EPFO: Increase in Death Relief Fund in the 23rd meeting EPF CSWC

EPFO: Increase in Death Relief Fund in the 23rd meeting EPF CSWC

Employees' Provident Fund organization
(Ministry of Labour, Govt. of India)
Head Office Bhavisnya Nidhi Bhawan, 14, Bhikaji Carna Place,
New Delhi-110 066.

No. Welfare/23rd Annual Meeting/CSWC/2013/6846

Dated: 14.6.2013/28 JUN 2013

To
Regional Provident Fund Commissioners,

Subject: Increase in Death Relief Fund in the 23rd meeting EPF CSWC
Sir,
Kindly refer to this Office letter No. Welfare/2(1)20th meeting/09/87631 dated 13-2-2009 through which it was circulated that Death Relief Fund will be given to the tune of Rs.2,00,000/.-(Rupees Two Lakh Only) in case of Natural Death during the service and Rs. 2.50 Lakh in cases of accidents and Cancer.

Now in the 23rd meeting of EPF Central Staff Welfare Committee held on Head Office it has been decided by the Committee that Death Relief Fund in case of Natural Death (while in service) will now be given to the family members(Nominee/Legal Heirs) to the tune of Rs. 2.50 lakh and in case of death due to Accident/ Cancer/ Heart Attack/ Brain Hemorrhage it will be given Rs. 3.00 Lakh. This will be effective from 26 4.2013. Further, the above amount will be increased by 10% after every two yearsfviz. from 1.4.2015 and the quantum will be Rs. 2.75 lakhs and Rs. 3.30 Lakhs.

Yours faithfully,
(Uday Baxi)
Regional Provident Fund Commissioner(HRM)

Source: http://www.epfindia.com
[http://www.epfindia.com/Circulars/Y2013-14/Welfare_23rdAnnualM_6846.pdf]

Opening of Holiday Homes/ Guest Houses : EPFO

Opening of Holiday Homes/ Guest Houses : EPFO

(Ministry of Labour, Govt. of India)
Head Office
Bhavishya Nidhi Bhawan, 14, Bliikaji Cama Place,
New Delhi-110 066.

No. Welfare/ 23rd Annual Meeting/CSWC/2013/6844

Dated : 14.6.2013/28 JUN 2013

To
All Regional Provident Fund Commissioners

Subject: Opening of Guest Houses/Holiday Homes.

Sir,
In the 23rd meeting of EPF Central Staff Welfare Committee held on 26-04-2013 in Head Office it was decided by the Committee to explore the possibilities of opening of guest Houses/Holiday Homes in the nearby areas of every EPFO Office. Accordingly requested to empanel Hotels/Lodges in your Region that can provide rooms per the eligibility/entitlement of the employees/Officers of Employees' Provident Fund Organization. The rooms should not be earmarked but should be available as and when required. It is requested to send a 1ist of Hotels/Lodges empanelled for Further necessary action.
This may please be given Top Priority.

Yours faithfully,

(Uday Baxi)
Regional Provident Fund Commissioner(HRM)

Source: www.epfindia.com
[http://www.epfindia.com/Circulars/Y2013-14/Welfare_23rdAnnualM_6844.pdf]

Payment of Pension by Agency Banks: RBI Master Circular for Central Civil/Defence/Telecom/Railway/Postal/State Pensioner

Payment of Pension by Agency Banks: RBI Master Circular for Central Civil/Defence/Telecom/Railway/Postal/State Pensioner

Master Circular- Disbursement of Pension by Agency Banks

Payment of Pension to Government Pensioners under the various schemes through agency banks Introduction

The payment of pension to retired Government employees is governed by the relevant Schemes prepared by concerned Ministries/Departments with the approval of Controller General of Accounts, Ministry of Finance, Government of India or by State Governments and involves payment of basic pension, increased Dearness Relief and other benefits as and when announced by the Governments. Various circulars issued in this connection are summarized hereunder for information.

2. Payment of Pension to Central Government Pensioners through Public Sector Banks - Steps taken by Government to minimize delay in payment of Dearness Relief (DR) to Pensioners - Discontinuation of forwarding Government Orders in respect of DR etc. through Reserve Bank of India.

