Senior Pensioners aged 80 years and above be allowed to submit their Life Certificate

DOP&PW

No. 1/20/2018-P&PW (E)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Pension & Pensioners Welfare

3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhavan.,
Khan Market, New Delhi-110003
Dated: 18.7.2019

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:- Submission of Life Certificate.

It has been the experience of this Department that the Senior Pensioners i.e. the pensioners 80 years and above are facing a lot of difficulties standing in queues while giving the Life Certificates in November. It has been under the consideration of the Government to provide some relief to such pensioners.

2. It has therefore, been decided by the Government, that Senior Pensioners aged 80 years and above be allowed to give their Life Certificate w.e.f 1st October every year instead of November which would be valid till 30th November of the subsequent year.

3. The remaining pensioners below the age of 80 years may continue to give their Life Certificate in November as per existing provisions of CPAO Scheme booklet.

This has the approval of competent authority.

(Sanjoy Shankar)
Under Secretary to Govt. of India

Simplification of the Procedure in CGHS

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Simplification of the Procedure in CGHS

19 JUL 2019

CGHS Wellness Centres provide primary health care facilities and, if required, refer the beneficiaries to the Specialists at Government Hospitals/ Private Hospitals empanelled under CGHS. In emergency conditions, no endorsement for any treatment/ investigation is required from CGHS Wellness Centre. However, in non-emergency conditions or unlisted treatment/ tests, endorsement from concerned CGHS Wellness Centre is required.

With a view to facilitate ease of availing consultations from Specialists at empanelled hospitals, Government has permitted elderly CGHS beneficiaries aged 75 years and above to seek consultations from Specialists without any referral and undergo treatment/ investigations without endorsement. Permission is required only for unlisted treatment procedure/ tests in non-emergency conditions.
The guidelines for referral issued vide Office Memorandum No. Z.15025/117/2017/DIR/ CGHS/EHS, dated the 15th January, 2018 have been modified vide Office Memorandum No. Z.15025/117/2017/ DIR/CGHS/EHS, dated the 10th December, 2018 and the following modifications have been made in the interest of sick people, pensioners and serving employees:-

The referral shall be valid for consultations upto 3 times in the same hospital within 30 days.
CGHS beneficiaries have been permitted to consult upto 3 Specialists, if required during a single visit.

III. Investigations advised by Specialist of Private Empanelled Hospitals may be undertaken if they are required in emergency as certified by Specialist without endorsement by CGHS.

The Minister of State (Health and Family Welfare), Sh Ashwini Kumar Choubey stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha, here today.

PIB

Rules for filing IPRs

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Rules for filing IPRs

18 JUL 2019

In terms of Rule 18 of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, Immovable Property Returns (IPRs) are required to be submitted by all Government servants on their first appointment to any service or post and subsequently to be submitted annually. Similar provisions are also available in All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968.

Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) being the cadre controlling authority for Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Central Secretariat Service (CSS) and Central Secretariat Stenographers Service (CSSS) maintains the data in respect of officers belonging to these services. As per information in respect of these officers, IPRs for the year 2018, have not been filed by 52 IAS officers of the level of Joint Secretary & above, 163 CSS officers of the level of Under Secretary & above and 51 CSSS officers of the level of Principal Private Secretary & above.

DoPT, vide O.M. No. 104/33/2005-AVD-I dated 7.09.2011 and O.M. No. 11012/11/2007-Estt.(A) dated 27.09.2011, has prescribed that vigilance clearance shall be denied to the officers of All India Services and Central Civil Services/ Posts for certain purposes if they fail to submit their annual Immovable Property Returns of the previous year latest by 31st January of the following year.

This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

PIB

5% DA increase from July 2019 confirmed for Central Government Employees. 12% becomes 17% due to high inflation

5% DA increase from July 2019 confirmed for Central Government Employees. 12% becomes 17% due to high inflation

AICPIN May 2019 Two Points Increase - Expected DA Fixed at Next Level

All India Consumer Price Index for the month of May 2019 has been released by the Labour Bureau on 28th of this month and the CPI(IW) index has jumped to 314 by adding of two points, due to the pressure from Food Group index. At item level, Wheat Atta, Arhar Dal, Groundnut Oil, Poultry (Chicken), Milk Buffallo, Chillies Green, Garlic, Ginger, Onion, Banana, Brinjal, Carrot, French Bean, Green Coriander Leaves, Lemon, Potato, Tomato, Electricity Charges, Medicine­ Allopathic, etc. are responsible for the increase in index.

