7th CPC: Allowance to Armed Forces

Ministry of Defence
Allowance to Armed Forces

31 DEC 2018

Taking note of the rigours of military life, the 6th Central Pay Commission (CPC) had recommended an additional, separate element of Pay for the Defence Forces called Military Service Pay (MSP) which the CPC intended would also maintain the edge enjoyed by the Defence Forces over the civilian scales. The Commission was of the view that the rate of MSP as a percentage of the existing pay has to be maintained in case of officers (up to the level of Brigadier / equivalent) as well as PBORs because the difficulties faced in field situations by both these categories are similar.

The 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) had considered all aspects with regard to applicability of MSP including the rates while making its recommendations. This was done after considering the views of the Services in the matter. The 7th CPC has consciously decided not to create additional categories of personnel for the grant of MSP or to disturb the slab rates for the four categories for which it is being paid up to the level of Brigadiers. The Government after carefully considering the recommendations of the 7th CPC in respect of MSP has accepted and notified the same.

Besides MSP, Service personnel are entitled to several other allowances such as High Altitude Allowance, Field Area / Modified Field Area Allowance, Counter Insurgency Allowance etc which are paid based on risks and hardships involved at a location / in an operation.

Engine-wise capacity and interval in years allowed as regards vehicle PURCHASE for officers and jawans:

Eligibility
S. No.	Category	CC	Periodicity
(a)	Officers (including Retd / Widows)	3000	Once in Four Years.
(b)	JCOs granted Honorary Commission & Equivalent (including Retd & Widows)	2500	Once in Seven Years.
(c)	JCOs & Equivalent(including Retd & Widows)	2000	Once in Service and Once after Retirement. First Car after ten years of Service. Gap between purchases of Two Cars to be Ten years. If the late husband had purchased a car each while in service / after retirement then the widow will not be eligible to buy a car. In case late husband had purchased only one car then widow can buy one car through CSD after gap of 10 years from the date of last purchase.
(d)	OR & Equivalent(including Retd & Widows)	1800	Once in Service and Once after Retirement. First Car after ten years of Service. Gap between purchases of Two Cars to be Ten years. If the late husband had purchased a car each while in service / after retirement then the widow will not be eligible to buy a car. In case late husband had purchased only one car then widow can buy one car through CSD after gap of 10 years from the date of last purchase.

This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Shri Vishambhar Prasad Nishad and others in Rajya Sabha today.

PIB

Grant of Disability Pension

Ministry of Defence
Grant of Disability Pension

31 DEC 2018

As per Ministry of Defence order dated 31.01.2001, Armed Forces Personnel who retire voluntarily / or seek discharge on request are not eligible for any award on account of disability. Provided that Armed Forces Personnel who are due for retirement / discharge on completion of tenure, or on completion of service limits, or on completion of the terms of engagement or on attaining the prescribed age of retirement, and who seeks pre-mature retirement / discharge on request for the purpose of getting higher commutation value of pension will remain eligible for disability element.
Further, Armed Forces personnel who are retained in service despite disability, which is accepted as attributable to or aggravated by Military Service and have forgone lump sum compensation in lieu of that disability, may be given disability element / war injury element at the time of their retirement / discharge whether voluntary or otherwise in addition to Retiring / Service Pension or Retiring / Service Gratuity. These provisions are effective from 1.1.2006

This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Shri Sanjay Seth in Rajya Sabha today.

PIB

Promotion of sports among rural youth

Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Promotion of sports among rural youth

31 DEC 2018

'Sports' is a State subject and promotion of sports in the country, including promotion of Sports among rural youth is primarily the responsibility of the State Governments and the National Sports Federations (NSFs) concerned. The Central Government complements/supplements the efforts of the State Governments and the NSFs. Government is already running several schemes to increase participation of the rural youth in sports.

The Khelo India Scheme implemented by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports provides for promotion of sports among entire population including rural youth. Also, the scheme has a dedicated vertical, viz., Promotion of rural and indigenous/tribal games which provides for financial assistance to NSFs / Non Government Organizations (NGOs) etc for promotion of sports in the country including rural areas. Under this vertical, various NSFs have been provided financial assistance to hold competitions in various parts of the country including those in rural areas. During the period from January to October 2018, a total number of 36 such competitions / exhibition events had been held.

Sports Authority of India (SAI), an autonomous organization under the aegis of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, is implementing following sports promotional schemes across the country to identify talented sports persons in the age group of 8-25 years and nurture them to excel at national and international competitions:

• National Sports Talent Contest Scheme (NSTC)
• 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)

Many of the sports persons identified under SAI Sports Promotional Schemes belong to the rural, tribal, backward, coastal and inaccessible hilly areas of the country and are provided with training facilities in the form of expert sports coaches, requisite playing facilities, boarding & lodging, sports kit, competition exposure, educational expenses, medical/insurance and stipend as per the approved norms.

In addition, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), an autonomous organization under aegis of Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, undertakes programmes such as Block and District level Sports Meets, providing sports material to Youth Clubs etc., for popularizing and encouraging sports and develop competitive spirit among youth including rural youth. During 2017-18, a total 2965 Block level sports meets and 556 District level sports meets were conducted by NYKS.

The Government does not have any proposal for starting programme in addition to already existing programmes to increase participation of the rural youth in sports.

This information was given by Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs and Sports Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore (Retd.) in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha today.

PIB

Organizing Mass Dharna by the constituent members of Confederation of Central Government Gazetted Officers Organisations (CCGGOO) in solidarity with the two days Strike called by CCGE&W

CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT GAZETTED OFFICERS' ORGANISATIONS

NO CCGGOO/2018-19/

Dated: 27.12.2018

To
The Cabinet Secretary
Govt. of India,
Rashtrapati Bhavan,
New delhi-110004

Sir,
Sub: Organizing Mass Dharna by the constituent members of (CCGGOO) in solidarity with the two days Strike called by CCGE&W - intimation reg.

Your kind attention Is drawn to the two days' strike call given by the Confederation of Central Government Employee and Workers (CCGE&W) on 08th &. 09th January, 2018 In support of 10 paints Charter of Demands. The Confederation of Central Government Gazetted Officers' Organisations (CCGGOO), the apex body (or all Central Government Gazettld Officers' service associations, endorses all the demands included in the Character for the overall benefit of the Gazetted Officers of Central Government, Central Government employees, the entire working class of the country and the fellow countrymen as a whole.

To convey the full solidarity with the striking Central Government employees, it has been decided that all constituent service associations of CCGGOO In different Central Government Departments will organize 'Mass Dharna' on both the strike days across the country.

We would also like to take this opportunity to appeal to the Government of India through your good office to consider the justified demands of CCCE&W positively.

With regards,
Yours sincerely,
(BHASKAR BHATTACHARYA)
Secretary General

Source: Confederation

DoE: Manual for procurement of Goods, 2017 and Manual for Procurement of Consultancy other Services, 2017

Manual for procurement of Goods, 2017 and Manual for Procurement of Consultancy other Services, 2017

No. F .1/36/2018-PPD
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure
Procurement Policy Division

516, Lok Nayak Shavan,
New Delhi. Dated 28th December, 2018

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Sub: Manual for procurement of Goods, 2017 and Manual for Procurement of Consultancy & other Services, 2017.

It may be recalled that the Department of Expenditure in 2017 had issued a set of two Manuals on 'Policies and Procedures for Procurement of Goods' and 'Procurement of Consulting & Non- Consulting Services', in conformity with the General Financial Rules (GFR), 2017. These Manuals have been prepared in consonance with the fundamental principles of transparency, fairness, competition, economy, efficiency and accountability. Efforts have been made to cover all major aspects of procurement in these Manuals in a user-friendly manner. The manuals are the outcome of extensive consultations in two stages with Ministries/Departments and other organizations. These manuals are available on the website of Department of Expenditure.

2. These Manuals provide generic guidelines which would be useful for the procuring officials working in various Ministries! Departments as operating instructions and would bring about greater transparency and predictability in Government procurement procedures and help in improving the ease of doing Business with Government. Ministries! Departments are advised to supplement these manuals to suit their local/specialized needs, by issuing their own detailed manuals (including customized formats); Standard Bidding Documents and Schedule of Procurement Powers to serve as detailed instructions for their own procuring officers.

3. The above referred Manuals may be brought to the notice of all concerned officers under your Ministry/ Department, Attached! Subordinate offices and Autonomous Bodies engaged in the work of procurement directly or indirectly. Such officers may also be encouraged to attend one week residential free procurement training at National Institute of Financial Management (NIFM). The calendar of training is available on the website of this Department as well as NIFM.

(Ujjwal Kumar)
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India
Tel. : 24621305
Email: kn.reddy@gov.in

To
Secretaries of All Central Government Ministries/ Departments

Source: DoE

Whether the Government is planning to reconsider the Old Pension Scheme on optional basis for Central Government Employees?

NPS To OPS - Revert to Old Defined Benefit Pension System - Parliament Q&A on 28.12.2018

National Pension System to Old Pension Scheme

In Parliament on 28th December 2018, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla said that there is no proposal to replace the National Pension System (NPS) with old pension scheme in respect of Central Government employees recruited on or after 01.01.2004.
The detailed report of Questions and Answers are given below for your information…

Lok Sabha Un Starred Question No.2954

(a) Whether the Government is planning to reconsider the Old Pension Scheme on optional basis for Central Government Employees on heavy demand of employee associations across the country and if so, the details thereof;

(b) Whether the Government has received any representation from various State Governments and employees' associations in this regard and if so, the details thereof along with the other major changes demanded by the employee associations and the reaction of the Government thereon;
Representations have been received which inter alia also include the demand that the Government may revert to old defined benefit pension system. However, due to rising and unsustainable pension bill and competing claims on the fiscal, there is no proposal to replace the National Pension System (NPS) with old pension scheme in respect of Central Government employees recruited on or after 01.01.2004.

(c) Whether the Government has decided to raise the Government contribution in National Pension System (NPS) to 14 per cent from existing 10 per cent and if so, the details thereof along with the increased financial liabilities of the Government thereon;
Yes, the mandatory contribution by the Central Government for Tier I accounts of its employees covered under NPS has been enhanced from the existing 10% to 14%. The employees' contribution rate would remain at the existing 10%. As informed by the Department of Expenditure, the impact on Government exchequer on account of enhancing the mandatory contribution by the Government for its employees covered under NPS from 10% to 14% is estimated to entail an additional financial impact of Rs. 2840 crores on Central Government in the next immediate financial year (2019 2020).

(d) The details of cases of family pension sanctioned so far to the families of deceased Central Government employees and the payment of compensation made for non-deposit or delayed deposit of contributions under the NPS;
Number of Family Pensioners getting pension through Central Pension Accounting Office (CPAO) by authorised Bank under National Pension System- Additional Relief (NPS-AR) as on 30.11.2018 is 4,779.

(e) whether the Government has decided to stop pension scheme to all the Government employees including Government/Public Undertakings organization, if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
The Government of India vide notification dated 22.12.2003 had introduced the National Pension System (NPS) (earlier known as New Pension Scheme) for its employees and made it mandatory for all new recruits of the Central Government (excluding armed forces) who joined service on or after 01.01.2004. The old defined benefit scheme was withdrawn by the Government for Central Government employees (excluding armed forces) joining service on or after 01.01.2004. There is no proposal to stop the pension scheme for Government employees.

