Meeting of IESM Delegation with RM Sh Manohar Parrikar on 2 Mar 2015

Meeting of IESM Delegation with RM Sh Manohar Parrikar on 2 Mar 2015

Dear Members

IESM delegation of five members met RM Sh Manohar Parrikar today at 1400 h. The salient points of the issues discussed in the meeting are given below and are attached. I am sure this will satisfy most of the queries of veterans arising out of budget speech given on 28 Feb 15. This is now clear that one needs to be optimistic and OROP will be out soon. However hold your celebrations till Notification of OROP is out as there is many a slip between the cup and the lip.

Meeting of IESM Delegation with RM Sh Manohar Parrikar on 2 Mar 2015

IESM contacted Sh Manohar Parrikar Raksha Mantri at the end of the budget presented on 28 Feb 15 and communicated to him that ESM in general are disappointed because OROP has not been mentioned in the budget speech of Finance Minister and allocation of funds for OROP has not been announced. RM explained on telephone that OROP has been approved in two budgets and hence it is considered approved and therefore there was no need to mention in the budget speech. He was kind enough to invite the IESM delegation at 1400h on 2 March 15 to clear any doubts if we had any.

Following five members of IESM met Sh Manohar Parrikar RM at 1400h on Monday 2 March 2015.
 

1. Maj Gen Satbir Singh SM
2. Col Kirit Joshipura
3. Col Anil kaul VrC
4. Wg Cdr CK Sharma
5. Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM
6. Major DP Singh was also invited by RM for discussion on disability pension issue.

RM made everyone comfortable in the beginning itself that OROP for Armed Forces and Ex-servicemen is NDA Government’s commitment and he has worked out the expenditure for the OROP. He advised that there was no need to cover this issue in budget presented by NDA Government on 28 Feb 15 as it already stands approved by Parliament as part of budget for financial year 14-15. He confirmed that he had discussed the issue with officers of MOD and ironed out all issues of OROP. He also confirmed that OROP is genuine demand of Armed Forces and must be met in full; hence there is no difference in thinking of Armed Forces and MOD. Accordingly file has been prepared and is in process for approval from Ministry of Finance. After approval of the file from Finance Minister, it will be put up for approval of CCPA (Cabinet Committee for Political Affairs). RM has confirmed that MOD has recommended giving OROP for X group and Y group separately. He also confirmed that all ranks including widows have been included in the OROP. He further confirmed that he is attempting to meet the date line for issuance of Government letter (OROP Notification) given by him on 1 Feb 15 meeting with IESM delegation.

There was no doubt left in our minds after such a clear statement by RM and IESM delegation was convinced that OROP is now in safe hands will see the day light soon. General Satbir Singh thanked him and told him that it is first time that the demands of ESM are being given proper consideration and attention. IESM delegation then discussed following issues with RM.

1. Increase in Widow’s pension w.e.f 24 Sep 12; General Satbir Singh informed him that widow’s pension was not increased in 2012 when pension for all ranks was increased as per recommendations of 6 CPC. Widows must be given that increase in pension. RM expressed concerned on this issue and asked the delegation to give him the note for his consideration.

2. Major’s Pension Retired pre 1996; It was brought to RM’s attention that MOD is not paying Lt Col pension to Major rank officers who retired pre 1996 on completion of 21 years of service. Major Thomas of pre 1996 retirement had gone won the case in AFT and had been paid enhanced pension. It should be applicable for all Majors who had retired pre 1996 and had completed 21 years of service. RM asked for a detailed note on the issue for his consideration.

3. Major’s Pension who had retired on completion of 20 yrs but with less than 21 yrs of service; RM was informed that there will be only few hundred Majors who will fall in that category and MOD must consider giving them Lt Col Pension with Major’s grade pay as a special case. RM demanded a paper on this issue also for his consideration.

4. IESM will be sending the detailed paper on above issues to RM at the earliest.

IESM delegation was encouraged with the response and encouragement given by RM. One can now say that OROP is in safe hands will soon be approved.

Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM
Gen Sec IESM
2 Mar 2015

Source: www.bcvasundhra.blogspot.in

Provision for 7th Pay Commission in Budget 2015-16

Provision for 7th Pay Commission in Budget 2015-16

The Budget is also gravely silent on fund allocations for the Seventh Pay Commission award, due for implementation in 2016.  The budgetary documents are stressing upon likely burden from the report of the 7th Pay Commission.  However the funds are allocated for Commission'ss establishment.  The extract of budgetry documents which are related to 7th CPC are mentioned below:-

Speech of Finance Minister - Heading Fiscal Roadmap para 23:-

Budget  2015-2016

Speech  of

Arun Jaitley

Minister of Finance

February 28,  2015

Fiscal Roadmap

23. I want to underscore that my government still remains firm on achieving the medium term target of 3% of GDP.  But that journey has to take account of the need to increase public investment.  The total additional public investment over and above the RE is planned to be `1.25 lakh crore out of which `70,000 crore would be capital expenditure from budgetary outlays.  We also have to take into account the drastically reduced fiscal space; uncertainties that implementation of GST will create; and the likely burden from the report of the 7th Pay Commission.  Rushing into, or insisting on, a pre-set time-table for fiscal consolidation pro-cyclically would, in my opinion, not be pro-growth.  With the economy improving, the pressure for accelerated fiscal consolidation too has decreased.  In these circumstances, I will complete the journey to a fiscal deficit of 3% in 3 years, rather than the two years envisaged previously.  Thus, for the next three years, my targets are: 3.9%, for 2015-16; 3.5% for 2016-17; and, 3.0% for 2017-18.  The additional fiscal space will go towards funding infrastructure investment.

***

In document to study Medium Term Fiscal Policy Statement for further 3 years: Para 12:-

MEDIUM TERM FISCAL POLICY STATEMENT

12. However, it is pertinent to note that the resource base of the Centre will be constrained following the implementation of the FFC. With steep jump in the sharing pattern of tax revenues, the revenues of the States, which is surplus in most of the cases, will be further augmented on one side and the Centre will face resource crunch in one of the difficult phases of consolidation underway. While, the revenues are constrained in the FY 2015-16, it would continue over the medium term framework in FY 2016-17 and 2017-18.

Moreover, the 7th Pay Commission impact may have to be absorbed in 2016-17. The phase of consolidation, extended by one year, will be also be spanning out in the period. Thus, in the medium term framework the fiscal position will continue to be stressed. However, with necessary corrections on the Plan side under the new paradigm of Centre-State fiscal relationship and reforms on the subsidies, with better targeting and policy initiatives, it is expected that over the medium framework much of the fiscal correction would have taken shape, leaving room for building up better fiscal management thereupon. The change is monumental; and needs dextrous manoeuvring in this initial phase.

(c) Pensions

42. The expenditure on pension payments of the Central Government includes both defence as well as civil pensions. Pension payment, in nominal terms was estimated at ` 74,076 crore in RE 2013-14 and at the year-end it was accounted at ` 74,896 crore. In BE 2014-15, pension payment in nominal terms was estimated at ` 81,983 crore. In RE 2014-15, it has been revised at ` 81,705 crore. The pension payment of Central Government for the past few years has been growing faster than the salary expenditure. The main reason for this is that there is an increase in number of pensioners due to higher retirements and increased life expectancy. In view of the likely impact of VII Pay Commission, Pension payment of the Government likely to be about 0.7 per cent of GDP in FY 2016-17 and FY 2017-18 respectively

***

In document to study Medium Term Fiscal Policy Statement for further 2 years:

FISCAL POLICY STRATEGY STATEMENT

Expenditure Management Commission:

