According to a press release issued by the Labor Office on 31.12.2019, the AICPIN (Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers by 2001=100) for the month of November 2019 has been raised to 328 from the current level of 325.
No.5/1/2019-CPI
Government of India
Ministry of Labour & Employment
Labour Bureau
‘Claremont’, Shimla-171004
Dated: 31st December 2019
Press Release
Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI-1W) - November, 2019
The All-India CPI-IW for November, 2019 increased by 3 points and pegged at 328 (three hundred and twenty eight). On 1-month percentage change, it increased by (+) 0.92 per cent between October and November, 2019 whereas no change observed during corresponding months of last year.
The maximum upward pressure to the change in current index came from Food group contributing (+) 1.98 percentage points to the total change. At item level, Rice, Arhar Dal, Moong DaI, Urd Dal, Goat Meat, Poultry Chicken, Milk Cow, Garlic, Onion, Cabbage, Carrot, Green Coriander Leaves, Lady Finger, Potato, Hot Drink- Tea Readymade, Cooking Gas, Fire Wood. Etc. are responsible to the increase in index.
However, this increase was checked by Fish Fresh, Chillies Green, Ginger, Banana, Cauliflower, Coconut, French Beans, Gourd, Lemon, Orange, Peas, Radish, Tomato, Electricity Charges, Toilet Soap, etc., putting downward pressure on the index. Year-on-year inflation based on all-items stood at 8.61 per cent for November, 2019 as compared to 7.62 per cent for the previous month and 4.86 per cent during the corresponding month of the previous year. Similarly, Food inflation stood at 9.87 per cent against 8.60 per cent of the previous month and (-) 1.57 per cent during the corresponding month of an year ago.
At centre level, Rourkela observed the maximum increase of 14 points followed by Kodarma (12 points), Madurai (9 points) and Salem (8 points). Among others, 7 points increase was observed in 3 centres, 6 points in 4 centres, 5 points in 6 centres, 4 points in 7 centres, 3 points in 10 centres, 2 points in 11 centres and 1 point in 15 centres. On the contrary, Chhindwara and Kanpur recorded a maximum decrease of 3 points each followed by Ahmedabad and Jaipur (2 points each). Other 4 centres observed a fall in index by 1 point. Rest of 10 centres’ indices remained stationary. The indices of 31 centres are above All-India Index and 46 centres’ indices are below national average. The index of Warangal centre remained at par with All-India Index.
The next issue of CPI-IW the month of December, 2019 will be released on Friday 31st January. 2020. The same will also be available on the office website www.labourbureaunew.gov.in.
According to the advance calendar, the statistics of the All India Consumer Price Index (AICPI) for the month of November 2019 may be published by the Labor Office on 31 December 2019. The table below shows the date of publication of AICPIN in advance.
Release Date
CPI (IW)
January - 2019
28 Feb 2019
February - 2019
29 Mar 2019
March - 2019
30 Apr 2019
April - 2019
31 May 2019
May - 2019
28 Jun 2019
June - 2019
31 Jul 2019
July - 2019
30 Aug 2019
August - 2019
30 Sep 2019
September - 2019
31 Oct 2019
October - 2019
29 Nov 2019
November - 2019
31 Dec 2019
December - 2019
31 Jan 2020
DA Calculation January 2020
The index is an important element in the calculation of the percentage of the Dearness Allowance (DA) for government employees with effect from 1.1.2020.
In order to finalize the additional percentage of the Dearness Allowance (DA and DR) from January 2020 for CG employees and pensioners, AICPIN for 6 months from July to December 2019 is required. The data for the 5th month of November was released on 31.12.2019.
Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme : The account shall mature on completion of a period of twenty-one years from the date of its opening
NOTIFICATION
New Delhi, the 12th December, 2019
G.S.R. 914(E) - In exercise of the powers conferred by section 3A of the Government Savings Promotion Act, 1873 (5 of 1873), the Central Government hereby makes the following Scheme, namely:-
1. Short title and commencement : (1) This Scheme may be called the Sukanya Samriddhi Account Scheme, 2019.
(2) It shall come into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
2. Definitions: (1) In this Scheme, unless the context otherwise requires,-
(a) “account” means an account opened under this Scheme;
(b) “account holder” means a girl child in whose name the account is held;
(c) “Act” means the Government Savings Promotion Act, 1873 (5 of 1873);
(d) “birth certificate” means birth certificate issued by the municipal authority or any office authorised to issue birth and death certificate by the Registrar of Births and Deaths or the Indian Consulate as defined in clause (d) of sub-section (1) of section 2 of the Citizenship Act, 1955 (57 of 1955);
(e) “family” means a unit consisting of a person and his spouse (both or either of whom are alive or deceased) and their children, adopted or otherwise;
(f) “financial year” means the period commencing on the 1st day of April and ending on the 31st day of March of the following year;
(g) “Form” means forms appended to this Scheme;
(h) “General Rules” means the Government Savings Promotion General Rules, 2018;
(i) “maturity” means maturity of an account on completion of a period of twenty-one years from the date of its opening.
(2) Words and the expressions used herein but not defined shall have the meanings respectively assigned to them in the Act and the General Rules.
3. Opening of account : (1) The account may be opened by one of the guardian in the name of a girl child, who has not attained the age of ten years as on the date of opening of the account.
(2) Every account holder shall have a single account under this Scheme.
(3) The application in Form-1 for opening an account shall be accompanied by birth certificate of the girl child in whose name the account is to be opened, along with required documents of guardian.
(4) An account under this Scheme may be opened for a maximum of two girl children in one family:
Provided that more than two accounts may be opened in a family if such children are born in the first or in the second order of birth or in both, on submission of an affidavit by the guardian supported with birth certificates of the twins/triplets regarding the birth of such multiple girl children in the first two orders of birth in a family:
Provided further that the above proviso shall not apply to girl child of the second order of birth, if the first order of birth in the family results in two or more surviving girl children.
4. Deposits : (1) The account may be opened with a minimum initial deposit of two hundred and fifty rupees and in multiples of fifty rupees thereafter and subsequent deposits shall be in multiples of fifty rupees subject to the condition that a minimum of two hundred and fifty rupees shall be made as deposit in a financial year in one account.
(2) The total amount deposited in an account shall not exceed one lakh fifty thousand rupees in a financial year:
Provided that the deposit in excess of one lakh fifty thousand rupees in any financial year, if accepted due to any accounting error, shall not be eligible for any interest and be returned immediately to the depositor.
(3) Deposits may be made in the account till the completion of a period of fifteen years from the date of opening of the account.
(4) An account in which minimum amount as specified in sub-paragraph (1) has not been deposited shall be considered as an account under default:
Provided that an account under default may be regularised any time till completion of a period of fifteen years from the date of opening of account on payment of a penalty of fifty rupees for each year of default along with the minimum annual deposit in respect of the defaulted years.
(5) In case of an account under default, if not regularised within the time specified under sub-paragraph (4), then the whole deposit, including the deposits made prior to the date of default, shall be eligible for interest at the rate applicable to the Scheme till closure of the account.
5. Interest on deposit : (1) Deposits in the account shall earn interest at the rate 8.4 per cent per annum.
(2) The interest shall be calculated for the calendar month on the lowest balance in the account between the close of the fifth day and the end of the month. The interest shall be credited to the account at the end of each financial year and any amount of interest in fraction of a rupee shall be rounded off to the nearest rupee and for this purpose any amount of fifty paisa or more shall be treated as one rupee and any amount less than fifty paisa shall be ignored.
(3) Interest shall be credited at the end of the financial year irrespective of the change of the account office due to transfer of the account during the financial year.
6. Operation of account :
(1) The account shall be operated by the guardian till the account holder attains the age of eighteen years. The account shall be operated by the account holder herself after attaining age of eighteen years by submitting necessary documents.
7. Premature closure of account :
(1) In the event of death of the account holder, the account shall be closed immediately on application in Form-2, on production of death certificate issued by the competent authority and the balance at the credit of the account and interest due thereon till the date of death shall be paid to the guardian.
