Lifting the ban on Central Government Ministries/ Departments buying fresh cars - DoE

DoE

Lifting the ban on Central Government Ministries/ Departments buying fresh cars - DoE

F .No. 7(1 )/E.Coord/ 2019
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure
E.Coord.

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

North Block, New Delhi
September 17th 2019

Subject: Lifting of the ban on purchase of new vehicles by Ministries / Departments

Also check: CSD Car Prices in India Updated 2019 - Maruti, Hyundai, Honda, Toyota, Ford, Mahindra and Tata’s latest prices

Reference is invited to Para 2.3 of this Department's OM No. 7(1 ) /E.Coord'/ 2014 dated 29.10.2014 pertaining to economy measures and rationalization of expenditure wherein it stated that "Purchase of new vehicles to meet the operational requirement of Defence Forces, Central Paramilitary Forces & security related organizations are permitted. Ban on purchase of other vehicles (including staff cars) will continue except against condemnation". Consequent to the aforesaid condition, all proposals relating to purchase of vehicles by Ministries/Departments other than those against condemnation were being made with the concurrence of the Department of Expenditure.

(2) The matter regarding ban on purchase of vehicles (including staff cars) except against condemnation has been reassessed and examined by this Department.

(3) I am directed to state that the ban on purchase of other vehicles (including staff cars) except against condemnation stands withdrawn with immediate effect. The purchase of new staff cars on requirement basis including against condemnation will continue to be regulated within the ceiling fixed by the Department of Expenditure from time to time. Purchase of vehicles other than staff cars for operational need is also allowed. Ministries/Departments in consultation with their Financial Advisers shall ensure that all purchases of vehicles are made judiciously keeping in mind the principle of 'need' and 'want' and GFR 2017 provisions on procurement are adhered to strictly.

Also check: Eligibility criteria for Motor Car, Motorcycle, Scooter and Moped Advances

To
All Ministries/ Departments of Government of India
Copy to:

1. Cabinet Secretary
2. Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister
3. Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog
4. Financial Advisors of All Ministries/ Departments

(Thanglemlian)
Director (E.Coord)
Tele: 23093290

Source: DoE

Induction of Female employees in Railway and other Central Government Departments.

Induction of Female employees in Railway and other Central Government Departments.

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)

No.E(NG)I-2015/TR/10 Pt

New Delhi dated 02.04.2019

The General Secretary,
NFIR,
3, Chelmsford Road,
New Delhi-110055.

Sub: Induction of Female employees in Railway and other Central Government Departments - reg.

Dear Sir,
The undersigned is directed to refer to NFIR's letter No. II/1/2019 dated 29.01.2019 on the above subject and to state that there is no ban in place against recruitment of female candidates to Track Maintainers Category though admittedly the nature of the job and working conditions are strenuous/tough. Notifications for Level-1 recruitment are underway in which a significant portion is for Track Maintainers. With finalization of above 2 recruitments ( CEN 02/2018 & CEN1/RRC/2019), position should ease and transfers of eligible Trackmen to other department as provided for in rules should be able to be effected without problems.

It is hoped that the Federation would appreciate the position.

Yours faithfully,
For Secretary, Railway Board.

Source: NFIR

Reimbursement of rent to Government servants during their temporary stay upto a maximum period of six months

Reimbursement of rent to Government servants during their temporary stay upto a maximum period of six months

No.2/05)2018-E.II(B)
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure

North Block, New Delhi
Dated: 01 February 2019,

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Reimbursement of rent to Government servants during their temporary stay (upto a maximum period of six months) in State Bhavans/Guest Houses/ Departmental Guest Houses run by Central Government/State Governments /Autonomous Organizations etc.

Several references are being received in this Department seeking clarification regarding applicability of instructions contained in this Departments O.M.No.2(25)/2004-E.II(B) dated 15.12.2011 to Central Government officials on their stay in State Bhavans/Guest Houses and also in cases where Central Government off and also stay in Departmental Guest Houses.

