FLASH NEWS ON ONE RANK ONE PENSION – OROP FILE HAS BEEN CLEARED BY FINMIN AND IS NOW WITH PM

FLASH NEWS ON ‘ONE RANK ONE PENSION’ – OROP FILE HAS BEEN CLEARED BY FINMIN AND IS NOW WITH PM

06 Apr 2015

Dear Veterans,
Jai Hind.

The OROP file has been cleared by Ministry of Finance and is now with PM.

There is NO DILUTION of the Definition of OROP as announced twice in the Lok Sabha.

However, the X and Y Group pensions, of JCOs and OR will be different, as always, and not same as expected by some Veterans.


Source: http://ex-servicemenwelfare.blogspot.in/

Recognition to the Game of Judo for the purpose of recruitment of sports persons against sports quota: Railway Board Order

Recognition to the Game of Judo for the purpose of recruitment of sports persons against sports quota: Railway Board Order

RBE No.25/2015

Clarification/Corrigendum No. 55

Government of India

Ministry of Railways

Railway Board

No. 2015/E(Sports)/4(1)/4/Judo

New Delhi, dated 23rd March, 2015

The General Managers (P),
All Zonal Railways including
CLW, DLW, ICF, RCF, RWF, Metro Railway/Kolkata,
The CAO(R), DMW/Patiala,
The DG, RDSO/Lucknow.

Sub:- Recognition to the Game of Judo for the purpose of recruitment of sports persons against sports quota.

Ref.: (i) Railway Board’s letter No~ 2010/E(Sports)/4(1)/1(Policy) dated 31.12.2010 (RBE No. 1898/2014).

(ii) Railway Board’s letter No. 2011/E(Sports)/4(1)/1/Policy Clarifications dated 27.03.2012 (RBE No. 42/2012).

During the 70th Annual General Meeting of the General Council of Railway Sports Promotion Board, held in Rail Bhavan, New Delhi on 17.10.2014; it was decided by the house to include the game of Judo in the list of RSPB recognized games for the purpose of recruitment, participation, incentives etc.

2. The proposal has accordingly been considered and approved by Railway Board. It is accordingly advised to insert the game of Judo in the list of recognized games, as mentioned under Para 2.7 of Board’s policy letter (dated 31.12.2010, referred to above; for recruitment, participation, incentives etc. to sportspersons against sports quota, with immediate effect.

3. This issues with approval of Board (MS).

-sd-

( Rakesh Rawat )

Dy. Director, Estt .(Sports)

Source: AIRF
[http://www.airfindia.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/RBE-No.25-of-2015.pdf]

LTC Claims – Need for observing prescribed procedures

LTC Claims – Need for observing prescribed procedures

F. No. 31011/3/2015-Estt (A-IV)
Ministry of Personnel, Pensions & Public Grievances
Department of Personnel & Training
Establishment A-IV Desk
*****

North Block, New Delhi
Dated April 1, 2015

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:- LTC Claims — Need for observing prescribed procedures

This Department receives a large number of recommendations for relaxation of some or the other provision of the Central Civil Services (Leave Travel Concession) Rules, 1988, (hereinafter referred to as LTC Rules), in individual cases. It is seen that, in most cases the situation arises are due care had not been exercised by the Government servant and/or the administrative authority in claiming LTC or in examination.

2. The references mainly relate to:

a) Late submission of claims;
b) Booking of air tickets through an agency not authorised by the Government for this purpose;
c) Travel by private vehicles; and
d) Claims for wrong block of years.

3. In this connection it may please be noted that the primary responsibility for ensuring compliance with the rules is that of the Government servant. The of-repeated plea of ignorance of rules cannot be a valid ground for relaxation of rules. At the same time it has also been noticed that the administrative authorities have also shown laxity and due diligence on their part could have prevented such situations from arising.

4. Late Submission of Claim
4.1 In terms of Rules 14 and 15(v i) of LTC Rules, the time limit for submission of LTC claim is :

i) Within three months of completion of return journey, if no advance is drawn;
ii) Within one month of completion of return journey, if advance is drawn.
Powers have been delegated, as under, to the  ministries/Departments to relax these limits with the concurrence of the Financial Advisor.

a) Upto 6 months, if no advance is drawn;
b) Upto 3 months if advance is drawn, provided the Government servant refunds the entire amount of advance (not merely the unutilised portion) within 45 days of completion of return journey.

