Tuesday, February 28, 2017

AICPIN for the month January 2017

AICPIN for the month January 2017

Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) for the month of January 2017.

The Labour Bureau today published the statistical index of CPI-IW for the calculation purpose of Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief for the existing and retired employees of Central Government. This Consumer Price Index also used for the calculation of Dearness Allowance for Workmen and Officers Employees in Banks.

The All-India CPI-IW for January 2017 decreased by one point and stood at 274.

For more details, Click the link to view the Press Release

DoPT Orders: Bunching of stages in the Revised pay structure in the grade of Assistant Section Officers

DoPT Orders: Bunching of stages in the Revised pay structure in the grade of Assistant Section Officers
F.No.7/1/2017-CS-1(A)(Pt.)
Government of India
Department of Personnel & Training
2nd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhawan
Khan Market, New Delhi-3
Dated 27.02.17
OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Bunching of stages in the Revised pay structure in the grade of Assistant Section Officers - Reg.

DoP&T has been receiving many references from various Ministries/ Departments seeking clarification on the issue of grant of bunching to Assistant Section Officers of Central Secretariat Service in terms of Department of Expenditure's O.M. dated 07.09.16.

It has also been noticed that there have been divergent views on the matter that while some Ministries/ Departments have given the benefit on their own, some other Ministries/ Departments have sought clarifications on various issues they are facing while giving the benefit of bunching in terms of DoE's O.M. dated 07.09.16.

3. The matter has been taken up for further clarifications with Establishment Division/ Department of Expenditure briefly on the following issues:
i. While the Seventh Pay Commission had not prescribed different modes of pay fixation for Direct Recruit (DR) and Promotee ASOs, there have been two different modes of pay fixation for DR and Promotees prior to implementation of Seventh pay Commission. Due to differential methods of pay fixation, required differential of 3% is not calculable based on seniority alone as the other relevant facts of being DR/ Promotee comes into play here.

ii) The manner of different pay fixation for DR ASO and promotee Assistants has been challenged in various court cases (viz. OA No.2147/2015, OA No. 150/2016, OA No. 1015/2013 and OA No.476/2015 etc.)

4. It has already been decided to consult Department of Expenditure through Establishment (Pay) in the matter and same is under examination. Therefore, to ensure uniform implementation of Department of Expenditure's instruction, all the Ministries/ Departments are advised to wait for further instructions with regard to grant of bunching benefits to ASOs of CSS and also if orders have already been issued by any Ministry/Department, the same may not be given effect till further instructions.

5. This issues with the approval of competent authority.

sd/-
(K.Srimvasan)
Under Secretary to the Government of India
Click to view the order

Authority: http://dopt.gov.in/

CGHS Subscription as per 7th CPC - Clarification for Pensioners Superannuating on 31.1.2017

CGHS Subscription as per 7th CPC - Clarification for Pensioners Superannuating on 31.1.2017
"It is clarified that those employees superannuating on or before 31.1.2017 and had submitted their application on or before 31.1.2017 may be allowed the subscription at the prevalent rates applicable as on 31.1.2017 vide OM No.S.No.S.11011/2/2008-CGHS(P) dated 20.5.2009".
No.S.11011/11/2016-CGHS(P)/EHS
Government of India
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
EHS Section
Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi
Dated the 9 February, 2017
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Sub: Revision of rates of subscription under Central Government Health Scheme due to revision of pay and allowances of Central Government employees and revision of pension/ family pension on account of implementation of recommendations of the Seventh Central Pay Commission- clarification reg.

Attention is drawn to this Ministry's OM of even No. dated 9th January, 2017 and a subsequent OM of even no. dated 13/7/2017, on the subject mentioned above.

2. This Ministry has been receiving several representations w.r.t applicability of CGHS rates to pensioners superannuating on 31.1.2017. The matter has been examined in this Ministry and it is clarified that those employees superannuating on or before 31.1.2017 and had submitted their application on or before 31.1.2017 may be allowed the subscription at the prevalent rates applicable as on 31.1.2017 vide OM No.S.No.S.11011/2/2008-CGHS(P) dated 20.5.2009. Pensioners applying for CGHS pensioner card on annual/lifetime basis after 31/1/2O17 will have to pay as per the revised rates effective from 1.2.2017 vide OM of even No. dated 13.1.2017′.

3. This issues with the approval of the Competent Authority.

sd/-
(Bindu Tewari)
Director
Authority : http://cghs.gov.in/

7th Pay Commission: Transport Allowance not to be hiked

7th Pay Commission: Transport Allowance not to be hiked

New Delhi: The Transport Allowance for central government employees will not be hiked and remain the same as 6th Pay Commission recommendations including Dearness Allowance(DA).

The Finance Ministry today informed about the report of the 'Committee on Allowances', headed by Finance Secretary Ashok Lavasa and said no hike in Transport Allowance (TPTA) for central government employees in its report. The committee accepted the 7th Pay Commission recommendation in this regard, which was announced earlier.

The Pay Commission has revised the Transport allowance (TPTA), which is given below:


 The existing Transport allowance table for A1/A cities and other places is under:

Existing-TPTA

The Pay Commission made report, assuming that the rate of Dearness Allowance 125 percent at the time of implementation of the pay commission recommendation, i.e. on January 1 next year.

Accordingly, the employees will not get any hike in Transport allowance on the time of implementation of the pay commission recommendation as the existing Transport allowance figure automatically reached the Pay Commission revised Transport allowance figure after adding 125 percent DA.

"In partial modification, the committee has further decided that the current HRA slab, which is 30 per cent of basic pay, for metros would continue," according to the sources.

However, the pay commission had recommended reducing the house rent allowance (HRA) to 24 per cent of basic pay as against the 30 per cent of basic pay employees were drawing under the Sixth Pay Commission.

The government has given higher basic pay with arrears, effective from January 1, 2016 in August 2016 to its employees on the recommendations of the 7th pay commission but referred hike in allowances to the Committee on Allowances.

Usually, once the recommendations of the pay commission are approved, the increase in basic pay is followed by an increase in allowances.

The hike in allowances, most probably to implement from the month of April and the Finance Minister Arun Jaitley may announce it after ending the model code of conduct on March 8.

Retirement fund body EPFO launches one page EPF claim withdrawal form

Retirement fund body EPFO launches one page EPF claim withdrawal form

Highlights:
1. For EPF subscribers whose Universal Account Number (UAN) is linked to their Aadhaar and bank account number, they can approach the EPFO directly for claims, bypassing the employers

2. In case of full withdrawal from EPF accounts, subscribers are required to mention only their names, registered mobile number, UAN, Aadhaar number, date of joining and leaving the company

3. For partial withdrawals from EPF accounts, subscribers are not required to submit extra documents
With an aim to provide withdrawal ease to its EPF subscribers, retirement fund body Employees' Provident Fund Organisation(EPFO) has started a simplified one page claim withdrawal form, The Hindustan Times reported.

Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) allows withdrawal if subscriber is unemployed for at least two months or partial withdrawals for events such as medical emergencies, children’s education or buying a house, cited report on Monday.

For EPF subscribers whose Universal Account Number (UAN) is linked to their Aadhaar and bank account number, they can approach the EPFO directly for claims, bypassing the employers, it said.

Earlier, EPF subscribers had to fill up form 19 for complete withdrawal, form 10C for pension fund scheme certificate to retain membership of Employees’ Pension Scheme or to claim withdrawals, and form 31 for partial withdrawals.

Now, with the EPFO's introduction of the new form called the composite claim form all forms have been merged into one. It has launched two types of EPF withdrawal forms- Aadhaar and non-Aadhaar forms.
The Aadhaar-based composite form is meant for individuals who have activated their UAN and linked it with their Aadhaar and bank account number, and whose details are embedded in the UAN portal, the news report said.

According to the report, in case of full withdrawal from EPF accounts, subscribers are need to mention only their names, registered mobile number, UAN, Aadhaar number, date of joining and leaving the company.
Moreover, for partial withdrawals, there is no longer need of extra documents. Subscribers have to mark the purpose for which they need the money and how much. Sign the form, attach a cancelled cheque and then the subscribers can go ahead.

The non-Aadhaar form needs details of EPF subscribers such as date of birth, father's name and bank account details. It has to be signed by subscribers and their employers.

The report citing the new form further stated that for partial withdrawals subscribers do not have to submit proof.

For instance, if partial withdrawal was for a wedding (of self or children), EPF subscriber had to give supporting documents such as the wedding invitation card. In the new form, subscriber's signature is enough. But there is a disclaimer at the bottom which states that if the funds are used for any other purpose, the subscriber is liable to return the money with penal interest.

