7th Pay Commission: Rail budget may hike passenger fares

7th Pay Commission: Rail budget may hike passenger fares

Facing resource crunch, Railways is said to be mulling the possibility of effecting a 5 to 10 per cent increase in the passenger fares in the coming budget.

The proposal is being considered against the backdrop of a decline in both passenger and freight earnings and the additional burden of Rs 32,000 cr towards implementing the Seventh Pay Commission recommendations, Railway Ministry sources said.

On top of this, the gross budgetary support for the 2015-16 has also been slashed by Rs 8,000 cr by the Finance Ministry due to low spending by the Railways.

The sources said while there are several possibilities including a fare hike are being looked into nothing has been finalised yet.

The sources said a decision has to be taken whether to hike the fares and, if so, when. But it is not necessary it has to be done only in the budget, they said.

There is a feeling in rail bhawan that a fare hike in the budget to be presented on Feb 25 can be more beneficial as the railways can utilise the peak season beginning March.

Currently AC fares are already on higher side. If AC fares are raise, then they could even surpass the fares of low-cost air carriers in some sectors.

Similarly, freight rates are also at a high level and loading of steel, cement, coal, iron ore and fertiliser is on a down slide that rules out any further increase in this area.

Railways had effected a 14 per cent across-the-board hike in passenger fares in 2014 during the NDA regime and a 10 per cent increase last year.

Railways’ total earnings from freight and passenger fares were Rs 1,36,079.26 cr until January this year as against the target of Rs 141,416.05 cr, a shortfall of 3.77 per cent.

Acknowledging the decline in earnings sources said various options were being explored to perk up revenue collections.

While one option is to raise the fares in selected routes, the other is to go for increasing the cost of services provided.

Meanwhile railways have undertaken steps for cutting the costs and for commercial exploitation of surplus railway land besides looking at higher revenues from advertisement in a bid to tide over the crisis. The focus may be on improving non-tariff collection, the sources said.

Railways have conducted a study by Axis Capital which has recommended a 10 per cent hike in passenger fares and a 5 per cent raise in freight rates to improve the state-run transporter’s finances.

PTI

Election Holidays 2016 – Grant of Paid Holiday for CG Employees

Election Holidays 2016 – Grant of Paid Holiday for CG Employees : Bye Election to the State Legislative Assemblies of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Bihar, Telangana, Maharashtra, Punjab and Tripura — Grant of Paid holiday – regarding

 F. No.12/3/2016-JCA 2

Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
(Department of Personnel & Training)
Establishment (JCA-2) Section

North Block, New Delhi
Dated February 10, 2016

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Bye Election to the State Legislative Assemblies of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Bihar, Telangana, Maharashtra, Punjab and Tripura — Grant of Paid holiday – regarding

The undersigned is directed to say that in connection with the Bye Election to the State Legislative Assemblies of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Bihar, Telangana, Maharashtra, Punjab and Tripura, scheduled to be held in February, 2016, the following guidelines, already issued by this Department vide Office Memorandum No. 12/14/99-JCA dated 10.10.2001, have to be followed inrespect of the Central Government Offices, including Industrial Establishments in the States : –

In connection with bye-election to State Assembly, only such of the employees who are bona-fide voters in the relevant constituency should be granted special casual leave on the day of polling. Special Casual leave may also be granted to an employee, who is ordinarily a resident of constituency and registered as a voter, but employed in any Central Government Organization/ Industrial Establishment located outside the constituency having the bye-election.

2. The above instructions may please be brought to the notice of all concerned.

(Raju Saraswat)
To Under Secretary

Source: www.persmin.gov.in
ELECTION HOLIDAYS 2016 DOPT ORDERS

Joint Proposal by NFIR & AIRF on the Retrograde Recommendations of Seventh Central Pay Commission

Joint Proposal by NFIR & AIRF on the Retrograde Recommendations of Seventh Central Pay Commission.

NFIR
National Federation of Indian Railwaymen
3, CHELMSFORD ROAD, NEW DELHI – 110 055

Affiliated to:
Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC)
International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF)

No. IV/NFIR/7th CPC/CORRES (R.B.)
Dated: 0810212016

The Member Staff,
Railway Board,
New Delhi
Dear Sir,

Sub: Retrograde recommendations of 7th CPC – serious staff unrest-reg.

