSSS cadres is as under :-

In the first instance, all the Cadre units will update the vigilance status of all the officers. Subsequently, the same will be reviewed by them on quarterly basis and revised. If there is a change in vigilance status within the three months’ period, the same has to be updated/ reflected on the CSCMS portal immediately.

This exercise will be completed in a phased manner. In the first phase, the vigilance status of the senior most officers as identified below may be updated :-

CSSS Cadre


Sr. No. GradesFor officials / officers of SLY
1Principal Private Secretary (PPS)2011, 2012 & 2013
2Private Secretary (PS)2010,2011 and 2012
3Personal Assistant (PA)2010 to 2014

CSCS Cadre

Sr. No. GradesFor officials / officers of SLY
1Senior Secretariat Assistant (SSA)SL-2003, SL-2003 (Extended) and SL-2004, SL-2005, SL-2006, SL -2007 and SL-2008


CSCS Cadre
Sr. No. Grndes SL year
1 Senior Secretariat Assistant (SSA)

SL-2003, SL-2003(Extended)
andSL-2004, SL-2005, SL-2006, SL -2007 and SL-2008

The vigilance status of these officers may be updated on the portal on or before 29.02.2020.

In the second phase, the vigilance status of the rest of the officers may be updated. This information should be updated comH.ylsorily & immediately but not later than 15.03.2020. Subsequently, the status may be updated for all officials/officers every quarter ending March, June, September and December respectively starting from March, 2020.

A hard copy of vigilance status of Principal Private Secretary and above level as mentioned in para 5 may also be made available to AVD.I, DOPT, North Block, New Delhi with a copy to the undersigned. In this regard for reference a copy of O.M.No.21/1/2014- CS.I(U) dated 09.05.2014 explaining the procedure for updating the vigilance status in CSCMS is enclosed for necessary action of the Nodal Officers of all Ministries / Departments. The pathway is as under:-

CSCMS> Vigilance> Request for status> filling up of drop down items as per cadre unit> go> select the cadre personnel> vigilance for the purpose to be filled up>send vigilance request>intimation of status> modify> fill up the fields accordingly> update. If still the status under Ministry / Department shows as pending, then CS Division may be contacted for a solution.

Therefore, Nodal Officers of all Ministries/ Departments is requested to update the data of all CSSS officers working under them including their experience/ training details, category etc. on PRIORITY, if not done so far. The rights have been opened for Nodal Officers as well as for individual officer (to a limited extent as may be allowed to access) to update the fields in CSCMS.

A new feature has been added to upload one’s photograph in CSCMS through employee details> Documents> photograph. All officials/ officers of CSSS cadre are also requested to upload their latest photograph in the CSCMS on PRIORITY.

Request to update the vigilance status for CSSS officers in the Web Based Cadre Management System – instructions for Nodal officers
Ministries/ Departments/ Officers concerned.
(Through website of DOPT)

Source: DoPT

Enhancement of ceiling of Payment of Gratuity to the NVS employees from Rs.10.00 lacs to Rs.20.00 lacs

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Enhancement of ceiling of Payment of Gratuity to the NVS employees from Rs.10.00 lacs to Rs.20.00 lacs

Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti
Ministry of Human Resource Development
Government of India
(Department of School Education & Literacy)
B-15. Institutional Area. Sector-62 Noida
Gautam Budh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh -201209

Dated: 24.02.2020

NOTIFICATION

Sub:- Enhancement of ceiling of Payment of Gratuity to the employees of NVS from Rs.10.00 lacs to Rs.20.00 lacs.

It is hereby notified that the ceiling limit of Gratuity has been enhanced from Rs.10.00 lacs to Rs.20.00 lacs with effect from 29.03.2018 in respect of the employees who joined NVS prior to 01.01.2004.

Also read: Benefit of gratuity in respect of Central Government Employees counting of service on joining new service covered under National Pension System (NPS)

It is also notified that the NVS-Payment of Gratuity Rules, 2007 hither to in operation has been scrapped. Henceforth, the Payment of Gratuity, as amended from time to time under Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 ( amended in 2018) will be applicable for employees of NVS who joined NVS prior to 01.01.2004.

This has the approval of the Ministry as communicated vide letter No. F.No. 17-30/2018-UT-3 dated 11.02.2020.

Also check: NPS: Extension of benefits of Retirement Gratuity and Death Gratuity to the Central Government employees covered by New Defined Contribution Pension System (National Pension System)

(G. Arumugam)
Joint Commissioner (Admn.)

Enhancement of ceiling of Payment of Gratuity to the NVS employees from Rs.10.00 lacs to Rs.20.00 lacs

Tuesday 11 February 2020

MACP to Central Government Civil Employees, clarification for constitution of Screening Committee - DoP

Babloo - 08:13:00
MACP to Central Government Civil Employees, clarification for constitution of Screening Committee - DoP

Latest News MACP Central Govt Employees

No.4-7/MACPS /2019-PCC
Government of India
Ministry of Communications
Department of Posts

Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg,
New Delhi-110001
Date: 10.02.2020

To
All Heads of Circles.
Sub: Modified Assured Carrier Progression Scheme to Central Government Civil Employees, clarification for constitution of Screening Committee - reg.

Sir/ Madam,

The undersigned has been directed to invite your kind attention to the para 4 & 5 of DoP&T OM No.350341312015-Estt.(D) MACP 22nd October, 2019 circulated vide this Directorate OM of even No. dated 30. 10.2019 regarding constitution of Screening Committee.

2. Keeping In view of the difficulties experienced by various Circles for constitution of the Screening Committee due to non availability of officers of the rank of prescribed status, the issue was re-examined in the changed scenario of 7th CPC, and it has been decided by the competent authority to modify the clarification, issued vide this Directorate OM No. 4-7/ MACPS/2009 - PCC dated 09.12.2009, corrigendum dated 11.12.2009 and dated 09.04.2010, as follows:

"The Chairperson should be one grade above the member of the Committee. The officer holding the post in JTS in Pay Matrix Level-10 (in the event of non-availability of STS Officer) can act as Chairperson of the Screening Committee. The officer of PS Group 'B' in Pay Matrix Level-9 can act as Member of the Screening Committee at Divisional level."