But if partial withdrawal is for a medical emergency, subscriber still need to submit proof like medical certificate and certificate by the employer that employees' state insurance (ESIC) facility is not available to the member, it added.

EPFO plans to launch an online facility from May this year for withdrawals, but this can only be used by individuals with Aadhaar and bank account-linked UAN, cited the report.

3rd pay panel for CPSEs suggests min Rs 30,000 for executives

3rd pay panel for CPSEs suggests min Rs 30,000 for executives

New Delhi: The third pay revision committee for central public sector enterprises has recommended minimum pay of Rs 30,000 per month for executives and a maximum of Rs 3.7 lakh for CMDs.

As per the recommendations, the minimum monthly salary of below Board level executives will increase from Rs 12,600 to Rs 30,000.

However, in case of CMDs, the maximum monthly salary for Schedule A CPSEs will go up from Rs 1.25 lakh to Rs 3.7 lakh.

In case of Schedule B, C and D CPSEs, the maximum monthly salary will be Rs 3.2 lakh, Rs 2.9 lakh and Rs 2.8 lakh, respectively.

The recommendations of the Justice Satish Chandra committee, which are to come into effect from January 1, 2017, will be placed before the Union Cabinet for approval.

Depending upon profits, the PSUs are categorised into different schedules, with highest being Schedule A. There are currently 64 Schedule A, 68 Schedule B, 45 Schedule C and 4 Schedule D CPSEs in the country.
The committee has recommended that the rate of House Rental Allowance (HRA) will be revised to 27 per cent, 18 per cent and 9 per cent when industrial dearness allowance (IDA) crosses 50 per cent, and further revised to 30 per cent, 20 per cent and 10 per cent when IDA crosses 100 per cent.

The panel recommended no change in the IDA pattern and the 100 per cent DA neutralisation shall continue to be applicable.

Revised IDA from January 1, 2017, shall be linked to All India Consumer Price Index (AICPI) (2001=100) series with the base of AICPI as on January 1, 2017 as per the quarterly average of AICPI of September, October and November 2016.

The committee has also suggested that the annual increment be retained at 3 per cent of Basic Pay.
It has further recommended that increment on promotion shall continue to be at par with the annual increment rate (3 per cent of Basic Pay).

The panel has recommended no change in the retirement age for CPSE employees.

Besides, it said that ESOP being a concept beneficial for both CPSEs and its employees, the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) should elaborate the mechanism in consultation with concerned authorities to enable introduction of ESOP in listed CPSEs with empowerment to the Board or Administrative Ministry to approve the same.

It will be in lieu of part of performance related pay.

Profit making CPSEs, which can bear the cost of VRS with their own surplus resources, are allowed to implement VRS policy by allowing compensation/ex-gratia on the revised pay scales proposed to be effective from January 1, 2017.

The committee has also recommended a modified performance related pay but said that the overall profit distribution should be linked to 5 per cent of the annual profit accruing from core business activity.

PTI

Retention of the rates of HRA and date of effect of allowances should be from 1st January 2016 and revision of rates of Transport allowances, OTA and NDA apart from retention of many of the allowances

Cabinet Decision on 7th CPC Allowances only after 11th March 2017

"Retention of the rates of HRA and date of effect of allowances should be from 1st January 2016 and revision of rates of Transport allowances, OTA and NDA apart from retention of many of the allowances - COC Karnataka".

Allowances

Comrades,
The media is debating that the allowances committee headed by Shri Ashok Lavasa Finance Secretary has submitted its report to the Hon’ble Finance Minister Arun Jaitleyji on 22nd or not. Comrades as you aware that this committee period has expired on 22nd February 2017, the question is that even if it has submitted its report to the Hon’ble Finance Minister Arun Jaitleyji it is confidential document all media creation on the HRA rates are not be believed, the actual truth will be known only after the assembly elections results of five states which will be declared on March 11.

The past experience is that even if the committee decides positively the union cabinet had turn down the recommendations of the committee, hence speculation is not correct, only after the union cabinet approves the recommendations of the committee, the new orders is issued.

The main demands of the CG employees is retention of the rates of HRA and date of effect of allowances should be from 1st January 2016 and revision of rates of Transport allowances, OTA and NDA apart from retention of many of the allowances.

Comrades instead of speculation it would be better we focus on the 16th March 2017 strike, which would put pressure on the Central Government to yield to our charter of demands.
Comradely yours
(P.S.Prasad)
General Secretary
Source: http://karnatakacoc.blogspot.in/

Admissibility of Deputation (Duty) Allowance while on deputation

Admissibility of Deputation (Duty) Allowance while on deputation

No. 2/6/2016-Estt.(Pay-II)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel and Training
North Block, New Delhi
Dated: 23rd February 2017
OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Admissibility of Deputation (Duty) Allowance while on deputation - regarding.
The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department’s O.M. of even number dated 17th February 2016 vide which powers were delegated to Ministries / Departments / borrowing organisations to extend deputation tenures up to a period not exceeding 7 years at a stretch, in respect of cases covered by the O.M. dated 17th June 2010.

2. The matter regarding the admissibility of Deputation (Duty) Allowance in view of the change in maximum number of years of deputation tenure as provided above has been examined in this Department.

3. As per Para 8.3.2 of the OM No. 6/8/2009-Estt.(Pay-II) dated 17th June 2010, where the extension is granted up to the fifth year, the official concerned will continue to be allowed Deputation (Duty) Allowance, if he/she has opted to draw deputation (duty) allowance.

4. This Department’s O.M. No. 2/6/2016-Estt.(Pay-II) dated 17th February 2016 delegates powers to Ministries / Departments / borrowing organisations, to extend deputation tenures up to a period of 7 years in a stretch, in respect of cases covered by the O.M. dated 17th June 2010. However, there has been no modification of the Para 8.3.2. of the O.M. dated 17th June 2010 by the O.M. dated 17th February 2016. The new O.M. dated 17th February 2016 provides vide Para 4 that all other terms and conditions issued vide OM No. 6/8/2009-Estt.(Pay-II) dated 17th June 2010 will remain unchanged.

5. Thus, admissibility of Deputation (Duty) Allowance would be only as per Para 8.3.2 of the O.M. dated 17th June 2010, i.e. only up to the fifth year, if the deputationist has opted to draw Deputation (Duty) Allowance.
(A.K. Jain)
Deputy Secretary to the Government of India

Was the 7th CPC Allowance Committee Report submitted to the government as early as February 22?

Was the 7th CPC Allowance Committee Report submitted to the government as early as February 22?

7th CPC Allowance Committee Report Submitted to the Government or not?

Was the 7th CPC Allowance Committee Report submitted to the government as early as February 22?
A high-level committee, under the chairmanship of Finance Secretary Ashok Lavasa was constituted by the Central Government to review the Seventh Pay Commission’s recommendations regarding the allowances being given to the Central Government employees. According to information, the committee had already submitted its report on February 22.

Irrespective of who possesses the report now - the committee or the government - what is more intriguing is the recommendations that it contains.

One could see that the 7th Pay Commission suggested either rationalization or simplification at many places. An example is the Pay Matrix Table, which has now brought the entire Pay Structure of more than 35 lakh employees under one Table. Although there are some anomalies, the system has dramatically simplified the process of annual increment calculation and also pay fixation on Promotion or MACP.

At present 196 different kinds of allowances are being given to the Central Government employees. Some modifications have been recommended in these too as part of the rationalization and simplification drive. The Seventh Pay Commission has recommended the abolition of 52 allowances. And another 36 allowances have been abolished as separate identities, but subsumed either in an existing allowance or in newly proposed allowances.

The Commission said that the entire range of allowances is administered in broadly four ways. Fully DA indexed Allowances, Partially or Semi DA indexed Allowances, No DA indexation Allowances and Percentage based Allowances. House Rent Allowance is being under the category of Percentage based Allowances. The Commission also said that the compensation towards the housing needs of Central Government employees is covered in many ways. The Commission finally suggested that the percentage based allowances by a factor of 0.8, the Commission recommends that HRA should be rationalized to 24 percent, 16 percent and 8 percent of the Basic Pay for Class X, Y and Z cities respectively.

The big irritation, or rather disappointment to the Central Government employees was the recommendation to reduce the percentage of House Rent Allowance (HRA).

All trade unions have expressed their harsh opposition to the proposed cuts in HRA. The Central Government employees’ Federations also expressed their disappointment through various protest. Finally the Central Government accepted to constitute a high level committee to examine the recommendations of 7th Pay Commission regarding Allowances.