*********

During the meeting held between the Railway Board (CRB, MS, FC etc.) and both the Federations on 04/02/2016, the Federations (NFIR & AIRF) have conveyed their unhappiness and serious resentment against the retrograde and perverse recommendations of 7th Central Pay Commission. The Federations have also been very categorical in conveying to the Railway Board that almost all categories of staff are upset and extremely unhappy over the injustice done to Railway employees. The Federations have insisted upon the Railway Ministry to step in, for ensuring justice to staff.

Responding to the points raised by the Federations, the Board (CRB, MS), have suggested to give specific cases for facilitating the Railway Ministry to consider and take necessary action at appropriate level for mitigating the injustice.

In this connection, the joint proposal of Federations (NFIR and AIRF) containing specific issues is enclosed for favourable decision.

Yours faithfull
(Dr. M. Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Encl as above (in five pages).

RETROGRADE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE 7th CPC – SERIOUS STAFF UNREST – JOINT PROPOSAL OF THE FEDERATIONS (AIRF AND NFIR)

The Fedeiations feel sad to convey that the 7th CPC has not given any weightage to the unique, complex and hazardous nature of duties of the Railway employees belonging to various categories, The negative recommendations of the 7th CPC have generated anger and frustration among almost all the sections of the Railway employees in general besides among the Technical Supervisors (JEs’ SSEs), Technicians in various Technical Departments, Loco & Traffic Running Staff, lt is unfortunate to mention that, longer hours
of duty, “Excluded” classification under HOER, availability a all times to take call, working at remote places without basic necessities of life are although unique to the Railways and its employees, these factors were totally ignored by the 7th CPC while recommending revised Pay Matrix levels.

We place below brief details of the categories of the staff subjected to grave injustice and specially urge upon the Railway Ministry to take the issues to the Government for improving the 7tn CPC pay-Matirix levels.

(i) Technical Supervisors (JEs & SSEs)
Junior Engineers and Senior Section Engineers in Permanent Way, Works, Bridges, Track Machines, Carriage & Wagon, Loco, Mechanical, Electrical, S&T etc., are shouldering greater, responsibilities and providing full technical support to the Railways in ensuring maintenance, troubleshooting, prevention of failures and un-interrupted flow of services round-the-clock. While entry qualification of Junior Engineers is “Diploma plus lnduction training, Graduate Engineers are inducted as SSE in GP Rs,4600/- (PB-2), Vast majority of this category is of technically qualified engineers who are classified as “Excluded” under HOER and are expected to be available on duty round-the-clock for 24 hours aday. There is no career growth  at all to this category asthe Group ‘C’ highest Grade Pay is Rs.4600/- (PB-2) only, thereby the directly recruited technocrats from open Market in GP Rs.4600/- will continue to remain the same recruitment Grade Pay except a very few who may reach the lever of Group ‘B’ (Gaz.).

While the 7th CPC has accepted (para 11.40.113) that there is an element of stagnation at SSE level, the Commission has unfortunately, not made any specific recommendation for their career progression. The SSEs in addition to their supervisory and technical duties are custodians oftores/material worth crores of rupees and equally responsible for establishment matters ofthe staff working under their control. lt is relevant totake note that SSEs had in the past were allotted pay scale of Rs.840-10401840-1200 (3rd CPC), which was lowered down over a period of time by the successive Pay Commissions, thus the Award given by Railway Labour Tribunal, headed by Justice N.M. Miabhoy and accepted by the Government was scuttled, lt is also to be noted that verticalnd horizontal reativities were disturbed since 4th – ‘Rs,4200/- CPC period onwards as the Sr. Technician and JE are in one and the same Grade pay of Rs.4200/-.
There is, therefore, need for placement of JEs & SSEs in higher levels of Pay Matrix of 7th CPC, ie. at level 8 & level 9 with provison for further career progression to the higher Pay Matrix levels, treating these levels as part of the cadp with appropriate status (Gazetted).

