Cabinet Decision on Risk and Hardship Matrix

Cabinet Decision on Risk and Hardship Matrix

A new paradigm has been evolved to administer the allowances linked to risk and hardship. The myriad allowances, their categories and sub–categories pertaining to civilians employees, CAPF and defence personnel have been fitted into a table called the Risk and Hardship Matrix (R&H Matrix). The Matrix has nine cells denoting varying degrees of risk and hardship with one extra cell at the top named as RH – Max to include Siachen Allowance. Multiple rates applicable to individual allowances will be replaced by two slab rates for every cell of the R&H Matrix.

Siachen Allowance : 7th CPC had placed Siachen Allowance in the RH-Max cell of the R&H Matrix with two slabs of ₹21,000 and ₹31,500. Recognizing the extreme nature of risk and hardship faced by officers / PBORs on continuous basis in Siachen, the Government has decided to further enhance the rates of Siachen Allowance which will now go up from the existing rate from ₹14,000 to ₹30,000 per month for Jawans & JCOs (Level 8 and below) and from ₹21,000 to ₹42,500 per month for Officers (Level 9 and above). With this enhancement, Siachen Allowance will become more than twice the existing rates. It will benefit all the soldiers and officers of Indian Army who are posted in Siachen.

Tough Location Allowance : Some allowances based on geographical location such as Special Compensatory (Remote Locality) Allowance (SCRLA), Sunderban Allowance & Tribal Area Allowance have been subsumed in Tough Location Allowance. The areas under TLA have been classified into three categories and the rates will be governed as per different cells of R&H Matrix and will be in the range of ₹1000 – ₹5300 per month. The 7th CPC had recommended that TLA will not be admissible with Special Duty Allowance (SDA) payable in North-East, Ladakh and the Islands. Government has decided that employees will be given the option to avail of the benefit of SCRLA at pre-revised rates along with SDA at revised rates.

Rates of High Altitude Allowance granted to Defence Forces and CAPF personnel will be governed by the R&H Matrix. The rates will go up from ₹810 – ₹16800 per month to ₹2700 – ₹25000 per month.

Field Area Allowances are granted to Indian Army, Air Force & CAPF personnel. The rates of Field Area Allowances (Modified Field, Field & Highly Active) will be governed by the R&H Matrix. The rates will go up from ₹1200 – ₹12600 per month to ₹6000 – ₹16900 per month. Classification of field areas for this allowance will be done by Ministry of Defence for Defence personnel and by Ministry of Home Affairs for CAPFs.

The rates of Counter Insurgency Ops (CI Ops) Allowance, granted to Defence and CAPFs while deployed in counter – insurgency operations will be governed by the R&H Matrix. The rates will go up from ₹3000 – ₹11700 per month to ₹6000 – ₹16900 per month.

Rates of MARCOS and Chariot Allowance granted to marine commandos of Indian Navy will be governed by the R&H Matrix. The rates will go up from ₹10500 – ₹15750 per month to ₹17300 – ₹25000 per month.

Rates of Sea Going Allowance granted to personnel of Indian Navy will be governed by the R&H Matrix. The twelve hour conditionality for determining the eligibility of Sea Going Allowance has been reduced to four hours. The rates will go up from ₹3000 – ₹7800 per month to ₹6000 – ₹10500 per month.

Rates of Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (COBRA) Allowance granted to CRPF personnel deployed in Naxal hit areas will be governed by the R&H Matrix. The rates will go up from ₹8400 – ₹16800 per month to ₹17300 – ₹25000 per month.

Rates of Flying Allowance granted to flying branch and technical officers of Defence Forces will be governed by the R&H Matrix. The rates will go up from ₹10500 – ₹15750 per month to ₹17300 – ₹25000 per month. It has been extended mutatis mutandis to BSF Air Wing also.

Rates of Test Pilot and Flight Test Engineer Allowance will be governed by the R&H Matrix. The rates will go up from ₹1500 / ₹3000 per month to ₹4100 / ₹5300 per month.

The 7th CPC had placed Antarctica Allowance, paid to the Scientists and other members undertaking the expedition to Antarctica under the Indian Antarctic programme, in the RH-Max Cell of the R&H Matrix. The rates of the RH-Max Cell recommended by the 7th CPC were less than the existing rates of Antarctica Allowance which is currently paid on per day basis. Considering the specific nature of these expeditions and to provide appropriate increase in rates, Government has decided to keep Antarctica Allowance out of the R&H Matrix and the allowance will continue to be paid on per day basis as per existing practice. The Rates of Antarctica Allowance will go up from ₹1125 per day (Summers) and ₹1688 per day (Winters) to ₹1500 per day (Summers) and ₹2000 per day (Winters).

7th CPC Recommendations on Risk and Hardship Matrix

7th CPC Recommendations on Risk and Hardship Matrix

Risk and Hardship Allowance: Allowances relating to Risk and Hardship will be governed by the newly proposed nine-cell Risk and Hardship Matrix, with one extra cell at the top, viz., RH-Max to include Siachen Allowance. This would be the ceiling for risk/hardship allowances and there would be no individual RHA with an amount higher than this allowance.

The construct of the Risk and Hardship Matrix, proposed above, is a new paradigm intended to rationalize the myriad allowances, their categories and sub-categories that exist today. It would make the administration of these allowances simple and provide a framework for the government for future inclusion of any new allowance, which can be placed in the appropriate cell depending upon the severity of the risk and hardship involved.

Cabinet Decision on 7th CPC Children Education Allowance

Cabinet Decision on 7th CPC Children Education Allowance

Rate of Children Education Allowance (CEA) has been increased from Rs 1500 per month / child (max. 2) to Rs2250 per month / child (max.2). Hostel Subsidy will also go up from Rs 4500 per month to Rs 6750 per month.

Existing rates of Special Allowance for Child Care for Women with Disabilities has been doubled from Rs 1500 per month to Rs 3000 per month.

Higher Qualification Incentive for Civilians has been increased from Rs 2000 – Rs 10000 (Grant) to Rs 10000 – Rs 30000 (Grant).

Enhanced HRA benefit only 15 Slabs for lower levels

Enhanced HRA benefit only 15 Slabs for lower levels

HRA is currently paid @ 30% for X (population of 50 lakh & above), 20% for Y (5 to 50 lakh) and 10% for Z (below 5 lakh) category of cities. 7th CPC has recommended reduction in the existing rates to 24% for X, 16% for Y and 8% for Z category of cities.

As the HRA at the reduced rates may not be sufficient for employees falling in lower pay bracket, it has been decided that HRA shall not be less than Rs 5400, Rs 3600 and Rs 1800 for X, Y and Z category of cities respectively. This floor rate has been calculated @ 30%, 20% and 10% of the minimum pay of Rs 18000. This will benefit more than 7.5 lakh employees belonging to Levels 1 to 3.

The below table shows the benefit basic pay in 1, 2 and 3 Levels

Cabinet Decision on HRA – Shocking News for Central government Employees

Cabinet Decision on HRA – Shocking News for Central government Employees

7th CPC HRA is a big upset for Central Government Employees

It is really a Shocking News for Central government Employees that 7th CPC HRA is not increased and retained the recommendation of 7th CPC on House rent Allowances with slight modifications. The date of effect of Allowances is another shock for CG Staffs.

The 7th CPC has recommended 24% , 16% and 8% for X, Y and Z cities. The Federations expressed their anguish over the Recommendation of HRA and other Allowances,Then Government Constituted a Committee to Examine the Allowances. After the Long wait, now the Government approved the same rates of House rent allowance which 7th CPC Recommended. It is really a big upset for Central government Employees. If the Government decided to approve the same rates , it should have been implemented with effect from 1st July 2016 instead of 1st July 2017. After 12 months wait the Government has decided to implement the Allowances without any Hike with effect from 1st July 2017 . It is tough decision to accept by Cg Staffs.

The Government Decision on HRA

House Rent Allowance

HRA is currently paid @ 30% for X (population of 50 lakh & above), 20% for Y (5 to 50 lakh) and 10% for Z (below 5 lakh) category of cities. 7th CPC has recommended reduction in the existing rates to 24% for X, 16% for Y and 8% for Z category of cities. As the HRA at the reduced rates may not be sufficient for employees falling in lower pay bracket, it has been decided that HRA shall not be less than ₹5400, ₹3600 and ₹1800 for X, Y and Z category of cities respectively. This floor rate has been calculated @ 30%, 20% and 10% of the minimum pay of ₹18000. This will benefit more than 7.5 lakh employees belonging to Levels 1 to 3.

7th CPC had also recommended that HRA rates will be revised upwards in two phases to 27%, 18% and 9% when DA crosses 50% and to 30%, 20% and 10% when DA crosses 100%. Keeping in view the current inflation trends, the Government has decided that these rates will be revised upwards when DA crosses 25% and 50% respectively. This will benefit all employees who do not reside in government accommodation and get HRA.