Now, sources claim that the committee has already submitted its report to the government.

The government can announce its final decision on the recommendations of the committee any day. But, many believe that there could be a delay in the announcements due to the state elections that are being held in various parts of the country and the election commission’s guidelines that are being enforced now.
Unconfirmed reports say that the committee has recommended the percentage rates of HRA as per 6th CPC and changes in the method of calculating Transport Allowances also.

The biggest mystery however is - will these recommendations be given retrospective effect and will arrears be given?

Three dates are currently being suggested - January 1, 2016; August 1, 2016; and April 1, 2017.
Only the Central Government has all the answers right now.

Sources Confirmed Allowance Committee Report Submitted

Sources Confirmed Allowance Committee Report Submitted

One of the NJCA leader, On Condition of Anonymity, told that the committee constituted to examine the allowance has finalized its reports and submitted it to the Government on 22nd February 2017.
On asking whether the NJCA knew the details of the committee report, he said that they were not provided with the committee report. But the committee has informed them that their demand on allowance would be considered favorably.

Hence it is expected the HRA will be retained in old rates (Sixth CPC rates) from the beginning itself and will be paid in 7th CPC Pay Scale when revised allowances come into effect. However, the news of revised allowances would be implemented with effect from 1.4.2017 is not reliable. NJCA will not accept this and clearly said that it should be implemented with effect from 1.1.2016 retrospectively.

X cities- 30%
Y cities- 20%
Z cities- 10%
7thCPC-hra-table


Transport Allowance may be split into two elements as CCA and TA as it was paid in fifth CPC. The Rates will be delinked from DA and will Fixed in slab rates.

The Government will announce its decision over the committee report after the last phase of state elections ie after 8th March 2017.

Source: http://govtstaffnews.in/

7th Pay Commission: Higher allowances announcement soon

7th Pay Commission: Higher allowances announcement soon

New Delhi: Central government employees are waiting almost seven months to receive higher allowances under the 7th Pay Commission recommendations in their paychecks. Senior Finance Ministry sources say the government is expected to make the announcement of higher allowances after five states assembly polls.
The central government employees received higher basic pay in August 2016 with arrears, effective from January 1, 2016 on the recommendations of the 7th pay commission but the hike in allowances other than dearness allowance has yet to materialize.

The 7th Pay Commission recommendations have wrapped up, in June last year, but the central government employees still waiting for payments owed them i.e higher allowances.

The delays are because the allowances other than dearness allowance referred to the ‘Committee on Allowances’ headed by the Finance Secretary Ashok Lavasa for examination as the pay commission had recommended of abolishing 51 allowances and subsuming 37 others out of 196 allowances.

The Committee on Allowances was initially given a time of four months to submit its report to the Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

In October last year, Ashok Lavasa was quoted by some media outlets as saying he was ready with the report.

However, the committee was later given an extension till February 22, 2017 to submit its report on the pretext of demonetisation and the government said that the cash crunch was the reason behind the delay in announcing higher allowances.

According to some reports, the government is likely to give its nod to the revised allowances once the Assembly elections in five states are over. The revised allowances are expected to be effective from April 1, which marks the beginning of the new financial year.

The sources said the Committee on Allowances report states the current HRA slab, which is 30 per cent of basic pay, for metros. An announcement on the same is expected soon.

However, the pay commission had recommended reducing the house rent allowance (HRA) to 24 per cent of basic pay as against the 30 per cent of basic pay employees were drawing under the Sixth Pay Commission.

TST

whether Government has any proposal to extend same benefits to paramilitary forces at par with army?

'Benefits to paramilitary forces at par with army' issue raised in Parliament :

whether Government has any proposal to extend same benefits to paramilitary forces at par with army?
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-710
ANSWERED ON-08.02.2017

Benefits to paramilitary forces at par with army
710 . Shri A. Vijayakumar
(a) whether Government has any proposal to extend same benefits to paramilitary forces at par with army;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether there is any such pending demand by paramilitary forces; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)

(a) to (d): The proposals from Central Armed Police Force for grant of benefits at par with Army include, inter-alia, Risk & Hardship Allowance, Para Military Service Pay, Discontinuation of New Pension Scheme etc. The CAPF personnel are entitled for pension and other pensionary benefits as per Central Civil Service (Pension) Rules 1972, which are different from the pension rules applicable to Ex-servicemen. The 7th CPC has not recommended grant of Para Military Service Pay to the CAPFs. The 7th CPC has recommended a common regime of Risk and Hardship Allowance for Army and CAPFs which is under consideration of the Committee on Allowances.

Authority: www.rajyasabha.nic.in

AIBEA: Government Issues Notification On Associate Banks Merger

AIBEA: Government Issues Notification On Associate Banks Merger

AIBEA: ALL INDIA BANK EMPLOYEES' ASSOCIATION

CIRCULAR No. 28/5/2017/5
23-2-2017
TO ALL UNITS AND MEMBERS:
Dear Comrades,
Government issues Gazette Notification
On closure of Associate Banks and
Merger with SBI w.e.f. 1st April, 2017.
Protecting our members in the Associate Banks - need of the hour
Clarion call from AIBEA's All India SBI Emp. Association

Our units and members are aware of our prolonged and principled opposition to the process of consolidation and merger of Associate Banks with SBI. There have been innumerable struggles and strike actions on this issue in the last more than a decade. Especially, when there were attempts to close the remaining 5 Associate Banks for merger with SBI, there have been very intensified agitations and progrmames. Our units and members in the Associate Banks have also led many struggles including number of strike actions.

There have been nationwide campaign on this issue because the move to close down the Associate Banks was totally unwarranted, rather there was a genuine need to delink these Banks from SBI and make them autonomous. For a long time, these Banks have been subjugated to the total whims of SBI and hence the real growth of the Associate Banks was in fact thwarted. Many Banks which were smaller in size than these Associate Bank have grown much bigger now. But our demand for delinking Associate Banks from SBI was deliberately ignored and played down by the successive Governments.

However, in the name of Banking sector reforms, privatisation and consolidation have continued to be their agenda and as a part of it, the Associate Banks have been their target. Making SBI a global player has been their fanciful idea notwithstanding the fact that it is neither prudent nor required for Indian situation. Ignoring all our viewpoints, opposition of various political parties, etc. the Government has gone ahead with their decision and after giving final Cabinet clearance few days ago, have now notified the merger with SBI w.e.f. 1st April, 2017.

With this development and reality, the need has now arisen to take all efforts to protect the interests of our membership in the Associate Banks. AIBEA's union in SBI: Our units are aware that already we have our union in SBI viz. ALL INDIA STATE BANK OF INDIA EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION.

It has been decided that all our units and members in SBT, SBM, SBBJ, SBH and SBP will be affiliated to this union and thus we will have a stronger AISBIEA with nearly 50,000 members all over the country under the banner of AIBEA. It will be the biggest bankwise Union under the banner of AIBEA.

AISBIEA is shortly meeting to decide on all further steps to consolidate our organisation in the changed scenario after the merger with SBI and to take all steps to protect the interests of our members in the Associate Banks so that no injustice will be done to our members in any manner consequent to the merger.

With greetings,
Yours comradely,
C.H. VENKATACHALAM
GENERAL SECRETARY
Source: http://aibea.in/

Saturday, February 25, 2017

Gratuity payment ceiling to double to Rs 20 lakh; Unions support government decision

Gratuity payment ceiling to double to Rs 20 lakh; Unions support government decision

The employees of organised sector can now be allowed to withdraw up to Rs 20 lakh from their gratuity fund. In a meeting between the labour ministry and representatives from states, employees and employers on Thursday, the decision reached to the consensus.

The central trade unions have also agreed on doubling gratuity amount ceiling as an interim measure in a tripartite meeting on the proposed amendment to Payment of Gratuity Act conducted today by the Labour Ministry.

The unions demanded the removal of conditions asking to have at least 10 employees in an establishment and minimum five years of service for payment of gratuity.

"While accepting the maximum payment limit of Rs 20 lakh as an interim measure, the unions demanded that the ceilings/ limit with respect to number of employees and years of service should be removed," the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) said in a statement.

It said, "The central trade unions have been urging the government that the ceiling in the amount of gratuity should be removed."

At present, as per the Payment of Gratuity Act, an employee is required to do minimum service of five years to become eligible for gratuity amount. Moreover, the Act applies to those establishments where the number of employees is not less than 10.

The statement said the application of amended provision regarding maximum amount should be made effective from January 1, 2016 as done in the case of central government employees.
Besides that rate of 15 days wages for each completed year of service be raised to 30 days wages, the unions demanded.