(Ref: DGBA. GAD. No. H-506/45.01.001/2002-03 dated April 12, 2003)

In order to obviate the time lag between the issue of Dearness Relief etc. orders and actual payment to the beneficiaries and to render expeditious service to the senior citizens, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare, Government of India have taken following steps:

i. As soon as the sanction of Dearness Relief at revised rates is received from Ministry of Finance, Orders for payment of Dearness Relief to pensioners at revised rates are issued and the copies of such orders are immediately sent to Heads of all Agency Banks by e-mail as well as by FAX with instructions to take necessary action for expeditious payment of Dearness Relief.

ii. The orders are put on web-site of Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievance and Pensions (http://www.persmin.nic.in)

iii. Copies of orders are also sent by post to Heads of all Agency Banks and published in leading newspapers by Indian Banks' Association. RBI would no longer be forwarding Government orders in respect of Dearness Relief to Agency Banks.

3. Acceptance of nomination in form 'A' and 'B'- Central Civil / Railway Pension

(Ref: DGBA. GAD. No.H-94/45.05.031/2004-05 dated August 24, 2004 and Ref. DGBA.
GAD. No. H-3611/ 45.03.002/ 2005-06 dated October 10, 2005)

With a view to avoid inconvenience to the pensioners, Central Pension Accounting Office (CPAO) and Ministry of Railways (Railway Board), have decided to adopt the nomination forms ('A' & 'B'). Agency banks were advised to issue necessary instructions to all pension paying branches to accept Nomination Forms 'A' or 'B' as the case may be, submitted by Central Civil/Railway pensioners for the payment of arrears of pension to the heir(s).

4. Implementation of procedure for payment of pensions and other retirement benefits to All India Service Officers retiring from Government of India while on Central Deputation.

(Ref. DGBA. GAD. No. 612-644/ 45.01.001/2004-05 dated October 7, 2004)

Agency Banks are advised to follow accounting procedure for payment of pension to All India Service Officers retiring from Government of India while on Central Deputation as follows:

(i) PPO number for All India Service Pensioners would incorporate, besides the 12 digit numeric component used for Central Civil pensioner, a prefix indicating the service and the state cadre to which the pensioner belongs. A sample PPO number for an IAS Officer of Punjab cadre would be - IAS/Pb/438840400191.

(ii) All India Service Pensioners will have the option to draw pension only through the authorised banks.

(iii) The Special Seal Authority (SSA) issued by the CPAO would be in blue colour to distinguish it from authorities issued for Central Civil pensioners. In addition, the authority will indicate the State Government to which the payment is debitable.

(iv) One copy of the SSA will be sent to concerned Accountant General for information and record.

(v) The concerned paying branches of the bank after following the necessary procedure for identifying the pensioner would release the payment and add the name of All India Service Pensioner to the scrolls prepared for State Government Pensioners to be routed for reimbursement to the reimbursing branches of the Reserve Bank/ State Bank as the case may be. Such scrolls are NOT being handled under Single Window System of pension reimbursement for Central Government Civil Pensioners and should not therefore be sent to CPAO.

(vi) The reimbursing branches would follow the procedure for the State Government Pensioners and send advice to Reserve Bank, CAS, Nagpur and the corresponding scrolls to the concerned Accountant General.
(vii) The RBI, CAS, Nagpur would debit the concerned State Government Account as per the procedure.

5. Scheme for payment of pension to Defence pensioners by public sector banks - delay in submission of pension payment scrolls and steps to avoid fake & fraudulent payments.

(Ref. DGBA.GAD. No. 867-899/ 45.02.001/ 2004-05 dated October 18, 2004)

It has been observed that there is a lag of two to three months in submitting the pension payment scrolls to pension authorities by the pension paying banks.

Often these scrolls are bunched. In this connection, a reference is invited to paragraphs 9(6), 10 and 11 of the booklet "Scheme for Payment of Pension to Defence Pensioners" wherein the procedure for transmission of pension payment scrolls by paying branches, link branches and reimbursing branches is clearly stipulated. The entire procedure needs to be completed as per the timeframe fixed so that the payment scrolls are finally received at the Office of the PCDA (Pension), Allahabad latest by 15th of the followrding month (except for the month of March scrolls, which should invariably reach latest by 3 week of every year). The Office of the PCDA (Pension) has also noticed that in some cases of payment of gratuity and commutation amount were made to imposters on fake and fraudulent PPOs by the pension paying branches without observing prescribed checks. It has also been observed that in the cases of first payment of pension, either PPO numbers were not mentioned on the scrolls or incorrect PPO numbers were mentioned making it difficult to verify the correctness of the payment. Further, these payments were being shown in the main pension payment scrolls along with the regular monthly payments of Defence Pensioners.

