Housing Facilities to Defence Personnel

Housing Facilities to Defence Personnel

Government has sanctioned construction of 1,98,881 Dwelling Units (DUs) for the Married Military officers / soldiers. Apart from construction of DUs, hiring of houses is also undertaken for Defence personnel to meet the deficiency of housing. In addition, Service personnel are authorized to House Rent Allowance (HRA) / Compensation in Lieu of Quarter (CILQ) / Family Accommodation Allowance (FAA).
Married Accommodation Project (MAP) was approved in 2002 for providing 1,98,881 Dwelling Units (DUs) to serving defence personnel. Under this project DUs with improved specifications are being constructed. Besides, under Annual Major Works Programme (AMWP) residential accommodation projects are undertaken as per special needs from time to time.

Phase-I comprising 57875 DUs has been completed. Out of 69904 DUs meant for Phase-II, 38811 DUs have been constructed & balance 31093 DUs are under construction. Balance 71102 DUs are planned for phase-III projects. Provision exists for construction of Field Area Family Accommodation (FAFA) in peace stations for the families of Officers / soldiers serving in field areas. In view of shortfall of FAFA accommodations, Defence Personnel are provided HRA / CILQ / FAA at the rate of selected place of residence of family.

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

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Pension to IAF Veterans

Pension to IAF Veterans 

Pension of pre-2006 retired Junior Commissioned Officers/ Other Ranks (JCOs / ORs) have been assessed on the basis of rank continuously held for 10 months or more. However, protection of minimum of fitment table under 6th Pay Commission for the last rank held has been provided.

A Junior Warrant Officer (JWO) who has not served for 10 months or more continuously in the rank is entitled to receive initial pension in the rank of Sergeant. However, where the revised pension as on 01.07.2014 worked out in terms of OROP order, happens to be less than the existing pension as on 01.07.2014, the pension has not been revised to the disadvantage of the pensioner.

Further, the issue whether in the case of JCOs / ORs, the pension is to be paid on the basis of the last rank held instead of last rank pensioned under OROP was referred to the Judicial Committee on OROP. The Committee has submitted its report to the Ministry which is under examination.

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

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NPS: Extension of benefits of Retirement Gratuity and Death Gratuity to the Central Government employees covered by New Defined Contribution Pension System (National Pension System)

OFFICE OF THE PR. CONTROLLER OF DEFENCE ACCOUNTS (PENSION)
DRAUPADI GHAT, ALLAHABAD-211

Circular No C-170

No.G1/C/MISC/NPS-II/Tech
O/o the PCDA (P), Allahabad
Dated: 13-07-2017

Sub: NPS: Extension of benefits of Retirement Gratuity and Death Gratuity to the Central Government employees covered by New Defined Contribution Pension System (National Pension System) -regarding. 

Ref:- This office Circular No. 79 dated 29/10/2010 and No. 110 dated 12/08/2013

Benefits of Retirement Gratuity and Death Gratuity to the Central Government employees covered by New Defined Contribution Pension System (National Pension System) has been extended vide Govt. of India, Ministry of PPG & P, Deptt. of P&PW in their O.M. No. 7/5/2012-P&PW (F)/B dated 26.08.2016 (copy enclosed)on the same terms and conditions as are applicable to employees covered by Central Civil Service (Pension) Rules, 1972. The Ministry has further clarified vide O.M.No.28/03/2017-P&PW(B) dt. 18/05/2017, that CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 are otherwise not applicable to the Central Government employees covered under NPS. Hence, they would obviously not be eligible for Service Gratuity or Pension under the CCS (Pension) Rules.

2. The phrase 'terms and condition' in the ibid O.M. dated 26.08.2016 refers to the requirement of qualifying service, the rates on which retirement gratuity is to be paid, the limit of amount of gratuity, nominations, disciplinary provisions, etc. in the CCS(Pension) Rules. All these condition would be equally applicable for grant of gratuity to employees covered under NPS. The decision to extend retirement gratuity and death gratuity vide the O.M. dated 26.08.2016 is absolute and not provisional. Separate rules on gratuity for Central Government employees under NPS would be framed in due course.
3. Now, it has been decided that to submit the claims of above beneficiaries for Retirment Gratuity and Death Gratuity, the following procedures shall be adopted by HOO and Pay Audit Controllers:-

i. H.O.O. will prepare a claim in case of NPS beneficiaries going to retire in accordance with the procedure as prescribed for Defence Civilian Personnel appointed before 01.01.2004 and will submit the same along with service boom and all the relevant documents (Which is required in case of pre 01.01.2004 Cases) to PAO concerned i.e.LAO/RAO. The Permanent Retirement account No. (PRAN) of the concerned Government Servant Allotted by National Security Depository limited (NSDL) will also be indicated. In cases where PRAN has not been allotted by NSDL to a NPS subscriber being non-effecting account as on 0104.2008, permanent pension account No.(PPAN) allotted to subscriber will be indicated.