37. While Government has managed to control the expenditure through rationalization in the fiscal consolidation phase, quality of expenditure remains an area that needs to be addressed. The ongoing fiscal consolidation has been successful in taming the fiscal deficit; however there is still imbalance in the public finance on the revenue side. As discussed in earlier section, concerted efforts are required to accomplish the target set for the revenue deficit and effective revenue deficit in the new FRBM regime. This entails structural changes in the Plan spending and definitive measures to contain Non-Plan spending within sustainable limits. Moreover, in the medium term, award of VII Pay Commission and XIV Finance Commission pose significant downside risk to Public Finance. Thus, time has come to look into the places where Government spends money and output achieved from it. Government will constitute an Expenditure Management Commission, which will look into various aspects of expenditure reforms to be undertaken by the Government.

MEDIUM TERM FISCAL POLICY STATEMENT

(c) Pensions

39. The expenditure on pension payments of the Central Government includes both defence as well as civil pensions. Pension payment, in nominal terms was estimated at ` 74,076 crore in RE 2013-14 and at the year end it was accounted at ` 74606 crore, marginally above the RE figure. In BE 2014-15, pension payment in nominal terms estimated at `81,983 crore. The pension payment of Central Government for the past few years has been growing faster than the salary expenditure. The main reason for this is that there is an increase in number of pensioners due to higher retirements and increased life expectancy. Accordingly, keeping past trend in view the Pension Expenditure of the Government has been projected to grow at 10.4 per cent in FY 2015-16. In view of the likely impact of VII Pay Commission, higher growth is assumed in FY 2016-17.

Details of funds allocated for Establishment of 7th CPC:-

(In crores of Rupees)

	Major Head	Actual 2013-2014			Budget 2014-2015			Budget 2015-2016			Revised 2014-2015
		Plan	Non-Plan	Total	Plan	Non-Plan	Total	Plan	Non-Plan	Total	Plan	Non-Plan	Total
Other Administrative Services
6. Seventh Central Pay Commission	2070	...	0.22	0.22	...	11.91	11.91	...	10.76	10.76	...	11.54	11.54

Grant of Night Duty Allowance on the basis of actual salary of 6th CPC

Grant of Night Duty Allowance on the basis of actual salary of 6th CPC

An All India Federation of Defence Workers, BPMS has published the message about the current status of Night Duty Allowance in Ordnance Factories.

Grant of Night Duty Allowance on the basis of actual salary of 6th CPC

Contempt Petition No. 200/2014 arising out of O.A. No. 2017/2014 Shri Arving Girija Sing & Ors Vs Union of India & Ors was heard by Hon’ble Mumbai Bench of CAT on 23.02.2015 and after hearing both sides Hon’ble CAT disposed of the Contempt Petition with an order to grant NDA as per revised rate within 03 months from the date of receiving the order. Further, CAT expressed that if required, a senior officer of O.F.Board should be deputed to the Ministry of Defence and Representative/Officer of MOD alongwith officer of O.F.Board should liaise with Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure to expedite the matter.

Since the period granted by Hon’ble CAT would expire on 23.05.2015, Secretary MOD has approved the proposal and the same has been vetted by FA (Def Fin) and now file is being sent to Min of Fin for concurrence so that CAT order may be implemented.

It is the status of the NDA as on 26.02.2015.

MUKESH SINGH
Secretary
01.03.2015

Pensioners Portal provides a platform for retiring Central Govt Employees to showcase commendable work done during service

Pensioners Portal provides a platform for retiring Central Govt Employees to showcase commendable work done during service

“Pensioners Portal is in the process to providing a platform for retiring Central Govt Employees to showcase commendable work done during serivce. It is envisaged that this would provide satisfaction to the retiring employee and also act as a motivator for serving employees. This would also be a wonderful opportunity to garner the resource of retiring employees for voluntary contribution to nation building post retirement. The retiring employee may submit a write-up, not more than 5000 words alongwith appropriate attachments where need be”.