Source: http://www.gservants.com

Cabinet approval on allowances paid to Pensioners

Cabinet approval on allowances paid to Pensioners

Recommendations in respect of some important allowances paid to Pensioners

Rate of Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) for Pensioners has been increased from ₹500 per month to ₹1000 per month. This will benefit more than 5 lakh central government pensioners not availing CGHS facilities.

i. The rate of Constant Attendance Allowance granted on 100% disablement has been increased from Rs 4500 per month to Rs 6750 per month

Implementation of CCS (RP) Rules 2016 : Clarification regarding exercise of option under Rule 5

7th CPC Pay Fixation on Promotion/MACP after 01.01.2016: Clarification reg CCS (RP) Rules 2016 Rule 5 & FR 22(1)(a)(i) by CGDA

Important Circular

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
OFFICE OF THE PRINCIPAL CONTROLLER OF ACCOUNTS (FYS)
AN-PAY Section
10-A, S.K. BOSE ROAD, KOLKATA: 700001

NO. 115/AN-PAY/V/7th CPC

Date: 21/06/2017

To
All CFAs(Fys)/ All Branch Accounts offices
All Sections of Main Office
RTC Kolkata/CIA Kolkata

Subject : - Implementation of CCS (RP) Rules 2016 : Clarification regarding exercise of option under Rule 5.
Reference :- HQrs office, New Delhi letter No AT/II/2702/Clar dated 28/04/2017.

Reference is invited towards HQrs. Office communication cited above (copy enclosed), under which it has been clarified with an illustration that officials promoted or granted MACP between 01/01/2016 to the date of notification of CCS (RP) Rules, 2016 may opt to enter the 7th CPC after availing benefit of promotion under 6th CPC.

2. Further, attention is also invited towards HQrs. Office communication bearing No. AN/X1V/14164/7th CPC/Corr/Vol-l dated 16/12/2016 (copy enclosed) addressed to CDA Secunderabad with a copy to CDA, 1T & SDC, Secunderabad regarding fixation of pay under 7th CPC in light of implementation of FR 22 (1)(a)(l) vide GoI, Dept. of Expenditure (1C) OM dated 29/09/2016 for implementation those who are actually entitled.

3. In view of the above, it is requested to obtain option form and undertaking from the eligible officials fall under the issues explained vide ibid HQrs. Office communications and be forwarded to this office for further necessary action at this end.
Encl : As stated above.

(S K Ghosh), IDAS
Asst. Controller of Accounts (Fys.)

Office the Controller General of Defence Accounts
Ulan Batar Road, Palam, Delhi Cantt-110011

No. AT/II/2702/Clar Dated: 28 Apr 2017

To
All PCsDA/CsDA/PCA (Fys)/CFA (Fys)
(Through NIC mail server)

Subject: Implementation of CCS (RP) Rules 2016: Clarification regarding exercise of option under Rule 5.
Reference: This office UO Note of even No dated 28-02-2017

As per this office UO Note cited above, the issue of availability of option to enter the 7th CPC w.e.f. 01-07-2016 (i.e., from the date of next increment in terms of proviso 1 of rule 5) to those employees who have got promotion/upgradation in a higher grade between 1st day of January, 2016 and the date of notification of CCS (RP) Rules 2016 had been referred to MoD along with an illustration (given below) of pay fixation of an employee who got financial upgraradation on 17-01-2016 in the grade pay of Rs 5400/- (PB2); MoD was requested to examine the issue and clarify the matter w.r.t. illustrative pay fixation.

2. The illustrative pay fixation forwarded to MoD/ D (Civ-I) is as follows:

Pay as on 01-01-2016 in the pre-revised pay structure in PB 2 (Rs 19300-34800) with grade pay Rs 4800/-	Rs 25080/- (20280 +4800)
Date of grant of MACP in PB 2 with grade pay Rs 5400/-	17-01-2016
Pay fixed wef 01-07-2016 by granting difference of grade	Rs.25680/- (20280 +5400)
Pay on 01-07-2016 on accrual of annual increment @ 3% of Rs 25080/- (20280 + 4800) {Rs 7524 rounded off to Rs.760/-}	Rs 25840/- (21040 +4800)
Promotional increment @ 3% on grant of MACP on 01-07-2016	Increment Rs 775.2 rounded off to Rs 780/-
Pay fixed w.e.f. 01-07-2016 in the pre-revised structure in PB 2 (Rs. 9300-34800) by granting promotional increment	Rs 27220/- (21820 + 5400)
Amount arrived at by multiplying the existing pay as on 01.07.2016 with the fitment factor of 2.57 (the individual opted for fixation of pay under CCS (RP) Rules 2016 w.e.f. 01-07-2016)	Rs. 69855.4
Revised pay fixed as Per Rule 7 of CCS (RP) Rules 2016 in the new pay matrix in level 9 w.e.f. 01-07-2016	Rs 71300/-

3. Now MoD/ D(Civ-I) has intimated that the illustrative pay fixation as provided above seems to be correct and in consonance with the provisions mentioned in CCS (RP) Rules, 2016.

4. Affected cases may be dealt with accordingly.

This has the approval of Addl CGDA (PP&W).

(Vinod Anand)
Sr ACGDA (P&W)

CGDA, Ulan Batar Road, Palam, Delhi Cantt.-110010

No. AN/XIV/14142/Seventh CPC/Vol-I

Dated: 16/12/2015

To
The CDA
No.1. Staff Road,
Secunderabad-09.

Subject: 7th CPC Pay Fixation - Tulip - publicaction of Pt.II.O.O. - Reg.
Reference: Your Office letter No.AN/PAY/5005/FF/2016 dated 23-11-2016

The pay fixation-proposed at Annexure A of your letter cited under reference in respect of Sh. A.K. Banerjee SAO was examined in the light of extant provisions orders on the above subject and it is intimated that based on the information provided by your office, the methodology adopted seems to be correct.
Further, the GoI, Dept. of expenditure (IC) OM dated 29.09.2016 and provisions of FR 22(i)(a)(1) are also self explanatory to deal with such cases.

2. In the light of above, it is requested to take up the issue with CDA IT & SDC also for making necessary amendments/provisions in TULIP Programme in line with the methodology shown in Annexure A of your letter to avoid any discrepancies in pay fixation. Action taken report in this regard may be intimated urgently alongwith copy of the Pt.II O.O. for pay fixed under rules.

This has the approval Sr. Dy.CGDA(AN).

(Ajay Goel)
For CGDA

Annexure-A

Letter No. No.AN/Pay/5005/PF/2016 Dt. 22.11.2016.
Name : Sh. A.K. Benerjee, Accounts Officer
Pay as on 31.12.2015 : 24260+5400 (level 9)
Promotion : SAO (01.04.2016)
7th CPC Option : 01.01.2016.
FR22(1)(a)(1)Option : DNI.

1	Level in the revised Pay structure: 9.	Pay Band	9300-34800 : 15600-39100
2	Basic Pay in the Revised Pay: 77900 (01.01.2016)	Grade Pay	4800	5400	5400	6600
		Level	8	9	10	11
3	Granted SAO Promotion on 01.04.2016 in Level 10.	10	62200	69200	73200	88400
		11	64100	71300	75400	91100
		12	66000	73400	77700	93800
4	Pay raised to Rs.80000 as on 01.04.2016 in Level 10: Since opted FR 22 1(a)(1) DNI in the lower scale.	13	68000	75600	80000	96600
		14	70000	77900	82400	99500
		15	72100	80200	84900	102500
5	Pay in the upgraded Level i.e. Level 10: 84900 on 01.07.2016 as per his FR 22(a)(1) option, after giving promotion increment and annual increment in the lower Scale	16	74300	82600	87400	105600
		17	76500	85100	90000	108800
		18	78800	87700	92700	112100

Sr. Accounts Officer (AN)
Source: http://pcafys.nic.in/files/CCS(RP)Rules22617_2.pdf

Status of Revision of Pension Under 7th CPC CPAO

Status of Revision of Pension Under 7th CPC

No.CPAO/CO-ORD/7thCPC(100)/2017-18/221
Government of India
Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure
Central Pension Accounting Office
Trikoot-Il, Bhikaji Cama Place, New Delhi-110 066

Dated:23rd June, 2017

Office Memorandum

Please refer to our meeting notice No.CPAO/Co-ord/7th CPC(100)/2017-18/208 dated 20th June to review the progress of the status of revision of pension under 7th CPC and our email following the same regarding:

1. Status of providing list of revision cases made available by CPAO to PAOs under their logins to respective HODs

2.Status of receipt of pension revision cases at the level of PAOs

The information is still awaited from many Ministries/Departments.

It is once again requested to provide the status on the above by email at the email id sraocord-cpao@gov.in urgently. The status will be reviewed by CGA in the scheduled meeting on 28th June,2017.

sd/-
(Md.Shahid Kamal Ansari)
Asstt. Controller of Accounts

Authority: www.cpao.nic.in

PFRDA conducts workshop on National Pension System (NPS) for Corporates in coordination with FICCI

PFRDA conducts workshop on National Pension System (NPS) for Corporates in coordination with FICCI at Bhubaneswar today; More than 10.83 lacs subscribers are registered under NPS-Private Sector (all Citizen and Corporate);Overall number of NPS and APY subscribers have crossed 1.62 crore with overall Asset under Management (AUM) of more than 1,91,725 crore.