(2) Interest for the period between the date of death of the account holder and date of closure of the account shall be paid at the rate applicable on Post Office Savings Account for the balance held in the account.
(3) Where the accounts office is satisfied that in case of extreme compassionate grounds such as medical support in life-threatening diseases of the account holder or death of the guardian that the operation or continuation of the account is causing undue hardship to the account holder, it may, after complete documentation establishing the grounds for such closure, by order and for reasons to be recorded in writing, allow premature closure of the account. Outstanding balance in the account with interest due as applicable to the Scheme shall be paid to the account holder or guardian, as the case may be:
Provided that no premature closure of an account under this sub-paragraph shall be made before completion of five years from the date of opening of the account.
8. Withdrawal : (1) On an application in Form-3, withdrawal of upto a maximum of fifty per cent. of the amount in the account at the end of the financial year preceding the year of application for withdrawal, shall be allowed for the purpose of education of the account holder:
Provided that such withdrawal shall be allowed after the account holder attains the age of eighteen years or has passed tenth standard, whichever is earlier.
(2) The application for withdrawal under sub-paragraph (1) shall be accompanied by documentary proof in the form of a confirmed offer of admission of the account holder in an educational institution or a fee-slip from such institution indicating such financial requirement.
(3) The withdrawal under sub-paragraph (1) may be made in one lump sum or in instalments, not exceeding one per year, for a maximum of five years, subject to the ceiling specified in sub-paragraph (1):
Provided that the amount of withdrawal shall be restricted to the actual requirement on account of fee and other charges required at the time of admission as shown in the offer of admission or the relevant fee-slip issued by the educational institution.
9. Closure on maturity : (1) The account shall mature on completion of a period of twenty-one years from the date of its opening.
(2) The closure of the account may also be permitted before completion of twenty-one years if the account holder on an application makes a request for such closure for the reason of intended marriage of the account holder on furnishing of a declaration duly signed on non-judicial stamp paper attested by the notary supported with proof of age confirming that the applicant will not be less than eighteen years of age on the date of marriage:
Provided that no such closure shall be allowed before one month from the date of the intended marriage or after three months from the date of marriage.
(3) On an application in Form-4 by the account holder, the balance outstanding along with interest as applicable under paragraph 5 shall be payable to the account holder.
10. Application of General Rules :
Provisions of the General Rules shall, so far as may be, apply in relation to the matters for which no provisions have been made in this Scheme.
11. Power to relax :
Where the Central Government is satisfied that the operation of any of the provisions of this Scheme causes undue hardship to the account holder, it may, by order and for reasons to be recorded in writing, relax the requirement of that provision or provisions in respect of such account holder, in a manner not inconsistent with the provisions of the Act.
[F. No. 2/2/2018-NS (Pt. I)]
RAJAT KUMAR MISHRA, Jt. Secy
Grant of scholarship for the children of Non-Statutory Departmental Canteens Employees
No.20/1/2011-Dir. (C)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, P.G. and Pensions
(Department of Personnel & Training)
Lok Nayak Bhawan, Khan Market,
New Delhi dated 24th December, 2019.
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Revision of Scholarship Scheme for the Children of Non-Statutory Departmental Canteen employees out of Discretionary Fund of Director of Canteens
The Scheme for grant of scholarship for the children of Non-Statutory Departmental Canteens, out of the funds available in the Discretionary Fund of Director of Canteens was introduced vide this Department’s O.M.No.20/1/88-Dir. (C), dated 3.12.98 and revised O.M.No.20.1.2011-Dir.(C), dated 2.09.2011. In suppression of this office O.M. of even number dated 2.9.2011; the amended scheme has been introduced to encourage higher studies for those children whose past performance had been meritorious. The details of the scholarships from Academic Year 2019-2020 being instituted and the considerations which will apply are given below:
Scholarships
The categorical details of the scholarships are as below:-
Name of Scholarship / Class of studies
No. of Scholarships
Amount of each Scholarship
Class IX,X or Matriculation
Four (Two Scholarships per class)
Rs.1000/- Per Annum
Class XI,XII or intermediate or PUC (for Science stream)
Two (One Scholarship per class)
Rs.1000/- Per Annum
Class XI,XII or Intermediate or PUC (for Non-Science Stream)
Two (One Scholarship per class)
Rs.1000/- per Annum
Under Graduate Studies of three years duration (for Science Stream)
Three (One Scholarships per class)
Rs.2500/- per Annum
Under Graduate Studies of three years duration ( for Non-Science Stream)
Three (One Scholarships per class)
Rs.2500/- per Annum
Post Graduate studies of two years duration (for Science Stream)
One Scholarship
Rs.5000/- per Annum
Post Graduate Studies of two years duration (for Non-Science Stream)
One Scholarship
Rs.5000/- Per Annum
ITI course/Diploma courses in Engineering/Architecture
One
Rs.5000/- Per Annum
B.E./B.Tech
One
Rs.10,000/- Per Annum
Bachelor of Architecture
One
Rs.10,000/- per Annum
MBBS/Medical Courses
One
Rs.10,000/- Per Annum
Financial courses
One
Rs.10,000/- Per Annum
3. Awards will be given on yearly basis and every aspirant will have to meet the prescribed norms in regards to the percentage of marks in the previous year of study for being considered for grant of fresh award during the course of his/her studies. The awards will be given strictly in accordance with the principle of the highest one or next highest one (if there are more than one scholarship) getting the Scholarship.
(a) Candidates seeking award of Scholarship should have obtained a minimum of 60% marks in the aggregate in the previous year of examination;
(b) Children belonging to SC /ST categories and Handicapped children would be given a relaxation of 10% marks in the minimum standard. 25% of the awards for school level and Under Graduate level studies (Serials (1) to (5) of para (2) will be earmarked for such candidates. However, being an award Scheme there will be no strict applications of general orders relating to SC/ST/ Physically Handicapped. In the event of the earmarked awards remaining unutilised due to non-satisfaction of the minimum prescribed norms, the award will be transferred to the general category;
(c) One Scholarship will be reserved for girl child for class IX & X. Notwithstanding the prescribed minimum percentage the award will be given to those securing the highest marks. Only aggregate marks will be taken into account. However, every applicant should have obtained the minimum pass marks in all subjects;
(d) Children of only those Canteen Employees who are working in Central Govt. Offices / Establishments and who have been declared as Central Govt. employees will be eligible to apply;
(e) The Canteen employees from the Department of Telecommunications. Posts etc. which are already having separate Scholarship Scheme are to certify that their children are not already in receipt of Scholarship under the Schemes of their Department.
4. The Scholarship will be awarded considering the performance of the candidates in the previous years of examination. In case the studies were discontinued in the previous years(s) i.e. prior to the academic year but an applicant otherwise becomes eligible for consideration, detailed justification for break in the studies during the preceding year(s) will have to be submitted. All applications will have to be submitted in the appended format only. Applications will have to be accompanied by the attested true copies of the Mark Sheets given by the recognised Institution such as School. Central/State Boards of Education/ Universities. Original certificates will be submitted, if called for, for verification.
5. The individual applying for award of scholarship is required to furnish the following documents:
(a) (i) Aadhaar enrolment ID, if he has enrolled, or
(ii)A copy of request made for Aadhaar enrolment;
(b) (i) Bank Passbook with Photo or
(ii) Voter's ID card or
(iii) PAN Card or
(iv) Passport; or
(v) Driving Licence or
(vi) Ration Card; or
(vii) Photo ID Card issued by the Government.
6. The last date for receipt of applications in the Office of Director (Canteens) will be 31st October, during the year 2020 and all subsequent years. . It is expected that awards will be finalised by the month of January of the following year. In no case any application received after the prescribed date will be entertained.
7. Applications will be forwarded to the office of the Director (Canteens) through concerned Head of Organization who in turn will get the same routed through the Head or the Department in the controlling Ministries /Department.
