Most of central government department websites lack transparency: CIC audit

Most of central government department websites lack transparency: CIC audit

Most of the central government department websites lack in suo-motu disclosure of public information under a mandatory provision of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, according to an official report released Tuesday.

It said the ultimate objective of transparency by them can be performed only by the government who control all supply side of information.

Transparency watchdog Central Information Commission (CIC) has undertaken an evaluation to ascertain the quality of suo-motu disclosures under Section 4 of the RTI Act made by various public authorities.

The evaluation was conducted by a committee comprising A N Tiwari, former Chief Information Commissioner, and M M Ansari, former Information Commissioner.
The committee evolved an evaluation format and requested all public authorities to fill it up.
Out of 2,092 public authorities registered with the commission, feedback was received from 838.
"It has been found that out of 838 public authorities, 158 public authorities got grade A, 157 public authorities got grade B, 118 public authorities got grade C, 133 public authorities got grade D and 272 public authorities got grade E," the report said.

The departments getting 90-100 per cent score in the evaluation got grade A, those getting 80-89 per cent were put in grade B, 70-79 per cent in grade C, 60-69 in grade D and below 60 per cent in grade E.

"We have been at pains to point out in our report that while the audit of the websites of the public authorities is a necessary step in the direction of ushering in greater transparency in the functioning of the state instrumentalities, the ultimate objective still remains the embrace of transparency by them as central to governance," the report said.

This task can be performed only by the government who control all supply side of information, it said.

"It is our hope that the initiative taken by the Central Information Commission to evaluate disclosure standards on websites of public authorities shall usher in the change which the RTI Act enjoins. We repeat that institutional transparency is the final frontier of the Right to Information movement," the report said.

Mentioning its major findings, the CIC report said missing information largely relates to "policy on transfer and posting of senior officers deployed at important and sensitive places; details of domestic and foreign visits undertaken by the senior officials and sources and methods of funding political parties or identification of donors", among others.

The report has been accepted by the Central Information Commission, subject to any observations that may now be received by the commission from the public authorities.

PTI

Extension of 7th CPC benefits and grant of Dearness Relief to Pensioners of Autonomous/Statutory bodies under Administrative Control of Department of Commerce

Extension of 7th CPC benefits and grant of Dearness Relief to Pensioners of  Autonomous/Statutory bodies under Administrative Control of Department of Commerce

F.No. F-20016/04/2016-E-111
Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Department of Commerce
E.III Section

Udyog Bhawan, New Delhi-110107
Dated: 23/25.05.2017

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Sub: Extension of 7th CPC benefits and grant of Dearness Relief to Pensioners of Autonomous/Statutory bodies under Administrative Control of Department of Commerce.

The undersigned is directed to refer to e-mail dated 14th May, 2017 (copy enclosed) received from Pensioners Associations of Statutory/Autonomous Bodies of Central Government on the above subject and to say that the 7th CPC orders issued by Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare are not applicable to the pensioners of Autonomous/Statutory bodies.

The concerned administrative Divisions dealing with Autonomous/Statutory bodies under Department of Commerce are, therefore, requested to take necessary action accordingly.

S/d,
(Amitabh Dwivedi)
Deputy Secretary

Source  : Confederation

Measures for streamlining the implementation of the National Pension System for Central Government employees

Measures for streamlining the implementation of the National Pension System for Central Government employees

No. 57/112016-P&PW(B)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, PG and Pensions
Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare

3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhawan,
Khan Market, New Delhi
Dated the 16th January, 2017

Notice

Subject: Measures for streamlining the implementation of the National Pension System for Central Government employees- reg.

A Committee has been constituted to suggest measures for streamlining the implementation of the National Pension System for Central Government employees. Accordingly, suggestions / views are invited for streamlining the implementation of the National Pension System for Central Government employees for may be sent through s.chakrabarti75@gov.in

(Harjit Singh)
Director (Pension Policy)

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

Government asks Pensioners to furnish their Life Certificate and relevant details to their respective banks in order to enable the banks to provide them better services

Government asks Pensioners to furnish their Life Certificate and relevant details to their respective banks in order to enable the banks to provide them better services

The Government has asked all the pensioners and family pensioners to furnish their Life Certificate in prescribed pro-forma in the month of November every year to their respective banks.

The pensioners should indicate their present address, telephone numbers (including mobile number) and email ID (if available) on their respective Life Certificates in order to enable the Banks to provide them (pensioners) better services.

PIB

Central Government Employees Likely To Get 30-Day Bonus in Festive Season

Central Government Employees Likely To Get 30-Day Bonus in Festive Season

New Delhi: Ahead of the festival season, the government is likely to give an ad-hoc bonus of up to Rs 3,500 to Group C central government employees and personnel of the armed and para military forces.

The government may sanction grant of non-productivity linked bonus (ad-hoc bonus) equivalent to 30 days emoluments for the accounting year 2015-16 to the central government employees (Group C) and the notification in this regad will be issued next week, a senior official of Finance Ministry said.