(f) The amount/percentage of the budget consumed every year to pay pensions to employees serving in Government jobs in the country?
As informed by the Department of Expenditure, the details of Budget consumed during 2017-18 to pay pension to pensioners and Budget for financial year 2017-18 are as under:

Budget consumed

HEAD OF ACCOUNTS	AMOUNT (IN CRORES) (PROVISIONAL)
2071 Pension & other retirement benefits	145745.07
3001-101 Indian Railways Pensionary charges	366.85
3002-11 Indian Railways Pensionary charges	1996.97
3003-11 Indian Railways Pensionary charges	21.07
3201-07 Pension-Postal Services	8511.33
Grand Total	156641.29

Budget for the financial year 2017-18 under NPS-AR is as under:

Budget Estimate 2018-19	Expenditure 2018-19	Budget Estimate 2017-18	Expenditure 2017-18
Rs. 90.20 cr	Rs. 59.71 cr (as on 30.11.2018)	Rs. 66.21 cr	Rs. 65.65 cr

Source: https://loksabha.nic.in/

Railway Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2016 - opportunity for revision of option to come over to revised pay structure

Railway Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2016 - opportunity for revision of option to come over to revised pay structure

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (BHARAT SARKAR)
Ministry of Railways (Rail Mantralaya)
(Railway Board)

PC-VII No. 123
File No. PC-VII/2018/RSRP/1
RBE No.19/2018

New Delhi, dated 17.12.2018

The General Managers/CAOs(R),
All Indian Railways & Production Units,
(As per mailing list)

Sub: Railway Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2016 - opportunity for revision of option to come over to revised pay structure.

Please refer to Rule 5 & 6 af RS(RP) Rules,2016 regarding exercise of option to come over to revised pay structure effective from 01.01.2016 as notified by the RS(RP) Rules,2016. The said option was to be exercised within 3 months of the date of notification i.e. 28.07.2016 of the said Rules. The Rule 6(4) thereof provides that the option once exercised shall be final.

2. In this context, it is stated that Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure vide their permitted opportunity to Government Servants to revise their initial option in terms of Rule 5 & 6 of CCS(RP) Rules,2016. These orders issued by Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure shall be applicable mutatis mutandis in Railways with respect to RS(RP) Rules, 2016.

3. The 'three months' period mentioned in para 3 of aforesaid OM of Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure dated 12.12.2018 shall be three months from the date of issue of these instructions.

4. The matter has also been raised by both recognised Staff Federations AIRF and NFIR.

5. Hindi version will follow.

(Jaya Kumar G)
Deputy Director, PayCommission-VII
Railway Board

Source: NFIR

Enhancement of Combined Reservation Quota of lower berths for Senior Citizens and Female Passengers

Ministry of Railways

Enhancement of Combined Reservation Quota of lower berths for Senior Citizens and Female Passengers

29 DEC 2018

Ministry of Railways has decided that the combined reservation quota of lower berths earmarked for senior citizens, female passengers 45 years of age and above and pregnant women may be enhanced.
At present, the following combined reservation quota of lower berths is earmarked in Sleeper, AC-3 tier and AC-2 tier classes for senior citizens, female passengers 45 years of age and above and pregnant women:-

Class	No. of lower berths per coach
	Normal Mail/Express trains	Rajdhani/Duronto/ fully AC  Express trains
Sleeper	6	-
3AC	3	4
2AC	3	3

Revised combined reservation quota of lower berths earmarked for senior citizens, female passengers 45 years of age and above and pregnant women has been enhanced as under:-

Class	Revised(No. of lower berths per coach)
	Normal Mail/Express train		Rajdhani/ Duronto/fully AC trains
	Having single coach of the class	Having more than one coach of the class
Sleeper	6	7	-
3AC	4	4	5
2AC	3	4	4

As Illustration Comparison of Number of Lower Berths Earmarked Under Combined Quota Meant for Senior Citizens, Female Passengers 45 Years & Above and Pregnant Women As Compared to Earlier Provision

Train No.	Sleeper			3AC			2AC
	No. of coaches	Number of lower berths		No of coaches	Number of lower berths		No. of coaches	Number of lower berths
		Earlier	Revised		Earlier	Revised		Earlier	Revised
12860Geetanjali Express	14	84	98	2	6	8	2	6	8
12230 Lucknow Mail	8	48	56	5	15	20	4	12	16
12952 Mumbai Rajdhani Express	NA	NA	NA	11	44	55	5	15	20

PIB

More than 61 lakh beneficiaries enrolled under Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana during the last two years till date

Ministry of Women and Child Development
More than 61 lakh beneficiaries enrolled under Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana during the last two years till date

28 DEC 2018

The Government has approved Pan-India implementation of Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), a Centrally Sponsored Conditional Cash Transfer Scheme, on 17.05.2017 for implementation across the country with effect from 01.01.2017. The scheme is implemented through web based Management and Information System (MIS) Software, viz. Pradhan MantriMatruVandanaYojana-Common Application Software (PMMVY-CAS) which was launched on 01.09.2017. The effective implementation of the scheme has just completed one year and hence, no impact assessment study of the scheme has been undertaken so far.

In order to expedite the implementation the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) regional review meeting cum workshops as well as national level workshops are conducted regularly for highest level monitoring. Monitoring is also undertaken through video conferences with all the States/ UTs so as to ensure maximum participation by all officials at the State/ UT level. The scheme is implemented through web based Management and Information System (MIS) Software, viz. Pradhan MantriMatruVandanaYojana- Common Application Software (PMMVY-CAS) which is used as an effective tool for regular monitoring of the scheme.

The details of number of women enrolled, number of women paid cash incentives and total amount transferred as cash incentives during the financial years 2017- 18 and 2018-19 (as on 10.12.2018) under the Pradhan MantriMatruVandanaYojana (PMMVY) (uploaded on PMMVY-CAS as on 10.12.2018)

2017-18			2018-19 (As on 10.12.2018)
No. of Beneficiaries enrolled	No. of Beneficiaries Paid	Total amount transferred (Rs. in Lakhs)	No. of Beneficiaries enrolled	No. of Beneficiaries Paid	Total amount transferred (Rs. in Lakhs)
25,70,009	11,08,929	28,413.79	35 ,57,494	38,79,285	1,39,459.20

This information was given by Minister for Women and Child Development Smt.Maneka Sanjay Gandhi in a reply in Lok Sabha today.

PIB

Foundation Stone Laying of three ESIC Dispensaries at Mayur Vihar Ph- I, Noida Phase-II and Sector - 22, Noida

Ministry of Labour & Employment

Foundation Stone Laying of three ESIC Dispensaries at Mayur Vihar Ph- I, Noida Phase-II and Sector - 22, Noida

28 DEC 2018

Foundation stone laying of ESIC Dispensary at Mayur Vihar Ph- I:

Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Labour & Employment laid the Foundation Stone of 5 Doctors’ ESIC Dispensary at Phase-I, Mayur Vihar, New Delhi in the august presence of Shri Mahesh Giri, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, Shri Bipin Bihari Singh, Mayor, East Delhi Municipal Corporation, Ms. Kiran Vaidya, Dy. Mayor, East Delhi Municipal Corporation and Shri Raju Dhingan, MLA today.

During his address, Shri Gangwar informed that the proposed 5 Doctors' ESI Dispensary will be spread in a plot area of 6800 sqm. and will provide OPD and Laboratory services. Due to steady increase in attendance of patients and opening of Homeopathic Services, X- ray facilities, Physiotherapy service in the existing ESIC dispensary, this new dispensary is very much needed to provide better medical facilities to the beneficiaries of Mayur Vihar and surrounding areas.

He also informed about recently launched "Atal Bimit Vyakti Kalyan Yojna" of ESIC. This scheme is a relief payable directly to the Bank Account of Insured Persons in case of unemployment and while they search for new engagement.He further informed about the decision to allow non- IPs to avail treatment at under utilised hospitals of ESIC after paying nominal charges. After construction of this dispensary, ESIC National Training Centre will also be shifted here.

Shri Mahesh Giri, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha in his speech welcomed the opening of new ESIC dispensary at Mayur Vihar and thanked Union Govt. for this.

Foundation stone laying of ESIC Dispensaries at Noida Phase-II and Sector - 22, Noida:

In a separate event held at Noida Phase-II Shri Gangwar laid the Foundation Stone of ESIC dispensaries at Noida Phase-II and Sector - 22, Noida in the august presence of Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Culture and Environment, Forest & Climate Change.
Dr. Mahesh Sharma welcomed the opening of new ESIC dispensaries at Phase-II, Noida and Sector - 22, Noida. Dr. Sharma highlighted the importance of well being of workforce. He also raised a demand to establish an ESIC dispensary at Greater Noida for the workers residing there.

During his address, Shri Gangwar informed about the latest initiatives of Central Govt. started for providing social security cover to workers. He also informed about the ongoing recruitment process under ESIC, in which around 5000 vacancies for different posts are being filled. He also assured to look into the demand of constructing a new dispensary in Greater Noida area.

PIB

40% concession in passenger fare to Transgender Senior Citizens

40% concession in passenger fare to Transgender Senior Citizens

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
RAILWAY BOARD

(Commercial Circular No.74 of 2018)
No.TC-II/2161/2015/SRC/Policy/3

New Delhi, dated 14.12.2018

Principal Chief Commercial Managers,
All Zonal Railways.

Sub: 40% concession in passenger fare to Transgender Senior Citizens whose age are 60 and above.

Ref: (I) Commercial Circular No.18 of 2011 dated 13.05.2011
(ii) Commercial Circular No. of 52 of 2016 dated 29.06.2016

As per S.No.38 of IRCA Coaching Tariff No. 26 Part-I (Vol.II) concession is admissible to Men Senior Citizens of the age of 60 years and above and 58 years & above in case for Women–Senior citizens of Indian Nationality. The element of concession is 40% for Men Senior Citizens and 50% for Women Senior Citizens.

2. As an interim measure till finalization of uniform policy by Ministry of Law & Justice, it has now been decided to grant of 40% concession in passenger fare to Transgender (T) Senior Citizens of the age of 60 years and above.

3. This will be implemented with effect from 01.01.2019.

4. Other terms and conditions shall remain the same.

5. CRIS & IRCTC may make necessary changes in the software.

6. Necessary instructions shall be issued to the all concerned.

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

(Shelly Srivastava)
Director Passenger Marketing
Railway Board

Delivery of letters under Pradhan Mantri, Jan ArogyaYojna (PMJAY) on Sunday - NFPE

Delivery of letters under Pradhan Mantri, Jan ArogyaYojna (PMJAY) on Sunday - NFPE

National Federation of Postal Employees
1st Floor North Avenue Post Office Building, New Delhi-110 001
Phone: 011.23092771 e-mail: nfpehq@gmail.com
Mob: 9718686800 / 9810853981 website: http://www.nfpe.blogspot.com

No. PF-66/2018

Dated  28.12.2018

To
Sri. A. N. Nanda
Secretary (P)
Department of Posts
DakBhawan, New Delhi - 110001

Sub: Regarding delivery of letters under Pradhan Mantri, Jan ArogyaYojna (PMJAY) on Sunday.
Ref: Dte. No. 59-01/2018-BD dated 21st October 2018.