‘Anubhav’ – showcasing outstanding work done during service – submission of details by a retiring Government employee – to be uploaded on Departmental website

No. 4/2/2013-P&PW (Coord.)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare

Lok Nayak Bhavan, Khan Market,

New Delhi, the 19 th February, 2015

Office Memorandum

Sub: ‘Anubhav’ – showcasing outstanding work done during service – submission of details by a retiring Government employee – to be uploaded on Departmental website – reg.

The Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare is in the process of providing a platform for the retiring Central Government employees to showcase commendable work done during service. It is envisaged that this would provide satisfaction to the retiring employee and also act as a motivator for serving employees. This would also be a wonderful opportunity to garner the resource of retiring employees for voluntary contribution to nation building post retirement. The retiring employee may submit a write-up, not more than 5000 words alongwith appropriate attachments where need be.

2. All Ministries/Departments are requested to inform retiring employees that they may, voluntarily, submit the details in the enclosed Form alongwith Form 5 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972.

3. It may be noted that –

(a) Since most successful ventures would have contributions of the entire team, retiring persons may indicate names of other members of the team in the writeup.

(b) Any work that has contributed to the efficiency, economy and effectiveness in government functioning or / and any innovation which led to improved work culture or any other contribution considered significant by the retiring employee may be submitted.

(c) Comments which are religious or political in nature (or gender based or based on caste and creed) will not be permitted. The content should not be such as to disturb communal harmony or be against national interest. There should not be any sensitive or secret information in the write-up.

4.The Head of Office shall check the contents to ensure that the submission is as per format and submit to the administrative head/ authority designated for approval., This exercise would be completed at least one month before retirement and the result uploaded on the concerned departmental website on the facility to be provided by Department of Pension & P.W.

5. The Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare would coordinate and collate the data and information received from various departments.

6. (a) For the employee not belonging to AIS , the write-up would be uploaded on the website of the Department from where he retires and the website of the cadre controlling authority.

b) For employee of AIS, the write-up would, in addition, be uploaded on the website of the cadre controlling authority and the State cadre to which he belongs.

7. While an online system is being designed for this purpose, for which separate set of instructions would be issued, it would be possible for employees to submit hardcopies instead of going online.

8. The Departmental website while displaying the write-up will have a disclaimer that the contents and suggestions are as provided by the retiring employee and the department is not responsible for factual inaccuracies and the veracity of the claims.

(Vandana Sharma)
Joint Secretary to the Government of India

Authority  : www.pensionersportal.gov.in

No Corporatization of Ordnance Factories: Defence Minister Assured BPMS

No Corporatization of Ordnance Factories: Defence Minister Assured BPMS

D.O.No.737/vip/RM/2015

MINISTER OF DEFENCE
INDIA

7th Feb, 2015

Dear Shri MP Singhji,

I am in receipt of your Letter dated 2nd January, 2015 expressing your apprehension about corporatisation of Ordnance Factories and purchase of Bullet Proof Jackets from the private sector.

I would like to inform you that at present there is no proposal from Ministry of Defence for corporatizing Ordnance Factories. However, it is imperative to strengthen the functioning of Ordnance Factory Board with greater autonomy in order that Ordnance Factories become more productive and efficient in their functioning.

As far as the news item about purchase of Bullet Proof Jackets from private sector is concerned, I am having the same looked into.

With regards,

Yours sincerely,
sd/-
(Manohar Parrikar)

Shri MP Singh
General Secretary
Bharatiya Pratiraksha Mazdoor Sangh

Source: BPMS

Government wants to encourage Bank Boards to restructure their business strategy…

Government wants to encourage Bank Boards to restructure their business strategy and also suggest way forward for their consolidation and merger with other banks if it is win-win for both

Banking Reforms

Performance of Public Sector Banks has remained sub-optimal so far. The Government is taking various steps to improve the situation both on governance side and otherwise. The focus of these reforms is to improve the quality of deliberations in bank boards, leading to better asset quality and further resulting in better market valuations.

