Government acceptance of 7th CPC recommendation – Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme

Government’s acceptance of 7th CPC recommendation – Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme

No. IV/NFIR/7 CPC(Imp)/2016/MoF

Dated : 02/08/2016

The Cabinet Secretary,
Government of India,
Rastraapati Bhavan Annexie,
New Delhi

Respected Sir,

Sub: Government’s acceptance of 7th CPC recommendation – Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme – reg.

NFIR invites kind attention of the Government to the acceptance of 7th CPC recommendations circulated by the Ministry of Finance (Department of Expenditure) vide Resolution No. 1-2/2016-IC dated 25th July 2016, the Annexure II of which contains the decision in relation to Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme (MACPS) as given below:-

• “While the MACP has been continued to be administered at the intervals of 10,20 & 30 years of service to an employee as was in vogue, the benchmark for performance appraisal under the MACPS has been enhanced from “good” to “very good”.
• It has also been decided by the Government to withhold annual increments in the case of those employees who are unable to meet the benchmark for MACP or on regular promotion within first 20 years of the service of the employee”.

In this connection, NFIR conveys that the Government has not consulted JCM (Staff Side) before taking decision as above although this being one of the issues contained in the Charter of demands, seeking discussion. The decision has caused disappointment among Railway employees and as well Central Government employees. Upgrading the bench mark from “good” to “very good” for granting financial upgradation under MACPS would provide unfettered powers to the superiors to victimize and give scope to favour the liked staff on “pick” and “choose” basis. The decision for withholding annual increments on the pretext that employees are unable to meet the bench mark for MACP or regular promotion within first 20 years of service would not only demoralize the staff but also give handle for willful harassment and victimization by higher Officials.

NFIR, therefore, requests the Cabinet Secretary who is also the Chairman of the JCM, to kindly hold meeting with the Staff Side representatives for resolving the issues amicably through discussions.

Yours sincerely

sd/-
(Dr. M.Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source : NFIR

Applicability of Railway Services (Revised Pay) Rules 2008, for persons re-employed in Railway Service after retirement from Defence Forces

Applicability of Railway Services (Revised Pay) Rules 2008, for persons re-employed in Railway Service after retirement from Defence Forces

No. II/35/Part 12

Dated: 01/08/2016

The General Secretaries of
Affiliated Unions of NFIR

Brother,

Sub: Applicability of Railway Services (Revised Pay) Rules 2008, for persons re-employed in Railway Service after retirement from Defence Forces-reg.

Ref: (i) NFIR’s PNM Item No. 1/2013.
(ii) GS/NFIR’s letter No. II/35/Part 12 dated 04/01/2016 and 02/02/2016 addressed to Secretary (E), Railway Board.

Attention is invited to the discussions held in the NFIR’s PNM meeting with the Railway Board on the subject and also illustrations given vide letters dated 04/01/2016 and 02/02/2016 with regard to Pay Fixation for ex-servicemen re-employed in Railways.

The General Manager, Western Railway has since written to the Railway Board justifying the pay fixation already done on Western Railway and in support of the same, the Zonal Railway has cited the Judgement given by Hon’ble CAT Chandigarh. A copy of the CAT Chandigarh Judgement is enclosed to enable the affiliates to examine in consultation with the ex- servicemen Railway employees on their respective Zonal Railways etc., and furnish comments early for taking further action.

DA/As above

Yours fraternally,

Sd/-
(Dr. M. Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source: NFIR

A miserable 2 per cent – An enlightening article by Vinod Rai on the 7th Pay Commission

A miserable 2 per cent – An enlightening article by Vinod Rai on the 7th Pay Commission

The article ‘A miserable 2 per cent‘ written by Shri. Vinod Rai, former comptroller and auditor general, and presently the chairman of Banks Board Bureau appeared in The Week magazine (24th July edition).

In the article, Shri. Vinod Rai clears up the myth of the supposedly ‘hefty’ pay hikes that the government ‘babus’ would receive on account of the 7th Pay Commission recommendations.

A miserable 2 per cent

On June 30, headlines across newspapers were on the Union government having approved the Seventh Pay Commission recommendations. The Economic Times headline read, “Central staff hit pay dirt: An early Diwali”. The newspaper said the government had accepted the recommendations doling out ‘hefty’ pay hikes. The salaries were expected to increase in the range of 14 percent to 23 per cent. The bold fonts also announced that the lowest salary was to increase from Rs.7,000 per month to Rs.18,000. The highest salary, received by the cabinet secretary, was to go up to Rs.2,50,000 from Rs.90,000.

Sounds huge, does it not? But we need to analyse this. What is the bonanza and what are the hefty pay hikes which are speculated to be “fuelling inflationary pressures”?