Sir,
Your kind attention is invited towards Directorate letter no. as referred above under which orders have been issued to make delivery of the letters under Pradhan Mantri Jan AarogyaYojna (PMJAY) on Sunday.

In this connection we want to bring to your kind notice that now a days it has become the order of the day that on each and every Sunday officials are being engaged in various works like delivery of some important letters, some melas to achieve targets in various schemes, various meetings on new and premium schemes and other schemes of the Department. The officials of Department of Posts are now deprived from their basic right of availing weekly off.

Now the delivery of PMJAY letters has been entrusted to the staff which is very much causing troubles and sufferings to the employees.

It is also worth mentioning here that no off or any type of compensation is granted to the officials attending duty on Sunday and holiday. This shows apathetic attitude of the officers of Department.
Already Postal Employees are suffering a lot after implementation of CBS, CSI, IPPB, RICT, Aadhar, Passport, PNOP and other schemes.

It is therefore requested to kindly cause suitable instruction to all not to deprive the employees to avail their weekly offs and this practice should be ended.

With regards,

Yours sincerely,

(R. N. Parashar)
General Secretary

Source: http://nfpe.blogspot.com/

Departmental proceedings against Government Servants - Procedure for consultation with the Union Public Service Commission

Departmental proceedings against Government Servants - Procedure for consultation with the Union Public Service Commission

No. 39011/08/2016-Estt(B)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training

North Block, New Delhi
Date: 28th December, 2018

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Departmental proceedings against Government Servants - Procedure for consultation with the Union Public Service Commission - reg

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department's OM No. 39011/12/2009-Estt(B) dated 10.05.2010 on the subject mentioned above vide which a Proforma/Checklist was forwarded to all Ministries/Departments for referring disciplinary cases to Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in terms of Article 320(3) (c) of the Constitution of India read with Regulation 5 of the UPSC (Exemption from Consultation) Regulations, 1958 (as amended from time to time).

2. The Proforma/ Checklist has been revised in consultation with UPSC so as to ensure that there are no shortcomings while sending the requisite information/ documents to the Commission. It is also expected that the complete reference is received in the Commission at least three months prior to the retirement of the charged officer in case of minor penalty proceedings and at least six months prior to retirement in case of major penalty proceedings in order to get advice of the Commission and the implementation thereof. Wherever the time is less than three months/ six months from the retirement of the Government servant, cogent reasons justifying late submission of case to UPSC are also required to be indicated.

3. The modified Proforma/Checklist for forwarding disciplinary cases to the  UPSC is enclosed for guidance! compliance by all concerned.

Encl: As above

(Pramod Kumar Jaiswal)
Under Secretary to the Government of India
Tel. No.: 23093175

Download the PROFORMA / CHECK LIST FOR FORWARDING DISCIPLINARY CASES TO THE UNION PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

7th CPC MACP Anomalies- NFIR

7th CPC MACP Anomalies- NFIR

Grant of financial upgradation under MACPS to the staff who are in same Grade Pay for more than 20 years
NFIR
National Federation of Indian Railwaymen

3, Chelmsford Raod, New Delhi – 110055

No.IV/MACPS/09/Par-II

Dated: 24/12/2018

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

Sub: Grant of financial upgradation under MACPS to the staff who are in same Grade Pay for more than 20 years-reg.

Ref: (i) NFIR’s PNM Item No.l/2011.

(ii) Action Taken Statement provided to NFIR during its PNM meeting held with the Railway Board 10/11-05-2018

The subject was discussed in a separate meeting held between the NFIR and Railway Board on l6/10/2017. During discussions, the Official Side conveyed that reply from DoP&T has been received and shared with the Federation. The Official Side further stated that the DoP&T has not agreed to the proposal. Responding to the version of Official Side, NFIR insisted that such of the staff who have completed more than two decades from the date of first promotion and stagnated, should be granted 3rd financial upgradation straightaway under MACPS and requested the Railway Board to make another reference to DoP&T for which suitable examples will be made available by the Federation for referring the matter again to DoP&T.

In this connection, Federation furnishes below a few cases of employees as to enable the Railway Board to apprise to the DoP&T, the cases of no promotion for over two decades.

RWF, Yelahanka:

l. Shri M.N. Indrashekar, appointed as Jr. CMA on 26/07/1983 – regularized on 26/07/1984 in GP 4200/-. He was promoted to GP 4600 on 20th May, 1986 (1st promotion) – granted financial upgradation with GP 4800/- on 01/09/2008 instead allowing 3rd financial upgradation with GP 5400 (PB-2) in view of no promotion for over 2 decades.

2. Shri K.S. Dutta Shivrama, appointed as CMA on l8/11/1985 in GP 4200/-, promoted to GP 4600/- on l8-11-1986 – granted financial upgradation in GP 4800/- on 01/09/2008 instead allowing GP 5400, having stagnated for over 2 decades.

3. Shri R.P. Suresh Kumar appointed as CMA on 19/12/1985 in GP 4200, promoted to GP 4600/- on 28-02-1989 granted financial upgradation in GP 4800/- on 0l/09/2008.

South Central Railway:

4. Shri Kamal Kumar Kuley, appointed a CMA in GP 4200/- on 18/12/1983, and got promoted to GP 4600/- on 0l/01/1984, granted financial upgradation in GP 4800/- on 01/09/2008 instead granting GP 5400 due to stagnation for over 2 decades from the date of first promotion.

5. Shri Amulya Kumar Dhali, appointed as CMA on 31/12/1982 in GP 4200/-, promoted to GP 4600/- on 01/01/1984 and got MACP in GP 4800/- on 0l/09/2008 instead GP 5400, for having stagnated for more than 20 years from the date of promotion.

Federation believes that above illustrations are sufficient to justify the demand for grant of MACP benefit to the staff in GP 5400/- as the staff suffered without promotion for over two decades and also to all similarly situated staff who have been in the same Grade Pay for more than two decades. A copy of the reference made to the DoP&T may be made available to the Federation for takine further action.

Yours faithfully,
sd/-
(Dr. M. Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source: NFIR

Demand on Higher Military Service Pay (MSP) - Parliament Q&A MILITARY SERVICE PAY

Demand on Higher Military Service Pay (MSP) - Parliament Q&A MILITARY SERVICE PAY

In a written reply to a question regarding Military Service Pay in Parliament on 26.12.2018, the Minister of State for Defence Shri Subhash Bhamre said that the MSP was raised by the identical fitment of 2.57.

We reproduced the answer and given below for your information…

“Taking note of the rigours of military life, the VI Central Pay Commission (CPC) had recommended an additional, separate element of pay for the Defence Forces called Military Service Pay (MSP), which the CPC intended would also maintain the edge enjoyed by the Defence Forces over the civilian scales.

The VII CPC has consciously decided not to create additional categories of personnel for the grant of MSP or to disturb the slab rates for the four categories for which it is being paid up to the level of Brigadiers. This was done after considering the views of the Services in the matter. MSP was raised by the identical fitment of 2.57 which was applied for pay structure approved by the VI CPC. The recommendations of the VII CPC were accepted by the Government.
Government has recently approved a proposal to establish Armed Forces Special Operations Division which is designed as a tri Services organisation.”

High Court Direction on MSP

On 12th March 2018, question raised by a member in Parliament related to MSP. Whether Government is considering to grant Military Service Pay (MSP) equally to all ranks in the light of Hon’ble High Court’s direction in writ Petition No. 6607/2017 of ‘Voice of Ex-Servicemen Society’?
The concerned Minister replied as follows…

“Hon”ble Delhi High Court in its order dated 28th November, 2017 has not given any specific direction to grant Military Service Pay (MSP) equally to all ranks. It may be informed that the Hon’ble Court in its order mentioned that the conduct of the petitioners in withholding material information and at the same time, trying to invoke equities under Article 226 of the Constitution of India is deprecated.

The 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) had considered all aspects with regard to applicability of MSP including the rates while making its recommendations. The Government after carefully considering the recommendations of the 7th CPC in respect of MSP has accepted the same and have already been notified.”

7th CPC Recommendation on MSP

7th CPC Report Para 5.2.22 says…

5.2.22 Military Service Pay (MSP): The defence forces personnel, in addition to their pay as per the Matrices above, will be entitled to payment of Military Service Pay for all ranks up to and inclusive of Brigadiers and their equivalents. The Commission recommends an MSP for the four categories of Defence forces personnel at Rs 15,500 for the Service Officers, Rs 10,800 for Nursing Officers, Rs 5,200 for JCO/ORs, and Rs 3,600 for Non Combatants (Enrolled) in the Air Force per month. MSP will continue to be reckoned as Basic Pay for purposes of Dearness Allowance, as also in the computation of pension. Military Service Pay will however not be counted for purposes of House Rent Allowance, Composite Transfer Grant and Annual Increment.

17.10 Military Service Pay (MSP): The Defence forces personnel will continue to be entitled to payment of Military Service Pay for all ranks up to and inclusive of Brigadiers and their equivalents. The MSP per month recommended is as follows:

i.	Service Officers	Rs 15,500
ii.	Nursing Officers	Rs10,800
iii.	JCO/ ORs	Rs 5,200
iv.	Non Combatants (Enrolled) in the Air Force	Rs 3,600

Cabinet approves listing of certain unlisted CPSEs on Stock Exchange

Ministry of Finance
Cabinet approves listing of certain unlisted CPSEs on Stock Exchange

28 DEC 2018

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval to list the following seven Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSE) on the Stock Exchange through Initial Public Offering (IPO) /Further Public Offer (FPO):

• Telecommunication Consultants (India) Ltd.[TCIL]- IPO
• RailTel Corporation India Ltd. - IPO
• National Seed Corporation India Ltd. (NSC) - IPO
• Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Limited (THDC) - IPO
• Water & Power Consultancy Services (India) Limited [WAPCOS Ltd.] - IPO
• FCI Aravali Gypsum and Minerals (India) Limited [FAGMIL]- IPO
• Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Limited (KIOCL) - FPO

The listing of CPSEs on the exchange shall unlock their value and encourage investor participation in the CPSEs. Further, Alternative Mechanism comprising of the Finance Minister, Minister of Road Transport & Shipping and the Minster of concerned administrative ministry has been empowered to decide on extent, mode of disinvestment, pricing, time etc. of listed CPSEs (including CPSEs to be listed in future).

The scope of eligibility criteria for listing of CPSEs has been expanded. CPSEs with positive net worth and net profit in any of the immediately three preceding financial years shall be eligible for listing on the Stock Exchange

PIB

Appointment of officers working in the Ministries/Departments under CSS/Non-CSS posts to National Institution for Transforming India(NITI) Aayog under Central Staffing Scheme on lateral shift basis - DOPT

Appointment of officers working in the Ministries/Departments under CSS/Non-CSS posts to National Institution for Transforming India(NITI) Aayog under Central Staffing Scheme on lateral shift basis - DOPT

No. 7/3/2018 EO(MM-ll)

Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, P.G. and Pensions
Department of Personnel and Training
(Office of the Establishment Officer)

North Block, New Delhi
Dated December, 2018

To,
All Secretaries,
Ministries/Departments of Government of India

Subject: Appointment of officers working in the Ministries/Departments under CSS/NonCSS posts to National Institution for Transforming lndia(NITI) Aayog under Central Staffing Scheme on lateral shift basis.

