Reimbursement of Tuition Fee

Clarification on Reimbursement of Tuition Fee and Hostel Charges provided to the children of Armed Forces Officers / PBORs missing / disabled / killed in action

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO:5354
ANSWERED ON: 28.03.2018

Reimbursement of Tuition Fee

RAJAN BABURAO VICHARE
Will the Minister of

DEFENCE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government has curtailed the reimbursement of tuition and hostel fees provided to the children of working and retired armed forces personnel including martyred, disabled and missing soldiers / officers;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor along with the likely saving in Government exchequer as a result thereof;

(c) whether servicemen and ex-servicemen are distressed by the Government decision;

(d) if so, whether the Government proposes to reconsider the decision; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE (DR. SUBHASH BHAMRE)
IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

(a) Yes, Madam.

(b) The combined amount of tuition fee and hostel charges provided to the children of Armed Forces Officers / PBORs missing / disabled / killed in action has been capped at Rs.10,000 p.m. in accordance with the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission (7th CPC) as accepted by the Government.

Keeping in view that both the number of students and the tuition / hostel fee are open-ended, no fixed / uniform amount of savings can be indicated. Out of total reported 2679 students during the year 2017-18, 193 students have been reported to be drawing more than the capped amount of tuition / hostel fee and savings have been reported to be Rs.3.20 crore (Approximately).

(c) Representations have been received for removal of cap of Rs.10,000 p.m. on combined amount of tuition fee / hostel charges from some of the affected beneficiaries.

(d) & (e): The Government has decided to continue the educational concession without the cap of Rs.10,000 p.m.

Read in Hindi

Source: Lok Sabha

Empanelment and De-Panelling of Private Hospitals under CGHS

Empanelment and De-Panelling of Private Hospitals under CGHS

CGHS empanels eligible private hospitals as and when they apply and sign Memorandum of Agreement as per terms and conditions of empanelment under tender process/continuous empanelment scheme.

Some private hospitals have opted out of CGHS. The details are at Annexure.

The above statement said in a written reply to a question in Parliament on 20.3.2018 by the Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey.

No.	CITY	No. of Hospitals opted out from CGHS during the last 3 years	Names of Hospitals	Reasons for opting out
1	AHMEDABAD	3	(i) Nidhi Hospital (ii) Anand surgical (iii) Sidhi Vinayak	Due to technical problem and delay in payment.
2	BANGALORE	3	(i) Vasan Eye Care, Nagarbhavi	Change in Management
			(ii) Medihope Super Speciality Hospital	Inability to provide certain service
			(iii) Shirdi Sai Hospital Pvt. Ltd.	Due to renovation
3	CHANDIGARH	1	Centre For Sight	Low CGHS rates.
4	GUWAHATI	4	(i) Guwahati Neurological Research Centre Hospital	Due to technical reasons
			(ii) International Hospitals
			(iii) Nemcare Hospitals
			(iv) Primus imaging Pvt. Ltd.
5	NAGPUR	3	(i) Suretech Eye Hospital	Did not want QCI recommendation to continue.
			(ii) Suretech Diagnostic Centre
			(iii) Zenith Hospital
6.	PUNE	16	(i) Bhandari Dental Clinic	Low CGHS rates for dental procedure
			(ii) Ace Hospital	Could not obtain QCI recommendation
			(iii) Sant Dyaneshwar Hospital	Could not obtain QCI recommendation
			(iv) Sai Sneha Hospital	Could not obtain QCI recommendation
			(v) Colony Nursing Home	Could not obtain QCI recommendation
			(vi) Sangamerkar Hospital	Could not obtain QCI recommendation
			(vii) Ruby Hall Clinic	Delay in payment
			(viii) Ruby Hall Clinic Wanowarie	Delay in payment
			(ix) Sahydari Hospital Nagar Rd.	Delay in payment
			(x) Shyadri Hospital Karve Rd	Delay in payment
			(xi) Janagir Hospital	Delay in payment
			(xii) Meivision Diagnostic Centre	Could not obtain QCI recommendation
			(xiii) Rakshak Hospital	Could not obtain QCI recommendation
			(xiv) Dhanashree Hospital	Could not obtain QCI recommendation
			(xv) Kavade Nursing Home	Could not obtain QCI recommendation
			(xvi) Vasan Eye Hospital	Change in Management.
7	DELHI & NCR	10	(i) Deepak Memorial Hospital	No reasons specified by the hospitals for opting out.
			(ii) Delhi Max Hospital, Pitampura
			(iii) Dr. A. Lalchandani pathology laboratories
			(iv) Mahajan Imaging Centre, Pusa Road, New Delhi
			(v) Mahajan Imaging Centre, B1, Vasant Kunj
			(vi) Dr. P. Bhasin path Lab (p) Ltd, Dwarka, New Delhi.
			(vii) Alchemist Hospital, Gurgaon
			(viii) Max Hospital, Gurgaon.
			(ix) Max Hospital, Noida
			(x) Apex Diagnostic, Gurgaon
			TOTAL 40

Recognition of Ex-Servicemen's Association - DESW Orders

Recognition of Ex-Servicemen's Association - DESW Orders

No. 28(86)2017/D (Res-I)
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
Department of Ex-servicemen Welfare

Sena Bhawan, New Delhi
Dated the 6th March, 2018.

To
Directorate General Resettlement
West Block IV, Wing 5,
R.K.Puram, New Delhi-110066.

Subject: Recognition of Ex-Servicemen's Association

Sir,
I am directed to refer to this Ministry’s letter No. 9(37)92/US(WE)/D(Res) dated 31.1.1996, on the subject mentioned above and to revise the guidelines for formation and conduct of Ex-Servicemen Associations and their recognition. The Associations will be accorded recognition subject to their fulfillment of revised conditions as under:-

(a) The Associations should be registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. The state chapters of the said Ex-Servicemen Association too should be registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. The Association should have been formed with aims and objectives of promoting the common interest of Ex-Servicemen and should have well defined bye-laws and rules approved by the Registrar of the Societies under the Societies Registration Act, 1860

(b) The Associations should have a minimum membership of One Lakh. This membership, however, in case of associations exclusively of Naval Ex-Servicemen or exclusively of Air Force Ex-Servicemen should not have less than ten thousand members. War widows Associations and Disabled War Veterans Associations will be exempted from the criteria of minimum membership.

(c) The Associations formed shall be with the sole intent of projection of grievances / recommendations / problems of Ex-Servicemen and for their amelioration to the Government through its Offices. The Ex-Servicemen Associations will not imply any right to negotiate to the problems/grievances of the Ex-Servicemen.

(d) The Associations in no case should be formed on religious, social, linguistic, area and caste lines. They should be apolitical in nature with no affiliation or contiguity to any Political party or political Association. The Ex-Servicemen Associations shall not espouse any political or religious thoughts to its members or the society, nor should it be in possession of or maintaining any fund amassed through political or religious leaders.

(e) The membership should be comprised exclusively of ESM and they should not be involved in any type of criminal activity/proceedings in any Court of Law.

(f) No other source of fund is allowed to be collected by the Association except subscriptions.

(g) The Associations should not be associated with any Foreign Government or Company / conglomerate and any foreign Governments. Under no circumstances should the association accept any donations/pecuniary benefits from any foreign concern/entity.

(h) The Association shall in not way enter into any communication with any foreign entity. All such correspondences are to be exclusively channelized through the Government and the Government shall have the prerogative to withhold it, if it so deems necessary.

(i) The Acts, charter and conduct of the Ex-Servicemen Associations should not be for anti-Government activities or for acts prejudicial to national interest and security.

(j) The Association shall submit an undertaking affirming its faith in democratic principles and binding itself to resort only to the lawful activities for representing the Ex-Servicemen’s problems.

(k) The Association shall not raise issues in the interest of any caste, tribe or religious denomination.

(l) The Association shall not maintain any political fund or lend itself to the propagation of the view of any political party or a member of such party.

(m) The Association shall be composed of Ex-Servicemen, widows and their next of kin only.

(n) The Association should have a Pan India presence i.e., the Ex-Servicemen Association should be of all India Character and should have adequate number of branches at State and District level. Its Office bearers should be composed of a mix of personnel of all three servies and ranks. The Composite Associations representing Ex-Servicemen of the three services should have a balance of tri service representation and also balanced representation of all ranks i.e. Officers, JCOs and OR and equivalent rank of the Army, Navy and Air Force. The Associations shall submit duly verified list of its members and Office bearers once every year to Directorate General of Resettlement (DGR) after their Annual General Meeting.