Actually, the salary of Rs.7,000 and Rs.18,000 are not comparable. The equivalent of the Rs.7,000 basic salary. which was fixed 10 years ago and currently applicable with the dearness allowance added on, is Rs.15,750 (Rs.7,000 basic plus 125 per cent DA). In the salary of Rs.18,000 now announced, the DA is subsumed. Thus, a more accurate comparison would be the present salary of Rs.15,750 and the new salary of Rs.18,000. Similarly, the cabinet secretary at present receives Rs. 2,02,500. The newspapers also announced that the total outgo as a consequence of the hike was expected to be Rs.1 lakh crore.

The comments on social media are more expressive! They question whether government employees actually deserve higher salaries: “Being paid more for what?”, “More pay for less and less work”, and “Babus don’t deserve a hike.” In fact, it is speculated that these increases will fuel inflation. Another school of thought believes that it will kickstart spending, thus generate demand and hence increased economic activity.

The Pay Commission is announced once in ten years. Thus any increase in basic salary comes about once in ten years. Even if we were to assume that this Pay Commission has brought about a hike of 20 percent, it would tantamount to a simple rate of2 per cent per annum. Which employee in the private sector would be content with a 2 per cent per annum hike? A couple of years ago, I was pleasantly surprised to hear of the bonus received by one of the youngsters in the family. I found that his annual bonus alone was more than the sum of the total salary earned by me over my entire career! He could afford at least two vacations abroad for himself and his kids every year, travelling business class. My wife and I have never been on any vacation as yet. At most, every year we visited our parents using up my earned leave or she would accompany me if I travelled on work. For him the weekend is a total break from work—he gets no official calls over the weekend. Mine was a 24×7 job when I could not refuse anyone who called me. Once when my wife reminded the caller that he had called on a holiday, he had the gumption to remind her that official phones were given to government functionaries so that they could be contacted all the time!

There is then the fear that the pay increase will cause financial difficulties to state governments. True, it will. However, prudent financial management requires constant mobilisation of resources. However, considering the fact that we have just about an election every year, to local bodies or state legislatures or the general election, very few governments can take appropriate measures to increase taxes or tap methods to raise resources. If you cannot take harsh decisions to raise resources, why blame government employees who get a paltry increase of2 per cent per annum? I acknowledge that government employees are not the most popular guys. To a large extent, we are to blame for this. This perception needs to be addressed and only we can do that with our own endeavours and actions. However, if the general public still continues to grudge the paltry increase, they must realise that if you pay peanuts you get only…. !

Former comptroller and auditor general, Rai is chairman of Banks Board Bureau.

Admissibility of House Rent Allowance in the event of non-acceptance or surrender of railway residential accommodation

No. I/5(C)/Part I

Dated: 01/08/2016

The Secretary (E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub: Admissibility of House Rent Allowance in the event of non-acceptance or surrender of railway residential accommodation-reg.

Ref: (i) NFIR's PNM Item No. 40/2012.
(ii) Railway Board's letter No. E(P&A)II-20121/F.E.2/4 dated 12/10/2015.
(iii) NFIR's letterNo. I/5(c)/Part I dated 22/02/2016 & 25/04/2016.

******

During NFIR's PNM meeting held with the Railway Board on 19th/20th May 2016 while discussing the subject matter under Item No. 40/2012, it was decided that a clarification in the matter will be issued. In the meeting the Official Side also agreed that the draft letter to be issued to the Railways, PUs etc will be shown to the Federation. Thereafter a period of over two months has passed, unfortunately draft instructions to be issued have not been sent to the GS/NFIR till date.

NFIR, therefore, requests the Railway Board to send draft instructions to the Federation for vetting and early return to enable the Board to issue instructions as per agreement.

Yours faithfully,
(Dr.M. Raghavaiah)

General Secretary

Copy to the Executive Director/PC-I, DFCC Building, Pragati Maidan, Metro Bhavan, Railway Board, New Delhi for information and necessary action please.
Copy to the General Secretaries of affiliated Unions of NFIR.

Media Centre/NFIR.
File No.40/2012 (PNM).

NFIR

All India General Strike by Central Trade Unions – 2nd September, 2016

All India General Strike by Central Trade Unions – 2nd September, 2016

NO. IV/NIFIR/INTUC/Corres/Part I

Dated : 02/08/2016

The General Secretaries of
Affiliated Unions of NFIR

Brother,

Sub: All India General Strike by Central Trade Unions – 2nd September, 2016 – reg.

The INTUC and other Central Trade Unions in the country have decided to go on One Day General Strike on 2nd September 2016 on 12 Points Charter of Demands submitted to the Central Government as below:-

1. Urgent measures for containing price rise through universalization of public distribution system and banning speculative trade in commodity market.

