AICPIN for February 2017: Consumer Price Index February, 2017

AICPIN for February 2017

Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) - February, 2017

No.5/1/2017- CPI
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT
LABOUR BUREAU

'CLEREMONT', SHIMLA-171004
DATED: 31st March, 2017

Press Release

Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) - February, 2017

The All-India CPI-IW for February, 2017 remained stationary at 274 (two hundred and seventy four). On 1-month percentage change, it remained static between January, 2017 and February, 2017, when compared with the decrease of 0.74 per cent between the same two months a year ago.

The maximum downward pressure to the change in current index came from Food group contributing (-) 0.46 percentage points to the total change. At item level, Rice, Wheat, Arhar Dal, Black Gram, Gram Dal, Urd Dal, Masur Dal, Moong Dal, Besan, Groundnut Oil, Mustard Oil, Eggs (Hen), Garlic, Potato, Cabbage, etc. are responsible for the decrease in index. However, this decrease was checked by Coconut Oil, Fish Fresh, Milk, Tomato, Lady's Finger, French Beans, Coconut, Banana, Apple, Sugar, Tea (Readymade), Cooking Gas, Medicine (Allopathic), Tailoring Charges, etc., putting upward pressure on the index.

The year-on-year inflation measured by monthly CPI-IW stood at 2.62 per cent for February, 2017 as compared to 1.86 per cent for the previous month and 5.53 per cent during the corresponding month of the previous year. Similarly, the Food inflation stood at 1.71 per cent against 0.34 per cent of the previous month and 6.18 per cent during the corresponding month of the previous year.

At centre level, Rajkot reported the maximum decrease of 5 points followed by Sholapur, Chhindwara, Darjeeling and Bhilai (4 points each). Among others, 3 points decrease was observed in 5 centres, 2 points in 15 centre and 1 point in 18 centres. On the contrary, Quilon recorded a maximum increase of 12 points followed by Coimbatore (7 points), Belgaum and Mysore (6 points each) and Mundakkayam (4 points). Among others, 3 points increase was observed in 4 centres, 2 points in 2 centres and 1 point in 12 centres. Rest of the 12 centres’ indices remained stationary.

The indices of 33 centres are above All-India Index and other 44 centres' indices are below national average. The index of Varanasi centre remained at par with All-India Index.

The next issue of CPI-IW for the month of March, 2017 will be released on Friday, 28th April, 2017. The same will also be available on the office website www.labourbureaunew.gov.in.

(SHYAM SINGH NEGI)
DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL

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Re-Employment of Ex-Servicemen

Re-Employment of Ex-Servicemen

As per Department of Personnel & Training's OM No. 36034/27/84-Estt(SCT), dated 2.5.1985, on an Ex-servicemen joining the Government job on civil side after availing of the benefits given to him as an Ex-servicemen for his re-employment, his Ex-servicemen status for the purpose of re-employment in Government would cease. As per DOP&T OM No. 36034/6/90-Estt(SCT), dated 10.10.1994, an ex-servicemen already secured regular employment under the Central Government in a civil post would be permitted the benefits of age relaxation as admissible for ex-servicemen for securing another appointment in any higher post or service under the Central Government. However, such candidates will not be eligible for benefits of reservation, if any, for ex-servicemen in Central Government jobs.

As per DOP&T's OM No. 36034/1/2014-Estt(Res), dated 14.8.2014 if an ex-serviceman applies for various vacancies before joining any civil employment, he / she can avail of the benefit of reservation as ex-servicemen for any subsequent employment. However, to avail of this benefit, an ex-serviceman as soon as he / she joins any civil employment, should give self-declaration / undertaking to the concerned employer about the date-wise details of application for various vacancies for which he / she had applied for before joining the initial civil employment. This benefit would be available only in respect of vacancies which are filled on direct recruitment and wherever reservation is applicable to the ex-servicemen.

In addition to above, a proposal has been referred to DOP&T to the effect that an Ex-servicemen be allowed the benefit of reservation for second time and even thereafter in subsequent recruitments for civil employment, if the vacancies, which are to be filled on the basis of direct recruitment and where reservation is applicable to Ex-servicemen, has not been filled up with by those Ex-servicemen, who are getting / claiming benefit of reservation for the first time.

The details of reservation available to Ex-servicemen is as under:

(I) In Central Government Ministries / Departments:
(i) 10% Direct recruitment posts upto the level of Assistant Commandant in Central Para Military Forces.
(ii) 10% Direct recruitment posts in Group 'C'.
(iii) 20% Direct recruitment posts in Group 'D'.

(II) In Central Public Sector Enterprise:
(i) 14.5% in Group 'C' Posts.
(ii) 24.5% in Group 'D' Posts.

(III) Nationalised Bank:
(i) 14.5% in Group 'C' Posts.
(ii) 24.5% in Group 'D' Posts.

This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Shri PC Mohan in Lok Sabha today.

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Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme

Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme

Some empanelled hospitals have stopped providing services in the recent past citing reasons of delayed payments, excessive deductions and low CGHS rates. 384 empanelled facilities have not renewed Memorandum of Agreement with ECHS till date. 69 empanelled facilities have rejoined after establishment of online billing system by ECHS.

Actions like issuance of show cause notice, issuance of ‘stop referral’ pending investigations have been carried out against such defaulting hospitals. The hospitals have refunded the amount in most of the cases. Details of action taken against the hospitals are as under:

(i)	Disempanelled	-	01
(ii)	Stop Referral	-	25
(iii)	Panel Deductions	-	02
(iv)	Warnings	-	04

This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Shri Rajeshbhai Chudasama in Lok Sabha today.

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Benefits under Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme

Benefits under Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme

Government proposes to include 500 central schemes under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme during the next fiscal year. The scope of DBT has been expanded to include 'in kind' transfers as well as transfers to various 'enablers' of Government schemes like ASHA/ Aanganwadi workers etc. It has been decided to bring all welfare and subsidy schemes of the Government under DBT. DBT Mission has identified more than 500 Schemes/ Components of 63 Ministries /Departments to be implemented through DBT mode in a phased manner by 31st March, 2018. Out of the same, 90 such schemes of 19 Central Ministries/ Departments have been on-boarded to DBT platform as on 20.3.2017. A monitoring framework to assess the preparedness and progress of on-boarding has been put in place. To facilitate DBT implementation, DBT Cells have been set up by 76 Ministries / Departments.

Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) is a major reform initiative where benefits, in cash or kind, are delivered directly to accurately identified beneficiaries using mostly Aadhaar as an identifier. It envisages efficiency and inclusion in the delivery processes leading to greater accountability and transparency in the system.
The Central Ministries / Departments and various States have assessed DBT implementation in their Welfare & Subsidy schemes and have reported saving in view of de-duplication, elimination of ghost beneficiaries etc. in the last three years.

Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas had launched modified Direct Benefit Transfer for LPG (DBTL/PAHAL) Scheme in 54 districts on 15.11.2014 and across the country on 01.01.2015. LPG consumers, who join the PAHAL scheme, get the LPG cylinders at non-subsidized price and receive LPG subsidy (as per their entitlement) directly into their registered bank accounts. As on 27.03.2017, out of 19.81 crore active LPG consumers, 16.95 crore have joined the PAHAL Scheme. Subsidy amount of more than Rs. 46,000 crore has been transferred to the beneficiaries' bank accounts since its launch.

