Issuing of Aadhaar cards through post offices and banks

Issuing of Aadhaar cards through post offices and banks

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

RAJYA SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-900

ANSWERED ON-22.12.2017

Issuing of Aadhaar cards through post offices and banks
900 . Shri Dharmapuri Srinivas

Will the Minister of ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the Government is contemplating on handing over the work of issuing of Aadhaar Cards to Post Offices and Banks in the country; and

(b) if so, the details thereof

ANSWER

(a) and (b): Department of Post, as Registrar of UIDAI, has been mandated to set up Aadhaar enrolment and update facility in designated post offices throughout the country. In addition, banks have also been mandated under Regulation 12A of the Aadhaar (Enrolment and Update) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2017 (No. 2 of 2017) and the Aadhaar (Enrolment and Update) (Third Amendment) (No. 3 of 2017) to set up Aadhaar enrolment and update facility in a minimum one out of every ten bank branches.

Restriction in conduct rules on investments by employees

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL,PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
RAJYA SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1223
ANSWERED ON-28.12.2017

Restriction in conduct rules on investments by employees

1223 . Shri Narayan Lal Panchariya

(a) whether there are any restrictions under relevant conduct rules on investments by Central Government employees in stock market/financial market instruments;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) whether Government is considering any proposal for giving greater freedom to Central Government employees to invest in such instruments; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

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)

(a) & (b): Yes Sir. Rule 16 of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, is relevant for investment by Central Government employees in stock/ financial market instruments. The provisions of Rule 16 are reproduced as under:

"(1) No Government servant shall speculate in any stock, share or other investment: Provided that nothing in this sub-rule shall apply to occasional investments made through stock brokers or other persons duly authorised and licensed or who have obtained a certificate of registration under the relevant law. Explanation - Frequent purchase or sale or both, of shares, securities or other investments shall be deemed to be speculation within the meaning of this sub-rule."

(2) (i) No Government servant shall make, or permit any member of his family or any person acting on his behalf to make, any investment which is likely to embarrass or influence him in the discharge of his official duties. For this purpose, any purchase of shares out of the quotas reserved for Directors of Companies or their friends and associates shall be deemed to be an investment which is likely to embarrass the Government servant.

(ii) No Government servant who is involved in the decision making process of fixation of price of an Initial Public Offering or Follow-up Public Offering of shares of a Central Public Sector Enterprise shall apply, either himself or through any member of his family or through any other person acting on his behalf, for allotment of shares in the Initial Public Offerings or Follow-up Public Offerings of such Central Public Sector Enterprise.

(3) If any question arises whether any transaction is of the nature referred to in sub-rule (1) or sub-rule(2), the decision of the Government thereon shall be final.

(4) (i) No Government servant shall, save in the ordinary course of business with a bank or a public limited company, either himself or through any member of his family or any other person acting on his behalf,

(a) lend or borrow or deposit money, as a principal or an agent, to, or from or with, any person or firm or private limited company within the local limits of his authority or with whom he is likely to have official dealings or otherwise place himself under any pecuniary obligation to such person or firm or private limited company; or

(b) lend money to any person at interest or in a manner whereby return in money or in kind is charged or paid:

Provided that a Government servant may give to, or accept from, a relative or a personal friend a purely temporary loan of a small amount free of interest, or operate credit account with a bona fide tradesman or make an advance of pay to his private employee:

Provided further that nothing in this sub-rule shall apply in respect of any transaction entered into by a Government servant with the previous sanction of the Government.

(ii) When a Government servant is appointed or transferred to a post of such nature as would involve him in the breach of any of the provisions of sub-rule (2) or sub-rule (4), he shall forthwith report the circumstances to the prescribed authority and shall thereafter act in accordance with such order as may be made by such authority.

2. Further, vide O.M. No. 11013/6/91-Ests.(A) dated 8.04.1992 (copy enclosed), it was clarified that shares, securities, debentures etc. are treated as movable property for the purpose of Rule 18 (3) of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, which provides for intimation/ permission of an individual transaction, if the value of such transaction exceeds two months of basic pay of the Government servant.

(c) & (d): At present, there is no proposal under consideration of the Government for giving greater freedom to Central Government employees to invest in stock market/ financial market instruments.

Development of Software for inter cadre transfer / deputation and fixation of Seniority of promotee IAS officers

F. No. 13017/33/2016-AIS-I
Department of Personnel and Training
AIS - I 

Date: 27th December, 2017

Sub: Development of Software for inter cadre transfer / deputation and fixation of Seniority of promotee IAS officers - reg.

Seniority Desk (AIS-I) vide ID note dated 09.09.2016 and reminder dated 20.01.2017 (copies enclosed) has requested NIC, DoPT to develop software to process all cases of inter cadre transfer / deputation online and to fix Seniority of promotee IAS officers online. However, no progress in the matter has been intimated to this Desk.

2. In this connection, NIC, DoPT is requested to expedite the matter as this item has been included in the Annual Action Plan 2017.

3. This issues with the approval of JS(Admin).

(Udai Bhan Singh)
Under Secretary(AIS-I)
Seniority Desk
I/c - 274

To,
Director (NIC),
NIC, DoPT

Source: DoPT

Revision of interest rates for Small Savings Schemes

Revision of interest rates for Small Savings Schemes for 4th Quarter of FY 2017-18 (Jan, 18 to Mar, 18) - MoF

F.No.01/04/2016-NS
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Economic Affairs
(Budget Division)

 North Block, New Delhi
Dated: 27.12.2017

  Office Memorandum

Subject: Revision of interest rates for Small Savings Schemes.

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department's OM of even number dated 16th February, 2016, vide which the various decisions taken by the Government regarding interest fixation for small savings schemes were communicated to all concerned.

2. On the basis of the decision of the Government, interest rates for small savings schemes are to be notified on quarterly basis. Accordingly, the rates of interest on various small savings schemes for the fourth quarter of financial year 2017-18 starting 1st January, 2018, and ending on 31st March, 2018, on the basis of the interest compounding payment built-in in the schemes, shall be as under:

ESIC Calendar and Diary 2018

Santosh Kumar Gangwar releases ESIC Calendar and Diary

Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Union Minister of State (I/C) for Labour & Employment, Government of India released the ESIC Calendar, Diary and Telephone Directory for the year 2018 at a special function in New Delhi today.

The ESIC Calendar-2018 gives basic information about the efforts taken by ESIC in increasing ESI coverage and reach, various benefits offered and areas of priorities for the New Year under ESI Scheme etc. The ESIC Diary-2018 also gives complete information about the initiatives and achievements of ESIC during the year 2017 and various benefits offered to the Insured Persons and their Beneficiaries besides complete address and contact number of various ESIC Establishments pan India. 

A short presentation on the ESIC achievements and areas of priorities for the upcoming New Year-2018 depicted through Calendar and Diary was made the occasion. The Minister appreciated and congratulated the entire ESIC team for bringing out important information on ESI Scheme through these releases which will benefit all the Stakeholders of ESI Scheme. The Minister also referred to the efforts taken by the ESIC for improving its services to the Insured Persons and Employers so as to ensure a healthy and happy workforce of the country.

The Employees State Insurance Corporation is a pioneer Social Security organization providing comprehensive social security benefits like reasonable Medical Care and a range of Cash Benefits in times of need such as employment injury, sickness, death etc. The ESI Act applies to premises/precincts where 10 or more persons are employed. The employees drawing wages up to Rs.21,000/- a month are entitled to health insurance cover and other benefits, under the ESI Act. The Act now applies to over 8.98 lakh factories and establishments across the country, benefiting about 3.19 crores family units of workers. As of now, the total beneficiary population of ESI Scheme stands over 12.40 crores. Ever since its inception in 1952, the ESI Corporation has, so far set up 151 Hospitals, 1489/174 Dispensaries / ISM Units, 815 Branch/Pay Offices and 63 Regional & Sub-Regional Offices.

PIB

AICPIN for the Month of November 2017

AICPIN for the Month of November 2017

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

CLEREMONT, SHIMLA-171004
DATED: 29th December, 2017

Press Release

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

The All-India CPI-IW for November, 2017 increased by 1 point and pegged at 288 (two hundred and eighty eight). On 1-month percentage change, it increased by (+) 0.35 per cent between October, 2017 and November, 2017 when compared with the decrease of (-) 0.36 per cent for the corresponding months of last year.

The maximum upward pressure to the change in current index came from Food group contributing (+) 1.10 percentage points to the total change. At item level, Wheat Atta, Eggs (Hen), Goat Meat, Milk (Cow), Onion, Tamarind, Bitter Gourd, Cabbage, Carrot, Coconut, Potato, Tomato, Cooking Gas, Electricity Charges, Firewood, Kerosene Oil, Private Tuition Fee, Petrol, Barber Charges, etc. are responsible for the increase in index. However, this increase was checked by Arhar Dal, Gram Dal, Masur Dal, Urd Dal, Groundnut Oil, Fish Fresh, Poultry (Chicken), Chillies Green, Garlic, Ginger, Brinjal, Cauliflower, French Bean, Green Coriander Leaves, Methi, Palak, Radish, Apple, Banana, etc., putting downward pressure on the index.

The year-on-year inflation measured by monthly CPI-IW stood at 3.97 per cent for November, 2017 as compared to 3.24 per cent for the previous month and 2.59 per cent during the corresponding month of the previous year. Similarly, the Food inflation stood at 3.91 per cent against 2.26 per cent of the previous month and 1.66 per cent during the corresponding month of the previous year.