The Pension Paying Branches/ Link Branches / Reimbursing Branches are advised to put in place a more efficient system to ensure the following:

(i) Pension Paying Branches  to submit pension payment scrolls to Link Branches within the stipulated time (by 10 of the following month). No bunching of scrolls is done.

(ii) Link Branches to forward the original copy of the scroll along with summary sheet and summary documents to reimbursing banks (RBI/ SBI etc. as the case may be) by 11th of each month.

(iii) Reimbursing banks should forward the original copy of the scrolls directly to CDA (Pension), Allahabad after reimbursing pensionthpaying bank, by debit to Government Account so as to reach PCDA (Pension) by 15 of the following month except for the March scrolls.

(iv) In the cases of first payments of pension, pension paying branches should prepare scrolls carefully indicating correct PPO number, amount of gratuity and commutation against the name of each pensioner and submit the same separately on a monthly basis in addition to the regular monthly payment cases which will continue to be prepared separately along with separate summary sheet.

(v) Pension paying branches should prepare separate summary sheets for regular monthly pension payment cases as well as first pension payment case.

Joint Account of the pensioner with the spouse could be operated either by 'Former or Survivor' or 'Either or Survivor' basis subject to the following terms and conditions:

(a) Once pension has been credited to a pensioner's bank account, the liability of the Government/Bank ceases. No further liability arises, even if the spouse wrongly draws the amount.

(b) As pension is payable only during the life of a pensioner, his/her death shall be intimated to the bank at the earliest and in any case within one month of the demise, so that the bank does not continue crediting monthly pension to the Joint Account with the spouse, after the death of the pensioner. If, however, any amount has been wrongly credited to the Joint Account, it shall be recoverable from the Joint Account and/or any other account held by the pensioner/spouse either individually or jointly. The legal heirs, successors, executors etc. shall also be liable to refund any amount, which has been wrongly credited to the joint account.

(c) Payment of Arrears of pension (Nomination) Rules 1983 would continue to be applicable to a Joint Account with the pensioner's spouse. This implies that if there is an 'accepted nomination' in accordance with rules 5 and 6 of these Rules, arrears mentioned in the rules shall be payable to the nominee.
Existing pensioners desiring to get their pension credited to a joint account as indicated above are required to submit an application to the bank branch, from where they are presently drawing pension in the prescribed form. This would also be signed by the pensioner's spouse in token of having accepted the terms and conditions laid down by Government of West Bengal. The above facility is applicable to the existing/future pensioners.

15. Disbursement of Central Government Pension through Public Sector Banks - Issue of Pension Slip.

(Ref.DGBA.GAD.H.10975/45.05.031/2006-07 dated January 9, 2007)

It has been decided in consultation with the Central Pension Accounting Office, Ministry of Finance, Government of India to issue pension slips to the Central Government pensioners (Civil) at commencement of pension and thereafter, wherever there is a change in quantum of pension. All the agency banks were advised to issue suitable instructions to their pension paying branches.

16. Introduction of Single Window System for reimbursement of Defence Pension Payments.

(Ref. DGBA.GAD. No. H-13834/45.02.001/2006-07 dated March 13, 2007)

It has been decided in consultation with the Office of Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pension) to introduce Single Window System for reimbursement of Defence Pension with effect from April 1, 2007. Hence, the Reimbursing Banks i.e. RBI (PADs), SBI and its associate banks will cease to reimburse Defence pension payments made by the banks with effect from April 1, 2007. Pension payments transactions may be reported through Link Cell in Nagpur to Central Accounts Section, Reserve Bank of India, Nagpur for fund settlement as in the case of Central Civil Pension. The agency banks are required to send the Payment scrolls to the office of the PCDA (P), Draupadi Ghat, Allahabad.

All the past transactions remaining outstanding prior to April 1, 2007 for which Pension Payment Scrolls Advices are wanting shall be resolved through Reimbursing Branches of RBI/SBI and its Associates.