8. The awards of Scholarships will be decided by a duly designated Committee, as may be appointed from time to time. The decision taken by the Committee will be final and no representation in the matter will be entertained after awards are finalised.
9. It is requested that wide publicity of this Scheme may be given amongst all concerned.
(Kulbhushan Malhotra)
Under Secretary to the Government of India
Year End Review- 2019: Ministry of Labour and Employment
More than 39 Lakhs Beneficiaries Enrolled In PM-SYM and more than 20,000 in NPS- Traders
1,52,778 establishments covering 1,21,65,587 Employees Benefitted under PMRPY
30 DEC 2019
Ministry of Labour and Employment has taken a number of initiatives for bringing transparency and accountability through reforms and enforcement of Labour Laws, with the objective of strengthening the safety, security, health, social security for every worker and bringing ease of compliance for running an establishment to catalyze creation of employment opportunities. These initiatives include governance reforms through use of e-governance measures and legislative reforms by simplifying, amalgamating and rationalizing the existing labour laws into 4 labour codes. Two mega pension schemes were launched during the year for old age protection and social security of unorganized workers.
LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES: LABOUR LAW REFORMS
Labour Codes: As per the recommendations of the 2nd National Commission on Labour, Ministry has taken steps for codification of existing Central labour laws into 4 Codes by simplifying, amalgamating and rationalizing the relevant provisions of the Central Labour laws. At present, the Ministry has been working on to simplify, amalgamate & rationalize the provisions of the existing Central labour laws into 4 Labour Codes. (I) Labour Code on Wages: The Code on Wages, 2019 subsumes 4 existing Laws, viz. the Minimum Wages Act, 1948; the Payment of Wages Act, 1936; the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965; and the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976. It has been passed by both Houses of the Parliament and assented to by the President on 08.08.2019. (II) Labour Code on Industrial Relations: The draft Labour Code on Industrial Relations subsumes the existing Laws viz. The Trade Union Act, 1926; The Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946; The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. The Code has been introduced in the Lok Sabha on 28.11.2019. (III) Labour Code on Social Security & Welfare: The draft Code on Social Security subsumes 09 Labour Acts like: The Employees’ Compensation Act, 1923, The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, The Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, The Unorganized Workers’ Social Security Act, 2008 etc.
The Code has been introduced in Lok Sabha on December 11, 2019. (IV) Labour Code on Occupational Safety, Health & Working Conditions: The Occupational Safety, Health & Working Conditions Code, 2019 subsumes the 13 Labour Acts like: The Factories Act, 1948, The Plantation Labour Act, 1951, The Mines Act, 1952, The Building and Other Constructions Workers’ (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996 etc.
The Occupational Safety Health & Working Conditions Code, 2019 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 23.07.2019. Presently, the Code has been referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour for examination.
GOVERNANCE REFORMS THROUGH TECHNOLOGY
Shram Suvidha Portal:
The Ministry of Labour & Employment has developed a unified Web Portal ‘Shram Suvidha Portal’, to bring transparency and accountability in enforcement of labour laws and ease complexity of compliance.
Allotment of unique Labour Identification Number (LIN) to Units after registration to facilitate online inspection & compliance was started on the Portal with its launch on 16.10.2014 itself. Unique Labour Identification Number (LIN) has been allotted to 27,81,065 units as on 08.11.2019. Transparent Labour Inspection Scheme in Central Sphere was started on the Portal with its launch on 16.10.2014 itself. Since the launch of the Labour Inspection Scheme, 5,24,189 inspection reports across the four Central Labour Enforcement Agencies have been uploaded on Shram Suvidha Portal.
ONLINE RETURN - Unified Online Annual Returns have been made mandatory in respect of eight (8) Central Labour Acts, namely, the Payment of Wages Act, 1936, the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965, the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970, the Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979, and the Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Condition of Service) (BOCW) Act, 1996. These Returns which were half yearly/annually earlier, now need to be filed by all employers annually only and are to be filed online. 1,08,711 online returns have been filed on the Shram Suvidha Portal as on 08.11.2019 Since launch of the Online Annual Return.
31,047 online returns have been filed on the Shram Suvidha Portal till November 08, 2019 under Mines Act, 1952 (Coal Mines Regulations, Metallurgical Mines Regulations and Oil Mines Regulations).
Unified monthly Electronic Challan-cum-Return (ECR) for EPFO and ESIC has been made operational.
COMMON REGISTRATION: Common Registration form for EPFO and ESIC has been made operational. 1,27,544 units have been registered with EPFO & 1,07,681 units have been registered with ESIC as on November 08, 2019.
Common Registration under three Central Acts namely the Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Condition of Service) Act, 1996, the Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and conditions of Service) Act, 1979 and the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970 is being provided online on Shram Suvidha Portal. 6052 registrations have been issued using this facility as on 08.11.2019.
Licenses under two Central Acts, namely, the, Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979 and the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970 have been made online. 20,316 licenses have been issued using this facility as on 08.11.2019.
State Integration
Integration of States with Shram Suvidha Portal is under way. As on date, Haryana, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Delhi are being integrated with the Portal. Data is being shared and LIN is being allotted to the establishments covered by the state labour enforcement agencies.
Start Up India
Facility for exemption from Labour Inspections under six (6) Central Labour Acts is being provided to the Start-ups which submit self certified declarations through Shram Suvidha Portal.
State/UT Governments have been advised to regulate the inspections for the Start-Ups, wherever applicable and extend the self-certification compliance regime from 3 years to 5 years. 27 States/UTs have taken action on the advisory dated 12.01.2016 /06.04.2017 issued by this Ministry for self-certification and to regulate inspection under the four (4) labour laws viz. the Building & Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996, the Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979,the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 and the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970 for the start-ups wherever applicable.
Social Security Schemes
Government of India has launched two pension schemes for old age protection and social security of Unorganised Workers in 2019.
Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM), a voluntary and contributory pension scheme, was launched in February, 2019 for the benefit of unorganized workers. It is central sector scheme open to unorganised workers, whose monthly income is Rs.15000/- or below and who has an Aadhar number as well as savings bank / jan-dhan account. The minimum age for joining the scheme is 18 years and the maximum is 40 years. Under the scheme, minimum assured monthly pension of Rs.3000/- will be provided to the beneficiaries from the age of 60 years onwards. Enrolment to the Scheme is done through the Common Service Centres, with its network of 3.50 lakh Centres across the country. In addition eligible persons can also self-enroll through visiting the portal www.maandhan.in. Under the scheme, the subscriber is required to pay the prescribed monthly contribution amount and the Central Government provides equal contribution. Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) is the Pension Fund Manager and shall be responsible for pension pay-out. Total number of 39,00,525 beneficiaries under PM-SYM have been enrolled as on 10.12.2019.
National Pension Scheme for Traders, Shopkeepers and Self-Employed Persons has been launched on 12.09.2019. It is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme. Enrolment to the Scheme is done through the Common Service Centres, with its network of 3.50 lakh Centres across the country. In addition eligible persons can also self-enroll through visiting the portal www.maandhan.in. The traders in the age group of 18-40 years with an annual turnover, not exceeding Rs.1.5 crore and who are not a member of EPFO /ESIC/ NPS/ PM-SYM or an income tax payer, can join the scheme. Under the scheme, 50% monthly contribution is payable by the beneficiary and equal matching contribution is paid by the Central Government. Subscribers, after attaining the age of 60 years, are eligible for a monthly minimum assured pension of Rs.3,000/-. Total number of 20,000 beneficiaries under NPS-Traders have been enrolled as on 10.122019. Pension Week was also celebrated in all the States/UTs w.e.f. 30th November to 06th December, 2019 in coordination with Common Service Centres, to increase the enrolments under both the Schemes, i.e. PM-SYM and NPS-Traders. A Central level function was inaugurated on 30.11.2019 by Minister for Labour and Employment launching the Pension Week/Pension Saptah. All the State Governments/UT Governments were requested for popularizing and bringing more awareness about the scheme. The progress of the Scheme is being reviewed regularly in the Ministry for taking initiatives under Mission Mode.