A Corporate Meet was conducted at Bhubaneswar,Odisha today by Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) in association with FICCI, Odisha State Council to promote NPS among the corporates. PFRDA has been conducting NPS workshops at various locations across the country.
Shri A. G. Das, Chief General Manager, PFRDA addressed the participants and briefed the contours of NPS for Old age income security. He informed that in the changing demographic status of the country, pension is one of the most important factor to be considered by everyone. National Pension System (NPS) promoted by Government provides the platform to every segment of the society for savings for retirement. He requested the participants to think NPS not only for tax benefits, but also as a product which can yield market related returns and secure their regular income in the old age.

Shri Vivek Pattanayak, Chairman, MSME panel, FICCI Odisha State Council in his welcome address lauded the efforts of PFRDA for organizing such meetings across the country and creating awareness about NPS which can be effective platform for corporates to provide pension to their employees for their old age income security.

Shri Maniprasad Samal, Assistant General Manager, National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), Bhubaneswar (a PSU registered as Corporate under NPS) informed the participants about their experience of facilitating NPS to their employees and the need and benefits of implementing NPS in the organization. He briefed the advantages for Corporates and its employees under NPS.

Shri Akhilesh Kumar, Deputy General Manager, gave a detailed presentation on NPS and informed the participants about the features, benefits and the process of joining NPS to the employees as well as to the employer.He requested the participants to  utilize this meet for better understanding of NPS and implementing the same in their respective organizations.

More than 90 participants from around 50 corporates attended the workshop. Bhubaneswar / Odisha based POPs were also present for the workshop.

PFRDA officials clarified the queries regarding joining of NPS, tax benefits, POPs details, timelines, transfer of superannuation fund to NPS, annuity etc to the participants.

The recent developments under NPS-Private Sector (All citizen and Corporate) are listed below:

• Process of Transfer of Superannuation / Recognized Provident Fund to National Pension System.
• Allowing option to change the investment choice or asset allocation ratio  twice in a financial year
• Dispensing of requirement of submission of physical application form in case of subscriber opening account online and e-Signing the document.
• Introduction of Alternative Investment Fund-a separate class of Asset “A”
• Introduction of two new life cycle funds (LC 75 and LC 25)
• Under Tier-I account, minimum contribution requirement in a financial year is reduced from Rs 6,000/- to Rs 1,000/-

As on 22nd June 2017, more than 10.83 lacs subscribers are registered under NPS-Private Sector (All Citizen and Corporate). There are more than 6.13 lacs employees of 3,631 registered corporates have joined NPS under NPS Corporate Model and more than 4.70 lacs subscribers have joined NPS under NPS-All Citizen Model. The overall number of NPS and APY subscribers have crossed 1.62 crore with overall Asset under Management (AUM) of more than 1,91,725 crore.

PFRDA's endeavor is to significantly scale up these segments during the ongoing months.

PIB

EPFO signs MoU with HUDCO under new Housing Scheme of EPF & MP Act-1952

EPFO signs MoU with HUDCO under new Housing Scheme of EPF & MP Act-1952

Dr. V.P. Joy, Central Provident Fund Commissioner and Dr. M. Ravi Kanth, CMD HUDCO signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the august presence of Union Minister of Urban Development, Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu and the Minister of State (Independent Charge), Labour & Employment, Shri Bandaru Dattatreya for facilitating "Housing for All by 2022" here today.

By taking one step forward to achieve Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision of Housing for all by 2022, EPFO has amended EPF Scheme 1952 vide Gazette notification No. G.S.R. 351(E) dated 12th April, 2017 to provide assistance in acquiring affordable houses to the EPF members by allowing withdrawal from the provident fund to the extent of 90% of the total PF accumulation and also facilitating payment of installment of housing loan. The major objective of this scheme is to assist in building houses for workers integrating with housing programmes of the Central and State Governments.

The salient features of this scheme are:-

1. Bringing together all stake holders namely, workers, employers, financial institutions & housing agencies to provide workers' need for Housing.

2. Forming Housing societies for collective action, ten or more members can register a society. Society will arrange housing units from public/private housing providers, apply to the concerned PF office through the society for getting Certificate of Fund & Contribution.

3. Channelizing the corpus of EPF savings to build affordable housing for the working class, withdrawal of up to 90% of accumulations in members Provident Fund Accounts is allowed.

4. Banks/Financing Agencies can make use of certificate issued by Commissioner to arrive EMI for withdrawal under Para 68 BD (3) of EPF Scheme.

5. Full/ Part repayment of loans out of monthly P.F. Contributions.

6. Eligibility condition relaxed for such withdrawal, now membership period of EPF reduced from 5 years to 3 years.

7. Members can avail interest subsidy up to 2.20 lakh in Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) through Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation through its Nodal Agency HUDCO and National Housing Bank for those members whose annual income is less that the amount specified in Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna.

8. Individual housing loan repayment can be done by authorizing EPFO to pay installments directly to the lending agency.

PIB

CBDT notifies new scrutiny notices with e-facility for taxpayers

CBDT notifies new scrutiny notices with e-facility for taxpayers

New Delhi: The CBDT has notified revised income tax scrutiny notices that will allow taxpayers to conduct their business with the taxman over the Internet without needing to visit the I-T office, hence reducing physical interface between them.

The new format pertains to three types of notices that are issued by the taxman under section 143(2) of the Income Tax Act (scrutiny of tax return) and the Central Board of Direct Taxes, the policy-making body of the department, has told all field I-T offices in the country that "all scrutiny notices..

., shall henceforth, be issued in these revised formats only".

"This has become necessary in view of board's (CBDT) decision to utilise e-proceeding facility for electronic conduct of assessment proceedings in a widespread manner from this financial year," the CBDT order, issued yesterday, said.

The three revised notices have been accessed by PTI and are meant for procedures of limited, complete and compulsory manual scrutiny.

A scrutiny procedure in the income tax system pertains to a case where a taxpayer is required to provide a number of documents and testimonials to the assessing officer (AO) after his or her case is picked up for a threadbare examination after study of their tax returns.

The department has said in the past that it only picks less than one per cent of the total I-T returns (ITRs) filed for examination under the long-drawn scrutiny process but this has still been a issue of grievance for many assessees.

Each of the three, one-page notices, will bear the name of the assessing officer, their designation, telephone and fax number and now, their email id too.

A taxpayer can use their account on the official e-filing website of the department (https://incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/) or their personal email id to conduct their scrutiny assessment dealings with the AO.

"The department wants itself to be seen as a facilitator for the honest tax paying public without him or her requiring to visit the tax office and conducting their dealing with the AO with ease of the click of a computer mouse.The e-proceeding is aimed to curb complaints of harassment and corruption in tax related issues," a senior officer of the department said.

The new notices will also carry a five-point explanation about the new changes being made for the taxpayer with the ushering in of the Internet-based e-proceeding regime in the Income Tax Department.
"As part of the e-governance initiative to facilitate conduct of assessment proceedings electronically, I-T department has launched e-proceeding facility.

"It is a simple way of communication between the department and assessee, through electronic means, without the necessity to visit the income tax office for conduct of assessment proceedings. This taxpayer friendly measure would substantially reduce the compliance burden for the assessee," the note says.
However, the AO will have discretionary powers to call for additional documents and records and seek personal appearance of the taxpayer if there is a reason for him to delve deeper into the case and such a thing is not possible over the e-proceeding communication link.

The CBDT is also expected to soon implement the system of conducting the limited scrutiny cases via the 'e-proceeding' system through the official e-filing website.

PTI

Government Makes Aadhaar Mandatory for TB Patients to Avail Government Aid

Government Makes Aadhaar Mandatory for TB Patients to Avail Government Aid

NEW DELHI: The Union health ministry has made Aadhaar a compulsory document for tuberculosis patients to be able to avail treatment under the government’s Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP).

"An individual eligible to receive the benefit under the scheme, is hereby, required to furnish proof of possession of Aadhaar number or undergo Aadhaar authentication," a government notification said. This also means that patients suffering from TB will also be unable to get cash benefits under a central government scheme till they produce their Aadhaar card.

RNTCP under the National Health Mission for promotion of universal access to TB care provides for a conditional cash assistance. The beneficiaries include TB patients, private healthcare providers and treatment supporters."

"This notification will come into effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette in all the states and Union territory Administrations except Assam, Meghalaya and Jammu and Kashmir," it added. India has 2.8 million cases of TB as of data from 2015.

However, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recently said that tuberculosis epidemic in India was "larger" than what had been previously estimated and asserted that the country is among those six countries which accounts for 60% of the 10.4 million new TB cases in 2015.

The ministry has asked patients without Aadhaar card to get themselves enrolled by August 31. It will also offer Aadhaar enrolment facilities for those who do not have an Aadhaar number. Till a patient gets the Aadhaar number, he or she can avail the benefits with the help of Aadhaar enrolment ID slip, or other government documents such as voter identity card, PAN card, etc.

