Government will soon start the selection process for the new PFRDA chairman

Government will soon start the selection process for the new PFRDA chairman

"The Finance Ministry will soon come out with an advertisement to find a successor to head the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA),"

Contractor's term will be completed on April 30, 2019.

PFRDA was re-constituted into a statutory body after notification of PFRDA Act in 2014.

Contactor is the first Chairman to head the regulatory body. He had joined PFRDA on October 7, 2014.

As per the Act, the chairman will have a tenure of 5 years or till age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
Contractor was previously held the post of SBI managing director before being appointed as the PFRDA Chairman.

The pension fund regulator has reached a subscriber base of 2.65 crore in its flagship National Pension System (NPS) and Atal Pension Yojana (APY) schemes and hopes to cover nearly 2.72 crore subscribers by the end of the current financial year.

The APY, mainly targeting the unorganised sector employees, offers five slabs of pension from Rs 1,000 - Rs.5,000 per month upon retirement. Employees in the age bracket of 18-40 years can sign up for an APY account.

NPS is a voluntary defined contribution retirement savings scheme for government employees as well as for those working in the organised and unorganised sectors.

PTI

Employees Union urges the Lavasa Committee report to be implemented by the central government

Employees Union urges the Lavasa Committee report to be implemented by the central government

A Jammu-based employees union on Sunday urged the Centre to implement the recommendations of the Ashok Lavasa Committee report ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls to benefit lakhs of lower class employees and pensioners.

A high-level committee headed by the former Finance Secretary Ashok Lavasa submitted its report on allowances to 47 lakh government employees to Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in April 2017.

"The delay in accepting the recommendations of the Ashok Lavasa Committee report by the central government has left the employees concerned," president National Mazdoor Conference Subash Shastri said here.

"We urge Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Finance minister to take a final decision in this regard before the announcement of the upcoming parliamentary elections," he said.

He said the Lavasa Committee had proposed a minimum scale pension of lower class employees and pensioners to Rs 21,000.

The committee was constituted in the wake of implementation of the seventh pay commission by the central government for removal of pay anomalies in the pay structure of lower class cadre of both the state and the central government, Shastri said, adding that it will be a major issue in the upcoming polls.

"The government employees and the pensioners constitute a sizeable voter constituency and this constituency can be a determining factor in the electoral considerations," he said.

PTI

NPS To OPS: Karnataka Government Employees Protest against NPS

NPS To OPS: Karnataka Government Employees Protest against NPS

New Pension System To Old Pension Scheme
Karnataka Government Employees Protest against NPS

Karnataka State Government Employees demanded to scrap NPS and on Wednesday they took a streets in Karnataka's Belgaum City. As per the media news, thousands of agitating employees assembled in Kondaskoppa area of the city, opposite the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha (State Assembly) where he winter session of the Karnataka Assembly is in session.

Earlier the members of the Karnataka State NPS Employees Association demanded scrapping of NPS.

Nothing More…
Nothing Less…
We Want
OLD PENSION SCHEME

Yesterday (12.12.2018), National Secretariat of Confederation decided to observe as DEMANDS DAY raising the demand "SCRAP NPS & RESTORE OPS" through out the country.

Travel entitlements of Government employees for the purpose of LTC post Seventh Central Pay Commission (7th CPC)

Travel entitlements of Government employees for the purpose of LTC post Seventh Central Pay Commission (7th CPC)

No. AN/XIV/ 19015/Govt. Orders/TA/DA/LTC/Medical/2018

28.11.2018

Sub: Travel entitlements of Government employees for the purpose of LTC post Seventh Central Pay Commission - clarification reg.

A Copy of Government of India, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (Department of Personnel and Training) Office Memorandum No. 31011/08/2017-Estt.A-IV dated 18.10.2018 on the above subject is forwarded herewith for your information, guidance and compliance please.

Source: CGDA

Old Pension Scheme (OPS) Will Be Restored in Delhi

Old Pension Scheme (OPS) Will Be Restored in Delhi

Kejriwal said a resolution to restore the old pension scheme would be passed in a special session of the assembly. "It will then be sent to the Centre for approval. I will fight with the Centre to get it implemented."

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal announced on Monday, November 26, that the old pension scheme will be restored by his government and he will write to his counterparts in other states to follow suit.

Kejriwal said a resolution to restore the old pension scheme in the city will be passed in a special session of the legislative assembly.

"It will then be sent to the Centre for approval. I will fight with the Centre to get it implemented," Kejriwal said while addressing a rally organised by the All Teachers, Employees Welfare Association (ATEWA) at Ramlila Ground here.