(o) The Association shall have duly elected body of office bearers from amongst its members only, valid for a specified period.

(p) The Association shall have a Constitution/bye laws and its functioning should be strictly in accordance with the said charter of its adopted Constitution/bye laws.

(q) Any amendment in the constitution/bye laws of the Association, after its recognition under these rules, shall be made only with the prior approval of the Government, if the recognition is to be continued thereafter.

(r) The Association shall endeavour to hold at least one Annual Body Meeting every year, and the dates and schedule of which should be duly notified in advance to its members and its Office bearers with the proposed agenda points.

(s) The Association shall maintain only one bank account for its operations. The persons authorized to operate these bank accounts shall be selected in its annual general body meetings. Changes, if any, at any later date(s) shall be with consensus and by a majority selection.

(t) The Association shall have its accounts checked every year by a registered Chartered Accountant and copy of the audited accounts, as well as its annual report should be made available to DGR within thirty days of such check for information and scrutiny.

(u) The Association shall inform the Government of all accounts operated by it on all social media platform and only the authorized Office bearers of the association are permitted to post messages on such sites. No offensive posts are to be posted. The Office bearers are to familiarize themselves with Indian IT Act prior to operating any such account.

(v) The Association shall not publish any periodicals, journal, magazines, bulletins etc. without the prior consent of the Government. In no case writings of defamatory nature, vilifying any individuals, group of individuals, private sources and Government shall be permitted to be printed in such publishings. The publishings shall in no way disrupt any ties of the Government with any State Government/foreign concern/Government or any Government authority. The publishing shall also not be inimical to the Government or to the Society. The copies of all such periodicals, bulletins and magazines, journals (as the case may be) shall be supplied by the Association to the Department of ESW, DGR and KSB.

(w) The communication addressed by the Association or any office bearers on its behalf to the Government or Government authority shall not contain any disrespectful or improper language.

(x) In any communications addressed to the Government or in any panel on any national/regional television channels, it shall be ensured that the choice of language used is respectful and not defamatory of the Government or its agencies and such appearances should not be a tool to ignite passions for any particular agenda.

(y) The Association shall not indulge in any Commercial activity with the objective of generating any income/profits.

2. The Associations, including the existing ones, desirous of being considered for recognition may apply to the office of the DGR, West Block IV, Wing-5, R.K. Puram, New Delhi-110066 with documentary proofs in support of and fulfillment of the conditions of recognition as mentioned above along with Memorandum of Understanding, Constitution, Bye Laws, Names and address of Office bearers, membership, certificate of registration by the Registrar of Societies. Any false representations and/or any false documents/evidences submitted shall make the concerned association liable for permanent rejection and penal action.

3. Verification of the membership of the Association as Ex-Servicemen Association shall be carried out through the DGR.

4. The recognition will not entitle any Association or any person concerned with it to any financial or other assistance from the Government.

5. The recognition to the Association shall be subject to its adherence of its Constitution, Bye Laws and observance and fullfillment of the conditions and criteria as laid down in the guidelines.They are to be followed in letter and spirit and the said membership can be revoked by the Government if any of the associations fail to comply with the guidelines.

6. Only the authorized persons as detailed by the Ex-Servicemen Associations shall be permitted to deal with the Government and/or submit application/letters. The associations shall, however, see that causes of individual nature of Ex-Servicemen are not espoused/supported.

7. The Government may dispense with or relax the requirements of any of these rules to such extent and subject to such conditions as it may deem fit in regard to any Association.

Yours faithfully,
(Manmohan Pipil)
Deputy Secretary to the Government of India

Gratuity Ceiling Amendment - Gratuity Payment, Date and Maternity Leave

Gratuity Ceiling Amendment - Gratuity Payment, Date and Maternity Leave

Gratuity Ceiling Amendment Notifications issued by Government of India regarding Upper limit of Gratuity Payment, Date on which come into force and Maximum Period of Maternity Leave…

MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

NOTIFICATION

New Delhi, the 29th March, 2018

S.O. 1419(E).- In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of section 1 of the Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Act, 2018 (12 of 2018), the Central Government hereby appoints the 29th day of March, 2018 as the date on which the said Act shall come into force.

[No.S-42012/02/2016-SS-II]
MANISH GUPTA, Jt. Secy.

NOTIFICATION

New Delhi, the 29th March, 2018

S.O. 1420 (E).- In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (3) of section 4 of the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 (39 of 1972), the Central Government hereby specifies that the amount of gratuity payable to an employee under the said Act shall not exceed twenty lakh rupees.

[No.S-42012/02/2016-SS-II]
MANISH GUPTA, Jt. Secy.

NOTIFICATION

New Delhi, the 29th March, 2018

S.O. 1421 (E).- In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (iv) of the Explanation to sub-section (2) of section 2A of the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 (39 of 1972), the Central Government hereby specifies for the purposes of the said clause that the total period of maternity leave in the case of a female employee shall not exceed twenty-six weeks.

[No.S-42012/02/2016-SS-II]
MANISH GUPTA, Jt. Secy.

Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Act, 2018 brought in force on 29th March, 2018

Gratuity ceiling raised to 20 Lakhs w.e.f. 29.3.2018

Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Act, 2018 brought in force on 29th March, 2018

Decision: The Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2018 has been passed by Lok Sabha on 15th March, 2018 and by the Rajya Sabha on 22nd March, 2018, has been brought in force on 29th March, 2018.

Background: The Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 applies to establishments employing 10 or more persons. The main purpose for enacting this Act is to provide social security to workman after retirement, whether retirement is a result of superannuation, or physical disablement or impairment of vital part of the body. Therefore, the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 is an important social security legislation to wage earning population in industries, factories and establishments.

2. The present upper ceiling on gratuity amount under the Act is Rs. 10 Lakh. The provisions for Central Government employees under Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972 with regard to gratuity are also similar. Before implementation of 7th Central Pay Commission, the ceiling under CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 was Rs. 10 Lakh. However, with implementation of 7th Central Pay Commission, in case of Government servants, the ceiling has been raised to Rs. 20 Lakhs.

3. Therefore, considering the inflation and wage increase even in case of employees engaged in private sector, this Government decided that the entitlement of gratuity should also be revised in respect of employees who are covered under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972. Accordingly, the Government initiated the process for amendment to Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 to increase the maximum limit of gratuity to such amount as may be notified by the Central Government from time to time. Now, the Government has issued the notification specifying the maximum limit to Rs. 20 Lakh.

4. In addition, the Bill also envisages to amend the provisions relating to calculation of continuous service for the purpose of gratuity in case of female employees who are on maternity leave from ‘twelve weeks’ to ‘such period as may be notified by the Central Government from time to time’. This period has also been notified as twenty six weeks.

Major Impact: The Bill as passed by both the Houses of Parliament, and assented to by the Hon'ble President and notified by the Government. This will ensure harmony amongst employees in the private sector and in Public Sector Undertakings/ Autonomous Organizations under Government who are not covered under CCS (Pension) Rules. These employees will be entitled to receive higher amount of gratuity at par with their counterparts in Government sector.

Source: PIB

RBI Circular: Banks to remain open till 8 pm on 31.3.2018

RBI Circular: Banks to remain open till 8 pm on 31.3.2018

"All agency banks should keep the counters of their designated branches conducting government banking open for government transactions up to 8.00 p.m. on March 31, 2018"

Annual Closing of Government Accounts - Transactions of Central / State Governments - Special Measures for the Current Financial Year (2017-18)

RBI/2017-18/144
DGBA.GBD.No.2388/42.01.029/2017-18

March 27, 2018

All agency banks

Dear Sir / Madam
Annual Closing of Government Accounts - Transactions of Central / State Governments - Special Measures for the Current Financial Year (2017-18)

The Government of India has desired that all government transactions with banks for Financial Year 2017-18 must be accounted for within the same financial year and has requested that, as in previous years, certain special arrangements be made for this purpose. Accordingly, all agency banks should keep the counters of their designated branches conducting government banking open for government transactions up to 8.00 p.m. on March 31, 2018. All electronic transactions, including RTGS and NEFT, will continue till midnight on March 31, 2018. Banks may give adequate publicity to the special arrangements made.

Yours faithfully

(Partha Choudhuri)
General Manager

Source: www.rbi.org.in

DoPT: Grant of vigilance clearance for obtaining passport

DoPT: Grant of vigilance clearance for obtaining passport

F.No.11012/7/2017-Estt.A-III
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension
Department of Personnel & Training
Establishment A-III Desk

North Block, New Delhi - 110001
Dated 28th March, 2018

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Grant of vigilance clearance for obtaining passport.