“Since the election code of conduct for Bihar Assembly polls is in force, but announcement of bonus a routine administrative matter for which permission of the Election Commission not required to go ahead with,” he added.

“The limit for bonus is Rs 3,500,and the bonus will also be given to all non-gazetted employees in Group B, who are not covered by any productivity- linked bonus scheme,” he also told us.

The payment will also be admissible to the central Police and para-military personnel and personnel of armed forces.

Employees of the Union Territory Administration, which follows the central government pattern of emoluments and not covered by any other bonus or ex-gratia scheme would also be eligible for this ad-hoc bonus.

The expenditure incurred on this account will be debitable to the respective heads to which the pay and allowances of these employees are debited, the Finance Ministry official said.

TST

Review of instructions on appointment to Non Functional Selection Grade – Dopt Orders on 25.6.2015

Review of instructions on appointment to Non Functional Selection Grade – Dopt Orders on 25.6.2015

G.I., Dept. of Per. & Trg., O.M.No.22038/1/2015-Est (D), dated 25.6.2015

Subject: Review of instructions on appointment to Non Functional Selection Grade of Organized Group ‘A’ Central Services-regarding.

Reference is invited to the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) Office Memorandum (OM) No. 28038/1/88-Estt.(D) dated 09.10.1989 & OM No. 28038/1/88- Estt.(D) dated 22.11.1990 regulating appointment to Non Functional Selection Grade (NFSG) of organized Group ‘A’ Central Services and DPC Guidelines issued by this Department vide OM Nd1 22611/5/86-Estt.(D) dated 10.04.1989.

2. The provisions contained in OM dated 22.11.90 regarding calculation of vacancies in NFSG in respect of officers proceeding on long term deputation (more than one year) have been reviewed and it has been decided that the vacancies arising due to officers proceeding on long term deputations (more than one year) can be considered while calculating the total number of vacancies for grant of NFSG, subject to the following conditions:-

(i) as and when the officers return from deputation, the junior most officer (s) who has/have been granted NFSG will be reverted to JAG level and

(ii) the total number of posts in the cadre in NFSG at any point of time shall not exceed 30% of the Senior Duty Post (SDP). The OM dated 22.11.90 shall stand amended to this extent.

3. The suitability criteria for appointment to NFSG contained in OM dated 9.10.89 providcfs that the overall performance of an officer shall be good and he shall have at least two ‘Very Good’ gradings in the last five APARs/ACRs. This criteria has been reviewed and it has been decided that overall performance of an officer for appointment in NFSG shall be “Very good” i.e. 5 Very Good in the last five APARs. The OM dated 9.10.89 shall stand amended to this extent.

Authority: www.persmin.gov.in

10 (+2) Points Charter of Demands of Central Trade Unions

10 (+2) Points Charter of Demands of Central Trade Unions

 

Minister of State for Labour & Employment (Independent Charge) writes to all Central trade unions with reference to the 10(+)2 Point Charter of Demands submitted by Trade Unions, that after consultation of Prime Minister he is detailed to discuss with the all trade unions. The Inter ministerial committee will held 2 day’s meeting after International Labour Conference organizing in June in Geneva. The text of MoS Labour & Employment (IC) is reproduced below:-

 

BANDARU DATTATREYA

MINISTER OF STATE FOR

LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT

(INDEPENDENT CHARGE)

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

SHRAM SHAKTI BHAWAN,

NEW DELHI – 110119

23rd May, 2015

To
All Central Trade Unions

This is with reference to the 10(+2) point charter of Demands submitted by Central Trade Unions to the Government on 24th June, 2014 and 15th September 2014.  In pursuance of the said demands, a meeting was held on 15th May, 2015 with the Central trade Unions, which was chaired by me alongwith Hon’ble Minister of State (IC) for Petroleum and Hon’ble Minister of State(IC) of Power.  Prior to the said meeting, a meeting was also held with all Central Trade Union along with Hon’ble Minister of State for Finance.

 

Consequent to the said meeting, I had met with Hon’ble prime Minister and informed him about the charter of demands and issues & concerns raised by the Trade Unions.  Hon’ble Prime Minister advised me that detailed discussions be held with all Central Trade Unions through a Committee of Ministers.  I am happy to announce that the Prime Minister Office has constituted a committee comprising of Finance Minister, Minister of State Independent Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas an Minister of State Independent Charge for Power, Minister of State Prime Minister office and myself to address all issues raised by the Central Trade Unions.

 

We shall be visiting Geneva for the International Labour Conference in June and immediately after return from Geneva, we shall organize two days meeting with the Central Trade Unions to carry out threadbare discussions on each of the charter of demands given by the Unions.

 

I would like to reiterate that the amendments of labour laws are taken up only after detailed deliberations and discussions with the Central Trade Unions in the Tripartite meetings and the suggestions of the Trade Unions are given due consideration.  I am enclosing a copy of the press note being released by me which indicates action taken so far on the Charter of Demands.