He said that he would also speak to his counterparts in West Bengal, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka for implementation of the scheme.

"The government employees have the power to change the government of the country. I want to warn the Centre, if the demand of employees is not accepted in three months, there will be an apocalypse in 2019," the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener said.

Slogans like "desh ka neta kaisa ho, Kejriwal jaisa ho" greeted the Delhi chief minister as he made the announcement at the rally.

Kejriwal slammed the new pension scheme as "betrayal and cheating" with government employees.
"I want to request Modiji that you cannot accomplish nation-building by disappointing the government employees," he said, adding that the AAP government could perform in the areas of education, health, power and water supply only because of the cooperation of its employees.

The new pension scheme was introduced by the Centre in 2004. Under it, employees contribute towards pension from their monthly salary along with an equal contribution from their employer. The funds are then invested in earmarked investment schemes through pension fund managers.

PTI

CGHS - Reiteration of the guidelines issued regarding Credit facilities to serving employees

File No. Z15025/64/2018/DIR/CGHS

Z 15025/64/2018/DIR/CGHS
Government of India
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Department of Health & Family Welfare

545-A Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi
Dated the November, 2018

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Sub: Reiteration of the guidelines issued regarding Credit facilities to serving employees of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, CGHS and Dte. General of Health Services

With reference to the above mentioned subject the undersigned is directed to draw attention to the terms and conditions of empanelment under CGHS and to reiterate that the Hospitals and Diagnostic centres empanelled under CGHS shall provide treatment / Investigations to the serving employees of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, CGHS and Dte. General of Health Services and their family members covered under CGHS on credit basis on the basis of advice from CGHS Medical Officer/Govt Specialist in case of listed treatment procedures/investigations and with valid permission letter in case of unlisted treatment procedures/investigations as the case may be. In addition the HCOs shall continue to provide treatment on credit basis for treatment under emergency.

[Dr Atul Prakash]
Director,CGHS

Gratuity for Central Civil Services

Gratuity for Central Civil Services

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
(Central Civil Services)

10.GRATUITY

(10.1) When will the gratuity withheld at the time of retirement be released?
The withheld amount of gratuity under sub-rule (5) of CCS(Pension) Rules, 1972, the mretiring Government employees, shall be paid immediately on production of "No Demand Certificate" from the Directorate of Estates after actual vacation of the Government accommodation.

The Directorate of Estates shall ensure that "No Demand Certificate" shall be given to the Government employee within a period of fourteen days from the actual date of vacation of the Government accommodation and the allottee shall be entitled to payment of interest (at the rate applicable to General Provident Fund deposit determined from time to time by the Government of India) on the excess withheld amount of gratuity which is required to be refunded., after adjusting the arrears of licence fee and damages, if any, payable by the allottee and the interest shall be payable by the Directorate of Estates through the concerned Accounts Officer of the Government employee from the actual date of vacation of the Government accommodation up to the date of refund of excess withheld amount of gratuity.

(10.2) Whether retirement gratuity/death gratuity, commuted value of the pension is taxable?
No. Death gratuity/retirement gratuity and commuted value of the pension are fully exempted from Income tax.

(10.3) Is there any ceiling on gratuities and if so what is the maximum amount admissible?
Yes. Ceiling on all gratuities has been raised to Rs. 20 lakhs w.e.f 01.01.20016 (earlier the limit was Rs.10 lakhs). DA admissible on the date of retirement is also to be added with pay for calculation of gratuity.

(10.4) Whether retirement gratuity, death gratuity can be paid by PAO/CPAO?
No. The amount of retirement/death gratuity as determined by the PAO shall be intimated to the Head of Office who will draw and disburse the amount to the retired Government servant or to the nominee/family as the case may be.

(10.5) Whether 10% gratuity or whole of the Gratuity is to be withheld at the time of retirement of all Government Servants?
No. The Administrative Deptt/Accounts Officer shall not withhold any gratuity unless the Head of Office
a) Enclose instructions received from Directorate of Estate for withholding of 10% gratuity for outstanding license fee.
Or
b) Informs of ongoing disciplinary proceedings.

(10.6) What all are dues recoverable from retirement gratuity?
The Government dues as ascertained and assessed by the Head of Office which remain outstanding on the date of retirement shall be adjusted against the amount of retirement Gratuity. The term Government dues includes dues pertaining to Government accommodation including arrears of license fee as well as damages for occupation of the Government accommodation beyond the permissible period after the date of retirement, if any. Government dues also includes balance of house building advance, conveyance, or any other advance, overpayment of pay and allowance or leave salary and arrears of TDS etc.