4.2 As per Rule 12(a) of the ‘Compendium of Rules on Advances to Government Servants’, it is the responsibility of the Head of Office to effect recovery of advances and also to see that the conditions attached to each advance are fulfilled. The Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO) is required to keep a watch on the advances and furnish monthly statements to the AP&AO. In addition, the DDO is also required to adjust all outstanding short term advances at the close of financial year.

5. Booking of air tickets through agents other than Government approved agents

5.1 Government servants travelling by air under LTC are required to book their tickets either directly from the airline or through the approved agencies viz: M/s Balmer Lawrie & Co. Ltd/ M/s Ashok Tours & Travels Ltd/IRCTC. Booking through any other agency is not permissible.

6. Travel by private vehicles.
6.1 As per LTC rules, a Government servant may travel only by vehicles operated by Central/State Government or local bodies or by any corporation in the public sector owned/controlled by Central/State Government. Journey on LTC by taxi, auto-rickshaw etc, are permissible only between places not connected by rail. This is further subject to the condition that these modes operate on a regular basis from point to point with the specific approval of the State Governments/transport authorities concerned and are authorised to ply as public carriers.


7. Claims for wrong block of years

7.1 Whenever a Government servant applies for LTC advance, the administrative authority is required to verify from the service book and certify the entitlement of the Government servant. Cases of the type mentioned in para 2(d) would not arise if this is properly done.

8. LTC Rules also provide that a government servant who has been granted LTC Advance is required to submit copies of the tickets within 10 days of drawal of advance. The administrative authority can at this stage itself check the date of commencement of journey;

whether ticket has been booked direct from airline or through approved agency etc. Any discrepancy can be brought to the notice of the government servant so that he can take remedial action, if needed.

9. Even in cases where advance is not drawn, the Government servant is required to give prior intimation of his intention to avail LTC. The administrative authority can check the details indicated especially w.r.t entitlement. A watch can also be kept to ensure timely submission of claims.

10. All Ministries/Departments are requested to bring the contents of this O.M. to the notice of all concerned. It may also be noted that requests for relaxation of rules shall be considered by this Department only if it is established that the deviation is due to reasons beyond the control of the Government servant and there has been no laxity on the part of the administrative authorities concerned.

(Mukesh Chaturvedi)
Director (Establishment)
Te1:23093176

To
The Secretaries
All Ministries/Departments (As per standard list)
Source: www.persmin.gov.in

Cabinet Approved 6% DA to Central Government Employees and Pensioners from 1.1.2015

6% hike in DA/DR for Central Government Employees from January, 2015 approved by Cabinet

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Finance

07-April-2015 20:03 IST

Release of additional installment of Dearness Allowance to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief to Pensioners, due from 1.1.2015

 

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today gave its approval to release an additional installment of Dearness Allowance (DA) to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) to pensioners with effect from 01.01.2015 at the rate of six percent increase over the existing rate of 107 percent.

Hence, Central Government employees as well as pensioners are entitled for DA/DR at the rate of 113 percent of the basic pay with effect from 01.01.2015. The increase is in accordance with the accepted formula based on the recommendations of the 6th Central Pay Commission.

The combined impact on the exchequer on account of both DA and DR would be of the order of Rs. 6762.24 crore per annum and Rs. 7889.34 crore in the Financial Year 2015-16 (i.e. for a period of 14 months from January 2015 to February 2016).

This will benefit 48 lakh government employees and 55 lakh pensioners.

Proposal of upgradation, stepping up, merger of Grade Pay for which MoF & DoPT not agreed: NFIR to discuss with 7th CPC

Issues relating to improvement of Grade Pay etc., – Proposals of the Railway Ministry to the Ministry of Finance and DoP&T but not agreed-reg.

NFIR
National Federation of Indian Railwaymen
CHELMSFORD ROAD, NEW DELHI – 110 055 I

No. IV/NFIR/7th CPC/2013/Part. V (0.13.)

Dated: 06/04/2015

The Secretary (E),
Railway Board.
New Delhi
Kind attention: Executive Director/PC-II

Dear Sir,

Sub: Issues relating to improvement of Grade Pay etc., – Proposals of the Railway Ministry to the Ministry of Finance and DoP&T but not agreed-reg.

As Railway Board are aware. the NFIR has been given slots on 13th and 14th April, 2015 by the 7th Central Pay Commission, to deliberate and discuss the cases of Railway employees of all categories (serving/retired) relating to the pay and allowances/perks.

