Major activities of Department of Defence for the month of March, 2019

Major activities of Department of Defence for the month of March, 2019

Permanent Commission (PC)

(1) Ministry of Defence has taken steps to ensure implementation of permanent commission to women in the Armed Forces. In so far the Indian Air Force is concerned, all branches, including Fighter Pilots, are now open for women officers. In Navy, all non-sea going branches/cadre/specialization have been opened for induction of women officers through Short Service Commission (SSC). Women officer will be granted PC in the Indian Army in all the ten branches where women are inducted for Short Service Commission.

International Cooperation

(2) A delegation led by Deputy Permanent Secretary for Defence, Thailand visited India on 7th March, 2019 to attend the 7th meeting of India-Thailand Defence Dialogue, co-chaired by Additional Secretary (SC).

(3) A delegation led by Defence Secretary visited United Kingdom to attend the 20th India-UK Defence Consultative Group (DCG) meeting from 7th to 9th March, 2019.

(4) A delegation led by loint Secretary (Planning and International Cooperation) visited Argentina and Chile from 11 th to 15th March, 2019 to discuss defence cooperation issues.

(5) A delegation led by Additional Secretary (SC) visited Australia to attend the 6th meeting oflndia-Austra lia Defence Policy Talks (DPT) from 13th to 15th March, 2019.

(6) A delegation led by Defence Secretary visited Uzbekistan from 25th to 29th March, 2019 and discussed issues related to bilateral defence cooperation.

Acquisition

(7) A contract for procurement of 70 mm Rocket and associated equipment for Advanced Light Helicopter (WSI) in respect of IAF and IA has been signed with M/s Thales, Belgium S.A on 28th March, 2019 at negotiated contract price of Euro 148,500,000 @ 1 Euro = Rs. 70.35 as on 22nd July, 2015.

(8) A contract has been concluded for procurement of 23x3D CID Band Air Surveillance Radar (3D ASRs) amounting to Rs. 1183.53 crore.

(9) A contract for Card Mfg & Personalization & Chip PS Development (RFP-1) for Navy-wide Implementation of RFID based SMART ACCESS Card Project has been signed with Mis BEL Bengaluru on 14th March, 2019 at a total cost of Rs 52.02 crore.

(10) A contract "for Navy-wide Implementation of RFID based SMART ACCESS Card" Project on turnkey basis (RFP-II) was signed with Mis Tech Mahindra Ltd. on 14th March, 2019 at a total cost ofRs. 254.59 crore.

Janaushadhi Diwas

(11) Minister of State for Defence on the occasion of Janaushadhi Diwas inaugurated a Janaushadhi Kendra at Base Hospital in ew Delhi on 7th March, 2019. It will be a pilot Kendra, which is in line with Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP). Ministry of Defence last year had mandated Janaushadhi Kendras to be empanelled with ECHS as Authorised Local Chemist (ALC) which will benefit the provisioning of medicine at much cheaper rate vis-a-vis market.

Gallantry Awards

(12) President and Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces conferred 05 Kirti Chakras and 30 Shaurya Chakras to Anned Forces Personnel for displaying conspicuous gallantry, indomitable courage and extreme devotion to duty at a solemn ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhawan on 14th and 19th March, 2019. 04 Kirti Chakras and 03 Shaurya Chakra were given posthumously. The President also conferred 28 Param Vishisht Seva Medals, 03 Uttam Yudh Seva Medals and 51 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals to senior officers of the Armed Forces for distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Miscellaneous

(13) Interceptor Boat (IB) C-444 & C-446 built by Mis L&T were inducted on 18th March, 2019.
(14) On 22nd March, 2019, Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Rajveer apprehended one Indonesian fishing boat with 03 crew in position 05 nautical mile south Katchall Island. ICGS Rajveer along with apprehended Indonesian fishing boat entered Port Blair on 25th March, 2019 for further formalities.

Source: MoD

Clarification on Reimbursement of Tuition Fee and Hostel Charges provided to the children of Armed Forces Officers / PBORs missing / disabled / killed in action

Clarification on Reimbursement of Tuition Fee and Hostel Charges provided to the children of Armed Forces Officers / PBORs missing / disabled / killed in action

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO:5354
ANSWERED ON: 28.03.2018

Reimbursement of Tuition Fee

RAJAN BABURAO VICHARE
Will the Minister of

DEFENCE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government has curtailed the reimbursement of tuition and hostel fees provided to the children of working and retired armed forces personnel including martyred, disabled and missing soldiers / officers;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor along with the likely saving in Government exchequer as a result thereof;

(c) whether servicemen and ex-servicemen are distressed by the Government decision;

(d) if so, whether the Government proposes to reconsider the decision; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE (DR. SUBHASH BHAMRE)
IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

(a) Yes, Madam.

(b) The combined amount of tuition fee and hostel charges provided to the children of Armed Forces Officers / PBORs missing / disabled / killed in action has been capped at Rs.10,000 p.m. in accordance with the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission (7th CPC) as accepted by the Government.

Keeping in view that both the number of students and the tuition / hostel fee are open-ended, no fixed / uniform amount of savings can be indicated. Out of total reported 2679 students during the year 2017-18, 193 students have been reported to be drawing more than the capped amount of tuition / hostel fee and savings have been reported to be Rs.3.20 crore (Approximately).

(c) Representations have been received for removal of cap of Rs.10,000 p.m. on combined amount of tuition fee / hostel charges from some of the affected beneficiaries.

(d) & (e): The Government has decided to continue the educational concession without the cap of Rs.10,000 p.m.

Read in Hindi

Source: Lok Sabha

Option for Fixation of Pay on Promotion from the Date of Next Increment - MoD Orders dt.22.3.2018

Option for Fixation of Pay on Promotion from the Date of Next Increment - MoD Orders dt.22.3.2018

Availability of option for fixation of pay on promotion from the Date of Next Increment (DNI) in the lower post and method of fixation of pay from DNI, if opted for, in respect of Army Pay Rules 2017, Air Force Pay Rules 2017 and Navy Pay Regulations 2017 in respect of Officers and JCOs/ORequivalent

No.1(20)/2017/D(Pay/Services)

Ministry of Defence

D (Pay/Services)

Sena Bhawan, New Delhi

Dated 22nd, March 2018

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Availability of option for fixation of pay on promotion from the Date of Next Increment (DNI) in the lower post and method of fixation of pay from DNI, if opted for, in respect of Army Pay Rules 2017, Air Force Pay Rules 2017 and Navy Pay Regulations 2017 in respect of Officers and JCOs/OR equivalent.