(10.7) If the nominee for death gratuity is a minor, how will be the gratuity paid?
If death gratuity is granted to a minor member of the family, it shall be payable to the guardian on behalf of the minor. In the case of absence of a natural guardian, the death gratuity to the extent of 20% or Rs.1.50 lakhs shall be paid to the guardian, without production of a guardianship certificate, but subject to production of an indemnity bond with suitable sureties. The balance amount shall be paid to the guardian on production of a guardianship certificate.

(10.8) When the retirement gratuity be withheld by the Government?
The retirement gratuity can be withheld in the following circumstances. 1. 100% gratuity shall be withheld on retirement if any disciplinary/judicial proceedings are instituted against the Government servant before his retirement. The gratuity in such cases will be withheld till the conclusion of the departmental/judicial proceedings and issue of final orders thereon.

2. The Administrative Department/Accounts Officer receives instructions from Directorate of Estates to withhold 10% gratuity for outstanding license fee/damages in respect of the Government accommodation.

(10.9) What action is required to be taken when gratuity is withheld on account of continuing disciplinary proceedings/judicial proceedings and when these payments will be paid?
The President reserves to himself the right of withholding a pension or gratuity or both either in full or in part or withdrawing a pension in full or in part, whether permanently or for a specified period and of ordering recovery from a pension or gratuity of the whole or part of any pecuniary loss caused to the Government, if, in any departmental or judicial proceedings, the pensioner is found guilty or grave misconduct or negligence during he  period or service, including service rendered upon re-employment after retirement. When the Government servant is exonerated fully after the departmental/judicial proceedings,, gratuity shall be paid after issue of the final orders. When the Government servant/pensioner is found guilty, Government will issue orders for regulation of gratuity.

(10.10) Whether interest is payable for delayed payment of gratuity and what is the rate of interest applicable in these cases of delayed payment of gratuity?
If payment of gratuity is delayed beyond its permissible period, interest at the rate of interest rate applicable to GPF deposits from time to time is required to be paid along with gratuity. In every case of delayed payment of gratuity shall be considered by the Secretary of the Administrative Ministry/Department and if the delay is due to administrative delay, Secretary of the Administrative Ministry/Department will sanction payment of interest. In all case where interest has been sanctioned by the Secretary of the Administrative Ministry/Department, such Ministry/Department shall fix the responsibility and take disciplinary action against the Government servant or servants who are found responsible for the delay in the payment of gratuity.

Government employees demand restoration of old pension scheme

Government employees demand restoration of old pension scheme

Central and state government employees protested here Sunday, demanding restoration of the old pension scheme.

Hundreds of employees staged a dharna outside the Hamirpur office of local MP Anurag Thakur and raised slogans against the new pension scheme.

The employees said if the old scheme was not restored then they would be compelled to launch a nation-wide stir.

Bikram Singh Rana, a national-level leader of the employees association, alleged the new scheme was launched to help big companies and not for the benefit of the employees and that all employees were against it.

The employees demanded all parties declare in their manifestos that the old pension scheme would be reverted back to.

Senior BJP leader Prem Kumar Dhumal, who was in Hamirpur during the dharna, addressed the employees and assured them that he would take up their issue with the central and state governments. He said their case was justified.

PTI

DoPT: Stepping up of pay-Consolidated guidelines

DoPT: Stepping up of pay-Consolidated guidelines

No.4/3/20 17-Estt(Pay-I)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel and Training

North Block, New Delhi,
Dated the 26th October, 2018

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:- Stepping up of pay-Consolidated guidelines-reg.

The undersigned is directed to say that the issue of anomaly relating to senior Government employees drawing less pay than their juniors due to application of provisions of FR 22(I)(a)(1) is considered on merits for allowing stepping up pay of the seniors so as to bring it at par with that of the junior in accordance with the guidelines scattered in various OMs noted in the margin. A need has been felt to consolidate guidelines on stepping up of pay at one place keeping in view the provisions of the Central Civil Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2016, [in short CCS(RP)Rules, 2016] as the frequent references on such issues continue to be received in this Department.