Regarding grant of MACP/ACP benefit to SAS qualified officers appointed to the post of Section Officer/Assistant Accounts Officer on the basis of CAG Circular No. 23 staff wing/2016 No. 39 staff(Ent-1) 184-2014 dated 20/06/2016

Regarding grant of MACP/ACP benefit to SAS qualified officers appointed to the post of Section Officer/Assistant Accounts Officer on the basis of CAG Circular No. 23 staff wing/2016 No. 39 staff(Ent-1) 184-2014 dated 20/06/2016

CONTROLLER GENERAL OF DEFENCE ACCOUNTS
ULAN BATAR ROAD, PALAM, DELHI CANTT-10

क्रमांक: प्रशा/XI/11051/MACP/2016/VOL-I

Dated 22-06-2017

To
PCA (Fys), PCsDA/CsDA

Sub: Regarding grant of MACP/ACP benefit to SAS qualified officers appointed to the post of Section Officer/Assistant Accounts Officer on the basis of CAG Circular No. 23 staff wing/2016 No. 39 staff(Ent-1) 184-2014 dated 20/06/2016

Various reference has been received from different Controllers regarding grant of benefit of ACP/MACP after passing of SAS-ll examination on the basis of CAG Circular No. 23 staff Wing/2016 No. 39 staff(Ent-1) 184-2014 dated 20/06/2016.

In this connection, attention is invited to' Para 1 and 9 of Annexure of DOP&T OM No.3534/3/2008-Estt.(D) dated 19th May 2009, which stipulates that
".....
1) There shall be three financial upgradations under the MACPS, counted from the direct entry grade on completion off 10, 20 and 30 years service respectively. Financial upgradation under this scheme will be admissible Whenever a person has spent 10 years continuously in the same grade pay.

9) Regular service for the purpose of the MACPS shall commence from the date of joining of a post in direct entry grade on a regular basis either on direct recruitment basis or on absorption/re-employment basis. Service rendered on adhoc/contract basis before regular appointment on pre-appointment training shall not be taken into reckoning. However, past continuous regular service in another Government Department in a post carrying same grade pay prior to regular appointment in a new Department, without a break shall also be counted towards qualifying regular service for the purpose of MACPs only( and not for the regular promotions). However, benefits under the MACPS in such cases shall be considered till the satisfactory completion of the probation period.
..."
Further, it is also intimated that the matter was referred to DoPT, for treating AAO as fresh recruits after passing of SAS Part II Exams and it has been clarified by DOP&T that Departmental Examination is one of the fast track mode of promotion and the appointment on the base of Limited Departmental Examination cannot be treated as direct recruitment and the orders of C & AG dated 20.06.2016 is not consistent with the instructions of the Government. Further, DoPT has opined that treating AAO as a fresh recruits for the purpose of benefit of MACP will be violative of the provisions of RR.

Accordingly, the representations received in this regard may be replied at your end.

(Vishav Jit Gandotra)
For CGDA

Source: www.cgda.nic.in

Catering Policy 2017: NFIR

Catering Policy 2017

No.II/80(i) / Catg. /Policy/2017

Dated: 21/06/2017

The Secretary (E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,
Sub: Catering Policy 2017-reg.
Ref: (i) Railway Board's letter No. 2016/TG-IIV6001/Pt. dated 27/02/2017
(Commercial Circular No.20/2017
(ii) Railway Board's letter No. E(NG)I-2003/TR/10 Pt. dated 27/06/2011.

The Railway Board have since issued catering policy 2017 vide Commercial Circular No. 20/2017 bearing letter No. 2016/TG-III/6001/Pt. dated 27/02/2017.

In this connection, NFIR conveys that pursuant to implementation of catering policy 2010, the Railway Board had consulted the Federation on the issues relating to service conditions of catering. staff and formal meetings were held at the level of AM (T&C) and decisions taken by an agreement with the Federations.
It is surprising to note that the Railway Board have not consulted the Federation while finalizing revised policy as replacement to catering policy 2010. The Departmental Catering Staff are in panicky as they feel that their future will get doomed. It needs to be appreciated that in the course of implementation of catering policy 2010, those Departmental Catering Staff deployed under IRCTC were taken back to Departmental Catering again by the respective Zonal Railways. Now, the revised policy has been brought into force and the Departmental Catering Units wherever exist are being outsourced/contractorized which would again dislocate the Departmental Catering Staff. Chronological events since the year 2013 would prove that Departmental catering staff have been subjected to hardships.

NFIR, therefore, urges upon the Railway Board to convene a meeting at the level of AM(T&C) early to discuss staff related issues arisen consequent to the attempts for implementation of catering policy 2017 for protecting the legitimate interests of Departrnental Catering Staff. Pending discussions and decision, it is also requested that the Catering Units presently manned by Departmental Catering staff on Zonal Railways may be allowed to continue without disturbance.

Yours faithfully,
(Dr. M. Ragharvaiah)
General Secretary

Source: NFIR

Cash Awards to the outstanding sportsperson - enhancement of rates: Department of Posts Order

Cash Awards to the outstanding sportsperson - enhancement of rates: Department of Posts Order

No.8 -1/2014-WI& Sports
Government of India
Ministry of Communications
Department of Posts

Dt. 20.6.2017

To
All Heads of Postal Circles

Sub: Cash Awards to the outstanding sportsperson - enhancement of rates.

Sir,
I am directed to refer to this office letter no. 11-8/87-WL&Sp. dated 18-05-1993 on the subject mentioned above, and to state that the competent authority has decided to revise the rates of Cash Award to the Sportsperson who achieves 1st, 2nd & 3rd position in the National / International Sports Tournaments held by respective Federations, as indicated below, with immediate effect till further orders

All other terms and conditions will remain unchanged

Position	Existing Rates	Revised Rates
1st	Rs.3000/ -	Rs.25,000/-
2nd	Rs.2000 / -	Rs.20,000/-
3rd	Rs. 1500/-	Rs. 15,000

(Daisg Barla)
Director(W&S)

Source: NFPE

Restoration of full pension of absorbee pensioners in view of the order dated 01.09.2016 of Hon'ble Supreme Court in Civil Appeal No. 6048/2010 and Civil Appeal No. 6371/2010

7th CPC Pension Revision: Restoration of full pension of absorbee pensioners in view of the order dated 01.09.2016 of Hon'ble Supreme Court in Civil Appeal No. 6048/2010 and Civil Appeal No. 6371/2010.

F.No. 4/34/2002-P&PW(D).Vol.II
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Pension & Pensioners Welfare

3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhavan,
Khan Market, New Delhi
Dated the 23rd June, 2017

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Restoration of full pension of absorbee pensioners in view of the order dated 01.09.2016 of Hon'ble Supreme Court in Civil Appeal No. 6048/2010 and Civil Appeal No. 6371/2010.

The undersigned is directed to say that in accordance with the instructions which existed before 31.03.1995, a Government servant, on absorption in a Public Sector Undertaking or an Autonomous Body, had the option to draw pro-rata gratuity and a lump sum amount in lieu of pension. The option regarding payment of lump sum amount in lieu of monthly pension on absorption in a PSU or autonomous body was available in terms of the instructions issued vide Department of Expenditure's O.M. No. 26(18)-E.V(B)/75 dated 08.04.1976, Department of Personnel Training's O.M. No. 28016/5/85-Estt.(C) dated 31.01.1986 and Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare' O.M. No. 4(12)/85-P&PW dated 31.03.1987. This option was also available to Government employees on absorption in PSUs/autonomous bodies of the State Governments and Joint Sector undertakings in terms of this Department's O.M. No. 4/43/88-P&PW(D) dated 16.10.1989. The terms and conditions for absorption of Government employees consequent on conversion of a Government Department into a PSU or autonomous body issued vide this Department's O.M. No. 4/18/87-P&PW(D) dated 5.7.1989 also provided for a similar option of lump sum payment in lieu of monthly pension.

2. In accordance with Rule 37-A of the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972, incorporated vide Department of Expenditure's Notification No. 44(l)-E.V./71 dated 09.04.1973, on exercise of the above option, an employee was entitled to a lump sum amount not exceeding the commuted value of one-third of the pension and terminal benefit equal to twice the aforesaid lump-sum amount, subject to the condition that the Government servant surrendered his right of drawing two-thirds of his pension.

3. The option to draw a lump sum amount in lieu of pension was withdrawn vide this Department's O.M. No. 4/42/91-P&PW(D) dated 31st March, 1995. Accordingly, the erstwhile Rule 37-A was omitted from the CCS(Pension) Rules, 1972 vide Notification No. 4/42/91-P&PW(D) dated 25.06.1997.

4. In implementation of the Order dated 15.12.1995 of Hon'ble Supreme Court in WP(C) No. 11855/85, instructions were issued vide this Department's O.M. No. 4/3/86-P&PW(D) dated 30.09.1996 for restoration of one-third commuted portion of pension of Government servants who had drawn lump sum payment on absorption in a PSU/autonomous body. Further instructions were issued, from time to time, for computation and revision of the one-third restored pension of such absorbee pensioners and for payment of the attendant benefits like dearness relief, etc. to such absorbee pensioners. Orders for revision of the one-third restored pension w.e.f. 01.01.2006 of such absorbee pensioners were issued vide this Department's O.M. No 4/38/2008- P&PW(D) dated 15/09/2008, O.M. No. 4/30/2010-P&PW(D) dated 11/07/2013. and O.M. No. 4/38/2008-P&PW(D) dated 04/08/2016. These absorbee pensioners were, however, entitled to dearness relief and age-related additional pension based on the notional full pension.