Sir/ Madam,

It is proposed to fill up vacancies of Deputy Secretary/Director level in the National Institution for Transforming lndia(NITI) Aayog under the Central Staffing Scheme on lateral shift basis.

2. The officers who are working at DS/Director level in different Ministries/Departments under the Central Staffing Scheme/Non Central Staffing Scheme/ex-cadre posts will be eligible to apply for these posts. If the officer is selected for the post, it will be treated as a 'lateral shift', which would entail additional tenure of three years as per the special dispensation allowed for appointment in NITI Aayog that permits total deputation tenure up to 8 years on shift to NITI Secretariat or vice versa. The +3 option would be available only to those officers who are already working on a CSS/Non-CSS post/ex-cadre post at the centre. The additional tenure is subject to completion of two years on the present stint on the deputation post and availability of cadre clearance. In the absence of cadre clearance(for +3 tenure), the tenure will be restricted to the balance period of four/five years central deputation tenure.

3. The post may be circulated amongst the officers working on deputation at Deputy Secretary/Director or equivalent level on Central Staffing Scheme/Non Central Staffing Scheme/ex-cadre posts in the Government of India on priority basis. Names of the willing and eligible officers who can be spared by the Ministries/Departments may be forwarded to this Department along with the approval of the Minister-in-Charge, cadre clearance(for +3 tenure), vigilance clearance, detailed bio-data in the enclosed proforma and attested copies of ACR(s).

4. It is requested that the application(s) of the eligible officer(s) may please be forwarded so as to reach this Department by 20.01.2019

Yours faithfully,
(J. Srinivaan)
Director(MM)
Tel 23092842

Download Bio Data

Recommendations of 7th CPC - Payment of Risk & Hardship Allowance for Track Maintainers working in construction s organization

Recommendations of 7th CPC - Payment of Risk & Hardship Allowance for Track Maintainers working in construction s organization.

NFIR

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

Dated: 24/12/2018

The Secretary (E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub: Recommendations of 7th CPC - Payment of Risk & Hardship Allowance for Track Maintainers working in construction s organization - Reg.

Ref: (i) Railway Board's letter No.87/2017) No. PC-VIII/ 2017/I7/5/4 dated 1/08/2017 (RBE (P), E.C. Railway vide letter

(ii) Railway Board's clarification issued to GM No. PC-VII/ 2017/I7/5/4 dated 25/10/2018.

Federation desires to bring to the kind notice of Railway Board that consequent to the acceptance of recommendations of 7th CPC relating to grant of Risk & Hardship Allowance to Track Maintainers, the Railway Board vide letter dated 10/0812017 (RBE No. 87/2017) issued instructions to the GMs of Zonal Railways to grant Risk & Hardship Allowance to the Track Maintainers of Indian Railways as per Cell R3 H2 of Risk and Hardship Matrix @ Rs 2700/- p.m. per person. The 7th CPC in its ;eport mentioned that the "Track Maintainers-I, II, III and IV of lndian Railways should be granted Risk & Hardship Allowance in view of hardship faced by these categories of employees".

It has however been brought to the notice ofthe Federation that on a reference received from GM (p), E.C. Railway, thelailway Board vide letter dated25ll0l2018 addressed to GM (p), E.C. Railway, has clarified that the Track Maintainers working in Construction Oiganizations are not eligible for grant of Risk and Hardship Allowance. Federation does not agiee with the unjustifieJ view taken by the Railway Board and the same is unacceptable to NFIR due to the following reasons:-

• Track Maintainer is essentially required to work on Rail tracks, whether under Open line or in the Constructions Organizations.
• In the Construction Organization, the Track Maintainers are required to perform duties of laying of rails, sleeper, points, and crossing in a programmed way and for completing work within targeted periods. Hardship and Risk is involved in their duties.
• It needs to be appreciated that the Track Maintainer by designation, has been granted Risk and Hardship Allowance, therefore denying Risk and Hardship Allowance to the desisnated Track Maintainers working in Construction Organizations is improper.

The duties performed by the Track Maintainers working in Construction organization as mentioned above justify payment of Risk and Hardship Allowance in accordance with Board's instructions dated 10/0812017 (RBE No. 87/2017). The erroneous clarification of the Railway Board vide letter dated 25/10/2018 therefore needs to be withdrawn immediately.

NFIR, therefore, requests the Railway Board to review the case and withdraw Board's letter dated 25110/2018. Action taken in the matter may be apprised to the Federation.

Yours faithfully

(Dr. M. Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source: NFIR

Single Central Government Male Employees to get Child Care Leave - Gazette Notification issued

Single Central Government Male Employees to get Child Care Leave - Gazette Notification issued

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

NOTIFICATION

New Delhi, the 11th December, 2018

G.S.R. 1209(E).- In exercise of the powers conferred by the proviso to article 309 read with clause (5) of article 148 of the Constitution and after consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India in relation to persons serving in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department, the President hereby makes the following rules further to amend the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972, namely:-

1. (1) These rules may be called the Central Civil Services (Leave) (Fourth Amendment) Rules, 2018.

(2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.

2. In the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972,
(A) in rule 28, in sub-rule (1) for clauses (a), (b) and (c), the following clauses shall be substituted, namely:-

"(a) The leave account of every Government servant (other than a military officer) who is serving in a Vacation Department shall be credited with earned leave, in advance’ in two installments of five days each on the first day of January and July of every calendar year.

(b) In respect of any year in which a Government Servant avails a portion of the vacation, he shall be entitled to additional earned leave in such proportion of twenty days, as the number of days of vacation not taken bears to the full vacation, provided the total earned leave credited shall not exceed thirty days in a calendar year.

(c) If, in any year, the Government servant does not avail any vacation, earned leave will be as per Rule 26 instead of clauses (a) and (b).";

(B) in rule 29, for sub-rule (1), the following sub-rule shall be substituted, namely:—
"(1) The half pay leave account of every Government servant (other than a military officer and a Government servant serving in a Vacation Department) shall be credited with half pay leave in advance, in two installments of ten days each on the first day of January and July of every calendar year.”;

(C) in rule 43-C. (a) for sub-rule (1), the following sub-rule shall be substituted, namely”;
"(1) Subject to the provisions of this rule, a female Government servant and single male Government servant may be granted child care leave by an authority competent to grant leave for a maximum period of seven hundred and thirty days during entire service for taking care of two eldest surviving children, whether for rearing or for looking after any of their needs, such as education, sickness and the like." ;

(b) for sub-rules (3) and (4), the following sub-rules shall be substituted, namely:-

"(3) Grant of child care leave to a female Government servant and a single male Government servant under sub-rule (1) shall be subject to the following conditions, namely:-

(i) it shall not be granted for more than three spells in a calendar year;

(ii) in case of a single female Government servant, the grant of leave in three spells in a calendar year shall be extended to six spells in a calendar year.

(iii) it shall not ordinarily be granted during the probation period except in case of certain extreme situations where the leave sanctioning authority is satisfied about the need of child care leave to the probationer, provided that the period for which such leave is sanctioned is minimal.

(iv) child care leave may not be granted for a period less than five days at a time.

(4) During the period of child care leave, a female Government servant and a single male Government servant shall be paid one hundred percent of the salary for the first three hundred and sixty five days, and at eighty percent of the salary for the next three hundred and sixty five days.
Explanation.-Single Male Government Servant' means – an unmarried or widower or divorcee Government servant.";

(D) for rule 44, the following rule shall be substituted, namely:-

"44. Work Related Illness and Injury Leave:-

The authority competent to grant leave may grant Work Related Illness and Injury Leave ( herein after referred to as WRIIL) to a Government servant (whether permanent or temporary), who suffers illness or injury that is attributable to or aggravated in the performance of her or his official duties or in consequence of her or his official position subject to the provisions contained in sub-rule (1) of rule 19 of these rules, on the following conditions, namely :

(1) Full pay and allowances shall be granted to all employees during the entire period of hospitalisation on account of WRIIL.

(2) Beyond hospitalization, WRIIL shall be governed as follows:

(a) A Government servant (other than a military officer) full pay and  allowances for the six months immediately following hospitalisation and Half Pay for twelve months beyond the said period of six months. The Half Pay period may be commuted to full pay with corresponding number of days of Half Pay Leave debited from the employees leave account.

(b) For officers of Central Armed Police Forces full pay and allowances for six months immediately following the hospitalisation and full pay only for the next twenty four months.
(c) For personnel below the rank of officer of the Central Armed Police Forces full pay and allowances, with no limit regarding period.

(3) In the case of persons to whom the Workmen’s Compensation Act, 1923 applies, the amount of leave salary payable under WRIIL shall be reduced by the amount of compensation paid under the Act.

(4) No Earned Leave or Half Pay Leave shall be credited during the period that employee is on WRIIL.".

(E) rules 45 and 46 shall be omitted.

[F. No. 11020/01/2017 -Estt(L)]
GYANENDRA DEV TRIPATHI Jt. Secy.

Grant of Hospital Patient Care Allowance (HPCA) & Patient Care Allowance (PCA) to Group 'C' & 'D' (non-ministerial) Railway employees working in Railway Hospitals & Health Units/Clinics.

Grant of Hospital Patient Care Allowance (HPCA) & Patient Care Allowance (PCA) to Group 'C' & 'D' (non-ministerial) Railway employees working in Railway Hospitals & Health Units/Clinics.

NFIR

No. I/5(g)/Part VI

Dated: 24/12/2018

The Secretary (E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub: Grant of Hospital Patient Care Allowance (HPCA) & Patient Care Allowance (PCA) to Group 'C' & 'D' (non-ministerial) Railway employees working in Railway Hospitals & Health Units/Clinics.

Ref: (i) NFIR's PNM Item No. 1212016.
(ii) Board's letter No. 2015lH-lll0/10/FIPCA dated 14/03/2016 addressed to CMD. Central Railwayy.
(iii) Board's letter No. E(P&A)II-98/FIW-6 Vol. (RBE No. 3612016.
(iv) Board's letter No. E(P&A)IV2017/AL-4 dated GM (P), Central Railway.
(v) NFIR's letterNo. U5(g)lParI VI dated 08/09/2018
(vi) Railway Board's letter No. E(P&.A)IU}0l8Avlisc./4

Kind attention of Railway Board is invited to NFIR's PNM agenda item No. 1212016 and the correspondence cited under reference.

In this connection, Railway Board vide letter dated 1310912018 conveyed to the Federation that a Committee had been constituted to find out if any other category of staff working in Railway Hospitals Hlealth Units is eligible for HPCA/PCA and the recommendations of the Committee are being processed for further necessary action. Consequently, NFIR vide its letter dated 1910912018 requested the Railway Board to make available a copy of the recommendations of the Committee to facilitate the Federation to go through the same and make appropriate suggestions. A period of more than three months passed, copy of the Committee's report has not been made available to the Federation.