 

In view of above, I would expect your full cooperation in the Government’s endeavor to achieve not only the twin objectives of transparency and accountability but also safe guard the interest of the workers.

 

Yours sincerely,

sd/-

(Bandaru Dattatraya)

Encl. as above

The above letter was attached with NFIR’s undermentioned correspondence:-

National Federation of Indian Railwaymen

3, CHELMSFORD ROAD, NEW DELHI – 110 055

Affiliated to

Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC)

International Transport Workers’ Federation (lTF)

 

No.IV/NFIR/INTUC/Corres/Part. I
Dated: 28/05/2015

The General Secretaries of
Affiliated Unions of NFIR

Sub: 10 (+2) Points Charter of Demands of CentraI Trade Unions-reg.

The Government has constituted the Inter Ministerial Committee to hold threadbare discussions with representatives of Central Trade Unions on Charter of Demands and other issues:-

The Inter Ministerial Committee consists of the following:-

1. Shri Arun Jaitley, Finance Minster,
2. Shri Bandaru Dattatreya. Minister ofState (I/C) Labour & Employment,
3. Shri Dharmendra Pradhani Ministerial of State (I/C) for Petroleum & Natural Gas.
4. Shri Piyush Goel, Minister of State (I/C) for Power,
5. Dr. .Jitendra Singh, Minister of State in the Prime Minister Office.

The above is for information and necessary action.

Yours fraternally

(Dr. M. Raghavaiah)

General Secretary

Source: NFIR

BSNL to Launch Free Roaming From 15 June, 2015

BSNL to Launch Free Roaming From 15 June, 2015

Mechanism to Control Call-Drop to be Explored

Nation-Wide Mobile Portability by July

FDI in Telecom Reaches Highest in Four Year

Wi-Fi Hotspots at all Major Tourist Places -Taj to be Inaugurated Shortly

Following is the opening statement of Sh. Ravi Shankar Prasad, Minister of Communication & IT at the press conference on one year performance.

Ministry of Communications & IT was in the news in the past unfortunately for the wrong reasons for a variety of factors. After the new Government took over, it was important to create optimism and confidence to generate hope for growth. This, in return, required transparency, good governance and faster decision-making. By the collective effort of all, we can say with assurance that all these elements have become integral to decision making and policy formulation which has created a conducive atmosphere for investment and growth. Some of the key elements of these achievements are being enumerated hereunder.

DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

• Highest ever auction proceeds of Rs. 1,09,874 crore, against the approved reserve price of Rs 80,277 crores. This could be achieved because of good governance practices, identification of Defence Band and release of Spectrum from Defence Ministry, which has been pending for more than six years.
• Crossed 100 crore telephone connections in April 2015, the fastest increase in the last 11 months as compared to the previous three years raising national teledensity to 79.85 as against 75.23 in March 2014, 73.32 in March 2013 and 78.6 in March 2012.
• Rural teledensity grew to 48.90%, an increase of 4.57% in the last 11 months. the highest increase in the last three years (43.18 in March 2014, 41.6 in March 2013 and 39 in March 2012)
• The number of broadband connections, i.e. connections with a speed of 512 kbps or higher, increased from 65.33 million in May 2014 to 99.20 million in March 2015 with unprecedented growth of 52% in the last 10 months.
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflow in the telecom sector touched $ 2853 million in 2014-15 (upto February 2015). It was the highest in the last four years ($1307 million in 2013-14, $304 million in 2012-13, $1997 million in 2011-12 and $1665 million in 2010-11).

Initiatives to revive BSNL and MTNL

• BSNL revenue grew by 2.1% in 2014-15reversing the trend of negative growth in previous years.
• BSNL added 47 lakh active subscribers and MTNL added 2.11 lakh subscribers in 2014-15 reversing the trend of negative growth in previous years.
• BSNL is in the process of setting up 25645 new base transceiver stations (BTSs) in Phase-VII of its expansion plan at a cost of Rs 4,805 crore, its first such investment plan in over five years. 15000 such BTSs installed in the last one year.
• BSNL replacing network of landline local exchanges by IP (Internet Protocol) enabled Next Generation Network. 432 telephone exchanges and 70 lakh telephone lines are being replaced.
• MTNL is setting up / upgrading 1080 3G sites in Delhi and Mumbai each and 850 2G sites in Delhi and 616 2G sites in Mumbai.
• BSNL and MTNL have launched unlimited free local calls from landlines to any landline/mobile during night hours effective from May 1, 2015.
• BSNL is launching free national roaming.
• Hundred (100) WiFi hotspots at important tourist locations like Varanasi Ghats, Hussain Sagar Lake-Hyderabad, Bangalore, Cochin, Vijayawada etc. have been established by BSNL.