The undersigned is directed to say that matter regarding guidelines for granting vigilance clearance to members of the Central Civil Service holding Central Civil Posts have been reviewed and it has been decided to lay down guidelines for grant of vigilance clearance to the Government servant for obtaining Indian Passport.

2. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued the guidelines for issuance of ordinary Passport to the Government servant vide O.M. No. VI/401/01/05/2014 dated 26.05.2015 in connection with procedures to be the followed in case of passport to be issued to Government servant.

3. In view of the above, it is mandatory for the administrative Department/Controlling Authority to check whether any provision of the Section 6(2) of the Passport Act, 1967 are attracted in the case of employee, who are working under them, while obtaining Indian Passport. As such, it is required to check the vigilance clearance of such Government servant.

4. Accordingly, it has been decided that vigilance clearance can be withheld only under the following circumstances:

(i) The officer is under suspension;
(ii) A charge sheet has been issued against the officer in a disciplinary proceeding and the proceeding is pending.
(iii) Charge sheet has been filed in a Court by the investigating Agency in a criminal case and the case is pending.
(iv) Sanction for investigation or prosecution has been granted by the Competent Authority in a case under the PC Act or any other criminal matter.
(v) An FIR has been filed or a case has been registered by any Government entity against the officer, after a preliminary fact finding inquiry.
(vi) The officer is involved in a trap/ raid case on charges of corruption and investigation is pending.

5. Vigilance clearance shall not be withheld due to an FIR filed on the basis of a private complaint unless a charge-sheet has been filed by the investigating agency provided that there are no directions to the contrary by a competent court of law. However, the information regarding FIR may be provided to the Passport Office. The final decision will be taken by the concerned Passport Issuing Authority.

6. There may be situations wherein wards and relatives of the civil servants residing abroad (for education and other purposes) could be having medical emergencies or family events. The officer himself/ herself may require to visit abroad for medical reasons. Therefore, as a policy, ordinarily, a passport will not be granted if a disciplinary proceeding is pending against the officer. However, the competent authority can take a view wherein a foreign travel is necessitated due to extreme urgent situation like medical emergencies etc. on case to case basis.

7. All Ministries/ Departments/Offices are requested to bring the above guidelines to the notice of all Disciplinary Authorities under their control.

8. Hindi version will follow.

sd/-
(Sanjiv Kumar)
Deputy Secretary to the Government of India

Source: http://dopt.gov.in/

LTC to Railway employees (and Government servants whose spouses are Railway servants)

LTC to Railway employees (and Government servants whose spouses are Railway servants)

No.31011/1512017-Estt.A-IV
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training
Establishment A-IV Desk

North Block New Delhi
Dated March 27, 2018

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: LTC to Railway employees (and Government servants whose spouses are Railway servants)

The undersigned is directed to say that as per extant LTC instructions, Government servants and their spouses who are working in Indian Railways are not entitled for the facility of LTC as the facility of "Free Pass" is available to them. However, Seventh CPC in its report has recommended for bringing Railway employees (and employees whose spouses are Railway servants) into the fold of LTC.

2 The matter has been considered in this Department in consultation With Ministry of Railways. It has been decided that Railway employees may be allowed to avail All lndia LTC once in a block of four years under CCS(LTC) Rules, 1988, subject to the following conditions·

(i) The railway employees shall continue to be governed fully by the Railway Servants (Pass) Rules only and availing of "All India LTC" under CCS (LTC) Rules by them will be facilitated through a Special Order under the relevant provision of the said Pass Rules.

(ii) "All India LTC" will be purely optional for the railway employees.

(iii) Even after availing "All India LTC" in a year, it will not be mandatory for the railway employee to opt for "All India LTC" 1n the next or subsequent block years

(iv) No "Home Town LTC" will be admissible to Railway employees and on the same analogy, no Home Town converted LTC shall be allowed to them.

(v) The railway employees will surrender the Privilege Passes admissible to them In the calendar year in which they intend to avail the LTC facility. However they would continue to be eligible for Privilege Ticket Orders and other kinds of Passes viz., Duty Pass. School Pass, Special Passes on Medical grounds. etc., as admissible under the Pass rules. Further, if the railway employee has already availed of a Privilege Pass, then LTC will not be allowed in that year.

(vi) The railway employees on deputation to any other organization, Including Railway PSUs, would also continue to be eligible for optional LTC in lieu of Privilege Pass entitlement.

(vii) The definition of beneficiaries e g members of family, dependents etc. and other conditions as laid down in the CCS(L TC) rules will be applicable for availing 'All India LTC' facility by the railway employees even if such beneficiaries are not entitled for Privilege Pass under the Pass Rules.

(viii) If both spouses are Railway employees then both will surrender admissible in the calendar year, if they opt for All India LTC.

(ix) In case of the Government employees whose spouse is working In Railways, want to avail All India LTC, either Independently or with family members, then he/she they may be allowed subject to the condition of surrendering privilege passes admissible in that calendar year for him/her/them and an undertaking in this regard shall be
given by the Government servant to his office

3. Hindi version will follow.

sd/-
(Sanjiv Kumar)
Deputy Secretary to the Government of India

Source: AIRF

Defence Hospitals

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Defence

Defence Hospitals

28 MAR 2018

There are 112 Military Hospitals, 12 Air Force Hospitals and 9 Naval Hospitals in the country. The State / UT wise number of such hospitals, along with location is as under:

S.No.	STATE	Number of Armed Forces Hospitals
		Army	Navy	Air
1	Andhra Pradesh		1 (INHS Kalyani, Vishakhapatnam)	1 (14AFH Hyderabad)
2	Arunachal Pradesh	1 (181 MH Tenga)
3	Assam	6 (151 BH (Guwahati), 155 BH (Tezpur), 160MH (Silchar), 162 MH (Dinjan), 180 MH (Missamari), 188 MH (Likabali)		1 (5AFH Jorhat)
4	Bihar	2 (MH Danapur, MH Gaya)
5	Goa	1 (MH Panaji)	1 (INHS Jeevanti, Vasco da Gama)
6	Gujarat	5 (MH Ahmedabad, MH Baroda, MH Bhuj, MH Dharangandhara, MH Jamnagar)
7	Haryana	3 (MH Ambala, Comd Hosp (WC) Chandimandir, MH Hissar)
8	Himachal Pradesh	6 (MH Kasuali, MH Shimla, MH Bakloh, MH Dalhousie, MH Palampur, MH Yol)
9	Jammu & Kashmir	11 (171MH Samba, Comd Hosp NC Udhampur, MH Doda, MH Kargil, 92BH Srinagar, 150GH Rajouri, 153 GH Leh, 166MH Jammu, 168MH Tangdhar, 169MH Surakot, 170MH Akhnoor)
10	Jharkhand	2 (MH Namkum, MH Ramgarh)
11	Karnataka	1 (MH Belgaum)	1 (INHS Patanjali, Karwar)	1 (Commd Hosp AF CHAFB)
12	Kerala	3 (MH Cannonore, MH Trivandrum, MH Wellignton)	2 (INHS Sanjivani, INHS Navjivani)
13	Madhya Pradesh	6 (MH Bhopal, MH Gwalior, MH Saugor, MH Jabalpur, MH Mhow, MH Pachmari)		1 (3AFH Amla)
14	Maharashtra	9 ((MH Ahmednagar, MH Aurangabad, MH Deviali, MH Kamptee, MH Khadakvasal, MH Kirkee, Comd Hosp SC Pune, MH CTC Pune, MH Pulgaon))	2 (INHS Asvini Mumbai, INHS Kasturi Lonavala)
15	Manipur	1 (183 MH Leimakong)
16	Meghalaya	1 (MH Shillong)
17	Nagaland	2 (154 GH Zakhama, 165MH Dimarpur)
18	Odisha	1 (MH Gopalpur)	1 (INHS Nivarani, Chilka)
19	Punjab	9 (MH Amritsar, MH Jalandhar, MH Patiala, 159GH Ferozpur, 167MH Pathankot, 172 Gurdaspur, 173MH Faridkot, 174MH Baathinda, 175MH Abohar)		1 (9AFH Halawara)
20	Rajasthan	10 (MH Jodhpur, MH Nasirabad, 177MH Jalipa, 185MH Udaipur, MH Alwar, MH Jaipur, MH Kota, 176MH Sri Ganganagar, 184MH Suratgarh, 187MH Bikaner)		1 (15AFH Jaisalmer)
21	Sikkim	1 (178MH Gangtok)
22	Tamil Nadu	2 (MH Avadi, MH Chennai)		1 (6AFH Coimbatore)
23	Telangana	2 (MH Golconda, MH Secundrabad)
24	Tripura	1 (182MH Agartala)
25	Uttarkhand	5 (MH Dehradun, MH Lansdowne, MH Ranikhet, MH Roorkee, 161MH Pithorgarh)
26	Uttar Pradesh	12 (MH Babina, MH Jhansi, MH Agra, MH Allahabad, MH Bareilly, BH Lucknow, Comd Hosp (CC) Lucknow, MH Faizabad, MH Fatehgarh, MH Mathura, MH Meerut MH Varanasi)		3 (7AFH Kanpur, 11AFH Hindon, 12AFH Gorkhpur)
27	West Bengal	7 (BH Barrackpore, Comd Hosp (EC) Kolkata, MH Panagarh, 158BH Bendubi, 163MH Lebong, 164MH Binaguri, 179MH Kalimpong)		2 (4AFH Kalakunda, 10AFH Hasimara)
28	Andaman & Nicobar Islands		1 (INHS Dhanvantari, Portblair)
29	Delhi	2 (Army Hosp (R&R), BH Delhi Cantt).