In this connection, the Federation would place its points on the issues (as per list enclosed) where Railway Ministry had agreed in principle and sent proposals to the MoF/DoP&T who however did not agree. To enable the Federation to have meaningful discussion on these subjects with the Pay Commission, Federation requires copies of replies received from the MoF/DOP&T.

NFIR therefore, requests the Railway Board to kindly arrange to provide copies of the replies given by MoF/DOP&T in the case of issues mentioned in the enclosed list at the a earliest.

Yours faithfully,

DA/As above
(Dr. M. Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Annexure

S. No.	Letter No. & Date	Subject	Comments
1.	PC-VI/2008/lC/20 dt: 19/11/2012	Allotment of Grade Pay of Rs 5400 for Group ‘B’ Gazetted Officers in Railways who were in the pre-revised of Rs 7500-12000.	Not Agreed
2.	PC-VI/2008/IC/21 dt: 06/01/2012	Allotment of Grade pay of Rs 4800 in PB-2 for Supervisor in the Railway who were in the pre-revised scale of Rs 6500-10500 & 74500-1 1500.	Not Agreed
3.	PC-VI/2011/I/RSRP/4 dt: 9/07/2012	Grant of annual increment due on 01/07/2006 to Sr. Assistant who got stepping up of their pay equal to the stage of their junior w.e.f. 05/01/2006.	Not Agreed
4.	PC-VI/2009/1/RSRP/9(Pt) dt: 30/11/2011	Fixation of pay in the cases wherein employee has been promoted during period 01/01/2006 and 31/08/2008 and opted revised pay structure from the date of promotion.	Not Agreed
5.	PC-VI/2012/I/6/2 dt: 20/11/2012	Fixation of pay in the cases wherein employees were promoted during 01/01/2006 and 31/08/2008 and opted revised pay structure from the dated of promotion.	Not Agreed
6.	PC-V/2009/ACP/2/Pt.I dt: 27/12/2012	Stepping up of pay of seniors at par with their junior drawing higher Grade Pay under MACPS.	Not Agreed
7.	PC-VI/2009/DAC/1(P1.2)B dt: 11/06/2010, 21/01/2013 & 28/02/2014	Grade Pay Rs. 4200 as entry grade pay to Station Masters,	Not Agreed
8.	PC-VI/2012/RU/NFIR/3 dt: 12/02/2014	Placement of JAG officer in PB-4.	Not Agreed
9.	PC-VI/2010/IR/A/3 dt: 06/08/2012	Parity to Stenographers working in subordinate offices with stenographers in Secretariat services.	Not Agreed

Source: NFIR
[https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B40Q65NF2_7UdzQ5NmdsUWg3c0lNYnlfQ0JDYXUxenQyRkUw/view]

Release pending dearness allowance, central employees appeal to government

Release pending dearness allowance, central employees appeal to government

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley

New Delhi: The central government employees appealed to the Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to release the pending installment of dearness allowance (DA) to them as new financial year 2015-16 has also been started.

The central government employees’ bodies said 6 percent DA is due from January but the government has still not declared the hike of the dearness allowance (DA).

The biggest concern facing the central government employees is raising prices.

Inflation hits government employees badly as prices keep rising. The government employees end up spending more money for things that they could buy for les earlier. As prices rise, the purchasing power of money goes down too.

Inflation hits government employees with fixed incomes very badly. Accordingly, they demanded to hike dearness allowance for the little makeup of their financial situation.

The employees’ bodies are also pressing hard to merger of 50 percent DA with basic pay but it has not been given heed by the seventh Pay Commission as well as the government.

The merger of 50 percent DA was discontinued in the Sixth Pay Commission but the Fifth Pay Commission had recommended that if the DA crosses more than 50 percent then it should be clubbed with the basic pay.
The previous UPA government had always announced DA increasing with effect from January 1, in the month of March but the BJP led NDA government has not declared DA hike till date.

TST

Imparting any training to the Armed Forces personnel before their retirement – Minister replied in Parliament

Imparting any training to the Armed Forces personnel before their retirement – Minister replied in Parliament

Imparting of training to retiring Armed Forces personnel

While answering to a question in Rajya Sabha on 17th March 2015 regarding the imparting of training to retiring Armed Forces personnel and particularly before their retirement. The Minister of State for Defence Shri.Rao Inderjit Singh replied as follows…

Approximately 60,000 Officers / Junior Commissioned Officers and Other Ranks retire from the Armed Forces every year.

The government provides meaningful professional and vocational training to the retiring Officers, Junior Commissioned Officers and Other Ranks through various training institutes for their rehabilitation and resettlement in civil life after their retirement. The details of training courses organised by Directorate General of Resettlement are at Annexure.