Major Steps Taken In EPFO
Three new apps to improve service delivery of subscribers were launched by Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Minister of State (I/C) for Labour and Employment on EPFO Foundation Day. The details of three important digital initiatives of EPFO are as under:
Online Facility for UAN generation by worker: Now any workers can obtain Universal Account Number (UAN) directly on EPFO website which enrolls them for PF, Pension and Life Insurance benefits and a worker need not depend on his employer alone for UAN. This is in the direction of ease of living and ensuring universal social security.
EPS Pensioner’s PPO in DigiLocker website / Application (APP) EPFO integrates with DigiLocker of NeGD to create depository of electronic PPOs which is accessible to individual pensioners. This is a move towards paperless system and ease of living for pensioners.
e-Inspections: Digital interface of EPFO with employers: The E-Inspection Form would be available in user login of employers not filing ECR which enables employer to inform either closure of business or unpaid dues with proposal for payment. It will nudge employers for compliant behavior and prevent undue harassment of non-willful defaulters and eliminate inspector raj.
Central Board of Trustees, EPF recommends crediting of 8.65% rate of interest on Accumulations in the EPF Member’s Account for the year 2018-19:
In 224th meeting of the Central Board of Trustees, EPF under the chairmanship of Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment (I/C) Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, the Central Board recommended crediting of 8.65 % rate of interest on the EPF accumulations in the EPF member’s account for the year 2018-19.
New Initiatives taken in Central Board of Trustees (CBT) meeting held on 21 August 2019: 1. Amendment in Employees’ pension Scheme 1995:
In a major decision, the Central Board of Trustees (CBT) EPF in a meeting held at Hyderabad on 21 August 2019, approved the proposal to recommend for amendment in Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS) 1995 for restoration of commuted value of pension to the Pensioners after 15 years of drawing commutation which will benefit approx. 6.3 lakhs pensioners. This was a long pending demand of the pensioner
2. Launch of Revamped EPFIGMS 2.0 Version:
The Chairman CBT also launched the revamped EPFIGMS 2.0 version which will benefit more than 5 crores subscribers and lakhs of employers by speedy and smooth resolution of grievances. Selection of ETF Manufacturers: The Board approved the decision to choose the Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) manufacturers through public bidding by 30/10/2019, extension of the term of the present ETF manufacturers (SBI MF and UTI MF) till then and also to authorized the Finance Investment & Audit Committee (FIAC) to conduct the exercise of choosing ETF manufacturers. Allocation of investment in Nifty 50 and Sensex: The Board approved the proposal that the fund allocation between Nifty 50 and Sensex ETFs be divided evenly, i.e. in the ratio of 50% to 50%. Appointment of a Consultant in addition to M/s. CRISIL Ltd: The Board approved the nomination of members from employer’s and employee side in a Committee constituted to select and appoint a separate Agency/Consultant in addition to M/s. CRISIL limited, inter-alia to review the working of the Portfolio Managers (PMs), assist the investment Committee in redemption of ETFs, etc.
Appointment of Portfolio Managers for managing funds of Central Board, EPF: The Central Board approved Request for Proposal (RFP) document for appointment of Portfolio Managers and recommendation of the FIAC on appointment of Portfolio Managers.
Exercise of early redemption options available in DHFL Bonds: The Board approved for early redemption option in DHFL bonds recommended by FIAC.
Major Steps Taken In ESIC
Rate reduction in ESI Contribution- The ESI Corporation has reduced rates of ESI Contribution being paid by employees and employers covered under ESI Scheme from 6.5 % (Employees’ share 1.75% & Employers’ share 4.75%) to 4% (Employees’ share 0.75% & Employers’ share 3.25%) with effect from 01.07.2019. This reduction of contribution rates, will ensures financial relief to employers and employees. However, the healthcare benefits under the ESI scheme will remain the same. The decision will benefit 36 million workers and 1.28 million employers.
Health Passbook for ESI Beneficiaries - ESIC has introduced a Health Passbook for ESI Beneficiaries in Phased manner. This Health Passbook serves as a user-friendly mechanism for beneficiary identification, recording of clinical finding and consultation advice by the Insurance Medical Practitioner(s). Salient feature of Health Passbook is as under: -
Separate Passbook with Unique Health ID, QR code and photograph of Insured Persons and his/her family members.
Serves for beneficiaries identification & recording of clinical findings and consultation advice by ESI Doctors/ IMPs.
Passbook would be issued by the ESIC Branch Offices in a phased manner.
Insured Persons of ESIC from newly implemented area to get treatment under Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY): ESIC has decided to provide cashless medical care services to entitled Insured Persons and Beneficiaries under Ayushman Bharat package rates in newly implemented area of 102 designated Districts through PMJAY empanelled hospitals up to a maximum limit of Rs.5.00 lakh, beyond which individual case will be channelled to ESIC for seeking approval for further expenditure on ESI beneficiaries. Similarly, PMJAY beneficiaries may get in-house medical treatment services as per Ayushman Bharat approved packages from underutilized ESI Hospitals.
ESIC - Chinta Se Mukti app launched - The Corporation has also launched the ESIC “Chinta Se Mukti” app available on the UMANG platform to facilitate stakeholders to view contribution details, eligibility for benefits, claim status, etc. in their Mobile Handset.
Extending medical benefits to Non-IPs - The Corporation has extended its medical services to Non-Insured Persons (General Public) in its under-utilized hospitals. Now, Non-IPs can avail medical services from underutilized ESIC Hospital, at Alwar (Rajasthan), Bihta (Bihar), Gulbarga (Karnataka), Bareilly Varanasi, Sarojani Nagar (Lucknow) & Jajmau (Kanpur) on a nominal charge of Rs.10/- for OPD Consultation and at 25% of CGHS package rates for IPD.
Unified Website - In order to maintain the corporate identity of ESIC and to have a repository of common information, and also to have uniformity in design and content, a Unified Website www.esic.nic.in has been launched. All the Regional Offices/Sub-Regional Offices, ESIC Hospitals and ESIC Medical Institutions & Hospitals have been made part of this single unified website.
ESIC- contributing excellence in sports - ESIC had recruited 135 meritorious sports persons including Shri Pramod Bhagat, ace para-shuttler from all across India during the year 2016. Shri Pramod Bhagat, an ESIC employee at Regional Office, Bhubaneswar has received prestigious Arjuna Award for the current year on 29th Aug., 2019. Shri Pramod Bhagat has many tournaments to his credit including five international titles in six tournaments he participated. He won a gold medal in the men’s singles SL3 category at the BWF Para-Badminton World Championships in Basel. Bhagat said he is now focusing to clinch a gold medal in the Olympics.
Strengthening of Medical Infrastructure - In order to provide in-house quality medical services in the major ESIC Hospitals, of late, ESIC has procured state-of-the-art medical equipments viz. MRI, CT Scan etc. for ICU, Secondary & Super Speciality care.
National Career Service Project-(NCS) - The Ministry is implementing the National Career Service (NCS) Project as a Mission Mode Project for transformation of the National Employment Service to provide a variety of employment related services like career counselling, vocational guidance, information on skill development courses, apprenticeship, internships etc. The services under NCS are available online and can be accessed directly, through Career Centres, Common Service Centres, post offices, mobile devices, cyber cafes etc. The various stakeholders on the NCS platform include job-seekers, industries, employers, employment exchanges (career centres), training providers, educational institutions and placement organizations.
The progress of NCS Portal is given below:
NATIONAL CAREER SERVICE
Sl. No.
Parameters
Number as on 31st October, 2019
1
Active Jobseekers Registered
1.01 crore
2
Active Employers Registered
25184
3
Total Vacancies Mobilized
58.50 lakh
With the increased focus of Government on Career Counselling, the Ministry proposes to create a network of Career Counsellors where the Career Centres will become the hub of Career Counselling in their area. Under the process, 5645 Active Career Counsellors from various States/UTs have got registered at NCS Portal.