17. Scheme for payment of pension to Arunachal Pradesh Government pensioners by public sector banks:

(Ref. DGBA.GAD. H-14279/45.05.024/ 2006-07 dated March 23, 2007)

Government of Arunachal Pradesh has modified the scheme for payment of pension permitting credit of pension also to a Joint Account operated by pensioner with his/her spouse in whose favour an authorization for family pension exists in the pension payment order (PPO). The joint account of the pensioner with the spouse could be operated either by 'former or survivor' or 'either or survivor' basis subject to the following terms and conditions:

a) Once pension has been credited to the pensioner's bank account, the liability of the Government/bank ceases. No further liability arises, even if the spouse wrongly draws the amount without the knowledge of the pensioner.

b) As pension is payable only during the life of a pensioner, his/her death shall be intimated by the spouse to the bank at the earliest and in any case within one month of the demise, so that the bank does not continue crediting monthly pension to the joint account with the spouse, after the death of the pensioner. If, however, any amount has been wrongly credited to the joint account, it shall be recoverable from the joint account or his/her account held by the pensioner/spouse either individually or jointly. The legal heirs, successors, executors etc. shall also be liable to refund any amount, which has been wrongly credited to the Joint Account.

c) Existing pensioners desiring to get their pension credited to a Joint Account as indicated above are required to submit an application in the prescribed form to the concern bank branch, from where they are presently drawing pension. The pensioner's spouse in token of having accepted the terms would also sign this. The above facility is applicable to the existing/future pensioners.

d) Opening of Joint Account with any other person for credit of pension, except the spouse in whose favour family pension is authorised in the PPO, shall not be permissible. Family pensioners are not covered under this revised scheme.

18. Disbursement of Central Civil/Defence/Railway and Governments of West Bengal,
Goa and Kerala Pension through Public Sector Banks-Issue of Pension Slips:

(Ref. DGBA.GAD. H-10975/45.05.031/ 2006-07 dated January 9, 2007
Ref. DGBA.GAD. H-17663/45.05.031/ 2006-07 dated June 12, 2007 Ref.DGBA.GAD.No. 3856/45.05.031/2007-08 dated October 8, 2007 Ref.DGBA.GAD.No.H 12704/45.05.005/2007-08 dated June 11, 2008 Ref.DGBA.GAD.No.924/45.05.012/2008-09 dated July 23, 2008 Ref. DGBA. GAD.No.H 2090/ 45.05.015/ 2009-10 dated September 1, 2009)

It has been decided by Central Pension Accounting Office (CPAO)/Ministry of Defence/Railway and Governments of West Bengal, Goa and Kerala to issue pension slips to their pensioners including family pensioners. Accordingly, pension slips as per the prescribed format are to be issued to these pensioners/family pensioners at the commencement of pension and thereafter, whenever there is a change in quantum of pension. All the agency banks were advised to issue suitable instructions to their pension paying branches.

28. Implementation of Government's decision on the recommendations of Sixth Central Pay Commission - Revision of pension of pre-2006 pensioners / family pensioners etc.

(Ref.DGBA.GAD.No.H-3699/45.01.001/2008-09 dated October 17, 2008)

Government of India, Ministry of Personnel , Public Grievances & Pensions, New Delhi have accorded the sanction of regulation of pension/family pension of all the pre-2006 pensioners / family pensioners w.e.f. January 2006 vide letter No.38/37/08-P & PW(A) dated September 1, 2008. These orders apply to all pensioners/family pensioners who were drawing pension / family pension on January 1, 2006, under the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972. CCS (Extraordinary Pension) Rules & the corresponding rules applicable to Railway Pensioners & pensioners of all India services, including officers of the Indian Civil Service retired from services, on or after January 1, 1973. These orders do not apply to retired High Court and Supreme Court Judges and other Constitutional /Statutory Authorities whose pension etc. is governed by separate rules / orders.

Accordingly all agency banks have been advised to issue suitable instructions to adhere to the Government recommendations while disbursing the pension to the pensioners.

30. Issue of Pension Slips / Updation of Pension Payment Order by Pension paying branches of Agency banks.

(Ref.DGBA.GAD.No.H-9326 /44.01.001/2008-09 dated April 29, 2009)

Although suitable instructions were issued to the agency banks, for issue of Pension Slips and for updation of PPO, we have been receiving complaints from Pensioners' Associations regarding non-issue of Pension Slips by pension paying branches. They have also complained that the pension paying branches do not update both halves of Pension Payment Order (PPO), whenever there is change in basic rates of pension advised by the concerned Government Departments. We have, therefore, advised all Regional Offices to ensure that the Inspecting Officers from PADs invariably look into the aspect of Pension Slips and updation of PPO and furnish specific comments thereon while conducting the inspection of agency banks.