The proposed amendment to the Payment of Gratuity Act as circulated by the government along with the letter dated February 15, 2017 only deals with enhancing the ceiling of maximum amount under Section 4(3) of the Act from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh, the unions said.

They pointed out during the meeting that the proposed amendment is being brought to bring the maximum ceiling amount to Rs 20 lakh in line with recommendation of 7th Central Pay Commission as accepted by the government.

The relevant amendment for central government employees was notified on July 25, 2016 and the enhanced amount ceiling was made effective from January 1, 2016.

The unions are of the view that the delay of 8 months for employees covered under the Payment of Gratuity Act should not result in adversely affecting the interest of the concerned employees.

The employers as well as state representatives also agreed to the proposal of raising the amount of gratuity to Rs 20 lakh, it said.

(With inputs from PTI)

PFRDA eyes training 64,500 employees to create mass awareness on NPS, APY

PFRDA eyes training 64,500 employees to create mass awareness on NPS, APY

NEW DELHI: Pension regulator PFRDA has appointed IL&FS Skill Development Corporation to train 64,500 government employees and other stakeholders on various aspects of flagship schemes NPS and APY.

The training institute has been appointed to create mass awareness and impart training on National Pension System (NPS) and Atal Pension Yojna (APY) to the employees of Points of Presence, APY service providers, and corporates of North-West zone.

Nodal officers of central and state governments and those at state autonomous bodies too would be trained, said Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).

"It is intended to have at least 50-60 participants in each session of 3-4 hours duration and conduct approximately 1,610 training sessions and train 64,500 participants in the NW zone over the next 12 months," PFRDA said while notifying the training institute.

Participants from Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chandigarh, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli would be imparted training on various aspects of the two flagship social security programmes.

As on January 17, the overall number of NPS and APY subscribers stood at 1.42 crore, with Asset Under Management (AUM) of Rs 1.61 lakh crore. APY, which guarantees a monthly pension of Rs 1,000 - Rs 5,000, has about 43 lakh subscribers.

As on January 17, the overall number of NPS and APY subscribers stood at 1.42 crore, with Asset Under Management (AUM) of Rs 1.61 lakh crore. APY, which guarantees a monthly pension of Rs 1,000 - Rs 5,000, has about 43 lakh subscribers.

UGC: Pay panel hike for 20%

UGC: Pay panel hike for 20%

New Delhi/ Hyderabad: The University Grants Commission (UGC) at a meeting held on February 22 reportedly cleared the recommendations of the 5-member committee that looked into the pay revision for university and college teachers across the country. The report is now with the Ministry of Human Resources Development for its approval. The ministry is yet to look into the report as the elections to several state assemblies are being held.

Sources from the UGC told The Hans India that the committee has reportedly recommended a 20 per cent hike in the basic pay of university and college teachers. As the existing Dearness Allowance will be merged in the basic pay, the hike is likely to be around 25 per cent to 30 per cent, including the HRA depending on the cadre and the seniority.

Monthly salary for university/college teachers (in Rs)
PostCurrent starting payProposed pay
Professor1,23,0001,44,000
Associate professor1,07,0001,26,000
Assistant professor50,00059,000
*Figures include basic salary, academic grade pay and DA 

The pay commission has reportedly recommended a performance linked promotion system with an emphasis on research. There is no change in the retirement age. The present UGC panel has also recommended the retirement age of university and college teachers to be 65 years. But, several state governments have not implemented even the earlier panel's recommendation to this effect. The state governments took advantage of the fact that higher education is in the concurrent list.

The proposed hike will be applicable to around 30, 000 teachers in Central universities and over four lakh in State varsities and colleges across the country .The last pay revision took place in 2006. The panel has reportedly suggested implementation of new pay scales with retrospective effect from January 2016 as the Central pay revision takes place every ten years while the State government pay scales are revised every five years.

Similar to the Seventh Pay Commission recommendations for the Central government employees, the UGC panel has recommended that a teacher's starting package to be revised by a multiplier of 2.72, applied to the basic salary and academic grade pay (AGP). The Seventh Pay Commission, whose report was accepted last year for civil servants and other central staff, had used the 2.72 multiplier.

The 5-member UGC panel was headed by Prof V S Chauhan.Speaking to The Hans India from Patna, Prof Arun Kumar, general secretary of All India Federation of University and College Teachers Organisations (AIFUCTO), urged the UGC to make the report public immediately. The teachers of the universities and colleges across India are aghast that they have been deliberately kept in the dark about such a sensitive and important issue, the AIFUCTO leader said in a recent press release.

The UGC panel reportedly urged the Central government to meet the 100 per cent additional financial requirement for the implementation of new UGC scales for university and college teachers. However, though the last pay commission in 2006 made a similar recommendation, the Central government has given only 80 per cent and asked the State governments concerned to bear the remaining 20 per cent of additional financial requirements for implementing the new scales for teachers in State universities and colleges.

Speaking to The Hans India, Prof Battu Satyanarayana, chairman, Telangana Federation of University Teachers Associations, urged the UGC to release special grants to State universities to implement the revised UGC scales.

Friday, February 24, 2017

Revised Subscription Rates of RELHS as per Pay Matrix of 7th CPC

Revised Subscription Rates of RELHS as per Pay Matrix of 7th CPC

The Railway Board has decided to revise the subscription raes of Railway Employees Liberalized Health Scheme (RELHS)as per the Pay Matrix Level recommended by the 7th Pay Commission.

Following the subscription calculation method of CGHS for Central Government Employees and Pensioners, the Railway Board has now decided and published the revised subscription rates for all the group of Railway employees through its official portal.

On 9th January, 2017 the Health Ministry published the new rates of monthly subscription for availing the CGHS facility. The Central Government Pensioners have an option to get their CGHS Pensioners Card by either making CGHS contribution on an annual basis (12 Months) or by making contribution for 10 years for life time validity.

The rate of contribution to join RELHS shall be last month's basic pay drawn or the subscription rate indicated in the above table at different levels as per the 7th Pay Commission whichever is lower.

Pay Matrix LevelSubscription Rate to Join RELHS (in Rs.)
Level 1 (Grade Pay 1800)30,000
Level 2 (Grade Pay 1900)30,000
Level 3 (Grade Pay 2000)30,000
Level 4 (Grade Pay 2400)30,000
Level 5 (Grade Pay 2800)30,000
Level 6 (Grade Pay 4200)54,000
Level 7 (Grade Pay 4600)78,000
Level 8 (Grade Pay 4800)78,000
Level 9 (Grade Pay 5400)78,000
Level 10 (Grade Pay 5400)78,000
Level 11 (Grade Pay 6600)78,000
Level 12 and Above1,20,000

The revised rate of subscription as above shall be applicable to those railway employees who shall be retiring and joining RELHS on or after the date of issue of this letter(23.2.2017). Those who have already retired and are not member of RELHS shall be governed by the rules which were prevalent at the time of their retirement

Bureaucrats on central deputation abroad and within the country will not get deputation allowance beyond five years of such tenure

To check overstay, Centre cuts deputation allowance of bureaucrats

Bureaucrats on central deputation abroad and within the country will not get deputation allowance beyond five years of such tenure

Norms allow a maximum of seven-year, in break-up of five plus two years in usual cases, central deputation term for officers to work outside their state cadre or abroad.

The admissibility of deputation (duty) allowance would be up to the fifth year, if the deputationist has opted to draw such monetary benefit, an order issued recently by the Personnel Ministry said.

The decision has been taken to check overstay of central deputation period by officers including those in Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) among others, officials said.
The move comes after the government noticed a few cases where officers central deputation tenure was being extended, mainly while they were working abroad, by ministries concerned beyond the maximum period of seven years citing "exigencies", they said.

The Personnel Ministry has already issued a directive to warn officers that they may lose their job for overstaying on foreign posting.

In case of deputation within the same station, the allowance will be paid at the rate of 5 per cent of basic pay subject to a maximum of Rs 2,000 per month; and in other cases, it will be payable at the rate of 10 per cent of the employee's basic pay subject to a maximum of Rs 4,000 per month.

PTI

UGC Pay Review Committee Recommendations for University and College teachers - 20% Pay Hike, Performance linked Promotion etc.

UGC Pay Review Committee Recommendations for University and College teachers - 20% Pay Hike, Performance linked Promotion etc.

ugc-pay-review-committtee-recommendations


New Delhi, Feb. 22: The UGC today recommended a 20 per cent pay hike for university and college teachers.