2. The matter has been considered in this Department. In supersession of the instructions contained in aforesaid O.M. dated 15.12.2011, it has been decided that tie official on their pasting to the Centre and the Central Government officials on their transfer/posting to a new station; necessitating change of residence if they temporarily stay in State Bhavans/ Guest Houses/Departmental Guest houses run by Central Government / State Government / Autonomous Organizations etc., may be reimbursed the amount of rent paid subject to fulfillment of the following conditions:

(a) The official has applied for accommodation of his entitlement, but has not been allotted residential accommodation by the Government.
(b) The concerned Guest House, should be located at the place of posting of the official.
(c) The official must have stayed in State Bhavans/Guest Houses/Departmental Guest Houses run by Central Government/State Government/Autonomous Organizations etc and submit rent receipts in support of payment of rent.
(d) Reimbursement of rent shall be admissible up to a maximum period of six months.
(e) No House Rent Allowance (HRA) shall be admissible during this period,

These orders shall be effective from the date of issue.

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

Hindi version is attached.

(Nirmala Dav)
Deputy Secretary to the Government of India

Induction of Female employees in Railways and other Central Government departments

Induction of Female employees in Railways and other Central Government departments

NFIR

No. II/1/2019

Dated: 29.01.2019

To,
The Chairman,
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,
Sub: Induction of Female employees in Railways and other Central Government departments - reg.

The provisions of the Constitution of India, ensured "Right to Equality'' to any person for employment opportunity in Government as well other than Government Institutions. Articles 14, 15 & 16 of the Constitution have enshrined the "Right to Equality'' to all the persons irrespective of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth. Equality of opportunity in the matters of emplo5rment has been provided under Article 16 of the Constitution for all citizens to employment or appointment to any office under the state.

In the above context, NFIR brings to the kind notice of the Railway Board (CRB) that on Railways female candidates are recruited through RRCs/RRBs/Compassionate appointment etc., to the posts of Track Maintainer, Junior Engineer, ESM Gr-I, Station Master, Assistant Pointsman, Helper, Technicians etc., in the Technical, Operating and other Departments. Certain jobs mainly Track Maintainer are arduous and hazardous as the staff are expected to work under open sky facing inclement weather conditions at remote places, jungle areas, where minimum basic necessities of life do not exist. The female Track Maintainers are facing these hardships in the course of performing their duties.

Vide PNM Agenda Item No. 23/015 at Railway Board's level, the NFIR demanded that the female Track Maintainers may be permitted to seek transfer to other Departments on completion of two or three years service. However, this issue is still pending.

Pursuant to the efforts of NFIR and discussions during PNM meetings, the Railway Ministry vide letter No. E(NG)III/2018/RR-I/13 dated 20/09/2018 (linked with Board's letter No. E(NG)I-99/CFP/23 (Vol. II) dated 14/1/2013 permitted Track Maintainers to seek change to other Cadres/Departments against 10% as well 40% vacancies, but sadly the instructions dated 14th November, 2013 are yet to be implemented by Zonal Railways due to non-availability of replacement as a result of no recruitment since the last over three years. Consequently, Track Maintainers (Male & Female) are put to sever hardships, while they have been bitterly complaining against non-compliance of Railway Board's instructions.

The light of the above facts, NFIR expects the Railway Ministry to give special consideration to Track Maintainers for the purpose of pursuing their career growth through lateral induction/transfer to other Departments. NFIR vide PNM Agenda Item No. 2312015 had also suggested that the recruitment from Open Market be made to the post of 1800 Grade Pay/Pay Level-l instead designation-wise recruitment thereby the 1st appointment of such recruitees shall be against the post of Track Maintainer and for filling minimum, in pay Level-l in other Departments the Track Maintainers can be drawn on option basis, thereby within a period of 5 to 7 years, they may get shifted to other cadres. It seems Railway Board have not yet considered this constructive proposal of NFIR.

NFIR hopes that the rights provided through "Constitution" for employment of female candidates shall be protected and implemented by the Railway Ministry without dilution/deviation and at the same time Federation urges upon the Railway Board to consider NFIR's demand (PNM Item No. 23/2015) relating to granting appropriate relief to female Track Maintainers working in the Railways.
NFIR also insists upon the Railway Board to continue the extant policy of recruitment of male and female candidates without discrimination, otherwise many complications may arise including that of public agitations and litigations. A line in reply is solicited.