Reference is invited to Special Army Instructions (SAI-2008), Special Air Force Instructions (SAFI-2008), Special Navy Instructions (SNI-2008) dated 11.10.2008 and Army Pay Rules 2017, Air Force Pay Rules 2017 and Navy Pay Regulations 2017 dated 3.5.2017 in respect of Officers and JCOs/OR equivalent.

2. In 6th CPC regime pay fixation on promotion in respect of Defence Services Personnel was governed by provisions contained in SAI-2008, SAFI-2008 and SNI-2008. These provisions regulates pay fixation on promotion, wherein an Officer has an option to get his pay fixed in the higher post either from the date of his promotion or from the date of next increment. Similarly, consequent upon implementation of ih CPC, the pay fixation on promotion from the date of promotion is regulated by Rule 12 of the Army Pay Rules 2017, Air Force Pay Rules 2017 and Navy Pay Regulations 2017 dated 3.5.2017 in respect of Officers and JCOs/OR equivalent. This methodology of fixation of pay on promotion to a post carrying duties and responsibilities of greater importance, of a Defence Services Personnel in case he opts for pay fixation from the Date of Next Increment (DNI) has been considered in this Department.

3. After due consideration in this matter, the following is decided as follows:

(i) A Defence Personnel, who is promoted or upgraded from one rank to another, subject to the fulfilment of the eligibility conditions as prescribed in the relevant Recruitment Rules, to another post carrying duties or responsibilities of greater importance than those attaching to the post held by him/her. Such, Defence Personnel may opt to have his/her pay fixed from the Date of his/her
Next Increment (either 1st July or 1st January, as the case may be) accruing in the Level of the post from which he/she is promoted, except in cases of appointment on deputation basis to an ex-cadre post or on direct recruitment basis or appointment/promotion on ad-hoc basis, as applicable in the Defence Services.

(ii) In case, consequent upon his/her promotion, the Defence Personnel opts to have his/her pay fixed from the date of his/her next increment (either 1st July or 1st January, as the case may be) in the Level of the post from which Defence Personnel is promoted, then, from the date of promotion till his/her  DNI, the Defence Personnel shall be placed at the next higher cell in the level of the post to which he/she is promoted.

Illustration:

1.	Level in the revised pay structure: Level 4		Pay Band	5200 - 20200
2.	Basic Pay in the revised structure: 29600		Grade pay	2000	2400	2800
3.	Granted promotion in Level 5.		Levels	3	4	5
			1	21700	25500	29200
			2	22400	26300	30100
4.	Pay in the upgraded Level i.e., Level 5: 31000 (next higher to 29600 in Level 5)		3	23100	27100	31000
			4	23800	27900	31900
			5	24500	28700	32900
5.	Pay from the date of promotion till DNI: 30100		6	25200	29600	33900
			7	26200	30500	34900
			8	26800	31400	35900
			9	27600	32300	37000
			10	28400	33300	38100

(iii) Subsequently, on DNI in the level of the post to which Defence Personnel is promoted, his/her Pay will be re-fixed and two increments (one accrued on account of annual increment and the second accrued on account of promotion) may be granted in the Level from which the Defence Personnel is promoted and he/she shall be placed, at a Cell equal to the figure so arrived, in the Level of the post to which he/she is promoted; and if no such Cell is available in the Level to which he/she is promoted, he/she shall be placed at the next higher Cell in that Level.

1.	Level in the revised pay structure: Level 4		Pay Band	5200 – 20200
2.	Basic Pay in the revised structure: 29600		Grade pay	2000	2400	2800
3.	Granted promotion in Level 5.		Levels	3	4	5
			1	21700	25500	29200
			2	22400	26300	30100
4.	Pay from the date of Promotion till DNI: 31000		3	23100	27100	31000
			4	23800	27900	31900
			5	24500	28700	32900
5.	Re-Fixation on DNI: Pay after giving two increment in Level 4: 31400		6	25200	29600	33900
			7	26200	30500	34900
			8	26800	31400	35900
			9	27600	32300	37000
6.	Pay in the Upgraded Level i.e., Level 5: 31900 (either equal to or next higher to 31400 in Level 5)		10	28400	33300	38100

Illustration:
(iv) In such cases where Defence Personnel opts to have his/her pay fixed from the date of his/her next increment in the Level of the post from which he/she is promoted, the next increment as well as Date of Next Increment (DNI) will be regulated accordingly.

4. It is further reiterated that in order to enable the officials to exercise the option within the time limit prescribed, the option clause for pay fixation on promotion with effect from date of promotion/ON I shall invariably be incorporated in the promotion/appointment order, as per applicability, so that there are no cases of delay in exercising the options due to administrative lapse.
5. This issues with the concurrence of Ministry of Finance vide their 1D No. 4-23/2017-IC/E.III (A) dated 22.3.2018.

sd/-

(Prashant Rastogi)

Under Secretary to the Government of India

Source: https://mod.gov.in/

7th CPC: Revision of Pay and Allowances of retired/released Armed Forces Officers wef 01.01.2016 on re-employment in Armed Forces - MoD Order

7th CPC: Revision of Pay and Allowances of retired/released Armed Forces Officers wef 01.01.2016 on re-employment in Armed Forces - MoD Order

No.1(14)/2017-D(Pay/Services)
Government of India
Ministry of Defence

New Delhi, dated the 09-1-2018

To
The Chief of the Army Staff
The Chief of the Naval Staff
The chief of the Air Staff

Subject: Pay and allowances of Retired/Released Armed Forces Officers on re-Employment in the Armed Forces

Sir,
The pay fixation of re-employed officers on re-employment in Armed forces, is being done in accordance with this Department's letter No.1/69/2008/D(Pay/Services) dated 24 July 2009. Officers re-employed in Defence services after retirement have been excluded from the purview of the Army/Navy/Air Force Officers Pay Rules/Regulations, 2017 vide Rule 2 thereof. The question of extension of the benefit of the revised pay rules to these officers and the procedure to be followed for fixing their pay in the revised pay structure has been considered by the Government. The president is pleased to decide that the pay fixation in respect of the Officers who were in/came into re-employment on or after 1st January,2016 will be done in accordance with the provisions contained in this order. This order will cover all re-employed officers on re-employment in Armed Forces.