(ii) Technicians in Railways
The Technicians in various departments of the Railways are performing the duties of maintenance of tracks, assets, buildings, equipments, rolling stock, Signal/Telecom assets, overhead equipments of Electric Traction on Open Line, PoH activities in Workshops/manufacturing activities in Production Units and various other technical jobs under the open sky in all weather conditions, facing noise/dust pollutions in sheds, depots, yards, stations, throughout track lengths and also on running trains, The 7th CPC has ignored duties of unique nature performed by the technicians i all shifts round-the-clock, which are not comparable with the technicians of any other ministry/department. The Technicians are extremely unhappy and agitated over injustice done by the 7th CPC. The Railway Ministry had, in fact,’agreed for merger of Technician-II with Technician-l in GP Rs.2800/- (PB-I), but, however, the said proposal was procrastinated and kept pending for years by the Ministry of Finance, The Government, we are sure, will admit that he duties and responsibilities of the Railway Technicians are unique and not comparable with the Technicians working elsewhere.

The Railway Technicians, therefore, deserve tobe given higher replacement pay scales in the Pay Matrix for their career growth to Pay Matrix level 7 as “Master Technician”.
* Incidentally, it is mentioned that over 6 lakhs employees belonging to Technicians category are extremely unhappy over the injustice done by the 7tn CPC while recommending the levels in the Revised Pay Matrix. lt would, therefore, be necessary to improve 7th CPC Pay Matrix levels for Technicians.

(iii) Running Staff

(a) Loco Pilot Category
The entry qualification of Asstt. Loco Pilots GP Rs.1900/- is Matriculation plus ITI (NCVT). Those selected through RRB, after clearing the Aptitude Test and Aye-One standard medical examination aregiven rigorous training in general and subsidiary rules (open line) for performing train running duties in all weather conditions. lt is unfortunate that, the ALP Category has been give normal replacement Pay Matrix levels in place of existing Grade Pay Rs.1900 and 2400/. This is a unique category which deserves improved Pay Matrix levels. The High Level Safety Review Committee headed by Shri Anil Kakodkar, in fact, recommended for upward revision ofentry qualification as “Diploma in Engineering” (para 6.3), but unfortunately, said recommendation has not been considered by the Railway Ministry as also the VII CPC.
It is sad to note that the Pay Commission vide para 11.40. 63 has concurred with the views ‘ of RaiMay Ministry stating that “effectiveness of the Loco Pilots can be improved by revamping their training rather than enhancing the minimum educational qualification” in spite of the facthathe staff of this category are expected to possess knowledge on technical aspects of 19 types of locomotives, which are continuously upgraded with further improved technology, lt would, therefore, be necessary to abolish GP Rs,1900/ in the case of ALP category and upgrade GP Rs.2400/ to GP Rs.2800/ for placement in the Pay Matrix at appropriate levels.

The 7th CPC has failed to rectify the 6th CPC anomalies ofpay structure of Loco Pilot category, which has resulted in continuance of Loco Pilot (Shunting), Loco Pilot (Goods), Loco Pilot (Passenger) and Loco Pilot (Mail) in one and the same Grade Pay of GP Rs.4200/ although the responsibilities and accountabilities are higher when they are promoted after rigorous training and through selection process from the same Grade Pay to same Grade Pay. There is, therefore, justification for allotment of higher pay Matrix levels (Level 7 & Level 8) to Loco Pilot Category.

Incidentally, it is mentioned that when the sth CPC had done injustice to the Loco Pilot (Mail) category, the issue was taken up by the Federations at the level of Government, and the Union Cabinet had approved for allotment ofPay Scale of Rs.6000-9800 to the Loco Pilot (Mail/Express) w.e.f. 01/10/1996, upgrading it from Rs.5500-9000 as recommended by the 6th CPC. Unfortunately, 6th CPC has brought  which is equivalent to that of Loco Pilot (Goods).

(b) Traffic Running Staff
The 7th CPC has failed to rectify the anomalous Pay Structure of Train Guards category. While the entry Grade Pay Rs.28001 of Guard (Goods) is continued, the Sr. Goods Guard, Passenger as well as Mail/Express Guards are placed in replacement Pay Matrix of GP Rs.4200, thus the Grade Pay is one and the same even on promotion with no adequate motivational benefit. In the case of Station Master Category, the Tttr CPC has rightly recommended abolition ofGP Rs.28001 on the ground that the entry qualification is “Graduation”, but unfortunately, for Train Guard Category, though the educational qualification is Graduation similar to that of the Station Master, the existing Grade Pay Rs.2800/ has not been upgraded to GP Rs,4200f. There is, therefore, need to upgrade the Pay Matrix levels of Train Guards duly abolishing entry GP Rs.2800/- (PB-I).