The NCS Project also envisaged setting up of Model Career Centres (MCCs) to be established in collaboration with States and other institutions to deliver employment services. Approval for 146 MCCs has been accorded (including 07 MCCs on non-funding basis). These model centres can be replicated by the States from their own resources. The Government now, keeping in view of the importance of the employment as a thrust area in Government Schemes, and to provide employment related services to maximum job seekers and other stakeholders has decided to establish 100 more Model Career Centres (MCCs) thereby extending the geographical coverage of the scheme increasing number of Government funded MCCs to 200 during 14th Finance commission (2017-2020).
Proposals were received from different States. On the recommendations of the Appraisal Committee, Government has approved 171 (including 07 on non-funding basis) Model Career Centres. Further 37 more model career centers have been recommend by the Inter Ministerial Appraisal Committee in the meeting held on November 20, 2019.
National Career Service Centres for Differently Abled (NCSC-DAs): 21 National Career Service Centres for Differently Abled (NCSC-DAs) are functioning in the country under the administrative control of Directorate General of Employment, M/O Labour & Employment. These Centres evaluate residual capacities of Persons with Disabilities, provide Vocational Training, and extend Vocational Rehabilitation assistances etc. to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). The Services of NCSC-DAs are open to Persons with Disabilities irrespective of the gender and education in the category of Locomotor, Visual & Hearing impaired, Mild Mental Retardation and Leprosy Cured.
6644 Candidates have been rehabilitated upto October 31, 2019 by NCSC-Das. National Career Service Centre Centres (NCSCs) for SC/STs; Directorate General of Employment is implementing the scheme for “Welfare of SC/ST job seekers through Coaching, Vocational Guidance and Training and Introduction of new courses in existing National Career Service Centre Centres (NCSCs) for SC/STs and Establishment of new NCSCs in the States not covered so far” Under the scheme, National Career Service Centre Centres (NCSCs) for SC/STs has been set up by Govt. of India, Ministry of Labour& Employment, DGE to enhance the employability of SC/ST job seekers through coaching/training. So far 25 National Career Service Centre Centres for SCs/STs have been set up.
67761 candidates have been provided guidance and counselling services, 5621 students were trained in typing and shorthand and 1050 candidates were trained in computer skills by NCSC-SC/STs upto October 31, 2019.
Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana (PMRPY) - Under the scheme, Government of India is paying Employer’s full contribution i.e. 12% towards EPF and EPS both (as admissible from time to time) for a period of three years to the new employees through EPFO.
This scheme has a dual benefit, where, on the one hand, the employer is incentivised for increasing the employment base of workers in the establishment, and on the other hand, a large number of workers will find jobs in such establishments. A direct benefit is that these workers will have access to social security benefits of the organized sector. All the beneficiaries under this scheme are Aadhaar Seeded.
152778 Establishments covering 12165587 Beneficiaries have benefitted till November 25, 2019 under Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana (PMRPY).
BRIEF OF WORKERS EDUCATION SCHEME
The Dattopant Thengadi National Board for Workers Education & Development (renaming of CBWE), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India conducts the Workers Education Programmes of varied nature and duration in the country through its 50 Regional and 7 Sub-Regional Directorates spread Kashmir to Kannyakumari and Leh and laddakh for all categories without making any distinction on the basis of male and female in Organised, Unorganised and Rural Sectors. The DTNBWED training programmes aim at creating desired awareness among the workers in general and unorganized/ rural workers in particular about their rights and entitlements under various welfare schemes of the Central / State government etc.
The Board has organized 1625 training programme organized sector workers, 1120 programme conducted for unorganized and 150 for rural workers.
Central Government servant resigns or quits service, the maximum encashment of leave allowed is 150 day
Maximum of 300 Days Leave Allowed to Encash at the time of regular Retirement for Central Government employees
Leave Encashment of Employees
As per Rule 39 of the CCS (Leave) Rules, 1972, a Central Government servant is entitled to cash equivalent of leave salary for both earned leave and half pay leave at his / her credit on the date of retirement, subject to a maximum of 300 days including the period of encashment allowed in the previous employment under the Central Government.
In case a Government servant resigns or quits service, the maximum encashment of leave allowed is 150 days.
The above information was given by the Minister Shri Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on 5.12.2019.
Enrollment of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) in National Pension System (NPS)
PENSION FUND REGULATORY AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
B-14/A, Chhatrapati Shivaji Bhawan,
Qutub Institutional Area,
Katwaria Sarai, New Delhi-110016
No: PFRDA/2019/24/PDES/5
Date: 17th December 2019
Circular
Subject: Clarification - Enrollment of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) in NPS.
This is in continuation to the Circular No: PFRDA/2019/19 /PDES/3 dated 29th Oct, 2019 on the above subject whereby the Authority permitted Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) to enroll in National Pension System (NPS) at par with Non-Resident Indians (NRI).
Based on the communication received from Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), it is hereby clarified that Annuity payable by ASPs to NRIs and OCIs will be taxed at source, at rates applicable as per the DTAA (Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements) of the country where the annuitant resides.
Hence the intermediaries including Annuity Service Providers (ASPs) are required to display/ convey to the prospective and existing subscribers that ‘Annuities payable to NRI/ OCI are subject to TDS and ‘repatriation of the corpus, if any, will be subject to applicable laws and regulatory provisions of IRDAI/ PFRDA/ RBI in their relevant marketing materials / website(s) / brochures / communications.
F.No.21/07/2019-CS-I(P)
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances Pension
Department of Personnel & Training
(C.S.I Division)
2nd Floor, 'A' wing,
Lok Nayak Bhawan,
Khan Market,
New Delhi Dated 24th December, 2019
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject:- Engagement of retired Government officers as 'Consultant' on contract basis on DPIIT - inviting applications thereof - reg - For CSS Officers.
The undersigned is directed to circulate the Vacancy Circular No. A- 12023/3/2019-ENG dated 18th December, 2019 (along-with enclosures) received from Department for Promotion of Industry & Industrial Trade inviting applications retired Government officers from the rank of SO/US/ DS or equivalent from Central Government /PSU/ Autonomous Body having considerable experience of functioning of Central Government Ministries/ Departments for engagement of Consultant (15 posts) on contract basis.
2.In case of any further clarification, applicants are requested to contact the concerned Ministries/ Departments.
(Sanjay Kumar Das Oupta)
Under Secretary to the Government of India
The terms and conditions of the contract shall be as under
The consultants will be required to examine cases/proposals, policy issues in the light of Central Govt. rules and regulation, prepare briefs/presentations and analyse the proposals assigned to them by their controlling officers. They shall be fully conversant with MS-Word/ PPT/ Excel etc. as per role requirement and print their own notes/ drafts/ OMs as required.
A consolidated remuneration of Rs.50,000/- (Rupees fifty thousand only) per month (minus Professional Tax/ TDS as applicable) shall be payable to consultants who have retired at the rank of US or above.
A consolidated remuneration of Rs.40,000/- (Rupees forty thousand only) per month (minus Professional Tax/ TDS as applicable) shall be payable to consultants who have retired at the level of SO or equivalent.
The consolidated remuneration shall be payable, subject to periodical completion of work certified by the controlling Officer. They will not be eligible for any other allowance or facility in addition to the consolidated pay. They will, however. continue to draw their pension and relief on pension. as per their entitlement.
They should not have attained the age of 63 years on the closing date of applications.
Working hours shall normally be from 9 AM to 5.30 PM during working days. However, in exigencies of work, they may be required to sit late and may be called on Saturdays/ Sundays and other holidays. They will be eligible for 08 days leave during the period of one year subject to the approval of the controlling Officer.
They will be governed by the Official Secrets Act, 1923, as amended from time to time and will not disclose to any unauthorized person(s) any information/data that may come to their notice during the period of their engagement as 'Consultant' in the Department. All such documents will be property of the Government.