Yours faithfully

(Dr. M.Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source: NFIR

Central Government Departments / Ministries - Reservation Policy

Central Government Departments / Ministries - Reservation Policy

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Reservation Policy

13 FEB 2019

As per extant instructions, reservation is provided to Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) at the rate of 15%, 7.5% and 27% respectively in case of direct recruitment on all India basis by open competition. In case of direct recruitment on all India basis otherwise than by open competition, the percentage fixed is 16.66% for SCs, 7.5% for STs and 25.84% for OBCs.

In case of direct recruitment to Group C posts normally attracting candidates from a locality or a region, the percentage of reservation for SC / ST / OBC is generally fixed on the basis of proportion of their population in the respective States / Union Territories.

With the enactment of 'The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016', reservation is also provided to Persons with Benchmark Disabilities against the posts and services of the Central Government at 4% of the total number of vacancies to be filled up by direct recruitment in the cadre strength in each group of posts i.e. Group A, B and C.

As per Ex-servicemen (Re-employment in Central Services and Posts) Rules, 1979, as amended from time to time, 10% of the vacancies in the posts upto of the level of the Assistant Commandant in all para-military forces; (ii) 10% of the vacancies in Group C posts; and (iii) 20% of the vacancies in Group D posts, to be filled by direct recruitment shall be reserved for ex-servicemen.

The persons belonging to Economically Weaker Sections (EWSs) who are not covered under the scheme of reservation for SCs, STs and OBCs shall get 10% reservation in direct recruitment in civil posts and services in the Government of India.

As on	Total	SC	ST	OBC	Others
01.01.2014	2044	484	173	710	677
01.01.2015	4959	899	358	1545	2157
01.01.2016	2452	590	153	721	988

As per available data, total number of employees appointed through direct recruitment, which may also include candidates selected on own merit, in the grade of Safai Karamcharis belonging to SCs, STs and OBCs in Central Government Ministries / Departments including their attached / subordinate offices as on 01.01.2014, 01.01.2015 and 01.01.2016 is given below:-

As per available data, total number together with representation of SCs, STs and OBCs in the grade of Safai Karamcharis as on 01.01.2014, 01.01.2015 and 01.01.2016 is given below:-

As on	Total	SC	ST	OBC	Others
01.01.2014	56584	22343	3996	6460	23785
01.01.2015	47812	20612	2883	5859	18458
01.01.2016	48951	22108	3379	7076	16388

Above data is consolidated in respect of Central Government Ministries / Departments and their attached and subordinate offices spread all over the country. This data is not maintained State-wise.
This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

PIB

Dr Jitendra Singh to present Certificates of Appreciation to 9 ministries/departments for implementation of e-Office tomorrow

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

Dr Jitendra Singh to present Certificates of Appreciation to 9 ministries/departments for implementation of e-Office tomorrow

11 FEB 2019

The MoS (PP) Dr. Jitendra Singh will confer Certificates of Appreciation to 9 Ministries/Departments of Government of India tomorrow (12.02.2019) here, to appreciate the sincere efforts made by them and giving recognition of the commendable work done by them in implementation of e-Office. In 2018, 34 Ministries/Departments were awarded Certificate of Appreciation.

The e-Office is a Mission Mode Project under the National e-Governance Plan and is being implemented by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) to improve efficiency in Government Process and Service Delivery Mechanism.

The e-Office is a Digital Workplace Solution that replaces the physical files and documents with an efficient electronic system. Being an electronic system, it has its inherent advantages such as data is stored digitally with audit trails for every transaction being done. Regular backups and Disaster Recovery Systems are in place which ensures that Government files are not damaged in case of any mishap. In addition, this being a web based application; people can access it from anywhere through VPN.

The e-Office system contains the following packages:-

1) File Management System (FMS)
2) Knowledge Management System (KMS)
3) eFile MIS Reports
4) Personnel Information Management System (PIMS)
5) Employee Master Details (EMD)
6) Leave Management System (LMS)
7) Leave MIS Reports
8) Tour Management System (TMS)
9) Master Data Management

The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) has coordinated with all Central Ministries/Departments to expedite the implementation of the e-office. The Department has taken various steps to accelerate the implementation in the various Ministries/Departments. This includes, conducting review meetings and visiting Ministries/Departments to understand the specific problems. As a result of these efforts, till date, 43 Ministries/Departments are completely on e-Office platform. Department of Health Research is the latest to achieve complete e-Office implementation. 75 Ministries/Departments are actively using the e-office platform. Ministry of AYUSH is the most recent Ministry to go live on the e-office platform.