(iv) Serious discontentment and frustration among the Apex Group ‘C’ Grade Supervisory Officials
In spite of effective presentation made by the Federations before the 7th CPC justifying the need to recommend Gazetted status to the Apex Group ‘C’ Supervisory Officials in various departments, the 7th CPC has unfortunately not given due weightage toseveral valid points placed before it, The Supervisory Officials inRailways are performing multifarious duties and their duty hours in each day are unlimited and they are accountable for any lapses, irregularities, failures etc. They are not even entitled to avail weekly rest under HOER. These are important field officials who contribute for efficiency, punctuality, quality, safety and  productivity, The Federations, therefore, urge to take the issue to the Government for granting them Group’B’ Gazetted Status.

(v) There are some aberrations in the 7th CPC report in respect of designation ad Grade Pay of certain categories of staff, Those are required to be corrected in consultation with the Federations (e,9. para 11.40,62- page 740 of 7th CPC report).

(vi) The 7th CPC has recommended changes in promotional channel and direct recruitment in certain cases. These are required to be discussed with Federations before taking a final view (para. 1 1.40.1 – page 738 and 1 1,40.69 and 11 .40.70 – page 742 of 7rh cpc report)

(vii) A joint Committee of the RaiMay Board and both the Federations should be constituted to take into consideration the proposals made by the Federations through their respective memorandums to the 7th CPC, list out issues of each category ofRailway employees which are needed to be addressed for allotment ofproper Pay Scales and other benefits/ incentives within the prescribed time frame.

(viii) Running Staff related issues
Attention is invited to7tn CPC report – page 310 and 311 (para B.11.iB & 8.11.19 relating to
Running Allowance etc., for Running staff). In this context, we suggest that:-

(a) ln the wake of TA being multiplied by 2.25 and revised rate so arrived at, the rates of Running allowance are required to be revised duly taking 21 days revised TA plus 30% Pay Element for arriving at the revised rate of Running Allowance to the Running staff.
(b) The percentage Pay Element for Running Staff, i.e, 30% and 55% for various purposes should be continued,
(c) Additional Allowance allowed to Running Staff should be treated as “Pay” for all purposes.
(d) The existing procedure adopted for fixation of pay of Running staff on revised pay scale should continue.
(e) The procedure for adding 30% of pay for deployment in the alternative post of appropriate higher Pay Matrix level should be ensured.
(f) All the benefits admissible to Running Staff should continue till they are finally absorbed in the alternative posts on medical de-categorization.
(g) On Running Staff”issues relating to pay, rest rules etc., a separate note will follow (para 8.11.19 and 8,11.20 – page 310 and 311 of 7th CPC report).
(h) With regard to Rest Rules, the recommendations of D.P. Tripathi Committee should be discussed and improved with both the Federations for reaching consensus.
(i) The minimum Rest Hours from “signing off’should be 16 hours and rest hours plus periodic rest should be not less than 40 hours and during this period, the Running Staff should not be disturbed.

(iX) National Pension System (NPS)
The Railways should be exempted from the New Pension System and the Old Guaranteed Pension/Family Pension should be restored to all the Railway employees irrespective of their date of appointment.

(x) Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB)
The bilateral agreement arrived at on Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) should be continued and improved, duly revising salary calculation limit to Rs,7000/ p.m. w,e,f, 01/04/2014 (para 15.28 and 15.29 – page 861 of 7th CPC report),

(xi) Dress Allowance
The Dress Allowance should be revised to not less than Rs.10,000/. (Rupees Ten Thousand) to all the staff who wear uniform while on duty.