Six months Certificate Course in management is conducted for Officers at IIM Ahmedabad, Indore and Lucknow which enable them to secure decent jobs in private sector. The facility of campus placement is however not available.

ANNEXURE IN RESPECT OF REPLY GIVEN IN PARTS (b) & (c) OF RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2125 FOR 17.3.2015 REGARDING IMPARTING OF TRAINING TO RETIRING ARMED FORCES PERSONNEL.

RESETTLEMENT TRAINING CONDUCTED BY DGR FOR OFFICERS, JCOs/ORs:

(1) OFFICERS TRAINING: Officers training courses are classified into the following categories:-

(a) Security Courses: Corporate and Industrial Security, Safety and Intelligence Course.

(b) Management courses:

(i) 24 Week Management courses IIMs and other ‘A’ Grade Business schools.
(ii) Modular management courses on retail, Supply Chain Management, Strategic Retail Management, Human Resource Management, Facility Management etc.

(c) Other courses:

(i) Corporate Social Responsibility.
(ii) Seafaring.
(iii) Independent Directors course.
(iv) Management of Academic Institutions.
(v) Jet Transition.
(vi) Export & Import.
(vii) Event Management.
(viii) Six Sigma.

(2) JCOs/ORs TRAINING: JCOs/ORs Training courses are classified into the following categories:-
(a) Security and Fire Protection courses:

(i) Assistant Security officers courses.
(ii) Fire and Industrial Safety management.
(iii) Sub Fire Officers course at National Fire College.

(b) Vocational Courses:

(i) Repair of electrical and Electronic appliances.
(ii) X-ray/ECG Technician and Operation Theatre Assistant.
(iii) Advance welding.
(iv) JCB Operator.
(v) AC & Refrigeration.
(vi) Seafaring.

(c) Management Course:

(i) 24 Week Management courses in renowned institutes.
(ii) Modular management courses on retail, business project, entrepreneurship, Insurance, travel and tourism, supply chain management.

(d) IT and Computer Course:

(i) DOEACC ‘O’ level course.
(ii) Computer hardware maintenance.
(iii) Computer networking.
(iv) Desktop publishing.
(v) Book keeping and Accountancy using Tally.
(vi) Microsoft certified professional and solution provider (MCP & MCSP).

(e) Hospitality Courses.

(f) Logistics & Transport Management

(g) Corporate Office Management

(h) Material Management

Source: www.rajyasabha.nic.in

Terms & Condition for Online Payment of booking charges of Holiday Homes/Touring Officer’s

Terms & Condition for Online Payment of booking charges of Holiday Homes

No. D-l 1016/71/2014-Regions
Government of India
Ministry of Urban Development
Directorate of Estates
Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi

Date:19.03.2015

Terms & Condition for Online Payment of booking charges of Holiday Homes/Touring Officer’s

Hostels for users using Payment Gateway

1 Payment Gateway/Net Banking Disclaimer: Payment of booking charges for booking of Holiday Homes/Touring Officer’s Hostels will be made by the user using the Payment Gateway hosted by Axis Bank/designated banks. The Payment Gateway/Internet Banking Service is being provided to you to facilitate online payment. By using these services of the Payment Gate Way, you expressly agree that use of this online payment service is entirely at your own risk and cost.

2. Transaction Charges: The necessary transaction charge plus service tax as applicable on date, for online payment of the service will be borne by the user. The charges as mentioned below will be levied by the e-payment solution provider for giving this service.

Sl.No	Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card payment options	Per Transaction Charges
1.	Internet Banking	Rs. 5.50 + applicable Service Tax currently 12.36% and as applicable from time to time
2.	Debit Card	1.0.75% for transaction up to Rs. 2000/- 2.1% for transaction above Rs. 2000/-
3.	Credit Card	1.25 % of the transaction amount

(i) Transaction Process: An eligible applicant will fill the online advance booking application form and after completing/filling all details in application form submit the same by clicking Submit Button. After pressing SUBMIT Button, the online booking application with Unique Booking ID No. is generated with link option for payment of booking charges which will be active for fixed period of time. The applicant will have to fill up necessary details and enter/click the payment option link within two minutes and after clicking the payment option, e-receipt/challan with requisite amount of booking charges will appear on the system with link to the Payment Gateway where the applicants can make payment to booking charges using net banking/debit/credit card as he/she may opt.