They will not utilize or publish or disclose or part with, to a third party. any part of the data or statistics or proceedings or information collected for the purpose of their assignments or during the course of, assignment for the Department without the express written consent of the Department.
The Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) of the data collected as well as deliverables produced for the Department shall remain with the Department. x) Their attention is drawn to Central Vigilance Commission's circular no. 01/01/17 dated 23.1.2017 and circular no. 08/06/2011 dated 24.6.2011 regarding engagement of consultants. They will be completely accountable for any advice or any service rendered by them during their engagement in this Department in view of norms of ethical business and professionalism.
They must act, at all times, in the interest of DPIIT and render any advice! service with professional integrity.
They will maintain highest standards of integrity, transparency, competitiveness, economy and efficiency while working as consultant in this Department. If required, they will cooperate fully with any legitimately provided! constituted investigative body, conducting inquiry into processing or execution of the consultancy contract! any other matter related with discharge of contractual obligations by the consultant.
The consultants appointed by the Department shall in no case represent or give opinion or advice to others in any mater which is adverse to the interest of the Department nor will they indulge in any activity outside the terms of the contractual assignment.
They will complete the assigned task within the stipulated period as per the requirement of their controlling officers. They will not take up any assignment or contract which conflicts with the interest of the Government during the contract period.
They shall be bounded to hand-over the entire set of records of assignment to the Department before the expiry of the contract and before the final payment is released by the Department.
The engagement as Consultant can be terminated by the Department at any time without assigning any reason thereof by giving them 15 days' notice. However, in case a Consultant wishes to resign, he will have to give 15 days advance notice or remuneration in lieu thereof before resigning from the engagement.
The existing consultants in the Department will continue as per their existing entitlements/ remuneration till they complete their sanctioned tenures. Such consultants, who are already engaged, after completion of their tenure. may be considered for the new grades on the request of the consultant and the recommendations of controlling officers about their performance during the tenure of consultancy.
7th CPC Date of next increment under Rule 10 of Central Civil Services Revised Pay Rules 2016
No. 4-21/2017-IC/E.IIIA
Government of India
Ministry of Finance Department of Expenditure
North Block, New Delhi-110001
Dated the 28th November, 2019
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Date of next increment under Rule 10 of Central Civil Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2016 - Clarifications - regarding.
The undersigned is directed to invite the attention to Rule 10 of the CCS (RP) Rules, 2016 which provides for the entitlement of employees for drawal of annual increment either on 1st January or 1st July depending on the date of appointment, promotion or grant of financial upgrdation. The Sub-Rule (2) thereof provides that increment in respect of an employee appointed or promoted or granted financial up-gradation including up-gradation under Modified Assured Carrier Progression Scheme (MACPS) during the period between the 2nd day of January and 1stday of July (both inclusive) shall be granted on 1st day of January and the increment in respect of an employee appointed or promoted or granted financial up-gradation under MACPS during the period between the 2nd day of July and 1st day of January (both inclusive) shall be granted on 1st day of July.
2. A number of references were received in the Ministry of Finance seeking clarifications regarding drawal of next increment by the employees promoted on 1st July, 2016. On consideration of the matter, Department of Expenditure vide it’s Office Memorandum of even number dated 31.07.2018 has clarified that in case an employee is promoted or granted financial up-gradation including up-gradation under the MACP scheme on 1st January or 1st July, where the pay is fixed in the Level applicable to the post on which promotion is made in accordance with the Rule 13 of the CCS (RP) Rules, 2016, the first increment in the Level applicable to the post on which promotion is made shall accrue on the following 1st July or 1st January, as the case may be, provided a period of 6 months qualifying service is strictly fulfilled. The next increment thereafter shall, however, accrue only after completion of one year.
3. Consequent upon issue of Office Memorandum dated 31.07.2018 different Ministries/ Departments have sought clarification on applicability of DOE's O.M dated 31.07.2018 keeping in view the provisions of Rule 10 of CCS (RP) Rules 2016 , Rule 22(I)(a)(1) of Fundamental Rules & provisions of Stepping up of pay. The issues on which various Ministries / Departments have sought clarifications and decisions thereon are brought in the succeeding paragraphs.
Issue No. 1: Whether after promotion on 1st July and fixation of pay with two increments the date of next increment will be 1st January or 1st July
4. During the regime of 6th CPC, when the annual increment was admissible uniformly on 1st July every year, employees completing 6 months and above in the revised pay structure as on 1st July were eligible for grant of increment. In the 7th CPC regime there are two dates of increments pt January and 1st July. Keeping in view the spirit of 6th CPC, O.M dated 31.07.2018 was issued providing for accrual of next increment on 1st July/1st January in respect of employees getting promotion on , 1st January/ 1st July provided 6 months qualifying service is strictly fulfilled.
5. The instructions contained in the O.M. dated 31.07.2018 are self-explanatory in respect of the cases of promotion/ financial up-gradation falling on 1st July or 1st January. These instructions provide that in case of promotion/ financial up gradation on 1st July and 1st January and getting fixation of pay in the Level applicable to the post in which promotion is made in accordance with Rule 13 of the CCS (RP) Rules 2016, the first increment in the level in which promotion is made shall accrue on the following 1st January or 1st July, as the case may be, provided a period of 6 months’ qualifying service is fulfilled.
Issue No.2 : Accrual of next increment in case of regular promotion / financial up gradation of an employee on any date other than the date of annual increment and option for pay fixation is exercised under FR 22(I)(a)(1).
The opportunity to exercise of option for pay fixation under FR 22(I)(a)(1) is available to employees in case of promotion / financial up-gradation. Therefore, the Central Government Employee promoted on regular basis/granted financial up gradation on any date other than the date of his/ her annual increment in lower grade and exercises the option under FR 22(I)(a)(1) read with Department of Personnel & Training’s OM No.13/02/2017-Estt.(Pay-I) dated 27.07.2017 for fixation of pay from the date of accrual of next increment in the scale of pay in lower grade, he may be allowed the 1st increment in promotional grade on 1st January/ 1st July as the case may be after completion of 6 months’ qualifying service after such fixation on 1st July/ 1st January (i.e., the date of increment in lower grade) on the analogy of Department of Expenditure’s OM dated 31.07.2018. The next increment, thereafter, shall however, accrue only after completion of one year.
Since there is material change, it has also been approved that the employees who have been regularly promoted or granted financial up-gradation on or after 01.01.2016 and desire to exercise/ re-exercise option for pay fixation under FR22(I)(a) (l) shall be given an opportunity to exercise or re-exercise of the option there under. Such an option shall be exercised within one month of issue of this O.M.
These instructions will be applicable with effect from 01.01.2016.
In so far as persons serving in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department are concerned, these orders issue after consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.
Hindi version of these orders is attached.
(B.K.Manthan)
Deputy Secretary to the Government of India
Highlights of Major Decisions / Initiatives of MHA
(Separate Press Releases issued on each topic listed below)
26 DEC 2019
Important Bills Passed by Parliament
Jammu and Kashmir - Abrogation of Article 370 and 35A ; The Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Act, 2019; The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Act, 2019
National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Act, 2019
Special Protection Group (Amendment) Bill, 2019 – aims to increase operational efficiency of SPG in ensuring the security of the Prime Minister of India.
Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019 – focus on granting Indian Citizenship to persons belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities on ground of religious persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Marathon deliberations held by Union Home Minister with various stakeholders from North East and their concerns against the CAB 2019 addressed in the final Amendment Act.
Arms (Amendment) Bill, 2019 – enhances the punishment for existing offences like illegal manufacture, sale, transfer and illegal acquiring, possessing or carrying prohibited arms or prohibited ammunition; illicit trafficking of firearms; celebratory gunfire endangering human life. Arms licenses to be issued for 5 years in electronic form, which would prevent forgery. The Amendment would reduce possession of illegal firearms and commission of criminal offences by limiting 2 licenses per person. Ownership of arms by retired and serving personnel of armed forces and sportspersons remains unaffected by the Amendment. Further, Ancestral guns may be retained in a Deactivated State.
Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2019 - to make the constitution of NHRC and SHRCs broader and more inclusive.
Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (Merger of Union Territories) Bill, 2019 - Administrative efficiency, better service delivery and effective implementation of Central and State Government Schemes to be the focus.
Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh
1. Abrogation of Article 370 and 35A
Historic step to remove Article 370 and 35A of Constitution of India
Brought JK & Ladakh at par with other States and UTs
All provisions of Constitution of India, without any modifications or exceptions, to now apply to JK & Ladakh
Laws of Union Government wrt education, empowerment of SC, ST, Minorities etc to be applicable to JK & Ladakh
Boost to local economy and employment opportunities by increasing investment; Reservation to EWS of society in jobs & educational institutions to apply in JK & Ladakh
Betterment of socio-economic infrastructure in JK & Ladakh The Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Act, 2019
2. Jammu and Kashmir reorganised into
Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir with legislature, and
Union Territory of Ladakh without Legislature
Formally came into force on 31st October, 2019
Maps of newly formed UTs of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh released
1st Winter-grade Diesel outlet for Ladakh inaugurated by Union Home Minister; move to boost tourism in extreme weather conditions
3. The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Act, 2019
3% reservation in services and educational institutions extended to people living near the International Border (IB) in J&K, in line with reservation given to people living near the Line of Control (LoC)
4. Amarnath Yatra
3,42,883 yatris had safe and secure Darshan
Higher by nearly 20%, as compared to 2018
5. Cabinet approved Inclusion of 5,300 Displaced Persons families of J&K in the Rehabilitation Package for Displaced Families of PoJK and Chhamb, under the PM’s Development Package 2015 for Jammu & Kashmir
6. Government Employees of UTs of J&K and Ladakh to get all 7th Central Pay Commission Allowances from 31st October 2019 - allowances worth around Rs. 4800 crores approved for Government employees.
Kartarpur Sahib Corridor
Union Cabinet passed a resolution on 22nd November 2018 to celebrate the historic occasion of 550th Birth Anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Devji in a grand and befitting manner, throughout the country and across the globe
India signed the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor Agreement with Pakistan on 24th October, 2019
Indian pilgrims of all faiths to undertake year-round Visa-free travel to Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib through Kartarpur Sahib Corridor – a long standing demand of followers of Guru Nanak Dev ji
State of art Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) developed (estd. project cost – Rs. 400 crore), having modern public amenities and security features; architecture reflecting cultural heritage of Punjab
54 Immigrations counters at PTB for facilitating travel of over 5000 pilgrims per day
4.19 km long, 4-lane highway worth Rs. 120.05 crores built, in record time of 6 months, on Indian side for giving accessibility for pilgrims to the PTB
Special Trains run from across the country to facilitate pilgrims to visit Sultanpur Lodhi, the place where Guru Nanak Devji attained enlightenment and developed as Heritage Town
300ft. Monumental National Flag at PTB
Online portal (prakashpurb550.mha.gov.in) created to facilitate registration of pilgrims and provide other important information including Do’s & Dont’s and FAQs
Strict Action on Terror and Insurgency
1. National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Act, 2019
NIA empowered with extra territorial jurisdiction for investigation of terrorism related offences taking place outside India, in which Indian property/citizens are victims
The mandate of NIA is expanded by inclusion of new offences viz. explosive substances, human trafficking, manufacturing/sale of prohibited arms and cyber terrorism, to its Schedule
NIA empowered to seize/forfeit property representing proceeds of terrorism in cases investigated by NIA
After recent amendment, 4 Individuals viz., Maulana Masood Azhar, Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, Zaki ur Rehman Lakhvi and Dawood Ibrahim proscribed as Terrorists
Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) banned for another five years under sub-sections of UAPA, 1967
3. Cyber Crime Control
National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in) launched as a citizen centric initiative to facilitate public for reporting of all types of Cyber Crimes without visiting Police Station
The complaints reported on this portal are accessible online to the law enforcement agencies of respective States/UTs for taking appropriate action as per law
12th India Security Summit on ‘Towards New National Cyber Security Strategy’ held in New Delhi
4. Review Meeting on Left Wing Extremism (LWE)
Incidents of LWE violence down from 2258 in 2009 to 833 in 2018
Number of deaths dropped from 1005 in 2009 to 240 in 2018
Districts affected by naxal violence reduced from 96 in 2010 to 60 in 2018
5. Smart Fencing - Union Home Minister launched BOLD-QIT (Border Electronically Dominated QRT Interception Technique) under Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) on Indo-Bangladesh border in Dhubri district of Assam, as an effective deterrence against illegal infiltration. Two pilot projects covering about 71 Kms on Indo-Pakistan Border (10 Kms) and Indo-Bangladesh Border (61 Kms) of Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) have been completed.
6. International Drug Syndicate busted - largest seizure of contraband drugs by NCB in India - 20 Kgs of Cocaine, worth Rs. 100 crores, seized.
Government of India (Bharat Sarkar)
Ministry of Railways (Rail Mantralaya)
(Railway Board)
RBE No.206/2019
No. E(MPP)2019/3/51
New Delhi, Dated 27.11.2019
To
The General Managers,
Sub: Revised Training Module of Non-Gazetted Staff of Medical Department.
Ref: chairman/Railway Board's letter No. E(MPP)/ 2016/3/20 dated 28.11.2018 and Board's letter dated 06.12.2018
Vide Board (CRB) letter No. E(MPP)/ 2016/3/20 dated 28.11.2,018, DG/NAIR had been authorized as the Head of the Academic
Council of all CTIs to develop Training Modules of all categories of Non-Gazetted staff. Accordingly, training module of
Medical Department was finalized and sent to this office.
2. Ministry of Railways (Railway Board) has reviewed the above Training Modules proposed and
submitted by DG/NAIR. Board (DG/Health & MS) has approved the revised training module.
3. The revised module prepared have been scanned and uploaded under E(MPP) Training Circulars and can be
viewed or downloaded from railnet.
4. General Manager / PHOD shall identify and decide the locations for conducting training of staff on the above revised
module in their respective Zones.
5. Kindly acknowledge receipt.
(Alka Arora Misra)
Principal Executive Director/MPP
Railway Board.
G.S.R. 919(E).- In exercise of the powers conferred by section 3A of the Government Savings Promotion Act, 1873 (5 of 1873), the Central Government hereby makes the following Scheme, namely:-
1. Short title and commencement.-
(1) This Scheme may be called the National Savings Certificates (VIII Issue) Scheme, 2019.
(2) It shall come into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
2. Definitions.-
(1) In this Scheme, unless the context otherwise requires,-
“account” means an account opened under this Scheme;
“account holder” means an individual in whose name the account is held;
“Act” means The Government Savings Promotion Act, 1873 (5 of 1873);
“Form” means forms appended to this Scheme;
“General Rules” means the Government Savings Promotion General Rules, 2018;
“year” means a period of twelve months commencing from the date of deposit in the account.
(2) Words and expressions used herein but not defined shall have the meanings respectively assigned to them in the Act and in the General Rules.
3. Type of accounts.-
(1) On an application to the accounts office in Form-1, the following types of accounts can be opened under the Scheme, namely:-
Single Holder Type Account;
Joint A - Type Account; and
Joint B - Type Account.
(2) (a) A Single Holder Type Account may be opened by an adult for himself, or on behalf of a minor or a person of unsound mind of whom he is the guardian; or by a minor who has attained the age of ten years;
(b) Joint A- Type Account may be opened jointly in the names of upto three adults payable to all the holders jointly or to the survivor or survivors;
(c) Joint B-Type Account may be opened jointly in the name of upto three adults payable to any of the account holders or to the survivor or survivors.
4. Deposits.-
(1) A minimum of one thousand rupees and any sum in multiples of one hundred rupees may be deposited in an account.
(2) There shall be no maximum limit for deposit in an account or in accounts held by an account holder.