3. This issues with the approval of the Secretary (Posts).

(S.B.Vyavahare)
Assistant Director General (PCC/GDS)

Sunday 9 February 2020

Minutes of the meeting with all CPPCs / Govt Divisions SBI on 10.01.2020

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Minutes of the meeting with all CPPCs / Govt Divisions SBI on 10.01.2020

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
DEPARTMENT OF EXPENDITURE
CENTRAL PENSION ACCOUNTING OFFICE
TRIKOOT-II, BHIKAJI CAMA PLACE,
NEW DELHI-110066
CPAO/IT &Tech/Master data/14 (Vol-III)/2018-19/176
21 .01.2020

Minutes of the Meeting

Kindly find enclosed the Minutes of the Meeting held on 10.01.2020 at 10:00 AM at Conference Hall of Central Pension Accounting Office (CPAO) with all Heads of CPPCs /Government Business Divisions of State Bank of India to review the implementation of 7th CPC pension revision and to discuss other issues under the Chairmanship or Chief Controller (Pension) for information and further necessary action.
Sr. Accounts Officer (IT & Tech)

Minutes of the meeting held on 10.01.2020 with all the Heads of CPPCs/ Government Business Divisions of State Bank of India (SBI) to discuss various issues.

Also check: Revised Rotational Transfer Policy applicable to CSS officers – Latest DoPT Orders 2020

A Meeting was held on 10.01.2020 under the Chairmanship of Chief Controller (Pensions) with the representatives of CPPCs of SBI to discuss the timely payment of revised pension and arrears under 7th CPC and other pension related issues. At the outset, Chief Controller (Pensions) welcomed all the participants and emphasized on the need of timely payment of revised pension and arrears in the accounts of the pensioners by the CPPCs. Agenda items of the meeting were discussed in detail and the following decisions were taken.
List of participants is attached at Annexure-I.
Agenda Item No. 1- Implementation of 7th CPC Pension Revision and its reporting by CPPCs
It has been observed from the reports as on 30th December, 2019 that there are delays in crediting the revised pensions as well as arrears of pensions/family pensions by the CPPCs. As per the reports, there arc many cases which are pending for more than 31 days. CPPC-wise details of the pending cases were handed over to all the representatives. Most of the CPPCs reported that they had already revised and credited pension to the pensioner / family pensioner accounts.
It was informed by the CPPCs that revision of pension cases are pending due to following reasons,
a) Discontinued PPO (more than 3 years.)
b) Non submission of life certificate.
Keeping in view of the above, it was decided that all the CPPCs would :
a) reconcile the scams of revised pension cases provided to them
b) prepare a list of discontinued PPOs and forward it to CPAO.
c) prepare a list of cases in which life certificate is pending along with details of the pensioners and forward it to CPAO.
(Action : CPPCs )

Agenda Item No. 2 - Obtaining KYC from CPPCs for settlement of pending revision cases.

Most of the revisions pertaining to 7th CPC are already done. As per the records of CPAO, 119690 revision of pension cases are still pending as details of some pensioners are not available with either concerned PAO or I lead of Office.
Although KYC details were received from all the CPPCs of Sl:JI, All the CPPCs are req uested to furnish the detail of the KYC detail as and when it is asked by the CPAO.
(Action : CPPCs )

Agenda Item No. 3 - IT related issue w.r.t e-Revision and fresh Pension cases

  • Acknowledgement of SSA
All the CPPCs of SBI were instructed to ensure forwarding the acknowledgement of e-SSA electronically to CPAO at the earliest so that the difference between e-SA forwarded by the CPAO and e-SSA received by the CPPCs could be nullified. CPPCs were also provided the formal for Acknowledgement. All the CPPCs were advised to share their inputs with NIC, CPAO, if any problem is faced.
All the CPPCs were also instructed to acknowledge the receipt of SSA and Physical PPO booklet received by them .
(Action: CPPCs / NIC CPAO)
  • Development of e-PPO Booklet
CPAO is forwarding the e-PPOs received from PFMS to the CPPCs along with physical PPO booklets for making necessary changes in their system. However, the manual PPO booklet is deemed sacrosanct for making payment. It was also intimated in the meeting that physical PPO booklet will be discontinued soon.
All the CPPCs were again requested to make necessary changes in their software accordingly and comments, if any, may please be submitted to CPAO.
(Action: CPPCs)

Agenda Item No.4- Compliace of Internal Audit observations on 7th CPC revisions.

It has been observed that clear and complete compliance reports arc not being submitted by the concerned CPPCs .
All the CPPCs were requested to give full details in their compliance reports of the objection raised by Internal Audit Wing so that the same could be verified and settled. All the CPPCs were also been asked to improve and strengthen their internal control mechanism to avoid re-occurrence of the mistakes pointed out by the Internal Audit Wing of CPAO.
The possibility of providing a utility lo upload the compliance report on the Bank’s login section of CPAOs website will also be explored.
Internal Audit Wing was instructed to prepare an “Audit Manual” under the guidance of Technical Section, CPAO.
(Action: CPPCs , NIC(CPAO), IAW (CPAO) and IT & Technical (CPAO))

Agenda Item No. 5 - Timely commencement of family pension, additional pension & restoration of commuted portion of pension by CPPCs

It has been observed that family pension, additional pension and commuted portion of pension are not timely commenced/restored. Since these issues are regularly discussed in the various meetings i.e. SCOVA Meeting, High Level Meeting, Standing Committee Meeting, etc., all the CPPCs were advised to ensure timely payments.
(Action: CPPCs )

Agenda Item No.6 - Timely submission of Life Certificates :

CPAO is responsible for the disbursement of death/disability pension under NPS­ Additional Relief. First time identification of the pensioners is being done in the Bank branches based on the KYC details available with the CPPCs where the pensioners / family pensioners have opened their pension accounts. CPAO starts the pension payment based on the first time identification report received from CPPCs. These CPPCs branches are also responsible for sending the life certificates of the pensioners / family pensioners to CPAO for the continuation of pension to NPS-AR pensioners, in the month of November as CPAO is the disbursing authority.
However, it is noticed that in many cases, despite submission of life certificates by the pensioners, bank branches have not forwarded the same to CPAO. It has also come to notice of this office that some bank branches are refusing to accept life certificate from NPS-AR pensioner for onward transmission to CPAO.
It was decided that CPAO will send the details of pending life certificates of NPS-AR pensioners to concerned CPPCs with a request to instruct concerned branches to obtain and furnish the life certificate to CPAO in time so that pensioners are not put under any financial hardship.
All the CPPCs were requested to accept life certificate both physically and digitally and promote “jeevan Praman” among pensioners.
Further, CPPCs were once again informed that they should not make payment in NPS-AR cases.
(Action: CPPCs & NPS Section)

Agenda item No .7 - Return of Old PPO by the CPPCs .