2. Exercise of Option: Re-employed officers who become eligible to elect revised pay structure in accordance with these orders should exercise their option in the manner laid down in Rule 5 and Rule 6 of the Army/Navy/Air Force Officers Pay Rules/Regulations, 2017,within one hundred and eighty days from the date of issue of these orders or in cases where the existing scales of pay of the posts held by them are revised subsequent to the issue of these within one hundred and eighty days of the date of such order. This facility of option is avilable to the re-employed officers who were re-employed before 1.1.2016 only.

Fixation / drawal of pay of Officers re-employed prior to 01.01.2016 and who were in re-employment as on 01.01.2016:

3. (a) The initial pay of a re-employed officer who elects or is deemed to have elected to be governed by the revised structure from the 1st day of January, 2016 shall be fixed in accordance with the provisions contained in Rule 7 of the Army/Navy/Air Force Officers Pay Rules/ Regulations, 2017. Revised Pension (excluding the ignorable portion of pension,if any), as admissible on relevant date of coming over to the revised pay structure,effective from 1.1.2016 or later, shall be deducted from his/her pay in accordance with the general policy of the Government on fixation and subsequent drawal of pay of re-employed Officers. Revised Military Service Pay and Dearness Allowance thereon shall be payable from 1.1.2016.

(b) In addition to the pay so fixed, the re-employed officer would continue to draw the retirement benefits he / she was permitted to draw in the pre-revised scales, as modified based on the recommendations of the Seventh Central Pay Commission, orders in respect of which have been issued separately by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare.

(c) In the case of persons who were already on re-employment as on 01.01.2016, the pay may be fixed on the basis of these orders, with effect from the date of coming over to the new pay structure, i.e. 01.01.2016 or later, as per the option exercised by them in terms of para 2 above. In such cases, their term would be determined afresh as if they have been re-employed for the first time from such date of coming over to the new Pay Structure.

4. Officers Re-employed on or after 01-01-2016
Officers who are re-employed on or after 1-1-2016 shall be allowed to draw pay only in the revised Pay Structure.

(a) Officers who Retired from pre-revised scales of pay and were re-employed in the Revised Pay Structure.
The initial pay shall be fixed in the revised pay structure in accordance with Rule 7 of Army/Navy/Air Force Officers Pay Rules/Regulation 2017 read with para 5 below, with reference to the rank held at the time of retirement. Military Service Pay and Dearness Allowance thereon shall be payable from 1-1-2016. However, an amount equivalent to the revised pension (excluding the ignorable portion of pension) effective from 1-1-2016 or after shall be deducted from his pay so fixed in accordance with the general policy of the Govt on fixation of pay of re-employed officers.

(b) Officers who retired and are re-employed in the Revised Scale of pay.

The initial pay in the Level (read with Para 5 below) shall be fixed at the same cell in the Level as the last pay drawn. Military Service Pay and Dearness Allowance thereon shall be payable from 1-1-2016. Having fixed the Pay in the manner indicated, an amount equivalent to the revised pension (excluding the ignorable portion of pension) effective from 1-1-2016 or after shall be deducted from his pay so fixed in accordance with the general policy of the Govt on fixation of pay of re-employed officers.

5. Pay in the Level. In the case of retired Armed Forces Officers (a) who were re-employed before 01.01.2016 (b) who retired from pre-revised pay scales and were re-employed on or after 01.01.2016 in the revised pay structure, and (c) who retired and are re-employed in the revised pay structure, on their re-employment in the Armed Forces, the pay of the officers will be fixed by granting them the pay in the Level of the rank held by them at the time of their retirement or Level of Colonel (Time Scale)'s pay whichever is lower.

Ignorable part of Pension

6. The President is also pleased to enhance the ignorable part of pension from Rs. 4000/- to Rs.15,000/- (Rupees Fifteen Thousand only) in the case of Commissioned Service Officers who retire before attaining the age of 55 years. The existing limits of military pensions to be ignored in fixing the pay of re-employed Officers will therefore, cease to be applicable to cases of such Officers who are re-employed on or after 1-1-2016. As Brigadiers retire at the age of 56 years they will not be eligible for ignorable portion of pension.

Drawal of increments

7. Once the initial pay of the re-employed officer has been fixed in the manner indicated above, he will be allowed to draw normal increments as per the provisions of Rule 9 and 10 of Army/ / Air Force/ Navy Officers Pay Rules/ Regulations, 2017.

8. Further, the existing ceiling of Rs. 80,000/- for drawal of pay plus gross pension on reemployment is enhanced to Rs.2,25,000/-, i.e. the pay plus MSP @Rs.15,500/- plus gross pension should not exceed the ceiling of Rs.2,25,000 pm, the maximum basic pay prescribed for officers in Level 17 under Army/Navy/Air Force Officers Pay Rules/Regulations, 2017.

9. Allowances: The drawal of various allowances and other benefits in the revised structure based on pay shall be regulated with reference to pay that is fixed on re-employment. Pay for these allowances will be the pay fixed before deducting the pension.

10. Gratuity/Death cum Retirement Gratuity - The re-employed officers shall not be eligible for any gratuity/Death cum Retirement Gratuity for the period of re-employment.

11. Some illustrations to cater for pay fixation in various situations arising are given in Appendix 'A' to this letter.

12. These Orders shall take effect from 1.1.2016. These Orders supersede the existing orders on the subject.
13. An undertaking may be obtained from re-employed officers who opt / are deemed to have opted for the revised pay structure to the effect that, they understand and agree that the special dispensation provided through this order is subject to the condition of deduction of pension as admissible to them from time to time, where ever required as per extant instructions and also to recovery in case of over-payment made, if any.

14. This letter issues with the approval of Department of Personnel & Training vide their ID Note No. 1279783/2017-Estt.(Pay-II) dated 12.12.2017 and concurrence of Ministry of Defence (Finance) vide their ID Note No.3(16)/08-AG/389-PA, dated 05-01-2018.

Yours faithfully,

(M. Subbarayan)
Joint Secretary to the Government of India

UNDERTAKING 

(To be given by officers who are on re-employment on or after 01.01.2016 and who have chosen / are deemed to have chosen to be governed by the Army/ Navy/ Air Force Officers Pay Rules/Regulations, 2017, in terms of MoD/ D(Pay/Services) order No. ______________ dated ____________ )
I, _______________________, S/o / W/o / D/o ______________________ , hereby undertake that I understand and agree that the special dispensation of pay fixation under the Army/ Navy/Air Force Officers Pay Rules/ Regulations, 2017 provided to me through the letter No. ___________________ dated ____________ is subject to the specific condition of deduction of pension as admissible to me from time to time, wherever required as per extant instructions and also to recovery in case of overpayment made, if any.