At centre level, Giridih reported the maximum increase of (7 points) followed by Salem and Puducherry (6 points each) and Rourkela, Sholapur, Mercara and Ghaziabad (5 points each). Among others, 4 points increase was observed in 5 centres, 3 points in 16 centres, 2 points in 13 centres and 1 point in 12 centres. On the contrary, Kolkata recorded a maximum decrease of 3 points followed by Munger-Jamalpur, Amritsar, Chandigarh and Doom Dooma Tinsukia (2 points each). Among others, 1 point decrease was observed in 7 centres. Rest of the 13 centres’ indices remained stationary.

The indices of 34 centres are above All-India Index and 42 centres indices are below national average. The indices of Vishakhapathnam and Ghaziabad centres remained at par with All-India Index.

The next issue of CPI-IW for the month of December, 2017 will be released on Wednesday, 31st January, 2018. The same will also be available on the office website www.labourbureaunew.gov.in.

(AMRITLALJANGID)
DEPUTY DIRECTOR

PIB

Gramin Dak Sevaks - Lok Sabha Q&A

Gramin Dak Sevaks - Lok Sabha Q&A

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS
LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 1427

ANSWERED ON: 27.12.2017

Gramin Dak Sevaks

BHEEMRAO BASWANTHRAO PATIL

Will the Minister of
COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government has constituted any Committee to look into the salary structure, other service matters and problems of Gramin Dak Sevaks and if so, the details and the composition thereof;
(b) whether the said Committee has since submitted its report and if so, the recommendations thereof; and
(c) the time by which these recommendations are 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) Yes, Madam. A One Man Committee has been constituted to look into the salary structure, other service matters and problems of Gramin Dak Sevaks under the Chairmanship of Shri Kamlesh Chandra.
(b) Yes, Madam, the Committee has submitted its report to the Government. The salient features are given in the Annexure.
(c) The recommendations of the Committee have been considered by the Department. After getting the necessary approvals from all concerned, the recommendation of the Committee will be implemented.

Source - loksabha

Corrigendum of contractual fees for the persons engaged at ECHS Polyclinics

Corrigendum of contractual fees for the persons engaged at ECHS Polyclinics

File No.22D(25)/2017/(WE)/D(Res-I)

Government of India
Ministry of Defence
(Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare

Sena Bhavan, New Delhi
Dated 20 November, 2017

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

CORRIGENDUM

Sir.
With reference to GOl Ministry of Defence letter No.22D(50)/2007 US(WE)/D(Res).Vol.-ll dated 3rd May 2016 and 22D(50)/2007/US(WE)/D(ResNol.-II dated 2nd June 2017, I am directed to convey the sanction of the Government for following amendments w.r.t. contractual fees for the persons engaged at ECHS Polyclinics in respect of the following categories:

S.No.	Category	For Contractual fees (Rs. Per month)	Read Contractual Fees (Rs. Per month)
Para Medical
1.	Radiographer	22500	28100
2.	Laboratory Technician	22500	28100
3	Laboratory Assistant	22500	28100
4	Physiotherapist	22500	28100
5	Pharmacist	22500	28100
6	Nursing Assistant	22500	28100
Para Dental
7	Dental Hygienist/ Dental Assistant/ Dental Technician	22500	28100
Clerks
8	Clerks (ECHS Branch EOI Nepal)	18000	22500
Driver
9	Driver	15750	19700
Other Non Medical Staff
10	Chowkidar	13455	16800
11	Female attendant	13455	16800
12	Peon	13455	16800
13	Safaiwala	13455	16800

2. The revised order will be effective from 16 August 2017.

3. This issues with the concurrence of Ministry of Defence (Finance) vide their Id No. 33(5)/2009/Fin/Pen dated 7-11-2017.

Yours faithfully,

(A.K. Karn)
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India

GDS Kamlesh Chandra Committee Recommendations will be implemented soon - Minister replied in Parliament on 27th December, 2017

GDS Kamlesh Chandra Committee Recommendations will be implemented soon - Minister replied in Parliament on 27th December, 2017

Minister of State (IC) for Communications & Railways, Shri Manoj Sinha, in a written reply to a question on GDS Kamlesh Chandra Committee Report, in Lok Sabha on 27.12.2017 informed that a One Man Committee has been constituted to look into the salary structure, other service matters and problems of Gramin Dak Sevaks under the Chairmanship of Shri Kamlesh Chandra.

The Committee has submitted its report to the Government. The salient features are given in the Annexure.

The recommendations of the Committee have been considered by the Department. After getting the necessary approvals from all concerned, the recommendation of the Committee will be implemented.

Annexure : Salient features  of the One Man Committee Report headed by Shri Kamlesh Chandra

• The old system of payment of Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA) is dispensed with and replaced with a new wage payment system. Under the new wage payment system, 11 TRCA slabs are subsumed into 3 Wage Scales with two Levels each for BPMs and for other than BPMs. One wage scale would be common for both the categories of GDSs.
• The minimum working hours of GDS Post Offices and GDSs are increased to 4 hours from 3 hours.
• The new working hours for GDS Post Offices will be 4 hours and 5 hours only.
• The Level 1 GDS Post Offices / GDSs will have 4 hours as working hours and Level - 2 will have 5 hours as working hours.
• The Point System for assessment of workload of BPMs has been abolished.
• The new wage payment system is linked to revenue generation of GDS Post Offices. Under the new system, there will be no increase in wages of BPMs from Level -1 to Level -2 on the basis of workload but the same will be increased based on achievement of prescribed revenue norms which is fixed at 100% for normal areas and 50% for special areas.
• The GDS Post Offices not achieving the prescribed revenue norm within the given working hours will have to open GDS Post Offices for minimum of additional 30 minutes beyond the prescribed working hours.
• The GDS BPMs will be paid Revenue Linked Allowance @10% beyond level-2 wage scale if they will be successful in achieving revenue beyond prescribed norms
• The GDS Post Offices has been categorized into A, B; C and D categories based on the revenue generation norms. The GDS Post Office in A category will achieve 100% revenue norm. The Committee has recommended a set of actions for each category of GDS Post Offices.
• The six approved categories of GDSs are subsumed into two categories only. One category will be Branch Post Master and all other 5 categories of GDSs are subsumed into one Multi Tasking Category.
• The GDSs working in the GDS Post Offices will be known as Assistant Branch Post Master (ABPMs) and those working in the Departmental Post Offices will be known as Dak Sevak (DS).
• The minimum wage has been increased to Rs. 10000/- per month and maximum pay to Rs. 35480/- per month.
• The rate of annual increase is recommended as 3%.
• A Composite Allowance comprising of support for hiring accommodation for GDS Post Offices as well as mandatory residence, office maintenance, mobile and electricity usage charges etc. has been introduced for the first time.
• Children Education Allowance @Rs. 6000/- per child per annum has been introduced for GDSs.
• Risk & Hardship Allowance @Rs. 500/- per month for GDS working in the special areas has also been introduced.
• A Financial up-gradation has been introduced at 12 years, 24 years and 36 years of services in form of two advance additional annual increases.
• The Ceiling of ex-gratia gratuity has been increased from Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 5,00,000
• The GDS Contribution for Service Discharge Benefit Scheme (SDBS) should be enhanced maximum up to 10% and minimum up to 3% of the basic wage per month, whereas the Department should contribute a fixed contribution of 3% of the basic wage of the GDSs.
• The coverage of GDS Group Insurance Scheme has been enhanced from Rs. 50000/- to Rs. 5,00,000/
• The contribution of Department in Circle Welfare Fund (CWF) has been increased from Rs. 100/ per annum to Rs. 300/ per annum.
• The scope of CWF is extended to cover immediate family members such as spouse; daughters, sons and dependent daughters in law in the scheme.
• The Committee also recommended 10% hike in the prescribed limits of financial grants and assistances in the Circle Welfare Funds.
• The Committee has recommended addition of Rs. 10,000/ for purchase of Tablet / Mobile from the Circle Welfare in the head “Financial Assistance of Fund by way of loans with lower rate of interest (5%)”.
• Provision of 26 weeks of Maternity Leave for women GDS has been recommended.
• The wages for the entire period of Maternity Leave is recommended to be paid from salary head from where wages of GDSs are paid.
• The Committee has also recommended one week of paternity leave.
• Leave accumulation and encashment facility up to 180 days has been introduced.
• Online system of engagement has been recommended.
• Alternate livelihood condition for engagement of GDSs has been relaxed.
• Voluntary Discharge scheme has been recommended.
• The Discharge age has been retained at 65 years.
• The Limited Transfer Facility has been relaxed from 1 time to 3 times for male GDSs. There will be no restriction on number of chances for transfer of women GDSs. The powers for transfer has been delegated to the concerned Divisional head.
• The ex-gratia payment during put off period should be revised to 35% from 25% of the wage and DA drawn immediately before put off.
• The Committee has recommended preferring transfer before put off duty.

Amendment in EPF scheme for buying homes

Amendment in EPF scheme for buying homes

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

RAJYA SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1056

ANSWERED ON-27.12.2017

Amendment in EPF scheme for buying homes

1056 . Shri R. Vaithilingam

(a)whether Government will amend the Employees” Provident Fund (EPF) scheme to enable around 4 crore members of Employees” Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to withdraw upto 90 per cent of their fund for making down payments while buying houses;
(b)whether said amendment will also allow the EPFO subscribers to use their EPF accounts for paying equated monthly installments of home loans; and
(c)whether under the proposed provision in the EPF scheme, the subscribers would have to form a cooperative society with at least 10 members to avail of the facility?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

(SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)

(a) to (c): The Government vide Notification No. G.S.R.351 (E) dated 12th April, 2017 has inserted a paragraph 68BD in Employees’ Provident Funds (EPF) Scheme, 1952 for withdrawal from the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) for purchasing dwelling house or flat or construction of a dwelling house.

