7th Pay Commission Report: General Provident Fund (GPF) for Central Government employees

7th Pay Commission Report: General Provident Fund (GPF) for Central Government employees

9.4.1 General Provident Fund (GPF) for Central Government employees was started w.e.f. 1 April, 1960. It covers those government employees who joined service before 01.01.2004 and are not governed by the Contributory Provident Fund Scheme. The scheme was introduced to foster the habit of saving amongst government employees and to provide them financial help in times of need. The Commission has not received any demands regarding modifications in this scheme.

Analysis and Recommendations

9.4.2 The Commission has analyzed the views of the previous Pay Commissions regarding GPF. The IV CPC and the V CPC did not favour making the scheme optional on the grounds that the fund provided relief to employees in times of need and that accretions to the fund also improved the government’s ways and means position. The VI CPC had, however, recommended that the “future investments in GPF should be allowed purely on voluntary basis with no minimum being prescribed.” Their rationale was that the resource position of Central Government is comfortable and the revenues are showing a steady growth, employees have the option of a variety of market instruments to choose from for investment purposes, and with the proposed increase in monthly subscription under the CGEGIS (70% of which is for saving purposes), the government employees will, in any case, be making a much higher saving.

9.4.3 The Commission notes that the recommendations of the VI CPC regarding CGEGIS and GPF were not accepted by the government; neither the CGEGIS rates were revised, nor GPF was made voluntary.

9.4.4 This Commission is of the view that, with the introduction of NPS w.e.f. 01.01.2004, the number of subscribers under the GPF scheme will decrease as time goes by. Moreover, the scheme has worked well over the past 65 years and has provided pecuniary relief to the subscribers in times of need. Accordingly the Commission does not find merit in any disturbance at this point of time. Hence, status quo is recommended.

Massive demonstrations to protest against retrograde recommendations of the 7th CPC

Massive demonstrations to protest against retrograde recommendations of the 7th CPC

Massive demonstrations to protest against retrograde recommendations of the VII CPC

Today, in the meeting held in the office of NC/JCM(Staff Side), 13-C, Ferozshah Road, New Delhi, it has been decided that, all the constituents of NJCA shall give direction to their affiliates to hold massive demonstrations, bearing black badges, on 27th November, 2015, against the following retrograde recommendations of the VII CPC

All India Railwaymen’s Federation

No.AIRF/24(C)

Dated: November 20, 2015

The General Secretaries,
All Affiliated Unions,

Dear Comrades,
Reg.: Massive demonstrations to protest against retrograde recommendations of the VII CPC

Today, in the meeting held in the office of NC/JCM(Staff Side), 13-C, Ferozshah Road, New Delhi, it has been decided that, all the constituents of NJCA shall give direction to their affiliates to hold massive demonstrations, bearing black badges, on 27th November, 2015, against the following retrograde recommendations of the VII CPC.

Against the demand of the Staff Side, National Council(JCM) for Minimum Wage Rs.26,000, the VII CPC has recommended Rs.18,000, thereby widening the gap between Minimum and Maximum Wage as 1:13.8 while our demand was to keep this ratio not more 1:8.

The present rate of HRA, i.e. 30%, 20% and 10% has been reduced to 24%, 16% and 8% respectively.
The number of interest-free advance, like Festival Advance, etc. have been recommended to be stopped.
Instead of removing the existing anomalies in the MACPS, the Pay Commission has introduced examination for granting MACP benefit.
The Pay Commission has also refused to make any recommendation against the NPS.
In case of Child Care Leave for women employees, leave wage shall be reduced to 80% for second spell of 365 days CCL.

All of you are requested to comply with the aforementioned decision of the NJCA, and the report of the same should be sent to NJCA Headquarters Office, i.e. 4 State Entry Road, New Delhi.