Signature. ___________________
Name ___________________
Designation___________________
Date:
Place:

Appendix 'A'

ILLUSTRATION - 1

1. Initial pay fixation in revised scales of a re-emp officer who has retired in pre-revised scales and re-emp in pre-revised scales prior to 01 Jan 2016. Example of a Col retired on 31 Jul 2015 and re-emp on 01 Aug 2015.

(a) Col Retd on 31 Jul 2015

(i)	Pay in Pay Band	Rs. 55000/-
(ii)	Grade Pay	Rs. 8700/-
(iii)	MSP	Rs 6000/-
(iv)	DA @ 119%	Rs 82943/-
	Total	Rs 152643/-

(b) Fixation of Pay on Date of Re-employment as on 01 Aug 2015

(i)

Re-emp Pay

Rs. 63700/-

(c) Re-fixation of Pay on 01 Jan 2016 in accordance with Pay Rule / Regulations

(i)	Level	- Level 13
(ii)	Revised Pay (63700 x 2.57)	- Rs 163709/-
(iii)	Rounded off to next higher Cell in Level 13	- Rs 165400/-
(iv)	Revised Military Service Pay	- Rs 15500/-
	Total	- Rs 180900

(d) Revised Pension

(i)

Rs 34850 x 2.57

Rs 89565/-

(e) Fixation of Pay on Re-employment

(i)	Pay	Rs 165400/-
(ii)	Less Pension - Ignorable limit (89565 - 15000)	Rs 74565/-
(iii)	Net Pay admissible	Rs 90835/-

(f) As pay has been fixed on 01 Jan 2016, the re-employed officer will be entitled for annual increment as per the existing provisions of Army/ Navy/ Air Force Officers Pay Rules/ Regulations 2017. DA will be admissible as per rates announced from time to time. Revised MSP @ Rs. 15500/- and DA thereon will also be admissible w.e.f. 1-1-2016.

ILLUSTRATION - 2

2. Initial pay fixation in revised scales of a re-employed officer who has retired post implementation of 7th CPC and was granted re-employment post 01 Jan 2016. Example of a Colonel retired on 31 Mar 2016 and re-employed on 01 Apr 2016.

(a) Col Retd on 31 Mar 2016

(i)	Pay in Defence Pay Matrix	Rs 165400/-
	(ii) MSP	Rs 15500/-
	Total	Rs 180900/-

(b) Revised Pension - 90450

(c) Fixation of Pay on date of Re-employment as on 01 Apr 2016

(i)	Pay	Rs 165400/-
(ii)	Less Pension - Ignorable limit (90450 - 15000)	Rs 75450/-
(iii)	Net Pay admissible	Rs 89950/-

(d) As the pay has been fixed based on the revised pay rules/regulations, the re-employed officer will be entitled for annual increment as per the existing provisions of Army/Navy/Air Force Officers Pay Rules/Regulations 2017. DA will be admissible as per rates announced from time to time. Revised MSP @ Rs.15500/- and DA thereon will also be admissible w.e.f. 1-1-2016.

Defence Pay Matrix enhanced from 2.57 to 2.67 for level 12A & 13

Defence Pay Matrix enhanced from 2.57 to 2.67 for level 12A & 13
"Index of rationalization (IOR) of level 12A & 13 of the Defence Pay Matrix has been enhanced from 2.57 to 2.67 for the entry level Pay…"

Message Regarding 7 CPC

1. "GoI, MoD has extended sanction of Operation Rhino for a further period of 3 months with effect from 15/06/2017 to 14/09/2017 or till the termination of Op Rhino whichever is earlier". Units may publish Part II orders accordingly.

2. "Govt orders have been received vide SRO No 17(E) dated 06/07/2017 notified in Gazette of India No 14 dated 07/07/2017 and acted upon in Aug 2017. As per the orders, index of rationalization (IOR) of level 12A & 13 of the Defence Pay Matrix has been enhanced from 2.57 to 2.67 for the entry level Pay but the multiplication factor is retained as 2.57. In some cases pay fixed on 01/01/2016 as per revised Pay matrix would be less than that fixed earlier as per SRO 12(E) dated 03/05/2017, leading to recovery in August 2017 pay account. A few examples are cited at Annexure "A".

Source: https://pcdaopune.gov.in/

Army organised a mega event Youth Fest : 2017 on 13 Nov 2017 at the historic Chowgan ground of Kishtwar

Army organised a mega event Youth Fest : 2017 on 13 Nov 2017 at the historic Chowgan ground of Kishtwar

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Defence

13-November-2017 18:26 IST

Army Organised Youth Fest at Kishtwar

Army organised a mega event Youth Fest : 2017 on 13 Nov 2017 at the historic Chowgan ground of Kishtwar.

The Fest was an amalgamation of varied programmes highlighting the rich culture of different regions of India and stalls of food, entertainment and games for people of all the age groups to rejoice & cherish. The event also encompassed display of various ethnic specialities from across the country.
Students from various schools of Kishtwar district & professional artists from other parts of the country participated in the event to showcase their talent and performed folk dances of Rajasthani, Punjabi & Kashmiri culture. Kalbeliya, Gatka, Bhangra and an electrifying performance by the rock band were the highlights of the day. Stalls manifesting the talent of ITI and paintings, clay models were praiseworthy and the preponderant performance of the local youth of Kishtwar was highly commendable. Over 8000 people from all sections of society witnessed the event.

The event was graced by officials of Army, civil administration, Police, CAPF and other civil dignitaries. The youth & spectators quoted that the fest was an enlightening & enriching experience that has surely changed their perspective towards contributing to a peaceful & harmonious tomorrow.
Speaking on the occasion, the GOC, Delta Force expressed his gratitude to civil administration & local populace for their whole hearted support and enthusiastic participation in making the event a grand success. He emphasized that close coordination between civil administration and Army will take Chenab Valley towards meaningful progressive growth. The overwhelming response of youth in such events will send the message of peace & unity in the region, he added.