The withdrawal amount from the Provident Fund shall not exceed ninety per cent of the employer’s share of contribution and interest thereon and employee’s share of contribution and interest thereon.

The Scheme envisages that a member can authorise monthly installment for the repayment, wholly or partly, of any outstanding principal or interest of a loan obtained in the name of the member or spouse of the member or jointly by the member and the spouse.
The payment can be made on behalf of the member to a housing agency or primary lending agency or bank concerned, etc.

The subscriber should be a member of a cooperative society or a society registered for housing purpose under any law for the time being in force and such society has at least ten members of the Fund.

Decision of the Cabinet for enhancement of age of superannuation of Dental Doctors under Ministry of Railway

Decision of the Cabinet for enhancement of age of superannuation of Dental Doctors under Ministry of Railway

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(RAILWAY BOARD)

RRE No. 205/2017

New Delhi Dated: 26.12.2017

No. E(P&A)I-2016/RT-16

The General Managers and Principal Financial Advisers,
All Indian Railways including
Production Units etc.

Sub: Decision of the Cabinet for enhancement of age of superannuation of Dental Doctors under Ministry of Railways.

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoH&FW) vide OM No. A.12034/1/2017- CHS-V dated 30.09.2017 has communicated (i) post-facto approval of the Cabinet for enhancement of age of superannuation of doctors of Indian Railway Medical Service; (ii) approval of Cabinet for enhancement of age of superannuation of Dental doctors under Ministry of Railways to 65 years; and (iii) that Doctors shall hold the administrative post till the date of attaining the age of 62 years.

2. Accordingly, the age of superannuation of Dental Doctors under Ministry of Railways is enhanced from 60 years to 65 years.

3. Doctors shall hold administrative posts till the date of attaining the age of 62 years and thereafter their services shall be placed in Non-administrative positions.

4. Consequent upon enhancement of the age of superannuation of Dental Doctors, all Zonal Railways/Production Units are requested to review the vacancies arising from retirement in regard to direct recruitment as well as promotion so that there is no over recruitment or litigation or review DPCs because of change in “Zone of Consideration” as a result of reduction in the number of retirement vacancies.

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

6. Kindly acknowledge receipt.

(Anil Kumar)
Dy. Director Estt. (P&A)-I
Railway Board

Voluntary Retirement in Paramilitary Forces

Voluntary Retirement in Paramilitary Forces

PERSONNEL OF PARAMILITARY FORCES TAKING VOLUNTARY RETIREMENT

Minister of State for Home Affairs replied in Parliament(Rajya Sabha) on 27.12.2017 regarding Voluntary Retirement in Paramilitary Forces.

“As per information provided by Central Armed Police Forces and Assam Rifles (CAPFs & AR), 19239 personnel have taken voluntary retirement from service since January, 2016.

Improvement in service conditions/ amenities and welfare of the force personnel is a continuous endeavour. A study was got conducted through Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPR&D) into the factors causing stress and suggest remedial measures and another similar study was got conducted though Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIMA) for BSF & CRPF”. Based on the above study report, the measures, which have been taken to boost the morale and improve the working conditions and reduce stress among the force personnel, are at Annexure-‘A’.

ANNEXURE – ‘A’

R.S.US.Q.NO.1034 FOR 27.12.2017

Measures taken to improve the working conditions and reduce stress among the force personnel

(i) Transparent policies pertaining to transfer and leave of CAPFs and AR personnel. The hospitalization period due to injuries while on duty is treated as on duty. Choice posting is considered to the extent possible after the personnel served in hard area.

(ii) Regular interaction of officers with troops to find out and redress their grievances.

(iii) Ensuring adequate rest and relief by regulating the duty hours.

(iv) Improving living conditions for troops, providing adequate recreational/ entertainment, sports, communication facilities etc. Crèche facility is also provided at various establishments (where feasible) to facilitate the female employees.

(v) Facility of retention of government accommodation at the place of last posting (for keeping the family) while posted in NE State, J&K and LWE affected areas (except State Capitals).

(vi) Providing better medical facilities, also organizing talks with specialists to address their personal and psychological concerns and organizing Meditation & Yoga routinely for better stress management.

(vii) Adequately compensating the troops deployed in difficult areas.

(viii) Other welfare measures like facility of Central Police Canteen (CPC), scholarship for wards etc. Also air courier service has been provided to CAPF personnel deployed in NE States, J&K and LWE affected areas as welfare measure.

(ix) Designating retired CAPF personnel as ex-CAPF personnel for better identity and community recognition.

(x) Promotions are released regularly to eligible personnel as & when the vacancies arise. Financial benefits under Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) are given in case promotion does not take place for want of vacancies at 10, 20 & 30 years of service.

Besides above, implementation of suitable model for improvement of working conditions of CAPFs & AR is a continuous process and instructions in this regard are issued from time to time by this Ministry.

NFIR New Year Message

NFIR New Year Message

No.IV/NFIR/7 CPC(Imp)/Allowance/2016/Part I

Dated: 25/12/2017

MESSAGE

Dear Brothers/Sisters,

We Will be celebrating New Year Day on January 1, 208 with disappointment and  agony as the Government has done grave injustice by reducing the percentage or various  Allowances and also by not granting the Allowances from 1st January. 2016. Almost all Railway employees in all corners Of Indian Railways have been deprived Of their legitimate Allowances in terms Of percentages existed prior to acceptance Of 7th CPC report.

The Running Staff, Brothers/Sisters, are aware that NFIR has placed cogent case before the Railway Board for hiking Kilometrage rates on the basis of Running Allowance formula and revision of TA rates. Our presentation was admired by the Running Staff. The Railway Board has discussed with NFIR twice on revision of Running Allowance rates and on both the occasions we conveyed the logic for upward revision or mileage rates and also revision of other related Allowances.

It is sad to mention that the decisions reached negotiated settlement concerning various categories of employees are yet to be implemented while we are walking into New Year on 1st January, 2018. As part of celebrations, everyone of us should convey our deep sense Of disappointment and anguish to the Railway Ministry and the Government and at the same time urge the Government to respond to our issues quickly and positively.

Yours fraternally,

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

Source: NFIR

Promotion of Defence Production

Promotion of Defence Production

Defence manufacturing is primarily driven by capital acquisition of defence equipment. Under 'Make in India' initiative of the Government, several measures have been taken to promote indigenous design, development and manufacture of defence equipment in the country by harnessing the capabilities of the public and private sector. These measures include according preference to procurement from Indian vendors under the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP), liberalization of the licensing regime and FDI policy by raising the cap on FDI in the defence sector, simplification of export procedure, streamlining of defence offset guidelines etc. Recently, the Government has notified the ‘Strategic Partnership (SP)’ Model which envisages establishment of long-term strategic partnerships with Indian entities through a transparent and competitive process, wherein they would tie up with global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to seek technology transfers to set up domestic manufacturing infrastructure and supply chains.

In the last three financial years i.e., 2014-15 to 2016-17, the Government has accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 105 proposals worth Rs.2,33,000 Crore approximately, in 'Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed & Developed Manufactured (IDDM)', 'Buy (Indian)', 'Buy and Make (Indian)' and 'Make' categories of capital acquisition i.e. Request for Proposal (RFP) will be issued to Indian vendors only.

As on date, no in-house development project proposal approved by Ordnance Factory Board for development of small arms is pending for approval by Department of Defence Production.

This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Shri PR Senthil Nathan and Shri Bharathi Mohan RK in Lok Sabha today.

Ministry of Finance: Year End Review 2017 - Regarding 7th Central Pay Commission

Ministry of Finance: Year End Review 2017 - Regarding 7th Central Pay Commission

Enhancing the quality of life remained primary goal for Government when it put into implementation the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission to benefit more than 48 Lakh Central Government Employees.

Department of Expenditure (DOE)

• General Financial Rules (GFRs), 2017 were released on 7th March, 2017 to enable an improved, efficient and effective framework of fiscal management while providing the necessary flexibility to facilitate timely delivery of services.
• 7th CPC - On 28th June 2017, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the recommendations of the 7th CPC on allowances with some modifications. The revised rates of the allowances came into effect from 1st July, 2017 benefitting more than 48 lakh Central Government Employees.

While approving the recommendations of the 7th CPC, the Cabinet had decided to set-up the Committee on Allowances (CoA) in view of substantial changes in the existing provisions and a number of representations received. The 7th CPC adopted a threepronged approach in examining a total of 197 allowances which involved an assessment of the need for continuation of each allowance, appropriateness of the set of people covered by the allowance and rationalisation which involved clubbing of allowances with similar objectives. Based on the examination on these lines, the 7th CPC recommended that 53 allowances be abolished and 37 be subsumed in an existing or a newly proposed allowance. For most of the allowances that were retained, the 7th CPC recommended a raise commensurate with inflation as reflected in the rates of Dearness Allowance (DA).

A new paradigm was 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 were fitted into a table called the Risk and Hardship Matrix (R&H Matrix).