Out of 6 months of AICPIN needs to calculate the Dearness allowance and Dearness relief, we received 5 months statistics only. The 5th month i.e. May 2019 index is increased 2 points is remarkable. Along with the increase, the percentage of additional dearness allowance from july 2019 is kept in next level.

MONTH	AICPIN	DA%
Jan-19	307	13.39
Feb-19	307	14.02
Mar-19	309	14.73
Apr-19	312	15.49
May-19	314	16.29
Jun-19	314 (Expected)	17.02 (Expected)

After 7th Pay Commission implementation, this is the highest percentage in additional allowance for Central Government employees, Civil and Defence Pensioners and Family Pensioners.

5% of additional Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief may increase from July 2019 to all central civil and defence pensioners and family pensioners with minimum amount of Rs.450 per month.

7th CPC Dearness Allowance Rates 

Date from which payable	DA %
1st July 2019	17% (Expected)
1st Jan 2019	12%
1st July 2018	9%
1st Jan 2018	7%
1st July 2017	5%
1st Jan 2017	4%
1st July 2016	2%
1st Jan 2016	–

NPS - Withdrawal of resignation of Central Government servants appointed after 31.12.2003 covered under the National Pension System

NPS - DoPT Orders 2019

Withdrawal of resignation of Central Government servants appointed after 31.12.2003 covered under the National Pension System (NPS)

No. 28035/2/2014-Estt. (A)

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions

Department of Personnel & Training

North Block, New Delhi-11 0001

Dated: 10th June 2019

Office Memorandum

Subject: Withdrawal of resignation of Central Government servants appointed after 31.12.2003 covered under the National Pension System (NPS) reg.

The undersigned is directed to say that instructions on the procedure to be followed for 'Resignation from service' have been provided vide Ministry of Home Affairs O.M. No.39/6/57-Ests.(A) dated 06.05.1958, Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) O.M. No.28034/25/87-Estt(A) dated 11 .02.1988, No.28034/4/94 - Estt.(A) dated 31 .05.1994 and No.28035/2/2007-Estt.(A) dated 04.12.2007. Para 5 of DoPT O.M. dated 11 .02.1988 referred to above, provides the procedure for withdrawal of resignation as governed by Rule 26 (4) to (6) of Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972. References are being received from Ministries/Departments on the request for withdrawal of resignation by Government servants appointed after 31 .12.2003 and for whom CCS (Pension) Rules are not applicable. The matter of withdrawal of resignation of Government servants of Central Civil Services/Posts, appointed after 31 .12.2003 who are covered under the National Pension System (NPS) and for whom CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 is not applicable has been considered in this Department and with the approval of the competent authority, it has been decided that the following guidelines/ instructions may be followed while considering the request for withdrawal of resignation of the aforesaid Government servants.

The appointing authority may permit a person to withdraw his resignation in the public interest on the following conditions, namely:

(a) that the resignation was tendered by the Government Servant for some compelling reasons which did not involve any reflection on his integrity, efficiency, or conduct and the request for withdrawal of the resignation has been made as a result of a material change in the circumstances which originally compelled him to tender the resignation ;

(b) that during the period intervening between the date on which the resignation became effective and the date from which the request for withdrawal was made, the conduct of the person concerned was in no way improper;

(c) that the period of absence from duty between the date on which the resignation became effective and the date on which the person is allowed to resume duty as a result of permission to withdraw the resignation is not more than ninety days;

(d) that the post, which was vacated by the Government servant on the acceptance of his resignation or any other comparable post, is available.

3. Request for withdrawal of a resignation shall not be accepted by the appointing authority where a Government servant resigns his service or post with a view to taking up an appointment in or under a private commercial company or in or under a corporation or company wholly or substantially owned or controlled by the Government or in or under a body controlled or financed by the Government.