What has been done

(i) Separation of the post of Chairman and Managing Director.

(ii) Enabling provision for the appointment as MD & CEO in five major banks, so that wider choice is available. Both Public Sector and Private Sector bankers can apply. Higher salary can be given in appropriate cases.

(iii) Revamping of present selection system which inter-alia includes structured three separate interviews, allotment of banks on merit-cum-preference basis.

(iv) Blue print for road map for reforms on the basis of deliberations carried out in GyanSangam, a two days top level retreat organised by the department.

(v) Allocation of capital purely on the basis of efficiency parameters so that banks start focusing on these.

(vi) Clear instructions from the department regarding no interference whatsoever in any matter whether related to HR issues or credit decisions or even otherwise.

What Next

(i) In order to improve the Governance of Public Sector Banks, the Government intends to set up an autonomous Bank Board Bureau with professionals as its members. It would be responsible for search and selection of heads of PSBs, as also for Non-Official Directors on the Boards of Banks. This would be an interim step towards moving in the direction of having a Bank Investment Company.

(ii) Guidelines relating to appointment of non-official directors is being revisited to ensure that bank boards get people with relevant expertise. Anybody eligible would be able to apply through a website which will soon be available in the public domain.

(iii) Government’s role in relation to public sector banks is that of promoter. As a promoter, the banks have been entering into anMoU for achieving certain objectives known as Statement of Intent. The whole system of Statement of Intent is being revised with provision for higher cash incentives.

(iv) Government wants to encourage Bank Boards to restructure their business strategy and also suggest way forward for their consolidation and merger with other banks if it is win-win for both.

Source: PIB News

PRESS STATEMENT of CITU on ANNUAL BUDGET 2015-16

PRESS STATEMENT of CITU on ANNUAL BUDGET 2015-16

ANNUAL BUDGET 2015·16 : DECEPTION AND LOOT ON COMMON PEOPLE

The Annual Budget presented today by Modi Govt is an articulation of anti-people and pro-corporate bias camouflaged by so called pro-people rhetoric. May be it is now the time for them to reciprocate for the total patronage, both in materials and otherwise, from the big-business lobby, both domestic and foreign at the time of last General Elections. But the Irony is that after assuming power at the centre, the NDA combine got more concemed about the donors not for those who voted them to power.

The blatant deception behind the high decibel sound-bite of “Daridranarayana” by the Finance Minister stands exposed by the fact that the Govt sacrificed Rs 8,325 crore on direct tax account by abolishing wealth Tax and reducing the corporate tax for their big-business/corporate bosses while imposing a burden of almost three times on the common people by hiking indirect tax to gain Rs.23,383 crore. Added to this is the huge concessions flowed to the big business lobby including the foreign speculators by absolving them from minimum altemative tax. In fact the total tax concessions given to the rich and big-business (around Rs 51akh crore plus), if not given, could fully wipe out the fiscal deficit of the Govt.

Moreover, the first full-fledged budget of the Modi Govt presented an exercise reflecting a visible contraction in expenditure almost in all fronts authoring a decline of Rs 17145 crore compared to 2014-15. And such decline is reflected in either drastic decline or stagnation of expenditure/allocation of central plan outlay in the sectors like Agriculture, Rural Development, social services, Health & family welfare, women & child development, education, minority affairs etc. And notable is that compared to last full-fledged UPA-II budget in 2013-14 (2014-15 budget was a product of both UPA and NDA) decline in budgetary allocation in all fronts, particularly involving welfare of common people is so drastic that the size of the entire budget gets pruned by around Rs 3 lakh crore. Can such contractionary budget create any momentum for growth?

The allocation for various central govt schemes like ICDS, Mid-day-meal, ASHA etc has been either reduced or kept at the same level. The allocation of only Rs 607 crore for the National Social Security Fund for the 90 crore unorganized sector workers is nothing but a mockery. On the other hand launching of so called Atal Pension Yojana is nothing but the deceptive repackaging of the swabalamban scheme already launched during the UPA regime.