This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to ShriAshwini Kumarin Lok Sabha today.

Source: PIB

Pensioners Portal at EPFO website

EPFO

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Labour & Employment

Pensioner's Portal at EPFO website

 28 MAR 2018

EPFO has launched the pensioner's portal https://mis.epfindia.gov.in/PensionPaymentEnquiry. The pensioner's portal is recently launched service, available at EPFO website by which all EPFO pensioners may get the details of pension related information like Pension payment order number, Pensioner's Payment Order details, Pensioner's passbook information & other related information such as date of credit of pension, submission of pensioner's life certificate etc.

It is helpful to know the status of their life certificate, in case of non-submission/rejection of life certificate of the pensioners. It also provides the details and the reason of stoppage of pension.

Track e KYC:
The enhanced "Track eKYC" facility for the convenience of members have been launched to check the status of Aadhaar seeded against their UAN and to figure out the specific mismatch details.
The facility has been made available at EPFO's website www.epfindia.gov.in >> Online Services >> e-KYC Portal>> TRACK eKYC.

Using the facility, EPFO members can online track the status of Aadhaar seeded against his/ her UAN. While using the facility, the member will have to provide his/her UAN. After entering his/ her UAN the member can click the "Track eKYC" button and the exact status in respect of his/her UAN will be displayed on the screen.

Source : PIB

Expected DA July 2018: AICPIN for Feb 2018

Expected DA July 2018: AICPIN for Feb 2018

Press Release of All India Consumer Price Index for the month of February 2018 has been released by Labour Bureau on 28.3.2018. The index decreased by one point and stands at 287.

No.5/1/2018-CPI
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT
LABOUR BUREAU

'CLEREMONT', SHIMLA-171004
DATED: 28th March, 2018

Press Release

Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) - February, 2018

The All-India CPI-IW for February, 2018 decreased by 1 point and pegged at 287 (two hundred and eighty seven). On 1-month percentage change, it decreased by (-) 0.35 per cent between January and February, 2018 which was static between the two months a year back.

The maximum downward pressure to the change in current index came from Food group contributing (-) 1.87 points to the total change. At item level, Wheat & Wheat Atta, Gram Dal, Groundnut Oil, Egg (hen), Poultry (Chicken), Pure Ghee, Garlic, Onion, Brinjal, Cabbage Carrot, Cauliflower, Palak, Peas, Tomato, Sugar, Flowers/Flower Garlands. etc. are responsible for the decrease in index. However, this decrease was checked by Rice, Goat Meat, Apple, Banana, Coconut, Tea Leaf, Bidi, Cigraette, Electricity Charges, Kerosene Oil, Medicine (Allopathic), Cinema Charges, Bus Fare, Petrol, Repair Charges, Hair Oil, Hand Bag/Brief Case, Tailoring Charges, etc., putting upward pressure on the index.

The year-on-year inflation uneasured by monthly CPI-IW stood at 4.74 per cent for February, 2018 as compared to 5.11 per cent for the previous month and 2.62 per cent during the corresponding month of the previous year. Similarly, the food inflation stood at 2.36 per cent against 3.36 per of the previous month and 1.71 per cent during the corresponding month of the previous year.
At centre level, Bokaro reported the maximum decrease of 5 points followed by Mumbai (4 points). Among others, 3 points decrease was observed in 16 centers, 2 points in 14 centres and 1 point in 16 centres. On the contrary, Coimbatore and Jamshedpur recorded a maximum increase of 4 points each followed by Lucknow, Goa and Chennai (3 points each). Among others, 2 points increase was observed in 3 centres and 1 point in 4 centres. Rest or the 18 centres indices remained stationary.
The indices of 38 centres are above All-India Index and 37 centers’ indices are below national average. The index of Varanasi, Bengaluru and Chandigarh centres remained at par with All-India Index.

The next issue of CPI-IW for the month of March, 2018 will released on Friday 27th April, 2018. The same will also be available the on the office website www.labourbureaunew.gov.in.

sd/-
(AMRIT LAL JANGID)
DEPUTY DIRECTOR

Source: http://labourbureaunew.gov.in/

Income Tax benefits In Sukanya Samriddhi Account (SSA)

Income Tax benefits In Sukanya Samriddhi Account (SSA)

(i) Sukanya Samriddhi Account has been specified under clause (viii) of Sub Section (2) of Section 80(C) of Income Tax Act 1961 and deposits under these accounts enjoy benefit of this Income Tax Section up to the overall maximum limit of Rs. One lakh Fifty Thousand (1,50,000).

(ii) By Finance Act 2015, a new clause (11A) has been inserted under Section 10 of Income Tax Act 1961 under which any amount withdrawn from Sukanya Samriddhi Account will not be included in the total income of a previous year of a person for the purpose of calculation of Income Tax.

(iii) By Finance Act 2015, a new clause (ba) has been inserted under clause (viii) of sub-section 4 of Section SOC of Income Tax Act 1961 under which a Legal Guardian can claim Income Tax benefit for the amount deposited by him or his/her girl child under the Sukanya Samriddhi Account.

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
(CENTRAL BOARD OF DIRECT TAXES)
NOTIFICATION NO. 09/2015
INCOME-TAX

Dated - 21st January, 2015

In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (viii) of sub-section (2) of section (2) of section 80C of the Income-tax Act, 1961 (43 of 1961), the Central Government hereby specifies the 'Sukanya Samriddhi Account' for the purposes of the said clause.

This notification shall come into force with effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.

[F.NO.178/3/2015-ITA-1]

Dearness Allowance applicable w.e.f. 1.1.2018 to employees of Central Government and Central Autonomous Bodies continuing to draw their pay in the pre-revised pay scale/Grade Pay as per 6th Central Pay Commission

6th CPC DA Order: Enhanced from 139% to 142%

Rate of Dearness Allowance applicable w.e.f. 1.1.2018 to employees of Central Government and Central Autonomous Bodies continuing to draw their pay in the pre-revised pay scale/Grade Pay as per 6th Central Pay Commission.

No.1/3/2008-E.II(B)
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure

New Delhi, dated the 28th March, 2018.

Office Memorandum

Subject: Rate of Dearness Allowance applicable w.e.f. 1.1.2018 to employees of Central Government and Central Autonomous Bodies continuing to draw their pay in the pre-revised pay scale/Grade Pay as per 6th Central Pay Commission.

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department's O.M. of even No. dated 26th September, 2017 regarding revision of the rate of Dearness Allowance w.e.f 1.7.2017 in respect of employees of Central Government and Central Autonomous Bodies continuing to draw their pay in the pre-revised pay scale/Grade Pay as per 6th Central Pay Commission.

2. The rate of DA admissible to above categories of employees of Central Government and Central Autonomous Bodies shall be enhanced from the existing 139% to 142% w.e.f. 1.1.2018.

3. The provisions contained in paras 3, 4 and 5 of this Ministry's O.M.No.1 (3)/2008-E.11(B) dated 29th August, 2008 shall continue to be applicable while regulating Dearness Allowance under these orders.

4. The contents of this Office Memorandum may also be brought to the notice of all organisations under the administrative control of the Ministries/Departments which have adopted the Central Government scales of pay.