Col Aman Anand
PRO (Army)

PIB

Grant of Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) to the Armed Forces Pensioner/Family Pensions - Order 29.08.2017

Grant of Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) to the Armed Forces Pensioner/Family Pensions - Order 29.08.2017

No.1(10)/2009-D(Pen/Policy)
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
Department of Ex-servicemen Welfare

New Delhi-110011
Dated: 29th August 2017

To
The Chief of the Army Staff
The Chief of the Naval Staff
The Chief of the Air Staff

SUB: GRANT OF FIXED MEDICAL ALLOWANCE (FMA) TO THE ARMED FORCES PENSIONERS/FAMILY PENSIONERS IN SUCH CASES WHERE DATE OF RETIREMENT IS PRIOR TO 1.4.2003 AND WHO HAD OPTED NOT TO AVAIL MEDICAL FACILITIES AT OPD OF ARMED FORCES HOSPITALS/MI ROOMS AND ARE NOT MEMBERS OF ECHS.

Sir,
The undersigned is directed to refer to the Govt. of India, Ministry of Defence letter No.1(1)/98/D(Pen/Sers) dated 15th June 1998 and letter No. 1(10)/09-D(Pen/Policy) dated 12th January 2011 & No. 1(10)/2009-D(Pen/Policy) dated 5th May 2015 regarding grant of Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) of Rs.500/- pm. with effect from 19.11.2014 to Armed Forces Pensioners/Family' Pensioners for meeting expenditure on day to day medical expenses that do not require hospitalization unless the individual had opted for OPD treatment in Armed Forces Hospitals/ M.I. Rooms and convey the sanction of the President for enhancement of the amount of FMA from Rs. 500/- to Rs. 1000/-per month. The other conditions for grant of FMA shall continue to be in force.

2. Ex-Servicemen who retired on or after 01 Apr 2003 have to- become member of ECHS Compulsorily and are not eligible to draw Fixed Medical Allowance. These orders applicable only in such cases, where the date of retirement is prior to 1.4.2003 and who had opted not to avail medical facilities at OPD of Armed Forces Hospitals/ MI rooms and are not members of ECHS.

3. These orders will take effect from 01.07.2017.

4. All other conditions as laid down in Government of India letter No. 1(1)/98-D(Pen/Sers) dated 15th June 1998 will continue to apply.

5. This issue with the concurrence of Ministry of Defence (Finance/Pension) vide their ID No. 32(9)/2010/Fin/Pen dated 16 August 2017.

6. Hindi version will follow.

Yours faithfully
sd/-

(Manoj Sinha)
Under Secretary to the Government of India

Authority: http://www.desw.gov.in/

Whether Government proposes to restore the old Pension Scheme for Armed Forces that was in vogue till 1971

Whether Government proposes to restore the old Pension Scheme for Armed Forces that was in vogue till 1971

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 5651
ANSWERED ON: 07.04.2017

Pension Scheme for Armed Forces

RAGHAV LAKHANPAL
Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government proposes to restore the old pension scheme of the Armed Forces that was in vogue till 1971 which clearly defined pension as 70 per cent of last pay drawn and if so, the details thereof;
(b) the time by which the Government plans to set up a committee to review the present pension scheme which pegs pension at 50 per cent of last pay drawn;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the other steps taken by the Government in this regard?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (DR. SUBHASH BHAMRE) IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
(a) No, Madam. Under the old pension scheme, the concept of standard period of service and standard rate of pension was in vogue for Armed Forces personnel. In this scheme, standard retiring pension, service pension were related to Rank and the prescribed length of service but it was neither linked to the emoluments nor to the service beyond the prescribed period of standard service.
(b) There is no such proposal.
(c) & (d): Does not arise.

Source: Loksabha

Cabinet approved leave encashment up to 180 days in respect of those Defence personnel who died or were invalidated out of service between 30.12.1991 to 29.11.1999 with less than 15 years of service

Cabinet approved leave encashment up to 180 days in respect of those Defence personnel who died or were invalidated out of service between 30.12.1991 to 29.11.1999 with less than 15 years of service

Cabinet approves encashment of accumulated leave to certain Defence Services Personnel who died or were invalidated out while in service between 30 December 1991 to 29 November 1999 with less than 15 years of service

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved leave encashment up to 180 days in respect of those Defence personnel who died or were invalidated out of service between 30.12.1991 to 29.11.1999 with less than 15 years of service.

The decision will benefit the families of 9777 Officers and other personnel of Defence Services who died or were invalidated out of service during this period. This period is very significant as a large number of casualities took place during the Kargil conflict ("Operation Vijay") and in counter insurgency operation in J&K and North East during the period.

Source: PIB

7th Central Pay Commission: Resolving Anomalies in Disability Pension

7th Central Pay Commission: Resolving Anomalies in Disability Pension

The concerns raised by the Armed Forces with regard to disability pension in the 7th Pay Commission are being addressed. The 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) recommended the following on disability pension:-

The Commission is of the considered view that the regime implemented post 6th CPC needs to be discontinued, and recommended a return to the slab based system.  The slab rates for disability element for 100 percent disability would be as follows:

Ranks	Levels	Rate per month (INR)
Service Officers	10  and  above	27000
Honorary Commissioned Officers
Subedar Majors / Equivalents	6  to  9	17000
Subedar / Equivalents
Naib Subedar / Equivalents
Havildar / Equivalents	5   and  below	12000
Naik / Equivalents
Sepoy / Equivalents

The above recommendation has been accepted and Resolution dated 30.09.2016 issued accordingly.
The 6th CPC dispensation of the calculation of disability element on percentage basis, however, continues for civil side which has resulted in an anomalous situation.  The issue has accordingly been referred to the Anomaly Committee.  The disability element which was being paid as on 31.12.2015 will, however continue to be paid till decision on the recommendations of Anomaly Committee is taken by the Government.

This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar in Rajya Sabha today.

PIB

Women Personnel of the Armed Forces

Women Personnel of the Armed Forces

The number of women officer's (excluding medical and dental branch) in all the three wings of defence forces is as under:

Army (as on 1.1.2017)	Navy (as on 16.3.2017)	Air Force (as on 1.3.2017)
1528	469	1581

The details of women officers (excluding medical and dental branch) recruited during the last four years and the current year, Service-wise, are as under:-

Year	Army	Navy	Air Force
2013	127	50	144
2014	104	57	155
2015	72	35	223
2016	69	43	108
2017 (till March)	35	01	14

In 2011, the Government  approved consideration of women Short Service Commission Officers (SSCOs) for grant of permanent commission along with men SSCOs in specific branches in the three services viz. Judge Advocate General (JAG), and Army Education Corps (AEC) of the Army and their corresponding branches in Navy and Air Force, Naval Constructor in Navy and Accounts Branch in Air Force.