ii. PAO will carry all necessary checks with reference to the entries in service book and as admissible under the OM No.38/41/06 P&PW (A) dated 05.05.2009 (already circulated under this office circular no.79 dt. 29-10-2010) to ensure that entries made in claim are in as per records in the service book of the individual. After signing and affixing the seal, the PAO concerned i.e.LAO/RAO will pass on the claim to the PCDA(P) Allahabad. The service book will be returned by PAO to HOO concerned.

iii.HOO will also maintain a separate register for recording entries for PRAN /PPAN No., Name of Government Servant, PPO No. and awards notified.
iv. On receipt of PPO from PCDA(P) Allahabad, HOO will check the same and after recording the entries in the register retransmit PDA's copy to PDA, Pensioner copy to Pensioner and retain
HOO copy for their own record.

v. Other procedures prescribed for pre 01-01-2004 pensioner will also be followed by the HOO in case of NPS beneficiaries.

4. In view of the foregoing, you also are requested to issue suitable instructions (along with copy of this circular) to all the Head of Offices under your administrative control to ensure that claim on the subject matter henceforth are floated in accordance with instructions given in above Para.

(Rajeev Ranjan Kumar)
Dy.CDA (P)

Source: [PCDA.nic.in]

Extension of CGHS facilities to the pensioners of post and Telegraph Department

Extension of CGHS facilities to the pensioners of post and  Telegraph Department

No.S-11016/2/2015-CGHS(P)/EHS
Government of India
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Department of Health & Family Welfare
CGHS(P)/EHS

Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi 110011
Dated the 19th July, 2017

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:- Extension of CGHS facilities to the pensioners of post and  Telegraph Department

With reference to the above mentioned subject the undersigned is directed to draw attention the Memorandum No.S-11011/46/95-CGHS D-II/CGHS(P) dated 1st August 1996 and state it has now been decided to revoke OM dated 1.8.1996, in  compliance of the Orders of Hon’ble Central Administrative Tribunal, Ernakulam Bench dated 12th  July 2005 in O.A.N0. 563/2004 and 590/2004 and dated 01.06.2017 in C.P/180/21/2017 arising aut of OA No.180/563/2004 between Central Government Pensioners’ Association (Kerala) and Ors. Vs UOI & Others.

2. The retired employees of Post and Telegraph Department shall hereinafter, be entitled to  the CGHS facility, irrespective of whether they were members of CGHS prior to retirement or  not, subject to the payment Of prevalent subscription for availing themselves of this facility as  per rules as in the case of other Central Government pensioners.

3.  This issues with the approval of the Competent Authority.

(Sunil Kumar Gupta)
Under Secretary to Government of India

Source: Confederation

Inclusion of more holidays in national calendar

Inclusion of more holidays in national calendar 

The Government has received proposal to make Patriots Day, observed on 13th August, and Ningol Chakkouba, which coincides with Bhai Duj, as restricted holidays and include them in the National Calendar.
As per existing policy, the Central Government administrative offices observe 17 holidays in a year. Out of these 17 holidays, 14 are pre-notified, compulsory holidays, which include three National holidays, namely, Republic Day, Independence Day and Mahatma Gandhi's birthday. The remaining three holidays are required to be selected, by the Central Government Employees Welfare Coordination Committee (CGEWCC), functioning in respective states, from another list of 12 occasions. In addition, individual employees are allowed two restricted holidays in a year to be selected from a notified list of such Restricted Holidays.

In view of the ceiling on the total number of holidays that can be declared in a year by the Government, it has not been found possible to declare additional Restricted Holiday for the above occasions.
As per policy, the Central Government Employees Welfare Coordination Committee in the State Capitals choose three holidays keeping in view the occasions of local importance. The Coordination Committees at the State Capitals may draw up separate list of Restricted Holidays keeping in view the occasions of local importance.

This was stated by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply to a question by Shri K. Bhabananda Singh in the Rajya Sabha today.

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Reservation for sportspersons in services

Reservation for sportspersons in services 

As per extant instructions, Ministries and Departments can recruit meritorious sportspersons to Group 'C' posts under the Government of India up to 5% of the vacancies in any year subject to the condition that these including all other reservations do not exceed 50% of the total number of vacancies proposed to be filled up by direct recruitment.

Consolidated instructions on incentives for sportspersons including recruitment under sports quota have been issued vide Department of Personnel and Training's OM No 14034/01/2013-Estt.(D) dated 3rd October 2013. At present no proposal to increase the quota is under consideration of the Government.

Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) lays down the policy for recruitment of meritorious sportspersons which is implemented by the administrative Ministries/Departments. The details regarding number of sportspersons recruited by various Ministries/Departments are not Centrally maintained.

As per extant instructions 43 sports disciplines have been identified for appointment of meritorious sportspersons. These instructions inter alia provide relaxation in upper age limit upto a maximum of 5 years (10 years in case of those belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) for the recruitment of meritorious sportspersons to Group 'C' posts. Government servants with medal winning performance in specified sports events are also eligible for out of turn promotion.