(ii) Confirmation Slip/Receipt Generation Process: After successful payment, Booking Confirmation Slip/Receipt with details of room/suit of holiday home/touring officers and booking charges are generated. In case, Booking Confirmation Slip is not generated against ‘Successful Payment Transaction’ and the Payment Gateway shows “Success”, then there is no need to apply fresh and make another payment against Unique Booking Request ID No. In such cases, confirmation slip can be downloaded by filling booking request ID No. and Identity Card No. Therefore applicants are advised to remember/note down the booking request ID No. and other details.

4. Entry to Holiday Home/Touring Officer’s Hostel: Without production/submission of confirmation slip and displaying of valid Identity Card viz. Aadhar Card/Pan Card and Employer Identity Card to caretaker, entry to holiday home/touring officer’s hostel will not be allowed. The applicants are advised to take print out of the online generated booking confirmation slip for submission to caretaker of holiday home/touring officer’s hostel at the time of occupation of rooms/suits of holiday home/touring officer’s hostel.

5. Cancellation of booking and Refund Policy: There is no provision for cancellation of confirmed booking and request for refund of booking charges including transaction/Service Charges, etc. will not be entertained in any circumstances. Any types of charge back will not be considered by the bank except in the case of failed transaction which will be settled solely by the bank with the applicants/customers.

6. Failed and Fraudulent Transaction: Directorate of Estates/Booking Agency will have no role in failed transactions and fraudulent use of card/net banking in any manner. Applicants are advised to use their own debit/credit card/net banking. Users/applicants will be solely responsible for using debit/credit card & net banking for payment of booking charges.

7. Maximum five nights booking is permitted for a holiday home/touring officer’s hostel while maximum three nights is permitted for holiday home at Goa and Mussoorie.

8. Only one room is allowed for booking for an applicant and his family. Booking for additional room, if any, will be available as per booking charges applicable to private persons. Booking charges are only for rent of room and does not include any meal/breakfast/Snacks/Washing/Laundry charges which charges will have to be paid separately by the applicant at the time of occupation of room if such services are availed. Charges for catering facility will also be settled by the guests directly with the catering staff whereas charges for washing/laundry will be paid to the caretaker.

9. Any fraudulent booking/attempt will attract action as per service rules and relevant section of Indian Penal Code (IPC). Applicants having improper details will not be allowed entry to holiday home/touring officer’s hostels and booking charges will be forfeited.

10. Address of holiday homes/touring officers hostels are available on the website of holiday home and applicants/visitors are advised to have full details of address from the website.

11. Booking is not transferable.

12. Entry to holiday home/touring officer’s hostel will be allowed only after depositing/submission of valid booking confirmation slip/authority slip/application form and duly verified personal details appearing thereon by the concerned administrative office or booking agency and production of valid Identity Card as mentioned at point no. 4 above.

13. Debit/Credit card / Net banking details: The applicant has to ensure that the debit/credit card/Net banking details provided by him/her for use of the Payment Gateway/Internet Banking will be correct and accurate and the applicant shall not use a debit/credit card/Net Banking which is not lawfully owned by him/her. The user/applicant further agrees and undertakes to provide correct and valid debit/credit card /Net Banking details. In default of the above conditions, Payment Gateway Service Provider shall be entitled to recover the amount of transaction from the user against whom the credit /debit card/Net banking has been used. Further, Payment Gateway Service Provider also reserves the right to initiate any legal action for recovery of cost /penalty or any other punitive measure, as it may deem fit.

14. For other/detailed terms & conditions and booking charges, please refer to O.M. No. D-11016/71/2014-Region dated 25.11.2014 and O.M. No. D-l 1028/23/82-Regions (Vol.II) dated 10 July, 2012 respectively which are available in circular portion on the website of holiday home i.e. www.holidayhomes.nic.in

Source: www.holidayhomes.nic.in

Recruitment Process of Indian Railways

Public Advised to Ignore Fraudulent, Unauthentic & False Recruitment Promises

It has come to notice that some unscrupulous elements have cheated and defrauded unemployed youth by making false promises of providing jobs in Indian Railways. For this they have forged documents like employment letters and extracted huge sums of money from the unsuspecting public/youth. Criminal action is being taken in this regard by the Ministry of Railways.

Process of recruitment for various posts in Railways is done through the following agencies, namely; 1) Railway Recruitment Board (RRBs), 2) Railway Recruitment Cells (RRCs) and 3) Railway Protection Force (RPF).