Allotment of 12 digits PPO Number
It has been noticed from the CPAO data base that some pensioners are still drawing pension from the old alpha numeric code. These alpha numeric data is reflected in the Payment scroll. CPPC-wise derails were provided to the concerned CPPCs.
It was decided that all the CPPCs will send a scan copy of the PPO for allotment of 12 digit PPO Number.
  • Return of Inactive PPOs.
Pension Payment Orders which are not in operation /inactive may be returned to CPAO for deletion from the CPAO database. It is noticed from the database of CPAO that old PPOs which arc inactive arc not being forwarded by the bank to the CPAO. CPPCs were advised to forward the same to CPAO al the earliest

(Action: CPPCs )

Agenda Item No.8- Submission of e-scrolls and Master Data Reconciliation
  • Submission of e-scrolls
It has been observed that there is slight improvement in submission of e-scrolls by CPPCs.
Details of pending scrolls were shared with the CPPCs and all the CPPCs were instructed to ensure that e- scrolls are updated on a daily basis to CPAO after matching it thoroughly with the pension payments made. The CPPCs should ensure that the date of scroll should be the date of transaction as appearing in the put through statement issued by RBI. Furthermore, if any problem is faced by the CPPCs in uploading the e-scroll, they may contact this office on email addresses mentioned below:-
kumardavinder [at] gmail.in
it [dot] support [dash] cpao[at]gov[dot]in
sraotech67 [at] gmail.com
(Action: CPPCs and NIC)
  • Master Data Reconciliation
Correct and reconciled master data maintained at CPPC level is a must for ensuring correct payment of pension to the pensioners and avoid chances of excess/less/wrong payment of pension. However, many instances have come to the notice of CPAO regarding less/over payment of pension leading to the grievances and court cases by the pensioners. The reason for discrepancy in payment of pension is that CPPCs are not reconciling the master data with the CPAO database regularly. There is inordinate delay in uploading of Master Data by some CPPCs. Some CPPCs have not submitted their Master Data for last 2 years. For updating on Master Data at CPAO level, whenever any value/data in the pension of a pensioner/family pensioner is changed, the same is required to be reported by the bank through Format-F of e-Scroll However, it is noticed that CPPCs are not providing the changed information to the CPAO.
All the CPPCs were instructed to upload Master Data for reconciliation and submit the changed information in Format-F on “quarterly” basis. Furthermore, if any problem is faced by the CPPCs in uploading the master data, they may contact this office on email addresses mentioned below:

kumardavinder [at] gmail.in
it[dot]support [dash] cpao[at]gov[dot]in
sraotech67 [at] gmail.com
(Action: CPPCs and NIC)

Agenda Item No. 9-Discontinuation of BSR Code

At present, BSR code is being used in CPAO to identify bank branches. It has been observed in many cases that Pensioners do not know BSR code of Pension Account Holding Branch and even many bank branches do not know their BSR Code and often misunderstand it with branch code. IFSC is another uniq ue code which can be used to identify individual bank branches and is known to both CPPCs and pensioners.RBI has also given its consent for using IFSC instead of BSR code for identification of Bank Branches.
However, the IFSC from all the CPPCs of SBI have been received. All the CPPCs and GBDs of SBI are requested to send the IFSC of the branches as and when it is asked by the CPAO.
(Action: CPPCs )

Agenda Item No.10- Handing over of SSA to the pensioners by CPPCs

All present, pensioner copy of SSA is being sent to the pensioners through post. References arc being received by pensioners that they are not receiving their SSA copy due to following reasons.
  1. Some pensioners change their addresses after retirement.
  2. Some pensioners/family pensioners are illiterate and they are not well versed with technology to take printout of their SSA from CPAOs website.
All the CPPCs agreed to provide a copy of SSA to the pensioner by the Pension Account Holding Branch on request of the pensioner.
(Action: CPPCs)

Agenda Item No. 11-Pendency of Pensioners’ Grievances for more than 3 months through Web Responsive Pensioners’ Service (WRPS)

It has been observed that many grievances are pending with CPPC, some of which are more than 30 days. CPPCs informed that they had disposed some of the grievances but not updated them under WRPS module.
CPPCs were requested to ensure that all the grievances which are pending with them are disposed of within one month and update the same on the WRPS portal so that pensioners are informed accordingly.
(Action: CPPCs / (NIC) CPAO /Grievance Cell)

Agenda Item No.12- Providing of Payment Details to all the Pensions

As per CPPC guidelines, CPPCs should provide account statement, TDS details, pension slip, the Due and Drawn Statement in respect of each arrear and the Annual Income Statement to the pensioner.
CPPCs were requested to follow the CPPC guidelines and provide the pension slip, breakup of the pension and arrear payments and other information as required to the pensioners.
(Action : CPPCs)

Agenda Item No. 13 - Issues pertaining to Defence Accounts, Deptt. of Telecommunication and Ministry of Railways

Defence Accounts :
a. Acknowledgement of e-PPO by CPPCs
All the CPPCs were suggested lo develop a mechanism for acknowledgement of c· PPOs by CPPCs.
b. Delay in crediting of pension and family pension in the account of the pensioners.
It has been observed from the e scrolls received in the O/o PCDA that some of the CPPCs are crediting pension and Family pension very late in the account of pensioner especially civilian pensioner. All the CPPCs were handed the pendency list and were requested to improve their performance in crediting the pension/ family pension on time.
c. To provide image of PPO for data purification
All the CPPCs were requested in the meeting to provide PPO image to them to facilitate data purification which was agreed to.
d. Attend the meeting as and when it is convened by the PCDA.
All the CPPCs were requested to attend meetings as and when convened by the PCDA

Dept of telecommunication:
a) Recovery of excess and overpayment of pension
b) Return of inactive PPOs
c) Delay in Timely Payment of Pension and Family Pension
d) Reconciliation of Data

Ministry of Railways :-
a) Non-submission of E-scroll on time and Reconciliation thereof.
b) Acknowledgement of e-PPO
(Action: CPPCs)

Agenda Item No.14- Any other points with permission of chair

a) Payment of LTC to the pensioners of UT Chandigarh

The issue of payment of LTC to the pensioners of UT Chandjgarh was raised. The issue is being examined by the Central Pension Accounting Office (CPAO).
The meeting ended with a vote of thanks to the chair.

