Grant of Transport Allowance at double the normal rates to deaf and dumb employees of Central Government

Grant of Transport Allowance at double the normal rates to deaf and dumb employees of Central Government

No.20/2/2016-E-11(B)
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure

North Block, New Delhi. Dated:17.01.2017

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Grant of Transport Allowance at double the normal rates to deaf and dumb employees of Central Government.

In supersession of this Department 0.M.No.21(2)/2011-E-11(B) dated 19.02.2014 regarding admissibility of Transport Allowance at double the normal rates to employees who are deaf and dumb, the undersigned is directed to say that the matter has been re-examined and it has been decided with the approval of Competent Authority that Transport Allowance at double the normal rates is admissible to Hearing Impaired employees also in addition to employees who are both deaf and dumb.

2. Transport Allowance at double the normal rates would be admissible to the 'Hearing Impaired employees having loss of sixty decibels or more in the better ear in the conversation range of frequencies' as per Persons With Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995.

3. The admissibility of Transport Allowance at double the normal rates to above categories of employees is subject to recommendation of the Head of ENT Department of a Government Civil Hospital and fulfilment of other conditions applicable in respect of other disabilities mentioned in D/o Expenditure’s O.M. No. 19029/1/78-E-IV (B) dated 31st August, 1978 read with 0.M.No.21(2)/2008-E.11(B) dated 29.08.2008.

4. In so far as the persons serving in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department are concerned, this order issues in consultation with the Comptroller And Auditor General of India.

5. These orders would be effective from 19.02.2014.

6. Hindi version is attached.

(Nirmala Dev)
Deputy Secretary (EG)
Telefax. 23093276

Transport Allowance Order

Cabinet approves the exclusion of States from the investments of National Small Savings Fund from 1.4.2016

Cabinet approves the exclusion of States from the investments of National Small Savings Fund from 1.4.2016

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval to exclude State Governments States/UTs (with Legislature) except Arunachal Pradesh, Delhi, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh from National Small Savings Fund (NSSF) investments from 01.04.2016. It also approved providing a one-time loan of Rs. 45,000 crore from NSSF to Food Corporation of India (FCI) to meet its food subsidy requirements.

The details are as under:-

a) Exclusion of States/UTs (with Legislature) excepting Arunachal Pradesh, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi from NSSF Investments. Arunachal Pradesh shall be given loans to the tune of 100% of NSSF collections within its territory, whereas Delhi, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh shall be provided 50% of collections.

b) Servicing of interest and principal of debt extended to FCI through the budget line of Department of Food and Public Distribution. The repayment obligation of the FCI in respect of NSSF Loans would be treated as the first charge on the food subsidy released to the Food Corporation of India. In addition, FCI shall reduce the amount of its current Cash Credit Limit with the banking consortium to the extent of the NSSF loan amount.

c) NSSF in the future shall, with the approval of Finance Minister, invest on items the expenditure of which is ultimately borne by Government of India and the repayment of principal and interest thereto would be borne from the Union budget.

The States except Arunachal Pradesh, Delhi, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh shall be excluded from NSSF investments from 01.04.2016. A legally binding agreement will be signed between FCI, Department of Food and Public Distribution and Ministry of Finance on behalf of NSSF on the modalities for repayment of interest rate and principal and the restructuring of FCI debt will be made possible within 2-5 years.

Once states are excluded from NSSF investments, the investible funds of NSSF with Gol will increase. Increased availability of the NSSF loan to Gol may reduce the Gol's market borrowings. The States will however, see an increase in market borrowings. Any increase in yields due to an increased demand for loanable funds in the market from Centre and States combined would be marginal. The reduction of FCI's borrowing cost equivalent to the extent of the interest differential will be reflected in the Gol's savings on the Food Subsidy Bill.

Implementing the decision to exclude states from NSSF investments and extending the loan will entail no additional cost. Instead a reduction in the food subsidy bill of the Gol is anticipated.

Arunachal Pradesh, Delhi, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh will continue availing of NSSF loans, 26 other States and Puducherry who are eligible to borrow from the market have preferred to stop taking loans from the NSSF.

Background:

The Fourteenth Finance Commission (FFC) recommended that State Governments be excluded from the investment operations of the NSSF. The NSSF loans come at an extra cost to the State Government as the market rates are considerably lower. The Union Cabinet in its meeting held on 22nd February, 2015, accepted that this recommendation will be examined in due course in consultation with various stake holders. Barring Arunachal Pradesh, Delhi, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh, the other State Governments/UTs expressed a desire to be excluded from NSSF investments. The involvement of States which are excluded from operations of National Small Savings Fund with effect from 1.4.2016 would be limited solely to discharging the outstanding NSSF debt obligations as on 31.3.2016 (FFC Recommendation). The loan contracted by States till 31.3.2016, from the National Small Savings Fund will stand completely repaid by the Financial Year 2038-39.