This was stated by Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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132 Armed Forces Hospitals

Army Hospitals 

There are 132 Armed Forces Hospitals in the country.  The State / UT-wise number of such hospitals is as under: 

S. No.	State	Number of Armed Forces Hospitals
		Army	Air Force	Navy
1.	Andhra Pradesh	-	-	1
2.	Arunachal Pradesh	1	-	-
3.	Assam	5	2	-
4.	Bihar	2	-	-
5.	Goa	1	-	1
6.	Gujarat	5	-	-
7.	Haryana	3	-	-
8.	Himachal Pradesh	6	-	-
9.	Jammu & Kashmir	11	-	-
10.	Jharkhand	2	-	-
11.	Karnataka	1	1	1
12.	Kerala	2	-	2
13.	Madhya Pradesh	6	1	-
14.	Maharashtra	9	-	2
15.	Manipur	1	-	-
16.	Meghalaya	1	-	-
17.	Nagaland	2	-	-
18.	Odisha	1	-	1
19.	Punjab	9	1	-
20.	Rajasthan	10	1	-
21.	Sikkim	1	-	-
22.	Tamil Nadu	3	1	-
23.	Telangana	2	1	-
24.	Tripura	1	-	-
25.	Uttarakhand	5	-	-
26.	Uttar Pradesh	12	3	-
27.	West Bengal	7	1	-
28.	Andaman & Nicobar Islands	-	-	1
29.	Delhi	2	-	-
	Total:	111	12	9

There are 98 Field Hospitals, which are located in different parts of the country based on operational requirement.  In addition, one Military Hospital is being raised at Likabali, Assam and approval has been granted for raising a Military Hospital at Panagarh, West Bengal.

This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Shri Sunil Kumar Singh in Lok Sabha today.

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7th CPC Allowances only after April 23, 2017 ?

7th CPC Allowances only after Apr 23 ?

NCJCM Secretary met Cabinet Secretary on 28th March 2017 and expressed the anguish situation among central government employees due to delay in the 7th Pay Commission Allowance. But Cabinet Secretary mentioned that

MCD Elections may result in some delay, however he assured that, as soon as he gets report of the Committee on Allowances, that will immediately be forwarded to the Cabinet, and after approval of the Cabinet, if need be, we would take necessary permission from the Election Commission.

MCD election date is on 23rd April 2017 and MCD Election results will be on 26th April 2017, looks like the 7th CPC allowance announcement will be announced only after MCD election
About 47 lakh Central government employees and 53 lakh pensioners have been waiting for 7th Pay Commission Allowances since July last year

7th CPC Allowances : NCJCM meeting with Cabinet Secretary on 28.03.2017

Shiva Gopal Mishra
Secretary

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

No.NC/JCM/2017

Dated: March 30, 2017

All Constituents of the
NC/JCM(Staff Side)

Dear Comrades!
Sub: Brief of the meeting held with the Cabinet Secretary

I met the Cabinet Secretary on 28th March, 2017 and shown anguish about the inordinate delay in resolution of long pending demands of the Central Government Employees, and subsequently handed him over a letter on the subject matter on the next day.

The Cabinet Secretary given us assurance that, he is already pursuing these issues, and though there had been some delay in finalization of the allowances, report of the Committee on Pension has already been submitted to the Cabinet, NPS Committee is already on its job and we would try to resolve the pending issues within a short period.

He also expressed his apprehension that, MCD elections may result in some delay, but at the same time, he assured that, as soon as he gets report of the Committee on Allowances, that will immediately be forwarded to the Cabinet, and after approval of the Cabinet, if need be, we would take necessary permission from the Election Commission.

This is for your information.

Comradely Yours

(Shiva Gopal Mishra)

Source : ncjcmstaffside.com

7th Pay Commission: Government to implement soon on higher allowances, says unions

7th Pay Commission: Government to implement soon on higher allowances, says unions

New Delhi: Central government employees unions today said the government has promised that it will implement soon the 'higher allowances' under 7th Pay Commission recommendations, with retrospective effect from August 2016.

A top union leader told that the employee representatives have sought an early finalisation of the 'Committee on Allowances' report.

"We were promised in August, 2016 that the higher allowances (as per the 7th Pay Commission) would be given to us within four months, but we haven't got its till now," the union leader said.

Meanwhile, the 'Committee on Allowances' has sought views from different ministries on 14 allowances, a PTI report said, citing sources.

These allowances include accidental allowance, outstation detention allowance, trip allowance, and ghat allowance.

The government in July last year had formed the 'Committee on Allowances', headed by Finance Secretary Ashok Lavasa, for examination of the recommendations of 7th Pay Commission on allowances other than dearness allowance as the pay commission had recommended abolition of 51 allowances and subsuming 37 others out of 196 allowances.

The committee was initially given four months time to submit the report to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

Later, the Finance Minister extended the deadline for report submission to February 22, 2017.

Minister of State for Finance Arjun Ram Meghwal on March 10 had again clarified in Lok Sabha that the 'Committee on Allowances' is yet to submit its report.

Meghwal added the 'Committee on Allowances' is now in the process of finalising its report and the government would take a decision after the report is submitted.

Meghwal also explained why the 'Committee on Allowances' has taken more time to finalise its report.

"The 'Committee on Allowances' has taken more time than was initially prescribed in view of large number of demands received," he clarified.

"The committee has received a large number of demands on allowances and even now receives demands in this regards. All the demands have been diligently examined," the minister also said.

The 'Committee on Allowances' is likely to finalise its views on house rent allowance (HRA) at its next meeting, reported PTI, citing sources.

The 7th Pay Commission had recommended that HRA be paid at the rate of 24 per cent, 16 per cent and 8 per cent of the new basic pay, depending on type of cities. The Commission had also recommended that the rate of HRA be revised to 27 per cent, 18 per cent and 9 per cent, respectively when DA crosses 50 per cent, and further revised to 30 per cent, 20 per cent and 10 per cent when DA crosses 100 per cent.

Source: TST

Procrastination of staff issues - non-fulfillment of commitments by the Railway Board - serious unrest prevailing among railway employees-intervention requested

No. II/95/Part X

Dated: 28/03/2017

Shri A.K. Mital,
Chairman,
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,
Sub: Procrastination of staff issues - non-fulfillment of commitments by the Railway Board - serious unrest prevailing among railway employees-intervention requested.

Federation is constrained to bring to your kind notice that the staff in almost all categories are the dissatisfied lot due to non-redressal of their genuine grievances at Railway Board's level as also non-fulfillment of commitments made in the formal meetings held with the Railway Board. The staff issues dealt in the fora of PNM, DC/JCM as well in separate meetings are continued in a stalemate position for years together without finality.

In the above context, NFIR places below the real position to impress upon the CRB that the Railway Board's failures have been causing dissatisfaction and agony among employees in general and those in safety categories in particular:

(a) Non-fulfillment of assurances/commitments:-

• Replacement of 6th CPC GP Rs. 4600 (PB-2) with GP 4800 (PB-2) for Sr. Section Engineers and other Inspectorial/Supervisory Officials in the Railways.
• Replacement of 6th CPC GP 4200/- PB-2 with GP 4600/- PB-2 for Loco Pilots (Mail/Exp).
• Stepping up of pay of Loco Inspectors inducted prior 01/01/2006 on remaining 6 1/2 Zones in Indian Railways. (Although SLPs have been dismissed by Apex Court, the Railway Board have twisted the matter and allowed stepping up of pay to the petitioners before Court, stating that the benefit allowed as" personam". (This is a clear case of blatant violation of agreement reached with Federations). NFIR’s letter No. 11/95/Pt. X dated 24/01/2017 to CRB and letter dated 06/02/2017 may kindly be perused. GS/NFIR met Hon’ble MR and apprised the facts. The Hon’ble MR agreed that agreement should be honoured when Member Staff was present during discussion. The Railway Board's negative attitude has been contributing unrest among Loco Running Staff.
• Upgradation of Apex Group 'C' posts to Group 'B' (Gaz) - 3335 posts.
• Implementation of 10: 20: 20: 50 ratio for Track Maintainers in VI CPC GP 2800, 2400, 1900 and 1800 respectively (7th CPC Pay Matrix levels 5, 4, 2 & 1).