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

Source: www.doe.gov.in

Dearness Allowance to the employees of Central Government & Central Autonomous Bodies drawing pay as per 5th CPC - Revised Rates effective from 01.01.2018

Dearness Allowance to the employees of Central Government & Central Autonomous Bodies drawing pay as per 5th CPC - Revised Rates effective from 01.01.2018

5th CPC DA Order: Enhanced from 268% to 274%

No.1/3/2008-E.II(B)
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure

New Delhi, dated the 28th March, 2018

Office Memorandum

Subject: Rate of Dearness Allowance applicable w.e.f. 01.01.2018 to employees of Central Government and Central Autonomous Bodies continuing to draw their pay in the pre-revised pay scales as per 5th Central Pay Commission

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department's O.M. of even No. dated 26th September, 2017 regarding revision of the rate of Dearness Allowance w.e.f. 1.7.2017 in respect of employees of Central Government and Central Autonomous Bodies continuing to draw their pay in the pre-revised pay scales as per 5th Central Pay Commission.

2. The rate of DA admissible to above categories of employees of Central Government and Central Autonomous Bodies shall be enhanced from the existing 268% to 274% w.e.f. 1.1.2018.

3. The provisions contained in paras 3, 4 and 5 of this Ministry’s O.M.No.1(13)/97-E.11(B) dated 3rd October, 1997 shall continue to be applicable while regulating Dearness Allowance under these orders.

4. The contents of this Office Memorandum may also be brought to the notice of all organisations under the administrative control of the Ministries/Departments which have adopted the Central Government scales of pay.

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

Source: www.doe.gov.in

Grant of vigilance clearance for obtaining passport

Grant of vigilance clearance for obtaining passport

F. No. 11012/7/2017-Estt.A-III
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension
Department of Personnel & Training
Establishment A-III Desk

North Block, New Delhi - 110001
Dated 28th March, 2018

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Grant of vigilance clearance for obtaining passport.

The undersigned is directed to say that matter regarding guidelines for granting vigilance clearance to members of the Central Civil Service holding Central Civil Posts
have been reviewed and it has been decided to lay down guidelines for grant of vigilance clearance to the Government servant for obtaining Indian Passport.

2. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued the guidelines for issuance of ordinary Passport to the Government servant vide O.M. No. VI/401/01/05/2014 dated 26.05.2015 in connection with procedures to be the followed in case of passport to be issued to Government servant.

3. In view of the above, it is mandatory for the administrative Department/Controlling Authority to check whether any provision of the Section 6(2) of the Passport Act, 1967 are attracted in the case of employee, who are working under them, while obtaining Indian Passport. As such, it is required to check the vigilance clearance of such Government servant.

4. Accordingly, it has been decided that vigilance clearance can be withheld only under the following circumstances:

(i) The officer is under suspension;

(ii) A charge sheet has been issued against the officer in a disciplinary proceeding and
the proceeding is pending.

(iii) Charge sheet has been filed in a Court by the investigating Agency in a criminal case and the case is pending.

(iv) Sanction for investigation or prosecution has been granted by the Competent Authority in a case under the PC Act or any other criminal matter.

(v) An FIR has been filed or a case has been registered by any Government entity against the officer, after a preliminary fact finding inquiry.

(vi) The officer is involved in a trap/ raid case on charges of corruption and investigation is pending.

5. Vigilance clearance shall not be withheld due to an FIR filed on the basis of a private complaint unless a charge-sheet has been filed by the investigating agency provided that there are no directions to the contrary by a competent court of law. However, the information regarding FIR may be provided to the Passport Office. The final decision will be taken by the concerned Passport Issuing Authority.

6. There may be situations wherein wards and relatives of the civil servants residing abroad (for education and other purposes) could be having medical emergencies or family events. The officer himself/ herself may require to visit abroad for medical reasons. Therefore, as a policy, ordinarily, a passport will not be granted if a disciplinary proceeding is pending against the officer. However, the competent authority can take a view wherein a foreign travel is necessitated due to extreme urgent situation like medical emergencies etc. on case to case basis.

7. All Ministries/ Departments/Offices are requested to bring the above guidelines to the notice of all Disciplinary Authorities under their control.

8. Hindi version will follow.

(Sanjiv Kumar)
Deputy Secretary to the Government of India

Source: DoPT

KV School Fee Structure: Proposal for Revision of Tuition Fee

KV School Fee Structure: Proposal for Revision of Tuition Fee

"A proposal for enhancement of tuition fees was moved by Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan to its Board of Governors for approval. However no decision is taken on the matter".

Minister of State for Human Resource Development Shri Updendra Kushwaha said in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 26th March, 2018 that there is a proposal for enhancement of tuition fees was moved by Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan to its Board of Governors for approval. However no decision is taken on the matter.

Also he added, as per the codal provisions contained in the Accounts Code for the Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs), the Sponsoring Project Authorities are at liberty to apply a differential fee structure in their sponsored KVs, if they so decide.

Three KVs vizSteel Plant, Visakhapatnam, Panchgram and BHEL Jagdishpur have enhanced the fees to augment their internal receipts for meeting the committed expenditure. Details are as follows:-
1. KV Steel Plant, Visakhapatnam:An increase of Rs.100 per month in the form of Project fees for Project students and Rs.350 per month (average) for non-Project students has been introduced by the project authority.

2. KV,Panchgram:An increase of Rs.500 per month in the form of development fees/Project Fees for both Project students and non-Project students has been introduced.

3. KV, BHEL Jagdishpur:An increase of Rs.927 per month (average) for BHEL students and Rs.1617 per month (average) for non BHEL students has been introduced by the Project Authority.

Fees of Class 1 to 12th in Kendriya Vidyalayas revised from 1.4.2013 and the same continued till now.  No tuition fee is charged from boys up to Class VIII, girls up to Class XII, for SC/ST students,
Children of KVS Employees, Children of Officers and men of the Armed Forces killed or disabled during the wars of 1962, 1965, 1971, 1999-Kargil War (against China and Pakistan).

FEE STRUCTURE (PER MONTH) w.e.f. 01.04.2013

1.	Admission Fee	Rs. 25.00
2.	Re Admission Fee	Rs 100.00
3.	Tuition Fee
3 (a)	Class IX & X (Boys)	Rs 200.00
3 (b)	Class XI & XII Commerce & Humanities (Boys)	Rs 300.00
3 (c)	Class XI & XII Science (Boys)	Rs.400.00
4.	Computer Fund
4 (a)	Class III onwards wherever Computer Education is being imparted	Rs 100.00
4 (b)	Computer Science Fee. (for elective subjects) + 2 stage	Rs 150.00
5	Vidyalaya Vikas Nidhi (Classes I - XII)	Rs. 500.00

Guiding norms for imposition of punishment on Loco Pilots/ Assistant Loco Pilots in cases of Passing Signals at Danger (SPAD) - NFIR's suggestions for further relaxation

NFIR

No. II/34/2018

Dated: 26/03/2018

The Secretary (E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi
Dear Sir,

Sub: Guiding norms for imposition of punishment on Loco Pilots/ Assistant Loco Pilots in cases of Passing Signals at Danger (SPAD) - NFIR's suggestions for further relaxation - reg.

Ref: Railway Board's Letter No.2017/Safety (A&R)/18/11 dated 08.01.2018

While appreciating and thanking the Railway Board for their deep analysis and thorough study on the subject of "Guidelines for minimum punishment to be imposed for LPs/ALPs, in cases of SPAD", which has resulted in issuance of revised instructions vide Board’s letter no. cited above (i.e. dated 8.1.2018), duly taking into account the inputs given by NFIR vide its letter No. II/34/Part.17 dated 04.01.2018 (also taking cognizance of NFIRs Charter of Demands - SPAD Definition to be reviewed to prevent harassment and victimization of Running and Safety categories' staff -Item No. 30, on which Strike Notice was served), the Federation places its views on the revised instructions as below for appropriate review:-

NFIR's views:

I. Para 1.1, condition 1.1.1
i) For Loco Pilots:- Reduction may be done to the next lower stage of pay level instead of reducing as LP/ Shunter for a period of one year and he may be put to work as Co-Pilot. wherever possible.
ii) For Assistant Loco Pilots, the prescribed punishment may further be relaxed.
iii) NFIR suggests that SPAD cases involving IBSS (Intermediate Block Stop Signal), may be brought under the provision of this condition (1.1.1), since as per General Rules of 1976, Rule no.3.11, Intermediate Block Stop signal is the Home signal provided at an Intermediate Block post. In the present order, it is classified under condition 1.2.