RBI Forwarding letter:

Master Circular- Disbursement of Pension by Agency Banks

RBI/2013-14/101

DGBA.GAD.No.H- 4/31.05.001/2013-14

July 1, 2013

All Agency Banks

Dear Sir/Madam

Master Circular- Disbursement of Pension by Agency Banks

Please refer to our master circular RBI/2012-13/103 dated July 02, 2012 on the above subject. We have now updated the master circular incorporating important instructions issued by us till end of June 2013. A copy of the same is enclosed for your information. This circular may also be downloaded from our website www.mastercirculars.rbi.org.in.

2. Please acknowledge receipt.

Yours faithfully

(B.K.Mishra)

Chief General Manager

Encl: As above

Source: http://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/content/pdfs/101M13010713A.pdf

Scheme for Payment of Pension to Government Pensioners by Authorised Banks: FAQ by Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

Scheme for Payment of Pension to Government Pensioners by Authorised Banks: FAQ by Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

Reserve Bank of India
FAQ: Payment of Pension to Government Pensioners:

Scheme for Payment of Pension to Government Pensioners by Authorised Banks

Reserve Bank of India (the Bank) oversees disbursement of pension by its agency banks in respect of all Central Government Departments and some State Governments. In the process, it receives queries/ complaints from pensioners in regard to fixation, calculation and payment of pension including revision of pension/ Dearness Relief, transfer of pension account from one bank branch to another, etc. We have analysed the queries/ complaints, and put them in the form of answers to these Frequently Asked Questions. It is hoped that these will cover most of the queries/ doubts in the minds of pensioners.

1. Can the pensioner draw his/ her pension through a bank branch?

Yes. Even the Government employees earlier drawing their pension from a treasury or from a post office have the option to draw their pension from the authorized bank’s branches.

2. Who is the pension sanctioning authority?

The Ministry/ Department /Office where the Government servant last served is the pension sanctioning authority. The pension fixation is made by such authority for the first time and thereafter the refixation of pay, if any, is done by the pension paying bank based on the instructions from the concerned Central/ State Government authority.


3. Is it necessary for the pensioner to open a separate pension account for the purpose of crediting his/ her pension in authorized bank?

The pensioner is not required to open a separate pension account. The pension can be credited to his/her existing savings/ current account maintained with the branch selected by the pensioner.

4. Can a pensioner open a Joint Account with his/ her spouse?

Yes. All pensioners of the Central Government Pensioners and those State Governments which have accepted such arrangement can open Joint Account with their spouses.

5. Whether Joint Account of the pensioner with spouse can be operated either by ''Former or Survivor" or "Either or Survivor".

The Joint Account of the pensioner with spouse can be operated either as ‘‘Former or Survivor" or “Either or Survivor".

6. What is the minimum balance required to be maintained in the pension account maintained with the banks?

RBI has not stipulated any minimum balance to be maintained in pension accounts by the pensioners. Individual banks have framed their own rules in this regard. However, some banks have also permitted zero balance in the pensioners’ accounts.

7. Who sends the Pension Payment Orders (PPOs) to the authorized bank branch?

The concerned pension sanctioning authorities in the Ministries /Departments/ State Governments forward the PPOs to bank branches wherefrom the pensioner desires to draw his/her pension. However, on implementation of CPPCs, pension sanctioning authorities have gradually started sending PPOs to the CPPC of the bank instead of bank branch.

8. When is the pension credited to the pensioner's account by the paying branch?

The disbursement of pension by the paying branch is spread over the last four working days of the month depending on the convenience of the pension paying branch except for the month of March when the pension is credited on or after the first working day of April.

9. Can a pensioner transfer his/ her pension account from one branch to another branch of the same bank or to the branch of another bank?

(a) Pensioner can transfer his/ her pension account from one branch to another branch of the same bank within the same centre or at a different centre;

(b) He/ She can transfer his/ her account from one authorized bank to another within the same centre (such transfers to be allowed only once in a year);

(c) He/ She can also transfer his/ her account from one authorized bank to another authorized bank at a different centre.

10. What is the procedure for payment of pension in the case of the transfer of PPO to another branch or bank, as the case may be?

Pension will be paid for three months on the basis of the photocopy of the pensioner’s PPO at the transferee (new) branch from the date of the last payment made at the transferor (old) branch. Both the branches (old and new) are required to ensure that all the required documents are received by the transferee branch within these three months.

11. Is it necessary for the pensioner to be present at the branch of the bank along with documents for the purpose of identification before commencement of pension?