This was stated by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply to a question by Shri Parimal Nathwani in the Rajya Sabha today.

Promotion of Sports - Lok Sabha

Promotion of Sports - Lok Sabha

The Minister of State (I/C) for Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Vijay Goel said in the Lok Sabha today that as sports is a State subject, the primary responsibility for promoting sports including encouraging sports among students at primary and higher secondary school level is that of States. However, Department of Sports and the Sports Authority of India supplement the efforts of the States. School Games Federation of India (SGFI) and Association of Indian Universities (AIU) have been recognized by the Government of India as National Sports Promotion Organizations (NSPOs) and are eligible for the same level of assistance as are available to National Sports Federations (NSFs).

In a written reply he said, Ministry of Human Resource Development has, inter-alia, intimated that as per the National Curriculum Framework (NCF), 2005, Health and Physical Education is a compulsory subject upto X Class and optional subject at Higher Secondary Stage. Health and Physical Education includes age appropriate games and sports including athletics, swimming and gymnastics. National Curriculum also focuses that to transact this areas effectively, it is essential that minimum physical space and equipment's are available in every school.

Further, the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, has been enacted, making elementary education a Fundamental Right, which, inter alia, provides for

(i) a playground for each school;
(ii) A part time instructor for physical education in upper primary schools;
(iii) Supply of play material, games and sports equipment, as required, to schools.

In terms of the provisions of the RTE Act, no school shall be established or recognized unless it fulfils the norms specified in the Schedule attached to the Act.

A Scheme called "Khelo India - National Programme for Development of Sports" is being implemented by this Ministry as a Central Sector Scheme from the current financial year 2016-17. This Scheme, inter-alia, provides for holding of annual sports competitions in respect of priority and popular sports in two age groups of (i) under 14 and (ii) under 17 all over India to encourage mass participation of both boys and girls in Sports in both urban and rural areas including schools and identification of talented sportspersons. However, there is no proposal to implement schemes like 'slum-running' from district level to state level as of now.
Further, to promote various sports in the country apart from athletics, Sports Authority of India (SAI) is implementing the following Sports Promotional Schemes to identify talented sports person in the age group of 8-25 years and nurture them to excel at National and International level competition:

National Sports Talent Contest Scheme (NSTC)

1. Indigenous Games & Martial Arts, (IGMA)
2. Akharas

• Army Boys Sports Company (ABSC)
• SAI Training Centre (STC)
• Special Area Games (SAG)
• Extension Centre of STC/SAG
• Centre of Excellence (COE)
• National Sports Academies (NSA)

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CSS: Appointments under Central Staffing Scheme

Appointments under Central Staffing Scheme

The Central Staffing Scheme (CSS), which is in operation for decades, provides a systematic arrangement for selection and appointment of eligible officers from the participating services at the level of Deputy Secretary, Director, Joint Secretary, Additional Secretary and Secretary in the Central Government. The appointment of officers from the participating services at the Centre is an ongoing process, which includes shift/elevation of officers from one Ministry/Department to another, due to empanelment, on administrative grounds, etc. During the last three years, 798 IAS officers and 578 Non-IAS officers were appointed under the CSS. 21 officers of the All India Services from Jharkhand cadre have been appointed during this period under the CSS.

To encourage officers from participating services, including the IAS, to come on CSS, circulars are issued twice a year requesting all cadre authorities to nominate eligible officers for deputation. Therein it is indicated that the movement of officers from State level to the Centre and back helps in building up capabilities at the State level and contributing towards developing national perspectives at the decision-making levels in the Government of India. Furthermore, for Foreign/Captive post circulated by DoPT, experience of 2 years under CSS is mandatory. For consideration for Additional Secretary level empanelment, officers should have worked for at least 3 years under the CSS.

This was stated by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply to a question by Shri Sanjiv Kumar in the Rajya Sabha today.

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Guidelines on Air Travel on Official Tours - Purchase of air ticket from authorized agent

Guidelines on Air Travel on Official Tours - Purchase of air ticket from authorized agent - DoE Orders

No.19024/22/2017-E.IV
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure

North Block, New Delhi
Dated the 19th July, 2017

Office Memorandum

Subject: Guidelines on Air Travel on Official Tours - Purchase of air ticket from authorized agent.

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Departments’ OM. No.19024/1/2005-E.IV dated 24.03.2006, OM. No.19024/1/2009-E.IV dated 16.09.2010 and OM. No.19024/1/2012-E.IV dated 09.07.2013 regarding guidelines on Air travel. As per these guidelines, in all cases of Air Travel where the Government of India bears the cost of air passage, Air Tickets may be purchased directly from Airlines (at Booking counters/office/website of Airlines) and if needed, by utilizing the services of three Authorized Travel Agents viz. M/s Balmer Lawrie & Company Limited (BLCL), M/s Ashok Travels & Tours (ATT) and Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. (IRCTC).