In March 2016, approval has been accorded for induction of women Short Service Commission (SSC) officers as Pilots in Maritime Reconnaissance (MR) stream and in the Naval Armament Inspectorate (NAI) cadre.  The inductions are planned commencing from mid-2017.

The IAF has revised Short Service Commission (SSC) scheme to induct women into the fighter stream on an experimental basis for a period of five years.  The first batch of three women officers were commissioned into the fighter stream on June 18, 2016.

This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Shri Tiruchi Siva in Rajya Sabha today.

PIB

Revision of casualty pensionary award in respect of Pre-2006 Armed Force Officers and JCO/ORs Pensioners/Family Pensioners

Revision of casualty pensionary award in respect of Pre-2006 Armed Force Officers and JCO/ORs Pensioners/Family Pensioners

Office of the Principal CDA (Pensions)
Draupadi Ghat, Allahabad - 211 014

REGISTERED

Circular NO.576

Dated: 27th February,2017

Subject: Amendment to GOI,MOD letter No.16(01)2014/D(Pen/Pol) dated 18th May 2016 issued for revision of casualty pensionary award in respect of Pre-2006 Armed Force Officers and JCO/ORs Pensioners/Family Pensioners.

Reference: This office circular No.560 dated 08.06.2016.
(Available on this office website www.pcdapension.nic.in)

Copy of GOI,MOD letter No.16(01)/2014-D(Pen/Pol) dated 16th January,2017 is forwarded herewith for further necessary action at your end.

2. Minimum of fitment table for the rank 'MWO' group 'X' has been amended in Annexure-B (Air Force) attached with the GOI, MOD letter No.16(01)2014/D(Pen/Pol) dated 18th May 2016 (Circulated vide Circular No.560). Accordingly, Special Family Pension, 2nd Life Award of Special Family Pension, Liberalized Family Pension & 2nd Life Award of Liberalized Family Pension in respect of MWO 'X' have also been revised.

For:

Rank	Min. of fitment table	SFP	2nd Life Award of SFP	LFP	2nd Life Award of LEP
MWO	21790	13074	6537	21790	13074

Read:

Rank	Min. of fitment table	SFP	2nd Life Award of SFP	LFP	2nd Life Award of LEP
MWO	21970	13182	6591	21970	13182

3.It is requested that all affected cases may please be revised at your end and pension may be revised accordingly.

4. These orders/instructions may please be provided/circulated to all pension Disbursing Authorities (DPDOs/paying Branches/Treasuries/PAOs etc) under your jurisdiction to ensure the revision at the earliest.

5. All other terms and conditions shall remain unchanged.

6. This circular has been uploaded on this office website www.pcdapension.nic.in for dissemination to all alongwith Defence Pensioners and Pension Disbursing Agencies.

(S.C.Saroj)
Sr.Accounts Officer(P)

Signed Copy

Owning a House Becomes Easier for Army Personnel

Owning a House Becomes Easier for Army Personnel

1. Army personnel by virtue of deployment in remote areas find it extremely difficult to invest time in buying a good house, therefore, to fulfill this essential need and meet the aspirations, AWHO has come up with a pragmatic business model called the ‘Private Industry Collaborative Business Model’ which will facilitate acquiring houses from reputed private builders at discounted prices for Army personnel & Veer Naris. A Pilot Project is being undertaken in Delhi/ NCR and based on its success, similar ventures will be executed in other locations.

2. Major advantages of this concept are detailed market research to identify the most suitable builder/ project, negotiations for price reduction, due diligence and buyer friendly terms & conditions. Prop Equity, a leading Real Estate Data & Analytics Consultant firm has been selected after a prolonged process to undertake the facilitation process forward.

3. This historical MoU was signed by Lt Gen Rakesh Sharma, UYSM, AVSM, VSM, Chairman (Ex-Officio) AWHO and Mr Samir Jasuja, MD, Prop Equity Analytics on 3rd Mar 2017.

Source: PIB

Permanent Commission to Women

Permanent Commission to Women

Eligible women officers who are being inducted into Ground Duty branches are considered for grant of permanent commission at par with their male counterparts based on a gender neutral policy with uniform Qualitative requirements (QRs).

Permanent commission (excluding Medical and Dental Branch) have been granted to 10177 officers in the IAF as on 01.12.2016.

A total number of 336 women officers (excluding Medical and Dental branch) have been granted permanent commission till date.

The criteria for allotting permanent commission (PC) in the IAF are based on a gender neutral policy. The eligible officers for grant of PC are considered by a Board of Officers constituted at Air Headquarters based on their suitability, willingness, medical category, availability of vacancies and position in merit etc.

This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Dr Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Shrimati Poonamben Maadam in Lok Sabha today.

DA Orders for Armed Forces Officers and Personnel Below Officer Rank including NCs(E) – 125% from Jan 2016

DA Orders for Armed Forces Officers and Personnel Below Officer Rank including NCs(E) – 125% from Jan 2016

MoD issued orders for the payment of 6% additional Dearness Allowance to Armed Forces Personnel with effect from Jan 2016. Dearness Allowance payable to Armed Forces Officers and personnel Below officer Rank, including Non-combatants (Enrolled), shall be enhanced from the existing rate of 119% to 125% with effect from 1st January 2016.

Payment of Dearness Allowance to Armed Forces Officers and Personnel Below Officer Rank including NCs(E) – Revised rates effective from 1st January 2016

F.No.1(2)/2004/D(Pay/Services)
Government of India
Ministry of Defence

New Delhi, the 18th April, 2016

To
The Chief of the Army Staff
The Chief of the Air Staff
The Chief of the Naval Staff

Subject: Payment of Dearness Allowance to Armed Forces Officers and Personnel Below Officer Rank including NCs(E) – Revised rates effective from 1st January 2016.

Sir,
I am directed to refer to this Ministry’s Letter No.1(2)/2004/D(Pay/services) dated 6th October 2015, on the subject cited above and to say that the president is pleased to decide that the Dearness Allowance payable to Armed Forces Officers and personnel Below officer Rank, including Non-combatants (Enrolled), shall be enhanced from the existing rate of 119% to 125% with effect from 1st January 2016.