Yours faithfully,
sd/-
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
General Secretary

Source: AIRF

7th Pay Commission : LDC – UDC Issue – Government Stand Reiterated

7TH PAY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION

LDC-UDC ISSUE-GOVERNMENT STAND REITERATED

On the issue of LDC/UDC 7th Pay Commission reiterated the deceiving stand of the Government. Despite of realizing the issue as genuine, Government had not taken a positive decision at their level. The tens of thousands of LDC & UDC, solely responsible for the smooth running of many of the subordinate offices, were hoping that 7th Pay Commission will study the problem faced by them and take a positive decision. Staff Side JCM having convinced the importance of the issue, had also recommended merger & upgradation of the Grade Pay of LDC & UDC to Rs. 2800. But here we see that 7th Pay Commission has not taken any decision on the issue except giving some confusing and misleading statements to vindicate the stand taken by the Government as true. Extracts of some of their views on LDC UDC issue spread over various chapters of the reports is given below:

Higher GP 2400 to LDC and consequent upgradation of pay for other civilian posts in the Ministerial hierarchy.

11.22.100 The Academy has urged that LDC should be placed in higher GP 2400 as against the existing GP 1900 at par with grade pay of Data Entry Operator (DEO), on the grounds that both LDC and DEO enter service on the basis of same educational qualification i.e., Class XII and that the functions of LDC are more complex than that of a DEO. This issue has been dealt in Chapter 7.7. Recommendations made there would apply in this case also.

11.52.32 They have demanded upgradation in pay of certain category of non-industrial posts viz., LDC, UDC, Accountant, Junior Head Clerk, Head Clerk, Office Superintendent and Assistant Manager (Admin).


Analysis and Recommendations

11.52.33 The Commission has not received the views of the ministry/department on the issue. However, posts like LDC, UDC, Accountant are common to a number of ministries/ departments. Recommendations regarding their pay are contained in Chapter 7.7 and Chapter 11.35. The Commission does not find any justification for increase in pay scale of the other cadres.

But in Chapter 7.7 no direct recommendation except to decline the demand of LBSNAA to increase the promotional quota of MTS to LDC, is visible. The extract of Para 7.7.37 is give below:


Analysis and Recommendations

7.7.37 Looking at the qualification requirements and their job profile, the Commission does not recommend any changes in the pay structure or the promotional prospects of the MTS. Regarding MTS in Delhi Police, the Commission is of the view that since MTS is a common category, any special dispensation to MTS in Delhi Police is not justified. In so far as the MTS of LBSNAA are concerned, the Commission notes as per the recruitment rules for LDC, presently only 5 percent of MTS can get promoted to LDC through limited departmental examination. However, since the government has stopped direct recruitment for the clerical cadre and gradually phasing out the existing incumbents, their demand cannot be accepted.

LDCs

11.35.27 There are demands that 50 percent posts of LDCs be earmarked for filing up by promotion/departmental examination by MTS. It has been argued that the educational qualification for the post of MTS is Class X and they are recruited through SSC for performing the work of Peon, Mali, Cobbler, and Sweeper etc. Since most of the MTS join the post with higher qualification of Higher Secondary and Graduation, there is high rate of attrition in the MTS cadre.

Analysis and Recommendations

11.35.28 As per the recruitment rules for LDC, presently 5 percent of MTS can get promoted to LDC through limited departmental examination. Since government has already stopped direct recruitment for the clerical cadre and gradually phasing out the existing incumbents, this demand cannot be accepted. Moreover enhancement of promotional quota is an administrative matter to be considered by the relevant administrative ministry.

Between the lines it can be read that the Government prevented the 7th Pay Commission to not consider the LDC/UDC issue positively and reiterated the wrong statement of the Government that that Government of India has stopped direct recruitment of LDC through Staff Selection as its recommendation. But the fact is that Staff Selection Commission is frequently conducting recruitment for the post of LDC and without the permission of the Government how they can done at their own. Combined higher secondary examination for the selection of LDC also has been conducted recently. If we take the intention of Government of phasing out the LDC post as true, then where is the alternative recommendation? Who will do the arduous work done by the young and energetic LDCs in the subordinate offices? It is to be noted that the normal ratio of LDC and UDC in subordinate offices is 5:2 and thus LDCs have been allocated responsible sections and in many smaller offices LDC alone is handling the work of entire Administration.