Yes. Before the commencement of pension, a pensioner has to be present at the paying branch for the purpose of identification. The paying branch shall obtain the specimen signatures or the thumb/toe impression from the pensioner.

12. What is the procedure to be followed by the bank branch if the pensioner is handicapped /incapacitated and is not in a position to be present at the paying branch?

If the pensioner is physically handicapped/incapacitated and unable to be present at the branch, the requirement of personal appearance is waived. In such cases, the bank official visits the pensioner’s residence/hospital for the purpose of identification and obtaining specimen signature or thumb/toe impression.

13. Has the pensioner got right to retain half portion of the PPO for record and to get it updated from paying branch whenever there is a change in the quantum of pension due to revision in basic pension, dearness relief, etc.?

Yes. The pensioner has right to retain half portion of the PPO for record and whenever there is a revision in the basic pension/Dearness Relief (DR), etc. the paying branch has to call for the pensioner's half of the PPO and record thereon the changes according to government orders/notifications and return the same to the pensioner.

14. Whether the paying branch has to maintain a detailed record of pension payments made by it in the prescribed form?

Yes. The pension paying branch is required to maintain a detailed record of pension payments made by it from time to time in the prescribed form duly authenticated by the authorized officer.

15. Can the pension paying bank recover the excess amount credited to the pensioner’s account?

Yes. The paying branch before commencement of pension obtains an undertaking from the pensioner in the prescribed form for this purpose and, therefore, can recover the excess payment made to the pensioner's account due to delay in receipt of any material information or due to any bonafide error. The bank also has the right to recover the excess amount of pension credited to the deceased pensioner’s account from his/her legal heirs/nominees.

16. Is it compulsory for a pensioner to furnish a Life Certificate/Non-Employment Certificate or Employment Certificate to the bank in the month of November?

Yes. The pensioner is required to furnish a Life Certificate/Non – Employment Certificate or Employment Certificate to the bank in the month of November every year. However, in case a pensioner is unable to obtain a Life Certificate from an authorized bank officer on account of serious illness / incapacitation, the bank official will visit his/her residence/ hospital for the purpose of recording the life certificate.

17. Can a pensioner be allowed to operate his/ her account by the holder of Power of Attorney?

The account is not allowed to be operated by a holder of Power of Attorney. However, the cheque book facility and acceptance of standing instructions for transfer of funds from the account is permissible.

18. Who is responsible for deduction of Income Tax at source from pension payment?

The pension paying bank is responsible for deduction of Income Tax from pension amount in accordance with the rates prescribed by the Income Tax authorities from time to time. While deducting such tax from the pension amount, the paying bank will also allow deductions on account of relief to the pensioner available under the Income Tax Act. The paying branch, in April each year, will also issue to the pensioner a certificate of tax deduction as per the prescribed form. If the pensioner is not liable to pay Income Tax, he should furnish to the pension paying branch, a declaration to that effect in the prescribed form (15 H).

19. Can old, sick physically handicapped pensioner who is unable to sign, open pension account or withdraw his/ her pension from the pension account?

A pensioner, who is old, sick or lost both his/her hands and, therefore, cannot sign, can put any mark or thumb/ toe impression on the form for opening of pension account. While withdrawing the pension amount he/she can put thumb/toe impression on the cheque/withdrawal form and it should be identified by two independent witnesses known to the bank one of whom should be a bank official.

20. Can a pensioner withdraw pension from his/ her account when he/she is not able to sign or put thumb/toe impression or unable to be present in the bank?

In such cases, a pensioner can put any mark or impression on the cheque/ withdrawal form and may indicate to the bank as to who would withdraw pension amount from the bank on the basis of cheque/withdrawal form. Such a person should be identified by two independent witnesses. The person who is actually drawing the money from the bank should be asked to furnish his/her specimen signature to the bank.

21. When does the family pension commence?

The family pension commences after the death of the pensioner. The family pension is payable to the person indicated in the PPO on receipt of a death certificate and application from the nominee.

22. How the payment of Dearness Relief at revised rate is to be paid to the pensioners?

Whenever any additional relief on pension/family pension is sanctioned by the Government, the same is intimated to the agency banks for issuing suitable instructions to their pension paying branches for payment of relief at the revised rates to the pensioners without any delay. The orders issued by Government Departments are also hosted on their websites and banks have been advised to watch the latest instructions on the website and act accordingly without waiting for any further orders from RBI in this regard.