2. Containing unemployment through concrete measures for employment generation.

3. Strict enforcement of all basic labour laws without any exception or exemption and stringent punitive measures for violation of labour laws.

4. Universal social security cover for all workers.

5. Minimum wage of not less than Rs. 18000/- per month with provisions of indexation (for unskilled worker).

6. Assured enhanced pension not less than 3000 p.m. for the entire working population (including unorganized sector workers).

7. Stoppage of disinvestment in Central/state Public Sector undertakings.

8. Stoppage of contractorisation in permanent/perennial work and payment of same wage and benefits for contract workers as that of regular workers for the same and similar work.

9. Removal of all ceilings on payment and eligibility of bonus, provident fund and increase in quantum of gratuity.

10. Compulsory registration of Trade Unions within a period of 45 days from the date of submitting application and immediate ratification of ILO conventions C-87 and C-98.

11. No. FDI in Railways, Defence and other strategic sectors.

12. No unilateral amendment to labour laws.

In support of one day General Strike, the NFIR affiliates are called upon “to hold demonstrations and rallies throughout the lndian Railways” on 2nd September 2016. A report in this regard should be sent to the Federation latest by 7th September 2016.

Yours fraternally,

sd/-
(Dr. M.Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source : NFIR

35 Sportspersons from Indian Railways to participate in Rio Olympics

35 Sportspersons from Indian Railways to participate in Rio Olympics

Indian Railways among all sports organization in the country becomes the highest contributor for the Indian Olympic Contingent Almost Entire Indian Women Hockey Team & Weightlifting Team Comprises Of Railways Players With a rich sports heritage, Indian Railways’ sports persons are again set to bring more laurels to the nation. Continuing its run of glory in country’s sports arena, around 35 sports persons from Indian Railways will represent the nation in forthcoming XXXI Olympic Games being held at Rio, Brazil from 5-21 August, 2016. Indian railways’ contingent comprises of 1/3rd of the entire Indian Olympic contingent thus becoming the biggest contributor amongst all sports organizations in the country. In fact almost the entire Indian women hockey team comprises of Railway players, as is the weightlifting team.

Minister of Railways Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, Minister of State for Railways & Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Communication Shri Manoj Sinha, Minister of State for Railways Shri Rajan Gohain and the President, Railway Sports Promotion Board & Member Staff Railway Board Shri Pradeep Kumar have conveyed greetings to all the Indian sportspersons including Railway players going to participate in the Olympic 2016 and wished them success.

From 12 Railway Sportspersons of the total 81 Indian athletes in London Olympics- 2012 to more than 35 athletes in the Rio Olympics out of 121 member Indian contingent is a testimony to the effort that Railways has put in promoting and supporting sports in India. Not only have Railways been the champions in most of the National events this year, they exhibited a spectacular performance in recently held South Asian Games at Guwahati. In the South Asian Games at Guwahati, out of the 81 Indian Railways sports persons who participated 76 were medal winners.

Sports persons participating in Rio Olympics-2016 from Indian Railways are:

Archery:
1. Ms. Laxmirani Majhi,
2. Ms. L. Bombayla Devi,

Athletics:
3. Ms. Manpreet Kaur (Shot Put) [DMW],
4. Ms. Lalita Babar (3000m Steeplechase) [CR],
5. Ms. Tintu Luka (800m) [SR],
6. Ms. Sudha Singh (Marathon) [CR],
7. Ms. OP Jaisha (Marathon) [ER],
8. Ms. Khushbir Kaur (Walk) [NR],
9. Ms. Dutee Chand (100m) [CR],
10. Shri Lalit Mathur (4x400m Relay)
11. Shri Renjit Maheswari (Triple Jump)
· Boxing :
12. Shri Manoj Kumar (Boxing Men-64 Kg),

Shooting:
13. Ms. Ayonika Paul (10m Air Rifle)
· Wrestling:
14. Shri Hardeep Singh (Greeko-Roman),
15. Ms. Vinesh Phogat and
16. Ms. Sakshi Malik (Free-Style).
17. Shri Praveen Rana

Swimming
18. Shri Sajan Prakash

Weight Lifting
19. Ms. Saikom Mirabhai Chanu
20. Shri Satish Kumar

Hockey Women
21. Ms. Rajani,
22. Ms. Sunita Lakra,
23. Ms. Deepika,
24. Ms. Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam,
25. Ms. Namita Toppo,
26. Ms. Deep Grace Ekka,
27. Ms. Renuka Yadav
28. Ms. Lilima Minz,
29. Ms. Navjot Kaur,
30. Ms. Monika,
31. Ms. Poonam Rani,
32. Ms. Vandana Kataria,
33. Ms. Anuradha Devi Thokchom,
34. Ms. Nikki Pradhan