A performance-linked promotion system has been suggested with stress on research. The retirement age will remain unchanged at 65.

The recommendations, made by a five-member committee, have to be accepted by the HRD ministry. If approved, the hike will be the first such revision in more than a decade and cover nearly 30,000 teachers in central universities and over four lakh in state varsities and colleges.

The panel has suggested that the new salaries be paid with retrospective effect from January 2016. The UGC cleared the report without changes.

According to the recommendations, a teacher's starting package will be revised by a multiplier of 2.72, applied to the basic salary and another component called academic grade pay (AGP).

For instance, a directly recruited professor who gets around Rs 43,000 as basic salary, Rs 10,000 as AGP and dearness allowance now will be entitled to a basic salary of Rs 1.44 lakh which would subsume the present dearness allowance.

The Seventh Pay Commission, whose report was accepted last year for civil servants and other central staff, had used the 2.72 multiplier.

The last revision for teachers in 2006 had put their package higher than that of civil servants at the entry level. Teachers may continue to retain the edge even under the revised structure, sources said.

Furqan Qamar, the secretary-general of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), said university and college salaries had been kept higher to attract talent.

On promotions, the current determinants are indicators like teaching and research output. The UGC panel, headed by Prof. V.S. Chauhan, has suggested that more stress be laid on quality research, such as papers published in reputable journals, the sources said.

The UGC has forwarded to all central universities a finance ministry order suggesting the Centre will bear no more than 70 per cent of the additional expenses arising out of the revised pay. This order covers autonomous institutions, including central universities.

The higher education regulator has asked the 40-odd central universities to specify how much internal resources they can generate, indicating the possibility of a hike in tuition fees.

The new pay proposals are not binding on state universities, which have to fund the higher salaries from their own resources. But they have usually adopted such suggestions in the past.

The Union HRD ministry has set up a separate committee for salary revision of teachers in technical institutions like the IITs and the IIMs.

Read at: The Telegraph

NFIR: Comprehensive transfer policy - exemption from 5 years condition

NFIR: Comprehensive transfer policy - exemption from 5 years condition

NFIR
National Federation of Indian Railwaymen
3, CHELMSFORD ROAD, NEW DELHI - 110055
Affiliated to :
Indian NationalTrade Union Congress (INTUC)
lnternational Transport Workers' Federation (ITF)
Dated: 23/02/2017
No. II/14/Part VII
Shri Suresh Prabhu,
Honoble Minister for Railways,
Rail Mantrlaya,
Rail Bhavan,
New Delhi

Respected Sir,
Sub: Comprehensive transfer policy - exemption from 5 years condition-reg.
Ref: (i) Railway Board's letter No. E(NG)I-2005/TR/20 dated,10/02/2016.
(ii) NFIR's letter No. II/14/Part VII dated 21st Feb 2017.

At the outset, NFIR thanks the Railway Ministry for granting exemption from 5 years minimum service condition to consider the request transfers in the following situations vide Railway Board's letter dated 10/02/2016.

(a) Transfers sought on mutual exchange basis,
(b) Transfers sought on spouse ground,
(c) Railway servants who are care-givers to a disabled child and
(d) Physically handicapped Railway servants.

The Federation brings to your kind notice that the Defence Forces Personnel after having served for safeguarding the Nation's Borders for decades, have retired and thereafter they are being recruited through Railway Recruitment Boards/Railway Recruitment Cells in the Railways. These Personnel during their service in the Defence Forces were far away from their families for decades. After recruitment in Railwals also, they are away from their family members and children due to their postings at different places. Consequently, they are facing lot of hardships in managing two establishments. Their case therefore, deserves to be considered by relaxing 5 years minimum service condition, so that they can seek transfer nearer to their place of residence and can peacefully perform their duties while leading family life.

NFIR, therefore, requests the Hon'ble MR to kindly accord approval for relaxing minimum 5 years service condition in the case of former Defence Forces Personnel re-employed in Railways also to enable them to go on transfer nearer to their places and join their families. A copy of Federation's letter dated 21st Feb 2017 on the subject, already sent to Railway Board is also enclosed.
Yours sincerly,
(Dr. M. Raghavaiah)
General Secretary
DA,/As above
Source: NFIR

TamilNadu Teachers Eligibility Test 2017 : Notification and Syllabus

TamilNadu Teachers Eligibility Test 2017 : Notification and Syllabus

GOVERNMENT OF TAMIL NADU
TEACHERS RECRUITMENT BOARD
TAMILNADU TEACHERS ELIGIBILITY TEST (TNTET) - 2017
Date : 24-02-2017

Applications are invited for Teacher Eligibility Test, Paper I and Paper II for the year 2017 from the eligible candidates in Tamil Nadu. One of the essential qualifications for a person to be eligible for appointment as a teacher in any of the schools referred to clause (n) of section 2 of the RTE Act is that he/she should pass the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) which will be conducted by the appropriate Government.

The State Government has designated the Teachers Recruitment Board as the Nodal Agency for conducting Teacher Eligibility Test and recruitment of Teachers as per G.O. (Ms) No. 181, School Education (C2) Department, Dated 15.11.2011.

1. Schedule of Dates:
Sale of Application 06.03.2017 to 22.03.20179 am to 5 pm
Last Date for Receipt of Application Form23.03.2017by 5 pm
Written Examination:Paper I Paper II29.04.201730.04.201710 am to 1 pm10 am to 1 pm

2. Eligibility to Write TET Paper I:
Candidates should possess the following prescribed qualifications to write the Teacher Eligibility Test Paper I.
a. Candidates who have passed Higher Secondary Course (10+2 Pattern) and Diploma in Teacher Education / Diploma in Elementary Education (Regarding the Candidates who have passed D.T.Ed., from States other than Tamil Nadu, their certificate should be evaluated before Certificate Verification) from a Recognized Teacher Training Institute / DIET and seeking an appointment as Secondary Grade Teacher for classes I to V (except Visually Impaired Candidates) can write Paper I.

b. Candidates appearing for the Final Year Examination of D.E.Ed. during the current Academic Year (2016–2017) are also permitted to appear for Paper I in the Teacher Eligibility Test. Such Candidates should successfully complete the course in the current Academic Year (2016-2017) itself and should produce D.E.Ed., Certificate during Certificate Verification; otherwise they shall not be considered for the current year Government recruitment process. However they will be issued with TET certificate after producing D.E.Ed., Diploma Certificate.

c. Visually impaired candidates are not eligible to write Paper I.

3. Eligibility to Write TET Paper II:
Candidates should possess the following prescribed qualifications to write the Teacher Eligibility Test Paper
II:

a. Candidates who have passed a Bachelor's Degree (B.A. /B.Sc. / B.Litt.) with Tamil, English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, History and Geography as major subjects in their Degree course or a Degree with any one of the equivalent subjects (Regarding equivalent subjects, Government orders issued prior to the date of this notification alone will be considered) from a Recognized University under 10+2+3 Pattern and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education (B.Ed.) from a Recognized University and seeking an appointment as Graduate Teacher can write Paper II. The candidates with B.Lit., (Tamil) degree should possess either B.Ed. or D.T.Ed. or TPT.

b. Candidates appearing for the Final Year Examination of B.Ed. during the current Academic Year (2016 - 2017) are also permitted to appear for Paper II in Teacher Eligibility Test. Such Candidates should successfully complete the course in the current Academic Year (2016-2017) itself and should produce B.Ed., Certificate during Certificate Verification; otherwise they shall not be considered for the current year Government recruitment process. However they will be issued with TET certificate after producing B.Ed., Degree Certificate.

Note: For further details refer Prospectus and TRB's official website www.trb.tn.nic.in
CHAIRMAN
Authority: http://trb.tn.nic.in

Thursday, February 23, 2017

Disbursement of salary for the month of February 2017 on 27th February 2017

Disbursement of salary for the month of February 2017 on 27th February 2017 on account of nation-wide bank strike on 28th February 2017.

F.No.S-11012/2/3(17)/RBI/2015/RBD/74-124
Government of India
Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure
Controller General of Accounts
Mahalekha Niyantrak Bhawan,
E-Block, GPO Complex, INA. New Delhi-110023
Tel: 24665384, Fax: 24649365 E-mail: sao-rbd@nic.in
Dated 23rd February 2017
Office Memorandum

Subject: Disbursement of salary for the month of February 2017 on 27th February 2017 on account of nation-wide bank strike on 28th February 2017.

The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has given a nationwide strike call on 28th February, 2017. Banks are likely to remain closed on that day and even files for the e-payment of salary for the month of February 2017 which is due for 28th February, 2017 may not get processed resulting in salary of Central Government employees not being disbursed on 28th February 2017.