(M. Raghavaiah)
General Secretary
NFIR

(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
General Secretary
AIRF

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Ministry of Railways and Governments of Chhattisgarh for “Formation of Joint Venture Companies for Development of Railway Infrastructure in Chhattisgarh State

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Ministry of Railways and Governments of Chhattisgarh for “Formation of Joint Venture Companies for Development of Railway Infrastructure in Chhattisgarh State

Augmentation of New Railway Lines in Chhattisgarh State will help explore full potential of natural resources of Chhattisgarh : Suresh Prabhu

New Initiative To Help Improve Transportation System in Chhattisgarh : Raman Singh

In the august presence of Minister of Railways, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu and Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh Shri Raman Singh, Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ministry of Railways and State Government of Chhattisgarh for “Formation of Joint Venture Companies for Development of Railway Infrastructure in the State of Chhattisgarh” was signed. On the event of Signing Ceremony, Chairman Railway Board Shri A. K. Mital, Member Engineering Shri V. K. Gupta, Member Staff Shri Pradip, Financial Commissioner Shri S. Mookerjee and other Board Members and other Senior Officials were present. On behalf of the Railway Ministry Shri Ved Prakash Dudeja, Executive Director/Works signed the MoUs whereas on behalf of Government of Chhattisgarh Shri Subodh Kumar Singh, Secretary, Department of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of Chhattisgarh signed the MoUs. The MoU was signed in the background of Railway Minister’s Budget announcement regarding setting up of Joint Ventures with States for focused project development, resource mobilization, land acquisition, project implementation and monitoring of critical rail projects.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister of Railways Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu thanked the Govt. of Chhattisgarh for having agreed to set up JV Company in State of Chhattisgarh. He further said that the Indian Railways has been working vigorously to reach every corner of the Country through railway lines but people’s expectations are lot more with Railway Ministry. He said that to meet the demands of the country’s people, all State Governments will have to join hands with Railway Ministry and with their becoming partner with the Railway Ministry this will become possible.

Shri Suresh Prabhu further stated that the Chhattisgarh is a State which is full of natural resources such as coal etc. Chhattisgarh has lot of potential and the exploration and evacuation of its natural resources to other parts will help the whole country at national level. For this purpose, railway infrastructure needs to be developed in the State which will not only help the people of the State in availing better transport but will also bring huge freight to the Railways. He stated that working through JV Companies will bring Railways to Ground Zero for effective implementation. He hoped early completion of formation of JV Companies in the interest of the country.

In his address, Shri Raman Singh, Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh at the outset thanked Ministry of Railways for supporting the State of Chhattisgarh for development of New Railway Infrastructure. He said that Railway Ministry already did commendable work in Bastar and Saguja District of Chhattisgarh by developing new railway lines which helped Chhattisgarh State a lot. He stated that under the energetic leadership of Shri Suresh Prabhu Railways has been progressing day in and day out. He stated that 760 kilometers additional railway lines have been spread in the State of Chhattisgarh in a very short span of time which in itself is a record. He stated that this new initiative will not only improve transport system of Chhattisgarh State but also help the State in exploring its full potential in better perspective.
Salient Features of the MoU:-