Source: DoE

Pay Revision of Nurses

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
LOK SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO: 103
ANSWERED ON: 22.12.2017

Pay Revision of Nurses

BHAVANA GAWALI (PATIL)
Will the Minister of
HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:
(a) whether the All India Nurses Confederation has demanded review of their pay scale and increase in their allowances;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has taken any decision in this regard and if so, the details thereof; and
(d) whether the Union of Nurses had called a pan-India strike in the recent past and if so, the details thereof along with the action taken by the Government to address their grievances?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI JAGAT PRAKASH NADDA)
(a) to (d) : A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO. 103* FOR 22TH DECEMBER, 2017

(a) to (c) - Government has not received any representation/demands from All India Nurses Confederation. However, representation from All India Government Nurses Federation (AIGNF) was received in the Ministry demanding revision in pay and allowances against 7th Central Pay Commission's report. The Government examined their demands along with demands of other Associations. The Government accepted the Commission's recommendations on minimum pay, fitment factor, Index of Rationalisation, Pay matrices and general recommendations on pay without any material alteration vide Resolution dated 25.07.2016. The recommendation on allowances was referred to an Empowered Committee comprising of Finance Secretary and Secretary (Expenditure) as Chairman and Secretaries of Home Affairs, Defence, Health & Family Welfare, Personnel & Training, Posts & Chairman, Railway Board as Members for further consideration.

AIGNF threatened to go on a nationwide strike with effect from 2nd August, 2016. Their main demands were granting entry pay of PB-3 with GP 5400/- to Staff Nurse ( Nursing Officer), Nursing allowance, Nurses to be covered under Risk and Hardship Matrix (R1H1), Uniform and Washing allowance, Knowledge allowance and other allowances according to the Grade Pay. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare examined their demands and recommended entry Grade Pay of Rs.5400/- to Staff Nurse (Nursing Officer) to Ministry of Finance. Detailed note in respect of allowances admissible to nurses vide 7th CPC recommendations, demand of nurses and Ministry's response thereon was sent to Empowered Committee for consideration. (Annexure).

(d) AIGNF went on a nationwide strike on 2nd September, 2016 reiterating their earlier demands on revision of pay and allowances. The strike was called off after discussion on 3.9.2016. The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare again referred the demands of the Association along with its recommendations to the Empowered Committee. AIGNF also made their presentation before the Committee on allowances on 15.9.2016.

The Empowered Committee examined the demands of the Nurses Associations. The accepted recommendations on allowances were notified vide Government of India notification dated 06th July, 2017. The Government of India has accepted to retain and rationalize Nursing allowance and Operation theatre allowance. Uniform and washing allowance has been retained and subsumed under the Dress allowance. Most of the demands of AIGNF have been considered and concluded to their satisfaction and a robust system of monthly interaction with nurses has been put in place.

LOK SABHA

Revival and Restructuring of CPSEs

Revival and Restructuring of CPSEs

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 1375
ANSWERED ON: 22.12.2017

Revival and Restructuring of CPSEs

SHRIKANT EKNATH SHINDE
DHARMENDRA YADAV
ANANDRAO ADSUL
PRITAM GOPINATH MUNDE
Will the Minister of

FINANCE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the ailing Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) need revival and restructuring and if so, the details thereof:
(b) whether the Government has issued guidelines for revival and restructuring of such ailing CPSEs and if so, the details thereof:
(c) whether the private participation is also being considered in this regard and if so, the details thereof: and
(d) the extent to which these guidelines will be beneficial for revival and restructuring of these CPSEs?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE
(SHRI PON. RADHAKRISHNAN)

(a) to (d) Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), as a nodal department, have issued guidelines on 29.10.2015 for “Streamlining the mechanism for revival and restructuring of sick/ incipient sick and weak CPSEs”. CPSEs function under the administrative control of various Ministries/ Departments. As per the guidelines, the responsibility for addressing the sickness of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) lies with the concerned administrative Ministries/ Departments. The administrative Ministries/ Departments monitor the sickness of CPSEs and identify the sick/ incipient sick/ weak CPSEs functioning under their control based on the performance and take timely redressal measures. The concerned administrative Ministries/ Departments formulate revival/ restructuring plans, which may include disinvestment or privatization, for the CPSEs on a case-to-case basis. Guidelines lay down that the process for revival and restructuring of sick / incipient sick and weak CPSEs be made time bound, comprehensive, performance driven and efficient.

No Proposal to Amend Income Tax Rates -Lok Sabha Q&A

Government says No Proposal to Revise Income Tax Rates this year

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1355

TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 22ND DECEMBER, 2017
01, PAUSHA, 1939 (SAKA)

AMEND INCOME TAX RATES

1355. SHRI DEVENDRA SINGH BHOLE:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government proposes to amend the present rates of income tax so that more people may pay income tax;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the benefits likely to accrue to common man and the Government by this step; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE
(SHRI SHIV PRATAP SHUKLA)

(a) to (b) No Madam. Currently, there is no such proposal under consideration.
(c) The rates of income tax are prescribed through the Finance Act every year

Give asset details or lose promotions and foreign postings: Government to IAS officers

Give asset details or lose promotions and foreign postings: Government to IAS officers

All IAS officers have been asked to submit details of their assets by next month and warned that the failure to do so would lead to a denial of vigilance clearances needed for promotions and foreign postings.

The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has written to all Central government departments, states and union territories asking them to ensure submission of Immovable Property Returns (IPRs) by IAS officers working with them by January 31, 2018.

"In view of the DoPTs instructions dated April 4, 2011, it is reiterated that failure to ensure timely submission of IPR would result in denial of vigilance clearance," Establishment Officer and Additional Secretary P K Tripathi said in the recent missive.

According to the 2011 instructions, officers who did not submit their IPR as on January 1, 2018, on time would be denied vigilance clearances and will not be considered for promotions and empanelment for senior-level posts in the government of India.

"Those who do not submit property details on time will not be considered for any posts of the Central government including foreign postings," a senior DoPT official said.

An online module has been designed for the purpose of filing of the IPR. Officers have the option of uploading the hard copy of the IPR by January 31 in the online module, the December 22 letter said.

There are 5,004 Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers working across the country, according to the DoPTs latest data.

PTI

7th Pay Commission: Challenging year for Central Government Employees

7th Pay Commission: Challenging year for Central Government Employees

The central government employees passed a challenging year for a number of factors including hike in pay, minimum pay hike, raising of fitment factor, pay anomalies and non-payment of arrears on allowances, employees unions said.


The delayed implementation of allowances have saved the government nearly Rs 40,000 crore. The non-payment of arrears on allowances caused tremendous irritation and frustration among the central government employees, said a unions leader.

The government gave higher basic pay in August 2016 with arrears, effective from January 1, 2016 to its employees on the recommendations of the 7th pay commission but the allowances notified on June 6 without arrears, which came into effect from July 1, 2017.

The recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission got the Cabinet nod on June 29, 2016 in respect of basic pay, the pay panel had recommended a 14.27 per cent hike in basic pay. The previous 6th Pay Commission had recommended a 20 per cent hike, which the government doubled while implementing it in 2008.

All pay commissions made up pay gap in respect of basic pay between lower paid employees and top bureaucrats from second Pay Commission 1:41 ratio to Sixth pay commission 1:12, while 7th Pay Commission made it higher about to 1:14.

The 7th pay panel recommended minimum pay from Rs 7,000 to Rs 18,000 per month while the maximum pay from Rs 80,000 to Rs 2.5 lakh with a fitment factor of 2.57 times uniformly of basic pay of 6th pay commission.

However, the Unions have been demanding minimum pay Rs 26,000 instead of Rs 18,000 with 3.68 fitment factor.

The unions had claimed that the recommended pay hike was the lowest in the last 70 years and the Pay Commission award was not discussed with them, hence they had threatened to go on an indefinite strike over proper pay hike on July 11, 2016.

The unions had called off their indefinite strike after the government announced that a High Level Committee would be formed to address their demands.

So, the government formed the 22-member National Anomaly Committee (NAC) headed by Secretary, Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) in September, 2016 instead of High Level Committee to look into pay anomalies arising out of the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission’s recommendations.

In the meantime, DoPT issued a letter on October 30 stating that the demand for increase in minimum Pay and fitment formula do not appear to be treated as anomaly, therefore, these do not come under the purview of NAC.

However, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had said in Rajya Sabha on July 19, 2016, The minimum pay Rs 18,000 was made on recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission. But government will consider hiking it after discussions with all stakeholders, once the proposal in this regard will be submitted to government.

The sources in DoPT said, "The NAC is ready with it’s interim report and which will be submitted soon but no minimum pay and fitment formula will be included in the interim report."

"I would be lying if I said the DoPT letter doesn’t bother me at all, but the truth is, it doesn't bother me much because of the way of government made decisions. A hike in minimum pay has been one of the long-standing our demands. The 14.27 per cent hike in basic pay for us under the 7th Pay Commission is the lowest in 70 years. The government had issued statement on July 6, 2016 to assure us that the pay scales matter raised by us would be considered," a top union leader said.

"Our unions members often ask us what we should do to respond to the DoPT letter," he said.

"If government doesn't hike our pay, we will have no choice but to proceed on an indefinite strike," he added.

He considers 2017 a challenging year for central government employees and many of those challenges won't be going away just because 2018 calendars are hanging. He also says he's confident the government will make the right decisions during the next year.

Is the House Rent Allowance paid to Central Government employees as per the recommendations of 7th Pay Commission sufficient?

Is the House Rent Allowance paid to Central Government employees as per the recommendations of 7th Pay Commission sufficient?

If the question is to be answered at a superficial level, the answer is yes. Let us analyze things from the angle of a lower rung employee.