That is why the budget speech remains reckless in painting a picture of growth and prosperity for all in future just to confuse and mislead the common people. Simultaneously fast-track reforms for the big coprorates are being pushed at the cost of common people. In the name of targeting on the needy and avoiding leakages, subsidies on food, fertilizers, fuel and social sector are being drastically cut putting mass of the people in more distress.

Budget speech was eloquent on pushing disinvestment of shares of public sector and this time the Finance Minister also mentioned about “strategic disinvestment” meaning total sell-out. As such target for disinvestment is kept at Rs 69,500 crores. The Minister also announced the decision to corporatize the major ports with the ulterior motive to put them in the track of disinvestment and privatization. Same bent of mind made the Minister to speak about setting up so called autonomous bureau to find professional heads of the public sector banks and also for raising funds through differentiated strategies-a clear blue-print for decontrol and privatization.

The Finance Minister, going beyond his brief has proposed to divert Rs 6000 crore from EPF fund for so called senior citizens’ welfare fund. EPF corpus including the unclaimed amount belongs to subscriber-workers and the Central Board of Trustees of EPF is the custodian of that fund which cannot be appropriated by the Govt for whatever purpose it may be. Similarly proposition to make EPFcontribution optional and aligning the ESI with IRDA schemes are totally retrograde much to the detriment of the interest of the working people and must be opposed and resisted by the working class movement.

A primary glance of voluminous budget papers clearly reveals the total deception being engineered on the people by Modi Govt, which actually initiated an exercise of transferring bonanzas to big-business corporate lobby sucking the common people and the working people in particular. This can no way bring either equitable growth in the economy nor even any relief, not to speak of benefit to the people who actually creates growth and generate flows to national exchequer. Such anti-people and deceptive exercise must be exposed before the common people and fought back resotutety by the united trade union movement.

PRESS STATEMENT of CCGEW on BUDGET 2015

PRESS STATEMENT of CCGEW on BUDGET 2015

CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL GOVT. EMPLOYEES & WORKERS
1st Floor, North Avenue PO Building, New Delhi – 110001
Website: www.confederationhq.blogspot.com
Email: confederationhq@gmail.com

President
K. K. N. Kutty
09811048303

Secretary General
M. Krishnan
09447068125

Dated: 28th Feb. 2015.

PRESS STATEMENT – Budget 2015-16.

The Budget of Modi Government for the year 2015-16 presented today to the Parliament by the Finance Minister, Shri. Arun Jaitley belied all expectations of the poor people who placed their faith in the BJP in the last general elections. It is without doubt an anti-poor and pro-rich Budget. The Corporate Tax has been slashed to please the giant multinational Corporate houses, who really are the rulers in most of the Countries of the world, including ours. The Government has foregone about 8300 crores of direct tax revenue. The burden has been put on to the shoulders of the common working people in the form of indirect taxes to the extent of more than 23000 crores mostly coming from the increased service tax kitty.

Except raising the transport allowance exemption from Rs. 800 to Rs. 1600 p.m which only benefits the higher segment of tax payers among the salaried class, no concession or tax reduction has been given to the wage earners.

By not raising the non-taxable maximum which was needed in view of the high level of inflation, Modi Government has not only squeezed the middle class but also amassed more tax revenue from those class of wage earners, who get dearness compensation. In the process Government continue to ignore several judgements to exempt DA from taxation as DA is considered as a receipt, compensatory in nature. The salaried class of tax payers was constantly demanding the re- introduction of deduction under section 16(1) of the I.T. Act which was in vogue years back. While retaining such concessession and deduction to all other segment of tax payers, the Government continue to penalise wage earners who are really the honest tax payers.

Allocation for every social welfare schemes which targets the deprived section of the society has been reduced in percentage terms, the largest reduction being in the ICDS programme. The tax concessions to the rich and corporate houses are of the order of 5.89 lakh crores. This apart, the wealth tax has been fully abolished.