Hockey Men
35. Shri Chinglensana Singh

Coaches
1. Shri C R Kumar (Hockey Women)
2. Ms. Helen Mary (Hockey Women)
3. Ms. PT Usha (Athletics)
4. Shri Kuldeep Malik (Wrestling)
5. Shri Vijay Sharma (Weightlifting)
6. Shri Jagdip Hooda (Boxing)

PIB

7th Pay Commission: NJCA Secretary writes to Cabinet for Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme

7th Pay Commission: NJCA Secretary writes to Cabinet for Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme

Shiva Gopal Misra
Secretary
National Council (Staff Side)
Joint Consultative Machinery
For Central Government Employees

No.NC/JCM/7th CPC/2016

Dated: 28th July 2016

The Cabinet Secretary,
Government of India,
Rashtrapati Bhawan Annexie,
New Delhi

Respected Sir,

We wish to draw your kind attention towards the decision taken by the government on the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission, especially with regard to Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme (MACPS).

The government has accepted one of the adverse recommendations of the 7th CPC without holding any consultation with the Staff Side. The recommendation of the 7th CPC regarding benchmark for performance appraisal for promotion and financial upgradation under MACPS, to be enhanced from “Good” to “Very Good”, has been accepted by the government without considering its implication on the morale of the Central Government Employees. Similarly, another adverse recommendation of the 7th CPC for withholding of Annual Increment in the case of those employees who are not able to meet the benchmark, either for MACP or a regular promotion within the first 20 years of their service has also been accepted by the government.

In our “Charter of Demands”, submitted to the Government of India on 9th February, 2016 on behalf of Staff Side, National  Council (JCM), we have categorically demanded that, the MACP should be treated as financial upgradation without any grading stipulation and the MACP should be provided on the basis of promotional cadre hierarchy of the concerned department. The Staff Side has demanded to reject the efficiency stipulation recommended by the 7th CPC. However, this issue was not discussed with the Staff Side, National Council(JCM) by the government before taking a decision on this significant issue as well as recommendation of the 7th CPC for withholding of annual increment in the case of those employees who are not able to meet the benchmark, either for MACP or a regular promotion within the first 20 years of their service.

You will appreciate that, in the government set-up it will be very difficult to assess the performance and talent of each and every employee since the government functions on a collective basis. Moreover, this decision of the government, if implemented, will result in favouritism and also victimization. This will also result in serious unrest at the workplace, which will affect the morale of the employees and will create division amongst the employees, which will ultimately reflect on the performance and productivity of each organization.

Therefore, we are of the firm opinion that, the government should reconsider their decision on the above issues and we request you to kindly withdraw the same and a discussion in this regard may be held with the Staff Side at the earliest.

With Kind Regards!
Sincerely yours,

(SHIVA GOPAL MISHRA)
Secretary(Staff Side)

Source : http://confederationhq.blogspot.in/

Seventh CPC Report – Minimum wage and Multiplier Factor for Central Government Employees

Seventh CPC Report – Minimum wage and Multiplier Factor for Central Government Employees

No. IV/NFIR/7th CPC(Imp)/2016/MoF

Dated : 01/08/2016

Shri Arun Jaitley,
Hon’ble Finance Minister,
(Government of India),
North Block,
Raisina Hills,
NewDelhi- 110001

Dear Sir,
Sub: Seventh CPC Report – Minimum wage and Multiplier Factor for Central Government Employees – reg.

At the outset, NFIR conveys its sincere thanks to you for the statement issued by the Finance Ministry at 20:50 Hrs on 6th July 2016 that the issues relating to pay scales raised would be considered by a High Level Committee. NFIR is also thankful for your free and frank discussions with us on 30th June 2016 at the residence of Hon’ble Home Minister wherein Hon’ble Railway Minister Sh. Suresh Prabhu, Hon’ble Minister of, State for Railways Sh. Manoj Sinha, took part.

NFIR further mentions that the Finance Ministry has since issued notifications on the basis of Union Cabinet’s decisions dated.29th June 2016 for implementation of revised Pay Matrices and pay fixation etc. The Railway employees numbering over 1.3 million are anxiously awaiting for setting up of High Level Committee which would facilitate Employees’ Federations to explain the logic and merits for revision of minimum wage and the multiplier factor.

The NFIR, therefore, requests you to kindly take initiative for constituting High Level Committee at the earliest. It may also be appreciated that the “strike action” by the Central Government Employees which include Railway employees was deferred on the night of 6th July 2016, after the statement for setting up of the High Level Committee was released by the Finance Ministry. In view of this, it would be necessary to set up the High Level Committee without further delay.

With regards,

Yours faithfully,

sd/-
(Dr. M. Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source : NFIR