2. This Department is receiving a large number of proposals from various Ministries/Departments seeking ex-post-facto relaxation of the prescribed procedure for purchase of air tickets from authorized travel agents only.

3. The matter has been reconsidered in this Department. All Ministries/Departments are again directed to:

(i) Ensure strict compliance of extant guidelines for purchase of air ticket directly from Airlines (at Booking counters/office/Website of Airlines) or from three authorized Travel Agents viz. M/s Balmer Lawrie & Company Limited, M/s Ashok Travels & Tours and IRCTC only by all officials/offices under their control. Henceforth relaxation on account of ignorance/unawareness of these guidelines will not be considered by this Department.

ii) In case of non-availability of authorized agent at a particular place, ticket may be booked from website of Airlines or web portal of Balmer Lawrie & Company Ltd., M/s Ashok Travels & Tours and lRCTC.

iii) In respect of Non-officials of Committees/Boards/Panels, the concerned Ministry/Department have to mention in the meeting notice that the Non-official Member has to purchase the ticket from authorized travel agent only otherwise his claim will not be settled by that Ministry/Department.

iv) All Ministries/Departments of the Government of India, etc. have to widely circulate this OM. in all offices including attached/subordinate offices/ autonomous bodies under their control with specific instructions to Heads of Departments concerned for strict compliance of these guidelines. Non-compliance of these guidelines by Ministries/Departments will be treated as lapse on the part of the concerned Ministry/Department.

sd/-
(Nirmala Dev)
Deputy Secretary to the Government of India

Click to view the order
Authority: www.doe.gov.in

Implementation of the recommendations of 7th Central Pay Commission - Additional HRA for civilian employees of the Central Government serving in the States of North Eastern Region, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep Islands and Ladakh

Implementation of 7th CPC recommendations on Allownaces - Addlitional HRA for employees posted in North-East Region, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep Islands and Ladakh

No.28/1/2017-E.II(B)
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure

New Delhi, the 19th July. 2017.

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:- Implementation of the recommendations of 7th Central Pay Commission - Additional HRA for civilian employees of the Central Government serving in the States of North Eastern Region, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep Islands and Ladakh.

Consequent upon revision of the rates of HRA granted to the Central Government employees on implementation of the recommendations of 7th Central Pay Commission vide O.M. No. 2/5/2017 E.II(B) dated 07.07.2017, in modification of this Ministry's O.M. No. 11016/1/E.II(B)/84 dated 29.03.1984 and GM. No. 2(19)/E.II(B)/2008 dated 02.01.2009 on the subject mentioned above, additional HRA shall be granted to the civilian employees of the Central Government posted to States of North Eastern Region, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep Islands and Ladakh, who leave their families behind at “their old duty station at revised rates as per OM. No. 27512017-E.II(B], dated 07.07.2017.

2. These orders, will not be applicable to such employees who were transferred out, of North Eastern Region, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep Islands and Ladakh before 1 7.2017.

3. These orders shall take effect from 1st July, 2017.

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

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

Hindi version is attached.

sd/-
(Annie George Mathew)
Joint Secretary to the Government of India.

Click to view the order
Authority: www.doe.gov.in

Implementation of the recommendation of the Seventh Central Pay Commission- Conveyance Allowance

7th CPC Conveyance Allowance - DoE Orders

Implementation of the recommendation of the Seventh Central Pay Commission- Conveyance Allowance

F.No.19039/03/2017-E.IV
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure

New Delhi, the 19th July, 2017

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject : Implementation of the recommendation of the Seventh Central Pay Commission- Conveyance Allowance.

Consequent upon the acceptance of the recommendation of the Seventh Central Pay Commission and in supersession of this Department OM No. 19039/2/2008-E.IV, dated 23rd September, 2008 the President is pleased to revise the rates of Fixed Conveyance Allowance admissible under SR-25 to Central Government employees as indicated below:

Average Monthly Travel on Official Duty	For Journey by Own Motor Car	For Journeys by other Modes of Conveyance
201-300 km	1680	556
301-450 km	2520	720
451-600 km	2980	960
601-800 km	3646	1126
>800 km	4500	1276

2. These rates shall automatically increase by 25% whenever the Dearness Allowance payable on the revised pay structure goes up by 50%.

3. Conditions and provisions mentioned in SR 25 shall continue to apply

4. These orders will be effective from 1st July, 2017

5. In so far as the staff serving in the. Audit and Accounts Department are concerned, these orders issue in consultation with the Comptroller & Auditor General’of India.

Hinid version is attached.

sd/-
(Annie George Mathew)
Joint Secretary to the Government of India

Click to view the order
Authority: www.doe.gov.in

Implementation of the recommendations of 7th Central Pay Commission - Construction Projects - Grant of Project Allowance

7th CPC Construction Projects - Grant of Project Allowance

Implementation of 7th CPC recommendations on Allownaces - Project Allowance

No.6/1/2017-E.II(B)
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure

New Delhi, the 19th July, 2017

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Implementation of the recommendations of 7th Central Pay Commission - Construction Projects - Grant of Project Allowance.