2. The provisions contained in paras 2,4 and 5 of this Ministry’s letter No.1(2)/2004/D (Pay/Services) dated 25th September 2008 shall continue to be applicable while regulating Dearness Allowance under these orders.

3. The additional installment of DA payable under these orders shall be paid in cash to all Armed Forces Officers/PBORs including NCs(E).

4. This letter issues with the concurrence of Finance division of this Ministry vide their Dy.No.132-PA dated 11th April,2016 based on Ministry of Finance (Department of Expenditure) O.M.No.1/1/2016-E-II(B), dated 7th April, 2016.

Yours faithfully,
sd/-
(Prashant Rastogi)
Under Secretary to the Government of India

Click to view the order
Authority: www.mod.nic.in

Parrikar releases list of 70 successful products of DRDO

Parrikar releases list of 70 successful products of DRDO

Parrikar says that in the last three years, many of these systems developed by DRDO have been inducted into the defence forces.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar released a list of 70 products and systems that have been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for various wings of armed forces.
Parrikar says that in the last three years, many of these systems developed by DRDO have been inducted into the defence forces.

Interestingly many sub-systems are also being cited by the minister in the Upper House, with some being at various stages of trials, production and induction.

Parrikar says many of the products, originally developed for the defence forces, can also be used by Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), state police units and National Disaster Response Force.
DRDO has organised visits of CAPF’s to various laboratories to showcase DRDO’s products and capabilities.

The minister also said that the Ministry of Home Affairs has shortlisted about 146 items for trials, out of which trials of 78 products have already been completed.

He said a large number of products which can provide protection, day-night situational awareness and support-mobility have also been identified for induction into services by MHA after the trials.

Among the list of successful products of DRDO include:
1)  81 mm Anti Thermal Anti Laser Smoke Grenade
2)  Active Antenna Array Unit
3)  Air Defence Fire Control Radar
4)  Airborne Early Warning & Control System
5) Akash Weapon Systems
6)  Anti G Suit Mk-III
7)  Aslesha Radar
8)  Auto injector Atropine Sulphate
9)  Bi Modular Charge System
10)  Bomb 120 mm ILLG
11)  Bomb 120 mm Mortar HE
12)  Bomb 81 mm Mortar HE
13)  Bomb 81 mm Mortar PWP
14)  Bomb Mortar 51 mm HE Mk-II
15)  Bomb Mortar 51 mm ILLG
16)  Bomb Mortar 51 mm Smoke
17)  Bomb Mortar 81 mm ILLG
18)  Bridge Layer Tank T-72 (BLT-72)
19)  Cartridge ERU for aircraft with Package
20)  Cartridge Primary for 120 mm Mortar
21)  Cartridge SA 5.56 mm Ball
22)  Cartridge Signal 16 mm 1A
23)  Cartridges 105 mm IFG NC
24)  Cartridges 22” RF Ball
25)  CBRNe Remotely Operated Vehicle
26)  Chemical Agent Monitor
27)  Coastal Surveillance Radar
28)  Commander’s Thermal Imager for  T-90
29)  Commander’s Thermal Imager for BMP Tanks
30)  Commander’s Thermal Imager Mk-II for T-72
31)  Communication Link Controller
32)  Digital Radar Warning Receiver
33)  Display Processor
34)  E1 Link Encryptor
35)  Electronic Support Measure (ESM), Varuna
36)  EW Programme  – Samudrika
37)  Explosive Detection Kit
38)  Explosive Reactive Armour Mk-II
39)  Fuze 213 Mk-V M2
40)  Heavy Drop System
41)  Helmet Mounted Thermal Imaging Camera
42)  Holographic Sights for Small Weapons
43)  Identification of Friend and Foe System
44)  Integrated Multi-function Sight
45)  Laser based Directed Energy System
46)  Mine AP M16 and AP NM-14
47)  Mission Computer
48)  Mobile Autonomous Robotic System
49)  Mountain Foot Bridge
50)  NBC Canister
51)  NBC Filter
52)  Optical Target Locator
53)  Personal Decontamination Kit
54)  Phase Control Module
55)  Pinaka Launcher Mk -II
56)  Radar Computer I & II
57)  Radar Warning Receiver
58)  Resin based Combustible Cartridge Case for 120 mm FSAPDS Mk-II Ammunition
59)  Revathi Radar
60)  Rotating Telemetry System
61)  Secure Adapter for Frame Relay Encryptor
62)  Secure Multi Interface Link Encryptor
63)  Shell 105 mm IFG BE Smoke
64)  Shell 105 mm ILG Mk-I
65)  Short Range Laser Dazzler
66)  Three Colour Detector
67)  Through Wall Imaging Radar
68)  Weapon Locating Radar (WLR)
69)  Wheeled Armoured Platform
70)  X-Band Microwave Power Module

Ever since the NDA government came to power in 2014, DRDO has been put on the radar with Prime Minister Narendra Modi wanting youngsters to be given more responsibilities.

This followed the sacking of DRDO head Dr Avinash Chander in 2015 which came as a warning from the top. The post of DRDO DG and Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister was then split into two. Dr S Christopher was given the mandate of running the labs and Dr G Satheesh Reddy was made Parrikar’s advisor.

In the last one year, DRDO seldom made any claims on their achievements and kept many of its missions under wraps.

“DRDO often forgot that they have a user in the waiting with hope. It was a family party often with little focus on R&D. I am not sure if the youngsters got their due. If they (DRDO) have gone silent means, they have been told to prove their worth first. If Make in India needs to succeed DRDO must change their attitude towards private players. The list of 70 items released now would be doubled then,” says a former Indian Air Force official, who worked closely with some of the home-grown projects, while on deputation.

Source: mathrubhumi.com

Demands Relating to Defence Pensioners: 7th CPC Report

Demands Relating to Defence Pensioners: 7th CPC Report

The Commission has received a number of demands relating to pensions for defence forces personnel through the Joint Services Memorandum (JSM) from the Services, Pensioners Associations and Bodies including those dealing with the needs of special categories like war veterans, disability etc. The demands/representations received in the Commission have been examined under the broad categories of Retiring Pension, Family Pension, Disability Pension and Ex-gratia lump sum compensation.