NFIR, therefore, once again requests the Railway Board to please provide a copy of the recommendations of the Committee early for Federation's perusal for discussing further, with the Board.

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

Source: NFIR

Inauguration of renovated & upgraded 100 beded ESI Hospital in Bhubneswar

Ministry of Labour & Employment
Inauguration of renovated & upgraded 100 beded ESI Hospital in Bhubneswar

24 DEC 2018

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi dedicated the renovated and upgraded 100 bedded ESI Hospital, Bhubaneswar (Odisha) to the Nation from IIT Campus, Bhubaneswar along with the basket of different projects of Govt. of India on 24.12.2018 (Monday).

The other dignitaries to grace the occasion were Professor Ganeshi Lal, Governor, Odisha, Shri Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister, Odisha, Shri Jual Oram, Minister of Tribal Affairs, Govt. of India, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Govt. of India and Dr. (Prof.) Prasanna Kumar Patasani, MP, Bhubneswar.
In his address, the Prime Minister said that the existing 50 bedded ESI Hospital Bhubaneswar has been renovated & upgraded to 100 bedded hospital with a project cost of Rs. 73 crore (aprox.). Equipped with all the modern facilities, this hospital will provide good medical care to beneficiaries under ESI Scheme of Bhubaneswar area. He said that the Central Govt. is working to provide the good quality medical care to every citizen of India. For this purpose, Wellness Health Centres are also being opened under 'Ayushman Bharat Yojana' to provide medical care in the remotest part of India.
The other projects inaugurated/foundation laid during the event were of Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Ministry of Human Resource Development, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Govt. of India, etc.

ESI Scheme in India

The Employees' State Insurance Corporation is a pioneer Social Security organization providing comprehensive social security benefits like reasonable Medical Care and a range of Cash Benefits in times of need such as employment injury, sickness, death etc. The ESI Act applies to premises/precincts where 10 or more persons are employed. The employees drawing wages up to Rs.21, 000/- a month are entitled to health insurance cover and other benefits, under the ESI Act. The Act now applies to over 10.33 lakh factories and establishments across the country, benefiting about 3.43 crores Insured Persons/Family Units of workers. As of now, the total beneficiary population of ESI Scheme stands over 13.32 crores. Ever since its inception in 1952, the ESI Corporation has, so far, set up 154 Hospitals, 1500/148 Dispensaries / ISM Units, 815 Branch/Pay Offices and 64 Regional & Sub-Regional/Divisional Offices.

PIB

Payroll Reporting in India: An Employment Perspective - Coverage and Sources of data

Payroll Reporting in India: An Employment Perspective - Coverage and Sources of data

Employees' Provident Funds Scheme: September, 2017 to October, 2018
PROVISIONAL ESTIMATES OF SUBSCRIBERS AS PER EPFO RECORDS (IN NUMBERS) 

 Coverage and Sources of data

1. The Employees Provident Fund Scheme (EPF) is a mandatory savings scheme under the Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952. It is managed under the aegis of Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO). It covers every establishment in which 20 or more persons are employed (and certain other establishments which may be notified by the Central Government even if they employ less than 20 persons each), subject to certain conditions and exemptions as provided for in the Act. The pay ceiling is Rs.15000/- per month. Persons drawing pay above Rs. 15,000 are exempted or can be enrolled with some permission or on voluntary basis. The number of members subscribing to this scheme gives an idea of the level of employment in the formal sector. The data on subscribers-new members, exited members and those subscribers that re-started their subscription is sourced from EPFO. More details are available at www.epfindia.gov.in.

2. The Employees State Insurance Act, 1948 is applicable to non-seasonal, manufacturing establishments (other than a mine subject to the operation of the Mines Act, 1952 (35 of 1952), or a railway running shed) employing 10 or more workers. For health and medical institutions, the threshold limit is 20 or more workers. ESI Scheme for India is an integrated social security scheme tailored to provide socio-economic protection to the workers in the organized sector and their dependents, in contingencies, such as Sickness, Maternity and Death or Disablement due to an employment injury or occupational hazard. The wage ceiling is Rs.21000/- per month. Beneficiaries are termed as Insured Persons (IP) and a new IP number can also arise due to change in employment. Employees may cease to pay contribution due to wage exceeding the statutory ceiling of Rs.21000/- per month or owing to resignation, death, retirement or dismissal. The number of subscribers of this scheme also gives an idea of the level of employment in the formal sector. Data is sourced from Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) and the information may have an element of duplication with EPF data and is thus not additive. More details are available at www.esic.in.

3. The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PRFRDA)'s National Pension scheme (NPS) is an easily accessible, low cost, tax-efficient, flexible and portable retirement savings account. Under the NPS, the individual contributes to his retirement account and also his employer will co-contribute for the social security/welfare of the individual. NPS is designed on defined contribution basis wherein the subscriber contributes to his account, there is no defined benefit that would be available at the time of exit from the system and the accumulated wealth depends on the contributions made and the income generated from investment of such wealth. Any citizen of India, whether resident or non-resident, individuals who are aged between 18 - 60 years as on the date of submission of his/her application can subscribe to the scheme. From 1st January 2004, the central and the state governments have adopted this scheme for new employees except for armed forces. This was extended to other establishments from 2009 onwards. More details are available at www.pfrda.org.in.

Download the full details from Central Statistics office

DoE: Switch over from Petrol and Diesel vehicles to Electric vehicles for hired vehicles in Secretariats/Attached offices of Ministries and Departments of Government of India located in Delhi

DoE: Switch over from Petrol and Diesel vehicles to Electric vehicles for hired vehicles in Secretariats/Attached offices of Ministries and Departments of Government of India located in Delhi

F.No.2S(7)/E.Coord.l2017
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure
E.Coord Section

North Block, New Delhi
Dated: 22nd December, 2018

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Switch over from petrol and diesel vehicles to electrical vehicles for hired vehicles in Secretariats/Attached offices of Ministries and Departments of Government of India located in Delhi

Keeping in view the policy thru st of the Government that by 2030, 30% of the total vehicle fleet in the country will be electrical for the reason of its being environmental friendly, cost effective and substitute for fossil fuels, Ministries/Departments are encouraged to switch over to electrical mobility from petrol and diesel cars in respect of vehicles taken on lease/hire for official purpose.

2. Accordingly, all the Ministries/Departments may aim at replacing the petrol and diesel cars hired by Ministries/Departments in their Secretariats and attached offices (located in Delhi) through contractors by electric cars for mobility in Delhi. In cases where existing contracts for hiring of petrol/diesel vehicles have come to an end, Ministries/Departments may consider fresh contract for hiring electric vehicles.

3. To facilitate Ministries/Departments a framework of the draft agreement which the Ministries/Department may adopt for entering into contract for lease/hiring of electric vehicles is annexed. Ministries/Departments are at liberty to amend the conditions of the draft agreement as per the type of lease/hiring (Wet or Dry) entered into with the service provider.

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

Download the Template of the conditions of Agreement for hiring of electric vehicles

Source: DoE

Stagnation Increment - Revision of Pension of Pre-2016 pensioners

Stagnation Increment - Revision of Pension of Pre-2016 pensioners

"Benefit of additional increment has been granted to those officers who were serving as on 1.1.2016. Those who retired/died before 1.1.2016 are, therefore, not eligible for increment after retirement for the purpose of pension."

No.38/37/2016-P&PW(A)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, PG & Pensions
Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare

3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhawan
Khan Market, New Delhi-110 003
Dated the 21st December, 2018

Office Memorandum

Subject: Revision of Pension of Pre-2016 pensioners - Stagnation Increment regarding

The undersigned is directed to say that in pursuance of the decision taken by the Government on the recommendations of the 7th CPC, orders were issued vide this Deptt's OM of even number dated 12.5.2017 for revision of pension/family pension in respect of pre-2016 pensioners/family pensioners by notionally fixing pay in the pay matrix recommended by the 7th CPC in the level corresponding to the pay in the pay scale/pay band and grade pay at which the Government servant / pensioner retired/died. Concordance tables for fixation of notional pay / pension of pre-2016 pensioners were issued vide this Department's OM of even number dated 6.7.2017.

2. References/representations have been received in this Department seeking clarification on the applicability of the OM dated 7.9.2016 for the purpose of notional pay fixation and revision of pension of pre-2016 pensioners and family pensioners w.e.f. 1.1.2016. The matter has been examined in consultation with the Ministry of Finance (Department of Expenditure). It is clarified that the benefit of additional increment has been granted to those officers who were serving as on 1.1.2016. Those who retired/died before 1.1.2016 are, therefore, not eligible for increment after retirement for the purpose of pension.

3. This issues with the approval of Department of Expenditure vide their I.D. No.1(3)/V-V/2018 dated 4.9.2018 and 1.D. No.1(3)/V-V/2018 dated 28.11.2018

sd/-
(S.K. Makkar)
Under Secretary to the Government of India

7th CPC: Dress Allowance to officials discharging Prosecution functions on provisional basis (7th CPC) - Railways

7th CPC: Dress Allowance to officials discharging Prosecution functions on provisional basis (7th CPC) - Railways

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (BHARAT SARKAR)
Ministry of Railways (Rail Mantralaya)
(Railway Board)

Pc-VII No. 124
RBE No. 199/2018
File No. PC-VII/2017/I/7/5/7(Pt.)

New Delhi, Dated: 21.12.2018

The General Managers/ CAOs(R),
AB Indian Railways and Production Units,
(As per mailing list)

Subject: Implementation of the recommendations of the Seventh Central Pay Commission - Dress Allowance to officials discharging Prosecution functions on provisional basis.

Consequent to the decision taken by the Government of lndia on the recommendations of the 7th CPC, Kit Maintenance Allowance, Shoe Allowance, Uniform Allowance, Washing Allowance, Robe Allowance and Robe Maintenance Allowance have been subsumed into a single Dress Allowance and orders in this regard have been issued vide Board’s order No. PC-VII/2017/J/7/5/7 dated 03.10.20 17 (PC-VII No. 64/ RBE No. 141/2017).

2. A separate Prosecution Cadre is also being fonned in the Indian Railways. While formalisation of the Cadre is awaited, officials presently designated as Public Prosecutors and Assistant Public Prosecutors continue to perform prosecution related duties, including Court appearances. References are being received from Railways on payment of separate Dress Allowance to such officials as they are no longer part of the Railway Protection Force.

3. The matter has been considered in Board's office. While the Prosecution Cadre sanction and formation is being followed up with the Department of personnel & Training, it is nevertheless a fact that Public Prosecutors/Asst. Public Prosecutors as designated presently continue to perform prosecution related duties that involve appearing in Court. Accordingly, all such Public Prosecutors/Asst. Public Prosecutors who are actually attending Courts in performance of their official duties may be paid Dress Allowance @ Rs. 10,000 per annum provisionally as governed by all instructions/terms and conditions issued under Board’s Order No. PC-VII/2017/I/7/5/7 dt. 03.10.2017 (circulated as RBE No. 141/2017).

4. These orders will be taken up for review as and when the Prosecution Cadre is formally notified.

5. This issues with the approval of Board (MS and FC).

Hindi version will follow.