The main outcomes generated by the e-Office are as follows:-

Transparency and Accountability has been brought by e-office. File notes cannot be changed or undone and the file cannot be kept pending as the system is designed to give feedback and monitoring mechanism.

Quick Disposal of files and timely monitoring of pending files has been the other advantage of e-office Instant file exchange: The file can be received within fraction of seconds.

Knowledge Repository: Knowledge is wealth and now using KMS (Knowledge Management System) knowledge can be preserved in a centralised and easily accessible repository for employees.

PIB

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

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

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

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

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

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

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

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

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

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

To
Secretaries of All Central Government Ministries/ Departments

Source: DoE

Declaration of Productivity Linked Bonus (P.L.B.) for the employees of the EPFO for the year 2017-2018

EPFO: 60 days Productivity Linked Bonus for the year 2017-18

Through Web Circulation Only
Employees' Provident Fund Organisation
(Ministry of Labour & Employment, Govt. Of India)
Head Office
Bhavishya Nidhi Bhawan,14-Bhikaiji Cama Place, New Delhi-1 10066

No. WSU/25(1)/2017-18/PLB/13218
Date: 15.10.2018

All Addl. CPFC (HQ/Zones),
Addl. CPFC (ASD), Head Office
Director (PDUNASS) and
All Regional P.F. Commissioners-Incharge of
Regional Offices.

Sub: Declaration of Productivity Linked Bonus (P.L.B.) for the employees of the EPFO for the year 2017-2018.

Madam/Sir,

The Central Government has conveyed its approval to the existing Productivity Linked Bonus Scheme for the year 2017-2018 for the employees of EPFO vide MoL&E letter No A-26022/1/94-SS.1 (Pt) dated 12th October, 2018.

2. Accordingly, the competent authority is pleased to convey the approval for payment of the Productivity Linked Bonus for the year 2917-2018 for 60 (Sixty) days in all the offices of EPFO. The bonus of 60 days has been assessed on the basis of data/information submitted by the Zonal Offices in compliance to Head Office letter dated 25.09.2018. The payment of bonus is to be released to all Group 'C' and Group 'B' (Non-Gazetted) employees of EPFO.

3. The terms and conditions governing payment of P.L.B. will be as per the instructions issued by the Ministry of Finance O.M. No. 7/24/2007/E.III(A) dated 08.10.2018 for payment of the bonus to the employees in Central Government departments from time to time. However, the quantum of bonus may be assessed as per the following formula, as given in above letter:-

= (AVERAGE EMOLUMENTS) x (NUMBER OF DAYS OF BONUS)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
30.4*
(*Average number of days in a month)

4. The expenditure incurred for payment of bonus may be debited from the budget head-
"Productivity Linked Bonus."

(This issues with the approval of Central P.F. Commissioner).

Yours faithfully,
(Jag Mohan)
Addl. CPFC (HQ)-Finance

Download Order: www.epfindia.gov.in

Central Government Approves Maternity Leave For Employees Opting For Surrogacy

Central Government Approves Maternity Leave For Employees Opting For Surrogacy

The ministry has written to all central government departments about a 2015 Delhi High Court order on this issue.

Central government's women employees, whose children are born through surrogacy, will now be entitled to maternity leave, according to an official order of the personnel ministry.

The employees can avail of paid maternity leaves up to 26 weeks (about 180 days).

The ministry has written to all central government departments about a 2015 Delhi High Court order on this issue.

“All ministries / departments are advised to give wide publicity of its contents to the concerned officers,” the personnel ministry said in its latest directive to all the ministries and enclosed a copy of the court’s order with it.

The court verdict had come on a plea by a Kendriya Vidyalaya teacher who had twins through surrogacy but was denied maternity leave as she was not the biological mother.

"A female employee, who is the commissioning mother, would be entitled to apply for maternity leave," the court had held.

Based on material placed before it, the competent authority would decide on the timing and the period for which maternity leave ought to be granted to a commissioning mother who adopts the surrogacy route, the court said.

The scrutiny would be keener and detailed, when leave is sought by a female employee, who is the commissioning mother, at the pre-natal stage, it said.