4. When an order is passed by the appointing authority allowing a person to withdraw his resignation and to resume duty, the order shall be deemed to include the condonation of interruption in service for the purpose.

5. No withdrawal from NPS corpus shall be permissible within a period of 90 days from the date on which the resignation becomes effective i.e. the resignation is accepted by the competent authority and the Government servant is relieved of his duties. However, the aforesaid condition shall not be applicable in case of death of the government servant after the resignation becomes effective.

6. The provision for withdrawal of resignation shall not be applicable for temporary Government Servants.

7. Above guidelines/instructions will be applicable only for the Government servants appointed on Central Civil Service/ Posts after 31.12.2003 who are covered under the National Pension System (NPS) and for whom CCS(Pension) Rules, 1972 is not applicable. Further, these guidelines/ instructions will be applicable till the time the statutory rules regarding withdrawal of resignation for such Government servants are notified.

8. This O.M. shall be prospective and cases already settled shall not be opened.

9. This issues in consultation with the Office of Comptroller and Auditor General of India.

10. It is requested to bring it to the notice of all concerned for strict compliance.

(Kabindra Joshi)

DirectorSource: DoPT

Source: DoPT

Special orders of the appropriate authority pro forma officiating promotion grade - Rajya Sabha

Special orders of the appropriate authority pro forma officiating promotion grade - Rajya Sabha

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Proforma Promotion Under NBR

27 JUN 2019

When an officer in a post (Whether within the cadre of his service or not) is for any reason prevented from officiating in his turn in a post on higher scale or grade borne on the cadre of the service to which he belongs, he may be authorized by special orders of the appropriate authority pro forma officiating promotion into such scale or grade and thereupon be granted the pay of that scale or grade, if that be more advantageous to him, on each occasion on which the officer immediately junior to him in the cadre of his service (or if that officer has been passed over by reason of inefficiency or unsuitability or because he is on leave or serving outside the ordinary line or forgoes officiating promotion of his own volition to that scale or grade, then the officer next junior to him not so passed over) draws officiating pay in that scale or grade.

Proforma Promotion is granted subject to fulfillment of certain conditions under the relevant instructions issued from time to time keeping in view the vacancy position.

To obviate the hardship caused in cases where all the seniors of the officer outside the line are promoted and there is no junior officer eligible for promotion within the cadre despite clear regular vacancies available for making promotions, the benefit of 'Next Below Rule' is allowed to the officers working outside their regular line in dispensation of the requirements of `one for one' and 'promotion of atleast one junior', subject to the fulfillment of the following further conditions: (a) that a post within the cadre remains unfilled for want of an approved person junior to the officer; and (b) the vacancy caused in the cadre is not filled up by making promotion on ad-hoc basis till the release of the next panel when some juniors become eligible for promotion. OM No. 8/4/84-Estt (Pay-I) dated 15th July, 1985, issued in this regard is still in force.

This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

PIB

Central Government Holiday to observed during the year 2020 - Corrigendum

Central Government Holiday to observed during the year 2020 - Corrigendum

F. No. 12/1/2019-JCA-2
Department of Personnel & Training
Establishment (JCA) Section

North Block, New Delhi
Dated the 26th June, 2019

CORRIGENDUM

Subject: Holidays to be observed in Central Government Offices during the year 2020 - reg.

In the list of holidays to be observed in Central Government Offices during the year 2020, circulated vide OM of even number dated 18th June, 2019, the para 6 of the OM may be read as;

"During 2020, Diwali (Deepawali) falls on Saturday, November 14, 2020 (Karthika 23)."
Hindi version will follow.

(Juglal Singh)
Deputy Secretary to the Govt. of India

Source: DoPT

Pension Funds and Investment Pattern in Tier-I of NPS for Central Government subscribers

Pension Funds and Investment Pattern in Tier-I of NPS for Central Government subscribers

PENSION FUND REGULATORY AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

CIRCULAR

PFRDA/2019/12/ REG-PF/1

Date: 8th May, 2019

SUBJECT: Introduction of choice of Pension Funds and Investment Pattern in Tier-I of NPS for Central Government subscribers - reg.