On the other hand rejecting Central Secretariat Clerical service demand of parity with DEO the commission observes “Even though the entry requirements are similar, historically the pay scales of the two posts have been different. Besides, they comprise two distinct cadres with different set of roles and responsibilities. Hence, the demand for parity of pay of LDC with DEOs cannot be acceded to by the Commission.”(Para 11.35.38).

Our view is that historically these cadres may be different set of roles but the fact is that functions of LDC are more complex than that of DEO and same was brought before the commission by various  Associations/Administrative Authorities. Earlier pay Commissions have fixed Pay Scale to DEO considering their work on computer. But today LDCs are more expertise in computer than DEO for doing work in computer, but the demand of parity with DEO is rejected. Extract of Para 11.35.38 is given below:

Central Secretariat Clerical Service

11.35.38 The Central Secretariat Clerical Service (CSCS) consists of the following grades:

i. Upper Division Clerk (GP 2400)
ii. Lower Division Clerk (GP 1900)
LDC and Data Entry Operator (DEO)

11.35.39 It has been demanded that LDC of CSCS drawing pay in GP 1900 be placed in GP 2400 at par with the DEOs on the grounds that post VI CPC, the entry requirements for the two posts is almost similar.

Analysis and Recommendations

11.35.40 Even though the entry requirements are similar, historically the pay scales of the two posts have been different. Besides, they comprise two distinct cadres with different set of roles and responsibilities. Hence, the demand for parity of pay of LDC with DEOs cannot be acceded to by the Commission.
From the above it is clear that Government is adamant on not granting pay scale to LDC & UDCs in subordinate offices at par with the duties assigned to them. Even though the 7th CPC claimed that they have recommended pay scales on the principle of equal pay for equal work, the genuine issue of LDC/UDC is ignored. Thus we are forced to represent against the recommendation to the Government/JCM (Staff Side).

All our LDC/UDC friends are requested to raise the issue in their respective Association/Office to force them to represent the issue to the implementation committee for consideration. Also please join all action programmes including strike action, called by the JCM (Staff Side), as published in this web site from time to time, to combat the situation.

TKR Pillai
General Secretary
Mob: 09425372172

Source: http://aiamshq.blogspot.in/

7th CPC recommendations to reduce House Rent Allowance

7th CPC recommendations to reduce House Rent Allowance

The 7th Central Pay Commission has been recommended to reduce the percentage of House Rent Allowance for all categories of Central Government employees rationalized to 24 percent, 16 percent and 8 percent of the Basic Pay for Class X, Y and Z cities respectively.

The Commission also recommends that the rate of HRA will be revised to 27 percent, 18 percent and 9 percent when DA crosses 50 percent, and further revised to 30 percent, 20 percent and 10 percent when DA crosses 100 percent.

7th CPC HRA: HRA is the most important factor of allowance issuing to existing Central Government employees, it is given for compensate to live in rented house. The HRA rules are allowed for getting allowance even if he/she living in own house.

A major changes had been made in 6th CPC on HRA rules. The percentages were prescribed on basic pay according to the cities in India. The cities are classified as X, Y and Z and the rates of percentage respect of the cities are 30%, 20% and 10% on basic pay (Grade pay including).

Central Government employees are expecting changes in the rate of percentage according to cities.

NC JCM STAFF SIDE SUGGESTION ON HOUSE RENT ALLOWANCE

National Council JCM Staff Side given suggestion on House Rent Allowance for Central Government employees as under…

House Rent allowance. 

The present scheme of HRA is based on the recommendation of the 6th CPC, which is as follows:

We reproduce hereunder the recommendation made by the third Central Pay Commission in the matter of grant of house rent allowance. (Para 29 Part I. Vol. IV.Chapter 56), which would be the best if implemented even today. While we find it difficult to accept the kind of parity suggested above, we are aware of the acute problem caused by the lack of adequate government housing and by the inadequate government housing and by the inadequacy of the existing rates of house rent allowance and recommend as follows:-

Government should take houses on long lease and make residential accommodation available to its employees on payment of 10% of their pay.