In case maternity leave is declined at the pre-natal stage, the competent authority would pass a reasoned order having regard to the material, if any, placed before it, by the female employee, who seeks to avail maternity leave, the court order said.

In a situation where both the commissioning mother and the surrogate mother are employees, who are otherwise eligible for leave (one on the ground that she is a commissioning mother and the other on the ground that she is the pregnant women), suitable adjustment would be made by the competent authority, it said.

Outsourcing of jobs in Government Departments

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

 Outsourcing of jobs in Government Departments

Posted On: 07 FEB 2018 1:17PM by PIB Delhi

A Ministry or Department may procure certain non-consulting services in the interest of economy and efficiency and prescribe detailed instructions and procedures for this purpose without, however, contravening the basic guidelines provided in rule 199 to 206 of "General Financial Rules 2017" (GFR 2017). As each Ministry/Department is competent to procure services at their level to meet seasonal or short-term requirements, the centralised data is not maintained in this regard.

There are detailed procedures laid down for procurement of such non-consulting services including e-procurement in Chapter 6 of the GFR 2017 and the "Manual for Procurement of Consultancy & Other Services, 2017".  Ministries are competent to decide the mode depending on the nature of work, nature of competency required etc. Any deviation or violation can be dealt by the Ministry appropriately. The wages for the persons engaged on contract/outsourcing cannot be less than the minimum wage fixed/notified by the concerned State Government.

The Government posts are regularly filled up in accordance with the recruitment rules. Each Ministry/Department is responsible for appointment of regular employees against vacant posts after completing all procedural formalities. The centralised data of vacancies and backlog vacancies is not maintained.

This was stated by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, AtomicDr Jitendra Singh in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today

PIB

Give asset details or lose promotions and foreign postings: Government to IAS officers

Give asset details or lose promotions and foreign postings: Government to IAS officers

All IAS officers have been asked to submit details of their assets by next month and warned that the failure to do so would lead to a denial of vigilance clearances needed for promotions and foreign postings.

The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has written to all Central government departments, states and union territories asking them to ensure submission of Immovable Property Returns (IPRs) by IAS officers working with them by January 31, 2018.

"In view of the DoPTs instructions dated April 4, 2011, it is reiterated that failure to ensure timely submission of IPR would result in denial of vigilance clearance," Establishment Officer and Additional Secretary P K Tripathi said in the recent missive.

According to the 2011 instructions, officers who did not submit their IPR as on January 1, 2018, on time would be denied vigilance clearances and will not be considered for promotions and empanelment for senior-level posts in the government of India.

"Those who do not submit property details on time will not be considered for any posts of the Central government including foreign postings," a senior DoPT official said.

An online module has been designed for the purpose of filing of the IPR. Officers have the option of uploading the hard copy of the IPR by January 31 in the online module, the December 22 letter said.

There are 5,004 Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers working across the country, according to the DoPTs latest data.

PTI

Declaration of Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) for the employees of the EPFO for the year 2016-2017

60 Days Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) for the Employee of EPFO for the year 2016-17

Employees' Provident Fund Organisation
(Ministry of Labour & Employment, Govt. of India)
Head Office
Bhavishya Nidhi Bhawan,14-Bhikaiji Cama Place, New Delhi-110066

No. WSU/25(1)/2016-17/PLB/10141

Date: 20.09.2017

To
All Addl. CPFC (HQ/Zones),
Addl. CPFC (ASD), Head Office
Director (PDUNASS) and
All Regional P.F. Commissioners-Incharge of
Regional Offices.

Sub: Declaration of Productivity Linked Bonus (P.L.B.) for the employees of the EPFO for the year 2016-2017.

Sir/Madam,
The Central Government, in terms of Section 5D(7) of the Employees' Provident Funds Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, has conveyed its approval to the existing Productivity Linked Bonus Scheme for the year 2016-2017 for the employees of EPFO vide letter No A-26022/1/94-SS.1 dated 20th September, 2017.

2. Accordingly, the competent authority is pleased to convey the approval for payment of the Productivity Linked Bonus for the year 2016-2017 for 60 (Sixty) days in all the offices of EPFO. The bonus of 60 days has been assessed on the basis of data/information submitted by the Regional Offices in compliance to Head Office letter dated 21.08.2017. The payment of bonus is to be released to all Group 'C' and Group 'B' (Non-Gazetted) employees of EPFO.