23. Can pensioners get pension slips?

Yes. As decided by the Central Government (Civil, Defence & Railways), pension paying banks have been advised to issue pension slips to the pensioners in prescribed form when the pension is paid for the first time and thereafter whenever there is a change in quantum of pension due to revision in basic pension or revision in Dearness Relief.

24. Which authority the pensioner should approach for redressal of his/ her grievances?

A pensioner can initially approach the concerned Branch Manager and, thereafter, the Head Office of the concerned bank for redressal of his/her complaint. They can also approach the Banking Ombudsman of the concerned State in terms of Banking Ombudsman Scheme 2006 of the Reserve Bank of India (details available at the Bank’s website www.rbi.org.in) This is applicable only in respect of complaints relating to services rendered by banks. For other issues, the complainant will have to approach the respective pension sanctioning authority.

25. Where can a pensioner get information about the changes in the pension/ Dearness Relief or any pension related issue?

The pensioner can visit the Official Website of the concerned Government Department as also Reserve Bank of India Website (www.rbi.org.in) to get the information about pension related issues.

26.  Whether a pensioner is entitled for any compensation from the agency banks for delayed credit of pension/ arrears of pension?

Yes. A Pensioner is entitled for compensation for delayed credit of pension/arrears thereof at the fixed rate 8% and the same would be credited to the pensioner's account automatically by the bank on the same day when the bank affords delayed credit of such pension / arrears etc without any claim from the pensioner.

RBI's disclaimer

        These FAQs are issued by the Reserve Bank of India (Bank) for information and general guidance purposes only. The Bank will not be held responsible for actions taken and/or decisions made on the basis of the same. For clarifications or interpretations, if any, the readers are requested to be guided by the relevant circulars and notifications issued from time to time by the Bank and the Government.

Source: http://www.rbi.org.in

Railway Board clarification order on granting of one increment in pre-revised pay scale to Railway employees

Railway Board clarification order on granting of one increment in pre-revised pay scale to Railway employees
Those who were due to get their annual increment between February, 2006 to June, 2006 may be granted one increment as on 01/01/2006 in the pre-revised pay scale as a one time measure,  and, thereafter, will get the next increment in the revised pay structure on 01/7/2006.

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (BHARAT SARKAR)
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (RAIL MANTRALAYA)
(Railway Board)

S.No.PC-VI/322
No.PC-V1/2012/1/RSRP/1

RBE No. 63/2013
New Delhi, dated 03.07.2013

The GMs/CAOs(R),
All Indian Railways & Production Units
(As per mailing list)

Sub: Grant of one increment in pre-revised pay scale - Board’s letter dated 23/03/2012 - clarification regarding.

Board’s letter of even number dated 23.03.2012 provides that, those Railway employees who were due to get their annual increment between February, 2006 to June, 2006 may be granted one increment as on 01/01/2006 in the pre-revised pay scale as a one time measure and, thereafter, will get the next increment in the revised pay structure on 01/7/2006.

2. As per Board’s letter No.PC-VI/2008/I/RSRP/1 dated 11/9/2008 fitment tables have been prescribed in Annexure-E thereto, specifying the stage of revised pay in the revised pay band with reference to each stage of pre-revised pay in various pre-revised pay scales. As per the fitment tables, the stage of revised pay in the pay band has been mentioned at the same stage in respect of two consecutive pre-revised stages of pay in cases of certain pre revised pay scales.

3. References have been received seeking clarification as to whether in cases where the fitment table provides for the same revised stage in case of two consecutive pre-revised stages in a particular pre-revised scale of pay, the benefit of bunching is admissible after grant of one increment in the pre revised pay scale by virtue of Board’s letter dated 23/03/2012.

4. The matter has been considered and it is clarified that Fitment Table contained in the aforesaid letter dated 11/9/2008 is to be strictly followed for fixation of pay in the revised structure without any deviation.

5. In cases where the stages of fixation of pay in the revised pay band as per fitment table contained in the aforesaid letter dated 11/9/2008 provides for the same revised stage in the Pay Band with reference to two consecutive stages of pre-revised pay in the corresponding pre-revised scales, then in such cases due to application of Board’s letter dated 23/3/2012, there will be no change in the revised pay as on 01/01/2006, if the revised stage with reference to the pre-revised pay after accounting for one increment in the pre revised scale does not undergo any change as per the Fitment Table. It is also clarified that no further bunching will be allowed in such cases and no re-fixation of pay will be admissible in the revised pay as on 01/01/2006.