(b) Agreed decisions not implemented:

• Manning of coaches by Ticket Checking Staff - Restoration of Board’s orders of 2000.
• Cadre restructuring of IT cadre staff.
• Implementation of norms for creation of posts of SSE (Signal) JE (Signal), Maintainer (Signal) etc.,
• Merger of Senior Technicians (Signal) with JE (Signal) - NFIR PNM Item No. 14/2010.
• Induction of Course Completed Act Apprentices in Safety category vacancies in GP 1800/Pay Matrix Level I
• Absorption of staff of Quasi Administrative units in Railways - Restoration of policy decision of 1973 & 1977 which was arbitrarily cancelled in the year 1997 without prior consultations with the Federations. It needs to be appreciated that quasi staff are not outsiders and IREM provisions confirm Federation's contention.

(c) NFIR's pending PNM Items:

• Items pending since over five years = 22
• Items pending since over three years = 27
• Items pending sine over two years = 12
  Total = 61

(d) DC/JCM - pending items:

• Items pending since over five years = 45
• Items pending since over six years = 09
• Items pending since over seven years = 31
  Total = 85

(e) Issues deliberated in the meetings of Fast Track Committee and Joint Committee (on Running Staff kilometrage rates etc.,) are continued to remain unresolved.

(f) MACPS issues numbering over 30 are pending with Railway Board since more than 3 years.

(g) Non-filling of vacancies (safety and other than safety categories) is causing deterioration of efficiency levels and health of existing staff who are heavily over burdened with work pressure.

NFIR therefore requests the CRB to kindly intervene for rectifying the matters to restore confidence among staff who are extremely unhappy on non-redressal of grievances and non-implementation of agreements.

Federation also conveys that further delay in sorting out the issues and implementing agreements may lead to wide spread agitation in Railways.

Yours faithfully

(Dr. M. Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source: http://www.nfirindia.com

Filing of assets details by Government officials

Filing of assets details by Government officials

The Section 44 of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 requiring declaration of assets and liabilities in respect of public servants, their spouses and dependent children has been amended by the Lokpal and Lokayuktas (Amendment) Act, 2016 on 29.07.2016. The Amended Act shall be deemed to have come into force on 16.01.2014. The amended Section 44 reads as:

"44. On and from the date of commencement of this Act, every public servant shall make a declaration of his assets and liabilities in such form and manner as may be prescribed"

The Government had introduced the Lokpal & Lokayuktas and other related Law (Amendment) Bill 2014, which inter-alia proposes to amend certain provisions of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 so as to provide for situations where the composition of the Selection Committee is deficient/incomplete due to absence of Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, etc.

This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply to a question by Shri A. Vijayakumar in the Rajya Sabha today.

PIB

e-Service Book of DoPT employees

Dr Jitendra Singh launches e-Service Book of DoPT employees

Online Vigilance System of Board and below Board Level Executives of CPSEs launched

The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh launched Online Vigilance System of Board and below Board Level Executives of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) here today. He also launched e-Service Book of the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) employees on the occasion. The Cabinet Secretary Shri P K Sinha, the Additional Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Dr P K Mishra, Central Vigilance Commissioner Shri K. V. Chowdary, Vigilance Commissioners Shri Rajiv and Dr T. M. Bhasin, CBI Director Shri Alok Kumar Verma, Secretary CVC, Smt Nilam Sawhney, Chairman, Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB), Shri Sanjay Kothari, Secretary, DoPT Shri B. P. Sharma, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Shri Bhaskar Khulbe and senior officers of DoPT were also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Jitendra Singh said the launch of the online vigilance system is indeed a breakthrough. He said this will bring transparency and accountability in the system. As we move ahead with this initiative, many practical issues will keep arising and they will be tackled in due course, he added. Referring to the launch of e-Service Book, Dr Jitendra Singh said that in the long run it is going to touch each and every Central Government employee in the country. He said that most of the issues arise out of Service Book related matters and delay in disbursement of pensions, which will be resolved by this initiative. Dr Jitendra Singh said that these initiatives are in tune with the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s mantra of ‘Maximum Governance and Minimum Government’.

The Central Vigilance Commissioner Shri K. V. Chowdary said that the online vigilance system will be updated regularly and it is a major step in the process of promotions and appointments and will bring transparency in the process. It will minimize the scope of any confusion, he said. The CVC said that this will also curtail the delay in the processes, the cases which used to take months will now be resolved in one or two days. He said that improvements will be brought in as and when needed.

The Online Vigilance System is a technology based mechanism introduced to obtain vigilance status of 120-130 Board Level executive appointments made annually of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) timely, accurately and objectively so that process of their appointment is expedited. The system would enable efficient vigilance clearance of officers on real time basis who apply for these senior level posts. This system would facilitate CVC to decide on Vigilance Clearance early based on updated information. System will cover all CPSEs, Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions. The Online system will have modules for DoPT, CVC, CVO, CBI, PESB and ACC. To make the system secure, the Web portal has the feature of authentication of users from Ministries/Departments by DoPT and the users of CPSEs by the concerned Ministry/Department. The users can log in based on e-sign (OTP to be sent to the email/mobile every time). The system also maintains transaction log. The implementation of online vigilance status of board level executives of CPSEs would require feeding/updating of data pertaining to the details of employee’s vigilance profile, i.e. pending disciplinary proceedings, status of complaints received, details of prosecution sanction, Agreed List, ODI etc. at regular intervals. The data will be updated every month by the CVOs. After a series of sensitisation meetings, at present, 143 CPSEs and 26 Ministries have entered data related to 402 board level officers and 1799 below board level officers of CPSEs. This system would be operational on receipt of the 'Security Certificate'.

The e-Service Book, launched by Dr Jitendra Singh, is a document to record all the events of a Government servant in his/her entire service period and career, recording each and every administrative action concerning the Government servant right from the stage of his recruitment till his retirement to reflect the history of service of a Government employee. The format of e-service book was finalised on December 5, 2016 and it was decided to roll it out in DoPT initially so that necessary changes if required can be made along with credentials of software. Accordingly data of 661 employees of DoPT got verified and details as such Aadhaar, mobile no, DoB, leave balance, LTC details, salary details, designations, photographs etc were updated. Physical service book of employees also got scanned and uploaded as legacy data. It is decided to integrate Personnel Information Management System (PIMS) with Public Financial Management System (PFMS) so that all financial data will flow from PFMS to PIMS (e-service book), in general terms in case of change in salary particulars due to promotion, increment, DA etc. Change made in one system will automatically reflect in other system which will reduce chances of errors etc. It has also been decided to develop all other applications impacting service book such as Promotions, Advances, Family declarations of employees etc. 27 such applications have been identified for development; out of this 12 applications will be developed by 31st May 2017 and remaining by 31st December 2017.

DoPT has successfully implemented e-service book of its 661 employees and is now taking concrete steps to roll out of e-service book in respect of all Central Govt. employees in a time bound manner with the support of NIC and involvement of Cadre Controlling Authorities. In this regard a workshop of all Cadre Controlling Authorities (CCAs) is being organised in April 2017 to discuss roll out plan in all Ministries and Departments.

E-service book for all the employees working in attached offices, subordinate offices and autonomous bodies for which DoPT is administrative department would be undertaken shortly and it will be completed for approximately 10,000 employees by 30th June 2017. It is planned to roll out e-service book of all civilian employees (approximately 41 lakh) of Govt. of India by 31st March 2018 in consultation with all CCAs.

The launch of e-Service book is expected to bring many positive outcomes. The shift to electronic service book would free up significant manpower to concentrate on core works of the Department. It will lead to stoppage of physical movement of Service Book and other documents between the Departments that will save time of the organisation and problem of missing Service Book will be eliminated. This will also enable timely verification of Service Book that will facilitate timely processing and finalization of pensions. Availability of centralized data will enable government for policy research and planning as educational qualifications and other competencies and deficiencies may be easily obtained. It will enable Government to take transfer and posting decisions more pragmatically based on reliable first hand data.