5. Hon'ble High Court of Judicature of Madras, in its judgement dated 02-08-2007 in Writ Petition no. 22207/2002 filed by one Sh. K. Ganesan, an officer in the office of Controller General of Accounts, held that surrendering of the right for drawal of 2/3rd of Pension after its commutation, as provided under Rule 37-A (b), was repugnant to Section 12 of the Pensions Act, 1871 and that the petitioner was lawfully entitled for the restoration of his pension after the expiry of the period of commutation of 2/3rd pension. Hon'ble High Court, accordingly, directed restoration of 2/3rd pension and payment of arrears accordingly.

6. An SLP(Civil) No. 4054/2008 (converted into Civil Appeal No. 6048/2010) was filed by the Union of India challenging the aforesaid order dated 02-08-2007 of Hon'ble High Court of Judicature of Madras. In its order dated 1.9.2016, Hon'ble Supreme Court found no justification to interfere with the order dated 02.08.2007 of Hon'ble High Court directing restoration of 2/3rd pension in respect of the respondent (Shri K. Ganesan), after the expiry of the requisite period of commutation. The Civil Appeal No. 6048/2010 was accordingly dismissed by Hon'ble Supreme Court. In the said judgement dated 1.9.2016, similar direction was passed by Hon'ble Supreme Court in the Civil Appeal No. 6371/2010 for restoration of 2/3rd pension in respect of the petitioners, Shri K.L. Dhall, an absorbed employee of Ministry of Civil Aviation and member pensioners of Welfare Association of Central Government Officers, CAD Absorbed in PSU.

7. Review Petitions No. 465/2017 and No. 472/2017 were filed by Union of India in the Supreme Court against the aforesaid order dated 1.9.2016. Instructions were separately issued to the office of Controller General of Accounts and the Ministry of Civil Aviation vide OM No.4/34/2002-P&PW(D).Vol.ll dated 21-12-2016 and OM No. 4/34/2002-P&PW(D).Vol.II dated 21-12-2016 respectively, for implementation of the orders of Hon'ble Supreme Court in respect of the petitioner/respondent pensioners in the aforesaid Civil Appeals, subject to the final outcome of the Review Petitions. The aforesaid Review Petitions No. 465/2017 and No. 472/2017 have been dismissed by Hon'ble Supreme Court on 22.03.2017.

8. The matter has been examined in consultation with the Department of Legal Affairs and the Ministry of Finance (Department of Expenditure). It has been decided to extend the benefit of order dated 02-08-2007 of the Hon'ble Madras High Court and the Order dated 01-09-2016 of the Hon'ble Supreme Court to all similarly placed absorbee pensioners. Accordingly, all such absorbee petitioners who had taken 100% lump-sum amount in lieu of pension on absorption in PSUs/Autonomous Bodies in accordance with the then existing Rule 37-A and in whose case 1/3 pension had been restored after 15 years, may be allowed restoration of full pension after expiry of commutation period of 15 years from the date of payment of 100% lump-sum amount.

9. The absorbee pensioners whose full pension is restored in terms of the above instructions would also be entitled to revision of their pension in accordance with the instructions issued from time to time in implementation of the recommendations of the Pay Commissions, including the 7th Central Pay Commission.

10. In their application to the persons belonging to the Indian Audit and Accounts Department, these orders issue in consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.

11. Ministry of Agriculture etc. are requested to bring the contents of these Orders to the notice of Controller of Accounts/Pay & Accounts Officers and Attached subordinate Offices under them on a top priority basis and for taking necessary action for implementation of the above instructions. All pension disbursing offices are also advised to prominently display these orders on their notice boards for the benefit of pensioners.

12 This issues with the approval of Ministry of Finance (Department of Expenditure) vide their ID Note No.1(11)/EV/2017 dated 26-05-2017 and dated 13-6-2017.

13. Hindi version will follow.

Sd/-
(Harjit Singh)
Director

Source: Pensioners Portal

Leave Entitlement of Casual Labourers with temporary status

Leave Entitlement of Casual Labourers with temporary status

No. 01-07/2016-SPB-I
Government of India
Ministry of Communications
Department of Posts

Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg,
New Delhi - 110001.
Dated: 12, June, 2017

To,
1. All CPMsG
2. All PMsG
3. Director, Rafi Ahmed Kidwai National postal Academy,
4. All Directors, PTC
5. All Directors, Postal Accounts
6. Controller, Foreign Mails, Mumbai
7. Heads of all other Administrative Offices.

Subject: Leave Entitlement of Casual Labourers with temporary status.

Sir/Madam
Department of Posts had circulated a Scheme viz. Casual Labourers (Grant of Temporary Status and Regularization) Scheme vide Directorate's letter 45-95/87-SPB-I dated 12.04.1991 which has been amended from time to time.

2. The Directorate has received several representations regarding encashment of accumulated leaves to Casual Labourers with Temporary Status covered under the said Scheme. In this regard, following clarifications are hereby issued in line with DOPT's Scheme circulated vide its OM No. 51016/2/90 Estt. (C) dated 10.09.1993 and OM No.49014/3/2007-Estt(C) dated 18.10.2007

c) Leave entitlement will be on a pro-rata basis at the rate of one day for every 10 days of work, casual or any other kind of leave, except maternity leave will not be admissible. They will also be allowed to carry forward the leave at their credit on their regularization. They will not be entitled to the benefits of encashment of leave on termination of service for any reason or on their quitting service.

d) The limit on accumulation of total number of leave will be 300 days as in the case of regular Government employees. In other words, Casual Labourers with Temporary Status can accumulate leave up to a maximum of 300 days only.

Yours faithfully,
(Satya Narayana Dash)

Assistant Director General (SPN)

What are the expectations of Pensioners - PCDA listed 15 points

What are the expectations of Pensioners - PCDA listed 15 points

Expectation From Pensioner

1. Timely Submission of Pension Claims:Application for grant of pension /gratuity /commutation/revision should be submitted to Head of Office/RO concerned. The application should be submitted well in advance so that it reached the PCDA (P) Allahabad office (through HOO) at least three months before the date of your retirement. Only then it can be ensured that the Pension Payment Order (PPO) reaches you (through your HOO/RO) before your retirement.

2. Reminder /queries to know status of a claim: There is thirty days drill for PCDA (P) office for notification of pension/Family Pension (and 60 days drill for Disability/WIP cases). Therefore once a pension claim is sent to the PCDA (P) office, reminders/FAX /queries regarding that claim should not be sent for atleast 35 days (65 days for Disability /WIP cases) from the date your claim is sent by your RO/HOO to PCDA (P). The queries should be sent to the officer-in charge of that section (which can be seen from 'Organisational structure' on this Website along with the references/letter number under which claim submitted.

3. Check the PPO: On receipt of an intimation memo relating to notification of your pensionary awards/copy of PPO, you should check that the pensionary awards have been notified correctly as per extent rules.

4. Corrections required in your PPO: If you feel that some correction is required in your PPO, you should contact your RO/Head of Office /Pension Disbursing Agency (PDA) for taking up the matter with Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pensions), Allahabad.

5. In case of anychange in your residential address , you should send an intimation to your PDA/HOO/RO

6. Annual identification: For Annual identification you should appear before your PDA/submit Life Certificate failing which your pension may be stopped.

7. Loss of PPO: Where the P.P.O.(Pension Payment Order) notifying your pensionary awards has been lost you should make a request to your P.D.A. to furnish a Loss Certificate to the P.C.D.A.(P) to obtain a duplicate copy of P.P.O.

8. In case of re-employment in any Central or State govt./Autonomous bodies/Public Sector Undertaking, the full facts of re-employment should be given by you to your PDA (Pension Disbursing Authority) immediately after re-employment occurred. In case of non-re-employment, a declaration to this effect may be given to your PDA, once in a year in the month of May positively.

9. Details of family, post discharge changes: In case you have married after retirement or have children born after retirement , please furnish full details with relevant certificates to your RO/HOO. In case the joint notification of your Family Pension is not done, please ensure that same is done immediately. You can take up the issue through your RO/HOO with the PCDA(P) or other Pension Sanctioning Authority (PSA)

10. In case there is a handicapped child, the details of your family members including the name of handicapped child should be given to your RO/HOO and an acknowledgment should be obtained.

11. In the event of conviction by a court of law, full facts of the case should be reported to the PDA/P.C.D.A.(P).

12. Change of PDA: If you desire to draw your pension from another paying agency you should make a request to your current PDA for transfer of your pension account to the PDA from where you now desire to draw your pension. No reference is required to be made to the Pension Sanctioning Authority i.e. P.C.D.A(P), Allahabad for change of PDA.

13. References to PCDA(P) Office: If you desire to make a reference to the office of PCDA(P), Allahabad on any issue, please quote your PPO No,(under which your PPO was originally sanctioned, and also latest Corrigendum PPO number) apart from other details .

14. For restoration of commuted portion of pension after 15 years, from the date of receipt of commuted value of pension, please apply to the PDA on the prescribed form as PCDA (P) has got no role in this regard.