Tuesday 4 February 2020

Reckoning of Charge Allowance for the purpose of revision of Pension of Pre-2016 retirees in terms of 7th CPC

Babloo - 09:10:00
Reckoning of Charge Allowance for the purpose of revision of Pension of Pre-2016 retirees in terms of 7th CPC
7th CPC Reckoning of Charge Allowance


7th CPC

Charge Allowance may have been paid w.e.f. 01.01.2016 to 30.06.2017 at old rates which was admissible before 2016, the same may be reckoned for calculation of retirement benefits of employees who retired between the periods from 01.01.2016 to 30.06.2017
PC-VII No.148/2020
RBE No.14 /2020

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (BHARAT SARKAR)
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (RAIL MANTRALAYA)
(RAILWAY BOARD)

No. D-43/15/2019-F(E)III

New Delhi, dated: 30.01.2020.

The General Managers / Principal Financial Advisors,
ll Zonal Railways / Production Units.

Sub : Reckoning of Charge Allowance for the purpose of revision of Pension of Pre-2016 retirees in terms of 7th CPC recommendations - reg.

Consequent upon the recommendations of 7th CPC, instructions were issued vide Board’s letters No.2016/F(E)III/1(1)/7 dated 10.08.2016 and 22.05.2017, regarding revision of pension / family pension of pre-2016 pensioners / family pensioners. A number of references have been received in this office for reckoning of Charge Allowance for the purpose of notional fixation of pay and accordingly revision of pension w.e.f. 01.01.2016.

2. The true nature of charge allowance was earlier considered by the Board and it was decided that the charge allowance, which is actually in the nature of pay restricted under FR-35. should be reckoned as 'Pay' as defined in Rule 1303(FR-9)(21) (a)(i) R-II/6th Edition and as such, it would count as pay for the purposes of pension. gratuity etc. as well as for leave encashment. Accordingly, instructions were issued vide letter No. F(E)III/94/PN1/26 dated 23.06.1995.

3. The issue has again been examined in Board keeping in view the earlier decision on charge allowance cited in para 2 above and it has been decided as follows:-
  • Since. Board had already decided to treat the charge allowance as pay restricted under FR-35 and to reckon it as emoluments for pensionary benefits vide letter dated 23.06.1995, the charge allowance may be taken into account for notional fixation of pay for the purpose of revision of pension / family pension of pre-2016 retirees w.e.f. 01.01.2016 in terms of first formulation as conveyed by Board’s letter No. 2016/F(E)III /1(1)/7 dated 22.05.2017.
  • Pay fixed in terms of Board’s letter No. PC-VII/2017/ 1/7/5/8 dated 08.08.2019 w.e f. 01.07.2017 may also be treated as emoluments in terms of Rule 49 of the Railway Services (Pension) Rules, 1993 for the purpose of fixation of pension.
  • Since, Charge Allowance may have been paid w.e.f. 01.01.2016 to 30.06.2017 at old rates which was admissible before 2016, the same may be reckoned for calculation of retirement benefits of employees who retired between the periods from 01.01.2016 to 30.06.2017.
4. Please acknowledge receipt.

(G. Priya Sudarsani)
Director, Finance (Estt.),
Railway Board.

Monday 3 February 2020

MoD – Defence Budget 2020 – 2021 – Defence Pension 2020

Babloo - 02:20:00
MoD – Defence Budget 2020 – 2021 – Defence Pension 2020


MoD – Defence Budget 2020 – 2021 – Defence Pension 2020

The Union budget for the 2020-21 financial year, presented to Parliament on February 01, 2020 by Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, envisaged a total outlay of Rs 30,42,230 crore. Rs 3,37,553 crore (excluding Defence Pension) has been allocated for Defence. A amount of Rs 1,33,825 crore was provided for Defence Pension in Budget Estimates 2020-21.

There is an increase in total Defence allocations (Rs 4,71,378 crore) of Rs 40,367.21 crore including Defence Pension over the 2019-20 fiscal year. Total defence budget accounts for 15.49 per cent of total central government spending for the 2020-21 fiscal year.

The allocation of Rs 4,71,378 crore reflects a 9.37 per cent increase over Budget Estimates (Rs 4,31,010,79 crore) for the 2019-20 financial year.

Of the Rs 3,37,553 crore allocated for the 2020-21 financial year, Rs 2,18,998 crore is for revenue (Net) expenditure and Rs 1,18,555 crore is for capital expenditure for Defence Services and Ministry of Defense organizations / departments. The total of Rs 1,18,555 crore allocated for capital spending includes expenditure related to modernisation.

Input from PIB

Budget 2020 – Personal Income Tax and tax simplification

Babloo - 02:20:00
Budget 2020 – Personal Income Tax and tax simplification

In order to provide significant relief to individual taxpayers and to simplify the Income-Tax law, the Finance Minister proposed to introduce a new and simpler personal income tax system in which income tax rates will be substantially reduced for individual taxpayers who forgo such deductions and exemptions.

The proposed tax-slab adjustments are listed in the table below:

Taxable Income Slab (Rs.)Existing tax ratesNew tax rates
0-2.5 LakhExemptExempt
2.5-5 Lakh5%5%
5-7.5 Lakh20%10%
7.5-10 Lakh20%15%
10-12.5 Lakh30%20%
12.5-15 Lakh30%25%
Above 15 Lakh30%30%


Surcharge and cess shall be continued to be levied at the existing rates.

In the new tax system, a taxpayer will gain substantial tax benefit, depending on the exemptions and deductions that he seeks. Thus its tax burden in the new regime will be reduced by Rs. 78,000. He would still be the gainer in the new regime, even though under the old regime he took deduction from Rs. 1.5 Lakh under various sections of Chapter VI-A of the Income Tax Act.

To individuals the new tax system will be free. An person currently benefiting from more deductions and exemptions under the Income Tax Act may choose to take advantage of them and continue to pay tax in the old regime.

The new rates for personal income tax would require foregone revenue of Rs. 40,000 crore per year. Measures were implemented to pre-fill the income tax return so that a person who opts for the new regime would not need an expert’s assistance to file their report and pay income tax.

The Finance Minister said that over the past several decades she has reviewed all exemptions and deductions that have been incorporated into the income tax legislation. The Income Tax Act currently provides more than one hundred exemptions and deductions of different character. In the new simplified regime, she said she has removed about 70 of them. She said that in the coming years, the remaining exemptions and deductions would also be reviewed and rationalized to further simplify the tax system and lower the tax rate.