2. Consequent upon implementation of CCS(RP)Rules, 2016, the President is pleased to decide the following:

(i) In order to remove the anomaly of a Government servant promoted or appointed to a higher post on or after 1-1-2016 drawing lower pay in that post than another Government servant junior to him in the lower grade and promoted or appointed subsequently to another identical post, the pay of the senior Government servant in the higher post should be stepped up to a figure equal to the pay as fixed for the junior Government servant in that higher post. The stepping up should be done with effect from the date of promotion or appointment of the junior Government servant and will be subject to the following conditions, namely:

(a) both the junior and the senior Government servants should belong to the same cadre and the posts in which they have been promoted are identical in the same cadre;

(b) the Level in the Pay Matrix of the lower and higher posts in which they are entitled to draw pay should be identical;

(c) the anomaly is directly as a result of the application of the provisions of Fundamental Rule 22(I)(a)(1) read with Rule 13 of CCS(RP)Rules, 2016. For example, if the junior officer was drawing
more pay in the existing pay structure than the senior by virtue of any advance increments granted to him, the provisions of this subrule should not be invoked to step up the pay of the senior officer.

(ii) The order relating to re-fixation of the pay of the senior officer in accordance with clause (i) shall be issued under Fundamental Rule 27 and the senior officer shall be entitled to the next increment on completion of his required qualifying service with effect from the date of re-fixation of pay.

3. The following instances/events wherein juniors draw more pay than seniors, do not constitute anomaly and, therefore, stepping up of pay will not be admissible in such events:

(a) Where a senior proceeds on Extra Ordinary Leave which results in postponement of his Date of Next Increment in the lower post and consequently he starts drawing less pay than his junior in the lower grade itself. He, therefore, cannot claim pay parity on promotion even though he may be promoted earlier to the higher grade than his junior(s);

(b) If a senior forgoes/refuses promotion leading to his junior being promoted/appointed to the higher post earlier and the junior draws higher pay than the senior.

(c) If the senior is on deputation while junior avails of the ad-hoc promotion in the cadre, the increased pay drawn by the junior due to ad-hoc/officiating and/or regular promotion following such adhoc promotion in the higher posts vis-à-vis senior, is not an anomaly in strict sense of the term;

(d) If a senior joins the higher post later than the junior, for whatsoever reasons, whereby he starts drawing less pay than the junior. In such cases, senior cannot claim stepping up of pay at par with that
of his junior.
(e) If a senior is appointed later than the junior in the lower post itself whereby he is in receipt of lesser pay than the junior, in such cases also the senior cannot claim pay parity in the higher post if he draws less pay than his junior though he may have been promoted earlier to the higher post.

(f) Where an employee is promoted from lower post to a higher post, his pay is fixed with reference to the pay drawn by him in the lower post under FR22(I)(a)(1) read with Rule 13 of CCS(RP)Rules, 2016 and due to his longer length of service in the lower grade, his pay may get fixed at a higher stage than that of a senior direct recruit appointed to the same higher grade and whose pay is fixed under different set of rules. For example a Senior Secretariat Assistant (SSA) on promotion to the post of Assistant Section Officer (ASO) gets his pay fixed under FR 22(I)(a)(1) with reference to the pay drawn in the post of SSA, whereas the pay of ASO(DR) is fixed under Rule 8 of CCS(RP)Rules, 2016 at the minimum pay or the first Cell in the Level, applicable to ASO to which he is appointed. In such a case, the senior ASO (DR) cannot claim pay parity with that of the promotee junior ASO.

(g) Where a senior is appointed in higher post on ad-hoc basis and is drawing less pay than his junior who is appointed in the same cadre and in same post on ad-hoc basis subsequently, the senior cannot claim pay parity with reference to the pay of that junior since the ad-hoc officiating service in higher post is reversible and also since full benefits of FR22(I)(a)(I) are not available on ad-hoc promotion but only on regular promotion following such ad-hoc promotion without break.

(h) Where a junior gets more pay due to additional increments earned on acquiring higher qualifications.

Note: The above instances/events are only illustrative and not exhaustive.

4. These orders shall be in supersession of D/o Expenditure’s OM No.F.2(78)-E.III(A)63 dated 2nd February, 1966 and DOP&T’s OM No.4/7/92-Estt(Pay-I) dated 4th November, 1993.

5. This OM is effective from 0 1.01.2016.

6. In so far as persons serving in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department are concerned, these orders have been issued after consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.

7. Hindi version will follow.

sd/-
(Rajeev Bahree)
Under Secretary to the Government of India.

View Order
Source: https://dopt.gov.in/

Travel entitlements of Government employees for the purpose of LTC post Seventh Central Pay Commission

Travel entitlements of Government employees for the purpose of LTC post Seventh Central Pay Commission - clarification reg.

No. 31011/8/2017-Estt.A-IV
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training
Establishment A-IV Desk

North Block New Delhi.
Dated October 18, 2018

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Travel entitlements of Government employees for the purpose of LTC post Seventh Central Pay Commission - clarification reg.

