Delay in Announcement of DA Hike from January 2015

Delay in Announcement of DA Hike from January 2015

Since the implementation of the recommendations of the 4th central pay commission in 1986, the announcement of approval and the order for granting Dearness Allowance to government employees were issued in March and September itself until it was violated once under UPA regime. In 2013, the approval for granting DA hike due from January 2013 was delayed inordinately. All the central government employees had waited patiently up to 31st March 2013. Even 1st and 2nd week of April 2013, there was no signs announcing the DA hike by the Central government. Then, the federations like AIRF and Confederation of central government employees and workers have raised objection over the inordinate delay of announcing DA. And they wrote letters to the Central Government to declare the Dearness Allowance immediately to avoid the confrontation.

While briefing the situation, the Confederation of central government employees and workers has mentioned in the editorial of their blog on 17th April 2013 that ‘This naturally is quiet disturbing, especially in the time of galloping price line. The employees have, in the past, fought bitterly for grant of DA and the 3rd CPC gave a definite formula for DA in the aftermath of the one day strike on 19th September 1968. We cannot allow the hard won DA to be tampered with.’

The next day, ie on 18th April 2013 the union cabinet approved the DA hike which is due from January 2013.

This time the NDA Government started repeating the same story in its first year itself. As we mentioned earlier the DA hike from July 2014 has been announced un expectedly on 4th September 2014. So there was huge expectation this time that the present government would not make any delay in announcing the Payment dearness allowance from January 2015. But it seems that the government finds no time to take any decision over the issue of 50 Lakh Central government employees and Pensioners. Whether the central government expects the federations to plead for announcing DA hike? Or it really has no time to decide on this issue?

However, yesterday the Ministry of Finance issued a clarification dated 1st March 2015, in which it has been clarified that a fake order for payment of Dearness Allowance was being circulated in Government Departments/offices and all Ministries/Departments and Central Government offices were advised not to take cognisance of these fake instructions being circulated in Government offices.

To avoid confusion and frustration among central government employees, it is expected that the central government should announce its approval for Payment of Dearness Allowance from January 2015 immediately.

Source: www.gservants.com

Second Round of Tripartite Consultations on EPF & MP Act Amendments Held

Second Round of Tripartite Consultations on EPF & MP Act Amendments Held

Bandaru Dattatreya Chairs Tripartite Consultations

The Second Round of Tripartite Consultations on Employees Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act,1952 (EPF &MP Act) Amendments was held here yesterday. Shri Bandaru Dattatreya, the Minister of State, Labour & Employment (I/C) chaired the second round of tripartite consultations on EPF & MP Act Amendments. The consultations gain greater importance in view of the new amendments proposed in the backdrop of the Union budget proposals impacting the functioning of EPFO.

Inaugurating the consultations, Shri Dattatreya briefly dwelt upon the major changes being mulled in the proposals. They include bringing down the minimum no. of employees required for coverage under the Act from the existing 20 to 10, doing away with the Schedule Head for coverage and bringing in a negative list instead, special provisions for encouraging the functioning of small-scale units, provisions for setting up of multiple Appellate Authorities under the Act, removing ambiguities in the implementation of the Act, ensuring greater clarity in the definitions under the Act, especially with regard to wages which qualify for deduction for the purposes of the Act, introducing greater transparency and accountability in the enforcement of the Act by having an objective inspection scheme, introducing a scheme for unorganized workers and providing a choice to the worker by giving an option to join NPS / EPFO, which is in tune with the proposals mentioned in the Union Budget.

Taking part in the discussions, the representatives of the employers’ associations and federations generally welcomed the various proposals contained in the amendments under consideration. They generally voiced the opinion that the introduction of NPS would mean greater choice for the worker. However, there were also views that NPS cannot match the benefits offered by EPFO and therefore, are not comparable. It was also felt that the amendments would help in sharpening the competitiveness of Indian Industry and would enable India to become a manufacturing hub. However, there was a need to further encourage the concessions granted to the small-scale industries. Increase of coverage also received wide acceptance, both from employers’ and employees’ side.

Opposing certain amendments proposed, representatives of the Trade Unions expressed reservations especially to the move to introduce NPS as a substitute to EPFO. They also expressed reservations regarding the inspection scheme which they argued brought about centralization in the decision making process which is contrary to the prevailing wisdom which favours decentralization.

Summing up the discussions, Shri Shankar Aggarwal, Secretary, MOL&E assured that the concerns of all stakeholders will be addressed when giving final touches to the legislative amendments. Further, the objective behind bringing in the changes is to further strengthen the delivery of social security benefits.