Budget 2020 – Personal Income Tax and tax simplification

4% DA hike to Central Government employees is confirmed as from 1 January 2020

Babloo - 02:17:00
4% DA hike to Central Government employees is confirmed as from 1 January 2020

4% DA hike to Central Government employees is confirmed as from 1 January 2020


The Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers, according to a press release issued by the Labor Bureau, increased by 2 points and pegged at 330
 
Now there is an average of 12 months of AICPIN available for calculating the DA from January 2020.
As per the approved Dearness Allowance rate calculation formula, the DA will be increased by 4 per cent from January 1st, 2020.
For impact from 1.1.2020, the DA rate will increase from the current 17 per cent to 21 per cent. For this DA hike the Central Government must grant its approval. In the second week of March 2020, the Union cabinet must approve the plan to increase DA from 1 January 2020

Check the Expected DA 2020 for Central Government Employees

The Ministry of Finance will subsequently issue an order for payment DA to central government employees and DR to pensioners with effect from 1.1.2020

It appears that AICPIN does not have anything to do with the January 2020 rate DA. But it will provide momentum to the July 2020 Expected DA to reach a level that will affect DA indexed Allowances.

Check the Press Release

AICPIN for December 2019 - Press Release

Babloo - 02:16:00
AICPIN for December 2019 - Press Release
The All-India CPI-IW for December 2019 increased by 2 points and pegged at 330 (three hundred and thirty)
AICPIN for December 2019 - Press Release



No. 5/1/2019-CPI
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT
LABOUR BUREAU

"CLEREMONT", SHIMLA - 171004
DATED: 31st January, 2020

Press Release

Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) - December 2019 

The AICPIN All-India CPI-IW for December 2019 increased by 2 points and pegged at 330 (three hundred and thirty). On 1-month percentage change, it increased by (+) 0.61 per cent between November and December 2019 when compared with the increase of (-) 0.33 per cent for the corresponding months of last year.

The maximum upward pressure to the change in current index came from Food group contributing (+) 1.87 percentage points to the total change. At item level, Onion, Jowar, Rice, Wheat & Wheat Atta, Arhar Dal, Moong Dal, Urd Dal, Mustard Oil, Egg (Hen), Fish Fresh, Goat Meat, Fresh Milk, Chillies Dry, Drum Stick, Potato, Cooking Gas, Electricity Charges, Fire Wood, Employees State Insurance (ESI) Contribution, Petrol, Flowers / Flower Garland etc. are responsible for the increase in index. However, this increase was checked by Chillies Green, Ginger, Banana, Brinjal, Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Green Coriander leaves, Guava, Lemon, Methi, Palak, Peas, Radish, Tomato, Toilet Soap, etc., putting downward pressure on the index.

Don't forget to read: Expected DA 2020 for Central Government Employees and Pensioners

Year-on-year inflation based on all-items stood at 9.63 per cent for December 2019 as compared to 8.61 per cent for the previous month and 5.24 per cent during the corresponding month of the previous year. Similarly, Food inflation stood at 12.22 per cent against 9.87 per cent of the previous month and (-) 0.96 per cent during the corresponding month of an year ago.

At centre level, Tiruchirapally observed the maximum increase of 12 points followed by Goa (11 points), Giridih and Belgaum (9 points each) and Ludhiana and Puducherry (8 points each). Among others, 7 points increase was observed in 4 centres, 6 points in 5 centres, 5 points in another 5 centres, 4 points in next another 5 centres, 3 points in 11 centres, 2 points in 12 centres and 1 point in 13 centres. On the contrary, Sholapur and Surat recorded a maximum decrease of 3 points each. Among others, 4 centres observed a fall in index by 2 points and 6 centres recorded a decline of 1 point. Rest of 5 centres indices remained stationary.

The indices of 34 centres are above All-India Index and 44 centres indices are below national average.

The next issue of CPI-IW for the month of January 2020 will be released on Friday 28th February, 2020. The same will also be available on the office website labourbureaunew.gov.in.

(AMRIT LAL JANGID)
DEPUTY DIRECTOR

Wednesday 29 January 2020

Cabinet approved the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Amendment Bill 2020

Babloo - 05:07:00
Cabinet approved the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Amendment Bill 2020

Cabinet approved the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Amendment Bill 2020


Chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Union Cabinet has approved the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020, to amend the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971. The Bill will be introduced at the subsequent Parliamentary session.

Special features of the planned modifications
  • Proposing requirement for opinion of one provider for termination of pregnancy, up to 20 weeks of gestation and introducing the requirement of opinion of two providers for termination of pregnancy of 20-24 weeks of gestation.
  • Enhancing the upper gestation limit from 20 to 24 weeks for special categories of women which will be defined in the amendments to the MTP Rules and would include 'vulnerable women including survivors of rape, victims of incest and other vulnerable women (like differently-abled women, Minors) etc.
  • Upper gestation limit not to apply in cases of substantial foetal abnormalities diagnosed by Medical Board. The composition, functions and other details of Medical Board to be prescribed subsequently in Rules under the Act.
  • Name and other particulars of a woman whose pregnancy has been terminated shall not be revealed except to a person authorised in any law for the time being in force.
Also check: Amendment in the CCS (Leave) Rules, 1972 consequent upon the implementation of the recommendations of 7th CPC

The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020 is for expanding access of women to safe and legal abortion services on therapeutic, eugenic, humanitarianor social grounds. The proposed amendments includesubstitution of certainsub-sections, insertion of certain new clauses under some sections in the existing Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971, with a view to increase upper gestation limit for termination of pregnancy under certain conditions and to strengthen access to comprehensiveabortioncare, under strict conditions, without compromisingservice andquality of safe abortion.

It is a step towards safety and well-being of the women and many women will be benefitted by this. Recently several petitions were received by the Courts seeking permission for aborting pregnancies at a gestational age beyond the present permissible limit on grounds of foetal abnormalities or pregnancies due to sexual violence faced by women. The proposed increase in gestational age will ensure dignity, autonomy, confidentiality and justice for women who need to terminate pregnancy.
In orderto increase access of women to safe abortion services and taking into account the advances in medical technology, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare proposed amendments after extensive consultation with various stake holders and several ministries.

PIB

Saturday 25 January 2020

MACP SCHEME FOR THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES ORIGINAL ORDER DATED MAY 2009

Babloo - 09:54:00

Latest MACP orders from DoPT

MACP SCHEME FOR THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES ORIGINAL ORDER DATED MAY 2009

IMMEDIATE

No.35034/3/2008-Estt. (D)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
(Department of Personnel and Training)

North Block, New Delhi, the 19th May, 2009

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

SUBJECT: MODIFIED ASSURED CAREER PROGRESSION SCHEME (MACPS) FOR THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES

The Sixth Central Pay Commission (6CPC) in Para 6.1.15 of its report, has recommended Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme (MACPS). As per the recommendations, financial upgradation will be available in the next higher grade pay whenever an employee has completed 12 years continuous service in the same grade. However, not more than two financial upgradations shall be given in the entire career, as was provided in the previous Scheme. The Scheme will also be available to all posts belonging to Group "A" whether isolated or not. However, organised Group "A" services will not be covered under the Scheme

2. The Government has considered the recommendations of the Sixth Central Pay Commission for introduction of a MACPS and has accepted the same with further modification to grant three financial upgradations under the MACPS at intervals of 10, 20 and 30 years of continuous regular service.