An employee is paid HRA at the rate of 24%, 16% and 8% of his basic salary based on the city where he works. For HRA purpose, cities in India are divided into three groups, namely X, Y and Z, and HRA is paid respectively at the rate of 24%, 16% and 8% uniformly for all categories of employees.
A person employed in Delhi will get 24% of his basic salary as HRA and an employee employed in Kanyakumari will get 8% of his basic salary as HRA. The minimum basic salary of a Central Government employee is Rs.18000. Accordingly, a person working in Delhi should get Rs.18000 x 24% = Rs.4320, and a person employed in Kanyakumari should get Rs.18000 x 8% = Rs.1440. But the minimum HRA applicable to all the three group of cities, namely X,Y and Z, are Rs.5400, Rs.3600 and Rs.1800 respectively. Accordingly, an employee working in Delhi will get Rs.5400, while an employee employed in Kanyakumari will get Rs.1800 as House Rent Allowance.

The important point to be noted here is Sixth Pay Commission had recommended HRA at the rate of 10%, 20% and 30% for Central Government employees and they were paid accordingly from 2008 to 2015. But the recommendation of the Seventh Pay Commission to reduce the HRA rates has led to the dissatisfaction among Central Government employees.

Though Seventh Pay Commission salary is paid to Central Government employees from 1-1-2016, the revised HRA paid since 1-7-2017 has increased their dissatisfaction further.

Moreover there was a great expectation for arrear payment for the period January 2016 to June 2017.
Non-fulfillment of these two highly expected demands has made the Central Government employees unhappy with HRA.

Classificationof Cities / Towns	Rate of HRA	Rate of HRA(DA over 25%)	Rate of HRA(DA over 50%)
X	24 %	27%	30%
Y	16%	18%	20%
Z	8%	9%	10%

PCDA Circular 30 - Payment of enhanced Monetary Allowances attached to pre and post independence Gallantry Awards

PCDA Circular 30 - Payment of enhanced Monetary Allowances attached to pre and post independence Gallantry Awards

Office of the Pr.C.D.A.(Pensions),
Draupadighat, Allahabad - 211014

Circular No. 30

Date: 22.12.2017

To,
1. The Director of Treasuries
2. The Post Master, Kathua, Srinagar (J&K)
3. The Post Master, Campbell Bay (Andaman & Nicobar)
4. The Defence Pension Disbursing Officer ……..
5. The Pay and Accounts Officer ……..
6. The Assistant Military Attache(P) Embassy of India,Kathmandu,(Nepal)
7. The Director of Accounts, Panaji (Goa)
8. The Chief Accounts officer (PGTPF), Gangtok, Sikkim-737101
9. Director of Accounts, Moti Daman-396220
10. The Chief Manager, CPPC …..
11. The Manager, Link Bank (other than CPPC) ……..
12. Director of Accounts & Treasuries, Puducherry-605001

Subject : Payment of enhanced Monetary Allowances attached to pre and post independence Gallantry Awards.
Reference: This office Important Circular No. 9 dated 10.06.2011.

(Available on this office Website address www.pcdapension.nic.in)

Consequent upon issue of letters bearing No. 7(62)/20014-D (AG) dated 4th Dec, 2017 by Govt. of India, Ministry of Defence(reproduced as Annexure 'A' and 'B' respectively to this circular), the rates of Pre- Independence Gallantry Awards and Post-Independence Gallantry Awards have been revised w.e.f. 01st August, 2017.

2. The revised rate of monetary allowance attached with Gallantry Awards may please be paid to all recipients at revised rate, irrespective of rank and income.
3. The terms and condition for payment of monetary allowance on the authority of Pension Payment Order (PPO) notified by this office in above categories of cases is stated in brief in following Paras

i. The allowance will be admissible to the recipient of the award and on his death to his widow lawfully married by a valid ceremony. The widow will continue to receive the allowance until her death. Ordinarily, the widow who was first married shall receive the allowance, but with the special sanction of the Government, the allowance may be divided equally between the lawfully married widows of recipients.

ii. When the award has been made posthumously to a bachelor, the monetary allowance shall be paid to his father or mother, and in case the posthumous awardee was a widower, the allowance shall be paid to his son below 18 years or unmarried daughter as the case may be.

iii. Each bar to the decoration will carry the same amount of monetary allowance as admissible to the original award.

iv. The monthly monetary allowance will be paid in respect of all gallantry awards received by an individual.

v. The monetary allowance will not be taken into account for computing dearness relief.

For CMDs/Chief Managers of Link Bank/CPPCs/Director of Treasuries/ all other PDA's
It is requested that a copy of these orders / instructions may be provided to all Paying Branches/ Treasuries under your jurisdiction for making payment of the monetary allowance at the enhanced rate.

The order has also been uploaded on this office web site www.pcdapension.nic.in . The copy of same may be downloaded at your end for immediate implementation of the Government orders.

No. G-1/M/068/ICO's/Vol- V
Date: 22 .12.2017

(S.C. SAROJ)
Sr.Accounts officer (Pensions)

CL of staff to be deducted on reaching office late

CL of staff to be deducted on reaching office late

New Delhi:) Cracking the whip on lax babus, the Women and Child Development Department of the Delhi government would now deduct one casual leave for every three times an official reaches office after 9.45 am, besides seeking a written explanation from them.

The move comes after it was observed by the department that some officials posted at WCD Headquarters were not reaching office even till 9.45 am.

The department has issued a memorandum, stating that all officers and officials will ensure punctuality in reaching their respective office.

“As per order, one day CL will be deducted for every three late comings after 9.45 am and the officer and officials will also submit the explanation,” Deputy Director (admin) S K Srivastava said in the memorandum.

In case of non availability of CL in the leave account of officials concerned, EL (earned leave) will be deducted, the memorandum said.

“Further, all the branch in-charges of WCD (HQ) are hereby directed to obtain the CL applications from the officers/official and directed to ensure punctuality of officers and officials working under their control,” it stated.

PTI

Join work within 24-hours or face termination: Govt to Nurses

Join work within 24-hours or face termination: Govt to Nurses

Bhubaneswar: Odisha government today asked the agitating contractual nurses to join work within 24 hours or face termination.

The ultimatum was served by Mission Director of National Health Mission (NHM), Odisha, Shalini Pandit.

“I request and direct the agitating contractual nurses to join duty in 24 hours or we will be compelled to terminate them,” Pandit told reporters.

Stating that the Health Minister has already assured the agitating nurses to redress their grievances soon, Pandit said “However, some staff nurses refused to call off their stir affecting the health services in the state. Hence, we asked them to join duty within 24 hours.”

Healthcare in all government hospitals across the state was severely affected as over thousands of nurses staged cease work protest from December 18.

The agitating nurses recruited under NRHM are demanding regularisation of their jobs, up gradation of pay structure and equal pay for equal work with their counterparts working at the state government.

PTI

7th Central Pay Commission's recommendations - revision of Pay Scales - Meeting regarding Amendment of Service Rules/Recruitment Rules

7th Central Pay Commission's recommendations - revision of Pay Scales - Meeting regarding Amendment of Service Rules/Recruitment Rules

F.No.AB-14017/13/2016-Estt.(RR)
Government of India
Ministry Of Personnel, Public Grievances and pensions
Department of Personnel and Training
Estt.-RR Division

North Block, New Delhi
Dated: 22nd December, 2017

MEMORANDUM

Sub: Seventh Central pay Commission's recommendations - revision of pay scales - amendment or Service Rules/Recruitment Rules.

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department's OM or even number dated 9th August. 2016 the subject mentioned above wherein it was requested that as per the CCS (Revised pay) Rules, 2016 issued by Department or Expenditure vide Notification dated 25th July, 2016, consequential amendment in the existing Service Rules.'Recruitment Rules shall be made by the Ministries/Departments by substituting the existing pay Band and Grade pay by the new pay "LEVEL in the PAY MATRIX" straightaway without making a reference 10 the Department of Personnel and Training Public Service Commission (UPSC).

2. Further, DoP&T vide of even number dated 16.02.2017 sought information with regard to implementation of OM dated 09.08,2016. The issue is being monitored by higher authorities; however, so far this Department has not received any information from Ministries/Departments even a lapse of over a year. It has been decided to hold a meeting, under the Championship or JS (E), with all Ministries/Departments on 04.01.2018 in Room No.190, North Block, New Delhi.

3. All Ministries/Departments are requested to furnish a status report regarding amendment Of Recruitment Rules in pursuance of DoP&T OM dated 09/08/2016 in the annexure-II enclosed herewith. The schedule or the meeting is as per Annexure-I.

Encl. as above:

sd/-
(Shukdeo Sah)
Under Secretary (RR-II)

To,
All Cadre controlling Ministries/Departments

Annexure-I

Schedule of the meeting to be taken by Joint Secretary (Establishment) (Venue Room No.190, North Bloack New Delhi)
S.No.	Ministies starting with alphabets	Date and Time
1.	A-I	04th January, 2018 at 03.00PM
2.	J-Z	04th January, 2018 at 03.30PM

Annexure-II

Status regarding amendment of Recruitment Rules in pursuance of OM dated 09.08.2016

Sl.No	Post / Designation	Whether notification issued for amendment of RRs as per DoPT OM dated 09.08.2016. (Yes/No)	If answer is no, current status to be indicated. (pending in the Ministry / legislative Department / Any other Reason)

Authority: www.dopt.gov.in

Doctors in Government Hospitals

Doctors in Government Hospitals
Health being a State subject, the responsibility for improving the functioning of the State Government hospitals is under the jurisdiction of respective State Governments. The information in respect of State Government hospitals is not maintained centrally.

So far as Central Government hospitals under the administrative control of this Ministry is concerned, based on the requisitions received from various Government Hospitals/Institutes/Units, posts are encadred as per norms in Central Health Service (CHS) thereby increasing the number of sanctioned posts of doctors.