NSSF shall extend a part of its collections to Food Corporation of India (FCI) to meet its food subsidy requirement. This will help the FCI reduce its interest cost. FCI presently takes working capital loans through Cash Credit Limit (CCL) at an interest rate of 10.01% and Short Term Loan (STL) at a weighted average interest rate of 9.40%, whereas the NSSF currently charges 8.8% p.a interest on its loans. This savings on interest rate outgo will reduce the food subsidy burden of the Government of India.

Salaried peoples expectations from Budget 2017-18

Salaried peoples expectations from Budget 2017-18

New Delhi: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley unveils the budget on 1 February. The salaried class has a lot of expectations from the Budget. Increase in the personal income tax exemption limit and a higher deduction limit on home loan interest are among the common ones, say analysts.

The following salaried people's expectations from FM Jaitley’s Budget 2017-18:

1. Raise minimum limit for taxable income

Considering the increase in cost of living, the current basic exemption limit of 2.5 lakh should be raised to Rs. 3 lakh. If the minimum limit is increased, it will not only benefit taxpayers at the bottom but also salaried class youth who are starting out as employees.

2. Change in tax slabs

A Change in of tax slabs will be a big balm for the salaried class. Currently, 10 per cent tax is charged on annual income of Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 5 lakh, 20 per cent on Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh and 30 per cent on income above Rs 10 lakh. The first two slabs can be widened or taxed at a lower rate.

3. Raise exemption limit on allowances

Salaried employees enjoy exemption from tax on several allowances/benefits that the employer provides such as children's education, conveyance, medical reimbursement, house rent and leave travel. The allowance limits were fixed a long time ago and need to be revised in view of inflation.

4. Increase deduction under Section 80C

Currently, deduction under Section 80C of the Income-tax Act is allowed from Rs 150,000 to Rs 300,000. If Jaitley increases the limit, he can boost household savings which can ultimately get invested and power growth.

5. Bring back deduction on infrastructure bonds

The government may reintroduce deduction of Rs 20,000 or actual amount invested, whichever is lower, for investments made in infrastructure bonds. This will also boost spending, spur growth and create more jobs.

6. Offer more incentives for NPS investment

Jaitley can offer more incentives for taxpayers to invest in the National Pension System (NPS). He can increase the deduction under Section 80CCD (1B) to Rs 100,000 from the existing Rs 50,000. He can also being NPS on par with the Employees Provident Fund or Public Provident Fund with respect to exemption of 100 per cent of the accumulated balance on withdrawal, subject to certain conditions.

7. Offer interest subvention on home loans

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already offered interest subvention of 3 per cent and 4 per cent for loans of up to Rs 12 lakh and Rs 9 lakh, respectively, under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. However, these subventions are targeted at buyers in Tier 3 cities. Budget 2017 has scope of offering interest subvention on larger amounts of loan which will benefit buyers in big cities and other urban areas.

8. Allow higher deduction on home loan EMIs

Currently, the deduction available on interest on home loan is up to Rs 2,00,000. The deduction can be claimed on the principal repayment for up to Rs 1.50 lakh. There is a large scope in both cases to raise the deduction limits.

9. Allow early deduction on home loan EMIs

Deduction for interest on home loan is currently available only after the buyer gets the possession of the property. This means the benefit begins several years after the buyer gets the home loan and begins paying the EMIs. This deduction can be given right from the payment of the first EMI.

10. Raise exemption limit for senior citizens

The existing exemption limit of Rs 300,000 for senior citizens (60 years to less than 80 years) and Rs 500,000 for super senior citizens (80 years and above) could be enhanced to Rs 400,000 and Rs 600,000 respectively.

TST

GST: Service tax likely to be hiked to 18 percent this budget

GST: Service tax likely to be hiked to 18 percent this budget

New Delhi: Most services are likely to attract a tax of 18 percent under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) as Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley presents the Union Budget on February 1.

It will be interesting to witness whether the Centre raises the service tax rate from the existing 15 percent by at least one percentage point to 16 percent as a precursor to the rollout of GST.
However, the Centre and states have agreed to rollout GST from July 1, 2017, after which most services will turn costlier.

Also, a higher service tax, even for three months, will help the Centre partially offset the revenue loss after the GST kicks in, sources indicated.

Under GST, the service tax collections will be divided equally between the Centre and the states. A service tax closer to the GST rate will also help consumers avoid a greater price shock after the new system is rolled out.