3. The Scheme would be known as "MODIFIED ASSURED CAREER PROGRESSION. SCHEME (MACPS) FOR THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES. This Scheme is in supersession of previous ACP Scheme and clarifications issued there under and shall be applicable to all regularly appointed Group "A", "B", and "C" Central Government Civilian Employees except officers of the Organised Group "A" Service. The status of Group "0" employees would cease on their completion of prescribed training, as recommended by the Sixth Central Pay Commission and would be treated as Group "C" employees. Casual employees, including those granted 'temporary status' and employees appointed in the Government only on adhoc or contract basis shall not qualify for benefits under the aforesaid Scheme. The details of the MACP Scheme and conditions for grant of the financial upgradation under the Scheme are given in Annexure-I.

4. An Screening Committee shall be constituted in each Department to consider the case for grant of financial upgradations under the MACP Scheme. The Screening Committee shall consist of a Chairperson and two members. The members of the Committee shall comprise officers holding posts which are at least one level above the grade in which the MACP is to be considered and not below the rank of Under Secretary equivalent in the Government. The Chairperson should generally be a grade above the members of the Committee.

5. The recommendations of the Screening Committee shall be placed before the Secretary in cases where the Committee is constituted in the Ministry / Department or before the Head of the organisation / competent authority in other cases for approval.

6. In order to prevent undue strain on the administrative machinery, the Screening Committee shall follow a time-schedule and meet twice in a financial year - preferably in the first week of January and first week of July of a year for advance processing of the cases maturing in that half. Accordingly, cases maturing during the first-half (April - September) of a particular financial year shall be taken up for consideration by the screening Committee meeting in the first week of January. Similarly, the Screening Committee meeting in the first week of July of any financial year shall process the cases that would be maturing during the second-half (October - March) of the same financial year.

7. However, to make the MACP Scheme operational, the Cadre Controlling Authorities shall constitute the first Screening Committee within a month from the date of issue of these instructions to consider the cases maturing upto 30th June, 2009 for grant of benefits under the MACPS.

8. In so far as persons serving in The Indian Audit and Accounts Departments are concerned, these orders issue after consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.

9. Any interpretation / clarification of doubt as to the scope and meaning of the provisions of the MACP Scheme shall be given by the Department of Personnel and Training (Establishment-D). The scheme would be operational w.e.f. 01.09.2008. In other words, financial upgradations as per the provisions of the earlier ACP Scheme (of August, 1999) would be granted till 31.08.2008.

10. No stepping up of pay in the pay band or grade pay would be admissible with regard to junior getting more pay than the senior on account of pay fixation under MACP Scheme.

11. It is clarified that no past cases would be re-opened. Further, while implementing the MACP Scheme, the differences in pay scales on account of grant of financial upgradation under the old ACP Scheme (of August 1999) and under the MACP Scheme within the same cadre shall not be construed as an anomaly.

12. Hindi version will follow.

(S.Jainendra Kumar)
Deputy Secretary to the Govt. Of India

ANNEXURE-I

MODIFIED ASSURED CAREER PROGRESSION SCHEME (MACPS)

1. There shall be three financial upgradation s under the MACPS, counted from the direct entry grade on completion of 10, 20 and 30 years service respectively. Financial upgradation under the Scheme will be admissible whenever a person has spent 10 years continuously in the same grade-pay.

2. The MACPS envisages merely placement in the immediate next higher grade pay in the hierarchy of the recommended revised pay bands and grade pay as given in Section 1 , Part-A of the first schedule of the CCS (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008. Thus, the grade pay at the time of financial upgradation under the MACPS can, in certain cases where regular promotion is not between two successive grades, be different than what is available at the time of regular promotion. In such cases, the higher grade pay attached to the next promotion post in the hierarchy of the concerned cadre/ organisation will be given only at the time of regular promotion.

3. The financial upgradation s under the MACPS would be admissible up-to the highest grade pay of Rs. 12000/- in the PB-4.

4. Benefit of pay fixation available at the time of regular promotion shall also be allowed at the time of financial upgradation under the Scheme. Therefore, the pay shall be raised by 3% of the total pay in the pay band and the grade pay drawn before such upgradation. There shall, however, be no further fixation of pay at the time of regular promotion if it is in the same grade pay as granted under MACPS. However, at the time of actual promotion if it happens to be in a post carrying higher grade pay than what is available under MACPS, no pay fixation would be available and only difference of grade pay would be made available. To illustrate, in case a Government Servant joins as a direct recruit in the grade pay of Rs. 1900 in PB-1 and he gets no promotion till completion of 10 years of service, he will be granted financial upgradation under MACPS in the next higher grade pay of Rs. 2000 and his pay will be fixed by granting him one increment plus the difference of grade pay (i.e. Rs. 100). After availing financial upgradation under MACPS, if the Government servant gets his regular promotion in the hierarchy of his cadre, which is to the grade of Rs. 2400, on regular promotion, he will only be granted the difference of grade pay between Rs. 2000 and Rs. 2400. No additional increment win be granted at this stage.

5. Promotions earned / upgradations granted under the ACP Scheme in the past to those grades which now carry the same grade pay due to merger of pay scales / upgradations of posts recommended by the Sixth Pay Commission shall be ignored for the purpose of granting upgradations under Modified ACPS.

Illustration-1
The pre-revised hierarchy (in ascending order) in a particular organization was as under:-
  • A Government servant who was recruited in the hierarchy in the pre-revised pay scale Rs. 5000-8000 and who did not get a promotion even after 25 years of service prior to 1.1.2006,in his case as on 1.1.2006he would have got two financial upgradations under ACP to the next grades in the hierarchy of his organization, i.e., to the pre-revised scales of Rs. 5500-9000 and Rs. 6500-10500.
  • Another Government servant recruited in the same hierarchy in the pre-revised scale of Rs. 5000-8000 has also completed about 25 years of service, but he got two promotions to the next higher grades of Rs. 5500-9000 & Rs. 6500-10500 during this period.
In the case of both (a) and (b) above, the promotions / financial upgradations granted under ACP to the pre-revised scales of Rs. 5500-9000 and Rs. 6500-10500 prior to 1.1.2006will be ignored on account of merger of the pre-revised scales of Rs. 5000- 8000, Rs. 5500-9000 and Rs. 6500-10500 recommended by the Sixth cpe. As per CCS (RP) Rules, both of them will be granted grade pay of Rs. 4200 in the pay band PB-2. After the implementation of MACPS, two financial upgradations will be granted both in the case of (a) and (b) above to the next higher grade pays of Rs. 4600 and Rs. 4800 in the pay band PB-2.