Insofar as the three Central Government Hospitals in Delhi viz. Safdarjung Hospital, Dr. RML Hospital and Lady Hardinge Medical College & Associated Hospitals are concerned, performance of these hospitals regarding patient health care services is regularly monitored by the Hospitals/Government. The day to day activities in these hospitals, like sanitation, patient flow, hospital infection control practices, attendance of staff, etc. are supervised by the Medical Superintendents/Additional Medical Superintendents as well as by the Supervisory staff to maintain hygiene and sanitation.

Status of functional and non-functional equipments is regularly monitored. In order to provide state-of-the-art facilities and basic amenities to the patients, latest high-end Test machines/equipments are procured by these hospitals as per the need arising from time to time.

Besides the above, several steps have been taken by the Government to improve the overall satisfaction of the doctors working in Government Hospitals:

(i) Enhancement of retirement age in all four sub-cadres of Central Health Service (CHS) to 65 years w.e.f 31.05.2016 to retain the talent.

(ii) Introduction of time-bound promotions for doctors under Dynamic Assured Career Progression (DACP) Scheme, upto Senior Administrative Grade (SAG) level.

(iii) The duration of study leave to pursue higher studies/research work has been increased to 36 months for CHS officers instead of 24 months in other cases.

(iv) The benefit of Non-Functional Upgradation (NFU) has been granted to CHS doctors.

(v) The Ministry has started Foundation Training Programme (FTP) for newly recruited CHS Officers.

(vi) Electronic submission of Annual Performance Appraisal Report (APAR) on Smart Performance Appraisal Report Recording Online Window (SPARROW) software has been introduced for CHS.

(vii) Counseling pattern has been introduced for recruitment in GDMO sub-cadre.

(viii) Annual Preventive Health Check-Up introduced for doctors over 40 Years of age.

The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Sh Jagat Prakash Nadda stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha here today.

PIB

Shortage of Doctors in Central Government Hospitals

Shortage of Doctors in Central Government Hospitals
As far as three Central Government Hospitals in Delhi viz. Safdarjung Hospital, Dr. RML Hospital and Lady Hardinge Medical College and Associated Hospitals, are concerned, the details are given below:

Name of the post	Safdarjung Hospital	LHMC & Associated Hospitals	Dr. RML Hospital
Doctors	115	50	47
Resident Doctors	466	56	123
Nurses	172	131	229
Technicians	93	207	162
Other employees	168	113	437

Total vacancies filled during the last three years

Name of the post	Safdarjung Hospital	LHMC & Associated Hospitals	Dr. RML Hospital
Doctors	123	138	267
Resident Doctors	1096	544	1516
Nurses	231	401	97
Non-medical employee	106	18	58

In case of doctors, every year, on the basis of vacancies projected by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts Combined Medical Services Examination for recruitment of Medical officers of GDMO sub-cadre of Central Health Services. For filling up of vacant posts belonging to Specialists sub-cadres of Central Health Service, requisitions are also sent to UPSC. Based on the recommendations received from UPSC, candidates are given offer of appointment. Pending recommendations from UPSC, concerned units are permitted to make contractual appointments against the vacant posts, as a stop-gap arrangement, in public interest, till the time regular incumbent joins the post.

The rest of the vacant posts other than the doctors are filled as per the requirement of the respective Hospitals in terms of Recruitment Rules on regular basis, through contractual appointment as a stop-gap arrangement and on outsource basis on the basis of approval received from the Ministry.
The Minister of State (Health and Family Welfare), Sh Ashwini Kumar Choubey stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha here today.

PIB

Year End review: Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions

Year End review: Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Following are the highlights of the activities of Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions during the year 2017:

Prime Minister presents awards to civil servants on Civil Services Day; a record number of 2,345 entries were received to compete for the prestigious "Prime Minister's Award for Excellence in Public Administration 2017". The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, presented awards for Excellence in Implementation of Priority Programmes and addressed Civil Servants on the occasion of the eleventh Civil Services Day on April 21, 2017. The Prime Minister presented a total of 12 awards, which included 10 under the five Priority Programmes (Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, e-National Agriculture Market (e-NAM), Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana, Start-Up India & Stand-Up India) and 2 under Innovation in Public Governance category.

A record number of 2,345 entries were received to compete for the prestigious "Prime Minister's Award for Excellence in Public Administration 2017". Of the 2,345 entries received for the awards, 1,515 have been received from 599 districts under the priority programmes category and 830 from various organizations and government agencies under innovation category.

PM addresses IAS Officers of the 2015 batch. The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, addressed IAS Officers of the 2015 batch at the Inaugural Session of Assistant Secretaries on July 3, 2017. The Prime Minister advised young IAS officers to avoid getting into a mindset that resists change, and fill India's administrative system with the energy of 'New India.' As part of their Valedictory Session as Assistant Secretaries, IAS officers of the 2015 batch on September 26, 2017 made presentations before the Prime Minister.

First 'Pension Adalat' by DoP&PW held on September 20, 2017. MoS (PP) Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurated the first 'Pension Adalat' on September 20, 2017 at the Pre-Retirement Counselling Workshop organised by the Department of Pensions & Pensioners' Welfare (DoP&PW). During the Pension Adalat, out of the 29 selected cases, 19 cases were resolved in the Adalat itself. 18 out of these 19 cases were resolved by accepting the claims of the Pensioners. As on November 30, 2017, out of 29 grievances raised in Adalat, 26 have been resolved.

The 'Anubhav' awards 2017 were presented to 16 pensioners for their contribution towards creating institutional memory for the departments. Till date, 4,406 write-ups have been published on Anubhav.
DARPG starts 'DARPGSEVA' to address issues related to public grievances and administrative reforms. The DARPG started its Twitter Seva on February 1, 2017. The Twitter Handle is 'DARPGSEVA'. The Twitter Seva aims to address issues relating to the DARPG like Public Grievances and Administrative Reforms etc. The Twitter Seva enables the DARPG to reach out to the common public and various stakeholders for facilitating redress of grievances and other issues of importance relating to the department.

Prompt disposal of grievances by Government; DARPG writes to States Governments to link their Grievance Cells to Government's CPGRAMS. The number of grievances lodged by the people have increased 7 fold since 2014, from about 2 lakh grievances to about 14 lakh this year. This is due to the prompt response given by the Department to their grievances. Now about 99% grievances are being disposed by the DARPG. The average response time to the grievances has been reduced, e.g. in Department of Revenue, it has reduced from 108 days in 2014 to 25 days this year and similarly in Department of Telecom, it has reduced from 19 days in 2014 to 12 days this year. The DARPG is also writing letters to the Chief Secretaries of the states to link their Grievance Cells to the CPGRAMS Portal of the Union Government. It will bring uniformity and ease of disposal. It will also provide a comprehensive view of the grievances.

DARPG Grievance Study Analysis of 20 Ministries released. The DARPG's Grievance Study Analysis of 20 Ministries was released on August 25, 2017. The "Grievance Analysis & Systemic Reforms" Study was conducted for 20 ministries in the year 2015. As a result, 65 reforms have been introduced which has a positive impact on governance. Study has been undertaken for 20 more ministries in 2017 and 180 reforms have been suggested.  Steps have been taken to identify focus issues and arrive at the root cause of grievance so as to enable systemic reforms to be put in place to alleviate the root cause. A Project Management Unit has been set up for monitoring these reforms in consultation with concerned Ministries/Departments. A dedicated team has been engaged who conduct intensive deliberations with the concerned Ministries/Departments for identifying the reforms that have been implemented and draw up the monitoring metrics indicating impact of these reforms.

Centralised Pension Grievance Registration and Monitoring System (CPENGRAMS). Concerted efforts are being made to bring down the pendency of old grievances while maintaining the quality in disposal for which regular review meetings were held with the Nodal Officers of various Ministries/Departments. As a result, 22,027 grievances were disposed off during the period 01.04.2017 to 24.11.17. The time limit to redress grievances is 60 days. During the same period, 84.2% grievances were disposed of within 60 days.

New training programme 'COMMIT' launched for State Government officials. MoS, Dr. Jitendra Singh launched a new training programme, 'Comprehensive Online Modified Modules on Induction Training' (COMMIT) for State Government officials on June 29, 2017. The objective of this training programme is to improve the public service delivery mechanism and provide citizen centric administration through capacity building of officials who interact with the citizens on day-to-day basis.

7th edition of the Vigilance Manual released; online version also released for the first time. The 7th edition of the Vigilance Manual of CVC was released on September 7, 2017. The present edition of the Vigilance Manual is a public document accessible through CVC's website www.cvc.nic.in. The online version has been released along with the printed version for the first time. The 2017 edition of the Vigilance Manual incorporates 567 Paras divided into 11 Chapters with appropriate citations.

CVC to develop Integrity Index of 25 Organizations. In line with the broader strategy and emphasis on preventive vigilance, the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) announced in October that it believes that the next level of systemic change can be through the tool of Integrity Index. The CVC has therefore decided to go in for development of the Integrity Index-based on bench-marking of internal processes and controls within an organisation as well as management of relationships and expectations of outside stakeholders.

Online Software for Departmental Proceedings launched. The online software for Departmental Proceedings was launched on June 22, 2017. The online system will enable monitoring of the departmental cases more effectively to complete inquiries within stipulated timeframes and fix accountability at different stages. The online portal will initially be adopted in respect of IAS officers posted in the Central Government and will subsequently be extended to AIS officers in the Central Government as well as Central Group 'A' employees. The State Governments will also be involved in the subsequent phases for consideration of extension to AIS officers serving in the States.