• In view of the growing demands for railway lines in various states and huge requirement of funds to execute them, Minister for Railways announced in his budget speech regarding setting up of Joint Ventures with states for focused project development, resource mobilization, land acquisition, project implementation and monitoring of critical rail projects.
• 17 State Governments consented for formation of Joint Venture Companies in collaboration with the Ministry of Railways for development of rail infrastructure in their respective States. Draft MoUs were sent to these State Governments and discussions were also held with them to clarify various provisions of the MoU.
• MoUs have already been signed by the Ministry of Railways with the State Governments of Odisha, Maharashtra, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh.
• · Today, MoU has been signed with the State Governments of Chhattisgarh. This signing of MOU is going to be a stepping stone for formation of JV companies.
• The MoU envisages formation of a Joint Venture companies having 51% stakes of the respective State Government and 49% stakes of Ministry of Railways. Thus, the JV companies shall be fully owned by the Government. The companies will primarily identify projects and possible financing avenues in addition to Govt of India and the State Government. After finances for a project are tied up, project specific SPVs or special purpose vehicles shall be formed. These SPVs can have other stake holders from Industries, Central PSUs, State PSUs etc. However, the JV companies shall be mandatory stake holders with minimum 26% shares in the SPVs.
• The ministry of Railways will sign a concession agreement of 30 years with the project SPV for safe and sound operation, revenue sharing and providing technical & marketing logistics to the SPV. The revenue sharing shall be based on already established formula being used for inter zonal apportionment of revenue.
• The most important aspect of this MoU is that the ownership of the land shall vest with the SPVs which is a departure from previous practice. This will give financial leverage to the company to exploit commercial potential of the land. This is likely to result in making project viable which are otherwise not viable.
• At the end of concession period, the railways will have option to take over the assets at a nominal price. This is largely in line with average codal life of the assets as most of the assets will need large scale replacement after 30 years.
• Indian Railways has been playing a major role in national integration by connecting the remotest places and bringing people closer to each other. Railways receive a large number of demands for network expansion as a railway line acts as an engine of growth for the area it serves.
• However, Railways have a large shelf of ongoing New Line, Gauge Conversion and Doubling projects needing about Rs 3.5 lakh crores to complete. We have been trying to meet the aspirations of public within limited availability of funds.
• To expedite the projects, Railways have been trying to mobilize resources through other than Gross Budgetary Support. However, on the initiative of Minister for Railways Sh. Suresh Prabhu, Indian Railways have tied up funds for critical capacity enhancement project of doubling, third line , electrification etc. An MoU was signed with LIC of India and we have already taken first tranche of Rs 2000 Cr for these projects. This tied up loan will ensure dedicated and assured funding for such critical projects.
• Indian Railways have targeted to commission 2000 Km New Lines, 4000 Km Gauge Conversion and 11000 Km Doubling/Tripling/ Quadrupling projects over 5 years i.e. from 2015-16 to 2019-20. In 2015-16, we had kept quite ambitious target of commissioning 2500 Km Broad Gauge track. It is a matter of great satisfaction that we are poised to not only achieve these targets but to surpass them. We have already commissioned about 1300 Km Broad Gauge track till December, 2015 against 800 Km track commissioned in the corresponding period of the previous year (Due to monsoons, major commissioning takes place in the last quarter of the financial year).
• Formation of Joint Venture Companies with the State Governments will go a long way in faster commissioning of critical rail infrastructure projects as it will not only help in mobilization of funds but also in facilitating various clearances and land acquisition.

PIB

Discontinuation of interview for recruitment in Departmental canteen

DoPT OM on Discontinuation of interview for direct recruitment to various Group B & C posts in non-statutory departmental canteen located in Central Government Offices

Department of Personnel & Training OM on Discontinuation of interview for direct recruitment to various Group B & C posts in non-statutory departmental canteen located in Central Government Offices.

No.03/1/2016-Dir(C)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel PG & Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training

Lok Nayak Bhawan, Khan Market
New Delhi, dated 3rd February, 2016

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:- Discontinuation of interview for direct recruitment to various Group B & C posts in non-statutory departmental canteen located in Central Government Offices.

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department’s DO No.39020/01/2013-Estt(B) dated 4.9.2015 (copy enclosed) drawing attention to Hon’ble Prime Minister’s address to the nation on occasion of Independence Day wherein it was announced that Government should discontinue holding interviews for recruitment of junior level post in order to improve objectivity, transparency and enable level playing Opportunity to candidates from all Sections of Society.

2. The issue relating to discontinuation of interviews for various junior level posts in the Government of India was considered by the Committee of Secretaries in its meeting held. on 14.9.2015. The recommendation of committee of Secretaries have since been accepted by the competent authority vide OM No.39020/01/2013-Estt(B) dated 12.11.2015 (copy enclosed). The clarification on issue of discontinuation of interviews have also been issued vide OM No.39020/01/2013-Es-tt(B) part dated 29.12.2015 (copy enclosed).
3. Accordingly, it has been decided that holding of interviews shall be discontinued. in all direct recruitment to non-gazetted, non-ministerial Group B & C posts in non-statutory departmental canteens located in Central Governments Offices. The recruitment to these posts shall be made purely on the basis of written test/skill test by respective Ministries taking into consideration job requirement for specific post. Duties and Responsibilities of canteen employees have been circulated vide this Department OM No.03/02/2009-Dir(C) dated 5.6.2014 (copy enclosed).

3. All Ministries/Departments are required to follow above instructions and related Government Orders as quoted above meticulously in respect of recruitment in Departmental Canteens under their administrative control.