Jaitley-headed GST Council has agreed on a four-slab structure -5, 12, 18 and 28 percent-along with a cess on luxury and 'sin' goods such as tobacco.

Within these, two standard rates of 12 percent and 18 percent could extend to a majority of the taxable goods.

ANI

CBDT issues clarification on indirect transfer provision under the IT Act, 1961

CBDT issues clarification on indirect transfer provision under the IT Act, 1961

New Delhi: The Central Board of Direct Taxation (CBDT) on Wednesday issued clarification on Indirect Transfer provisions in respect to circular no. 41/2016, which was issued on December 21, 2016.

After the issue of the aforementioned circular, representations have been received from various FPIs, FIIs, VCFs and other stakeholders.

The stakeholders have presented their concerns stating that the circular does not address the issue of possible multiple taxation of the same income.

The representations made by the stakeholders are currently under consideration and examination.
Pending a decision in the matter the operation of the above mentioned circular is kept in abeyance fourth time being.

ANI

Delhi Commission for Women notice to DoPT over blind womans appointment cancellation

Delhi Commission for Women notice to DoPT over blind woman's appointment cancellation

New Delhi: Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) today issued notice to Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) in connection with a complaint by a blind women alleging cancellation of appointment in Ministry of Railway due to her disability.

The woman who qualified the civil services examination in 2015 has alleged that she was initially allotted Indian Railways Accounts Service.

The woman claimed her appointment was cancelled because of her blindness and later when she excessively followed it up with DoPT, she was reallocated Postal and Telecommunication, Accounts and Finance Service.

"While she was allocated the IRAS service as per her rank in CSE-2015, her appointment was cancelled by the Ministry of Railways. She has further alleged that after several weeks of follow-ups she has now been allocated IP and TAF service which is in contravention of her rank, merit and preference of service," DCW Chief Swati Maliwal said in the notice issued to DoPT Secretary BP Sharma.

"It is evident that the lady has already undergone a great deal of struggle and after painstaking efforts has cleared the civil services examination. Crucial time of training and foundation course has been wasted due to systemic delays. Therefore, it is necessary that immediate action is taken to rectify the same," the notice further read.

The commission has sought within a week's time the factual report of the woman’s candidature, reasons for rejection of IRAS service initially allocated to her and the proposed action plan of the DoPT to resolve the issue and compensate the loss of time to the candidate.

PTI

Expected DA from January 2017

Expected DA from January 2017

Comrades,
The whole sale price index for the month of December has risen by 3.39%, which declined in past three months, this increase is due to manufacturing price increase (oil prices has increased), the food prices had in fact has come down in December 2016 .

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) was showing marginal decline from 278 points to 277 points in November 2016 , the DA stood at 4.76% as on November 2016, most likely the CPI may show increase of 1 point and may rise to 278 points in December 2016 or stay stable at 277 points.

Scenario I: If the CPI for the month of December 2016 is at 276 points(decrease on one point), the expected DA from January 2017 is likely at 2% (Total 4.97 %).

Scenario II: Even if the CPI for the month of December 2016 is at 277 points, the expected DA from January 2017 is likely at 3% (Total 5%).

Scenario III: If the CPI for the month of December 2016 is at 278 points, the expected DA from January 2017 is likely at 3% (Total 5.04 % ).

Comradely yours

(P.S.Prasad)
General Secretary

GDS COMMITTEE REPORT - NEWS

GDS COMMITTEE REPORT - NEWS

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF POSTAL EMPLOYYEES
ALL INDIA POSTAL EMPLOYEES UNION-GDS
1st FLOOR NORTH AVENUE PO BUILDING
NEW DLEHI - 110001

Ref: NFPE/AIPEU-GDS/AGTN/2017

Dated - 17.01.2017

GDS COMMITTEE REPORT
DEPARTMENT OF POST SOUGHT PERMISSION FROM ELECTION COMMISSION FOR PUBLISHING THE REPORT - DISCUSSION HELD WITH NFPE & FNPO - ASSURED TO PUBLISH THE REPORT IMMEDIATELY AFTER GETTING APPROVAL

INDEFINITE HUNGER FAST DEFERRED

Dear Comrades,
As you are aware, the GDS Committee headed by Shri Kamlesh Chandra, Retired Postal Board Member, has submitted its report to Government on 24th November 2016. Secretary, Posts, informed us that the report will be published only after getting approval of the Minister, Communications. Earlier, GDS Committee Report was published on the very same date of submission. 7th Pay Commission Report was also published immediately on submission to Government.