There being banks holidays on account of Maha Shivaratri (24th February, 2017) at many places, 4th Saturday (25th February, 2017) and Sunday (26th February, 2017), Hence, salary e-payment files processed on PFMS/COMPACT should be uploaded today i.e. 23rd February, 2017 with NPB of 27th February, 2017. If such files have already been uploaded with NPB of 28th February, 2017 the same also would need to be changed to facilitate payment of salaries on 27th February, 2017.

All Ministries/Departments are requested to take necessary action to upload their salary payments e-files latest by 23rd February, 2017 with NPB of 27th February, 2017 so that salary to the Central Government employees are paid in time.

All accredited banks are also requested to follow the above directions and release the salary for the month of February 2017 on 27th February 2017.
(Neeraj Kumar Sharma)
Dy.Controller General of Accounts(RBD)
 Authority: http://cga.nic.in/

Recommendations of 7th Central Pay Commission - bunching of stages in the revised pay structure under Central Civil Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2016

Recommendations of 7th Central Pay Commission- bunching of stages in the revised pay structured under Central Civil Services ( Revised Pay ) Rules, 2016. 

OM No.A-60015/1/2016/MF.CGA(A)/NGE/7th CPC/601 Dated 23rd February, 2017
No.A-20015/1/2016/MF.CGA(A)/NGE/7th CPC/601

Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure
Controller General of Accounts
Mahalekha Niyantrak Bhawan,
E Block, GPO Complex, INA
New Delhi-110023
Dated: 23rd February, 2017
OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Sub: Recommendations of 7th Central Pay Commission – bunching of stages in the revised pay structure under Central Civil Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2016.

Consequent to the issue of Implementation Cell, Department of Expenditure OM No.1-6/2016-IC dated 7th September, 2016, a number of representations have been received from AAOs under this organization through their respective Min./Deptt. regarding fixation of pay by bunching of stages in comparison with Sh.Babu Balram Jee, AAO, CPWD, IBBZ-I, Malda M/o UD in terms of the OM ibid. With a view to facilitate the accounting organisations under CGA, the service book of Sh.Babu Balram Jee, AAO duly audited has been obtained from the M/o UD. The pay details of Sh.Babu Balram Jee, AAO are as follows”
1. Basic Pay (Pay in the Pay Band plus Grade Pay) in the pre revised structure on 1.1.2016: Rs.14900/- (Rs.10100 + Rs.4800)
2. Revised Basic Pay on 1.1.2016 in terms of Revised Pay Rules, 2016: Rs.47600/- (1st Cell of 8th Level)
All respective accounting units of Ministries/Departments concerned may extend the benefit of bunching to eligible persons in adherence to the Department of Expenditure OM No.1-6/2016-IC dated 7th September, 2016. The statement of pay fixation under Central Civil Services(Revised Pay) Rules, 2016 of Sh.Babu Balram Jee, AAO is also enclosed.

This issues with the approval of the competent authority.
sd/-
(Sandeep Malhotra)
Sr.Accounts Officer

Clarification on Benchmark for Promotion

Clarification on Benchmark for Promotion

No.20-45/2016-SPB-II
Government of India
Ministry of Communications
Department of Posts
Personnel Division
Dak Bhavan, Sansad Marg,
New Delhi - 110 001
Dated the 1st February, 2017
To
All Chief Postmaster(s) General
Subject: Clarification on Benchmark for Promotion

Sir,
I am directed to refer to subject cited above and to say that the modalities of the benchmark to be taken for promotion after implementation of 7th Pay Commission Report has been examined in consultation with Department of Personnel & Training (DOPT). DoPT has stated that the modalities of the benchmark are being examined in consultation with UPSC and Department of Legal Affairs. In this regard, all Circles are, hereby, requested to follow instructions contained in DOPT's OM No.35034/7/97-Estt(D) dated 8.02.2002 untill further clarification is uploaded/issued by DOPT on its website or issued by DoP. A copy of DOPT’s ID No.1211382/2016/CR dated 8.12.2016 is enclosed.
Yours faithfully,
sd/-
(Satya Narayana Dash)
Assistant Director General (SPN)
Source: http://confederationhq.blogspot.in/

Central Government employees two greatest expectations from the Allowance Committee report…!

Central Government employees two greatest expectations from the Allowance Committee report…!
"Answers have not yet been found for the two big questions that are troubling the Central Government employees over the Allowance Committee report."

Reports continue to pour in that the committee on allowances constituted under the chairmanship of Finance Secretary Ashok Lavasa is all set to submit its revision report on the recommendations given by the Seventh Pay Commission on the allowances that are being given to the Central Government employees.

There are no confirmed reports of the exact date on which the report would be submitted. The information available now come from unconfirmed and unauthorized sources. The news media claimed that the NJCA leaders were going to meet Finance Secretary Ashok Lavasa today. The federation has not yet given any confirmed information.

Nearly 50 percent of the salary increment has not yet been given to the Central Government employees. Only the Basic Pay have been revised; all the other allowances, including the HRA, continue to remain the same and are being calculated as per the 6th CPC.

The Central Government had, on 25.07.2016, published authorized Notification declaring that the recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commission are going to be implemented. Only the revised pay is being given from August onwards. Only the salary arrears are due from January 01.01.2016 onwards are being issued.

House Rent Allowance (HRA) is a very important allowance being given to Central Government employees. For the past 10 years, HRA for Central Government employees is being calculated on the basis of the population of the town or city where they are employed. The towns and cities are classified as X, Y, and Z, based on the population, and a HRA of 30, 20, and 10 percent respectively are given to them. The Seventh Pay Commission had reduced it to 24, 16, and eight percent.

Normally, the allowances are calculated from the day when the new Pay Commission recommendations get implemented.

Here are the answers to the two questions that keep troubling the Central Government employees:

1. What percentage of HRA has the Allowance Committee report recommended?
2. From which will the revised HRA be implemented, or, will it be given retrospective effect?

Reconsideration of Rates of Subscription under Central Govt. Health Scheme revised account of revision of pay & Allowance/Pensions consequent upon implementation of 7th CPC recommendations

Increase in CGHS contribution BPS request reconsideration of Subscription under CGHS pre 2016 pensioners

No.SG/BPS/CGHS/17/4
Dated:22-02-2017
Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda
Hon’ble Minister of Health & Family Welfare
Union of India, Nirman Bhawan,
New Delhi - 110 001.

Subject: Reconsideration of Rates of Subscription under Central Govt. Health Scheme revised account of revision of pay & Allowance/Pensions consequent upon implementation of 7th CPC recommendations.
Reference: Office Memoranda No.S.11011/11/2016 CGHS(P)/EHS dated: January 1, 2017 and January 13, 2017 of GOI, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, EHS section, New Delhi - 110 001.

Sir,
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare vide their memo-randa referred above has revised the rates of subscription to CGHS for Central Govt. Employees and Pensioners effective from February 1, 2017. Bharat Pensioners Samaj, a Federation of all India central Govt Civil Pensioners Associations including defence civilians. Postal and Railway having over 650 affiliates/associates, has received numerous representations from individual members who retired long back and wish to enroll themselves now under CGHS and also from affiliates on the exorbitant hike in the subscription rates of availing CGHS facilities.

2. BPS wishes to draw your attention to the fact that many of the past pensioners did not join CGHS at the time of their retirement for reason that CGHS had no facilities in the city chosen by the pensioners for their post-retirement settlement, mostly at their native places. Sir, you may be aware that CGHS is available only in 26 cities of India, the latest inaugurated at Visakhapatnam January 9,2017 by your honour along- with Shri M Venkaiah Naidu, Hon’ble Minister for Urban Development, Hoursing & Urban Povetty Alleviation; parliamentary Affairs, UOI. CGHS facilities in 26 cities is too short a medicare facility for 10.81 lac Central Govt Pensioners/family pensioners plus 5.55 lax defence civilian pensioners plus 3.25 lac postal pensioners i.e 19.61 lac of pensioners/family pensioners scattered throughout the country.