Government lays down specific 'timeline' for completing enquiry against officers and members of All India Services (AIS). The AIS (D&A) Rules, 1969 have been amended to provide specific timelines at different stages of the enquiry, with a view to complete the disciplinary proceedings against the members of AIS in a time-bound manner.

MoU between LBSNAA, Mussoorie and Namibia Institute of Public Administration and Management (NIPAM. In March, 2017 the Union Cabinet gave its approval for signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie and Namibia Institute of Public Administration and Management (NIPAM), Namibia in the field of capacity building of public officials of Namibia and other training activities for the benefit of both the institutes.

Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI), Hyderabad and Central University of Jammu sign MoU. Signed in New Delhi on February 10, 2017, the MoU facilitates joint activities and synergy in areas such as capacity building, evaluation studies, executive education and related areas. It included activities such as design, development and delivery of teaching and training programmes; reciprocal recognition of each other's degrees, diplomas, certificates etc.

2,149 Public Authorities aligned with the RTI Online Portal. 2,149 Public Authorities have aligned with the RTI Online Portal. This portal is in line with the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision of Digital India. The emphasis of the Government has always been on transparency and good governance. The government is persuading the States to implement the RTI Online portal. The RTI online portal will also curb delays in responding to the RTIs.

Mobile App for pensioners. Moving from e-governance to m-governance, various facilities for pensioners have been brought under Mobile App.  MoS-PP, Dr Jitendra Singh launched the Mobile App on September 20, 2017 that has been created to avail the services of Pensioners' Portal. With the App, a superannuating central civil government official will be able to monitor the progress of his pension settlement, and retired officials will be able to self-assess their pension through the pension calculator and are also able to register their grievances, if any, and get updates on orders issued by the Department.

Scrapping of Interview by States and UTs. 18 States and 7 Union Territories have discontinued the practice of interview in recruitment for lower level posts. The objective of discontinuation of interview in selection process at lower level posts is to curb corruption, more objective selection in transparent manner and substantially easing the problems of poor aspirants.

Online Vigilance System of Board and below Board Level Executives of CPSEs and e-Service Book of the DoPT employees launched. The Online Vigilance System of Board and below Board Level Executives of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) was launched on March 30, 2017. The e-Service Book of the DoPT employees was also launched on the occasion. The Online Vigilance System is a technology based mechanism introduced to obtain vigilance status of 120-130 Board Level executive appointments made annually of 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. The e-service book has been implemented by DoPT for its 661 employees and is taking concrete steps to roll out 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) was organised in April, 2017 to discuss the roll out plan in all Ministries and Departments.

Liberalisation and simplification of GPF Rules. In a major relief for government employees, Department of Pensions & Pensioners' Welfare in March, 2017 announced several relaxations in General Provident Fund Rules, with liberalization and simplification, particularly relating to advances and withdrawals by the subscriber/employee. As per the liberalised rules, limits for withdrawals have been raised and procedures simplified especially for activities of house building and education of children, where the costs have gone up manifold over the last two decades. In furtherance of the Government's commitment towards self-certification, subscribers will be allowed to withdraw funds based on a simple declaration. No further documentary evidence will be required.

20th National Conference on e-Governance organised in Vishakhapatnam on January 9-10, 2017. Organised by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), in association with the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, and Government of Andhra Pradesh, the Conference was addressed by Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri Nara Chandrababu Naidu. National Awards for e-Governance 2016-17 were presented on the occasion.

Regional Conferences on "Good Governance and Replication of Best Practices" A two-day Regional Conference on "Good Governance and Replication of Best Practices" involving 12 States and 4 UTs of Northern, Western and Central Region of India held on July 7-8, 2017 in Nainital. Another Regional Conference on the subject was held in Goa on September 14-15, 2017. Delegates from 25 States/UTs (of Southern, Central, Eastern, North Eastern Regions and 5 other States/UTs) participated in the conference. On December 22-23, 2017 the Regional Conference on Good Governance was held in Guwahati, where delegates from 36 States and UTs participated.
The DARPG has so far organized 27 such regional conferences to share experiences in the formulation and successful implementation of Good Governance practices and to facilitate speedy and efficient delivery of public services.

Vice President inaugurated the Vigilance Awareness Week, 2017. The Vice-President Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated the Vigilance Awareness Week, 2017 on October 30, 2017, organised by the Central Vigilance Commission. The theme of the week this year was "My Vision-Corruption-free India".

12th Annual Convention of Central Information Commission held on December 6, 2017. Vice President Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated the 12th Annual Convention of Central Information Commission (CIC) on December 06, 2017. While delivering the inaugural address, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu said that the information has to be given in a language which is understandable to everyone, especially the one who applies for it.  The Commission had about 26,000 cases pending as on 31.03.2017 as compared to about 35,000 pending cases as on 01.04. 2016.  More than 3,500 queries have been answered by CIC through facilitation desk. In the year 2016-17, the CIC conducted about 15,000 video conferences. Prior to the Annual Convention, two seminars were held in May and July this year, to discuss 'Implementation of the Right to Information Act 2005' and 'Land Records and RTI Act' respectively.

29th meeting of the Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) held in New Delhi on January 12, 2017. Organised by the DoP&PW, the SCOVA meeting was chaired by MoS (PP) Dr. Jitendra Singh. During the meeting, the Minister said that minimum pension has been increased to Rs. 9,000 per person and ex-gratia amount has been increased from Rs. 10-15 lakh to Rs. 25-35 lakh.
Jeevan Pramaan. Launched by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in November, 2014, more than 11 lakh pensioners availed this Aadhar-based scheme for online submission of digital life certificate through banks during the month November, 2017. The scheme benefits pensioners specially the old and infirm who can submit life certificate from the comfort of their homes anywhere in the country or abroad. Till date about 93% of the pension bank accounts of Central Government pensioners drawing pension through banks have been seeded with Aadhaar Numbers.

PIB

Initial pay fixation of re-employed ex-servicemen who held post below Commissioned Officer Rank in Defence Forces, retired before attaining the age of 55 years and have been appointed on re-employment basis in civilian posts in Railways etc

Initial pay fixation of re-employed ex-servicemen who held post below Commissioned Officer Rank in Defence Forces, retired before attaining the age of 55 years and have been appointed on re-employment basis in civilian posts in Railways etc

No. II/35/Part XIV

Dated: 21/12/2017

The Secretary,
Ministry of Defence,
Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare,
[D(Res-I)],
South Block,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,
Sub: Initial pay fixation of re-employed ex-servicemen who held post below Commissioned Officer Rank in Defence Forces, retired before attaining the age of 55 years and have been appointed on re-employment basis in civilian posts in Railways etc., - reg.

Ref: DoP&T OM F.No. 3/3/2016-Estt. (Pay-II) dated 18th October, 2017.

The Defence Forces Personnel (PBORs) have been put to grave injustice as their last pay drawn at the time of retirement from Defence Forces has not been protected on their re-employment in the Central Government Departments (Railways etc.,).

However, such of those Defence Forces Personnel retired from the Defence Forces and got re-employed in the Public Sector undertakings in the country have the benefit of pay fixation on last pay drawn at the time of their retirement from the Armed Forces. This reveals that the Force Personnel re-employed in the Railways and other Central Government Departments have been discriminated against.

The National Federation of Indian Railwaymen (NFIR), a premier Federation of Railway'employees had taken up the subject matter at the level of Railway Ministry in one of the PNM meetings, demanding pay re-fixation in favour of re-employed Defence Forces Personnel on the basis of last pay drawn particularly those who were re-employed on and after 01/01/2006. Conceding the Federation's demand, the Railway Ministry vide OM No. E(G)2013/EM 1-5 dated 07/12/2016 had sent proposal to the DoP&T, but however, the same was turned down. In this connection, Federation encloses a copy of Railway Ministry OM dated 07/12/2016 addressed to DoP&T together with the reply received from DoP&T vide OM No. 1213833/2016-Estt. (Pay-II) dated 21St February 2017.
The NFIR has now learnt that the DoP&T vide OM F.No. 3/3/2016-Estt. (Pay-II) dated 18th October, 2017 has sent proposal to the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, (Sena Bhawan) South Block, New Delhi, suggesting that single methodology for pay fixation of all the re-employed pensioners including the PBORs, Commissioned Officers, Ex-Combatant Clerks/Storeman etc., needs to be evolved, superseding the previous instructions contained in DoP&T OM dated 31st July 1986. The Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, is consulting the re-employed Defence Forces Personnel for eliciting their views before sending its views to DoP&T for its consideration.

NFIR now suggests to the Ministry of Defence to consider, the following valid points for taking up the matter with the DoP&T:

(a) Considering the role of Defence Forces Personnel for safeguarding the Nation's integration, these personnel deserve to be given pay fixation on the basis of their last pay drawn on re-employment in the Railways and other Central Government Departments.

(b) Their pension needs to be totally ignored as the pension is the social security net in recognition to their loyal services to the nation.

(c) The PBORs are not the Personnel of high rankings with higher wages, therefore their case needs to be considered with greater sympathy and for the said reason their last pay drawn at the time of retirement needs to be treated as entry pay on re-employment in Railways and Central Government Departments.

(d) Alternatively, the number of years service rendered by the PBORs in Armed Forces be taken into account for granting pay fixation duly adding equal number of increments to the minimum pay of the re-employed post. This can be made applicable to all PBORs who have joined Central Government Departments after 01/01/2006.