Consequent upon the acceptance of the recommendations of Seventh Central Pay Commission by the Government, the President, is pleased to decide that, in modification of this Ministry's -O.M. No.20011/5/73-E.II(B) dated.17.01.1975 as amended from time to time and OM. No.6(3)/2008-E.II(B) dated 29.08.2008 on the subject mentioned above, the Central Government employees shall be paid Project Allowance, which has been covered in the Risk/Hardship Matrix, at the following revised rates:-

Level in Pay Matrix	Cell Name	Rate per month(Rs.)
Level 9 and above	R3H2	3400
Level 8 and below	R3H2	2,700

3. The term 'Pay Level' in the revised pay structure means the 'Level in the Pay Matrix.

4. In respect of those employees who opt to continue in their pre-revised pay- structure, corresponding Grade Pay in the prescribed pay band as indicated in CCS(Revised) Pay) Rules, 2016 would determine the allowance under these orders.

5. These rates shall increase by 25 per cent whenever the Dearness Allowance payable on the revised pay structure goes up by 50 per cent.

6. All other terms and conditions governing the grant of this allowance shall remain unchanged.

7 These orders shall take effect from 1st July, 2017.

8. These orders shall also apply to the. civilian employees paid from the Defence Services Estimates and the expenditure will be charge-able to the relevant head of the Defence Services Estimates in regard to Armed Forces personnel and Railway employees, separate orders will be issued by the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Railways, respectively.

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

Hindi version is attached.

sd/-
(Annie George Mathew)
Joint Secretary to the Government of India

Click to view the order
Authority: www.doe.gov.in

Implementation of the recommendations of 7th Central Pay Commission - Grant of Special Compensatory Allowances subsumed under Tough Location Allowance

Special Compensatory Allowances subsumed under Tough Location Allowance - Finmin Orders
Implementation of the recommendations of 7th Central Pay Commission - Grant of Special Compensatory Allowances subsumed under Tough Location Allowance.

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

New Delhi, the 19th July, 2017.

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:- Implementation of the recommendations of 7th Central Pay Commission - Grant of Special Compensatory Allowances subsumed under Tough Location Allowance.

Consequent upon the acceptance of the recommendations of Seventh Central Pay Commission, in supersession of the existing orders for grant of Special Compensatory Allowances viz. Special Compensatory (Remote Locality) Allowance, Bad Climate Allowance, Special Compensatory Scheduled/Tribal Area Allowance and Sunderban Allowance which have been subsumed in Tough Location Allowance, the President is pleased to decide the rates of these Special Compensatory Allowances (subsumed in Tough Location Allowance) to Central Government employees as under :

SI.No.	Name of the Allowance	Category	Cell Name	Pay Level in Pay Matrix	Rate per month (in Rs.)
(i)	Special Compensatory (Remote Locality) Allowance: (i) Special Compensatory (Remote Locality) Allowance Places covered under Part- A & B (Annexure I & II)	Tough Location Allowance-I	R3H1	Level 9 and above	5,300
				Level 8 and below	4,100
	(ii) Special Compensatory (Remote Locality) Allowance Location Places covered under Part- C (Annexure III)	ToughLocation Allowance-II	R3H2	Level 9 and above	3,400
				Level 8 and below	2,700
	(iii) Special Compensatory (Remote Locality) Allowance Places covered under Part- D(Annexure IV	Tough Location Allowance-II	R3H3	Level 9 and above	1,200
				Level 8 and below	1,000
(II)	Bad Climate Allowance	Tough Location Allowance-III	R3H3	Level 9 and above	1,200
				Level 8 andbelow	1,000
(Ill)	Tribal Area Allowance	Tough Location Allowance-Ill	R3H3	Level 9 and above	1,200
				Level 8 and below	1,000
(IV)	Sunderban Allowance	Tough Location Allowance-Ill	R3H3	Level 9 and above	1,200
				Level 8 and below	1,000

2.These rates shall increase by 25 per cent whenever the Dearness Allowance payable on the revised pay structure goes up by 50 per cent.

3.The term 'Pay Level’ in the revised pay structure means the 'Level in the Pay Matrix.

4.In respect of those employees who opt to continue in their pre-revised pay structure/Pay scales, the corresponding Level in the Pay Matrix of the post occupied on 01.01.2016 as indicated in GCS (Revised Pay) Rules, 2016 would determine the allowance under these orders.

5.Sunderban Allowance categorised 'as Tough Location Allowance-III shall be admissible to the Central Government civilian employees working in Sunderban areas South of Dampier Hodge’s line, namely, Bhagatush Khali (Rampura), Kumirmari (Bagna), Jhinga Khali, Sajnakhali, Gosaba, Amlamathi (Bidya), Canning, KuKali, Piyali, Nalgaraha, Raidighi, Bhanchi, Pathar Paratima, Bhagabatpur, Saptamukhi, Namkhana, Sikarpur, Kakdwip, Sagar, Mousini, Kalinagar, Haroa, Hingalganj, Basanti, Kuemari, Kultola, Ghusighata (Kulti) area. The allowance shall be admissible only upto the period for which the. Government of West Bengal continues to pay this allowance to its employees.