3. The old pensioners desirous of joining CGHS now, on opening of center at the place of their residences or their shifting to a place where CGHS facility is available for some family compulsions, may not find it financially viable to subscribe at the new rates especially shedding subscription for ten years to become whole life member effective from February 1, 2017. Para 5(v) of memo dated January 9,2017, under refernece, reads, "Any pensioner/Family Pensioner who is entitled to avail CGHS facility has not so far got his/her pensioner CGHS card made, the rate of contributions in such cases will be with reference to the level of pay that he/she would have drawn in the post held by him/her (at the time of his/her retirement/death) had he/she continued to be in service now but for his/her retirement/death. Sir, a middle level pensioner retired in February, 1994 from the pay scale of 3000-4500/- (level 11) has till now got an increase in his pension to the tune 9.24 times against which his subscription to CGHS now at the new rates contained in memo of January 9, 2017 is hiked by 108.33 times i.e. 78,000/- now against 720/- subscribed in 1994. An illustration, in support of this with full calculations, is attached as an annexure and may kindly be glanced through.

4. Bharat Pensioners Samaj requests you to come to the rescure of old pensioners and advise the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare to review the new rates prescribed keeping in view the financial viability vis-a-vis rising cost of living and not depriving old pensioners of availing the facility at a stage when it is made available to them by the GOI. Fixing of subscription for old pensioners varying with the number of years passed since retirement/death may please be kept low compared to pensioners retired in later years.
with regards,
yours truly,
Sd/-
(S C Maheshwari)
SG BPS/Er/ C Rlys.
Enclosure: One
pension-bpms

Source: BPS

Grant of meeting to discuss about the Ordnance Factories

Grant of meeting to discuss about the Ordnance Factories

INDWF/RM/3001/2017
Date: 20.02.2017
To
Shri. Manohar Parikkar,
Hon'ble Defence Minister
Govt. of India
South Block, New Delhi.

Sub: Grant of meeting to discuss about the Ordnance Factories.

Respected Sir,
It has to come to our notice that the Prime Minister's Office vide their ID No.4570319/2017/DS(VK) dated 15/02/2017 has asked the OFB to forward the following information in respect of Ordnance Factories
i) Complete listing of products manufactured by Ordnance Factories along with a photo of each product, description of each product, number of items of each product produced in each of the last three completed financial years, and value of production of each product in each of the last three completed financial years.

ii) Complete listing of all existing Ordnance Factories along with the list of products manufactured by each factory, factory-wise number of items of each product produced in each of the last three completed financial years, factory wise value of production of each product in each of the last three completed financial years, the quantum of land owned by each factory and the number of employees in each factory.
The above letter has been circulated by OFB to all Ordnance Factories. After receipt of this letter the Factory employees have started approaching this Federation seeking the background of issue of a such a letter from the Office of Hon'ble Prime Minister. Since we are in dark about the reason / background in this regard. We are not in a position to reply to the employees. Therefore we being one of the major stake holder of the OFB organization we would like to meet you in person and discuss about our apprehensions. Since the issue being common we propose that the three recognized Federations of MoD may please be granted a meeting with your honour.
With kindest regards,
Yours Sincerely,
Sd/-
(R.SRINIVASAN)
General Secretary
Source: INDWF

Implementation of 7th CPC in Kendriya Vidyalayas will be issued separately in a later date - KVS Orders

Revised Pay & Allowances for KV Employees as per 7th CPC

Kendriva Vidvalava Sangathan
18, Institutional Area
Shaheed Jeet Singh Marg
New Delhi-16
F.No.110239/51/Cir./2016/KVS (Budget)
Dated: 15.02.2017
A copy of 0M No.1/1/2016-E.III(A) dated 13th January, 2017 issued by the Govt. of India, Ministry of Finance, Dept. of expenditure rega rding Pay revision of employees of Quasi-Government Organizations, Autonomous Organizations, Statutory Bodies etc. set up by and funded/ controlled by the Central Government - Guidelines regarding is forwarded herewith for information.

Guidelines/Orders for implementation of 7th CPC recommendations in the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan/Kendriya Vidyalayas will be issued separately in a later date. Revised Pay & Allowances should be drawn only after receipt of orders from KVS (HQ).
sd/-
(S.Muthusivam)
Deputy Commissioner (Fin.)
Authority: http://kvsangathan.nic.in/

Revision of Pay scales, Pension to the TN State Government employees and pensioners following the decisions of the Central Government on the recommendations of the Seventh Central Pay Commission

Revision of Pay scales, Pension to the TN State Government employees and pensioners following the decisions of the Central Government on the recommendations of the Seventh Central Pay Commission
FINANCE (PAY CELL) DEPARTMENT
G.O.Ms.No.40, Dated:22nd February,2017
(Masi-10, Thiruvalluvar Aandu 2048)

OFFICIAL COMMITTEE: Constitution of an Official Committee to examine the revision of Pay scales / Pension to the State Government employees and pensioners following the decisions of the Central Government on the recommendations of the Seventh Central Pay Commission - Ordered

ORDER:

The Government has decided to constitute an Official Committee to examine and make necessary recommendations for the implementation of the revision of scales of pay and allowances of State Government Employees and Teachers based on the decisions of the Central Government on the recommendations of the Seventh Central Pay Commission. The Committee shall comprise the following members:-

1. Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Department
2. Principal Secretary, Home Department
3. Principal Secretary, School Education Department
4. Secretary, Personnel and Administrative Reforms Department
5. Dr.P.Umanath, I.A.S., Member-Secretary
2. (i) The Committee shall be chaired by seniormost Member.

(ii) The Committee shall examine the orders issued / to be issued by the Central Government on the recommendations of the Seventh Central Pay Commission scales of pay and make necessary recommendations regarding revision of the pay scales to the State Government Employees and Teachers including employees of Local Bodies.

(iii) While making recommendations on scales of pay, the Committee shall take into account the local conditions and the present relativities in the functions, qualifications and hierarchy.

(iv) The Committee shall also examine the decision of the Government of India on the revision of pension, family pension, retirement benefits etc., and also make necessary recommendations to the State Government pensioners.

(v) The Committee shall also make necessary recommendations regarding Other Allowances based on the recommendations of the High Level Committee constituted for this purpose by Government of India.
3. The Committee shall submit its report to Government within four months i.e. on or before 30-06-2017.

4. Orders regarding supporting staff to the Official Committee will be issued separately.

5. All the Departments of Secretariat and Heads of Departments are requested to render all necessary information to the Committee as and when sought for.
(BY ORDER OF THE GOVERNOR)
K.SHANMUGAM
ADDITIONAL CHIEF SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT

How to apply for granting family pension on the death of Government servant, pensioner, family pensioner

How to claim Family Pension with Form 14

How to apply for granting family pension on the death of Government servant/ pensioner/ family pensioner.

What should a family member (eligible for the grant of family pension) do to get the family Pension?

Normally, family pension to spouse is sanctioned and authorized at the time pension is authorized in favour of retiring government servant and indicated in the pension payment order and is to be drawn after the death of the pensioner. However, in cases where Govt. servant expired while in service, the widow or widower has to apply in Form 14 (of CCS Pension Rules) to the Head of Office concerned who will sanction and authorize the family pension through its Pay & Accounts Officer. Where the deceased Govt. servant is survived only by a child or children, the guardian (in case of minor child/children) or such child or children may submit a claim in Form 14 to the Head of 0ffice for sanction and authorization of family pension. For getting family pension, the deceased pensioner’s family should apply in Form no.14 along with a copy of the death certificate of the deceased Pensioner to:
(1) The pension disbursing authority if, the amount of family pension is already indicated in the Pension Payment 0rder.
(II) The Head of Office for sanction of family pension in all other cases.
lf the pensioner has Joint Account with the spouse on either or survivor basis the spouse has to submit the death certificate of the pensioner along with simple application only to activate the family pension.

Authority: www.cpao.nic.in

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Implementation of 7th CPC Recommendations to TamilNadu State Government Employees

Implementation of 7th CPC Recommendations to TamilNadu State Government Employees

7th CPC for TamilNadu State Government Employees
 Implementation of 7th CPC Recommendations to TN State Employees : The Tamil Nadu Government has decided to constitute a 5 Member Committee of Higher Officials to implement the recommendations of 7th Central Pay Commission. The committee will submit the report within four months (30th June).

Following the implementation of 7th Central Pay Commission to the employees working under Central Government, the Tamilnadu Chief Minister has today decided to constitute a 5 Member Secretary level committee formed to implement the recommendations of 7th CPC to State Govt Employees, Teachers and employees of Localbodies.

Recognised State Government Employees Unions are requested to send the proposal of pay structure and all other demands to the committee.

The committee will examine, review and recommend changes that are desirable and feasible regarding the principles that should govern the emoluments structure including pay, allowances, pension and other facilities/benefits.