Grant of Dearness Allowance to Central Government employees - Revised Rates effective from 1.1.2017

Grant of Dearness Allowance to Central Government employees - Revised Rates effective from 1.1.2017

DA Order Jan 2017 - Finmin Released Dearness Allowance Order

No. 1/3/2017-E-II(B)
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure

North Block, New Delhi
Dated the 30th March, 2017.

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject : Grant of Dearness Allowance to Central Government employees - Revised Rates effective from 1.1.2017.

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Ministry's Office Memorandum No. 1/2/2016-E-II (B) dated 4th November, 2016 on the subject mentioned above and to say that the President is pleased to decide that the Dearness Allowance payable to Central Government employees shall be enhanced from the existing rate of 2% to 4% of the basic pay with effect from 1st January, 2017.

2. The term 'basic pay' in the revised pay structure means the pay drawn in the prescribed Level in the Pay Matrix as per 7th CPC recommendations accepted by the Government, but does not include any other type of pay like special pay, etc.

3. The Dearness Allowance will continue to be a distinct element of remuneration and will not be treated as pay within the ambit of FR 9(21).

4. The payment on account of Dearness Allowance involving fractions of 50 paise and above may be rounded to the next higher rupee and the fractions of Tess than 50 paise may be ignored.

5. The payment of arrears of Dearness Allowance shall not be made before the date of disbursement of salary of March, 2017.

6. These orders shall also apply to the civilian employees paid from the Defence Services Estimates and the expenditure will be chargeable to the relevant head of the Defence Services Estimates. In respect of Armed Forces personnel and Railway employees, separate orders will be issued by the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Railways, respectively.

7. In so far as the employees working in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department are concerned, these orders are issued with the concurrence of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.

(Nirmala Dev)
Deputy Secretary to the Government of India

DA Order Jan 2017

Grievances of the Central Government Employees : NC JCM

Grievances of the Central Government Employees : NC JCM

NC JCM writes to the Cabinet Secretary to settle various issues, including revision of HRA

Grievances of the Central Government Employees - Secy./Staff Side writes to Cabinet Secretary

Shiva Gopal Mishra
Secretary

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

No.NC/JCM/2017

Dated: March 29, 2017

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

Dear Sir,
Sub: Grievances of the Central Government Employees

Owing to serious discontentment on various retrograde recommendations of the VII CPC, there had been countrywide resentment among the Central Government Employees, and the Staff Side(JCM), under the aegis of the NJCA, had decided for an "Indefinite Countrywide Strike", commencing from 6th July, 2016, which was deferred after negotiations with the GoMs, comprising of Hon'ble Minister for Home Affairs, Finance Minister, Railway Minister and State Minister for Railways, held on 30.06.2016, wherein it was assured that, demands of the Central Government Employees, viz. improvement in Minimum Wage and Fitment Formula, Rates of Allowances, Guaranteed Pension/Family Pension in lieu of NPS etc. would be resolved within a fixed time frame of four months, for which committees were constituted by the Government of India.

While substantial delay took place in setting-up of various committees itself, however, it is a matter of deep concern that, the committees have not yet finalized their reports despite lapse of more than eight months time.
The Staff Side had, at the very outset, opposed setting-up of Committee on Allowances, demanding upward revision and restoration of certain allowances which were recommended to be abolished by the 7th CPC, nevertheless, the government on the contrary constituted the said committee.

It may be recalled that, it has been an established convention in the past also that, payment of the revised rates of the allowances is done w.e.f. the date of implementation of the report of the Central Pay Commission, but this time, unlike previous occasion, the Central Government Employees are still being paid House Rent Allowance, Transport Allowance etc. on the pre-revised rates.

It was being expected that, Committee on Allowances would complete its proceedings within the fixed timeframe and the CGEs would be paid allowances on the revised rates w.e.f. the date of implementation of the 7th CPC report, but unfortunately, it is being delayed inordinately, owing to which there is serious resentment brewing among the CGEs.

While Committee on Allowances also met on the previous day, i.e. 28.03.2017, and we were expected that it would finalize its recommendations in the said meeting, but on enquiring we have been made to understand that, the issue of revision of rates of HRA was even not discussed in the said meeting.

We, therefore, take this opportunity to apprise you that, unjustified and inordinate delay in finalizing the reports of the committees is not only breach of the assurance given to the Staff Side by the GoMs, but also creating an uncongenial atmosphere among the CGEs.

It would, therefore, be quite appropriate that, the issue may be considered with all seriousness as per assurance given to the Staff Side, and revision of the rates of the allowances, NPS, Minimum Wage and Fitment Formula and Pension/Family Pension, along with restoration of certain allowances abolished by the 7th CPC, be finalized without further loss of time in the larger interest of industrial harmony in the country.
With Kind Regards!

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

Source: www.ncjcmstaffside.com

Request for payment of salary to the employees & payment of pension on 01.04.2017

Request for payment of salary to the employees & payment of pension on 01.04.2017

Ref: P/4-1/Staff

Dated : 29.03.2017

To,
Shri B. V. Sudhakar
Secretary (P)
Department of Posts
Dak Bhawan, New Delhi - 110001

Sir,
Sub:- Request for payment of salary to the employees & payment of pension on 01.04.2017 - Reg.
Ref:- (1) Dte. Lr. No. 2-1/2007-08/PA-(TECH-I) D 813-897 dated 11.12.2014.
(2) Controller General of Accounts Manual Part III Section II Rule 64.

Being it is End of Year and there is transaction holiday in Finacle on 1st April and subsequently 2nd April 2017 happens to be Sunday, payment of salary to the employees and payment of pension to the pensioners could not be effected through salary account credit/payments.

As per the Statutory rules of the Dept. and as per the reference (2) cited above pay and allowances are earned and shall be due for payment on the last working day of the month to which they relate and the pay and allowances for the month of March shall be paid on the first working day of April.

As per CCS Pension Rules 1972, it is mandatory to pay the pension on the last working day of the month and during the month of March, it is on 1st April of the year.

It is therefore requested to kindly cause suitable action in this regard and issue orders to the pay drawing and disbursing authorities, for making payment of the pay and allowances of the working staff by cash through Roll payment on 01.04.2017 itself and pension manually, instead of crediting the same into their PO SB/Bank Accounts on any subsequent date after 2nd April. This was ordered during the year 2015 and 2016.

With regards,
Yours faithfully,

(R. N. Parashar) General Secretary
Copy to: -All CWC Members Press

Via: aipeup3chq.com

Women to get 26 weeks maternity leave, President nod to new law

Women to get 26 weeks maternity leave, President nod to new law
New Delhi: Women employees will now be able to get paid maternity leave of 26 weeks, up from 12 weeks, as per a new law.

President Pranab Mukherjee has given assent to the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017 that has made changes in some of the provisions of over 55-year-old law entitling certain benefit to women employees.

The new law makes it mandatory for every establishment with fifty or more employees to have the facility of creche within a prescribed distance.

The employer is also bound to allow four visits a day to the creche by a woman.

Every establishment shall intimate in writing and electronically to every woman at the time of her initial appointment regarding every benefit available under the new law, the statute says.

An employer can also permit a woman to work from home after she has availed maternity leave.
"In case where the nature of work assigned to a woman is of such nature that she may work from home, the employer may allow her to do so after availing of the maternity benefit for such period and on such conditions as the employer and the woman may mutually agree," it says.

The law also allows maternity leave of 12 weeks for a woman who adopts a child below the age of three months, and for commissioning mother (a biological mother who uses her egg to create an embryo implanted in any other woman).