(Jaya Kumar G)
Deputy Director(Pay Commission) VII
Railway Board

Non-Practicing allowance of Government Doctors - Loksabha

Non-Practicing allowance of Government Doctors - Loksabha

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1960
TO BE ANSWERED ON 21st DECEMBER, 2018

NON-PRACTICING ALLOWANCE OF GOVERNMENT DOCTORS
1960. SHRI MD. BADARUDDOZA KHAN:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the doctors of Government hospitals are doing private practice despite taking non-practicing allowance, if so, the reaction of the Government thereto indicating the number of the doctors doing private practice across the country including West Bengal;
(b) whether any steps are being taken by the Government to control it, if so, the details thereof; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER

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

(a): Health being a state subject, information pertaining to the doctors doing private practice across the country including West Bengal is not centrally maintained. As per Rule 13 of CHS Rules, 2014, persons appointed to the Central Health Service shall not be allowed private practice of any kind whatsoever including any consultation and laboratory service.

In one case reported from Central Government Health Services (CGHS) Delhi, disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against the concerned officer as per rules and procedure of the Government.

(b) & (c): As and when any instance of private practice by a Central Health Service doctor is brought to the notice of this Ministry, appropriate action is taken in the matter as per rules and procedure of the Government.

Source: Loksabha

Income Tax benefits from Post Office Saving Schemes

Income Tax benefits from Post Office Saving Schemes

Interest rates on these post office saving schemes move in line with the government's interest rates on small savings schemes.India Post or Department of Posts, which runs the postal network of the country, offers a number of saving schemes with income tax benefits. Using these saving schemes, investor can claim a deduction up to Rs. 1.5 lakh in a financial year from taxable income under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. Interest rates on these post office saving schemes move in line with the government's interest rates on small savings schemes, which are revised on a quarterly basis.

Here are post office saving schemes that offer tax benefits:

Post Office Time Deposit (TD) or Fixed Deposit (FD) account
In a post office fixed deposit (FD), one can deposit a lump sum of money for a specific period and avail of features like guaranteed returns and choice of interest payout. Post office time deposit (TD) or Fixed Deposit (FD) account offers interest rates across four maturities: one year, two years, three years, and five years, noted India Post on it's official website- indiapost.gov.in. The investment under 5 years fixed deposit qualifies for the benefit of Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961, mentioned India Post.

Post Office Public Provident Fund (PPF) account
Post office Public Provident Fund (PPF) account offers an investment avenue with decent returns coupled with income tax benefits. For the quarter ending December, PPF accounts fetch an interest rate of 8 per cent per annum. Interests on deposits are compounded on an annual basis, which means that it is added to the principal amount every year, noted India Post. PPF comes under the exempt, exempt, exempt (EEE) category of tax status. This means that returns, maturity amount and interest income are exempt from income tax. Deposits qualify for deduction from income under Section 80C of Income Tax Act.

Post Office Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) account
Post Office Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) serves as an investment avenue and helps in generating wealth for a successful retirement life. SCSS earns an interest rate of 8.7 per cent per annum, which is payable from the date of deposit on March 31/ September 30/December 31 in the first instance and thereafter, interest are payable on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31. Tax Deducted At Source (TDS) is deducted at source on interest if the interest amount is more than Rs. 10,000 per annum. Investment under this scheme qualifies for the benefit of Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961 from April 1, 2007.

Post office National Savings Certificates (NSCs)
Post Office National savings certificates (NSCs) fetch an interest rate of 8 per cent per annum. This interest is compounded annually but payable at maturity. An NSC of Rs. 100 will offer Rs. 146.93 on maturity after five years. NSCs have a lock-in period of five years. Deposits in the National Savings Certificate qualify for deduction under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.

Source: NDTV

National Pension System (NPS) Withdrawal Norms - Government Employees

Ministry of Finance
NPS Withdrawal Norms

21 DEC 2018

The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has changed the norms for withdrawal of National Pension System (NPS) subscribers. Keeping in view the possibility of sudden financial needs of the subscribers, the requirement of minimum period under National Pension System (NPS) for availing the facility of partial withdrawal from the mandatory Tier-I account of the subscriber has been reduced from 10 years to 3 years from the date of joining w.e.f. 10th August, 2017. The minimum gap of 5 years between two partial withdrawals has also been removed w.e.f. 10th August, 2017. A subscriber is eligible for three partial withdrawals during the period of subscription under NPS, each withdrawal not exceeding twenty-five percent of the contributions made by the subscriber and excluding contributions made by the employer. There is, however, no restriction on withdrawals from the Tier-II account of the subscriber.

The extent and purpose for which partial withdrawals from the Tier-I account under NPS are permissible are as under:

Purpose

• for higher education and marriage of his or her children including a legally adopted child;
• for the purchase or construction of a residential house or flat in his or her own name or in a joint name with his or her legally wedded spouse. In case, the subscriber already owns either individually or in the joint name a residential house or flat, other than ancestral property, no withdrawal under these regulations shall be permitted;
• for treatment of specified illnesses: if the subscriber, his legally wedded spouse, children, including a legally adopted child or dependent parents suffer from any specified illness, which shall comprise of hospitalization and treatment in respect of the following diseases:

(a) Cancer;
(b) Kidney Failure (End Stage Renal Failure);
(c) Primary Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension;
(d) Multiple Sclerosis;
(e) Major Organ Transplant
(f) Coronary Artery Bypass Graft;
(g) Aorta Graft Surgery;
(h) Heart Valve Surgery;
(i) Stroke;
(j) Myocardial Infarction;
(k) Coma;
(l) Total blindness;
(m) Paralysis;
(n) Accident of serious/ life threatening nature.
(o) Any other critical illness of a life threatening nature as stipulated in the circulars, guidelines or notifications issued by the Authority from time to time.

• Towards meeting the expenses by subscriber for skill development/re-skilling or for any other self-development activities.
• Towards meeting the expenses by subscriber for establishment of own venture or any start-ups.
• To meet medical & incidental expenses arranging out of disability or incapacitation suffered.

Limits
The subscriber should have been in the National Pension System at least for a period of three years from the date of his or her joining;
The subscriber shall be permitted to withdraw accumulations not exceeding twenty-five per cent of the contributions made by him or her and standing to his or her credit in his or her individual pension account, as on the date of application for withdrawal;

Frequency
The subscriber shall be allowed to make partial withdrawals for a maximum of three times during the entire tenure of subscription under the NPS. There is, however, no minimum time gap now stipulated between two partial withdrawals.
This was stated by Shri Ship Pratap Shukla, Minister of State for Finance in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

PIB

New Settlement Rules of SEBI

Ministry of Finance
New Settlement Rules of SEBI

21 DEC 2018

SEBI has introduced the SEBI (Settlement Proceedings) Regulations, 2018 that have been notified on 30.11.2018 and will come into effect from 01.01.2019. On the date of commencement of these Regulations the existing SEBI (Settlement of Administrative and Civil Proceedings) Regulations, 2014 shall stand repealed.

In pursuit of the objectives of SEBI (to protect the interests of investors in securities and to promote the development of and to regulate the securities market), as new challenges arise it is important to have a convergence or integration of the quasi-judicial processes within SEBI with the alternate dispute resolution process, to bring forth a more effective harmonized scheme to operate without any conflict and delay. The SEBI (Settlement of Administrative and Civil Proceedings) Regulations, 2014 introduced a mathematical and transparent system of calculating the settlement amount. However over a period of time it was noticed that there was a need for revision due to changes in securities laws, new products and increase in settlement amounts.

SEBI constituted a High Level Committee under the Chairmanship of Retd. Justice A. R. Dave (Supreme Court of India) to examine the SEBI (Settlement of Administrative and Civil Proceedings) Regulations, 2014 and comprehensively re-work the regulations after taking into account developments in domestic and foreign jurisdictions. The SEBI (Settlement Proceedings) Regulations, 2018 provide a more effective mechanism, the essential concomitants of a legal proceeding, without compromising on deterrence or providing equitable remedies to the affected investors.

The Settlement process is an alternative enforcement process that is beneficial to the alleged defaulter, investors and the regulator. Settlement allows the enforcement proceedings to be finalized at the earliest without a long drawn litigation while ensuring that the investors' rights are protected. The SEBI (Settlement Proceedings) Regulations, 2018 inter alia provide the following:-

• Disclosure related violations are settled after making the required disclosures;
• Refund to investors is made wherever required in compliance with securities laws;
• Investors are provided the required exit or purchase option in compliance with securities laws;

Thus the SEBI (Settlement Proceedings) Regulations, 2018 are likely to make all settlements transactions relating to investors more transparent.

This was stated by Shri Pon. Radhakrishnan, Minister of State for Finance in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

PIB

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

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

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

21 DEC 2018

12th Civil Services Day event: The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated 2-day event of 12th Civil Services Day on 20.4.2018. The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, addressed Civil Servants on the occasion of Civil Services Day on 21.4.18. Prime Minister presented 15 awards to the winners in various categories. He said that the priority programmes such as Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Promoting Digital Payments, for which awards have been given, are important programmes for 'New India'.

On the occasion of Civil Services Day, 2018, the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DAR&PG), Government of India produced two films namely 'Journey of PM-Awards 2018' and 'New India-shaping the future' through NFDC empanelled producers. The same was screened during CSD, 2018. These films are available on the Department's website, as well as social media platforms such as twitter and facebook. Two books namely 'Emulating Excellence - Takeaways for Replication' consisting of 28 successful Innovations and 'New Pathways' containing 34 Success Stories in implementation of select Priority Programmes, have been published and released on the occasion of Civil Services Day, 2018 which were released by Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, Hon'ble Vice-President of India on 20th April, 2018 and Shri Narendra Modi, Hon'ble Prime Minister of India on 21st April, 2018 at Vigyan Bhavan respectively. A digital exhibition on Success stories of identified priority programmes (Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Promoting Digital Payments, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana- Urban & Rural, and Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana) and shortlisted Innovations by districts and Central, State organisations was also organized. Creative works of Civil Servants were also showcased in the Exhibition. This included books, music, paintings etc. The exhibition was inaugurated by Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, Hon'ble Vice-President of India on the occasion of Civil Services Day held on 20-21st April, 2018.

Posting of Assistance Secretaries in Central Ministries: On 11.07.18, the Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu addressed the IAS Officers of 2016 batch posted as Assistant Secretaries in Government of India. He asked the IAS officers to look upon people as active agents of transforming India, not merely as 'target groups' or 'beneficiaries'. 176 young IAS officers of the 2016 batch working as Assistant Secretaries in 58 Central ministries attended the Interactive Session. On 04.07.18, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, interacted with over 170 young IAS officers during the inaugural session of the 2016 Batch, who were appointed Assistant Secretaries in the Government of India. The Prime Minister encouraged them to share their experiences of field training. He discussed with them some of the elements of good governance, including Jan Bhagidari, information flows, optimal utilisation of resources, and people's trust in governance. At the Valedictory Session on 27.09.18, IAS officers of the 2016 batch made presentations before the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. 8 selected presentations were made by the officers, on themes such as raising farm incomes, soil health cards, grievance redressal, citizen-centric services, power sector reform, tourist facilitation, e-auctions, and smart urban development solutions.