Demand Relating to Retiring Pension : The principal demands made before the 7th CPC in respect of retiring pensions as applicable to the defence personnel were:

i. Minimum pension should be fixed at 75 percent of reckonable emoluments for JCOs/ Other Ranks or a compulsory early retirement compensation package or lump sum amount.

ii. Additional quantum of pension with advancing age should commence at the age of 70 years for JCOs/ Other Ranks instead of 80 years as prevails today.

iii. Pre 2006 Honorary Naib Subedar may be given pension of Naib Subedar.

iv. Defence Security Corps (DSC) personnel may be granted second pension on completion of 10 years of service at par with civilians.

v. The depression in pension for qualifying service between 15 and 20 years may be removed and complete earned pension may be made admissible to Territorial Army personnel.

Minimum Pension for JCOs/ ORs : The Services, in the JSM, have sought enhancement of the Service Pension to 75 percent of last drawn reckonable emoluments for JCOs and ORs. In case enhancement of pension to 75 percent of last drawn reckonable emoluments is not granted for JCOs/OR, the Services have sought a compulsory early retirement compensation package or compulsory lateral absorption in government or PSU as an alternative.

Analysis and Recommendations: Service pension for all categories of employees has been fixed at 50 percent of the last pay drawn. The recommendations in relation to pay of both the civilian and defence forces personnel will lead to a significant increase in the pay drawn and therefore in the ‘last pay drawn’/‘reckonable emoluments.’ It is also to be noted that in the case of defence forces personnel, in particular all JCOs/ORs, the last pay drawn includes the element of Military Service Pay, which is also taken into account while reckoning pension. The Commission has  Report of the Seventh CPC 402 Index also recommended an increase in Military Service Pay. The increase in pay and MSP will automatically and significantly raise the level of pension of JCOs/ORs, since pension is related to the last pay drawn/ reckonable emoluments. Therefore the Commission does not recommend any further increase in the rate of pension for JCOs/ORs.

Comments on the above recommendations:

AK JAYARAJAN says on 17.3.2016…

This regarding the demand of pension of defence personnel particularly JCOs OR and equvalents of Air Force and Navy. Pay commission alysis is that JCOs OR entitled for MSP in addition to 50% of the last pay drawn. Take the case of a civilian counter part in the grade pay group of 4800. His pay matrix starts for 1 to 40 years. Starting pay as per matrix is 47600 and the next increment stage is 49000 difference is 1400.Maximum is 151100. Pay at the stage of 39 years is 146700. difference is 4400.Now take the case of JCO particulerly the Rank of Sub Maj in the grade pay group of 4800.Minimum pay in the pay matrix of Sub Maj is 47600. As per the Govt rules, he is compelled to retire from service after assuming the rank of 4 years or 54 years or 34 years of Service. He can earn only three increments in the rank of Sub Maj. In that case he can draw pay at the time of retirement at the stage 52000. He is entitled for MSP@ 5200. So his net pay for calculation of pension will be 57200. Minimum pension admissible is 28600. Actual additional benefit of MSP is 2600. Maximum benefit of MSP will be only two increment. A civilian counter part can reach maximum of the stage of 151100 and half of that is 75550. In the case of minimum of a promottee with 10 years in that grade may reach more than 62200. His pension will be minimum 31100. It will be very clear that the benefit of MSP for a Sub Maj retiring at the age between 45 to 48 is equal to an additional increment. The high power committee may go through the details shown above with the analysis of Pay Commission in the discrimination in the pension entitlement between civilian staff and that of Military rank.

 Source: 7thpaycommissionnews.in

Enhancement of the Rate of Disability Pension

 Enhancement of the Rate of Disability Pension

The Services have sought enhancement of the rate of disability pension for 100 percent disability from the existing level of 30 percent of the last drawn reckonable emoluments to 50 percent. For lower percentages of disability, the amount of disability element is sought to be pro-rated.

Analysis and Recommendations:

The regime of disability element for non-battle cases has moved from fixed slab rates to a percentage of reckonable emoluments. The rates of disability element for 100 percent disability as admissible over the years, is indicated in the table below:

The ratio of maximum to minimum disability pension for officers and ORs across various points in time is detailed below:

While the number of officers retiring with disability element has shown a significant increase at levels of Brigadier and above in recent years, it is notable that since 2010-11, no officer in these ranks has been invalided out.

The feature that stands out when the historical evolution of the regime relating to disability pension is studied is the shift from slab based system to a percentage based disability pension regime consequent to the implementation of the VI CPC’s recommendations. This move has been contrary to the tenets of equity insofar as treatment of disability element between Officers and JCOs/ORs is concerned borne out by the fact that the ratio of maximum to minimum quantum of compensation for disability across the ranks is now disproportionately high at 8.6. The Commission is therefore of the considered view that the regime implemented post VI CPC needs to be discontinued, and recommends a return to the slab based system. The slab rates for disability element for 100 percent disability would be as follows:

Ration Money Allowance should be exempt from Income Tax – 7th CPC Report

Ration Money Allowance should be exempt from Income Tax – 7th CPC Report

Ration Money Allowance (RMA) : Ration Money Allowance (RMA) is paid to all personnel of Defence forces and nongazetted personnel of CAPFs, Delhi Police, IB, A&N police and such personnel of Indian Reserve Battalions (IRBn) as are posted in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and don’t dine in the mess. The existing rate of this allowance is ?95.52 per day for Non-Gazetted personnel and Rs.79.93 per day for Gazetted personnel.

There are demands to extend RMA to gazetted officers of CAPFs in line with Defence forces. Demands have also been received from some CAPFs that RMA should be exempted from the purview of income tax.

Analysis and Recommendations : Ration Money Allowance is revised periodically by Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Home for their personnel. Hence, it is proposed that status quo be maintained regarding the rates of this allowance.

However, regarding the admissibility of RMA, PBORs of CAPFs and Indian Coast Guard should be eligible to draw RMA irrespective of the place of posting (except when in receipt of the Detachment Allowance). Presently, officers of SSB who are posted in field areas at altitudes of less than 7000 feet are not eligible for RMA. This restriction of 7000 feet should be removed.

Regarding income tax exemption of RMA, the Commission, as part of its general approach, has refrained from making recommendations involving income tax. However, looking into the unique service conditions of CAPFs, the Commission is of the view that since RMA is granted in lieu of free rations, it should be exempt from income tax.

It is further recommended that the provision of free rations and the grant of Ration Money Allowance to officers of Defence forces posted in peace areas should be withdrawn.