The entitlement of 26 weeks paid leave under the law is only for first two children. A woman with two or more children will be entitled to 12 weeks of maternity leave, says the law which will apply to all establishments employing 10 or more people.

The statute that will help approximate 1.8 million women workforce in organised sector, has amended Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 that regulates grant of maternity benefit to women employees in certain establishments.

The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Bill was passed by Lok Sabha on March 9 and Rajya Sabha on March 20.

India is at third position globally in terms of the number of weeks of maternity leave after Canada (50 weeks) and Norway (44 weeks).

The president gave his assent on Monday.

PTI

National Council (JCM) Nomination/ re-nomination of the Staff Side on behalf of NFIR

National Council (JCM)-Nomination/ re-nomination of the Staff Side on behalf of NFIR

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
RAILWAY BOARD

Rail Bhawan,New Delhi-110 001,
dated:27.03.2017

No.2008/E(LR)I/JCM 1-1
The General Secretary,
NFIR.
3. Chelmsford Road.
New Delhi - 110 055.

Dear Sir,
Sub: National Council (JCM)-Nomination/ re-nomination of the Staff Side on behalf of National Federation of Indian Railwaymen.

Ref: NFIR’s letter No.IV/NC/JCM/Part IV dated 19.01.2017.

Ministry of Personnel, Public &Grievances and Pensions (Department of Personnel & Training) vide their O.M.No.1/3/2008-JCA-1 dated 27.02.2017has since conveyed the approval of the Competent Authority to the nominations/re-nominations of the following representatives of National Federation of Indian.
Railwaymen as Staff Side members of National Council(JCM) on behalf of NFIR for a period of three(3) years with effect from 27.2.2017:

S/Shri
1. Guman Singh
2. M. Raghavaiah
3. R.P. Bhatnagar
4. K.S. Murty
5. J.C. Mahurkar
6. T.K. Chatterjee
7. B. C, Sharma
8. R.P. Singh
9. P.S.Suriyaprakasam
10. Ashok Sharma
11. Munindra Saikia

yours faithfully
(D.Mallik)27/3/2017
Director, Esst(IR)

Signed copy

Admissibility of HRA in the event of non-acceptance/surrender of Railway residential accommodation

Admissibility of HRA in the event of non-acceptance/surrender of Railway residential accommodation

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
RAILWAY BOARD

RBE No. 23/2017
No. E(P&A)II-2015/HRA-6

New Delhi, dated 16.03.2017.

The General Managers(P)/CAOs,
All Indian Railways
and Production Units etc.

Sub: Admissibility of HRA in the event of non-acceptance/surrender of Railway residential accommodation.

A reference from North Western Railway was received for clarification on the issue of admissibility of HRA in the event of non-acceptance/surrender of railway residential accommodation by a railway employee. The matter was examined and considered in this office in the light of policy guidelines on the issue in consultation with the Finance Directorate of Railway Board. In this connection, it is stated that the provisions of letter No. E(P&A)II-87/HRA-15 dated 16.05.1988 still hold good regarding admissibility of House Rent Allowance (HRA) in the event of non¬acceptance/surrender of Railway residential accommodation. However, refusal by a Railway servant of a quarter of a different class from that for which he is eligible shall not constitute refusal for the purpose of these orders unless he has the option to apply for accommodation of a class next below the one to which he is entitled by virtue of his emoluments and he refuses such accommodation when allotted on the basis of his application.

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

3. Please acknowledge receipt.

(Salim Md. Ahmed)
Deputy Director/E(P&A)II,
Railway Board.

Signed copy

Age Relaxation in Job

Age Relaxation in Job

Relaxation of age up to 35 years (up to 40 years for members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) for the widows, divorced women and women judicially separated (JSW) from their husbands who are not re-married, for employment to Group 'C' and erstwhile Group 'D' post already exists in Department of Personnel & Training’s (DoP&T) Office Memorandum (OM) No. 15012/13/79-Estt (D) dated 19.01.1980. Similar relaxation also exists for Group 'A' and Group 'B' posts except where recruitment is made through open competitive Examination in DoP&T OM No. 15012/1/87-Estt.(D) dated 05.10.1990. All the above mentioned instructions have been reiterated vide DoP&T OM No. 41034/1/2014-Estt.(D) dated 30.01.2014.

It is incumbent upon all the Ministries/Departments of Government of India to follow the above mentioned instructions.

This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply to a question by Shri B. Sriramulu in the Lok Sabha today.

PIB

Expansion of ESI Hospital Services

Expansion of ESI Hospital Services

The Employees State Insurance (ESI) Corporation has taken a number of reform initiatives to expand the services of ESI Hospitals in the country. The ESI Corporation in its 167th meeting decided to establish ESI hospitals and dispensaries based on geographical necessity i.e. the health facility should be created not based on the present Insured Persons population but on the basis of projected population of the Insured Persons after a period of three years for dispensaries and five years for hospitals. Also, ESI Corporation has accepted the recommendation of 46th Indian Labour Conference to upgrade its dispensaries into 6 and 30 bedded hospitals in phased manner.

This information was given by Shri Bandaru Dattatreya, the Minister of State (IC) for Labour and Employment, in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

PIB

Vacant Posts in Central Government for different Categories

Vacant Posts in Central Government for different Categories 

Category-wise data on vacant posts is not maintained centrally.

As per the data received from 79 Ministries/Departments for the year 2014-2015, 18822 employees (8.56%) were recruited from Minority Communities in Government services and PSUs.

As per the data received from 44 Ministries/Departments for the year 2015-2016, 2851 employees (7.5%) were recruited from Minority Communities in Government services and PSUs.

As per information available on the URL www.rrcps.nic.in, in respect of 74, 69 and 50 Ministries/Departments for the years 2013, 2014 and 2015 respectively, the representation of SC, ST and OBC categories in the appointments made through Direct Recruitment is as following:

Representation of SCs, STs and OBCs in the appointment made through
Direct Recruitment: 

Calendar Year	2013 (74 Ministries)	2014 (69 Ministries)	2015     (50 Ministries)
SCs	26908 (17.72%)	21366 (16.92%)	2556 (16.09%)
STs	13766 (09.06%)	10692 (08.46%)	1176 (07.40%)
OBCs	52254 (34.41%)	40019 (31.69%)	4704 (29.62%)
Others	58913 (38.79%)	54184 (42.91%)	7441 (46.86%)
Total	151841	126261	15877

The posts sanctioned in Government Ministries/ Departments are required to be filled as per the Recruitment Rules as and when vacancies arise. The filling up of posts is a continuous process depending on the vacancies arising across Ministries/Departments during the years and action calendars of the recruitment agencies. In this regards all Ministries/Departments have been requested to take advance action for reporting vacancy position with respect to Direct Recruitment Posts to recruitment agencies such as Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and Staff Selection Commission (SSC) etc. Further all Ministries/ Department have also been requested for timely convening of the Departmental Promotion Committee meeting for filling up of promotional posts.

This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply to a question by Shri Nalin Kumar Kateel in the Lok Sabha today.

PIB

Retirement Facilities for Employees Resigned from CPSEs

Retirement Facilities for Employees Resigned from CPSEs

Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises

29-March, 2017

Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) issued OM No. W-02/0017/2014-DPE(WC) dated 01.02.2017 clarifying the term "technical formality clause" as mentioned in point xvi) of OM No. W-02/0017/2014-DPE (WC) dated 21.05.2014. This has no effect on the provisions of the OM dated 21.05.2014.

In term of para vii) read with para x) of Department of Public Enterprises (DPE)'s OM dated 21.05.2014, any employee resigning from service of CPSEs and joining another CPSE having broadly similar schemes of pension and post superannuation medical benefit the entire amount of employer's and employee's contribution along with interest accrued thereon would be transferred to such CPSE. The services rendered in CPSEs prior to resigning would also be counted for the schemes. Thus, these provisions are available even prior to issue of the OM dated 01.02.2017 on ‘Technical formality'.