15. Please nominate the person to whom you want to authorise Life Time Arrear on your demise and submit the nomination form to your PDA. In case you want to change it please submit a change nomination form to your PDA to avoid hardship to your nominee to get the amount of Life Time Arrear .

Use of Sports facilities of Sports Authority of India under Come & Play Scheme in Badminton, Table Tennis & Fitness Centre for Central Government Employees & their dependent families

Use of Sports facilities of Sports Authority of India under Come & Play Scheme in Badminton, Table Tennis & Fitness Centre for Central Government Employees & their dependent families

No. 108/01/2016-17/CCSCSB
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training

Lok Nayak Bhawan, New Delhi
Dated: 21st June, 2017

CIRCULAR

Subject :- Use of Sports facilities of Sports Authority of India under Come & Play Scheme in Badminton, Table Tennis & Fitness Centre for Central Government Employees & their dependent families - regarding

The Central Civil Services Cultural & Sports Board (CCSCSB) under administrative control of the Department of Personnel & Training (DOPT), a nodal agency for promotion of Cultural & Sports activities amongst the Central Government Employees in the country, had started a scheme for use of Sports facilities of Sports Authority of India under their Come & Play scheme in Badminton, Table Tennis and Fitness Centre for Central Government Employees & their dependent families members. The details of the Come & Play Scheme are available at http:(fwww.sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in => Schemes => Come and Play-Scheme.

2. Under the scheme, the Central Government Employees & their dependent family members may use sporting facilities for Badminton, Table Tennis and Fitness Centre (excluding Sauna Facility) of the Sports Authority of India (SAl) at their rates (on monthly basis) or rates available for Central Government employees and their dependent family members, whichever is lower.

3. On submission of monthly payment receipts (in original) of SAl to CCSCSB, the amount charged by SAl will be reimbursed after deducting the amount of Rs. 100/ - (for Badminton and Table Tennis) and Rs. 200/- (for Fitness Centre), directly to their bank accounts linked with Aadhaar number. It may be noted that this scheme is one of indentified scheme of DOPT for DBT on boarding. The bank details (like Account number, Bank & Branch name, IFSC code & Aadhaar Number) may be furnished while submitting payment receipts for reimbursement, directly to the Secretary (CCSCSB), Room No. 361, DOPT, Lok Nayak Bhawan, New Delhi-110003.

4. All Ministries / Departments are requested to disseminate this circular for wide publicity in the Ministries / Departments and their attached & subordinate offices.

(Kulbhushan Malhotra)
Under Secretary (CCSCSB)
Tel.: 011-24646961

(i) Director / Deputy Secretary (Admn.) of Ministries / Departments of Government of India.

(ii) Di rector, Sports Authority of India, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Complex, Ea st Gate, Lodhi Road, New Delhi- 110003 -with request to provide their sporting facilities of Badminton, Table Tennis& Fitness Centre to the Central Government Employees and their dependent family members under come & Play scheme at concessional rates.

(iii) All Area Welfare Officers nominated by DOPT.

(iv) Presidents/Secretaries of all CGERWAs recognized by DOPT.

Source: DoPT

Reservation for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities - Suggestions ; if any, from all concerned including general public

Reservation for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities - Suggestions ; if any, from all concerned including general public

No.36035/02/2017-Estt (Res)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training

North Block, New Delhi
Dated the 20th June, 2017

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Sub: Reservation for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities - Suggestions; if any, from all concerned including general public.

The undersigned is directed to enclose a copy of draft instructions bringing them in line with THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, 2016 with regard to reservation for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities in the posts/services Under the Central Government.

2. The issue of reservation in promotion for persons with Disabilities is sub-judice in various cases in the Hon’ble Supreme Court including Civil Appeal No.1567/2017 titled Siddaraju Vs State of Karnataka & Ors and Review Petition (C) No.36/2017 tagged with it.

3.It is requested that the draft instructions may be examined and suggestions, if any, may be sent to this Department within 15 days of the issue of this Office Memorandum through e-mail only at q.sreenivasannic.in and debabrata.d13nic.in

sd/-
(Raju Sarawat)
Under Secretary to the Govt.of India

Authority: http://document.ccis.nic.in/

CSD Purchasing Process, Eligibility FAQ - AFD Items Car, Motorcycle, TV, Refrigerator, Washing machine etc

CSD Purchasing Process, Eligibility FAQ - AFD Items Car, Motorcycle, TV, Refrigerator, Washing machine etc.

AGAINST FIRM DEMAND (AFD)

Can I purchase all models of AFD-I items (TV, refrigerator, AC etc) through CSD Depots?
No, only models listed in CSD are available through CSD.

A new bike/car/television/refrigerator model was launched yesterday. Can I buy it through CSD? If not, how long will it take for the item to become available through CSD?
All items available in CSD stores go through a strict evaluation process to ensure quality and optimum pricing. Unfortunately, this means that newly-launched products will not be immediately available through CSD. However, the item will be available in CSD stores after a minimum time period of three to four months.

How often can I buy a new television/refrigerator/washing machine etc?
All CSD consumers can purchase these items once in three years.

I am an Ex-Serviceman - am I eligible to buy a 4 wheeler through CSD?
Yes, CSD welcomes the patronage of ex-servicemen under certain conditions.

What are the conditions for purchasing a 4 wheeler through CSD?
The following conditions must be met for purchasing a 4 wheeler through CSD:

Are all military personnel entitled to purchase 2 wheelers?
Certainly, CSD offers 2 wheelers to every category of the Armed Forces. However, a 2 wheeler can only be purchased every three years.

Do I need any special sanctions in order to purchase a 2 or 4 wheeler?
If so, how do I obtain them? For the convenience of the CSD consumer, no sanction has been placed on the purchase of 2 wheelers. The centralised Car sanction by CS Dte has been discontinued w.e.f. 20 Jul 2015.

Why does the same item have differing costs in different CSD depots?
Unfortunately, CSD is unable to keep costs consistent throughout the country due to differing tax structures of different states.

Are tax benefits available to CSD customers in all states?
Unfortunately, tax benefits are not available in all states. Some states have granted full exemption while others have given certain concessions.

Which states offer full tax exemption on VAT?
The states of Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh have granted full tax exemption to CSD while the Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh etc have granted certain tax concessions.

Extension of age limit of retired Railway Doctors as Contact Medical Practitioners upto the age of 70 years

Extension of age limit of retired Railway Doctors as Contact Medical Practitioners upto the age of 70 years

No. 11/13 (B)

Dated: 20.06.2017

The Director General (Personnel),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

The Director General (RHS),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,
Sub: Extension of age limit of retired Railway Doctors as Contact Medical Practitioners upto the age of 70 years-reg.

Ref:  NFIR's letter No. 11/13 (B) dated 10/05/2016, 23/05/2016, 22/08/2016, 25/11/201614/02/2017 & 10/04/2017.

Kind attention is invited to Federation's letters cited above and my discussions with DG(P) wherein the Federation had requested that the retired Railway Doctors may be allowed to be reappointed upto the age of 70 years on the specific recommendation of concerned CMD for such appointment against a vacant post. As a result of discussions, the DG (P) said that the Board would consider processing the case for permitting the retired Railway Doctors for reappointment subject to the upper age limit being 68 years.
It is, however, learnt that there has been no progress towards revising the existing age limit of 65 years upwardly. Federation, therefore, once again requests to kindly arrange to take necessary action for allowing the reappointment of retired Railway Doctors on the specific approval of concerned CMD atleast upto the age of 68 years.

Yours fraternally,

(Dr. M. Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source : NFIR

Filling up 50% of DR Quota vacancies through GDCE - Eligibility to staff in same Grade Pay/Pay Scale

Filling up 50% of DR Quota vacancies through GDCE - Eligibility to staff in same Grade Pay/Pay Scale

Dated: 21.06.2017

No. II/6/Part 7
The General Secretaries of,
Affiliated Unions of NFIR

MESSAGE

Brother,

Sub: Filling up 50% of DR Quota vacancies through GDCE - Eligibility to staff in same Grade Pay/Pay Scale-reg.
Ref:    (i) Railway Board's letter No. E(NG)I-92/PM2/16 dated 20/08/1993.

• Railway Board's letter No. E(NG)I-2001/PM2/12 dated 21/01/2002.
• Railway Board's letter No. E(NG)I-2011/13M1/2 dated 12/09/2014 & 16/09/2014.
• NFIR's letter No. II/6/Part 7 dated 27/05/2017 addressed to Rly., Bd.

NFIR vide its letter dated 27/05/2017 demanded the Railway Board to modify the GDCE Scheme in order to see that the employees working in the same Grade Pay may apply for the post to be filled through GDCE of same Grade Pay/Pay Level.

Discussions were held on the subject on 20th June 2017 with the Board (AM/Staff). Federation feels happy to report that there was broad agreement and those staff working in same Grade Pay will be allowed to appear in the GDCE for the same Grade Pay/Pay Level against safety category posts.

Yours fraternally,

(Dr. M. Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Media Centre/NFIR.