II. Para 1.1, condition 1.1.2 & Para 1.2:
In this condition, the stipulation of capital punishment of "Removal or Compulsory retirement from service", where entirely due to neglect of loco pilot, may be relaxed for imposing any other punishment.

III. Para 1.3, condition 1.3.1 & 1.3.2

i) For Loco Pilots:- Reduction may be done to the next lower pay, instead of reducing as LP/ Shunter for a period of one year.
ii) For Assistant Loco Pilots, the prescribed punishment may further be relaxed

IV. Para 1.5
In this condition, the penalty of capital punishment of Removal or Compulsory retirement from service, whei-e entirely due to neglect of loco pilot, may be further relaxed and any other punishment may be prescribed.

V. Para 2.0
Punishment for Assistant Loco Pilot, shall not be at par with Loco Pilot, unless otherwise serious dereliction of duty is proved.

VI. Para 6.0
Separate representation has already been sent on Para 6.0 vide NFIR letter No. II /34 /Pt. dated 06.03.2018, which may be considered.

VII. Para 9.0
A review of previous two years cases be allowed to be undertaken and accordingly Board's instructions dated 08/01/2018 be modified.

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

Source : NFIR

Provision of telephone facilities and reimbursements to officers of Government of India

Provision of telephone facilities and reimbursements to officers of Government of India

F.No. 24(3)/E.Coord/2018
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure

New Delhi, the 26th March 2018

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject :- Provision of telephone facilities and reimbursements to officers of Government of India.

The Department of Expenditure has from time to time issued instructions on provision of telephone facilities, monetary ceilings on reimbursement to the officers of the Government of India. Given the increasing dependence on telecommunication technology including mobile telephones for carrying out official work, the existing instructions have been comprehensively reviewed, revised and the following instructions are hereby circulated for compliance by all Ministry/Departments, in supersession of all earlier instructions issued by this Department on the subject.

1. Official Telephones

1.1 All officers of the level of Deputy Secretary equivalent and above are entitled for office telephone with STD facility. For officers of the level below Deputy Secretary, Ministry/Departments may decide in consultation with the Financial Advisers on providing STD facility depending on their functional requirements.

1.2 ISD facility is allowed on official telephones in respect of Administrative Secretaries only.

1.3 All other cases for providing ISD facility on official telephone for officers of the level below Secretary to the Government of India may be decided by the Administrative Secretary in consultation with the concerned Financial Adviser.

1.4 Administrative Secretary/ Head of Departments may in consultation with the concerned Financial Adviser provide officers below the level of Deputy Secretary official telephones with STD facility on functional basis. This facility should not be given in a routine manner but extreme caution and austerity should be exercised.

1.5 Financial Advisors shall submit a half-yearly report to D/o Expenditure on the number of ISD facility concurred/approved during a financial year.

2. Residential telephones

2.1. All officers of the level of Deputy Secretary equivalent and above are entitled for one official residential landline telephone with STD facility.

2.2 Residential telephone can be allowed to officials below the rank of Deputy Secretary equivalent on functional basis subject to the condition that this facility shall be restricted to 25% of the sanctioned strength of Group 'A' officers in a Ministry/Department. This limit will equally apply to Attached and Subordinate offices.

2.3 ISD facility shall not be allowed on residential telephones.

2.4 Personal staff of Ministers [Private Secretary, Additional Private Secretary and 1st PA of Ministry] and Administrative Secretary [Principal Staff Officer (PSO)/ Senior Principal Private Secretary/ Principal Private Secretary/Private Secretary], Section Officer (Parliament) and Assistant Section Officer (Parliament) are entitled to the facility of one residential landline telephone.

3. Mobile Phone Handsets

3.1 Officers of the level of Secretary and equivalent will be entitled to reimbursement for one mobile handset costing not more than Rs.25,000/-(Rupees Twenty Five thousand only) once during the whole tenure. Global roaming facility shall not be allowed on the mobile connection.

4. Reimbursement of telephone call charges

4.1 Reimbursement of telephone call charges of residential telephone/ mobile phone/broadband/mobile data/data card shall be as per entitlement given below:

SI. No.	Level/Designation	Limit on reimbursement
1	Secretary to the Government of India and equivalent level	Rs. 4200/- per month + taxes as applicable
2	Additional Secretary to the Government of India and equivalent level	Rs. 3000/- per month + taxes as applicable
3	Joint Secretary to the Government of India and equivalent level	Rs. 2700/- per month + taxes as applicable
4	Director/Deputy Secretary to the Government of India and equivalent level	Rs. 2250/- per month + taxes as applicable
5	Below the rank of Deputy Secretary and equivalent to the Government of India (restricted to 50% of the sanctioned strength of Group 'A' officers in a Ministry/ Department/Attached/Subordinate office)	Rs. 1200/- per month + taxes as applicable

4.2 No SIM/data-card will be provided by office.

4.3 There will be no separate ceiling for the landline/ mobile/broadband/mobile data/data card. The amount reimbursable will cover landline and / or mobile /broadband/mobile data/data card connection and shall be limited to the ceiling prescribed or as per actuals whichever is lower. Call charges over and above the ceiling prescribed along with taxes thereon shall be paid by the officers

4.4 The amount shall be reimbursed on submission of bills/receipt by the concerned officer. Officers are at liberty to choose the service provider and the tariff package for residential landline/mobile phones.

4.5 In case where husband and wife are sharing the same residential landline telephone and both are entitled for reimbursement, only one of them will be allowed reimbursement against the residential landline telephone. The claim for mobile phone charges shall be treated separately for each of the officer subject to the entitled ceiling.
4.6 Reimbursement for mobile will be restricted to the officer in whose name the mobile connection is registered.

4.7 The entitlement of an officer drawing pay in a scale intervening between that of Director and Joint Secretary would be at par with that of Deputy Secretary/Director.

4.8 Excess expenditure upto 30% of the ceiling amount (applicable to the officer) can be reimbursed to officers of Joint Secretary equivalent and above and also to Private Secretary/ Officers on Special Duty to the Ministers subject to their submitting a certificate, duly justifying that excess expenditure incurred was for official purpose and unavoidable. This reimbursement would require the concurrence of the Financial Adviser concerned and sanction of the Administrative Secretary/ Secretary Equivalent of the Department/ Organization. In so far as Secretary/ Secretary equivalent officer are concerned, they shall be competent to exercise the aforesaid powers in their own cases. The power to sanction this expenditure shall not be delegated.

4.9 Telephone reimbursement will not be admissible in cases of Leave (of any nature) and trainings which are for more than one calendar month (s).

5. Mobile Facility during official visits abroad

5.1 Officials and delegations visiting abroad for the purpose of short official visits/meeting/conferences/workshops may be provided SIM card by our Mission / Embassy. In case SIM card is not provided by our Mission / Embassy, there will be a monetary ceiling of Rs.2000/- per day for officer above the level of Additional Secretary and equivalent and Rs.1000/- per day for other officers towards reimbursement of call charges.

5.2 No mobile phone facility shall be provided during training period whatsoever including training abroad.

6. These orders shall be effective from the date of issue of this Office Memorandum.

S/d,
(H.Atheli)
Director

Delay in Payment to Empanelled Hospitals

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 4758
ANSWERED ON: 23.03.2018

Delay in Payment to Empanelled Hospitals

RAJIV PRATAP RUDY
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 there is a delay in the payment to empanelled hospitals under Government sponsored health programmes such as Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) and Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY);

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(c) whether CGHS and RSBY has been effective in reducing the burden of out of pocket spending of poor households, if so, the details thereof; and

(d) the total number of beneficiaries and total funds allocated under CGHS and RSBY over the last four years, State/UT wise including Bihar?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)

(a) & (b): Under CGHS there is some delay in payment to empanelled hospitals. Following are the reasons for delay in settlement of hospital bills under CGHS:-
i. Resource constraints particularly in the last quarter of Financial Year.
ii. Need for consultation with Specialists in some cases.
iii. Time taken in scrutinizing of Hospital bills.

Under RSBY, Insurance Companies make payment, as due and admissible, to the empanelled hospitals as per their claim. Details are not maintained at Central level.

(c): Under CGHS, the beneficiaries, who are primarily Central Government Employees and Pensioners, are provided health facilities including OPD, medicines, reimbursement of expenditure incurred on hospitalization etc. and they do not have to incur out of pocket expenditure. They have to bear additional expenditure only if they opt for specific brand of implants costing more than CGHS rates.