This information was given by Minister of State in the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Shri Babul Supriyo in reply to a written question in the Rajya Sabha today.

PIB

30% add on pay element to the retiring Loco Inspectors for reckoning pensionary benefits

30% add on pay element to the retiring Loco Inspectors for reckoning pensionary benefits

No.IV/RSAC/Conf./Part VII

Dated:28/03/2017

The Secretary (E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,
Sub: Thirty percent (30%) add on pay element to the retiring Loco Inspectors for reckoning pensionary benefits-reg.
Ref: Railway Board’s letter No.E(P&A)II-2015/RS-25 dated 24/01/2017

The Railway Board vide letter dated 24th January 2017 has clarified to the Zonal Railways that the Running Staff are entitled for 55% add on pay element on their 7th CPC Pay for Pensionary benefits. However, clarification with regard to continuance of 30% add on pay element for retiral benefits to the retiring Loco Inspectors has not been incorporated in Board’s letter dated 24th January 2017, referred to above. Railway Board's attention is also invited to its letters No.E(P&A)II/83/RS-10 (iv) dated 25/II/l992 and No.E(P&A)II-2005/RS-34 dated 26/12/2008 (RBE No.20212008) on the subject.

NFIR, therefore, requests the Railway Board to issue clarification for reckoning 30% add on pay element to the last pay drawn by retiring Loco Inspectors for payment of pensionary benefits. Copy of Railway Board’s letter No.E(P&A)II-2005/RS-34 dated 26/12/2008 is also enclosed.

Yours faithfully,
sd/-
(Dr.M.Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source: NFIR

AIRF: 7th CPC Allowance Committee Meeting held on 28.3.2017 remained inconclusive

7th CPC Allowance Committee Meeting held on 28.3.2017 - AIRF

"Meeting of Committee on Allowances took place on 28th March, 2017, discussion on Allowances remained inconclusive. Issue of House Rent Allowance didn’t come up during meeting."

No.AIRF/24(C)

Dated: March 28, 2017

The General Secretaries,
All Affiliated Unions,
Dear Comrades!

Sub: Meeting of Committee on Allowances held today remained inconclusive
Meeting of Committee on Allowances took place on 28th March, 2017, discussion on Allowances remained inconclusive. Issue of House Rent Allowance didn’t come up during meeting.

I met Cabinet Secretary/GOI & urged him for early resolution of pending demands of Railwaymen that includes NPS, early disbursal of Allowances of 7th Pay Commission, Increase in Minimum wages and fitment formula. Issue of MACP was also discussed and removal of the provision of benchmark 'Very Good' for MACP, which has been recommended from 'Good' to ‘Very Good’ by the 7th Pay Commission, has also been demanded. Though Cabinet Secretary has given positive assurance on our demands yet we need our rank and file to be prepared for persistent struggle.

With Good Wishes!

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

Source: AIRF

7th CPC Submission of Allowance Committee Report

Submission of Allowance Committee Report

Latest news on submission of 7th CPC Allowance Committee Report

"Today in Parliament, Minister of State for Finance Shri Santhosh Kumar Gangwar said in a written reply to a question regarding the submission of Allowance Committee Report. He said that the Allowance Committee is now in the process of finalizing its Report. Decisions on implementing the Report will be taken after the Report is submitted by the Committee."

Detailed Questions and Answers:

QUESTIONS:
(a) Whether Government has formed a Committee for taking decision about the allowances to the Central Government employees and removal of anomalies in their pay scales announced by the Seventh Pay Commission;

(b) if so, whether the Committee has submitted its report;

(c) if so, the main features thereof and if not, the reasons for delay in submission of report; and

(d) the time by which recommendations of Seventh Pay Commission regarding the allowances are proposed to be implemented?

ANSWERS:
(a) to (d): The Committee on allowances has been constituted vide order dated 22.07.2016 to examine and make recommendations as to whether any changes in the recommendations of the 7th CPC relating to allowances are warranted and if so, in what form. A separate anomaly committee at National Level has also been set up, vide O.M. dated 09.09.2016, to settle the anomalies arising out of the implementation of the 7th CPC recommendations.

The National Anomaly Committee has made recommendations on the calculation methodology of the Disability Pension for Defence forces personnel. The Committee on allowances has received a large number of demands on allowances and even now receiving such demands. All the demands have been diligently examined. The Committee has already held 13 meeting so far and interacted with the representatives of Central Nodal Ministries, National Council (Staff Side), Joint Consultative Machinery (JCM) and officers and representatives of employee associations of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Home Affairs, Railways, Defence and Department of Posts. The Committee is now in the process of finalizing its Report. Decisions on implementing the Report will be taken after the Report is submitted by the Committee.

Authority: Rajya Sabha

Implementation of 7th CPC recommendations for pensioners/ Family pensioners and drawal of dearness relief as per 6th CPC

ICAR - Implementation of 7th CPC recommendations for pensioners/ Family pensioners and drawal of dearness relief as per 6th CPC

INDIAN COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH
KRISHI BHAVAN NEW DELHI

F.No.: FIN/10/02/2017 - Pension

Dated 15th March, 2017

CIRCULAR

Sub: Implementation of 7th CPC recommendations for pensioners/ Family pensioners and drawal of dearness relief as per 6th CPC-regarding.

Large numbers of representation/Letters have been received from the pensioners/family pensioners/retired employees have been received from various sources. The Government of India-Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure vide OM No. 1/1/2016-E-111-(A) have already extended the benefits of 7th CPC to the Autonomous Bodies for serving employees. The GOI has issued instructions vide letter NO. 38/37/2016-P&PW(A) dated 4.8.2016, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensioners, Department of Pension & Pensioners Welfare, New Delhi for Central Government Retired Pensioners only.
Since, the instructions has yet not been issued to Autonomous Bodies for extend the implementations of 7th CPC to retired Pensioners/Family Pensioners, the Council has written ID note vide DARE/ICAR U.O.No.FIN/10/02/2017-Pension dated 02.03.2017 to seek the clarifications on the subject cited above. The reply is awaited in this regard.

(N.K.Arora)
Sr. Finance & Accounts Officer

Click to see the Order

Women Personnel of the Armed Forces

Women Personnel of the Armed Forces

The number of women officer's (excluding medical and dental branch) in all the three wings of defence forces is as under:

Army (as on 1.1.2017)	Navy (as on 16.3.2017)	Air Force (as on 1.3.2017)
1528	469	1581

The details of women officers (excluding medical and dental branch) recruited during the last four years and the current year, Service-wise, are as under:-

Year	Army	Navy	Air Force
2013	127	50	144
2014	104	57	155
2015	72	35	223
2016	69	43	108
2017 (till March)	35	01	14

In 2011, the Government  approved consideration of women Short Service Commission Officers (SSCOs) for grant of permanent commission along with men SSCOs in specific branches in the three services viz. Judge Advocate General (JAG), and Army Education Corps (AEC) of the Army and their corresponding branches in Navy and Air Force, Naval Constructor in Navy and Accounts Branch in Air Force.

In March 2016, approval has been accorded for induction of women Short Service Commission (SSC) officers as Pilots in Maritime Reconnaissance (MR) stream and in the Naval Armament Inspectorate (NAI) cadre.  The inductions are planned commencing from mid-2017.

The IAF has revised Short Service Commission (SSC) scheme to induct women into the fighter stream on an experimental basis for a period of five years.  The first batch of three women officers were commissioned into the fighter stream on June 18, 2016.

This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Shri Tiruchi Siva in Rajya Sabha today.