Other important initiatives

• Full Mobile Number Portability (FMNP) notified to allow subscribers to retain their mobile number across the country and enable linking the mobile to Aadhar completing the JAM (Jan Dhan-Aadhar-Mobile) trinity of unique identity.
• Bharat Net (National Optical Fibre Network – NOFN ) is the largest rural connectivity project of its kind in the world, seeking to link each of the 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats of the country, through a Broadband Optical Fibre Network. The work of laying optical fibre network has been speeded up (by 30 times) in the last 10 months. To make the entire project more effective in tune with the Digital India programme, a committee was constituted for further improvement and speedy implementation to serve the larger purpose of Broadband to all. Conference of State IT Ministers was held to discuss the report of committee. Many State governments have agreed in principle to effectively collaborate in implementation of Bharat Net.

DEPARTMENT OF POSTS

• Post offices modernized with 2590 Post Offices having 14.55 crore accounts migrated to Core Banking Solution and 115 Post Office ATMs commissioned.
• 13264 Post Offices have been migrated to Core Postal Life Insurance.
• Procurement of biometric solar charged mobile devices with wireless connectivity to 1,30,000 rural Post Offices is presently underway.
• Sukanya Samridhi Yojana launched on January 22, 2015, has now more than 47 lakh accounts with a total investment of more than Rs 570 crores.
• Kisan Vikas Patra re-launched on November 18, 2014 has attracted investment of about Rs 2600 crore.
• Speed Post revenue grew to Rs 1470 crore in 2014-15 from Rs 1369 crore in the previous year. In CAG report laid in Parliament on May 8, 2015, on the basis of a detailed test check in 8 States, it has been highlighted that the quality of Speed Post service is far better than that of private couriers.
• Parcel revenue growth which had dipped to-2% in 2013-14, registered a robust growth of 37% in 2014-15.
• Cash on Delivery collections increased five times to reach Rs 500 crore in 2014-15 as compared to Rs 100 crore in the previous year.

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS & IT

Electronics Manufacturing:

• Modified Special Incentive Package (MSIPs): Till May 2015, 63 investment proposals worth Rs. 20,825 crore received. 40 proposals worth Rs. 9,565 crore approved. Till May 2014, only 8 proposals worth Rs. 1152 crore investment were approved.
• Electronic Manufacturing Clusters (EMCs): Till May 2015, 39 applications received, 21 approved in principle. Two EMCs at Bhopal and Jabalpur given final approval and foundation stone laid. Till May 2014, only 8 applications approved in principle.
• Electronic Development Fund approved by Cabinet on 10th December, 2014.

New pro-people initiatives:

• Digital India is a mission mode flagship programme, aimed at bridging the digital divide by providing a digital infrastructure for utility of citizens, digital delivery of services and digital empowerment.
• Jeevan Pramaan: 2.02 lakh Digital Life Certificates produced.
  · Digital Locker: Beta version launched. 1.24 lakh lockers opened.
• E-Hospital Registration: Started on May 8, 2015. More than 5421 appointments given.
• National Scholarship Portal for one stop solutions for scholarships for students.
• eBasta: Supports publishers to upload content, schools to collate and students to download on tablet, PC and Phone.

Digital Inclusion:

• Rural BPOs: 48,000 seats across different states for Rural BPOs approved.
• North East BPOs: 5000 seats for BPOs in North East approved.
• Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (DISA): scheme expanded to cover 52.50 lakh candidates, when compared to a target of only 10 lakh last year.

New Policy Initiatives:

• Policy on Open Source Software approved in April, 2015.
• Policy on Collaborative Application Development sent for notification on 11.05.2015.
• Email Policy approved on 18th February, 2015.
• e-Sign Framework has been initiated.
• Policy on use of IT resources approved on 18th February, 2015.
• Policy on Internet of Things has been drafted.

Promoting Indian Languages:

• Updated Indian Languages Toolkit available in all 22 languages now. Earlier it was available only for 10 languages.
• Internationalised Domain Names: Domain name .bharat launched in 8 languages of Devnagari script and in Gujarati, Bengali and Manipuri.

PIB

PFRDA Order: Incentive for mobilization and registration of subscribers under Atal Pension Yojana

PFRDA Order: Incentive for mobilization and registration of subscribers under Atal Pension Yojana

PENSION FUND REGULATORY AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

1st Floor, ICADR Building, Plot No. 6.

Vasant Kunj Institutional Area,

Phase – II, New Delhi – 110070

No. PFRDAIAPY/4/62

19th May, 2015

To,
All Banks under APY
Sir,

Subject: Incentive for mobilization and registration of subscribers under Atal Pension Yojana.

I am directed to say that incentive structure for Banks to mobilize and register subscriber under Atal Pension Yojana has been under the consideration of PFRDA.

2. In consultation with the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, it has been decided that for mobilizing each account the Banks will be paid an incentive as per the table below:

i. Per capita incentive at Rs 100
ii. Incentive payable for promotion and development of APY:

S no	Number of subscribers under APY with each Bank	Incentive for promotional efforts (only for new accounts opened during the year)
1	Less than 1 lakh	Rs 20/-
2	More than 1 lakh upto 3 lakh	Rs 30/-
3	More than 3 lakh upto 5 lakh	Rs 40/-
4	More than 5 lakh	Rs 50/-

As Banks are expected to engage the Banking Correspondents (BCs) / Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) / Non-bank aggregators to mobilize the subscribers, they can Share the incentives with such BCs / MFIs / Non-bank aggregators etc. in the ratio 50:50 :: Banks : BCs/MFIs/ Non-bank aggregators.