(ii) Government should lay down appropriate house rent allowance rates in different cities and towns based not on population criteria, but on an actual assessment of the prevailing levels of rent in different cities and towns. Alternatively, certain notional rents for different types of accommodation meant for officers and personnel of specified pay groups should be laid down for particular cities after studying the actual conditions in that city. The difference between the actual rent paid and 10% of pay should be reimbursed subject to a maximum of the difference between the notional rent and 10% of the pay. The existing norms in regard to entitlement of accommodation, size of rooms etc. could, if necessary, be reduced depending on the housing situation and the norms usually adopted by different income groups in renting accommodation in the various cities. Such notional rents should, to start with, be applied to all stations falling under the description of classified cities for purposes of House Rent Allowance, Additions could also be made to the list later on by including other cities deserving similar treatment.

 (iii) Till the Government is able to make arrangements recommended in the preceding sub-paragraphs, the rates of HRA should be as follows:-

The above said recommendations is still to be acted upon by the Government and the transitory provisions suggested by them i.e. payment of allowances at a pre-determined rate on the basis of classification made of the cities depending upon the population continue to be employed. The non-implementation of the above recommendation of the third CPC , has without exception, gone to depress the wage of all sections of Central Government employees as they are perforce to spend more than what they receive as HRA for obtaining and retaining the accommodation.

The rates prescribed by the 6th CPC, though an improvement over its predecessor Commission, it has not improved the situation. The real estate value throughout the country has skyrocketed and owning an accommodation within the city/Municipal limit has become impossible for Government employees. There is not a single town/village where the real estate boom has remained unaffected. The phenomenal increase in the value of land has naturally impacted the rent, one is to pay on leasing house/flat. The house rent allowance does not bear even a small percentage of the rent. The 7th CPC may recommend to the Government to act upon the suggestion made by the 3rd CPC without any further delay. Pending action on the part of the Government, the Commission may suggest the following rates of House Rent allowance;

 

Source: 7thpaycommissionnews.in

Meetings with 7th CPC and Cabinet Secretary – NC JCM Staff Side

Meetings with 7th CPC and Cabinet Secretary – NC JCM Staff Side

Meetings with the VII CPC and the Cabinet Secretary – resentment conveyed to Govt. of India

Shiva Gopal Mishra
 
Secretary

Ph.: 23382286
National Council (Staff Side)
Joint Consultative Machinery
Central Government Employees
13-C, Ferozshah Road, New Delhi – 110001
E Mail : nc.jcm.np@gmail.com

No.NC/JCM/2015

Dated: November 20, 2015

All Constituents of the
National Council(JCM)

Dear Comrades,
Sub: Meetings with the VII CPC and the Cabinet Secretary

Today I met the Chairman, VII CPC, Justice Shri Ashok Kumar Mathur, and expressed our anguish against retrograde recommendations of VII CPC, particularly reg. Minimum Wage, reduction in HRA and CCL, non-redressal of NPS, abolition of various allowances, examination of MACP benefit, etc. etc.

Tough he had given argument, but I told him about the anguish of all the constituents of the JCM(Staff Side), who feel that they have been betrayed by the VII CPC.

Comrades! I have also met the Cabinet Secretary, Shri P.K. Sinha, in the afternoon and handed him over a copy of the attached letter and requested him to convene meeting of the NC/JCM at an earliest as well as to intervene in the matters raised by the JCA in case of report of VII CPC at an earliest. The Cabinet Secretary has promised that he would try to fix the meeting at an earliest and also look into the points raised by the NC/JCM(Staff Side) for VII CPC.

With fraternal greetings!

Yours faithfully,
sd/-
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
Secretary

Source : http://ncjcmstaffside.com/