PIB

Grant of TA/DA to retired Railway servants, re-engaged after retirement

Grant of TA/DA to retired Railway servants, re-engaged after retirement

Government of India/Bharat Sarkar
Ministry of Railways/Rail Mantralaya
Railway Board

No.F(E)I/2015/AL-28/58

RBE No.24/17

New Delhi, dated 16.03.2017.

General Managers,
All Indian Railways etc,
(As per Standard Mailing List)

Sub: Grant of TA/DA to retired Railway servants, re-engaged after retirement.
Ref: CORE, Allahabad’s letter No. CORE/E/1/19/ENGAGEMENT/PART-1 dated 09.10.2015.

A clarification had been sought by CORE, Allahabad regarding admissibility of Travelling Allowance/Daily Allowance to retired Railway servants re-engaged after retirement when they are sent on duty outside the station/headquarter for project / field works.

2. The matter has been considered by Board and it has been decided that the retired Railway servants, re-engaged after retirement; when they are sent on duty outside the station/headquarter, may be paid, in addition to their usual daily wages/remuneration, daily allowance at the rate of 60% of the applicable Daily Allowance rate (as indicated in Board’s letter No. F(E)I/2008/AL-28/14, dated 01/12/2008, as modified from time to time) corresponding to the pay drawn/post held by the retired Railway servant immediately prior to their retirement to meet out of pocket expenses. Such daily allowance will require the approval of SAG level officer.

3. Further, this will be subject to the other terms & condition as mentioned in chapter 16 of IREC Vol. II and will be regulated by the general/specific orders issued in this regard from time to time.

4. These orders shall take effect from 03/03/2017.

5. This orders will be subject to the other terms & condition as mentioned in chapter 16 of IREC Vol.II and will be regulated by the general/ specific orders issued in this regard from time to time

6. Hindi version is enclosed

7. Please acknowledge receipt.

(Sonali Chaturvedi)
Deputy Director Finance (Estt.),
Railway Board,

Source: NFIR

No ACP/MACP Promotional Scheme for KV Employees

No ACP/MACP Promotional Scheme for KV Employees

The Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme for the Central Government civilian employees has been introduced vide Department of Personnel & Training O.M. No. 35034/3/2008-Estt.(D) dated 19th May, 2009 as amended from time to time. The extension of Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) to the employees is subject to the conditions that:

i) The earlier ACP Scheme was also implemented / adopted by the said Autonomous / Statutory Body.

ii) The proposal to adopt MACP Scheme has been approved by the Governing Body/Board of Directors.

iii) The Administrative Ministry/Financial Adviser of the Ministry has concurred with the proposal.

iv) The financial implications of adoption of MACP Scheme has been taken into account by the Organisation / Body and the additional financial implication can be met by it within the existing Budget Grants.

As the teaching staff of KVS, including Principals had not accepted the earlier ACP Scheme introduced in the year 1999, they would not be entitled for the benefits of MACP scheme.

Reimbursement of full fare under Dynamic System of Railways - LTC fares

Reimbursement of full fare under Dynamic System of Railways - Clarification
 

Reimbursement of LTC fares

After introduction of dynamic fare scheme by Indian Railways with effect from September, 2016, the matter is under active examination in consultation with Department of Expenditure to extend suitable dispensation to Central Government employees on LTC.

The above information given by the Minister in Parliament on 23.3.2017.

Government to destroy babus performance appraisal reports

Government to destroy babus performance appraisal reports

New Delhi: The performance appraisal reports of IAS and IPS officers, who have retired two years ago, will be destroyed by the Centre.

It has asked officers of all India services - Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS) and Indian Forest Service (IFoS) - to make a request to the central government in case they want to have a copy of their performance reports.

Existing norms allow confidential rolls of members of all-India services to be destroyed two years after their death or retirement.

The rules also provide that Confidential Reports (CRs) or Performance Appraisal Reports (PARs) of such bureaucrats can be given to them after the normal period of retention of two years is over from the date of their retirement.

"Action is accordingly being taken for destroying such CRs/PARs," an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) said.

Officers who wish to obtain their dossiers may send their requests to the Ministry till June 14, 2017, the order said.

PTI

More than 2 dozen companies want collaboration with India Post Payments Bank-Manoj Sinha

More than 2 dozen companies want collaboration with India Post Payments Bank-Manoj Sinha

Government has said that there are many companies who have approached the Department of Posts for collaboration with India Post Payments Bank. Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha, the Minister of Communications Shri Manoj Sinha said that while the Department is in various stages of discussions with them, decision on formal partnerships will be taken after carefully evaluating the entire value proposition that they propose for the common man. The India Post Payments Bank had launched its two branches in Raipur (Chhattisgarh) and Ranchi (Jharkhand) on 30/01/2017 with basic products and banking services in partnership with Punjab National Bank.

Shri Sinha also said that the Payments Banks are different from regular Banks in the following fundamental ways as per RBI guidelines for Licensing of Payments Banks:

(i) Payment Banks are not allowed to undertake lending activities directly. It can accept demand deposits only that is savings and current accounts and will initially be restricted to holding a maximum balance of Rs. 100,000(Rupees one lakh only) per individual customer.

(ii) Payment Banks cannot accept Non Resident Indian (NRI) deposits.

(iii) The Payment Banks cannot set up subsidiaries to undertake non banking financial services activities.
A list of companies interested in partnering with India Post Payments Bank is attached at Annexure A.

List companies keen to partner with India Post Payments Bank.
1	YES Bank
2	Union Bank
3	Punjab National Bank
4	IDBI Bank (Industrial Development Bank of India)
5	SBI (State Bank of India)
6	Axis
7	Bank of Baroda
8	IDFC Bank (Industrial development finance company)
9	Deutshe Bank
10	Barclays Bank
11	Citibank
12	NABARD (National Bank For Agriculture & Rural Development)
13	HSBC (Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation)
14	MICRO SAVE
15	Allahabad Bank
16	Indian Overseas Bank
17	Dena Bank
18	FIA (Financial Inclusion)
19	Kotak Mahindra Bank
20	United Bank of India
21	HDFC Life (Housing Development Finance Corporation)
22	Royal Sundaram
23	PNB Metlife (Punjab National Bank)
24	ICICI Lombard ( Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation of India Bank)
25	ICICI Prudential ( Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation of India Bank)
26	Bajaj Allianz Life

PIB

PCDA Circular 190 - Non transfer of Pension files from banks to other PDAs

PCDA Circular 190 - Non transfer of Pension files from banks to other PDAs

Office of the Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pension), Draupadi
Ghat, Allahabad-211014

Circular No. 190
No. AT/Tech/70-XXV

Dated:16.03.2017

To,
1. The Chief Accountant, RBI Deptt. of Govt. Bank Accounts, Central office C-7, Second Floor, Bandre- Kurla Complex, P B No. 8143, Bandre East Mumbai-400051.
2. The Manger CPPC of Public Sector Banks including IDBI
3. The Nodal Officers (ICICI/ AXIS/HDFC Bank)

Sub: Non transfer of Pension files from banks to other PDAs.

This office is receiving representations from pensioners/family pensioners stating that they have submitted applications to their banks for transfer of their pension account to other PDA, however, banks are not transferring their pension account to the new PDAs.

In this regards, attention is drawn to para 3 of “Scheme for Payment of Pension of Defence Pension’ by Public Sector Banks” which clearly provides that pensioner will have the choice to draw their pension from any PDA. Further in para 7 of above scheme, procedure for transfer of pension account from one PDA to another PDA has been laid down. Similar provisions for transfer of pension account alongwith necessary supporting documents from one PDA to another PDAs are available in para 93.1, 93.3 and 94 of Defence Pension Payment Instruction 2013.

Non-transfer of pension account of pensioner/family pensioners, if opting, is not only a violation of provisions laid down but also reason of cause of dissent in pensioner/family pensioner. It is, therefore, requested to transfer pension account of pensioners/family pensioners to the new PDA on priority as and when pensioner/family pensioner opts for the same.