Under RSBY, claims amounting to Rs. 5012.17 Crore have been settled since 2011-12 to 2016-17, which may be construed as a reduction in out of pocket expenditure for the beneficiaries under RSBY, who have availed the hospitalization benefits.

(d): There are 32,53,219 number of CGHS beneficiaries as on 13.03.2018.
The total funds allocated under CGHS over the last four years is as under:-

Year Funds Allocated (Rupees in Crores)
2013-14 1772.75
2014-15 1734.02
2015-16 1872.29
2016-17 2026.91

Under RSBY no funds are allocated to States. Funds as central share of premium are released on receipt of proposals from State Governments. The State-wise list of beneficiaries under RSBY over the last four years including Bihar is at Annexure.
Source : LokSabha

Booking to Tatkal Tickets & Measures to Avoid Misuse of Tatkal Scheme

Ministry of Railways
Booking to Tatkal Tickets & Measures to Avoid Misuse of Tatkal Scheme

27 MAR 2018

On Indian Railways, reserved accommodation including Tatkal accommodation can be booked through computerised Passenger Reservation System (PRS) on first come first served basis. During peak rush periods/days when demand outstrips  the availability, reserved accommodation especially in higher classes and on popular routes gets exhausted within short duration of opening of reservation.  However,   during lean periods, on non-popular and lower classes, the accommodation remains available for longer duration.  The phenomenon is more relevant for Tatkal where limited accommodation is earmarked. This happens as the available limited accommodation is accessed simultaneously through more than 10,300 counters at 3465 computerised Passenger Reservation Centers as well as through internet.

To avoid misuse of Tatkal Scheme, there are some inbuilt features in Tatkal scheme which includes provision of not granting refund on cancellation of confirmed Tatkal tickets except in case of certain special circumstances indicated in the scheme, not allowing any modification of Tatkal ticket, etc. Some additional steps have also been taken to facilitate the passengers and to avoid the misuse, some of which are:-

• Staggering of the timings of reservation under Tatkal scheme.
• Captcha implementation in Registration, Login and Booking page to check fraudulent booking through automation software.
• Imposition of minimum time limit before proceeding for payment gateway as well as after making payment while booking tickets through internet.
• Making OTP(one time password) compulsory for all net Banking Payment options.
• Disabling authorised agents to book Tatkal tickets during first half an hour of opening of reservation.

To keep a check on the activities of touts, preventive as well as regular checks are conducted jointly/individually by Vigilance, Security and Commercial Departments, and the action against the culprits is taken as per provisions of Section 143 of Railways Act, 1989.

This information was made available in reply to a question in Rajya Sabha.

PIB

Repayment of 8.24% GS 2018

Ministry of Finance

Repayment of 8.24% GS 2018

27 MAR 2018

The repayment of following security is due as per details given below: 

Table: Details of GoI Securities maturing on April 22, 2018
Sl. No.	Name of Security	Scheduled Date of Repayment	Effective date of Repayment	No Interest Accrual from scheduled date of Repayment
(1)	(2)	(3)	(4)	(5)
1.	Repayment of '8.24% GS 2018'	April 22, 2018 (Sunday)	April 21, 2018 (Saturday)	April 22, 2018 (Sunday)

 

The outstanding balance under 8.24% GS 2018 will be repayable on the effective date of repayment as indicated in column 4 of above table. In the event of a holiday being declared on effective day of repayment by any State Government under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, the Loan/s will be repaid by the paying offices in that State on the previous working day.

As per sub-regulations 24 (2) and 24(3) of Government Securities Regulations, 2007 payment of maturity proceeds to the registered holder of Government Security held in the form of Subsidiary General Ledger or Constituent Subsidiary General Ledger account or Stock Certificate shall be made by a pay order incorporating the relevant particulars of his bank account or by credit to the account of the holder in any bank having facility of receipt of funds through electronic means. For the purpose of making payment in respect of the securities, the original subscriber or the subsequent holders of such Government Securities, shall submit the relevant particulars of their bank account well in advance.

However, in the absence of relevant particulars of bank account / mandate for receipt of funds through electronic means, to facilitate repayment of the Loan on the due date, holders may tender the securities, duly discharged, at the Public Debt Offices, Treasuries / Sub-Treasuries and branches of State Bank of India and its Associate Banks (at which they are enfaced / registered for payment of interest) 20 days in advance of the due date for repayment.

Full details of the procedure for receiving the discharge value may be obtained from any of the aforesaid paying offices.

PIB

Combined Defence services Examination (i)-2018 Declaration of written result

Combined Defence services Examination (i)-2018 Declaration of written result

On the basis of the results of the COMBINED DEFENCE SERVICES EXAMINATION (I), 2018 held by the Union Public Service Commission on 04th February, 2018, 8261 candidates with the following Roll Numbers have qualified for being interviewed by the Service Selection Board of the Ministry of Defence, for admission to (i) Indian Military Academy, Dehradun 146th Course commencing in January, 2019 (ii) Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, Kerala, Course commencing in January, 2019 (iii) Air Force Academy, Hyderabad (Pre-Flying) Training Course (205 F(P)) commencing in February, 2019 (iv) Officers Training Academy, Chennai 109th SSC Course (NT)(for Men) commencing in April, 2019 and (v) Officers Training Academy, Chennai, 23rd SSC Women (Non-Technical) Course commencing in April, 2019.

The candidature of all the candidates, whose Roll Numbers are shown in the lists below, is provisional. In accordance with the conditions of the admission to the examination, they are required to submit the original certificates in support of age (Date of Birth), educational qualifications, NCC (C) (Army Wing/Senior Division Air Wing/Naval Wing) etc. claimed by them along with self attested copies thereof, to Army Headquarters, A.G.'s Branch/Rtg./CDSE Entry Section for males and SSC Women Entry Section for women candidates, West Block-III, Ground Floor, Wing 1, R.K. Puram, New Delhi-110066 in case of IMA/SSC as their first choice and to IHQ of MoD (Navy), DMPR (OI & R Section), Room No. 204, 'C'-Wing, Sena Bhawan, New Delhi-110011 in case of Navy as their first choice, and to PO 3 (A) Air Headquarters, ‘J’ Block, Room No. 17, Opp. Vayu Bhawan, Motilal Nehru Marg, New Delhi-110011 in case of Air Force as their first choice. The original Certificates are to be submitted within two weeks of completion of the SSB Interview and not later than 13th November, 2018 for AFA and not later than 01st January, 2019 for IMA and not later than 01st January, 2019 for admission to NA (1st April, 2019 in case of SSC only). The candidates must not send the original Certificates to the Union Public Service Commission.

All the candidates who have successfully qualified in the written exam are required to register themselves online on the Indian Army Recruiting website joinindianarmy.nic.in within two weeks of announcement of written result. The successful candidates would them be allotted Selection Centres and dates, of SSB interview which shall be communicated on the registered e-mail ID. Any candidate who has already registered earlier on the site will not be required to do so. In case of any query/Login problem, e-mail be forwarded to dir-recruiting6-mod@nic.in.

In case, there is any change of address, the candidates are advised to promptly intimate directly to the Army Headquarters/Naval Headquarters/Air Headquarters as the case may be.

The Union Public Service Commission have a Facilitation Counter near Examination Hall Building in its Campus. Candidates may obtain any information/clarification regarding this examination on working days between 10.00 AM to 5.00 PM, in person or over telephone No.011-23385271, 011-23381125 and 011-23098543 from this Facilitation Counter. Candidates can also obtain information regarding their result by accessing UPSC website http://www.upsc.gov.in

The marks-sheet of candidates who have not qualified, will be put on the Commission’s website within 15 days from the date of publication of the final result of OTA (after conducting SSB Interview) and will remain available on the website for a period of 60 days.

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The Government of India issues clarification regarding requirement for furnishing of Country-by Country Report under Section 286(4) of Income Tax Act, 1961

Ministry of Finance
The Government of India issues clarification regarding requirement for furnishing of Country-by Country Report under Section 286(4) of Income Tax Act, 1961

26 MAR 2018

In keeping with India's commitment to implement the Recommendations of the 2015 Final Report on Action 13, titled “Transfer Pricing Documentation and Country-by-Country Reporting”, identified under the OECD Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) Project, Section 286 of the Income-tax Act, 1961 (‘the Act’) was inserted vide Finance Act, 2016, which provides for furnishing of a Country-by-Country (CbC) Report in respect of an International Group.