 

3. Banks are advised to contact aggregators for shifting of existing eligible Swavalamban subscribers to APY as per the scheme.

 

4. Payment of incentives to banks each year will be made after the completion of the financial year on receipt of funds from the government.

Yours sincerely,

(Purnima Sharma)

Dy. General Manager

Source: http://pfrda.org.in/WriteReadData/Links/Incentive%20Structure%20for%20APY5c598c21-5021-481a-8866-16213d2d1343.pdf

Government to help pensioners for getting digital life certificates

Government to help pensioners for getting digital life certificates

New Delhi, Apr 28 (PTI) The National Informatics Centre (NIC) in various states have been asked to provide necessary technical support for starting enrollment of pensioners for getting digital life certificate to ensure hassle free disbursal of pension.

In order to spare the pensioners from the trouble of visiting banks for submission of life certificates annually, the Centre had in November last year launched an Aadhaar-based biometric verification system ‘Jeevan Pramaan’.

The system enables pensioners to submit the digital life certificate online to pension disbursing banks.

“NIC centres across various states and districts are being directed by the Department of Electronics and Information Technology to provide necessary technical support for starting enrolment of pensioners for digital life certificate,” the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions said in an order.

In view of the immense advantages of using Aadhaar numbers, pensioners’ associations are requested to disseminate information about Jeevan Pramaan amongst pensioners.

They have also been asked to collaborate in making it a success by facilitating registration of pensioners on Jeevan Pramaan portal using Aadhaar based authentication for organising enrolment activities, the order said.
With the help of the facility, which is in addition to the other already existing methods, it is possible to submit the life certificate from personal computers, laptops or mobile phones or by visiting a conveniently located branch of any bank or a common service centre, the Ministry said.

“A pensioner or family pensioner who wants to benefit from this facility needs to obtain an Aadhaar number and get it linked to his or her Pension Payment Order (PPO) number and pension account. This will also speed up commencement of family pension in the event of death of pensioner or spouse,” it said.
There are about 55 lakh central government pensioners.

PTI

Parliament to resume Budget Session today

Parliament to resume Budget Session today

New Delhi: The Budget Session of the Parliament is to resume shortly, with the Lok Sabha reconvening its term today, while the Rajya Sabha will begin its second spell on April 23.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu

Among the key legislations to be passed during this period will be the controversial Land Acquisition Bill, the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Bill and the Constitution Amendment Bill for introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST), among others.

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (ND) has a clear majority of 335 in the Lok Sabha but is weaker in the Rajya Sabha, with just 63 seats.

ANI

DoPT revises Model Recruitment Rules for the post of Staff Car Driver

DoPT revises Model Recruitment Rules for the post of Staff Car Driver

Press Information Bureau,
Government of India,
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

 10-April, 2015

Dispatch Rider/MTS Group C staff to now get reimbursement for acquiring Driving Licence for Motor Cars

In a bid to encourage filling up of the post of Staff Car Driver (Ordinary Grade) through the method of Deputation/Absorption, the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) has issued orders to allow the Dispatch Riders and Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) Group C employees, provided they fulfil the criteria laid down in the Recruitment Rules of the post of Staff Car Driver, avail reimbursement for acquiring Driving Licence for Motor Cars.

The DoPT has also advised various Ministries/Departments to review the existing Recruitment Rules for the post of Staff Car Driver and bring them in conformity with the Model Recruitment Rules issued by the DoPT on July 7, 2014. Accordingly, the post of Staff Car Driver (Ordinary Grade) is to be filled by Deputation/Absorption failing which by Direct Recruitment.

Vacancies of Staff Car Driver will thus be filled first by Deputation / Absorption from amongst the regular Dispatch Rider (Group C) and Group C employees in Pay Band-I: Rs. 5200-20200 Grade Pay Rs. 1800 in the same Ministry / Department who possess valid Driving License for Motor Cars failing which from employees of equivalent posts in other Ministries / Department of the Central Government who fulfil the necessary qualifications.

PIB

Step guide for processing of the proposal for framing / amendment of Recruitment Rules

Step guide for processing of the proposal for framing / amendment of Recruitment Rules

No. AB.14017/13/2013-Estt.(RR)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, PG & Pensions
(Department of Personnel & Training)
***

New Delhi the 31st March, 2015

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Sub: Step guide for processing of the proposal for framing / amendment of Recruitment Rules.

The undersigned is directed to state that this Department has issued guidelines on framing/amendment/relaxation of Recruitment Rules vide OM No. AB-14017/48/2010-Estt.(RR) dated 31.12.2010 which inter-alia provides thirteen column Schedule (Annexure-I) to be annexed with the notification of the Recruitment Rules. A detailed step guide (column-wise) for processing of the proposal for framing / amendment of Recruitment Rules is enclosed. The step guide material may be used for filling up thirteen columns Schedule (Annexure-I) to be annexed with notification part of the recruitment rules for various posts under Ministries / Departments.