(e) It is also proposed that in those cases of PBORs retired before attaining the age of 55 years and got re-employed in Government services, their initial pay on re-employment may be fixed at the minimum of the scale of pay prescribed for the post and after fixing the pay, in case the initial pay so fixed, is found to be less than the last pay drawn in the Armed Forces, all such cases may be treated as "cases of undue hardship" and in those cases, their pay may be re-fixed at higher stage duly granting one increment for each year of service rendered in the Armed Forces so as to bring their initial pay at par with the pre-retirement pay. However, the pension already drawn by these. Personnel need not be meddled with.

NFIR trusts that the above suggestions may kindly be considered for inclusion in the proposal to be sent to the DoP&T. We shall be grateful if copy of the proposal sent to DoP&T is made available to the Federation to enable us to follow up the matter.
DA/As above

Yours faithfully,

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

---

Government of India
Ministry of Railways
(Railway Board)

No. E(G) 2013/EM 1-5

New Delhi, dated 21 March, 2017

The General Secretary,
National Federation of Indian Railwaymen,
3, Chelmsford Road,
New Delhi.

Sir,
Sub: Initial pay fixation of re-employed ex-servicemen who held post below Commissioned Officer rank in Defence Forces, retired before attaining the age of 55 years and have been appointed on re-employment basis in civilian posts Regarding.

The undersigned is directed to refer to NFIR's letter No.11/3 5/Part dated 23.11.2016 on the above subject and to state that with the reference to Board's letter of even number dated 7/12/2016 addressed to DOP&T pursuant to the discussion in the separate meeting on the issue held on 27/9/2016, DOP&T vide their OM No.1213833/2016-Estt(Pay-11) dated 21/2/2017(copy enclosed) have clarified that the pay of non-commissioned ex-servicemen(PBOR) who retire from the Defence Forces before attaining the age of 55 years is to be fixed as per the entry pay in the revised pay structure of the re-employed post applicable in the Direct Recruits appointed on or after 1.1.2006 without any protection of last pay drawn, in accordance with prevailing guidelines vide para 4 of OM dated 31.07.1986 as amended vide OM dated 05.04.2010 which provide for methodology of pay fixation on re-employment.

DA: As above.

Yours faithfully,

S/d,

for Secretary
Railway Board

---

Dy. No. 1213833/2016-Estt.(Pay -II)

Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Personnel and Training

North Block, New Delhi
Dated: 21 february, 2017

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Initial pay fixation of re-employed ex-servicemen who held post below Commissioned Officer rank in Defence Forces, retired before attaining the age of 55 years and have been, appointed on re-employment basis in civilian posts - reg:

Ref: . Railway Board, Ministry-of Railways OM No. E(G)2013/EMI-5 dated 07.12.2016
The undersigned is directed to refer to Railway Board, Ministry of Railways' OM dated 07.12.2016 on above cited subject.

2. It is informed that the pay of non-commissioned ex-servicemen. (PBOR) who retire from the Defence Forces before attaining the age of 55 years is to be fixed as per the entry -pay in the revised pay structure of the re-employed post applicable in the case of Direct Recruits appointed on or after 1.1.2006 without any protection of last pay drawn, in accordance with prevailing guidelines vide para 4 of OM dated 31.07.1986 as amended vide OM dated 05.04.2010 which provide for methodology of pay fixation on re-employment.

3. It is also advised that in case, clarification/interpretation of any of the rule position is required, the proposal may be referred to this Department in accordance with the procedure laid down in this Department's OM No.43011/9/2014-Estt.(D) dated 28.10.2015.

4. This has the approval of Joint Secretary (CDT).

S/d,
(Pushpender Kumar)
Under Secretary to the Government of India
Tel No.2304 0489

To
Shri S.Pal, joint Director Estt.(Genl.)
Ministry of Railways,
Railway Board,
Rail Bhavan,
New Delhi

---

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
( RAILWAY BOARD )

No.E(G)2013/EM 1-5

New Delhi, dated 7/12/2016

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Sub: Initial pay fixation of re-employed ex-servicemen who held post below Commissioned Officer rank in Defence Forces, retired before attaining the age of 55 years and have been appointed on re-employment basis in civilian posts - Regarding.

The undersigned is directed to refer to a demand by the National Federation of Indian Railwaymen (NFIR), a recognised Federation of Railwaymen, who have requested that the initial pay of non-commissioned ex-servicemen (PBOR) who are re-employed on the Railways should be fixed by taking into account the service rendered by them in the Defence Forces. They are insisting that the fixation done in the minimum of the scale of the re-employed post should be according to the procedure laid down in para 4 (b) (ii) of DOP&T's OM s dated 31/7/86 as amended vide OM dated 11th November 2008, 5th April 2010 & 8th November, 2010. The Federation states that the content of these OMs clearly states that the Pay of re-employed former Defence Forces Personnel should be fixed as per Rule 7 of CCS (RP) Rules 2008 i.e. at the same stage of their last basic pay drawn at the time of retirement i.e. allowing one increment (in the post held at the time of retirement) for each year of service the ex-servicemen has rendered at the time of retirement with the proviso that the pay thus fixed does not exceed:

(a) the pay drawn prior to retirement for non-commissioned officer of all three forces like Army, Navy and Air Force (Sub para 2 (ix) of Para 3 & Para 4 (b) (ii) of OM dated 31st July 1986 are relevant).

(b) Para 5 of DoP&T's OM No. 3/13/2008-Estt.(Pay-II) dated 11th November, 2008 stipulated enhancement of existing ceiling of Rs. 26000/- for drawal of pay plus gross pension on re-employment to Rs. 80,000/- p.m.

2. However, their attention was drawn to the provisions in DOP&T's OM No.3/1/85-Estt.(pay-II) dated 31st July 1986 and OM NO. 3/19/2009-Estt.(Pay-II) dated 5th April 2010, governing initial pay fixation, inter alia, of re-employed ex-servicemen who held post below Commissioned Officer-rank in Defence Forces and retired before attaining the age of 55 year and have been appointed on re-employment basis in the Railways. As per these orders, the initial pay of such re-employed pensioners is to be fixed in terms of provisions of Central Civil Services (Fixation of Pay of Re-employed Pensioners) Orders, 1986 issued by Department of Personnel and Training vide OM No. 3/1/85-Estt.(Pay-II) dated 31/7/1986 as amended from time to time.

3. It is to be seen that revised provision contained in Para 2 of OM dated 5th April 2010 revising the contents of Para 4(d)(i) of CCS (Fixation of Pay of Re-employed Pensioners) Orders, 1986 provides that in case of ex-servicemen who held post below Commissioned Officer rank in the Defence Forces and in the case of civilians who held posts below Group 'A' posts at the time of their retirement before 55 years of age, the entire pension and pension equivalent of retirement benefits shall be ignored, i.e. no deduction on this count is to be made from the initial pay fixed on re-employment. Also, in terms of the Para 4(a) and Para 4(b)(i) of CCS (Fixation of Pay of Re-employed Pensioners) Orders, 1986, as amended vide DOP&T's OM No. 3/19/2009-Estt.(Pay.II) dated 5/4/2010, the initial pay on re-employment of such pensioners shall be fixed as per the entry pay in the revised pay structure of the re-employed post applicable in the case of Direct Recruits appointed on or after 1/1/2006 as notified vide Section II, Part A of First Schedule to CCS(Revised Pay) Rules, 2008. As is explicit, these instructions do not provide for protection of last pay drawn before retirement, in such cases. Therefore, the fixation of pay of re-employed ex-servicemen is being done accordingly on the Railways.

4. However, the Federation does not agree with the above contention and desires that the pay of ex-Defence Forces personnel re-employed in Railways should be fixed in accordance with the clarification issued vide DoP&T's OM dated 5th April, 2010 in Para 3 (iv) & (v) which contain clarifications duly stating that the pay of the ex-servicemen, re-employed in the Central Government Organizations will be fixed in accordance with the provision contained in DoP&T's OM No. 3/13/2008-Estt.(pay-II) dated 11/11/2008 after exercising option in the manner laid down in Rule 6 of CCS (RP) Rules, 2008 and the fixation of pay is to be regulated in accordance with the provisions of Rule 7 of CCS (RP) Rules 2008.

The Federation has further pointed out that the initial pay of a re-employed military pensioner and a direct recruit cannot be the same in view of the fact that the pay of the re-employed Defence Forces Pensioner is to be done as per the provisions of Rule 7 of CCS (RP) Rules, 2008 as mentioned in the DoP&T's OM dated 11/11/2008 and not under Rule 8 of CCS (RP) Rules, 2008 applicable to direct recruits - the two entrants being independent and have no co-relation with each other.

5. After protracted correspondence and discussion of the issue between NFIR and the concerned of this Ministry, as NFIR are still not convinced with the official stand on this issue and insisting on implementation of Para 3 (iv) and (v) of DoP&T's O.M. Dated 5/4/2010. Hence, it was decided to refer the matter to DOPT for clarification.

6. In the light of the position as brought out above, DOP&T are requested to clarify specifically as to whether the contention of NFIR that - the pay of non - commissioned ex-servicemen (PBOR) who retire from the Defence Forces before attaining the age of 55 years, and are subsequently re-employed on the Railways should be fixed by taking into account the service rendered by them and last pay drawn in the Defence Forces, is in order, or the procedure being followed on the Railways i.e. fixing the pay of such re-employed ex-servicemen as per the entry pay in the revised pay structure of the re-employed post applicable in the case of Direct Recruits appointed on or after 1/1/2006, without any pay protection is correct.

7. An early reply in the matter is solicited.

S/d,
(S. Pal)
Jt. Dir. Estt. (Genl.)

Shri A.K. Jain,
Deputy Secretary (Pay),
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions,
Department of Personnel and Training,
North Block,
New Delhi.

Source : NFIR