The Budget 2015-16 has unambiguously declared the intention of the Modi Government to pursue the neo- liberal economic policies vigorously.

K.K.N.Kutty
President.

Posted by Confederation Of Central Government Employees

Meeting with 7th Pay Commission and DoPT on 25.2.2015 – Confederation publishes brief resume of the discussions

Meeting with 7th Pay Commission and DoPT on 25.2.2015 – Confederation publishes brief resume of the discussions
Meeting with Chairman 7th Pay Commission & Discussion with Govt. on NJCA Strike Charter of Demands – 25.02.2015 – Com. K. K. N. Kutty (President), Com. M. S. Raja (Working President) & Com. M. Krishnan (Secretary General) attended both the meetings on behalf of Confederation.
Shiva Gopal Mishra
Secretary

Joint Consultative Machinery
for Central Government Employees
13-C, Ferozshah Road, New Delhi – 110001

No. NC-JCM/2015/S.C

February 26, 2015

Dear Comrade

The Standing Committee of the Staff Side, National Council has interaction with the 7th CPC on 25th Feb. 2015 followed by the Standing Committee meeting of National Council (JCM) with the Secretary DOPT in the afternoon. The meeting with the Secretary Personnel came as a result of the decisions that we have conveyed for organizing March to Parliament and other programmes, culminate as a pre pretretory meaure for an indefinite strike. The agenda for discussion with the Secretary Personnel was, therefore, the charter of demands (10 points) we had submitted to the Government after the National Convention of all Central Government Employees Organizations on 11th December, 2014. The response from the Government undoubtedly establish the fact that ultimately they have taken note of the growing discontentment of the Central Government employees manifested through various programmes we have jointly carried out by this time. We, therefore, earnestly request the affiliates and leaders of various organizations at the field formations to intensify the ongoing programmes to compel the Government to settle our demands. We give hereunder a brief resume of the discussions we had with the Pay Commission and the Secretary Personnel, which is indicative of the reflections of both the entities.

Meeting with the Pay Commission:
The Chairman informed of his inability to take a final decision on the question of merger of DA and Interim relief as the Government has not referred this matter to them and further stated that this Govt. can take decisions on the two issues, without any report from the CPC. He added that the memoranda received from the staff Side on these two issues had been forwarded to the Government. He wanted the staff side to take up the matter with the Government and assured that on receipt of the reference from the Government they would consider the matter without any loss of time. However, they indicated that the Commission would strive to submit their report to the Government within the stipulated time frame and therefore, the question of Interim relief, in his opinion should not arise at all. The Staff side requested him to appreciate the fact that the matter concerning merger of DA and interim relief has been raised by them not on account of the possible delay on the part of the Pay Commission but emanated from the fact that the erosion in the real value of wages of the Central Government has been eroded during the period drastically.

On Oral Evidence:
The methodology to be adopted by the 7th CPC in the matter was discussed at length. It was ultimately decided that the Staff Side after considering the viewpoints expressed by the CPC will draw out a plan both for the National Council Staff Side and for the organizations at the Departmental levels. The scheduled date for meetings with the Pay Commission will be finalized after Holi festival i.e. 5th March, 2015. The Staff Side will discuss the matter and will submit its consensus view to the Commission soon in this regard. In any case, the staff side would require the following information immediately at its office.

1. Name of the organization which has submitted its memorandum to CPC with date of submission.
2. Underwhich Ministry the Department function
3. Whether the organization is recognized or not
4. The number of employees, whom the organization represents
5. The total – Group C and Group B Non Gazetted – strength of the concerned Department.