2. Hindi Version will follow.

Under Secretary to the Government of India

*(Link: Circular->Establishment-> Recruitment Policies)

To
(1) All the Ministries/Departments (As per the standard list).
(2) The President’s Secretarial, New Delhi
(3) The Vice-President Secretariat, New Delhi
(4) The Prime Minister’s Office, New Delhi
(5) The Cabinet Secretariat, New Delhi
(6) The Comptroller and Auditor General of India, New Delhi
(7) The Secretary, Union Public Service Commission, New Delhi
 
Copy to:-
(1) Rajya Sabha Secretariat/Lok Sabha Secretariat, New Delhi
(2) All the attached offices under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pension
(3) Establishment Officer and AS.
(4) ) Secretary, National Council (JCM), 13, Ferozeshah Road, New Delhi
(5) All Staff Members of the Departmental Council (JCM), Ministry of Personnel, PG and Pensions
(6) NIC (DoP&T) for placing this Office Memorandum on the Website of DoP&T.

Step guide for processing of the Proposal for framing / amendment of Recruitment Rules

PM launches PRAGATI platform for redressal of grievances

PM launches PRAGATI platform for redressal of grievances

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today launched his ambitious multi-purpose and multi-modal platform, PRAGATI, which is aimed at addressing the common man’s grievances and monitoring important programmes and projects.


Speaking on the occasion, Modi said the step is to ensure that governance in India becomes more efficient and responsive as the whole world is now observing India keenly.

PRAGATI, or Pro-Active Governance And Timely Implementation, is a unique integrative and interactive platform.

During the first PRAGATI interaction today, the Prime Minister discussed issues related to unseasonal rain and relief to farmers, public grievances, project implementation, Swachh Bharat and ‘ease of doing business’.

Among the issues discussed were two sets of public grievances of more than 20 people relating to the payment of Employees Provident Fund of private sector and Income Tax refunds, a PMO statement said.

It was noted that all the grievances had been redressed. Also, the intervention through PRAGATI is leading to system improvement so that such grievances do not arise, it said.

Two issues flagged by Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra regarding National Highways and clearance for Navi Mumbai airport, respectively, were also discussed.

Six central government projects involving more than a dozen Union ministries and 13 states were also discussed. It was noted that various actions and permissions relating to the projects were pending for several years.

PTI

Government to hold stress relief' programmes for officers: Dr. Jitendra Singh

Government to hold stress relief programmes for officers: Dr. Jitendra Singh

Press  Information Bureau,
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

24-March, 2015

Government to hold stress relief' programmes for officers: Dr. Jitendra Singh

The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh has said here today that the Govt of India`s Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) will hold a series of regular "stress relief" and rejuvenating programmes including Yoga, workshops, sports, cultural events, etc. for IAS, Civil Services and other government officers in order to help them maintain a conducive frame of mind and ensure a harmonious well-being. At the same time, DoPT has also mooted a "stress management" segment in the Induction course for new employees joining State Services in the three States of Jammu & Kashmir, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, and based on the experience from these three States, the same practice would be replicated in other States as well.

Dr Jitendra Singh said such efforts not only help in rejuvenating the energies and spirits of officers who are subjected to increasing work load and office stress but also help in bringing together the fraternity of civil service officers from all over India thus promoting a spirit of comradeship among them.

Increasing accountability and rising expectation level in administrative work tend to take their toll, said Dr Jitendra Singh and therefore, in-house provisions for stress management are called for. In this context, he referred to a two-day "Stress management" programme for officers being organized at New Delhi on 28th and 29th of this month followed by a Yoga course for officers beginning from April in forty different centers across India.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, the DoPT will not only plan events for government officials but will also devise programmes for their children in the form of academic tutorials, summer coaching camps, etc.

FinMin restricts Internet access for director-level officers

FinMin restricts Internet access for director-level officers

New Delhi: Amid a CBI probe into leakage of secret documents, Finance Ministry has clamped down on the use of Internet and private emails by those up to the director level in the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), restricting the access only to official mails and government websites.

“The DEA officers of the level of directors and below will not have access of Internet on their office computers, except for government websites and email services managed by state-run National Informatics Centre (NIC),” a senior Finance Ministry official said.

They can also access government websites such as pib.nic.in, finmin.nic.in, which are managed by NIC. Following the latest direction, only officers in the rank of joint secretary and above in the DEA will have access of Internet.

However, there are no such restrictions in the Revenue and Expenditure Departments, among others. The DEA is an important wing of the Finance Ministry which deals with policy matters including Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and capital markets.

The restrictions follow the CBI probe into the corporate espionage case, wherein it was found that the government staff members were leaking confidential information relating to foreign investment and other policy matters for further sale to the corporates.