In his concluding remarks, Shri Dattatreya stressed upon the need to focus on the unorganized sector of the workforce which constitutes 93% of the total workforce. He said that the need of the hour is to include more segments of the workforce like Anganwadi works into the ambit of social security legislations. He also informed that the Ministry is contemplating issue of smart cards to the labour workforce so that social security benefits reach each intended beneficiary. He also assured that the Act would be amended taking into account the sensitivities of all concerned.

Shri Sharad Patil, EFI (Employers Federation of India), Shri S.S. Patil, AIMA (All India Manufacturers Association), Shri Bhardwaj, Laghu Udhyog Bharati, Shri Sushant Singh, CII (Confederation of Indian Industries), Shri A.K. Padmanabhan, CITU, Shri A.D. Nagpal, HMS, Shri B.L Sachdeva, AITUC, Shri Ashok Singh, INTUC were some of the notable representatives of employers’ associations and employees’ associations (trade unions) who took part in the deliberations in addition to the representatives of various state governments.

Source: PIB News

Payment of Dearness Allowance to Central Government Employees – Revised Rates effective from 01.01.2015 – Fake Order/ Instructions – Clarification issued by Finance Ministry

Payment of Dearness Allowance to Central Government Employees – Revised Rates effective from 01.01.2015 – Fake Order/ Instructions – Clarification issued by Finance Ministry

No.1/2/2014-E.II(B)
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure

North Block, New Delhi.
Dated the 1st April 2015.

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:- Payment of Dearness Allowance to Central Government Employees – Revised Rates effective from 01.01.2015 – Fake Order/Instructions – Clarification regarding.

It has come to the notice of the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance that Office Memorandum bearing F. No. 1/2/2015-E.II(B) dated 30th March, 2015 under the signature of Shri A. Bhattacharya, Under Secretary, Department of Expenditure, regarding Payment of Dearness Allowance to Central Government employees – Revised Rates effective from 01.01.2015, is being circulated amongst Government Departments/Offices.

2. It is clarified that the O.M. dated 30.03.2015, purportedly issued by the Ministry of Finance, is a fake and that no such instructions have been issued by the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance. Accordingly, all Ministries/Departments and Central Government offices are hereby advised not to take cognisance of these fake instructions being circulated in Government offices.

sd/-
(Subhash Chand)
Director

Click to view the order – Finmin order fake DA order april 2015

Source: www.finmin.gov.in

Cabinet may approve 6% DA for Central Government Employees on Thursday

Cabinet may approve 6% DA for Central Government Employees on Thursday

The Union Cabinet approval for the 6% rise in the Dearness Allowance for the Central Government employees is expected to be announced on coming Thursday.

It is a well-known fact that every six months, the Central Government increases the Dearness allowance for its employees during the months of January and July. The increased amount is calculated on the price index (CPI IW BY 2001=100) of essential commodities. Rise in the Dearness allowance is being calculated on the basis of the changes in the prices of the essential commodities during the periods between January and June and the period between July and December.

But, it takes around three months since the release of the price index for the months of June and December to arrive at the calculation for the increase in the Dearness allowance. With the result that the increase due from the month of July is being given only from the month of October and the amount due from January is being given only from the month of April.

And, because of this situation, the amount due for the left-behind period of two months is to be settled as arrears. Practical problems arise in the calculation of the arrears amount and also problem arises in clarifying the doubts of the beneficiaries. Pensioners especially, are more tensed up over this procedure.

To avoid this situation, the price index during the periods from November to April and from May to October can be taken into account and the increase in the Dearness allowance calculated based on the information relevant to these periods. The amount can be disbursed from the months of January and July as per this calculation so that there’s no due as arrears.

We imaginatively tested this method to find out the result. It was found out that there was no tangible change in the increase amount if calculated on the basis of the price index obtained during the months of April and October.

Source: cgen.in

Expected DA From July 2015 – AICPIN for the month of Feb 2015

Expected DA From July 2015 – AICPIN for the month of Feb 2015

The Labour Bureau just now released the index of CPI(IW) for Industrial Workers for the month of February 2015.

According to the press release, the index is decreased by one point and pegged at 253.

No.5/1/2015- CPI
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT
LABOUR BUREAU

`CLEREMONT, SHIMLA-171004
DATED: the 31st March, 2015

Press Release

Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) – February, 2015

The All-India CPI-IW for February, 2015 decreased by 1 point and pegged at 253 (two hundred and fifty three). On 1-month percentage change, it decreased by (-) 0.39 per cent between January, 2015 and February, 2015 when compared with the increase of (+) 0.42 per cent between the same two months a year ago.