MoS (PP) Dr Jitendra Singh interacted with the participants of 120th Induction Training Programme on 03.08.18. The group of 89 officers from 18 states who were promoted to IAS from the State Civil Service attended the training programme at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie. During interaction with the Minister, the participants discussed various issues including standardisation of training, setting up of new training centres, shortage of IAS officers at some places and new initiatives of the Government etc.

On 02.07.18, MoS Dr Jitendra Singh delivered the inaugural address at 44th Advanced Professional Programme in Public Administration (APPPA) for Civil Servants and officers, organized by the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA).

As per the practice adopted by the present Government, MoS Dr. Jitendra Singh felicitated the toppers of Civil Services Examination (2017) at a ceremony organised by Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) in New Delhi on 01.05.18.

Regional Conferences on Good Governance: The Department organized three Regional conferences at Bhopal (MP), Kohima (Nagaland) and Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) during FY 2018-19. Senior Officers of the Central and State Governments responsible for implementing good governance practices, officers from Niti Aayog, DCs of aspirational districts, awardees of PM's awards, e-Governance and CAPAM awards, etc participated in the conference. The theme of conferences this year was on Good Governance Initiatives with focus on Aspirational Districts/Capacity Building/Citizen Centric Services/Awarded initiatives and e-governance in service delivery.

This year, two issues of the biannual magazine 'Minimum Government Maximum Governance', July- December, 2017 & Jan-June, 2018 were e-Published on the Department's website in the month of January, 2018 and July, 2018 respectively.

National e-Governance Awards: MoS (PP) Dr Jitendra Singh presented National Awards for e-Governance 2017-18 on 27.12.2018 in a two-day event of National Conference on e-Governance 2018 (21st edition) held at Hyderabad, Telangana. He presented 19 awards in 8 categories for commending efforts in the field of e-Governance. In each category, the gold carried a cash award of Rs. 2 Lakh & citation and the silver carried Rs. one Lakh cash award. The theme of the Conference was 'Technology for accelerating Development'. The conference was inaugurated on 26.02.2018 by the Union Minister of State for Consumers Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Commerce & Industry, Shri C.R. Choudhary and the Minister of Information Technology, Municipal Administration & Urban Development, Industries and Commerce of Telangana State, Shri K. T. Rama Rao. An Exhibition was also organized at the venue where the e-Governance projects of various State Governments and the Centre were displayed. A hall of fame was put up where e-Governance initiatives which have sustained and developed over time and those which have a potential for paradigm shift in the way citizens access market services were showcased. These initiatives included platforms of Aadhaar, GSTN, Government e-Marketplace (GeM), Hawkeye, e-NAM platform of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer's Welfare, MeeSeva etc.
The next National Conference on e-Governance 2019 (22nd edition) is going to be organized by the State Government of Rajasthan at Jaipur in the month of February 2019. During the Conference, it is proposed to give National Awards for eGovernance under 6 categories, viz. (1) Excellence in Government Process Reengineering for Digital Transformation; (2) Excellence in providing Citizen Centric Delivery; (3) Excellence in District level initiative in eGovernance i). North-East States + Hilly States ii). UTs (including Delhi) iii). Other States (4) Outstanding research on Citizen Centric Services by Academic/Research Institutions; (5) Innovative Use of ICTin eGovernance solutions by Startups [Startup as defined by Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) Government of India]; (6) Excellence in Adopting Emerging Technologies. The theme of the Conference is 'Digital India: Success to Excellence."

Certificates of Appreciation to Ministries/departments for implementation of e-office prgoramme: On 14.03.2018, MoS Dr. Jitendra Singh presented Certificates of Appreciation to 34 Ministries/Departments for implementation of e-Office programme in their respective ministries/Departments. The Awards are given by the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Government of India. E-Office is one of the Mission Mode Projects under Digital India Programme.
International cooperation in the field of Public Administration and Governance: The Department works as the nodal point in respect of matters relating to international cooperation in the field of Public Administration and Governance, which includes organizing programmes and visits of the foreign delegation to India and visits of Indian delegation abroad as part of projects/bilateral measures taken up in accordance with the Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs)/Agreements signed between India and other countries (bilateral or multilateral). The purpose of the international cooperation component is to enable the sharing of information, best practice and personnel across national government.

Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances as the institutional member and Board member of Commonwealth Association for Public Administration and Management (CAPAM) is actively engaged with various strategic programmes and activities of CAPAM in promoting good governance across the Commonwealth. In the CAPAM General Members meeting held on 21st October, 2018, at Guyana, Georgetown. Secretary, DARPG was elected on the Board of Directors of CAPAM for the period 2018-2020. During the CAPAM Conference held at Guyana, Georgetown, CAPAM Innovation Awards were announced. Out of the four categories, India won awards in 2 categories. The initiative entitled "Unnayan Banka- Reinventing Education Using Technology of Banka District , State of Bihar has been selected under the Category "Innovation Incubation". Another initiative entitled "Unified Agriculture Markets, Co-operation Department of Government of Karnataka has also been selected under the Category 'Innovation in Public Service Management' and CAPAM's one and only gold medal also went to the India to this Initiative.
Under its given mandate, DARPG has also been deputing officers of Government of India and States/UTs including winners of Prime Minister's Award for Excellence in Public Administration and National Awards for e. Governance to short term customized foreign training programmes in Institutes/Universities of International repute to share administrative experiences and best practices in the area of public administration and delivery of service. During 2018-19, two groups each comprising 15 officers attended training programmes at Korea Development Institute (KDI, Seoul South Korea in May/June 2018 and Maxwell Syracuse University, New York, USA during November 2018.

Certificates of Appreciation to the Ministries/Departments based on their performance in CPGRAMS: On 27.04.18, the Minister awarded the Certificates of Appreciation to the Ministries/Departments based on their performance in the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS). Departments were conferred with the awards for the quarters from July to September, 2017 and October to December, 2017. On 10.08.2018, Dr. Jitendra Singh presented the certificates to various Ministries/Departments for Meritorious Performance in handling Public Grievances on PG Portal, the Ministries were awarded certificates for the quarters January-March, 2018 and April-June, 2018.

Launch of Online dashboard to monitor public grievances launched: On 11.04.18, Dr. Jitendra Singh launched an online dashboard developed by Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG). The dashboard monitors public grievances on a real time basis and periodically reviews progress of systemic reforms. This enables concerned Ministries/Departments to monitor implementation of these reforms.

Disposal of Public grievances: The status of receipts and disposal of Public Grievances dealt with during 2018 as on 21.12.2018 is as under:

No. of grievances pending as on 01.01.2018: 1,21,806
No. of grievances received during 2018: 10,92,221
No. of grievances redressed during 2018: 11,01,267
No. of grievances pending as on 21.12.2018: 93,107

Cabinet decisions:

• On 07.03.18, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and Public Service Commission of Mauritius. The MoU will develop institutionalized linkage between the Public Service Commissions of two countries. It defines the scope of cooperation between the PSC, Mauritius and the UPSC and sets out the areas of cooperation and obligations of the Parties.
• On 23.05.18, the Cabinet approved signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Singapore on Cooperation in the field of Personnel Management and Public Administration. The MoU aims at improving the current system of governance, particularly in the areas of Workforce, Workplace and Jobs, Public Service Delivery, Human Resource Management, Public Sector Reform, Leadership/ Talent Development and E-Governance/Digital Government.

Malaysian delegation led by the Human Resources Minister Mr. M. Kulasegaran met the MoS Dr Jitendra Singh on 09.10.19. The visit was the follow up of the visit of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's visit to Malaysia in May 2018. During the meeting, various issues related to bilateral cooperation in the field of recruitment, training and other aspects of public services came up for discussion.

The Minister for Public Service & Good Governance, Law & Justice, Government of Tanzania (Zanzibar), Mr Haroun Ali Suleiman called on MoS, Dr Jitendra Singh on 16.11.18 and discussed India's experience with good practices in governance as well as possibilities of exchange programmes at academic level with Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie and other Indian institutions.

Pension Adalat: This Department of Pensions and Pensioners' Welfare had started the unique experiment of holding Pension Adalat of those cases in CPENGRAMS which were either routinely closed by various Ministries or not disposed of within the time-line of 60 days. The methodology adopted was to invite all the stake-holders of a particular grievance on a single table viz. the concerned Department, the PAO, the concerned Bank and representative of the Pensioner and resolve the case across the table.

In the 2nd Pension Adalat on February 9, 2018, 34 pending pension grievances were taken up and the various stakeholders from Ministries, Departments, Banks, CPAO were called upon to redress the grievance on the spot. The cases included revision of Family Pension, Commutation of Pension, final settlement of GPF, Fixed Medical Allowance etc. Out of the 34 selected cases, 20 cases were resolved in the Adalat itself. Out of these, 19 cases were resolved by accepting the claims of the Pensioners. Suitable instructions were conveyed to the concerned Departments for resolving the remaining cases. As on November 30, 2018, out of 34 grievances raised in Adalat, 30 have been resolved. The Departmental Parliamentary Standing Committee for Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions in its 95th Report appreciated the system of holding Pension Adalats and suggested that a day may be dedicated to the Pensioners, as part of good governance, and efforts be made to minimise their grievances. The Committee had suggested holding Pension Adalats, on a particular day, across Ministries, throughout the country, with this objective in view.

All India Pension Adalat - 2018: In its attempt to devote one day in the year to Pensioners, Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare conducted an All India Pension Adalat on September 18, 2018, which was inaugurated by the MoS (PP) Dr Jitendra Singh. These Adalats were conducted across Ministries/Departments throughout the country including all the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) as well as non-Civil Ministries viz. Defence, Railways, Telecom and Posts. The Chief Secretaries of States were also asked to conduct Adalats for the All India Service Pensioners who fall within the jurisdiction of this Ministry. The model followed was to bring all the stake-holders viz. the Heads of the Department, the PAO office and the concerned Bank, on one table along with the pensioner or his representative and provide on-the-spot resolution. From the reports received, 12,849 cases were taken up for redressal in these Pension Adalats. 9,368 (73%) grievances relating to Central Govt. Ministries/Departments/Organisations were resolved on the same day. In addition to this, States/UTs, also conducted Pension Adalat for All India Service retired officers, during which 1614 grievances were settled on the same day. .

On the same day, the Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare also took up 32 grievances of various Ministries where the pensioners has expressed his/her dissatisfaction over the disposal by the concerned authorities. These cases were selected from the unresolved grievances in CPENGRAMS portal. In addition, 4 cases which could not be resolved in the last Pension Adalat were also reviewed. Out of these, 22 cases were settled on-the-spot in the Adalat. Suitable instructions/directions were given in the remaining cases to the concerned Departments/PAO/CPAO/Banks to resolve the grievances within a given time frame.

Root cause analysis of Pensioners' grievances This department got conducted a Root Cause Analysis of pensioners' grievances by an independent third party, keeping in focus the quality of disposal, which in some cases was not satisfactory. The methodology adopted was a comprehensive review of focus ministries and after a Root Cause Analysis arrive on the basis of the grievances. The feedbacks were also analysed along with the redressal procedure. As a result of this exercise the various stake-holders of grievances were identified and action taken to rectify the Root Causes of such grievances. This included meetings with banks in such cases where delay took place in initiation of pension/family pension, disruption in pension credit, discrepancy in pension amount, not providing pension slips, delay in giving effect to change in branch as desired by the pensioner. Similarly, issues pertaining to CPAO were taken up such as revision of pre-01.01.2016 pension revision cases, delay in issue of revised authority etc.