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department's O.M.of even no. dated 19.09.2017 on the subject noted above, which inter-alia provides that the travel entitlements of  Government servants for the purpose of LTC shall be the same as TA entitlements as notified vide Ministry of Finance's O.M. No. 19030/1/2017-E.lV dated 13.07.2017, except the air travel  entitlement for Level 6 to Level 8 of the Pay Matrix, which is allowed in respect of TA only and not for LTC.

2. It is observed that many Government employees in Level 6 to Level 8 of the Pay Matrix had inadvertently travelled by air on LTC during the intervening period from 13.07.2017  to 19.09.2017 (i.e. post issue of MoF's O.M. dated 13.07.2017 and before the issue of DoPT's  O.M. dated 19.09.2017) under the impression that they were entitled for air travel as per the  revised TA rules. This Department is in receipt of references from the Government employees  and various Ministries/Departments seeking relaxation in respect of such Government  employees in view of the hardships faced by them in settlement of their LTC claims.

3. The matter has been examined in this Department in consultation with Department of Expenditure. In relaxation to this Department's O.M. of even no. dated 19.09.2017, it has been decided to allow the claims of the Government employees in Level 6 to Level 8 of the Pay Matrix, who had travelled by air as per the revised TA rules while availing LTC during 13.07.2017 to 19.09.2017. This shall be subject to the fulfillment of other conditions of air travel on LTC such as booking of air tickets through the authorised modes, fare limit of LTC-80, etc.

4. Hindi version will follow.

(Surya Narayan Jha)
Under Secretary to the Government of India

To
The Secretaries
All Ministries/Departments of Government of India
(As per the standard list)

Download Circular

Confederation One Day Strike on 15.11.2018 Postponed

Confederation One Day Strike on 15.11.2018 Postponed

CONFEDERATION ONE DAY STRIKE ON 15-11-2018 POSTPONED TO 2019 JANUARY 8th & 9th.

TWO DAYS STRIKE JOINTLY WITH CENTRAL TRADE UNIONS AND ALL INDIA STATE GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES FEDERATION (AISGEF).

NO CHANGE IN THE CHARTER OF DEMANDS

SCRAP NPS WILL BE THE NUMBER ONE DEMAND.

Dear Comrades,
As you are aware, in the National Convention of Workers held at Mavlankar Hall, New Delhi on 28th September 2018, all the Central Trade Unions (except BMS) and all other independent Federations have declared two days nationwide strike on 8th & 9th January 2019 against the anti-people and anti-labour policies of the NDA Government.

In the resolution adopted in the June 10th Hyderabad National Convention of Confederation and also in the National Secretariat meeting held thereafter, we have decided that the 2018 November 15th strike of Confederation will be changed, if the Central Trade Unions declare nationwide strike, so that the dates of both strikes will be synchronized to make it a joint strike.

Accordingly, the National Secretariat of Confederation has decided to postpone the 15th November 2018 strike to 2019 JANUARY 8th & 9th. The strike will be for two days. There is no change in the Confederation charter of demands.

SCRAP NPS AND RESTORE OPS FOR ALL

will be the number one demand. All India State Government Employees Federation has also decided to postpone the strike to 2019 JANUARY 8th & 9th.

M.Krishnan
Secretary General
Confederation
Mob. & WhatsApp:
09447068125

Source: Confederation

Construction Of Holiday Homes

Construction Of Holiday Homes

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4107

 TO BE ANSWERED ON MARCH 20, 2018

CONSTRUCTION OF HOLIDAY HOMES

No. 4107 SHRI SATAV RAJEEV:
DR. HEENA VIJAYKUMAR GAVIT:
SHRIMATI SUPRIYA SULE:
DR. J. JAYAVARDHAN:
SHRI DHANANJAY MAHADIK:
SHRI MOHITE PATIL VIJAYSINH SHANKARRAO:
Will the Minister of State (Independent Charge) HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)the number and details of the holiday homes and touring officers hostels/guest houses in the country along with their capacity, Location/State-wise;

(b)the details of the holiday home and touring officers hostels/guest houses which are covered under online booking, Location and State-wise;

(c)whether the Government proposes to construct more holiday homes for Government employees in various cities in the country;

(d)if so, the details thereof, State-wise including Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu; and

(e)the steps taken by the Government to provide accommodation facilities to Government officials during their official tour or holiday trip in the cities where holiday homes/guest houses are not available along with the other measures taken by the Government to construct more holiday homes in popular tourist destinations for the Government officials?