(Abhishek Singh)
ACDA (P)

Order Copy

Death Claim settled within 20 days from the date of receipt

Death Claim settled within 20 days from the date of receipt

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 3931

ANSWERED ON: 27.03.2017

Death Claims

G. HARI
Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) proposes to settle PF money claimed after death of an employee within seven days from 20 days at present;
(b)if so, the details thereof;
(c)whether all the death cases claims will be given top priority and officers in charge at all EPF offices will personally monitor such claims on day-to-day basis; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
(SHRI BANDARU DATTATREYA)

(a) & (b): As per paragraph 72(7) of the Employees’ Provident Funds (EPF) Scheme, 1952, the claim complete in all respects submitted along with the requisite documents shall be settled and benefit amount paid to the beneficiaries within 20 days from the date of its receipt by the Commissioner. The field offices of Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) have been directed to settle claims in cases of deaths within seven days of receipt of such claims.

(c) & (d): Yes, Madam. Public Relation Officer and officials in the Facilitation Centres of EPFO have been instructed to scrutinise the claim forms received in respect of death cases and guide the claimants for submission of all required documents in one go only. An official has been specially earmarked to handle such claims. Regional Provident Fund Commissioners have been directed to personally monitor the death cases on day-to-day basis.

Loksabha Q&A

7th Pay Commission : Who is responsible for the delay?

7th Pay Commission : Who is responsible for the delay?

With the financial year coming to an end, the central government employees are still waiting for an answer. When will we get higher allowance under the 7th Pay Commission? The committee which was formed by the government on higher allowance has failed to meet its deadline to submit the report.

There are more than 56 lakh employees who will be getting higher allowances under 7th Pay Commission.
Its been more than nine months since the government has formed 7th Pay Commission recommendation committee on higher allowance. In June last year, after the implementation of 7th Pay Commission, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had announced the formation of Lavasa panel under the chairmanship of Ashok Lavasa, to examine the suggestions on allowance.

According to a India.com report, a Finance Ministry official has said that “Neither Prime Minister Narendra Modi nor Jaitley responsible for the delay in implementation of higher allowance.”

The members of the allowance committee along with National Joint Council of Action (NJCA) leaders will be meeting next week where Lavasa committee is expected to submit the report after discussion with employee representatives, the report said.

NJCA is a joint body of unions representing central government employees.

Earlier, the Lavasa committee was expected to submit the report in October, but since then it got delayed.
The committee is yet to submit the report on House Rent Allowance (HRA) to the government. As reported by Zeebiz earlier, under the 7th Pay Commission, HRA should be paid at the rate of 24%, 16% and 8% of the new Basic Pay, depending on the type of cities while unions demanded HRA at 30, 20 and 10%.
In a reply to a question Lok Sabha, on March 10, Minister of State for Finance Arjun Ram Meghwal, said that the committee has not submitted its report to the government but the deliberations of the committee are in the final stages.

Source : Zee Business

Notification on Dearness allowance (DA) this week

Notification on Dearness allowance (DA) this week

New Delhi: The Central government has announced to release of an additional instalment of 2 per cent of dearness allowance (DA) to central government employees and dearness relief to pensioner with effect from January 1, 2017.

Union Finance Ministry on Monday said that notification in this regard is expected to be issued this week.

The government is to notify its decision to give dearness allowance (DA) and dearness relief (DR) to 4 per cent from existing 2 per cent from January 1, 2017, benefiting 48.85 lakh is employees and 55.51 lakh pensioners.

The Finance Minister Arun Jaitley moved the cabinet note on March 16 for approval of releasing of an additional instalment of 2 per cent of dearness allowance (DA).

The DA/DR has been increased by 2 per cent over the existing rate of 2 per cent of the basic pay/pension to compensate for price rise and it is in accordance with the accepted formula based on the recommendation of 7th pay commission.

The combined impact on the exchequer on account of both dearness allowance and dearness relief would be Rs 5,857.28 crore per annum and Rs 6,833.50 crore in the Financial Year 2017-18 (for a period of 14 months from January, 2017 to February, 2018).

The hike in the DA/DR is as per the agreed methodology of taking average of Consumer Price Index-Industrial Workers for the past 12 months.

The Confederation of Central Government Employees had termed it as a meagre hike in view of actual rise in cost of living index saying the CPI-IW was far from reality.

The union had also said that there was a lot of variation in the rates of price rise of commodities by Ministry of Agriculture and CPI-IW.

TST

Implications of implementation of 7th Pay Commission

Implications of implementation of 7th Pay Commission

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2704
ANSWERED ON 24.03.2017

IMPLICATIONS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF SEVENTH PAY COMMISSION

2704.SHRI MOHD. ALI KHAN:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission recommendations has serious financial implications on Indian Railways, if so, the estimated additional financial implication over staff and pensioners; and

(b) whether Railways are planning to take up rationalisation of manpower in view of the financial implications, if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

(a) The estimated additional financial impact of 7th Pay Commission on Railways is around 15,000 crore ( 8,000 crore for staff and  7,000 crore for pensions). The Railways would be able to absorb the 7th CPC impact in 2016-17 within its resources.

(b) Manpower Planning is a continuous process and involves review of staff through work-studies, change in nature of work etc. No separate rationalization is proposed consequent upon the 7th Pay Commission.

Source: Rajya sabha

GDS: Grameen Dak Sevaks Lok Sabha Q&A

GDS: Grameen Dak Sevaks Lok Sabha Q&A

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS
DEPARTMENT OF POSTS

LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3450
TO BE ANSWERED ON 22ND MARCH, 2017

GRAMEEN DAK SEVAKS

3450. SHRI RAHUL KASWAN:
SHRI RAMESH BIDHURI:
SHRI BALABHADRA MAJHI:
SHRI TAMRADHWAJ SAHU:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

(a) the total number of postal circles in the country and the number of GPOs, SPOs and EDBOs functioning under these circles alongwith number of these post offices located in rural and urban regions separately;

(b) the number of post offices manned by Grameen Dak Sevaks (GDSs) State/UT-wise alongwith the details about the monthly salary of the GDS;

(c) whether Grameen Dak Sevaks (GDSs) are eligible for pension like other Government employees and if not, the reasons therefor;

(d) whether Government is contemplating to constitute any Committee to look into the salary structure and other service matters of Grameen Dak Sevaks and if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the said committee has submitted its said report and if so, the salient features of the said report; and

(f) the time by which it is likely to be implemented?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS &
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(SHRI MANOJ SINHA)

(a) Madam, the total number of Postal Circles in the country is 23. The total number of GPOs is 24, the total number of Sub Post Offices (SPOs) is 24753, the total number of Extra Departmental Branch Offices (EDBOs) is 129346. The details of these post offices rural and urban regions wise is enclosed at Annexure-I.

(b) The number of post offices which are manned by Gramin Dak Sewaks (GDS) is given in the Annexure-II. Details of the monthly wages admissible to various categories of Gramin Dak Sewaks are given in the Annexure-III.

(c) No, Madam. The legal status of the Gramin Dak Sevaks as held in 1977 by Apex Court is that they are holders of the civil posts outside the regular civil service. Being a distinct and separate category, CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 are not applicable in the case of Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS).

(d) Yes, Madam. To examine the system of Branch Post Offices, engagement conditions, existing structure of allowances and all other welfare issues pertaining to Gramin Dak Sevaks, a one-man Committee under the Chairmanship of Shri Kamlesh Chandra, Retired Member Postal Services Board was set up.

(e) Yes, Madam. The committee has submitted its report. The salient feature of the report is given in the Annexure-IV.

(f) The recommendations of the committee are being examined by the Department of Posts. No timeline is specified to implement the recommendations of the Committee.

Source: Lok Sabha