6. In the case of all the employees granted financial upgradations under ACPS till 01.01.2006, their revised pay will be fixed with reference to the pay scale granted to them under the ACPS.

6.1 In the case of ACP upgradations granted between 01.01.2006 and 31.08.2008, the Government servant has the option under the CCS (RP) Rules, 2008 to have his pay fixed in the revised pay structure either (a) w.eJ. 01.01.2006 with reference to his pre-revised scale as on 01.01.2006; or (b) w.e.f. the date of his financial upgradation under ACP with reference to the pre-revised scale granted under ACP. ln case of option (b), he shall be entitled to draw his arrears of pay only from the date of his option i.e. the date of financial upgradation under ACP.

6.2 In cases where financial upgradation had been granted to Government servants in the next higher scale in the hierarchy of their cadre as per the provisions of the ACP Scheme of August, 1999, but whereas as a result of the implementation of Sixth CPC's recommendations, the next higher post in the hierarchy of the cadre has been upgraded by granting a higher grade pay, the pay of such employees in the revised pay structure will be fixed with reference to the higher grade pay granted to the post. To illustrate, in the case of Jr. Engineer in CPWD, who was granted ]"t ACP in his hierarchy to the grade of Asstt. Engineer in the pre-revised scale of Rs.6500-10500 corresponding to the revised grade pay of Rs.4200 in the pay band PB-2, he win now be granted grade pay of Rs4600 in the pay band PB-2 consequent upon upgradation of the post of Asstt. Enggs.In CPWD by granting them the grade pay of Rs.4600 in PB-2 as a result of Sixth CPC's recommendation. However, from the date of implementation of the MACPS, all the financial upgradations under the Scheme should be done strictly in accordance with the hierarchy of grade pays in pay bands as notified vide CCS (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008.

7. With regard to fixation of his pay on grant of promotion / financial upgradation under MACP Scheme, a Government servant has an option under FR22 (1) (a) (1) to get his pay fixed in the higher post/ grade pay either from the date of his promotion/upgradation or from the date of his next increment viz. 1st July of the year. The pay and the date of increment would be flxed in accordance with clarification no.2 of Department of Expenditure's O.M. No.1/1/2008-1C dated 13.09.2008.
8. Promotions earned in the post carrying same grade pay in the promotional hierarchy as per Recruitment Rules shall be counted for the purpose of MACPS.

8.1 Consequent upon the implementation of Sixth CPe's recommendations, grade pay of Rs. 5400 is now in two pay bands viz., PB-2 and PB-3. The grade pay of Rs. 5400 in PB-2 and Rs.5400 in PB-3 shall be treated as separate grade pays for the purpose of grant of upgradations under MACP Scheme.

9. 'Regular service' for the purposes of the MACPS shall commence from the date of joining of a post in direct entry grade on a regular basis either on direct recruitment basis or on absorption/re-employment basis. Service rendered on adhoc/contract basis before regular appointment on pre-appointment training shall not be taken into reckoning. However, past continuous regular service in another Government Department in a post carrying same grade pay prior to regular appointment in a new Department, without a break, shall also be counted towards qualifying regular service for the purposes of MACPS only (and not for the regular promotions). However, benefits under the MACPS in such cases shall not be considered till the satisfactory completion of the probation period in the new post.

10. Past service rendered by a Government employee in a State Government / statutory body / Autonomous body / Public Sector organisation, before appointment in the Government shall not be counted towards Regular Service.

Also check 7th CPC MACP FOR THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES – DOPT CONSOLIDATED GUIDELINES

11. 'Regular service' shall include all periods spent on deputation/foreign service, study leave and all other kind of leave, duly sanctioned by the competent authority.

12. The MACPS shall also be applicable to work charged employees, if their service conditions are comparable with the staff' of regular establishment.

13. Existing time-bound promotion scheme, including in-situ promotion scheme, Staff Car Driver Scheme or any other kind of promotion scheme existing for a particular category of employees in a Ministry / Department or its offices, may continue to be operational for the concerned category of employees if it is decided by the concerned administrative authorities to retain such Schemes, after necessary consultations or they may switch-over to the MACPS. However, these Schemes shall not run concurrently with the MACPS.

14. The MACPS is directly applicable only to Central Government Civilian employees. It will not get automatically extended to employees of Central Autonomous / Statutory Bodies under the administrative control of a Ministry / Department. Keeping in view the financial implications involved, a conscious decision in this regard shall have to be taken by the respective Governing Body/Board of Directors and the administrative Ministry concerned and where it is proposed to adopt the MACPS, prior concurrence of Ministry of Finance shall be obtained.

15. If a financial upgradations under the MACPS is deferred and not allowed after 10 years in a grade pay, due to the reason of the employees being unfit or due to departmental proceedings, etc., this would have consequential effect on the subsequent financial upgradation which would also get deferred to the extent of delay in grant of first financial upgradation.

16. On grant of financial upgradation under the Scheme, there shall be no change in the designation, classification or higher status. However, financial and certain other benefits which are linked to the pay drawn by an employee such as HBA, allotment of Government accommodation shall be permitted.

17. The financial upgradation would be on non-functional basis subject to fitness, in the hierarchy of grade pay within the PB-1.Thereafter for upgradation under the MACPS the benchmark of 'good' would be applicable till the grade pay of Rs. 6600/- in PB-3. The benchmark will be 'Very Good' for financial upgradation to the grade pay of Rs.7600 and above.

18. In the matter of disciplinary/ penalty proceedings, grant of benefit under the MACPS shall be subject to rules governing normal promotion. Such cases shall, therefore, be regulated under the provisions of the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965 and instructions issued thereunder.

19. The MACPS contemplates merely placement on personal basis in the immediate higher Grade pay /grant of financial benefits only and shall not amount to actuallfunctional promotion of the employees concerned. Therefore, no reservation orders/roster shall apply to the MACPS, which shall extend its benefits uniformly to all eligible SC/ST employees also. However, the rules of reservation in promotion shall be ensured at the time of regular promotion. For this reason, it shall not be mandatory to associate members of SC/ST in the Screening Committee meant to consider cases for grant of financial upgradation under the Scheme.