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS
(SHRI HARDEEP SINGH PURI)

(a)&(b) There are 20 Holiday Homes (HH) and 46 Touring Officers’ Hostels/Guest Houses under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Out of which 19 holiday home and 35 touring officers’ hostels are under online booking. Details of their State-wise location and capacity (including those covered under online booking) is given at Annexure-I.

(c) Yes Madam.

(d)&(e) In principle approval for construction of 19 new holiday homes/touring officers’ hostels/guest houses, including at the places where no holiday home/guest houses are available, has been issued. The details are enclosed at Annexure-II.

Travel entitlements of Government employees for the purpose of LTC post 7th Central Pay Commission

Travel entitlements of Government employees for the purpose of LTC post Seventh Central Pay Commission - clarification reg.

No.31011/8/2017-Estt.A-IV
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training
Establishment A-IV Desk

North Block New Delhi,
Dated January 18, 2018

Office Memorandum

Subject: Travel entitlements of Government employees for the purpose of LTC post Seventh Central Pay Commission - clarification reg.

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department's O.M.of even no. dated 19.09.2017 on the subject noted above, which inter-alia provides that the travel entitlements of Government servants for the purpose of LTC shall be the same as TA entitlements as notified vide Ministry of Finance’s O.M. dated 13.07.2017, except the air travel entitlement for Level 6 to Level 8 of the Pay Matrix, which is allowed in respect of TA only and not for LTC.

2. In this regard, this Department is in receipt of references from Government employees and various Departments seeking clarification as to whether travel by Business class for the purpose of LTC, shall be allowed to the Government employees as per their TA entitlements, or the earlier instructions regarding air travel by Economy class only as provided in Department of Expenditure's O.M. No. 19024/1/2009-E.IV dated 16.09.2010 shall continue to exist.

3. The matter has been examined in consultation with Department of Expenditure and it is hereby clarified that in line with DoPT's instructions dated 19.09.2017, the Government employees in the bracket of pay level 14 and above, shall be entitled for air travel in Business/Club class for the purpose of LTC. However, other conditions like rate ceiling of LTC-80 fare and booking of tickets through authorised modes, shall continue to exist.

4. Hindi version will follow.

sd/-
(Surya Narayan Jha)
Under Secretary to the Government of India

Authority: www.dopt.gov.in

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

What If 7th Pay Commission Is The Last? Will It Help Government Employees?

What If 7th Pay Commission Is The Last? Will It Help Government Employees?

With the news of increase in the minimum pay of the Central government employees still in limbo, news are making rounds that the 7th Pay Commission will be the last pay commission for the government employees.

The news has indeed brought confusion among the lakhs of government employees as to how will their new salary look like, what will the salary be increased and on what basis the government would increase the salary.

Reports are there that the BJP-led Central government is mulling to go for an alternative without making the employees to wait for 10 years to get a hike in their salary.

Justice A K Mathur, Chairman of the 7th Pay Commission, had earlier stated that revision of salary be done every year on the basis of the available data and price index.

According to reports, the Aykroyd formula may be considered for the pay hike of the central government employess. The said formula takes into account the three basic needs of human being while considering pay hike and salary structure.

“It will be a good initiative if the government comes up with the plan. Yearly increase will help to maintain financial position. However, looking at the recent hike as per the 7th Pay Commission, nothing can be expected from the government,” said a Central government employee.

“Employees are still feeling cheated and agitations are on against the anti-employee policies of the government. In such a situation, in the name of annual hike, doubts are there that we might get deprived of at least what we are getting from the pay commission held every 10 years,” said another employee.

Reviewing the pay matrix periodically instead of waiting for long ten years to revise the salary and allowances will not be an easy task for any government. It may lead to more confusion and bewilderment among the employees, he said.

“If we get what we deserve then the new policy will definitely help, but doubts still persists over its feasibility,” he added.

“There’s no need to talk about a new policy for the employees when the recently implement pay commission is mired in controversy. No employee is happy with the hike in salary and allowances. Without diverting the topic, government should first increase the minimum pay as per the demand of the employee and media should avoid such news which will only deflect and confused the employees,” said a retired Indian Railways employee.

Meanwhile, the government is yet take a decision over the demands of the Central government employees to increase the minimum pay from the present Rs 21,000 to Rs 26,000.

Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana - Gramin Government on course to achieve targets under Rural Housing Programme (PMAY-G)

Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana - Gramin Government on course to achieve targets under Rural Housing Programme (PMAY-G)

A record of 10 lakh houses built in a year

Hon'ble Prime Minister launched Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) on 20th November, 2016 from Agra. A target of completing one crore new houses by 31st March, 2019 was set. Of these, 51 lakh houses are to be completed by 31st March, 2018.