(3) An individual may open any number of accounts.
5. Payment on Maturity.-
(1) The deposit shall mature on completion of five years from the date of the deposit. Amount of maturity may be repaid to the account holder on an application in Form-2 submitted to the accounts office.
(2) The maturity value of an account opened with one thousand rupees shall be One thousand four hundred sixty two rupees and fifty four paisa and proportionate for deposits made with any other sum as per sub- paragraph (1) of paragraph 4. In calculation of maturity value, any amount in fraction of a rupee shall be rounded off to the nearest rupee and for this purpose, any amount of fifty paisa or more shall be treated as one rupee and any amount less than fifty paisa shall be ignored.
(3) A certificate of annual accrual of interest shall be issued by the accounts office, on demand, to the account holder. The interest as specified in the Table below shall accrue to the holder or holders of the certificate at the end of each year and the interest so accrued at the end of each year upto the end of the fourth year shall be deemed to have been reinvested on behalf of the holder and aggregated with the amount of face value of the certificate.
TABLE
The year for which interest accrues
Amount of interest (rupees) accruing on certificate of 1000 rupees denomination
First Year
79.00
Second Year
85.24
Third Year
91.98
Fourth Year
99.24
Fifth Year
107.08
Note: The amount of interest accruing on a certificate of any other denomination shall be proportionate to the amount specified in the said Table.
6. Pledging of account.-
(1) An Account may be pledged or transferred as security, on an application made by the depositor in Form-3 supported with acceptance letter from the pledgee.
(2) Transfer of an account under this paragraph may be made to-
the President of India or the Governor of a State in his official capacity;
the Reserve Bank of India or a Scheduled Bank or a Cooperative Society, including a Co-operative Bank;
a public or private corporation or a Government company;
a local authority; or
a housing finance company approved by the National Housing Bank and notified by the Central Government:
Provided that the transfer of an account opened on behalf of a minor or a person of unsound mind shall not be permitted under this rule unless the guardian of the minor or the person of unsound mind, as the case may be, certifies in writing that the minor or the person of unsound mind, as the case may be, is alive and that the transfer is for the benefit of the minor or the person of unsound mind.
(3) When any account is transferred as security under sub-paragraph (1), the authorised officer shall make the following endorsement in the record of the Account, including the Savings Certificate, namely:-
“Transferred as security to …..” .
(4) Except as otherwise provided in this scheme, the transferee of an account under this paragraph shall, until it is transferred back under sub-paragraph (5), be deemed to be the depositor.
(5) An account transferred under this paragraph may, on written authority of the transferee, be re-transferred back with the previous sanction in writing of the authorised officer and when any such retransfer is made, the authorised officer of the accounts office shall make the following endorsement in the record of the account, including Certificate, namely:-
“transferred back to……”.
(6) A blind or a person with physical infirmity making him incapable of operating the account may pledge his deposit through any literate individual whom he authorises for this purpose.
7. Premature closure of account.-
(1) The account shall not be closed before maturity except in the following cases, namely:-
on the death of the account holder in a single account, or any or all the account holders in a joint account;
on forfeiture by a pledgee being a Gazetted Officer, when the pledge is in conformity with this Scheme;
when ordered by a court.
(2) Where an account is prematurely closed under sub-paragraph (1) before the expiry of one year from the date of deposit, only principal amount shall be payable.
(3) If the account is prematurely closed under sub-paragraph (1) after the expiry of one year but before the expiry of three years from the date of deposit, the premature closure shall be allowed and on such premature closure of the account interest on principal amount at the rate applicable to the Post Office Savings Account from time to time for the complete months for which the account has been held, shall be payable.
(4) If an account is prematurely closed under sub-paragraph (1) after the expiry of three years from the date of the opening, the amount payable, inclusive of interest accrued under paragraph 5 for a deposit of one thousand rupees and at a proportionate rate for other amounts of deposits, shall be as specified in the table below:-
TABLE
(Table showing premature closure value of account opened on or after date of notification with 1000 rupees)
Period from the date of the account to the date of its pre-mature closure
Amountpayableinclusive of interest (Rupees)
(1)
(2)
Three years or more, but less than three years and six
months
1221.61
Three years and six months or more, but less than four
years
1263.05
Four years or more, but less than four years and six months
1305.90
Four years and six months or more, but less than five years
1350.20
8.Transfer of account from one individual to another.-
An account may be transferred from one individual to another, subject to the condition that the transferee is eligible to open an account under this Scheme, in the following cases, namely:-
(i) on the death of account holder in case of a single account or on the death of all the account holders in a joint account, the amount shall be transferred to the legal heirs or the nominees as the case may be.
(ii) on the order of the court, the account shall be transferred from the account holder to the court or to any other individual as per the orders of the court;
(iii) on pledging, account shall be transferred in accordance with paragraph 6;
(iv) in the event of the death of any of the account holders in a joint account, the account shall be transferred in the name of the surviving account holder or account holders, as the case may be.
9. Payment on the death of account holder.-
(1) In the event of death of the depositor of a single account or of all the depositors in a joint account, the eligible balance in the account shall be payable as specified in paragraphs (2) to (6).
(2) If a nomination is in force at the time of death of the depositor of a single account or all the depositors of a joint account, the nominee may make an application in Form-2 to the accounts office for payment of the eligible balance and the application shall be accompanied by the proof of death of the depositor, and where any other nominee has also died, the proof of death of such nominee.
(3) If there are two or more surviving nominees, the eligible balance shall be paid in the proportion as specified by the depositor while making the nomination, and if no such proportion or share is specified, then in equal proportion to all the surviving nominees.
(4) If any nominee dies, his specified share in the eligible balance shall be distributed among the surviving nominees in the same proportion as their specified shares.
(5) Where the surviving nominee is a minor, the payment shall be made to a person appointed by the depositor to receive such payment and, if no such person has been appointed, to the guardian of the minor.
(6) If a depositor dies and there is no nomination in force at the time of his death, and probate of his will or letters of administration of his estate or a succession certificate as granted in the Indian Succession Act, 1925 (39 of 1925) is not produced within six months from the death of the depositor to the authorised officer of the accounts office where the account stands, then,-
(i) if the eligible amount in the account does not exceed Rs. 5 lakh, the authorised officer of the accounts office or the authority specified by the institution to which the accounts office belongs, may pay the same to any person appearing to him as the rightful claimant and to his satisfaction to be entitled to receive the amount or to administer the estate of the deceased, on an application in Form-2 accompanied by the following documents; namely:-
death certificate;
pass book or deposit receipt/statement of account in original;
Affidavit;
letter of disclaimer;
Bond of Indemnity;
(ii) if the eligible amount in the account of the deceased is above Rs. 5 lakh, the amount shall be paid by the accounts office to the claimant on submission of ‘Succession Certificate’ issued by the court along with the following documents; namely:-
claim form;
pass book or deposit receipt or statement of account in original;
death certificate of the account holder.
(2) Where there are not more than three surviving nominees or legal heirs, they may, at their option, continue the account and receive the amount of deposit along with interest on maturity in the manner provided for in this Scheme, as if they had opened the account themselves.
(3) Where the account is not continued under sub-paragraph (2), it shall be closed and the amount of deposit along with interest as provided in paragraph 7 shall be paid.
(4) On the death of one or two of the account holders in a joint account, the surviving account holder or holders, if any, shall be treated as the owner or owners of the account and such account holder or holders may continue the account or close the account in the manner specified under sub-paragraph (3).
10. Application of General Rules.-
The provisions of the General Rules shall, so far as may be, apply in relation to the matters for which no provision has been made in this Scheme.
11. Power to relax.-
Where the Central Government is satisfied that the operation of any of the provisions of this Scheme causes undue hardship to the account holder, it may by order, for reasons to be recorded in writing, relax the requirements of that provision or provisions in a manner not inconsistent with the provisions of the Act.
[F.No.2/2/2018 NS (Pt.I)]
RAJAT KUMAR MISHRA Jt. Secy
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