The probe has indicated that “first and second” levels of decision making in the Ministries of Finance and Commerce relating to foreign investments were allegedly “compromised”.

One of the persons arrested by CBI in this case was handling key matters related to foreign investment policy and he was allegedly using two email accounts for sending information to a Mumbai-based Chartered Accountant.

PTI

Allocation of Funds for Defence R&D

Allocation of Funds for Defence R&D

The expenditure on Research & Development by each of the nine Defence Public Sector Undertakings in 2013-14 is as under:

Name of DPSU	Expenditure on R&D (Rs. in crore)
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.	1083.00
Bharat Electronics Ltd.	467.00
BEML Ltd.	86.23
Mazagon Dock Ltd.	47.56
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd.	2.92
Goa Shipyard Ltd.	3.71
Bharat Dynamics Ltd.	19.89
Mishra Dhatu Nigam Ltd.	7.97
Hindustan Shipyard Ltd	6.48

The norms for R&D, as per the guidelines of Department of Public Enterprises, are a minimum expenditure of 1% of Profit After Tax (PAT) for Maharatna & Navratna categories of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs). In respect of other CPSEs, it is 0.5% of PAT. All profit making Defence PSUs are complying with DPE norms for R&D expenditure.

The data about R&D expenditure by foreign countries is not maintained.

The Government provides assistance to Indian Industry/DPSUs/OFB/consortia in Research and Development of defence equipment. Under the ‘Make’ Category of Defence Procurement Procedure, there is a provision for funding 80% of the expenditure on Research and Development of prototype by the Government. Additionally, a Technology Development Fund (TDF) was announced in Union Budget 2014-15 to provide necessary resources to public and private sector companies, including SMEs as well as academic and scientific institutions to support Research and Development of defence systems that enhance cutting edge technology capability in the country.

So far as DPSUs are concerned, in the MOU’s signed between Government and DPSUs, a certain percentage of turnover has been fixed towards expenditure on R&D.

This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Rao Inderjit Singh in a written reply to Shrimati Sasikala Pushpa in Rajya Sabha today.

PIB

Mandatory Hiring of Apprentices: Amendment in Apprentices Act, 1961

Mandatory Hiring of Apprentices: Amendment in Apprentices Act, 1961

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Labour & Employment

16-March-2015 14:23 IST

Mandatory Hiring of Apprentices

The Apprentices Act, 1961 has been amended and brought into effect from 22.12.2014. Before the said amendment of the Act, there was no provision to mandate establishments to hire at least 50 per cent of their apprentices for regular employment. After amendment, the Act provides every employer shall formulate its own policy for recruiting any apprentice who has completed the period of apprenticeship training in his establishment.

Several suggestions/ recommendations were received from Office of the Prime Minister’s National Council on Skill Development (PM’s NCSD), Central Apprenticeship Council (CAC), National Commission on Labour (NCL), Indian Labour Conference (ILC), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and National Skill Development Agency (NSDA) and other stakeholders to make changes in the Apprentices Act, 1961. These were discussed in an Inter-Ministerial Group(IMG) having representatives from Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Micro Small Medium Enterprises, Ministry of Power, Ministry of Defence, Planning Commission, NSDA. The recommendations of IMG were discussed in the CAC-a tri-partite statutory body and simultaneously, these recommendations were also posted on web-site for inviting the comments of public at large. The amendments were carried out after considering suggestions from different stakeholders.

This was stated by Shri Bandaru Dattatreya, the Minister of State(IC) for Labour and Employment in response to a written question in Lok Sabha today.

A new Scheme ‘Apprentice Protsahan Yojana’ has been started

A new Scheme ‘Apprentice Protsahan Yojana’ has been started

Apprentice Protsahan Yojana

Ministry of Labour & Employment

March 16, 2015

A new Scheme ‘Apprentice Protsahan Yojana’ has been started on 16.10.2014 to share 50% of prescribed stipend to the apprentices by Government of India for the first two years of training engaged by eligible establishments particularly in manufacturing sector and other establishments covered under the Apprentices Act, 1961.

Regional Directorates of Apprenticeship Training under the control of Directorate General of Employment & Training will act as implementing agencies in their region.

After launching of this Scheme, the MSMEs establishments are able to engage apprentices and it also enables them to get skilled manpower for their needs.

This Scheme covers all categories of apprentices except the Graduate, Technician and Technician (Vocational) apprentices which are covered by scheme administered by Ministry of Human Resource Development.

This was stated by Shri Bandaru Dattatreya, the Minister of State(IC) for Labour and Employment in response to a written question in Lok Sabha today.

PIB

Cash incentive to sportspersons

Cash incentive to sportspersons

The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Sarbananda Sonowal has said that incentive in the form of cash awards under the scheme of ‘Special Awards to Medal Winners in Sports Events and their Coaches’ is given to medal winners and their coaches in international events as per details given below for the sports disciplines included in Olympic Games, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and chess.