The maximum downward pressure to the change in current index came from Food group contributing (-) 0.66 percentage points to the total change. At item level, Rice, Eggs (Hen), Fish Fresh, Onion, Vegetable items, Sugar, Petrol, Flower/Flower Garlands, etc. are responsible for the decrease in index. However, this decrease was neutralised by Wheat, Wheat Atta, Arhar Dal, Groundnut Oil, Goat Meat, Tea (Readymade), etc., putting upward pressure on the index.

The year-on-year inflation measured by monthly CPI-IW stood at 6.30 per cent for February, 2015 as compared to 7.17 per cent for the previous month and 6.73 per cent during the corresponding month of the previous year. Similarly, the Food inflation stood at 7.42 per cent against 7.81 per cent of the previous month and 7.56 per cent during the corresponding month of the previous year.

At centre level, Tiruchirapally recorded the highest decline of 7 points followed by Guntur (4 points), Mysore, Chhindwara Siliguri and Puducherry (3 Points each) Among others, 2 points decrease was observed in 15 centres and 1 point in 18 centres. On the contrary, Belgaum and Kodarma centres reported a highest increase of 3 points each followed by Kanpur, Bokaro and Doom-Dooma Tinsukia (2 points each).

Among others 1 point increase was observed in 13 centres. Rest of the 21 centres’ indices remained stationary.

The indices of 37 centres are above All India Index and other 40 centres’ indices are below national average. The index of Vishakhapathnam centre remained at par with all-India index.

The next index of CPI-IW for the month of March, 2015 will be released on Thursday, 30th April, 2015. The same will also be available on the office website www.labourbureau.gov.in.

sd/-
(S.S.NEGI)
DIRECTOR

 Source: http://labourbureau.nic.in/press%20note%20eng%20feb%202015.pdf

AICPIN for Feb 2015 – Labour Bureau Publishes today

AICPIN for Feb 2015 – Labour Bureau Publishes today

One of the important nodal department of Central Government, the Labour Bureau is today releasing the statistics of consumer price index for the month of February 2015.

This index particularly used for the calculation of Dearness Allowance in respect of Central Government employees and Pensioners.

The Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) is an important statistical/economic indicator. It was first introduced on scientific lines with base 1960=100 which was based on the results of Family Living Survey conducted in 1958-59 at 50 industrially important centres.

The series was then, updated on base 1982=100 and a revision in 1999-2000 has further updated the base on 2001=100. The current series of CPI-IW with base year 2001=100 covers 78 industrially important centers spread across the country.

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

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

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

New Delhi the 31st March, 2015

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

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

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

2. Hindi Version will follow.

Under Secretary to the Government of India

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

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

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

Advance Reservation Period increased from 60 Days to 120 Days from Tomorrow (1.4.2015)

Advance Reservation Period increased from 60 Days to 120 Days from Tomorrow (1.4.2015)

From Tomorrow Advance Reservation Period for Booking Reserved Train Tickets increased from 60 Days to 120 Days

The Ministry of Railways has decided to increase the Advance Reservation Period (ARP) for booking accommodation in trains from 60 days to 120 days (excluding the date of journey). Accordingly, from tomorrow i.e 1st April 2015 the booking in trains from train originating stations will open and remain available for 120 days. For instance, as on 1.4.2015, for trains leaving on 28th July 2015, the reservation can be obtained for journey commencing on all days between 1.4.2015 upto 28.7.2015.

There will, however, be no change in case of certain day time Express trains like Taj Express, Gomti Express, special trains etc, where lower time limits for advance reservations are at present in force. There will also be no change in the case of the limit of 360 days for foreign tourists.

Cancer Treatment under CGHS/CS(MA) Rules, 1944 – List of 27 Hospitals recognised

Cancer Treatment under CGHS/CS(MA) Rules, 1944 – List of 27 Hospitals recognised

No. 1-1/13/Hospital Cell/R&H/CGHS (Pt.I)/CGHS (P)
Government of India
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Department of Health & Family Welfare
Nirman Bhavan, Maulana Azad Road
New Delhi- 110 108

Dated : 23rd February, 2015

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:- Cancer Treatment under CGHS/CS(MA) Rules, 1944

With reference to the above mentioned subject the undersigned is directed to draw attention to the Office Memorandum of even number dated 2nd September, 2008 and to state that in view of empanelment of several Cancer hospitals under CGHS the matter was re-examined, and it has now been decided to modify the Office Memorandum as follows:

i) CGHS beneficiaries and beneficiaries covered under CS(MA)Rules, 1944 shall be permitted to get themselves treated from any of the under mentioned 27 (Twenty seven) hospitals recognized by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare under the National Cancer Control Programmes that are funded by the Government of India, subject to the condition that the reimbursement will be as per the rates fixed in the Regional Cancer Centers under Central Government, if any or as per actual, whichever may be less.