20. Financial upgradation under the MACPS shall be purely personal to the employee and shall have no relevance to his seniority position. As such, there shall be no additional financial upgradation for the senior employees on the ground that the junior employee in the grade has got higher pay/grade pay under the MACPS.

21. Pay drawn in the pay band and the grade pay allowed under the MACPS shall be taken as the basis for determining the terminal benefits in respect of the retiring employee.

22. If Group "A" Government employee, who was not covered under the ACP Scheme has now become entitled to say third financial upgradation directly, having completed 30 year's regular service, his pay shall be fixed successively in next three immediate higher grade pays in the hierarchy of revised pay-bands and grade pays allowing the benefit of 3% pay fixation at every stage. Pay of persons becoming eligible for second financial upgradation may also be fixed accordingly.

23. In case an employee is declared surplus in his / her organisation and appointed in the same pay-scale or lower scale of pay in the new organization, the regular service rendered by him/her in the previous organisation shall be counted towards the regular service in his/her new organisation for the purpose of giving nnancial upgradation under the MACPS.

24. In case of an employee after getting promotion/ACP seeks unilateral transfer on a lower post or lower scale, he will be entitled only for second and third nnancial upgradations on completion of 20/30 years of regular service under the MACPS, as the case may be, from the date of his initial appointment to the post in the new organization.

25. If a regular promotion has been offered but was refused by the employee before becoming entitled to a financial upgradation, no financial upgradation shall be allowed as such an employee has not been stagnated due to lack of opportunities. If, however, financial upgradation has been allowed due to stagnation and the employees subsequently refuse the promotion, it shall not be a ground to withdraw the financial upgradation. He shall, however, not be eligible to be considered for further financial upgradation till he agrees to be considered for promotion again and the second the next financial upgradation shall also be deferred to the extent of period of debarment due to the refusal.

26. Cases of persons holding higher posts purely on adhoc basis shall also be considered by the Screening Committee alongwith others. They may be allowed the benefit of financial upgradation on reversion to the lower post or if it is beneficial vis-a-vis the pay drawn on adhoc basis.

27. Employees on deputation need not revert to the parent Department for availing the benefit of financial upgradation under the MACPS. They may exercise a fresh option to draw the pay in the pay band and the grade pay of the post held by them or the pay plus grade pay admissible to them under the MACPS, whichever is beneficial.

28. Illustrations :

A (i) If a Government servant (LDC) in PB-l in the Grade Pay of Rs.1000 gets his first regular promotion (UDC) in the PB-1 in the Grade Pay of Rs.2400 on completion of 8 years of service and then continues in the same Grade Pay for further 10 years without any promotion then he would be eligible for 2nd financial upgradation under the MACPS in the PB-1 in the Grade Pay of Rs.2800 after completion of 18 years (8+10 years).

(ii) In case he does not get any promotion thereafter, then he would get 3rd financial upgradation in the PB-II in Grade Pay of Rs.4200 on completion of further 10 years of service i.e. after 28 years (8+10+10).

(iii) However, if he gets 2nd promotion after 5 years of further service in the pay PB-II in the Grade Pay of Rs.4200 (Asstt. Grade/Grade "C") i.e. on completion of 23 years (8+10+5years) then he would get 3rd financial upgradation after completion of 30 years i.e. 10 years after the 2nd ACP in the PB-II in the Grade Pay of Rs.4600.

MACP SCHEME FOR THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES ORIGINAL ORDER DATED MAY 2009




Monday 20 January 2020

One notional increment to those retired on 30th June after completion of 365 days

Babloo - 23:16:00

BHARAT PENIOSNERS SAMAJ
(All India Federation of Pensioners’ Association)

One notional increment to those retired on 30th June after completion of 365 days
latest news for pensioners of central govt


No.SG/BPS /01/20/16

Dated: 16.01.2020

To
The Union Minister of Finance
The Union Minister of Law & Justice
The MOS (PP) PMO
Secy , DOPT
JS, DOP & PW

Subject : One notional increment to those retired on 30th June after completion of 365 days

Madam / Sir,

Constitution of India is sacrosanct, Government Policies & Rules have to be in Synchronization with the constitution. In case of variations Policies & Rules need to be amended to suit the provisions of the constitution of India.

“Article 14 of the Constitution ensures equality among equals : its aim is to protect persons similarly placed against discriminatory treatment. (State of U.P. [(1969) 1 SCC 817])) Pensioners form a homogenous group (D.S. Nakara & Others vs Union Of India on 17 December, 1982) Equivalent citations: 1983 AIR 130, 1983 SCR (2) 165 wherein it was HELD: Article 14 strikes at arbitrariness in State action and ensures fairness and equality of treatment. Principle underlying the guarantee is that all persons similarly circumstanced shall be treated alike both in privileges conferred and liabilities imposed. Equal laws would have to be applied to all in the same situation and there should be no discrimination between one person and another.

Also check: Retirement guide for a central government employees

Madam / Sir, Answers to Lok Sabha unstarred Q No 427 & 2027 (copies attached ) seek to introduce discrimination among Similarly placed.

The judgments under reference may be in Persona, REM or Supra. The fact remains that the honorable courts decided an issue relating to pensionary benefit and that UOI was one of the party to the case as such to ensure equality under Article 14 of constitution it need to be applied to all similarly placed and not only to appellant.

Honourable PM (in his speech in Golden Jubilee celebration of Dethi High court) as well as Honourable Supreme Court through pronouncements in several of its judgements has said that the issue once decided should apply to all similarly placed. MOD through its circulars CGDA, Ulan Batar ‘Road, Palam-Delhi Cantt No AN/III/ 3012/Circular/Vol.VII Dated 30.10.18 and GOI Ministry of Defense D(CMU), Sena Bhawan, New Delhi, Dated 07.09..2018 has provided application of Court judgments to all similarly placed.

Check this: Latest news for pensioners of central govt

Govt. of Tamil Nadu. too has applied court judgment on the same issue for all similarly placed pensioners vide FINANCE (PAY CELL) DEPARTMENT G.O.Ms.No.140, Dated: 25th April, 2018. Irony is that PM & Apex court desires application to all similarly placed the Service/ Pension issues once legally decided. MOD too provides application of Court judgments to all similarly placed (which includes Defence civilians also). But DOPT and DOPPW do not agree to it.

Bharat Pensioners Samaj once again request you not to push pensioners who are in the evening of their lives to courts to seek redress on issues already decided. Please have MERCY on them.

Thanking You

Yours truly,
Sd/-
S C Maheshwari
Secy General Bharat Pensioners Samaj
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