The CbC Report is to be furnished by the ultimate parent entity of an International Group in the country or territory of its residence. As specified under sub-section (2) of Section 286, the said Report is to be furnished on or before the due date specified under Section 139(1) of the Act for furnishing of return of income for the relevant accounting year. The date for furnishing of CbC Report under sub-section (2) of Section 286 for FY 2016-17 was subsequently extended to 31stMarch, 2018 vide CBDT Circular No. 26 of 2017 dated 25th October, 2017.

Sub-section (4) of Section 286 specifies situations in which the said report shall be furnished in India by the constituent entity of an international group, resident in India, namely, those in which there is failure to obtain CbC Report on account of the parent entity being resident of a country or territory with which India does not have an agreement providing for exchange of CbC reports or where there has been a systemic failure of the country or territory and the same has been intimated to such constituent entity.

It has been brought to the notice of the Government that Constituent Entities of International Groups, resident in India, have apprehensions that the due date of furnishing of CbC Report under sub-section (4) of Section 286 is also 31st of March, 2018.

In order to allay the aforesaid apprehensions, it is hereby clarified that the due date of 31st March, 2018 applies for furnishing of CbC Report under sub-section (2) of Section 286 only and not under sub-section (4) of the said Section.

It is further stated that the Finance Bill, 2018 (as passed by the Lok Sabha) has proposed that the due date for furnishing of CbC Report under sub-section (4) of Section 286 shall be as prescribed. Accordingly, the time for furnishing of CbC Report under sub-section (4) of Section 286 of the Act is proposed to be prescribed after the enactment of Finance Bill, 2018.

PIB

Extension of CGHS to all Extension of CGHS to all retired employees of Kendriya Vidyalaya residing in Delhi/NCR

CGHS Facilities to Retired KV Employees

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA SANGATHAN

F.No.11086/01/2012-KVS HQ(Admn.II)/75-85

Dated: 20.03.2018

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Extension of CGHS to all retired employees of Kendriya Vidyalaya residing in Delhi/NCR- regarding.

 

Consequent upon KVS's proposal on the subject vide letter dated 29.09.2017, the Deputy Secretary (UT), Ministry of Human Resource Development vide his letter No.F.3-5/2011-UT-2 dated 02.02.2018 to be reqd with MHRD's letter of even number dated 19.03.2018 has conveyed the decision of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, New Delhi regarding extension of CGHS facilities to all retired employees of Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) residing in Delhi/ NCR.

2. Accordingly, medical facility under the CGHS is to all retired employees of Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan residing in Delhi/ NCR.

The terms and conditions mentioned in the Office Memorandum or even number dated 21.08.2015 will remain the same.

sd/-
(U.N.KHAARE)
ADDITIONAL COMMISSIONER (ACAD/ADMN.)

Source: http://kvsangathan.nic.in

Defence: option for fixation of pay on promotion from the Date of Next Increment (DNI) in the lower post and method of fixation of pay from DNI

Option for Fixation of Pay on Promotion from the Date of Next Increment - MoD Orders dt.22.3.2018

Availability of option for fixation of pay on promotion from the Date of Next Increment (DNI) in the lower post and method of fixation of pay from DNI, if opted for, in respect of Army Pay Rules 2017, Air Force Pay Rules 2017 and Navy Pay Regulations 2017 in respect of Officers and JCOs/ORequivalent

No.1(20)/2017/D(Pay/Services)
Ministry of Defence
D (Pay/Services)

Sena Bhawan, New Delhi
Dated 22nd, March 2018

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Availability of option for fixation of pay on promotion from the Date of Next Increment (DNI) in the lower post and method of fixation of pay from DNI, if opted for, in respect of Army Pay Rules 2017, Air Force Pay Rules 2017 and Navy Pay Regulations 2017 in respect of Officers and JCOs/OR equivalent.
Reference is invited to Special Army Instructions (SAI-2008), Special Air Force Instructions (SAFI-2008), Special Navy Instructions (SNI-2008) dated 11.10.2008 and Army Pay Rules 2017, Air Force Pay Rules 2017 and Navy Pay Regulations 2017 dated 3.5.2017 in respect of Officers and JCOs/OR equivalent.

2. In 6th CPC regime pay fixation on promotion in respect of Defence Services Personnel was governed by provisions contained in SAI-2008, SAFI-2008 and SNI-2008. These provisions regulates pay fixation on promotion, wherein an Officer has an option to get his pay fixed in the higher post either from the date of his promotion or from the date of next increment. Similarly, consequent upon implementation of ih CPC, the pay fixation on promotion from the date of promotion is regulated by Rule 12 of the Army Pay Rules 2017, Air Force Pay Rules 2017 and Navy Pay Regulations 2017 dated 3.5.2017 in respect of Officers and JCOs/OR equivalent. This methodology of fixation of pay on promotion to a post carrying duties and responsibilities of greater importance, of a Defence Services Personnel in case he opts for pay fixation from the Date of Next Increment (DNI) has been considered in this Department.

3. After due consideration in this matter, the following is decided as follows:

(i) A Defence Personnel, who is promoted or upgraded from one rank to another, subject to the fulfilment of the eligibility conditions as prescribed in the relevant Recruitment Rules, to another post carrying duties or responsibilities of greater importance than those attaching to the post held by him/her. Such, Defence Personnel may opt to have his/her pay fixed from the Date of his/her
Next Increment (either 1st July or 1st January, as the case may be) accruing in the Level of the post from which he/she is promoted, except in cases of appointment on deputation basis to an ex-cadre post or on direct recruitment basis or appointment/promotion on ad-hoc basis, as applicable in the Defence Services.

(ii) In case, consequent upon his/her promotion, the Defence Personnel opts to have his/her pay fixed from the date of his/her next increment (either 1st July or 1st January, as the case may be) in the Level of the post from which Defence Personnel is promoted, then, from the date of promotion till his/her  DNI, the Defence Personnel shall be placed at the next higher cell in the level of the post to which he/she is promoted.

Illustration:

1.	Level in the revised pay structure: Level 4		Pay Band	5200 - 20200
2.	Basic Pay in the revised structure: 29600		Grade pay	2000	2400	2800
3.	Granted promotion in Level 5.		Levels	3	4	5
			1	21700	25500	29200
			2	22400	26300	30100
4.	Pay in the upgraded Level i.e., Level 5: 31000 (next higher to 29600 in Level 5)		3	23100	27100	31000
			4	23800	27900	31900
			5	24500	28700	32900
5.	Pay from the date of promotion till DNI: 30100		6	25200	29600	33900
			7	26200	30500	34900
			8	26800	31400	35900
			9	27600	32300	37000
			10	28400	33300	38100

(iii) Subsequently, on DNI in the level of the post to which Defence Personnel is promoted, his/her Pay will be re-fixed and two increments (one accrued on account of annual increment and the second accrued on account of promotion) may be granted in the Level from which the Defence Personnel is promoted and he/she shall be placed, at a Cell equal to the figure so arrived, in the Level of the post to which he/she is promoted; and if no such Cell is available in the Level to which he/she is promoted, he/she shall be placed at the next higher Cell in that Level.

1.	Level in the revised pay structure: Level 4		Pay Band	5200 - 20200
2.	Basic Pay in the revised structure: 29600		Grade pay	2000	2400	2800
3.	Granted promotion in Level 5.		Levels	3	4	5
			1	21700	25500	29200
			2	22400	26300	30100
4.	Pay from the date of Promotion till DNI: 31000		3	23100	27100	31000
			4	23800	27900	31900
			5	24500	28700	32900
5.	Re-Fixation on DNI: Pay after giving two increment in Level 4: 31400		6	25200	29600	33900
			7	26200	30500	34900
			8	26800	31400	35900
			9	27600	32300	37000
6.	Pay in the Upgraded Level i.e., Level 5: 31900 (either equal to or next higher to 31400 in Level 5)		10	28400	33300	38100

Illustration:
(iv) In such cases where Defence Personnel opts to have his/her pay fixed from the date of his/her next increment in the Level of the post from which he/she is promoted, the next increment as well as Date of Next Increment (DNI) will be regulated accordingly.

4. It is further reiterated that in order to enable the officials to exercise the option within the time limit prescribed, the option clause for pay fixation on promotion with effect from date of promotion/ON I shall invariably be incorporated in the promotion/appointment order, as per applicability, so that there are no cases of delay in exercising the options due to administrative lapse.
5. This issues with the concurrence of Ministry of Finance vide their 1D No. 4-23/2017-IC/E.III (A) dated 22.3.2018.

sd/-
(Prashant Rastogi)
Under Secretary to the Government of India

Source: https://mod.gov.in/