ANUBHAV: During the Third Anubhav Award Ceremony, six Awards were given by the Minister of State (PP) on September 18, 2018 to selected write-ups published from April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018 on Anubhav Portal. A Pre- retirement counselling workshop was organized on 10.01.18 in the presence of MoS (PP) with the objective to aware retirees about their retirement dues and post retirement activities. In this workshop about 125 retirees interacted with 5 NGOs with a view to explore volunteer activities in their post retirement life.
Digital Life Certificate from home: Keeping in view the great discomfort experienced by very senior and ailing Pensioners in queuing up outside Banks in the month of November to give their Life Certificate, the Department undertook a path breaking initiative: involve Pensioners' Associations in eight cities on a pilot basis and obtain Digital Life Certificate from home of such Pensioners. This was a pilot program conducted in Noida/Delhi, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Mumbai, Mysore Vadodara, Trivandrum &Bangalore. Till 13.12.2018, 2480 number of DLCs were obtained from homes of aged Pensioners.

Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA): A Standing Committee of Voluntary agencies (SCOVA) has been set up under the Chairmanship of MOS (PP) with a view to provide feedback on the implementation of policies/programmes of this Department besides mobilizing voluntary effort to supplement the Government action. 30th SCOVA meeting was held under the Chairmanship of Dr Jitendra Singh, Hon'ble Minister of State (PP) on March23, 2018 in New Delhi, which was attended by representatives of various Pensioners Associations and the Ministries/Department. Many issues related to pensioners were discussed such as revision of PPOs of pre-2006 pensioners, Health Insurance Scheme for pensioners including those residing in non-CGHS area, Special "Higher" Family Pension for widows of the war disabled invalidated out of service, Extension of CGHS facilities to P&T pensioners, issue relating to CGHS Wellness Centre, Dehradun etc.

Pension Reforms during 2018:

1. Vide Order dated 31.01.2018 Certification of CMO has been dispensed with for claiming Fixed Medical Allowance by the pensioners residing in the city not covered under CGHS.
2. A Committee under the Chairmanship of Secretary, Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare was constituted by Department of Financial Services to suggest measures for streamlining the implementation of National Pension Scheme. The Committee submitted its report on 28.2.2018. Based on the recommendations of the Committee, the Government has taken the following decisions: -

• Enhancement of the mandatory contribution by the Central Government for its employees covered under NPS Tier-I from the existing 10% to 14%.
• Providing freedom of choice for selection of Pension Funds and pattern of investment to Central government employees.
• Payment of compensation for non-deposit or delayed deposit of NPS contributions during 2004-2012.
• Tax exemption limit for lump sum withdrawal on exit has been enhanced to 60%. With this, the entire withdrawal will now be exempt from income tax.

Annual report of the Central Information Commission (CIC) was tabled in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on 14thand 15th March 2018 respectively. The trends of Annual Report were as follows:

• During the reporting year 2016-17, 9.17 lakh RTI applications were received by the registered Central Public Authorities (PAs). This is lower by 59,670 or 6.1% than what was reported during 2015-16.
• The Central PAs rejected 6.59% (60,428) of the RTI applications processed during 2016-17 showing a downward trend in rejections which have come down by 0.03% from the 6.62% reported in 2015-16.
• Highest percentage of RTI applications rejected was reported by Ministry of Finance (18.41%), Ministry of Home Affairs (16.08%) and Ministry of Labour and Employment (14.37%).
• Annual Report 2016-17 shows a decrease of 0.08% in First Appeals received by the Central PA's in comparison to the previous year.
• The CIC disposed of 32,344 appeals and complaints cases in 2016-17 which is the highest disposal by the Commission since inception. A total of 23,811 cases were registered during the same period. At the end of the year the Commission had 26,449 cases pending before it.
• The Commission imposed penalties to the tune of Rs. 18.98 lakhs during 2016-17 whereas a total of Rs. 8.6 lakhs was recovered from the PIOs.
• Total 1,965 PA's have submitted Annual Returns which is higher than the previous year 2015-16.

13th Annual Convention of the Central Information Commission (CIC) The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, inaugurated the 13th Annual Convention of the Central Information Commission (CIC) on 12.10.18. The Annual Convention on the topic "Data privacy and Right to information, Amendment in the RTI Act and Implementation of the RTI Act" aimed at recommending measures for improving the transparency and accountability with a view to improve governance. The Convention deliberated on three specific subjects viz. "Data privacy and Right to Information", "Amendment in the RTI Act" and "Implementation of the RTI Act."

New building of the Central Information Commission (CIC): On 06.03.18, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, inaugurated the new building of the Central Information Commission (CIC) in New Delhi. He noted that the building had been completed before the due date, and congratulated all agencies involved in the construction. He said the environment friendly Griha-IV rating would ensure energy savings, and help conserve the environment. The new building will enable the Commission to function from a single location. Earlier it was working from two hired buildings. The new CIC building is a State of the Art-Green Building constructed by National Building Construction Corporation ahead of its completion date. The five storey structure houses all the hearing rooms of the Central Information Commission with state of the art, IT and Video Conferencing Systems. CIC is the apex appellate body established by the Right to Information Act 2005.

Central Information Commission (CIC) launched a newly updated version of mobile app in Hindi - "CIC App" in July, 2018, which is available in Google Play Store and Apple store with the following features:

• Applicant can submit his/her 2nd Appeal(s)/Complaint(s)/ link paper(s) in both the languages i.e. in Hindi and English
• The appellant can search and trace dak, 2nd Appeal/Complaint in both the languages.
• Real time status is available in both the languages (Hindi & English)
• Appellant can download copy of Hearing notice, Facilitation memo & decision.

The Central Information Commission has undertaken an evaluation to ascertain the quality of suo-motu disclosures u/s 4 of RTI Act made by various Public Authorities. The evaluation was conducted by a Committee comprising of Shri A.N. Tiwari, former Chief Information Commissioner and Shri M.M. Ansari, former Information Commissioner. (20.11.18).

The Central Information Commission organised a seminar on the topic "Health and Right to Information Act 2005" on 07.04.18. The seminar was attended by Chief Information Commissioner, Central Information Commissioners, former Information Commissioners, State Information Commissioners, NGOs and other stake-holders.

Vigilance Awareness Week: The Central Vigilance Commission observed Vigilance Awareness Week during the week in which 31st October, the birthday of late Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel falls. In 2018, the Vigilance Awareness Week was observed from 29th October to 3rd November, 2018 with the theme "Eradicate Corruption-Build a New India (भ्रष्टाचार मिटाओ- नया भारत बनाओ)". The observance of the Vigilance Awareness Week commenced with the taking of the Integrity Pledge by the Central Vigilance Commission which was webcast live and telecast on Doordarshan to enable all Central Government public servants to simultaneously take the pledge. The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind was the Chief Guest for the Vigilance Awareness Week Function held at Vigyan Bhavan on 31st October 2018. MoS Dr Jitendra Singh, was the guest of honour at the function. The function was attended by senior serving and retired functionaries of various constitutional and statutory bodies, senior officers of various Ministries, Departments and other Central Government Organisations, Central Public Sector Enterprises, representatives of Professional Associations, Trade and Industry Associations and NGOs, Principals and Heads of Educational Institutions as well as students. The President gave away the Vigilance Excellence Awards for good work done by organizations in the field of punitive, preventive and participative vigilance. Organisational activities were conducted on a large scale during the Vigilance Awareness Week by departments and organizations of the Government of India.

CVC Lecture Series: During the year, the CVC organised lectures by experts/eminent persons on various topic as a part of its "Lecture Series". These are: Smt Sumitra Mahajan, Speaker, Lok Sabha on the topic "My Experiences as a Representative of People", Dr. Rathin Roy, Director, National Institute of Public Finance and Policy on the topic "Why Fiscal Rectitude Matters", Dr Ajay Bhushan Pandey, CEO UIDAI on the topic "Aadhar- tool for Empowerment and Transparency", Shri Shaktikanta Das, Member, Finance Commission of India on the topic "India Economy - the Structural Question", Dr. Ashima Goyal, Member, Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council on the topic "Indian Institutions: Evolution and Hysterisis", Dr. Surjit S. Bhalla, Member, Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council on the topic "Employment and Poverty Reduction in India ", CEO, NITI Aayog, Shri Amitabh Kant on the topic "Transformation of Aspirational Districts - a New India by 2022", Shri M. Damodaran, former Chairman, SEBI on the topic "Corporate Governance in Public Sector", Dr. Urjit Patel, Governor, RBI on the topic "Preventive Vigilance - the Key Tool of Good Governance at Public Sector Institutions", Dr.T.M. Bhasin, Vigilance Commissioner, CVC on "Report on Analysis of Top 100 Bank Frauds", Shri Hemant G. Contractor, Chairman, Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) on the topic "Pensions and Social Security".

Report on Top 100 Bank Frauds: CVC has reviewed and analyzed Top 100 Bank Frauds, from data as on 2017 in a report released this year. The study was divided into 13 sectors comprising Gems and Jewellery, Manufacturing, Agro sector, Media, Aviation, Service Sector, Discounting of cheques and bills, Trading sector, IT Sector, Exports sector, Fixed deposits and Demand Loan etc.The modus operandi of these loans has been thoroughly analysed and various loopholes/lapses have been identified. Based on the findings, various industry specific suggestions for systemic improvement have been given in the final report, which have also been sent to Deptt. of Financial Services and RBI, in order to plug the loopholes observed by the Commission. The measures suggested include strengthening of SOPs, monitoring system and also highlighting the role of controlling offices, so as examine the aspect of quality of business. The analytical study was initiated by the Commission as a Preventive Vigilance measure so as to minimize the occurrence of such type frauds in future.

UPSC allows facility of withdrawal of applications by candidates: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has allowed the facility of withdrawal of applications by candidates. This was announced by the Chairman of UPSC Shri Arvind Saxena, while speaking on the occasion of the 92nd Foundation Day Celebrations on 01.10.18. The Chairman said that UPSC's experience with the Civil Services Examination is that roughly 50% of the 10 lakh plus candidates who fill in the application forms for the Preliminary examination actually write the examination. "The Commission has to book venues, print papers, hire invigilators and ship the documents for all the 10 lakh applicants - which turns out to be a 50% waste of energy and resources". On successful completion of withdrawal of application, confirmation message will be sent on email and also an SMS. Once application has been withdrawn, it cannot be revived.

Shri Arvind Saxena takes oath as Chairman, UPSC: Shri Saxena joined the Commission as Member on 08.05.2015 and was later on appointed to perform the duties of the post of Chairman, UPSC on 20.06.2018. Shri Arvind Saxena has been sworn in as the Chairman, Union Public Service Commission on 29.11.18.

Shri Bharat Bhushan Vyas, IAS (J&K 1986) (Retd.) took the Oath of Office and Secrecy as Member, Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on 13.12.18. The Oath was administered by Shri Arvind Saxena, Chairman, UPSC.

PIB