3. The terms and conditions governing payment of P.L.B. will be as per the instructions issued by the Government of India for payment of the bonus to the employees in Central Government departments from time to time. However, the quantum of bonus may be assessed as per the following formula circulated vide Govt. of India, Ministry of Finance O.M. No. 7/4/2014/E.III(A) dated 19.09.2017.

= (AVERAGE EMOLUMENTS) X (NUMBER OF DAYS OF BONUS)
30.4*
(* Average number of days in a month)

4. Further, Ministry of Finance vide O.M. No. 7/4/2014-E-IIIA dated 29.08.2016 has revised the calculation ceiling of monthly emoluments for the purpose of payment of P.L. Bonus from Rs. 3500 to Rs. 7000 revised w.e.f. 01.04.2014.

5. The term 'emoluments' occurring in these orders will include Basic Pay, Personal Pay, Special Pay, Deputation (Duty) Allowance and Dearness Allowance, but will not include other Allowances, such as HRA, CCA Special Compensatory (Remote locality) Allowance, Bad Climate Allowance, Children Education Allowance and Interim Relief etc.

6. The expenditure incurred for payment of bonus may be debited from the budget head "Productivity Linked Bonus."

(This issues with the approval of Central P.F. Commissioner).

Yours faithfully,

(J.K. Sangalay)
Regional P.F. Commissioner-I (WSU)

Central government departments asked to inform the Cabinet Secretariat about agreements signed by them

Central government departments asked to inform the Cabinet Secretariat about agreements signed by them

New Delhi: All central government departments have been asked to inform the Cabinet Secretariat as soon as they sign any agreement and also get the nod from the Cabinet or its committee in a time-bound manner.

The directive came after it was noticed that certain ministries were informing the Cabinet Secretariat about accords signed with other stakeholders after the stipulated period of one month.

As per norms, any agreement related to culture and science and technology matters, not impacting the national security or India’s relations with other countries, which are duly approved by the Minister-in-Charge of the department concerned and the Minister of External Affairs, need to be circulated to the Cabinet for information.

“Ministries/departments are requested to send an intimation to this secretariat as soon as such agreements are entered into along with a copy of the signed agreement.

“Ministries/departments may also ensure that notes for information are forwarded to this secretariat well within the stipulated period of one month for timely consideration of such notes by the Cabinet/Cabinet Committee,” the Cabinet Secretariat said in an order.

Referring to its previous directive, it said that all the departments need to take ex-post facto approval on any decision already approved by the Prime Minister and on Memoranda of Understanding signed by them within a month.

In another order, the Cabinet Secretariat has asked all the secretaries to hold inter-ministerial consultations only with departments concerned with the matter and that too within the prescribed time limit of two weeks.

PTI

Officers to face action for delay in GPF payments to retiring employees

Officers to face action for delay in GPF payments to retiring employees

New Delhi: Action will be taken against the officers concerned in cases of delay in processing payment of General Provident Fund (GPF) to retiring employees, the Centre has said.

The move comes after it was noticed that GPF final payment in many cases was not being made to the government servants immediately after retirement leading to payment of interest for the period delayed.

In an order, the Ministry of Personnel said in order to ensure timely final payment of GPF and to avoid unnecessary financial burden on account of interest, it has now been decided that every case, in which payment of interest on General Provident Fund becomes necessary beyond the date of retirement, shall be put up for consideration to the Secretary of the administrative ministry.

"In all such cases the Secretary of the administrative ministry or department will fix responsibility at all levels to take appropriate action against the government servant or servants who are found responsible for the delay in the payment of General Provident Fund," it said in the directive to all central government departments.

Senior Personnel Ministry officials also said there have been a few instances in which there were complaint of delay in giving final amount of GPF to the retiring employees.

Rules clearly provide that when the amount standing at the credit of a subscriber in the General Provident Fund becomes payable, it shall be the duty of the Accounts Officer to make the payment.

The authority for the amount payable is to be issued at least a month before the date of superannuation, but payable on the date of superannuation, the rules say.

The Centre had in 1996 dispensed with the requirement of submitting a written application by the retiring government servant for GPF final payment.