Source : NFIR

Important subjects discussed with Railway Board (AM/Staff) this date (20th June 2017)

Important subjects discussed with Railway Board (AM/Staff) this date (20th June 2017)

No. IV/MACPS/09/Part 10

 Dated: 20.06.2017

No. IV/NFIR/7CPC (Imp)/R.B.2016/Part I
The General Secretaries of Affiliated Unions of NFIR

Brother,
Sub: Important subjects discussed with Railway Board (AM/Staff) this date (20th June 2017)-reg.

MACPS 'Very Good' Benchmarking should be scrapped:
After discussion, it was agreed to send a cogent communication about the Railway employees' working system for exempting Railways from the revised 'Very Good' benchmarking. In this context, NFIR's letter No. IV/NFIR/7 CPC (Imp)/2016/DoP&T dated 23/08/2016 addressed to Cabinet Secretary and letter No. IV/MACPS/09/Part 10 dated 09/01/2017 addressed to Railway Board may be connected.

7th CPC Pay Matrices and Option for Pay Fixation for those who were granted increment on 1st July or those promoted in between 01/01/2016 and the date of notification:

The Railway Board have clarified that instructions already exist for granting option. NFIR, however, pointed out that on several Zones, the Option opportunity has been denied as the Zonal Railways as well as Divisions have not understood the provisions contained in Board's instructions and demanded that illustrations be issued by the Railway Board through clarificatory instructions.
After discussion it was agreed to.

Yours fraternally

S/d,
(Dr. M. Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source : NFIR

Representation of Stenographers Grade 'D' of Stenographer Grade 'C' & 'D' Examination, 2010 for relaxation in the approved service and subsequently granting NFSG of GP Rs.4200/-

Representation of Stenographers Grade 'D' of Stenographer Grade 'C' & 'D' Examination, 2010 for relaxation in the approved service and subsequently granting NFSG of GP Rs.4200/-

No.6/3 /20 16-CS-1I(C)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension
Department of Personnel and Training

3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhawan,
Khan Market, New Delhi-ll0003
Dated: 5th June, 2017

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Representation of Stenographers Grade 'D' of Stenographer Grade 'C' & 'D' Examination, 2010 for relaxation in the approved service and subsequently granting NFSG of GP Rs.4200/-

The undersigned is directed to say that this Department has received several representations from the cadre units as well as from the concerned Stenographers Grade 'D' of 2010 batch wherein they have requested to consider their approved service counted from 01.07.2011 instead of 01.07.2012 so that they may get the benefit of NFSG w.e.f 01.07.2016 and appear at the LDCE 2017 of PA Grade to be held in July 2017.

2. The said matter has been examined in this Division in consultation with Establishment Division of this Department and Department of Legal Affairs but the same could not be agreed to.

3. In view of the above, all the cadre units of CSSS are requested to convey the above decision to the concerned accordingly. The cadre units are also advised to follow the existing CSSS Rules/Regulations and other instructions in force while dealing with matters pertaining to above.

(Pradeep A)
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India

All cadre units of CSSS

Source: DoPT

Railway Board Order: Revision of minimum rates of wages and variable dearness allowance w.e.f. 01.04.2017

Revision of minimum rates of wages and variable dearness allowance w.e.f. 01.04.2017: Railway Board Order RBE No.50/2017

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)

RBE No. 50/2017

No. 2016/E (LL)/AT/MW/1

New Delhi dated: 05.06.2017

The General Managers, Zonal Railways, Production Units.
Metro Railway, Kolkata, CORE, Allahabad
The General Managers,(Construction), All Indian Railways
The Director General, RDSO, Lucknow
The DG/Railway Staff College, Vadodara
The Directors, IRICEN, IRIEEN, IRISET, IRIMEE, IRITM
The CAO, COFMOW, Tilak Bridge, New Delhi
The CAO, Rail Coach Factory / Raebareli, Kishan Ganj, Delhi-7
The CAO, Rail Wheel Plant, Bela

Sub: Revision of minimum rates of wages and variable dearness allowance w.e.f. 01.04.2017

A copy each of Orders No.(i)1/l3(7)/2017-LS.II, (ii) 1/13/(6)/2017-LS.II, (iii) 1/13/(5)2017-LS.II, (iv) 1/13/(4)/2017-LS.II (v) 1/13/(3)2017-LS.II and (vi)1/13/(1)/2017-LS-II dated 20.04.2017 revising the rates of variable dearness allowance for contract workers engaged in (i) Loading and unloading in goods sheds, parcel offices of Railways, and other goods-sheds, godowns, warehouses and other similar employments (ii) Watch and Ward (Without arms) (iii) Employment of sweeping and cleaning excluding activities prohibited under the Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993 (iv) Stone mines (v) Construction or Maintenance of Roads or runways or in Building Operations including Laying Down Underground electric, wireless, Radio, Television, Telephone, Telegraph and Overseas Communication Cables and Similar other Underground cabling work, Electric lines, Water supply lines and Sewerage Pipe Lines and (vi) Agriculture respectively is sent herewith for information and strict compliance . The rates are applicable w.e.f. 01.04.2017.

2. Railways, being Principal Employer are required to ensure that the contractors are complying with the provisions of the Contract Labour (R&A) Act, 1970 and Minimum wages Act,"1948- strictly and arranging prescribed minimum wages to the contract labourers.

3. This issues with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate of Ministry of Railways.
Please acknowledge receipt.

(Manju)
Jt. Director Establishment

Source: NFIR [Click here to view]

Ex-Servicemen Welfare - ECHS - Grievance Redressal Mechanism

Ex-Servicemen Welfare - ECHS - Grievance Redressal Mechanism : Grievance Redressal Mechanism. Beneficiaries have following options available for seeking redress to their grievances:-

(a) Online.

(i) CPGRAMS. Centralized Public Grievance Redress & Monitoring System run by Deptt of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances, Govt of India can be accessed on web site http://pgportal.gov. in/.

Grievance related to ECHS are automatically routed to DoESW/Central Org ECHS.

(ii) Army Veterans Grievance Handling Portal. This portal is launched by Army Veteran Cell for redressing grievances of our esteem veterans. The web ID of this portal is indianarmyveterans.gov.in.

(b) E-Mail. E-Mail to the Director (Complaint & Litigation) on his e-mail ID dircomplaints-mod@nic.in.

(c) Normal Post. Forward grievances at following address :- Director (Complaint & Litigation) Central Organisation ECHS Adjutant General's Branch Integrated HQ of MoD (Army) Maude Lines, Near Blood
Bank, Sadar Bazar, Delhi Cantt - 10
Email - dircomplaints-mod@nic.in.

(d) Helpline. Helpline No 1800-114-115 is operationalised from 0900hr to 1700hr (Monday to Friday).

(e) Telephone numbers and e-mail IDs of important functionaries are at Appendix.

(f) Self Attestation. ECHS self attested proforma for dependent Son / Daughter above 18 years of age has been circulated to all Command Headquarters and all Regional Centres vide Central Org ECHS letter No.B/49711-SC/AG/ECHS dated 10 Feb 2017, as additional check for authentication of rightful dependent beneficiary.

Note : Beneficiaries are requested to:-
(i) First approach concerned OIC Polyclinic/Stn HQs/Regional Centre for grievances if any and for resolving the issues expeditiously.
(ii) Lodge their grievances on-line as per Para 3 (a) for resolving them on fast track basis as also monitoring progress on their grievances.

All India Services (Performance Appraisal Report) Amendment Rules, 2017

All India Services (Performance Appraisal Report) Amendment Rules, 2017: Notification dated 15.06.2017

MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
(Department of Personnel and Training)

NOTIFICATION

New Delhi, the 15th June, 2017

G.S.R. 596(E).-In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (I) of section 3 of the All India Services Act, 1951 (61 of 1951), the Central Government. after consultation with the State Governments, hereby makes the following rules further to amend the All India Services (Performance Appraisal Report) Rules, 2007, namely:-