Reference is invited to the Gazette Notification F.No.1/3/2016-PR dated 31 st January, 2019 issued by Ministry of Finance, Department of Financial Services, modifying Ministry of Finance's Notification No. 5/7/2003-ECB dated 22nd December, 2003, based on the Government's decision on the recommendations of a Committee set up to suggest measures for streamlining the implementation of National Pension System (NPS).

Accordingly, it has been decided to introduce the following options for Central Government subscribers:

(i) Choice of Pension Fund: As in the case of subscribers in the private sector, the Government subscribers shall also be allowed to choose anyone of the pension funds including Private sector pension funds. They could change their option once in a year. However, the current provision of combination of the Public-Sector Pension Funds will be available as the default option for both existing as well as new Government subscribers.

(ii) Choice of Investment pattern: The following options for investment choices shall be offered to Government employees:

(a) The existing scheme in which funds are allocated by the PFRDA among the three Public Sector Undertaking fund managers based on their past performance in accordance with the guidelines of PFRDA for Government employees shall continue as default scheme for both existing and new subscribers.

(b) Government employees who prefer a fixed return with minimum amount of risk shall be given an option to invest 100% of the funds in Government securities (Scheme G).

(c) Government employees who prefer higher returns shall be given the options of the following two Life Cycle based schemes:

(A) Conservative Life Cycle Fund with maximum exposure to equity capped at 25% - LC-25.
(B) Moderate Life Cycle Fund with maximum exposure to equity capped at 50% - LC-50.

The subscribers may exercise one of the above choices of Investment Pattern twice in a financial year.

(iii) Implementation of choices to the legacy corpus: Transfer of a huge legacy corpus of more than Rs. 1 lakh crore in respect of the Government sector subscribers from the existing Pension Fund Managers is likely to impact the market. It may be practically difficult for the PFRDA to allow Government subscribers to change the Pension Funds or investment pattern in respect of the accumulated corpus, in one go. Therefore, for the present, change in the Pension Funds or investment pattern is allowed in respect of incremental flows only.

(iv) Transfer of legacy corpus in a reasonable time frame: PFRDA shall draw up a scheme in due course for transfer of accumulated corpus as per new choices of Government subscribers in a reasonable time frame of say five years. Once PFRDA draws up this scheme, change in the Pension Funds or investment pattern shall be allowed in respect of the accumulated corpus in accordance with that scheme.

• For investment option as per para 2 (ii) (a) above, all other terms and conditions as contained in the investment guidelines issued by the Authority dated 03.06.2015 for NPS Schemes (Applicable to Scheme CG, Scheme SG, Corporate CG and NPS Lite Schemes and APY) and subsequent amendments made thereto shall be applicable. Further, for investment options as per para 2 (ii) (b) or 2 (ii) (c) (A) or 2 (ii) (c) (8) above, all other terms and conditions as contained in the investment guidelines issued by the Authority dated 04.05.2017 in respect of NPS Schemes {Other than Govt. Sector (CG & SG), Corporate CG, NPS Lite and APY} and subsequent amendments made thereto shall apply.
• This circular is issued in exercise of powers of the Authority under sub-clause (b) of sub-section (2) of Section 14 read with Section 23 of the PFRDA Act, 2013 and sub regulation (1) of Regulation 14 of the PFRDA (Pension Fund) Regulations, 2015.

The above arrangements are applicable w.e.f. 1st April, 2019.

(A. G. Das)
Executive Director

Source: PFRDA

EPFO - Government proposes to increase the minimum pension for EPF pensioners?

Government proposes to increase the minimum pension for EPF pensioners ?

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
LOK SABHA

STARRED QUESTION NO: 23
ANSWERED ON: 24.06.2019

EPF Pension

N.K. Premachandran
Will the Minister of

LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:-
(a)whether the Government has received report from the Committee appointed for study of the issues of EPF pensioners and if so, the details thereof;
(b)the details of the recommendations of the said Committee;
(c)whether the Government has initiated action for implementation of the recommendations of the said Committee and if so, the details thereof;
(d)whether the Government proposes to increase the minimum pension for EPF pensioners and if so, the details thereof; and
(e)whether the Government also proposes to stop the realisation of amount from the pension on account of commutation of pension after realising the commuted amount and if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
(SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)

(a) to (e): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

---

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 23 TO BE ANSWERED ON 24.06.2019 BY
SHRI N.K. PREMACHANDRAN REGARDING EPF PENSION.