6.Scheduled/Tribal Area Allowance and Bad Climate Allowance categorised as Tough 'Location Allowance-III shall be admissible only in those States where Scheduled/Tribal Area Allowance and Bad Climate :Allowance are admissible and shall be discontinued in those States where it has been discontinued for the State Government employees with effect from the date(s) of such discontinuance.

7.In the event of a place falling In more than one category, the higher rate of Tough Location Allowance will be applicable.

8.Tough Location Allowances shall not be admissible along with Special Duty Allowance. However, employees have the option for continuing Special Compensatory (Remote Locality) Allowance at old rates of 6th CPC, where it was admissible, along with Special Duty Allowance at revised rate of 10% of Basic Pay,

9 Employees may exercise their option to choose either Hard Area Allowance which is admissible alongwith Island Special Duty Allowance or one of the Special Compensatory Allowance, subsumed under Tough Location Allowance as mentioned in Para 1 above,

10.These orders take effect from 1st July, 2017.

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

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

Hindi version is attached.

sd/-
(Annie George Mathew)
Joint Secretary to the Government of India

Click to view the order
Authority: www.doe.gov.in

Grant of Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA)to the Central Government Pensioners residing in areas not covered under CGHS

Grant of Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) to the Central Government Pensioners residing in areas not covered under CGHS

No.4/34/2017-P&PW(D)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
(Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare)

3rd Floor. Lok Nayak Bhawan,
Khan Market, New Delhi-110 003,
Dated the 19th July, 2017

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Grant of Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) to the Central Government Pensioners residing in areas not covered under CGHS.

The undersigned is directed to say that at present Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) is granted to the Central Government pensioners/family pensioners residing in areas not covered under Central Government Health Scheme administered by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and corresponding health schemes administered by other Ministries/Departments for their retired employees for meeting expenditure on their day-to-day medical expenses that do not require hospitalization. Orders were issued vide this Department's O.M. No. 4/25/2008-P&PW(D) dated 19-11-2014 for enhancement of the amount of Fixed Medical Allowance from Rs. 300/- to Rs. 500/- per month w.e.f. 19.11.2014.

2. Consequent upon the decision taken by the Government on the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission on Allowances (with modifications), sanction of the President is hereby conveyed for enhancement of the amount of Fixed Medical Allowance from Rs.500/- to Rs.1000/- per month. The other conditions for grant of Fixed Medical Allowance shall continue to be as contained in this Department's OMs No.45/57/97-P&PW(C) dated 19.12.1997, 24.8.1998, 30.12.1998, 18.8.1999 and OM No.4/25/2008-P&PW(D) dated 19.11.2014.

3. These orders will take effect from 01.07.2017.

4. In their application to the persons belonging to the Indian Audit and Accounts Department, these orders issue in consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India vide their UO No. 169-Staff (Rules)/A.R/Ol-2016 dated 18.07.2017.

5. These orders are issued with the concurrence of the Ministry of Finance (Deptt. of Expenditure) vide their OM No. 11-1/2016-IC dated 11.07.2017.

6. Hindi version will follow.

sd/-
(Sanjay Wadhawan)
Deputy Secretary to the Govt. of India

Click to view the order
Authority: http://www.pensionersportal.gov.in/

Revision of pension of Pre-2016 pensioners/family pensioners in implementation of Government's decision on the recommendations of the 7th Central pay Commission-Concordance tables

Error in 7th CPC Concordance Tables No.43 and 44 - DoP&PW Orders

Revision of pension of pre-2016 pensioners/family pensioners in implementation of governments decision on the recommendations of 7th Central Pay Commission-Concordance tables regarding - dated 18/07/2017

Government of India
Ministry of India
Ministry of Personnel, P.G.and Pensions
Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare

3rd floor, Lok Nayak Bhawan
Khan Market New Delhi
Dated 18th July, 2017

Office Memorandum

Subject: Revision of pension of Pre-2016 pensioners/family pensioners in implementation of Government's decision on the recommendations of the 7th Central pay Commission-Concordance tables- regarding.

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department's 0M. of even number dated 06.07.2017 on the above subject and to say that there is some error in the entries relating to the pre-revised pay of Rs. 52090/- (6th CPC Grade pay Rs.8700, 7th CPC Level 13)) in Table 43 and Table 44 enclosed therewith.