(Pratima Tyagi)
Director (Canteens)

Download DoPT OM No.03/1/2016-Dir(C) dated 03.02.2016

Kendriya Vidyalaya Admission Schedule for the Session 2016-17

Kendriya Vidyalaya Admission  Schedule  for  the Session 2016-17

SCHEDULE FOR ADMISSION

The Admission  Schedule  for  the Session  2016-17 will be as under:-

S.No.	CONTENTS	SCHEDULED DATES
1	Advertisement   for admission  by Regional  office/ Kendriya Vidyalaya.	01/02/2016
2	Issue of Forms  & Registration for Class-I.	08-02-2016 onwards
3	Last date  of Registration  for Class-I.	10-03-2016
4	Issue   of  Forms   &   Registration    for   Class-II    onwards* (except Class XI). Wherever  new  Schools/Sections    are  opened   registration may start  from 08/02/2016	04-04-2016
5	Last   date  of  registration  for  Class-II  onwards*   (except Class XI).	18-04-2016
6	Declaration  of selected  list  for  Class  I  &  admission   for Class-I.	18-03-2016  on wards.
7	Extended date  for Second Notification  admissions to be Provisions	15-04-2016  (if sufficient application not received under RTE provisions)
8	In  case sufficient  number   of registrations   for  SC/ST  not received  in 1st Phase,  second  notification  may be issued.	May to June  2016.
9	Declaration of list of class II onwards.	25-04-2016
10	Admission for  class II onwards*	26-04-2016 to 05-05-2016
11	Registration  for class XI*	Within 20 days after declaration of Board results
12	Display of list & admission  for Class-XI.	Within 30 days after declaration of Board results
13	Last date of Admission  for all Classes.	31-07-2016

Subject to availability  of vacancies in a particular class.

List   of  children  registered,  list  of  eligible   children, category-wise list  of provisionally  selected   children,  waiting    list   and  subsequent  lists   to   be compulsorily displayed on the web-site of the Kendriya Vidyalayas concerned, in addition to display  on School’s  Notice Board.

Kendriya Vidyalaya Admission Schedule 2016-17

Donations from persons having commercial interest – guidelines

CGDA Guidelines to curb practice of obtaining donations by the associations formed by either employees or their spouses

Controller General of Defence Accounts has issued circular on obtaining donations by the associations formed by either employees or their spouses.

Controller General of Defence Accounts
Ulan Batar Road, Palam, Delhi Cantt 110010
No. AN/XIIIl/13006/Vol-XXII

Dated 04.02.2016

To
All PCsDA/CsDA
PCA (Fys) Kolkata/ All CsFA (Fys)

Subject: Guidelines to curb practice of obtaining donations by the associations formed by either employees or their spouses etc. from the contractors, vendors, customers or other persons having commercial relationship / official dealings with the CPSE.

A copy of Ministry of Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises’s OM F No.DPE-GM-06/0002/2015-GQ/I/FTS-4861 dated 14.12.2015 received through Ministry of Defence, D Vigilance on the above subject is forwarded herewith for information, guidance, necessary action and notice of all concerned.

Please acknowledge receipt.

(T K Jajoria)
Sr. Dy. CGDA(Admin)

F. DPE-GM-06/0002/2015-GM/FTS-4861
Government of India

Ministry of Heavy industries & Public Enterprises

Department of Public Enterprises
Public Enterprises Bhavan,
Block No-14, CGO,Complex,
Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110 003.

Dated: 14th December, 2015

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Guidelines to curb practice of obtaining donations by the associations termed by either employees or their spouses etc. from the contractors, vendors, customers or other persons having commercial relationship / official dealings with the CPSE.

The undersigned is directed to state that the CVC has observed that there is a practice of obtaining donations by the associations/NGOs formed by either employees or their spouse etc. from the contractors, vendors, customers or other persons having commercial relationship / official dealing with the CPSE. Such practice of associations comprising of officials/spouses of employees of CPSEs taking donations, advertisement or sponsorships etc. from the contractors, customers, vendors or persons having commercial / business relationship with the Public Enterprises is unethical. The CVC has further observed that such practice is avoidable in the interest of transparency and fairness.

2. The Modal Conduct, Discipline & Appeal (CDA) Rules circulated by DPE vide OM No. BPE No. 2(121)/73-BPE (GM-I) dated 26-04-1974 already lays down certain acts construed as misconduct which includes taking any illegal gratification. It is, therefore, advised that the concerned Ministries / Departments having CPSEs under their administrative control may issue necessary instructions to curb such practice in their CPSEs and also instruct them to suitably amend their Conduct, Discipline & Appeals (CDA) Rules to incorporate a specific provision as under:

“Obtaining donations/advertisement/sponsorship etc. by the associations/NGOs formed by either employees or their spouse / family members etc. from the contractors, vendors, customers or other persons having commercial relationship / official dealings with the CPSE will be treated as misconduct”.