To meet the challenge of assisting 51 lakh Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (Gramin) beneficiaries in construction of their homes by March, 2018, the Ministry of Rural Development, in partnership with the State Governments, has taken many steps, including setting month-wise target for completion of houses. The target for completion of 10 lakh houses by November, 2017 has been achieved on 29th November, 2017, i.e. before the appointed date for completion of 10 lakh houses. It is expected that 15 lakh houses will be completed by 31st December 2017; 25 lakh houses by 31st January, 2018; 35 lakh houses by 28th February, 2018 and 51 lakh houses by 31st March, 2018.

Towards meeting the target of construction of 51 lakh houses by March, 2018, while 56.90 lakh beneficiaries have been sanctioned houses, 51.39 lakh beneficiaries have received 1st instalment, 31.03 lakh beneficiaries have nearly reached roof-cast levels and for 16.05 lakh beneficiaries the house construction is nearing completion. States like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, who have highest number of PMAY-G beneficiaries, are on course for completion of PMAY-G houses within the prescribed time-frame.

The faster completion of quality houses has been assisted by payment of assistance directly into the beneficiary account through IT-DBT platform. To ensure good quality of house construction, Rural Mason Trainings have been organized to facilitate availability of trained masons in the rural areas. Space technology and IT platforms are being used to monitor complete cycle of house construction, right from identification of beneficiary to construction stages of houses to completion and each stage is being geo-tagged. States have taken adequate steps to ensure continuous availability of construction material at reasonable prices so that the pace and quality of construction is not adversely affected.

PMAY-G houses with facilities like toilet, LPG connection, electricity connection, drinking water etc., are changing the countryside at a faster pace. While in some states houses under PMAY-G are coming up in clusters / colonies (generally for landless beneficiaries), at other places they are being constructed on the beneficiary's land. House designs prepared by UNDP-IIT, Delhi or by the concerned states have been made available to beneficiaries to choose the house designs that they like. Bouquet of house designs has resulted in technically sound houses of different designs coming up in rural areas which are a treat to watch.

The progress of PMAY(G) is in public domain and can be seen by any one on awaassoft.nic.in with geo-tagged photographs and complete details of beneficiaries and payments made to them.

PIB

Government can not accommodate employee in lower pay scale because of disability: High Court

Government can not accommodate employee in lower pay scale because of disability: High Court

The Allahabad High Court has held that the government cannot accommodate an employee in a post with a lower pay scale just because he or she acquired some disability during service and became unfit for the current post.

A bench comprising justices Bharati Sapru and Siddharth passed the order while dismissing a petition filed by the Ministry of Railways.

The court directed the ministry to pay S Q Ahmed (accommodated on a post with lower pay scale because he acquired some disability) his dues according to higher pay grade with 7 per cent interest from the due date.

It also imposed a cost of Rs 50,000 on railways for not giving its employee his legitimate dues and for dragging him into litigation for no fault on his part.

In its petition, the Centre challenged an order passed by the Central Administrative Tribunal directing the Ministry of Railways to pay Ahmad his salary and other dues according to his original pay scale.
The tribunal had held that Ahmad was discriminated by the ministry and was wrongly accommodated in the post of lower pay scale on the ground that he became medically unfit for the job he was doing then.

The Railways contention was that if an employee becomes medically unfit he is only entitled for alternative employment in such category under which he is found fit, on the basis of available vacancies.

Therefore, Ahmad was appointed on a post according to his fitness and vacancy and there was nothing wrong in his appointment at a lower pay scale.

However, Ahmads counsel relied on the master circular of the railways ministry which says that during absorption of medically unfit employees, in alternative employment, railways should ensure that the interest of the staff should not be adversely affected as far as possible.

The bench was of the view that such a reduction in pay scale of an employee is discriminatory and in violation of section 47 of The Persons With Disabilities (Equal Opportunity, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995.

The section provides that no establishment shall dispense with, or reduce in rank, an employee who acquires a disability during his service and in case, an employee, after acquiring disability is not suitable for the post he was holding, he could be shifted to some other post with the same pay scale and service benefits.

The bench while dismissing the petition observed, "It must be remembered that a person does not acquire or suffer disability by choice.

"An employee, who acquires disability during his service, is sought to be protected. Such employee, acquiring disability, if not protected, would not only suffer himself, but possibly all those who depend on him would also suffer."