2. It is requested that the existing Table 43 and Table 44 may be substituted by the enclosed Table 43 and Table 44, respectively. The revised entries have been shown in bold letters.

sd/-
(Harjit Singh)
Director

Click to view the table

Authority: http://www.pensionersportal.gov.in/

Existing Structure

-	18300	52090	52340	53890	138500	69250	41550
-	18700	52090	52340	53890	138500	69250	41550

 Revised Structure

-	18300	52090	50820	52330	134500	67250	40350
-	18700	52090	50820	52330	134500	67250	40350

Existing Structure

-	18300	52090	52340	53890	138500	69250	41550
-	18700	52090	52340	53890	138500	69250	41550

 Revised Structure

-	18300	52090	50820	52330	134500	67250	40350
-	18700	52090	50820	52330	134500	67250	40350

Implementation Date of 7th CPC Allowances - Minister Replied in Parliament on 18.7.2017

Implementation Date of  7th CPC Allowances - Minister Replied in Parliament on 18.7.2017

"There is no proposal for revision of the date of implementation of recommendation on allowances"

Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department Of Expenditure

RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.257

TO BE ANSWERED ON TUESDAY, THE 18TH JULY, 2017
ASHADHA 27, 1939 (SAKA)

IMPLEMENTATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS OF SEVENTH CPC
QUESTION

257 SHRI NEERAJ SHEKHAR:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to satate:

(a) whether Government has implemented the recommendations of Seventh CPC regarding allowances w.e.f. 1 July, 2017 instead of 1 January, 2016;

(b) if so, the reasons and rationale therefor;

(c) the reasons for denying allowances from 1st January 2016 or from the date of announcement for implementation of enhanced basic pay under 7th CPC and arrears thereof;

(d) whether Government will review it and implement enhanced allowances w.e.f. 1 January, 2016;

(e) if so, the details thereof; and

(f) if not, the reasons therefor along with the reasons for lowest hike in Pay Commission since last 70 years?

ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE
(SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL)

(a) to (c): As per the established practice relating to implementation of earlier Central Pay Commission’s recommendations on allowances, the recommendations of the Seventh Central Pay Commission (7th CPC) on allowances have been implemented prospectively with effect from 01.07.2017.

In view of significant departure from the existing provisions relating to allowances as recommended by the 7th CPC and representations received in this regard, recommendations of the 7th CPC on allowances were referred to a Committee by the Government. After taking into account the recommendations of the Committee on Allowances which submitted its Report on 27.04.2017, the recommendations were approved by the Government on 28.06.2017.

(d) to (f): There is no proposal for revision of the date of implementation of recommendation on allowances. The hike is based on the recommendation of the 7th CPC on allowances, which is commensurate with the rise in Dearness Allowance as has been mentioned by the 7th CPC at Para 8.2.5 (4) of its Report.

Source: Rajya Sabha

Railway Board constitutes committee for revision of Incentive Bonus

Railway Board constitutes committee for revision of Incentive Bonus

Ministry of Railways constituted a committee to examine the issues related to revision of hourly rates of Incentive Bonus and Bonus Factors of Workshops/PUs staff under CRJ Pattern/GIS.

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
RAILWAY BOARD

No.ERB-1/2017/23/39

New Delhi, dated 06/07/2017

ORDER

Ministry of Railways (Railway Board) have decided to constitute a Committee to examine the issues related to revision of hourly rates of Incentive Bonus and Bonus Factors of workshops/PUs staff under CRJ Pattern/GIS. The Committee will consist of the following:-

(i) Executive Director/ME(W), Railway Board - Convener
(ii) Executive Director/PC-II, Railway Board - Member
(iii) Executive Director/F(C), Railway Board - Member

2. The Terms of reference of the Committee will be as under:-

(i) To examine, review, evolve and recommend changes that are desirable and feasible regarding the principles that should govern the payment of Incentive Bonus and Bonus Factors to Workshops/PUs staff under CRJ Pattern/GIS under 7th CPC revised pay structure in respect of the following categories of employees:-

1. SSE/SEs in level 7 supervising the work of staff working on the shop floor.
2. Jr. Engineers(s) in Level 6
3. Sr. Technician in Level 5
4. Tech Gr.I in Level 4
5. Tech. Gr.II in Level 3
6. Tech. Gr.III in Level 2
7. Semi Skilled/Unskilled in Level 1
8. Unskilled in -1S (pre-revised scale).

3. The Committee should submit its report within six months from the date of its construction.

4. The headquarters of the Committee will be at New Delhi.

5. PC-VII Branch of Railway Board will be the nodal Branch for functioning of the Committee. Therefore, all related works/issues including Parl. Questions, RTI cases, their execution and other formalities with regard to the Committee should be dealt with by PC-VII Branch.

6. The Convener and Members of the Committee will draw TA/DA as per extant rules.

sd/-
(M.M.Ravi)
Deputy Secretary (Estt.)
Railway Board

Source: AIRF

Amendments in IPS Pay Rules, 2016

Amendments in IPS (Pay) Rules, 2016-reg.

By Speed Post

No.11047/4/2017-AIS-II 

Government of India Ministry of Personnel, 

Public Grievances and Pension 

Department of Personnel & Training

New Delhi, dated the 17th July, 2017

To 

The Chief Secretaries of all the States/UTs.