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

sd/-
(Hari Krishan)
Director, Pay Commission II
Railway Board.

No.PC-VI/2012/I/RSRP/1

New Delhi, dated 03.07.2013

Source: www.indianrailways.gov.in
[http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/pay_comm/PC6/2013/RBE_63_2013.PDF]

Railway Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008 - Revised pay structure of ancillary staff of RPF/RPSF - Railway Board Orders

Railway Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008 - Revised pay structure of ancillary staff of RPF/RPSF - Railway Board Orders

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(Railway Board)

PC-VI No.321
RBE No. 62/2013

No.PC-VI/2008/I/5/8
New Delhi, dated 03-07-2013

The General Manger and CAO(R),
All Indian Railways & Production Units
(As per mailing list)

Sub: Railway Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008 - Revised pay structure of ancillary staff of RPF/RPSF

Ref: Board’s letter No. PC-VI/2008/I/3/1 dated 29-10-2008 (Para 4)

Consequent upon implementation of recommendations of Sixth Central Pay Commission in respect of Followers of various Central Para Military Forces as accepted by Government, the issue of revision of pay structure of Ancillary staff of RPF/RPSF has been under consideration of the Ministry of Railways in consultation with Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Home Affairs for some time.

2. President is now pleased to decide as follows:

(a) All the posts of ‘ancillary staff’ of RPF/RPSF in pre-revised pay scales Rs.2610-3540, 2650-4000 and 2750-4400 may be placed in PBI with GP Rs.2000 with effect from 1.I.2006.

(b) Consequent upon placement in PBI GP Rs.2000, above posts will get reclassified as Group ‘C’ posts in terms of Board’s letter No. PC-VI/2009/I/RSRP/4 (RRE No.5/2010) dated 08.01.2010.

(c) After conversion of posts of Ancillary staff as above, the posts would be re-designated as Constable (name of trade) viz. Constable (Barber). Constable (Safaiwala), Constable (Washerman), Constable (Mali) etc.

(d) Ancillary staff who have already undergone basic training (including weapons training) would be placed in revised pay structure as above as per the provisions of Railway Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008. Ancillary staff who have not undergone training as above, will be subjected to re-training programme (including weapon training) for a duration not exceeding 3 months during working days and not more than 2 hours a day, as per the detailed instructions to be issued by Security Directorate. On successful completion of training they will be allowed the benefit of revised pay structure as above. Arrears as due may be drawn accordingly.

(e) Recruitment Rules/provisions of RPF Act/RPF Rules/Directives/standing orders etc. will accordingly be modified to make recruitment in each trade duly keeping view the RRs in other CPMFs for such posts. Above recruitment rules / other relevant conditions like rank/status etc. will have no linkage with the posts of Constables of Executive side or Drivers of RPF/RPSF. Further, the recruitment qualification for future recruitment will not be lower than Matriculation/ITI i.e. the lowest qualification prescribed by 6th CPC for entry into government service.

(f) There will be no change in the total sanctioned strength of Battalion/Company due to conversion of the posts of Ancillary staff in/as Gr. C posts.

(g) Functions of various trades will he reviewed and multi-skilling as deemed necessary will be introduced.

(h) The practice of deployment of Constables/Ancillary staff at the residence of officers, wherever in vogue, will be stopped forth with and wherever they are required to be deployed at the residences of officers due to operational reasons, it will be done after obtaining prior sanction of competent authority.

3. Action for re-fixation of pay and drawal and disbursement of arrears should be completed immediately as per the provisions of Railway Services (Revised Pay) Rules.2008 and detailed procedure laid down in Board’s letter No.PC-V1/2008/RSRP/1 dated 11.9.2008 (RBE No.108/2008). Further as per clarification available in Board’s letter No.PC-VI/2008/I/RSRP/I dated 11.11.2008 (RBE No.172/2008) for fixation of pay of existing employees (as on 1.1.2006), fitment tables, corresponding to actual pre revised scale applicable to the employee, as annexed with Board’s letter dated 11.09.2008 shall be utilized for the purpose of determination of pay in the pay band. To the pay in pay band so determined Grade Pay of Rs.2000/- will be added.

4. This issues in consultation with Security dte.(DG/RPF) and with the concurrence of Finance directorate of this Ministry.

sd/-
(Hari Krishan)
Director Pay Commission-II
Railway Board

Source: www.indianrailways.gov.in
[http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/pay_comm/PC6/2013/RBE_62_2013.PDF]