(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. The Committee appointed for Evaluation and Review of the Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995, headed by Additional Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment has submitted the report on 21st December, 2018. The report inter-alia has given observations/ recommendations on the following issues:

• Increase of Minimum Monthly Member Pension
• Period over which the Average Pensionable Salary is calculated
• Restoration of commuted value of pension
• Re-introduction of the provision for commutation of pension
• Restoration of the provision of Return of Capital
• Linking the monthly pension with cost of living index
• Issues of payment of pension on higher/ actual wages to employees of exempted establishments.

As far as pension on higher wages is concerned, the issue is sub-judice.

(c): The consultation process on the recommendations/observations on the Committee’s report has been initiated with Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and Central Board of Trustees (CBT). CBT is a tripartite body representing trade unions, employers besides representatives of Central and State Governments.

(d): The decision on increase of minimum pension for EPF is dependent on the outcome of the consultation process and has impact on Budgetary resources of the Government as the Committee has recommended that increase in pension has to come from the Budgetary resources.

(e): No decision has been taken to restore the commuted value of pension, as it has implications on sustainability of the funds under Employees’ Pension Scheme, maintained by EPFO.

Source: LOK SABHA

Periodic Review of Central Government Employees under FR 56(j)/(l) and Rule 48 of CCS(Pension) Rules, 1972

DoPT Orders 2019

Periodic Review of Central Government Employees under FR 56(j)/(l) and Rule 48 of CCS(Pension) Rules, 1972

No.25013/3/2019-Estt.A-IV
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & pensions
Department of Personnel & Training
Establishment A-IV Desk

North Block, New Delhi
New Delhi, 20th June, 2019

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject :- Strengthening of administration - Periodic review of Central Government Employees under Fundamental Rule (FR) 56(j) / (l) and Rule 48 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972
The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department's O.M No.25013 /1/2013- Estt.A dated 21.3.2014, OM No.25013/1/2013- Estt.A-IV dated 11.9.2015, 11.03.2016 and 10.8.2017 for periodic review of Central Government Employees for strengthening of administration under Fundamental Rule (FR) 56(j)/(I) and Rule 48 of CCS(Pension) Rules, 1972.

The detailed guidelines on the above subject are already in public domain at http://dopt.gov.in under Notifications --> OM & Orders --> Establishment ---> Premature Retirement.

All Ministries/ Departments are requested to undertake the periodic reviews in letter and spirit, including in public sector undertakings (PSUs) / Banks and Autonomous institutions, under their administrative control. Department of Public Enterprises will also compile and countercheck with all concerned Ministries/ Departments.

The Ministries/ Departments should ensure that the prescribed procedure like forming of opinion to retire a Government employee prematurely in public interest is strictly adhered to, and that the decision is not an arbitrary one, and is not based on collateral grounds as per the order of the Hon'ble Supreme Court in case of UOI & Col. J.N.Sinha [1571 SCR (1) 791].

All the Ministries/ Departments shall furnish a report to DoP&T in the format given below by 15th day of each month starting from 15th July, 2019. Department of Public Enterprises are requested to also compile and counter check the data with all concerned administrative Ministries/ Departments in respect of PSUs before furnishing the report to DoP&T.

Number of employees to be reviewed under FR 56 (j) group-wise (A/B/C) - 1
Number of employees reviewed under FR 56 (j) group-wise (A/B/C) - 2
Number of employees reviewed and against whom FR 56 (j) invoked/ recommended group-wise (A/B/C) - 3 Number of employees retired prematurely under FR 56 (j) group-wise (A/B/C) - 4

(Surya Narayan Jha)
Under secretary to the Government of India

To
The Secretaries of All Ministries/ Departments
(as per the standard list)

Source: DoPT