1. Andhra Pradesh – M.N.J. institute of Oncology & Regional Cancer Centre, Hyderabad.
2. Assam – Dr. B. Borooah Cancer institute, Guwahati.
3. Bihar – Indira Gandhi institute of Medical Sciences, Patna
4. Chandigarh – Post Graduate institute Medical Education Research, Chandigarh.
5. Chhattisgarh – Pt. ,i.J.N Medical College & Dr. BR. Ambedkar Memorial Hospital, Raipur.
6. Delhi – Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, AIIMS, New Delhi.
7. Gujarat- Gujarat Cancer Research Institute, Ah medabad, Gujarat.
8. Haryana – Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak.
9. Himachal Pradesh- Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla.
10. Jammu & Kashmir- Sher-i- Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar.
11. Jammu & Kashmir- Government Medical College -Jammu.
12. Karnataka – Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore.
13. Kerala – Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram.
14. Madhya Pradesh – Cancer Hospital & Research Institute, Gwalior.
15. Maharashtra – Rashtrasant Tukdoji Regional Cancer Hospital Research Centre, Nagpur.
16. Maharashtra -Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai.
17. Manipur- Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal.
18. Mizoram – Civil Hospital, Aizwal.
19. Odisha – Acharya Harihar Regional Cancer Centre, Cuttack.
20. Puducherry – Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research.
21. Rajasthan – Acharya Tulsi Regional Cancer Treatment & Research Institute, Bikaner.
22. Tamil Nadu – Govt. Arignar Anna Memorial Cancer Research Institute & Hospital, Kancheepuram.
23. Tamil Nadu – Cancer Institute (WIA), Adyar, Chennai.
24. Tripura – Civil Hospital, Agartala.
25. Uttar Pradesh – Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow.
26. Uttar Pradesh – Kamla Nehru Memorial Hospital, Allahabad.
27. West Bengal – Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata.

ii) In cities where there are no facilities for cancer treatment in any of the empanelled private hospitals powers are hereby delegated to the Addl. Directors of CGHS of the concerned cities in respect of CGHS and to HOD/ Head of Office in respect of serving employees covered under CS(MA) Rules, 1944 for grant of permission for undergoing treatment at any hospital that provides treatment to cancer patients, subject to the condition that the reimbursement shall be limited to the prevalent CGHS rates or actual expenditure – whichever may be lower. Permission shall however be granted for the specific treatment procedures as advised by a Government specialist.

iii) Powers are also hereby delegated to the Additional Directors of CGHS of the concerned cities in respect of CGHS and to HOD/ Head of Office in respect of serving employees covered under CS(I\/IA) Rules, 1944 for grant of permission for post-operative follow up treatment from the same centre, where permission has been granted earlier for cancer treatment as per the terms and conditions of OM dated 10.04.2001 regarding Post-operative follow up treatment.

2. These orders shall be in force till further orders.

3. This issues with the concurrence of Integrated Finance Division vide CD No. 115650 /2015 dated 15-01-2015.

sd/-
(RAVI KANT)
UNDER SECRETARY TO THE GOVT. OF INDIA

Source: http://msotransparent.nic.in/writereaddata/cghsdata/mainlinkfile/File963.pdf

Central Government Approves Rs. 1,500 Crore by way of Budgetary Support to Andhra Pradesh for its New Capital

Central Government Approves Rs. 1,500 Crore by way of Budgetary Support to Andhra Pradesh for its New Capital

Press Information Bureau,
Government of India
Ministry of Finance

30-March, 2015

 
In consonance with Section 94(3) of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, 2014, the Government of India has agreed to provide Special Financial Support for essential facilities for the new Capital of Andhra Pradesh including construction of Raj Bhavan, State Secretariat, State Assembly and High Court etc.

Accordingly, the Ministry of Finance, Government of India has approved Rs. 1500 crore by way of Budgetary Support for providing support to new Capital of Andhra Pradesh. This would include Rs. 1000 crore for support to essential amenities for the new Capital of Andhra Pradesh for which necessary approval has been given to Ministry of Urban Development.

Another Rs. 500 crore has been approved which would be spent exclusively for construction of Raj Bhavan, State Secretariat, State Assembly and High Court etc. in the new Capital of Andhra Pradesh.

A letter of approval has also been sent by the Ministry of Finance, Government of India to the Union Ministry of Urban Development in this regard.