Inclusion of GDS
The Chairman assured that he would go through the Supreme Court Judgment in the matter. However, fie added that the inclusion or otherwise of the GDS within the purview of the 7th CPC is the prerogative of the Government and except making its opinion clear on the subject he might not be able to do anything further in the matter.
Standing Committee meeting with Secretary Personnel: There had been no tangible result in the discussions. The impression gained was that the staff side was invited to show that the dialogue continues, However, we give here under the response of the Government in respect of the issues subjected for discussion. The rest of the issues in the charter will be discussed later on at another meeting, for which the date has not been indicated.

1. Interim relief, Merger of DA, Date of effect, Inclusion of GDS in the ambit of 7th CPC; Settlement of anomalies; The views expressed by the official on each of the above items are as under

a). Interim relief is normally given if there is an apprehension of abnormal delay. Government has been informed by the 7th CPC that they would adhere to the time schedule.
b). DA merger: Since the Pay Commission would be submitting its report soon, the question of merger of DA would automatically be in-built in their recommendation.
c). It is the prerogative of the CPC to recommend the date of effect. Govt.’s role will come only after the recommendations are received.
d). GDS: Govt. has not considered the GDS as Civil Servants. However, the latest recommendation received from the Postal Department in the matter is said to be under the consideration of the Govt.
e). The National Anomaly committee will meet again shortly and the resolution on agreed items would be expedited.

2. FDI and Privatization of Railways and Defense factories and Corporatization of Postal: The Staff Side was advised to take up the issue at a higher level as the issues raised were said to be policy matters.

3. No ban on recruitment.: The official Side clarified that the Govt. has not instituted any ban on recruitment. There is only ban on creation of posts. However, for operational posts, exemption has been provided in compelling situation.

4. Scrap PFRDA Act.: The official side will look into the letter received from the Railway and Defence Ministers. The scrapping of the Act was said to be not within the scope of discussion. The Joint Secretary Financial Services explained the various provisions of the Act and as to how the contributory pension scheme would be beneficial to the subscribers. The Staff Side requested the Government to make it optional that anybody who feels that the new scheme would be beneficial would opt for it and others will have the opportunity to opt out and adopt the old defined benefit scheme scheme of Pension.

5. Closure of Medical Stores Depots and Printing and Stationery Departments : It was categorically cleared by the Govt that there had been no decision to close down the Printing Presses and Stationery Department. In view of the new situation in which all Departments are permitted to purchase the requisite stationery items from the market, the Urban Development Ministry has suggested certain modernization and restructuring the of Stationery Department. The Govt. was prepared to discuss the details thereof and arrive at an amicable settlement, acceptable to the Staff Side. The official side expressed willingness to discuss the matter with the staff Side of the concerned Department along with the 3 (three) members of the standing Committee. In respect of Medical store depots also, the official side clarified that the department would not be closed down and no employee will be retrenched. They also wanted the staff side to meet and discuss the issue with them to clear the doubts and suspicion in the matter.

6. Active Functioning of JCM : The Government will convene the meeting of the National Council soon. the convening of the Departmental Councils would be taken up with the concerned Departmental heads. The delay in the grant of recognition may be brought to the notice of the Department of Personnel for corrective action at their end

7. Compassionate Appointment : Government will consider lifting of the ceiling of 5% but no assurance was held out. The other issues in the charter will be subjected to discussion later on.
With Greetings

Yours fraternally,
sd/-
Shiv Gopal Mishra
Convenor

Source: Confederation

AICPIN for Jan 2015 : CPI-IW Base Year 2001=100 for the month of January 2015 released by Labour Bureau

AICPIN for Jan 2015 : CPI-IW Base Year 2001=100 for the month of January 2015 released by Labour Bureau

One of the most expected statistics amongst Central Govt employees and Pensioners for the purpose of additional Dearness Allowance calculation has been released by Labour Bureau today on its official portal.

The index of CPI-IW for the month of January 2015 is increased by one point and stands at 254. After a long time, the index is moved from the existing point of 253.

All India Consumer Price Index for the month of Jan 2015 is used for the first step of additional dearness allowance calculation which will be effect from July 2015 to all Central Govt employees and Pensioners.