Subject: Amendments in IPS (Pay) Rules, 2016-reg.

Sir, I am directed to refer to this department's letter of even number dated the 21st June, 2017 on the above mentioned subject (copy enclosed) seeking therein the comments of the State Governments on the proposed amendments, inter-alia, (i) Probation, (ii) Physical Fitness and (iii) Domain Expertise training programme. The last date for obtaining comments in this department was 2nd July, 2017.

2. However, it has now been decided with the approval of the competent authority to extend the date for receipt of comments from 2nd July, 2017 to 24th July, 2017. All the State Governments are kindly requested to submit their views/comments on the proposed amendments in IPS (Pay) Rules, 2016.

Yours faithfully, 

(Rajesh Kumar Yadav)

Under Secretary to the Government of India
Source: DoPT

Vacant Posts in PSUs

Vacant Posts in PSUs

The recruitment to below Board level posts in Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) is done by the Management of respective CPSEs and the details of vacant posts in CPSEs are not maintained centrally in the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE). However, as per Public Enterprises Survey 2015-16 which was laid on the Table of both the Houses of Parliament on 21.03.2017, the representation of reserved / unreserved categories of employees in the operating CPSEs as on 31.3.2016 was as under:

Total No. of Employees	Representation of SCs/STs/OBCs						Total Reservation (2+4+6)		Others
	SCs No.	%	STs  No.	%	OBCs No.	%	No.	%	No.	%
1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11
1232161	214132	17.38	104888	8.51	205385	16.67	524405	42.56	707756	57.44

CPSEs are under the administrative control of different administrative Ministries / Departments and the compliance of guidelines / statutory provisions in CPSEs including filling up of reserved posts is monitored by the concerned administrative Ministries / Departments and Board of these CPSEs. DPE has also issued instructions from time-to-time to all the administrative Ministries / Departments to advice the CPSEs under their administrative control to take steps to fill up the unfilled / backlog of reserved posts in accordance with the Government instructions.

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

PIB

Government clarifies that accommodation in any hotel, including 5-star hotels, having a declared tariff of a unit of accommodation of less than INR 7500 per unit per day, will attract GST @ 18%

Government clarifies that accommodation in any hotel, including 5-star hotels, having a declared tariff of a unit of accommodation of less than INR 7500 per unit per day, will attract GST @ 18% ; Star rating of hotels is, therefore, irrelevant for determining the applicable rate of GST. 

Reports have been received expressing doubts whether 5-star Hotels are liable to pay GST @ 28% irrespective of the declared tariff of a unit of accommodation.

In this context, it is hereby clarified that accommodation in any hotel, including 5-star hotels, having a declared tariff of a unit of accommodation of less than INR 7500 per unit per day, will attract GST @ 18%. Star rating of hotels is, therefore, irrelevant for determining the applicable rate of GST.

PIB

Ex-Servicemen Status for Ex-NDA Cadets

Ex-Servicemen Status for Ex-NDA Cadets

26 cadets were declared medically unfit and withdrawn from training due to injuries during the last three years and the current year as per details given below:-

Spring Term 2014 - 05

Autumn Term 2014 - 01

Spring Term 2015 - 07

Autumn Term 2015 - 04

Spring Term 2016 - 01

Autumn Term 2016 - 06

Spring Term 2017 - 02

Autumn Term 2017 - NIL

NDA cadets who are medically boarded out are not being granted Ex-servicemen (ESM) status as the NDA cadets are not yet commissioned as officers and are therefore not counted as "Servicemen".

Government is implementing schemes for the welfare of NDA cadets . The following schemes are being implemented:

    Ex-Gratia Awards in cases of Disablement:- The cadet on being medically boarded out is entitled for following benefits:-
    Ex-gratia amount - Rs. 3,500/- p.m.
    Ex-gratia disability award - Rs. 6,300/- p.m. (100% disability).
    Constant Attendance Allowance - Rs. 3,000/- p.m. (100% disability as recommended in invaliding medical board).

AGIF Insurance Cover for NDA Cadets:-

    Disability:- Rs. 7.5 Lakhs for 100 percent disability proportionately reduced to Rs.1.5 lakhs for 20 % disability.
    Ex-gratia Grant:- Rs. 50,000/- per cadet being invalided out with less than 20% of disability in the first two years of training and Rs. 1 lakh for cadets if invalided out with less than 20% of disability during the last year of training.

Preference in Employment in the Government Jobs: Cadets who are invalidated out on medical grounds attributable to military training are accorded Priority-1 for the purpose of employment in Government service.

The cadet consequent to his injury is provided free medical treatment in Military Hospital, Command Hospital and Research & Referral Hospital, Delhi. The cadet is only invalidated out in the medical board if he does not recover from the injury and is found unfit for further military training with the aforesaid treatment. The data on expenditure incurred on such treatment is not maintained.

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

PIB