(J.N. Prasad)
Director

Download CGDA Circular No. AN/XIII/13006/Vol-XXII dated 04.02.2016

Ex-servicemen gets property tax exemption after 9 year wait

Ex-servicemen gets property tax exemption after 9 year wait

An ex-servicemen from Hyderabad used the RTI act in order to get his due. As per the state government all ex-servicemen/widows are exempted from paying property tax for any one house owned by them.

An Ex-Serviceman had to struggle for 9 long years with the civic authorities to get exemption from property tax. After repeated failures to get his due, he used the RTI act and woke up the civic authorities from their slumber.

This is the story of an ex-serviceman who had to struggle with the civic authorities for 9 long years to get his due. Mr. PP Sebastian worked in the Indian Air Force and is now settled in Hyderabad. He had to run after the local municipal authorities for 9 long years to get his property tax exemption order.

The Background Story

Most state governments extend a variety of welfare measures for serving personnel and ex-servicemen. The erstwhile Andhra Pradesh Government also extended similar facilities to ex-servicemen. As per the orders of the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh State government, all serving army personnel and ex-servicemen/widows are exempted from paying property tax for any one house owned by them.

18. Exemption from property tax one house/property of Ex-Servicemen/widows/serving personnel when it is occupied by the Widows/Ex-Servicemen and by the family in case of serving personnel for their self dwelling purpose.

Application for exemption filed in 2006

Mr. Sebastian applied for property tax exemption in October 2006 in accordance to the Government Order. He submitted his application to Alwal Municipality, duly submitting all the required certificates. Instead of granting him exemption, the civic authorities kept sending him property tax bills. Moreover, the ex-serviceman received threatening calls to clear his dues

This is to bring to your kind notice that, I am ex-serviceman and had applied for tax exemption on 23rd October, 2006 as per the regulation after paying tax twice. I am yet to receive my tax exemption papers from your end.
Instead I have been receiving property tax bill every year. I had approached 4 to 5 times pertaining to my tax exemption as soon as the receipt of the property tax bill. But I have received no reply from Alwal Municipality so far.

RTI to the Rescue

Meanwhile in 2007, the Alwal Municipality was merged into the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). After repeated trials to know the status of his earlier application, Mr. Sebastian was exhausted and was resigned to his fate.

In early 2013, Mr. Sebastian came to know of Right to Information (RTI) through an awareness workshop. As soon as he realized its power, he filed an application under RTI with the GHMC authorities to know the status of his earlier request for property tax exemption.

After repeated follow-ups and intervention from the State Information Commission, the GHMC finally admitted that they had lost his application that was filed in 2006. They also requested Mr. Sebastian to submit all the documents once again to initiate further action.

With reference to subject cited, it is to inform that the application related to Exemption of Property Tax pertains to——– situated at Temple Alwal was given in erstwhile Alwal Municipality on 23.10.2006. Efforts were made to trace out the application, but the same is not traced out. Therfore, you are requested to kindly submit the required documents for taking further necessary action for exemption of property tax of above said property.

Finally, after submitting the application once again, the GHMC issued the property tax exemption order in December 2015.

ORDER:

In exercise of the powers conferred as per the M.C.H Act 1955 and in accordance with the Government Orders, Vide Ref 2nd cited the following Property (Assessment) is hereby temporarily exempted from the payment of Property tax with effect from 01.04.2007 till further orders, since the under mentioned premises are under the possession of Ex-Serviceman/ Widow of Ex-Serviceman/Serving Army Personnel.

H.No. & Locality	Name of the Assessee	Exemption effect date	Exempted Asst.No. Amount per annum
	Sri.P.P.Sebastian	01.04.2007	1124/-

‘If not for RTI, I would not have got this exemption’
‘If not for RTI, I would not have got this exemption. Thanks for my living God who guided me to that workshop’, Mr. Sebastian said. He is now a contented individual who feels that every citizen should know and use RTI.

Source: newslaundry