Protesting against the unjustified stand of the Department, NFPE & AIPEU-GDS conducted nationwide agitational programmes like protest demonstration, dharna etc. Finally we have given notice for indefinite hunger fast in front of the Directorate from 18.01.2017, by Secretary General, NFPE and all General Secretaries of affiliated Unions including AIPEU-GDS. After our hunger fast notice things started moving. Secretary, Department of Posts deputed a Senior Officer to the Minister's office to get the approval of the Minister. Minister granted permission to publish the Report with a condition that Election Commission’s approval should be obtained before publishing the Report, as Election Commission has already declared election to five State Assemblies.

On 16.01.2017, the Department called us for discussion with Member (Technology). In the discussion Member (T) informed that "a reference has been made to the Election Commission of India (ECI) and a response is expected shortly". We recorded our strong protest against the unjustified delay in publishing the report. The Member (T) expressed "the difficulty in hosting the report in the Department’s website on account of the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct in view of assembly elections having been announce in five states". The appeal given by the Department to call off the indefinite hunger fast is published below.

In view of the above, the Federal Secretariat of NFPE and AIPEU-GDS has reviewed the situation based on the written assurance given by the Department and has decided to postpone the indefinite hunger fast to be commenced from 18th January 2017. Even if we go on indefinite fast or strike, Department cannot publish it without the permission of Election Commission, as the Department has already submitted it to Election Commission for permission.

We hope that the Election Commission will grant permission shortly to publish the Report.
NFPE & AIPEU-GDS has made sincere effort for compelling the Department to publish the GDS Committee Report and conducted nationwide agitational programmes. It is only because of our agitational programmes and indefinite hunger faster notice, the Department was compelled to get permission and also submitted it for Election Commission’s approval.

NFPE & AIPEU-GDS always stand with the three lakhs Gramin Dak Sevaks and we assure our GDS employees that if GDS Committee Report is against the interest of the GDS NFPE & AIPEU-GDS will declare serious agitational programmes including strike.

Fraternally yours,

R. N. Parashar Secretary General, NFPE / P. Panduranga Rao General Secretary, AIPEU-GDS

NJCA MEETING - 17th January 2017, NO CONSENSUS ON REVIVAL OF DEFERRED INDEFINITE STRIKE

NJCA MEETING - 17th January 2017, NO CONSENSUS ON REVIVAL OF DEFERRED INDEFINITE STRIKE

"No doubt, our strike will have a great impact in settling the demands and also in exposing the powers-that-be who betrayed the cause of 33 lakhs Central Govt Employees and 34 lakhs Pensioners.

Somebody should come forward to protest and also, if necessary, to suffer and Confederation is ready for it. Let Confederation lead and others follow."

NJCA MEETING - 17th January 2017
NJCA MEETING
NO CONSENSUS ON REVIVAL OF DEFERRED INDEFINITE STRIKE

Much awaited meeting of the National Joint Council of Action (NJCA) was held on 17th January 2017 at National Council (JCM) Staff-side office at New Delhi. Leaders of Railways, Defence, Postal and Confederation attended. Detailed discussions were held on the developments that took place after the deferment of the indefinite strike of 11th July 2016 and also on the totally negative attitude of the Government towards the 7th Pay Commission related issues of the Central Government Employees & Pensioners, including increase in Minimum Pay, Fitment formula, Allowances, Pensioner's Option-I etc.

Unfortunately, there was no consensus regarding revival of the deferred indefinite strike. Hence no decision could be taken. Meeting ended with a decision to meet again after some days. In the meantime NJCA Chairman and Convener may try to meet the Cabinet Ministers who have given the assurances on 30th June 2016 to NJCA leaders.

As there is no immediate possibility for revival of the indefinite strike by NJCA, Confederation National Secretariat has decided to intensify the mobilization campaign and preparation for making the 16th March 2017 one day strike a grand success. All Affiliated Organizations and C-O-Cs are once again requested to make all –out efforts to ensure cent percent participation of employees in the strike. In addition to the campaign programme of National Secretariat members, each affiliated organization and C-O-Cs should chalk out their own separate campaign programme. Please give wide publicity through local print / electronic media and social media like whatsapp, facebook etc.

No doubt, our strike will have a great impact in settling the demands and also in exposing the powers-that-be who betrayed the cause of 33 lakhs Central Govt Employees and 34 lakhs Pensioners.

Somebody should come forward to protest and also, if necessary, to suffer and Confederation is ready for it.

Let Confederation lead and others follow.

M.KRISHNAN
Secretary General
Confederation
Mobile & Whatsapp - 09447068125

E-mail: mkrishnan6854@gmail.com