1. (1) These rules may be called the All India Services (Performance Appraisal Report) Amendment Rules, 2017.
(2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.
2. In the All India Services (Performance Appraisal Report) Rules, 2007 (hereinafter referred to as the said rules), in rule 2, after clause (b). the following clause shall be inserted, namely:-
"(ba) "competent authority" means the authority as mentioned in sub-rules (7A) and (7B) of rule 9 to decide the representation of the officer reported upon against performance appraisal report disclosed to the member of Service".
3. In the said rules, after rule 4, the following rule shall be inserted, namely:-
"4A (I) The performance appraisal report shall be generated and written by the officer reported upon electronically in the form as specified in Schedule 2.
(2) The comments of the reporting, reviewing and accepting authority shall be recorded electronically in case he is a government servant.
(3) The political executives may record their comments manually and the performance appraisal report so recorded shall be uploaded electronically as per time frame specified in Schedule 2:
Provided that in certain cases, with the approval of the Government and for reasons to be recorded in writing, performance appraisal report may be generated and written manually by the officer reported upon and any of the reporting authorities, that is, reporting or reviewing or accepting authority as per the guidelines specified by the Central Government from time to time
Provided further that prior approval of the Central Government in consultation with Department of Personnel and Training shall be taken in cases where permanent exemption from electronic filing of performance appraisal report is sought on the grounds of national security, etc. for a particular class of posts".
4. In the said rules, in rule 5,-
(i) for sub-rule (2). the following sub-rule shall be substituted, namely
"(2) Subject to the provisions of sub-rule (4). a performance appraisal report shall also be written when either the reporting or reviewing or accepting authority who is a government servant or the member of the Service reported upon relinquishes charge (other than retirement) of the post, and, in such a case, the report shall be written within the time frame as specified in Schedule 2 for completion of performance appraisal report in paragraph 9 of general guidelines for filling of the performance appraisal report form."
(ii) for the first and second provisos to sub rule (3). the following provisos shall be substituted. namely
"Provided that only one report shall be written on a member of the Service for a particular period during the course of the financial year:
Provided further that if the member of Service occupies more than one post, the Government shall identify the post (substantive or additional charge) to report or review, well in advance of the relevant assessment year."
(iii) after sub-rule (3), the following sub-rule shall be inserted, namely:-
"(3A) In general one person shall write the performance appraisal reports in the capacity of reporting, reviewing or accepting authority for a given period of time
Provided that if more than one person supervises the performance of the member of Service for a given period of time. the Government shall identify the persons to report or review well in advance of the relevant assessment year."
(iv) sub-rule (7) shall be omitted.
5. In the said rules, in rule 6, sub-rule (4) shall be omitted.
6. In the said rules, in rule 7, sub-rule (2) shall be omitted.
7. In the said rules, after rule 7, the following rules shall be inserted, namely:
"7A. Restriction on reporting authority, etc. in certain cases. - Notwithstanding anything contained in rules 5, 6 and 7, it shall not be competent for the reporting authority, reviewing authority or accepting authority to write a performance appraisal report where the authority reporting the performance appraisal report is a government servant, after one month of his retirement from service; and in other cases, after one month of the date on which he demits office.
Explanation.- For the purposes of this rule,-
(a) a Minister shall not be deemed to have demitted the office if he continues to be a Minister in the Council of Ministers with a different portfolio or in the Council of Ministers immediately reconstituted after the previous Council of Ministers of which he was a Minister with the same or a different portfolio provided the Prime Minister or the Chief Minister, as the case may be, continues in office.
(b) a Minister shall be deemed to have demitted the office where pursuant to fresh elections, a new Council of Ministers has been reconstituted, even if the Minister who was in the earlier Council of Ministers finds a place in the new Council of Ministers with the same or different portfolio.
7B. Treating performance appraisal report as non-est. - The performance appraisal report, not recorded in terms of the provisions of these rules and instructions issued thereunder. shall be treated as non-est:
Provided that all the performance appraisal reports filed manually without approval of the Government to do so shall be treated as non-est".
8. In the said rules, in rule 9,
(i) for sub-rule (1), the following sub-rule shall be substituted, namely:-
"(l) The full annual performance appraisal report, including the overall grade and assessment of integrity, shall be disclosed electronically to the officer reported upon, after finalisation by the accepting authority except in the cases where it is generated manually, to enable the officer reported upon to represent his case."
(ii) for sub-rule (4), the following sub-rule shall be substituted, namely:
"(4) The accepting authority shall within fifteen days from the date of receipt of comments from the officer reported upon forward the same to the reviewing and the reporting authority and call for their views on the comments and the comments of reporting and reviewing authority are required to be sought even if they have retired or demitted or relinquished office, and in case the comments of reporting and reviewing authority are not received within fifteen days from the date of receipt, it shall be presumed that reporting and reviewing authority have no comments to offer."
(iii) for sub-rule (7), the following sub-rules shall be substituted, namely:
"(7) If the accepting authority is of a level below the Minister in the State or in the Central Government, then the competent authority to decide the representation shall be one level higher than the accepting authority and in such cases the accepting authority shall forward the comments of the officer reported upon along with the views of the reporting authority, reviewing authority and his own views to the competent authority within fifteen days of receipt of the views of the reviewing authority, and the comments of the accepting authority are required to be sought even if he has retired or demitted or relinquished office.
(7A) The competent authority shall consider the comments of the officer reported upon, the views of the reporting authority, reviewing authority and accepting authority and after due consideration, the competent authority may accept them and modify the performance appraisal report with a speaking order and the final grading shall be communicated to the officer reported upon within fifteen days of receipt of the views of the accepting authority.
(7B) If the accepting authority is the Minister in the State (including the Chief Minister) or the Minister in the Centre, then the competent authority to decide the representation will be the accepting authority himself and in such cases the accepting authority shall consider the comments of the officer reported upon, the views of the reporting authority and the reviewing authority and after due consideration may accept them and modify the performance appraisal report accordingly and the decision and final grading shall be communicated to the officer reported upon within fifteen days of receipt of the views of the reviewing authority, and the comments of the reporting and the reviewing authority are required to be sought even if he has retired or demitted or relinquished office.
(7C) If the competent authority has not seen the work for the reporting period, the representation shall be referred to the Referral Board."
(iv) in sub-rule (9). in clause (a), for the words "and the accepting authority". the words the accepting authority and the competent authority" shall be substituted;
(v) after clause (b) ofsub-rule (9), the following proviso shall inserted, namely:
"Provided that where the representation has been sent to the Referral Board when the competent authority has not seen the work of the officer reported upon, the Referral Board shall consider the representation of the officer reported upon in the light of the comments of the reporting authority, the reviewing authority and the accepting authority and confirm or modify the performance appraisal report. including the overall grade and the decision of the Referral Board shall be in respect of both factual observations and errors of facts and the decision of the Referral Board shall be final and the final grading shall be communicated to the officer reported upon within fifteen days of receipt of the decision of the Referral Board".

9. In the said rules. for rule 10, the following rule shall be substituted. namely:-
"10. Memorial against assessment. - Nothing in these rules shall be deemed to preclude an officer from making a memorial within the period of ninety days to the President on the performance appraisal report. as provided under rule 25 ofthe All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969:
Provided that in cases where due to unavoidable circumstances it is not possible to make a memorial under these rules within the said period of ninety days, the competent authority may relax the timeline for submission of the memorial.".

[F.No. 11059/01/2016-AIS-III]

RAJESH KUMAR YADAV,

Under Secy. (Services)

Note: The principal rules were published in the Gazette of India. vide number G.S.R. 197(E), dated the 14th March. 2007 and were subsequently amended as under:-
(i) G.S.R. 296 (E), dated 16th April, 2007,
(ii) G.S.R. 256 (E). dated 3lst March, 2008,
(iii) Notification No. 11059/06/2010-AIS(III), dated the 22nd December, 2010.
(iv) Notification No. 11059/03/2012-AIS(III), dated the 19th February, 2013.

RAKESH SUKUL

Source: Dopt.gov.in PDF

Condonation of deficiency in service for grant of 2nd service pension in respect of DSC (Defence Security Corps) personnel: DESW Order dated 20.06.2017

Condonation of deficiency in service for grant of 2nd service pension in respect of DSC (Defence Security Corps) personnel: DESW Order dated 20.06.2017

No. 14(02)/2011-D(Pen/Pol)
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare

New Delhi
Dated 20th June 2017

To,
The Chief of the Army Staff
The Chief of the Naval Staff
The Chief of the Air Staff

Subject : Condonation of deficiency in service for grant of 2nd service pension in respect of DSC (Defence Security Corps) personnel.

Condonation of deficiency in service for eligibility of service pension has been mentioned in Rule 125 of Pension Regulation Part-l 1961 (Rule 44 of Pension Regulation Part-I 2008). This rule is applicable in all cases except the case mentioned under the Rule125 of Pension Regulation Part-l 1961 (Rule 44 of Pension Regulation Part-l 2008). Deficiency in service for eligibility of Service pension or Reservist pension or Gratuity in lieu may be condoned by competent authority up to 12 month as mentioned in GoI, MoD letter No. 4684/DlR(PEN)/2001 dated 14th August 2001.

2. Representations of the ex-servicemen who have been granted Service pension from Army side and re-employed in DSC are received for condonation of deficiency in service for the 2nd service pension from DSC. The matter has been examined and decided that condonation of deficiency in qualifying service is to be
accorded on merit and in the deserving cases to make individual eligible for at least one service pension. Condonation of deficiency in qualifying service for grant of 2nd service pension in respect of DSC personnel has no merit.

3. It is conveyed that the intention behind condonation of deficiency in service for grant of service pension is that the individual must not be left high & dry but should be made eligible for at least one service pension in View of above, it is clarified that no condonation shall be allowed for grant of second service pension.

4. The Pension Regulation for the Army shall stand amended by inserting item “(iv) an individual who is eligible for 2nd service pension for the service rendered by individual in respect of DSC” below Regulation 44 of Pension Regulation for the Army PM (2008).

5. All other terms and conditions shall remain unchanged.

6. This issues with the concurrence of Finance Division of this Ministry vide their ID No 10(16)/2016/FlN/PEN dated 26/08/2016

7. Hindi version will follow.

Yours faithfully,
sd/-

(K.T. Lepcha)
Under Secretary to the Government of India

Source: www.desw.gov.in [PDF]