As per the rules, in case the GPF balance is not paid on retirement, interest on the GPF balance is required to be paid for the period beyond the date of retirement also.

PTI

Central Government paves way for employees timely promotions

Central Government paves way for employees timely promotions

New Delhi: All central government departments have been asked to conduct meetings of Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) in time to check “abnormal delay” in giving career benefits to employees.
The move comes after noticing cases of delay in holding the meeting of DPC - which decides on employees’ promotions.

The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has issued instructions to all the departments asking them to ensure timely promotions to the employees by conducting meetings of DPC in time.

A model calender has also been issued by the DoPT in this regard.

It has been brought to the notice of the government that many promotion posts are lying vacant due to abnormal delay in convening DPCs.

“The objective of timely promotions of employees in various ministries and departments can be achieved only by holding DPC meetings.

“In view of above, all ministries and departments are again advised to ensure strict compliance of instructions in order achieve the desired objectives of timely convening of DPCs/preparation of approved select panels within the prescribed time frame,” the DoPT said in an order.

There are about 50.68 lakh central government employees.

PTI

Government to come up with national policy for senior citizens soon

Government to come up with national policy for senior citizens soon

New Delhi: In order to improve the standard of living of senior citizens, the government will soon come up with a national policy, which will focus on providing benefits of health care and accommodation to the elderly people.

A note in this regard has been prepared and it will be taken up by the Cabinet soon, a source said.

The note has been prepared by the Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry in consultation with various ministries and departments of the central government.

The note has taken into consideration the changing demographic pattern, socio-economic needs of the senior citizens, social value system, the source added.

This new and comprehensive national policy for senior citizens is based on the National Policy on Older Persons, 1999.

As a person grows old, his or her health becomes a major issue. Therefore, in the policy, special attention is being given to this aspect. The policy also talks about accommodation facilities for the senior citizens.

Another major thrust of the policy is to make the society and its younger generation sensitive towards their elders and at the same time, involve them in taking care of them, the source said.

According to the 2011 Census, the population of senior citizens in the country is 10.38 crore, which is about 8.6 per cent of the total population.

PTI

Finance Ministry has not issued orders extending the 7th CPC benefit to employees of Autonomous bodies and Board

Finance Ministry has not issued orders extending the 7th CPC benefit to employees of Autonomous bodies and Board

AVOID INORDINATE DELAY IN EXTENDING THE BENEFITS OF CCS (REVISED PAY) RULES 2016 TO THE EMPLOYEES OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT AUTONOMOUS BODIES AND BOARDS CONSTITUTED STATUTORILY

The benefits of the 7th CPC has not yet been extended to the personnel working under : autonomous bodies and Boards, though it was constituted statutorily. During the previous wage revisions, they have been allowed to enjoy the benefits within one month of release of the Government Notification on Revised Pay Rules. Employees and Pensioners of more than 600 Autonomous bodies and Boards etc. are eagerly waiting for the last more than two months, for revised pay structure implementation in their respective institutions.

Like most of the Central Government departments, since most of the autonomous bodies and Boards did not have much fund to spare for payment of revision of pay hike, they have to depend upon their Ministries concerned. In the case of Ministries also, the budget allotment is not sufficient to meet its own needs satisfactorily and are starving. It is in this background the Finance Ministry's stand becomes crucial. During 6th CPC, the Finance Ministry has given clearance without much delay. The present delay has become a cause of concern for the employees and pensioners.

Confederation of Central Government Employees and workers has already taken up their case with the Government, but till this date the Finance Ministry has not issued orders extending the 7th CPC benefit to employees of Autonomous bodies and Board. The Confederation urges upon the Central Government to expedite action in this regard and to end the uncertainty and anxiety among a large section of employees and pensioners.

(M. Krishnan)
Secretary General
Confederation
Mob: 09447068125
E-mail: mkrishnan6854@gmail.com

Source: Confederation

7th Pay Commission: Change rules to reflect recommendations, Government tells departments

7th Pay Commission: Change rules to reflect recommendations, Government tells departments

The Centre has accepted most of the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission, to be implemented from January 1, 2016.

The meeting will be taken with representatives of all the ministries in first week of October, it said

All central government departments have been asked to change service and recruitment rules to reflect recommendations of the Seventh Central Pay Commission.