PTI

Travel entitlements of Government Employees for the purpose of LTC post 7th Central Pay Commission

Travel entitlements of Government Employees for the purpose of LTC post 7th Central Pay Commission

F.No.20-4/2017-PAP
Government Of India
Ministry Of Communication
Department Of Posts
(Establishment Division)/PAP Section
Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg, New Delhi - 110 001

Dated, the 05 Oct., 2017

To

All Heads Of Circles
All GM (PAF)/DAs (P)
All Direct Postal Staff College India/PTCs

Sub: Travel entitlements of Government Employees for the purpose of LTC post Seventh Central Pay Commission - clarification reg.

I am directed to forward herewith the copy of extract of clarification on Travel Entitlements of Government Employees for the purpose of LTC post Seventh Central Pay Commission on the above subject for the purpose of LTC issued by Department of personnel & training Office Memorandum No.31011/8/2017-Estt.(A-IV) dated 19th September, 2017 downloaded from the official website of Department of Personnel & Training for kind information and further necessary action in this regard.

(K.V.Vijayakumar)
Assistant Director General (Estt.)

Signed copy

DoE: Revision of interest rates for Small Savings Scheme

Revision of interest rates for Small Savings Scheme for 3rd quarter of 2017-18 starting 1st October, 2017 - DoE O.M dated 29.09.2017

F.No.01/04/2016-NS
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Economic Affairs
(Budget Division)

North Block, New Delhi
Dated: 29.09.2017

Office Memorandum

Subject: Revision of interest rates for Small Savings Scheme.

On the basis of the decision of the Government, interest rates for small savings schemes are notified on quarterly basis since 1st April, 2016. Accordingly, the rates of interest on various small savings schemes for the third quarter of financial year 2017-18 starting 1st October, 2017 shall remain unchanged form those notified for the second quarter of FY 2017-18.

2. This has the approval of Finance Minister.

(H. K. Srivastav)
Director (Budget)
Tele - 011-23093569

Source: Department of Expenditure

7th CPC : Travel entitlements of Government employees for the purpose of LTC

7th CPC : Travel entitlements of Government employees for the purpose of LTC

No.31011/8/2017-Estt.A-IV
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training
Establishment A-IV Desk

North Block New Delhi.
Dated September 19, 2017

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject : Travel entitlements of Government employees for the purpose of LTC post Seventh Central Pay Commission-clarification reg.

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department's O.M. No. 31011/4/2008-Estt.A-IV dated 23.09.2008, which inter-alia provides that travel entitlements for the purpose of official tour/transfer or LTC, will be the same but no daily allowance shall be admissible for travel on LTC. Further, the facility shall be admissible only in respect of journeys performed in vehicles operated by the Government or any Corporation in the public sector run by the Central or State Government or a local body.

2. Consequent upon the decisions taken by Government on the recommendations of Seventh CPC relating to Travelling Allowance entitlements of Central Government employees, TA Rules have undergone changes vide Ministry of Finance's O.M. No. 19030/1/2017-E.IV dated 13.07.2017.

3. In this regard, it is clarified that the travel entitlements of Government servants for the purpose of LTC shall be the same as TA entitlements as notified vide Ministry of Finance's O.M. dated 13.07.2017, except the air travel entitlement for Level 6 to Level 8 of the Pay Matrix, which is allowed in respect of TA only and not for LTC.

4. Further, the following conditions may also be noted:

i. No daily allowance shall be admissible for travel on LTC.

ii. Any incidental expenses and the expenditure incurred on local journeys shall not be admissible.

iii. Reimbursement for the purpose of LTC shall be admissible in respect of journeys performed in vehicles operated by the Government or any Corporation in the public sector run by the Central or State Government or a local body.

iv. In case of journey between the places not connected by any public/Government means of transport, the Government servant shall be allowed reimbursement as per his entitlement for journey on transfer for a maximum limit of 100 Kms covered by the private/personal transport based on a self-certification from the Government servant. Beyond this, the expenditure shall be borne by the Government servant.

v. Travel by Premium trains/Premium Tatkal trains/Suvidha trains is now allowed on LTC. Further, reimbursement of tatkal charges or premium tatkal charges shall also be admissible for the purpose of LTC.

vi. Flexi fare (dynamic fare) applicable in Rajdhani/Shatabdi/Duronto trains shall be admissible for the journey(s) performed by these trains on LTC. This dynamic fare component shall not be admissible in cases where a non-entitled Government servant travels by air and claims reimbursement for the entitled class of Rajdhani/Shatabdi/Duronto trains.

5. This O.M. will take effect from July 1, 2017.

6. Hindi version will follow.

S/d,
(Surya Narayan Jha)
Under Secretary to the Government of India

Authority: www.dopt.gov.in