Individual Events at Senior Level:

Category : Open category Sports

S. No.	Name of the event	Gold Medal	Silver medal	Bronze Medal
1	Olympics Games	Rs.75 lakhs	Rs.50 lakhs	Rs.30 lakhs
2	Asian Games	Rs.30 lakhs	Rs. 20 lakhs	Rs. 10 lakhs
3	Commonwealth Games	Rs.30 lakhs	Rs. 20 lakhs	Rs. 10 lakhs
4	World Championships or World Cup (conducted in Four Year Cycle) / All England Championship of Badminton	Rs.40 lakhs	Rs. 25 lakhs	Rs.15 lakhs
5	World Championships / World Cup (Held once in two years)	Rs.20 lakhs	Rs. 14 lakhs	Rs.8 lakhs
6	World Championships / World Cup (Held annually)	Rs.10 lakhs	Rs. 7 lakhs	Rs.4 lakhs
7	Asian Championships (Held once in 4 years)	Rs.15 lakhs	Rs. 10 lakhs	Rs.5 lakhs
8	Asian Championships (Held once in 2 years)	Rs.7.5 lakhs	Rs. 5 lakhs	Rs.2.5 lakhs
9	Asian Championships (Held annually)	Rs.3.75 lakhs	Rs. 2.5 lakhs	Rs. 1.25 lakhs
10	Commonwealth Championships (Held once in 4 years)	Rs.15 lakhs	Rs. 10 lakhs	Rs.5 lakhs
11	Commonwealth Championships (Held once in 2 years)	Rs.7.5 lakhs	Rs. 5 lakhs	Rs.2.5 lakhs
12	Commonwealth Championships (Held annualy)	Rs.3.75 lakhs	Rs. 2.5 lakhs	Rs. 1.25 lakhs
13	World University Games	Rs.3.75 lakhs	Rs. 2.5 lakhs	Rs. 1.25 lakhs

Category: Para-Sports

S. No.	Name of the event	Gold Medal	Silver medal	Bronze Medal
1	Paralympics Games (Summer & Winter)	Rs.75 lakhs	Rs.50 lakhs	Rs.30 lakhs
2	Para Asian Games	Rs.30 lakhs	Rs. 20 lakhs	Rs. 10 lakhs
3	Commonwealth Games (Para Athletes)	Rs.30 lakhs	Rs. 20 lakhs	Rs. 10 lakhs
4	IPC World Cup / Championships (Held biennially)	Rs.20 lakhs	Rs. 14 lakhs	Rs.8 lakhs
5	IPC World Cup / Championships (Held annually)	Rs.10 lakhs	Rs. 7 lakhs	Rs.4 lakhs

Category : Blind Sports

S. No.	Name of the event	Gold Medal	Silver medal	Bronze Medal
1	IBSA World Championship	Rs.10 lakhs	Rs. 7 lakhs	Rs.4 lakhs

Category: Deaf Sports

S. No.	Name of the event	Gold Medal	Silver medal	Bronze Medal
1	Deaflympics	Rs.15 lakhs	Rs. 10 lakhs	Rs.5 lakhs

Category : Special Olympics- Sports

S. No.	Name of the event	Gold Medal	Silver medal	Bronze Medal
1	Special Olympics (Summer/ Winter	Rs.5 lakhs	Rs. 3 lakhs	Rs.1 lakhs

In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today Shri Sonowal said, in case of Individual events of Junior level, the amount will be one-third of the amount stated above in ‘Open category Sports’ and rounded off to the nearest tens of thousands of Rupees. And, in case of Individual events of Sub-Junior level, the amount will be one-sixth of the amount stated above stated above in ‘Open category Sports’ and rounded off to the nearest tens of thousands of Rupees. Medal winners in team events are given cash awards taking into consideration the strength of the team but it is ensured that a team member does not get less than half of the award money payable to a medal winner in an individual event.

Shri Sonowal said, the Government does not pay any remuneration to the sportspersons representing the country in the international sports events. However, for the participation of Indian sportspersons and teams in international sports events approved by the Ministry at cost to the Government, the Ministry meets the expenditure towards airfare, visa fee, overseas medical insurance, daily allowance, boarding & lodging, competition entry fee etc. Daily Allowance is paid at following rates for all members of the contingent approved at full cost to Government for approved number of days of training / competition plus two days before and one day after (excluding journey time):

a) When Boarding & Lodging is being provided by the Organizers free of cost:	25 % of Daily Allowance as per Government of India rates
b) When National Sports Federation is making its own arrangements:	Ceiling of USD 75 per person per day for Lodging and Daily Allowance as per Government of India guidelines
c) When the organizers are making arrangements for Boarding and Lodging on payment:	Rates indicated for twin share accommodation in the brochure issued by organizers to be allowed for lodging and 25% of Daily Allowance as per Government of India rates

However, the Ministry paid Daily Allowance / Out of Pocket Allowance @ USD 50 per day per person to sportspersons who represented the country in mega sports events such as Olympics 2012, Asian Games 2014 and Commonwealth Games 2014, the Minister added.

PIB