Click to view the Press Release

7th Pay Commission: Increased salaries attracting young India to apply for Government Jobs

7th Pay Commission: Increased salaries attracting young India to apply for Government Jobs
Increased salary prospects due to 7th Pay Commission is attracting young talent in India towards the Government Jobs

Government Jobs in India have long attracted people from every walk of life. While the basic call of a government job in India was the stability associated with it, many had chosen to walk the path of the treacherous private sector. The biggest call of the private sector was indeed the higher pay packages and the chances of a life style of many aspired for. That, however, is changing. All thanks to the 7th Pay Commission recommendations. The increased starting packages have over the past year increased the interest of young Indians towards Government Jobs. For the first time in India, Government Jobs mean more than just a stable job. It means increased salaries with benefits, suggests reports.

Numbers are evident. Only last year when Indian Railways released the notification for recruitment in the Non Technical Popular Category, a mind boggling 92 lakh people applied for 18000 jobs. Such was the increased numbers that Railway Recruitment Board had to introduce another level in the recruitment process to bring it down to considerate numbers. Around 3 lakh candidates had then appeared in the second stage of which results are expected anytime. Similar is the case in case of Banking. While Banking has always attracted a steady, it is thanks to the increased salaries for Clerks and Probationary Officers that more and more candidates are applying for the exam.

The trend continues. State Bank of India Probationary Exam was announced recently for 2,313 posts. Given the trend of last year, SBI is expecting applications from around 20 lakh candidates. With a starting salary that could go as high as 12 lakhs, the interests for the jobs are bound to be phenomenal.

The applications are still on and close on March 6, 2017. It is not just at the level of graduates though. For Staff Selection Commission, the number of candidates applying for CHSL or the Combined Higher Secondary Level has also seen a two fold increase.

The numbers are promising, if any. It can be simply argued that India constantly needs good talent and energetic work force to manage its increasing institutional pressure. A stable and high paying job is sure to retain the best of the country towards developing the national assets and human capital. Engineers, doctors and professionals from all spheres are required in the various governmental departments. The changing face of the work force, the stricter guidelines and the stronger applications all hint towards a better and reformed public sector. The 7th pay commission has seemed to help and provide an impetus towards the building of the nation.

Source: India

Seventh Pay Commission: Talks On Allowance Today, Report Likely Soon

Seventh Pay Commission: Talks On Allowance Today, Report Likely Soon

The government had in June accepted the recommendation of Justice AK Mathur-headed Seventh Pay Commission in respect of the hike in basic pay and pension but its suggestions relating to allowances were referred to the committee.

The panel headed by Finance Secretary Ashok Lavasa to review Seventh Pay Commission allowances is expected to soon submit its report to the government. Shiv Gopal Mishra, the convenor of National Joint Council of Action (NJCA), a joint body of unions representing central government employees, said talks in this matter are in the final leg. The employee union body will be meeting the panel members today on the issue of Housing Rent Allowance or HRA related to Seventh Pay Commission.

The government had in June accepted the recommendation of Justice AK Mathur-headed Seventh Pay Commission in respect of the hike in basic pay and pension but its suggestions relating to allowances were referred to the committee. The Seventh Pay Commission had examined a total of 196 existing allowances and, by way of rationalisation, recommended abolition of 51 allowances and subsuming of 37 allowances.
The committee on allowances was initially given a time of four months to submit its report to the finance minister. Till a final decision is taken, all existing allowances are being paid at the Sixth Pay Commission rates.
The Seventh Pay Commission had recommended that HRA be paid at the rate of 24 per cent, 16 per cent and 8 per cent of the new Basic Pay, depending on type of cities.

The Seventh Pay Commission had also recommended that the rate of HRA be revised to 27 per cent, 18 per cent and 9 per cent respectively when DA crosses 50 per cent, and further revised to 30 per cent, 20 per cent and 10 per cent when DA crosses 100 per cent.

Typically, in case of housing allowance, arrears are not paid.

Allowances form a significant chunk of government employees' salary. Some analysts had earlier said that implementation of the housing allowance portion of the Seventh Pay Commission as well as GST or Goods and Services Tax could push up average inflation.

"At worst, if the government is under pressure, this allowance can be pushed to the next year, as was done in the previous pay commissions. The housing allowance does not attract arrears," HSBC Securities had said in an earlier report.

The Cabinet had also decided to constitute two separate committees to suggest measures for streamlining the implementation of National Pension System (NPS) and to look into anomalies likely to arise out of implementation of the Commission's Report.

Source: NDTV

Introduction of SPARROW for CSS officers - completion of various tasks

Introduction of SPARROW for CSS officers - completion of various tasks

No. 22/10/2015/CS-I(APAR)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of personnel & Training
CS-I(APAR)

2nd Floor, Loknayak Bhawan, Khan Market, New Delhi
Dated the 22nd February, 2017
OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Introduction of SPARROW for CSS officers - completion of various tasks- reg .

The undersigned is directed to say that 'SPARROW' has been introduced for recording on-line APARs for Deputy Secretary and above level officers in CSS and equivalent levels in CSSS from the financial year 2015-16.

2. The time-limits for performing various activities on the 'SPARROW' system were extended vide this Department's Office memorandum of even number dated 27th May, 2016. The window for 'SPARROW' CSS was closed on 31st December, 2016. A number of Ministries/Departments requested for reopening of this window for completion of various tasks in the system. Therefore, the window for 'SPARROW' (CSS) has been re-opened on the request of these departments to facilitate the nodal officers to take action in the 'SPARROW' system as per the extended date-line.

3. However, it is clarified that the dates extended beyond 1 sl January,2017 are for taking necessary action for dealing with representations, disposal of representations and similar actions on the part of the nodal officers. Dates for recording of APARs would be same as contained in the Office Memorandum dated 27th May, 2016.

4. It is also reiterated that as per instructions of this Department, APARs of CSS officers are required to be uploaded on CSCMS. Hard copy of the APARs generated on SPARROW will be kept in CS-I Division/CS-II Division. It would not be practicably possible for these Divisions to download all the APARs from 'SPARROW' and then keep them in the relevant APAR folders including their uploading in the CSCMS system.
5. It is, therefore, requested that Ministries/Departments may ensure following action at their end for efficient management of APARs generated in the 'SPARROW' system :
i) To complete the task required at their end in the SPARROW system before the aforesaid date.
ii) To download the APARs generated online on 'SPARROW' and to upload PDF files in CSCMS.
iii) The PDF files so downloaded from SPARROW may be sent to this Department for custody.
6. In addition the details of hard copies of APARs (other than on-line mode), giving justification for not recording the APAR through 'SPARROW' may be sent to this department.
(Chandra Shekhar)
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India
To
All Ministries/Departments for (CSS) & (CSSS)
Copy to DS (CS-II) for information.

Source: DoPT Order 2017

Government launches free anti-virus for PC, mobile phones

Government launches free anti-virus for PC, mobile phones

New Delhi: The IT Ministry today launched botnet cleaning and anti-malware analysis centre for Rs 90 crore to provide free anti-virus to computers and mobile phones for removing malicious softwares "I would like ISPs (Internet Service Provider) to encourage their consumers to come on board, there is a free service available. Come and use it in the event some malware has sneaked in to the system," IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said at the launch of Botnet Cleaning and Malware Analysis Centre.

The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (Cert-In) will collect data of infected systems and send it to ISPs and banks. These ISPs and banks will identify the user and provide them the link of the centre, launched in name of Cyber Swachhta Kendra.

The user will be able to download anti-virus or anti-malware tools to disinfect their devices.

"The project has budget outlay of Rs 90 crore spread over period of 5 years," CertIn Director General Sanjay Bahl said.

As of now 58 ISPs and 13 banks have come on board to use this system.

The ministry also launched M-Kavach for security and anti-theft solution for mobile phones, USB Pratirodh to ensure only authorised person is able to access pen drive and AppSamvid for identifying genuine applications at the time of installations on computers.

The minister directed Cert-In to also set up National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC) by June.
The government has approved Rs 900 crore for NCCC which will monitor and handle cyber attacks on Indian internet space in real time.

"Safety and security is integral. As the Prime Minister said cyber threat is akin to bloodless war. I don’t have slightest doubt cyber security is not only going to be big area of Digital Swachh Bharat but also going to be big area of digital growth, digital employment and digital commerce," Prasad said.

To encourage startups in the field of cyber security, the minister announced that government has reduced testing fee for their product by half.

At present Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC), a division under the Ministry of Electronics and IT, charges testing fee in the range of Rs 8-10 lakh per case but startups in the field of cyber security will need to pay only around 4-5 lakhs.

To strengthen cyber security ecosystem in the country, Prasad said that CERTs will be set up at state level as well and 10 more STQC testing facilities will set up.

PTI

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