They have been asked not to make reference to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) and the Union Public Service Commission and modify the service rules on their own.

The Centre has accepted most of the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission, to be implemented from January 1, 2016.

“Consequential amendment in the existing service rules and recruitment rules shall be made by the ministries or departments by substituting the existing pay band and grade pay by the new pay structure i.e. ‘Level in the Pay Matrix’ straightaway without making a reference to the Department of Personnel and Training and Union Public Service Commission,” the DoPT said in an order.

In this regard, a confirmation meeting is scheduled to be taken by the DoPT “to take stock of the latest position of amendment in service rules/recruitment rules”.

The meeting will be taken with representatives of all the ministries in first week of October, it said.

All central government departments have already been asked to set up committees to look into various pay related anomalies arising out of the implementation of the Pay Commission’s recommendations.

There will be two levels of Anomaly Committees — National and Departmental — consisting of representatives of the official side and the staff side of the national council and the departmental council, respectively.

Source : Indian Express

Grievance Officer to take up public complaints every Wednesday

Grievance Officer to take up public complaints every Wednesday

New Delhi: Grievance Officers have been designated in all central government departments to deal with public complaints, Union minister Jitendra Singh said today.

They have been mandated to hear citizens’ grievances every Wednesday, he said.

As per the guidelines issued by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, each ministry, department, public sector undertaking and autonomous organisation is required to designate a full-time Grievance Officer as Director of Public Grievances.

“The Director of Public Grievances shall be actively involved in the process of dealing with grievances. Every Wednesday of the week has been earmarked for the Director of Public Grievances for hearing grievances of citizens,” said Singh, the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, in a written reply to Lok Sabha.

As per norms, a grievance is required to be redressed within two months. In case it is not possible, an interim reply stating the reasons for delay has to be provided.

The names of the Directors of Public Grievances for various ministries are available on www.Pgportal.Gov.In.

Minutes of the Pre Retirement counseling workshop held on 31st May, 2016 at Vigyam Bhawan under the chairmanship of Secretary (Pension)

Minutes of the Pre Retirement counseling workshop held on 31st May, 2016 at Vigyam Bhawan under the chairmanship of Secretary (Pension)

A Pre Retirement counseling workshop was conducted on 31st May, 2016 at vigyan bhawan, New Delhi for retiring employees of various Ministries/Departments of the Central Government.

At the outset, Joint Secretary (Pension) welcomed the participants and gave a brief overview of the workshop. During the technical sessions she informed the participants about the road map for sanction of pension and other retirement benefits and the role and responsibility of the retiring employees as well as that of Head of Office for timely payment of retirement dues. participants were asked to complete all formalities in time and submit Form 5 to Head of Office. Heads of Departments were requested to monitor the delay at various stages through Bhavishya.

In the next session, participants were informed about Sankalp, the scheme of Department of Pension & PW for engaging pensioners for voluntary work. Retiring employees were asked to share their experience through Anubhav portal so that the institutions could benefit from their experience and the institutional memories could be strengthened. The Anubhav forms submitted by Pensioners were collected.

Dr.Tiwani, Director, CGHS informad the participants about the CGHS scheme for pensioners and family pensioners and the procedure to get temporary card after retirement.

In the next sessions basic advice on investment, preparation of will and benefits available to senior citizens including Income Tax benefits were also covered.

During the question and answer session, following issues were raised by the participants:

Issue 1: Service verification has not been completed in time and there was an round delay in processing of pension cases.

It was agreed that the matter would be taken up with the concerned Ministry. a general set of instructions would also be sent.

Issue 2: A participant raised a point that for the CGEGIS, payment is delayed due to missing entry in the service book.

Js(P) stated that the matter has been taken up with Department of Expenditure and would be followed up.

Issue 3: One of the participant asked whether vigilance clearance is required at the time of retirement.

It was informed that there is no provision in pension rules.

Issue 4: One participant enquired whether any pension process will be delayed on account of non availability of record of government accommodation and not informed by Directorate of Estates.

JS (P) stated that Directorate of Estates is responsible for giving timely information on dues to be deducted on account of license fee etc. Gratuity may be paid by office if Directorate of Estates does not inform in time.

The workshop ended with vote of Thanks to the participants.

Source : http://ccis.nic.in/