All the vacancies are widely advertised in all leading national and local newspapers including Employment News/Rozgar Samachar.

Besides, the vacancies are also put on the official website of all RRBs and RRCs.

Exam process includes a written Exam. Written Exam answer sheets are evaluated through computers. There is no human intervention in this.

Fees for Recruitment exams is only Rs. 100/-. No other money is required to be paid to anyone.

Results of exams are put up on official websites of RRBs and RRCs.

Authentic official websites of RRBs and RRCs are as under:-

The website addresses and telephone numbers of RRB

Sr. No	Name of Place	Website Address	Phone Number
1.	Ahmedabad	www.rrbahmedabad.gov.in	079-22940858
2.	Ajmer	www.rrbajmer.org	0145-2423292
3.	Allahabad	www.rrald.nic.in	0532-2430472
4.	Bangalore	www.rrbbnc.gov.in	080-23330378
5.	Bhopal	www.rrbbhopal.gov.in	0755-2746660
6.	Bhubaneshwar	www.rrbbbs.gov.in	0674-2303015
7.	Bilaspur	www.rrbbilaspur.gov.in	07752-247291
8.	Chandigarh	www.rrbcdg.gov.in	0172-2793414, 2793415
9.	Chennai	www.rrbchennai.gov.in	044-28275323
10.	Gorakhpur	www.rrbgko.gov.in	0551-2201209
11.	Guwahati	www.rrbguwahati.gov.in	0361-2540815
12.	Jammu – Srinagar	www.rrbjammu.nic.in	0191-2476757
13.	Kolkata	www.rrbkolkata.gov.in	033-25432004, 32917928
14.	Malda	www.rrbmalda.gov.in	03512-264567
15.	Mumbai	www.rrbmumbai.go.in	022-23090422
16.	Muzaffarpur	www.rrbmuzaffarpur.gov.in	0621-2213405
17.	Patna	www.rrbpatna.gov.in	0612-2677680
18.	Ranchi	www.rrbranchi.org	0651-2462429, 26787114
19.	Secundrabad	www.rrbsecundrabad.nic.in	040-27821663
20.	Siliguri	www.rrbsiliguri.org	0353-2663840
21.	Thiruvanathapuram	www.rrbthiruvanathapuram.gov.in	0471-2323357

The zonal-wise website addresses of RRCs are:-
Northeast Frontier Railway (nfr.indianrailways.gov.in), Western Railway (rrc-wr.com), Central Railway (rrccr.com), South Eastern Central Railway (secr.indianrailways.gov.in), West Central Railway (wcr.indianrailways.gov.in), East Central Railway(rrcecr.gov.in), South Central Railway (scr.indianrailways.gov.in), North Western Railway (rrcjaipur.in), Eastern Railway (rrcer.com), South Eastern Railway (rrcser.in & rrcser.co.in), South Western Railway- (rrchubli.in), Southern Railway (rrcmas.in), East Coast Railway (rrcbbs.org.in), North Central Railway (rrcald.org), Northern Railway (rrcnr.org) and North Eastern Railway (ner.indianrailways.gov.in)

An announcement regarding vacancy/recruitment from any other source (other than the given above) may be considered fraudulent and unauthentic.

Source: PIB

Take-home salaries of government employees to rise

Take-home salaries of government employees to rise

NEW DELHI: Take-home salaries of millions of workers could rise with the government moving to free employees from compulsory coverage in a state-run healthcare programme that costs them 6.5% on a cost to company basis, and give them the choice to buy a health insurance product from an insurance firm instead.
The government has called a meeting of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) on Tuesday to approve amendments to this effect in the ESI Act of 1948, India’s first social security legislation. If ratified, the change could throw up a major opportunity for the country’s $2 billion health insurance business. Finance minister Arun Jaitley had declared the government’s intent to allow employees to exercise their individual choice in health insurance in his Budget speech.

“We intend to bring amending legislation in this regard, after stakeholder consultation,” he had said. “We have proposed adding two new sections to the law that gives employees a one-time option to opt for a health insurance product regulated by the IRDA. Employers would have to submit proof of such alternate coverage,” said a senior government official, adding that workers would be allowed to return to the ESI fold if they are not satisfied with the health insurance coverage. “However, such aswitch-back to the scheme would be allowed only once.

We are also putting in a safeguard, so that employers can’t force workers to opt for either the ESI or a health insurance product as a pre-condition for employment,” he added. About 60% of India’s organised sector workforce or 1.74 crore employees are covered by the ESIC, which offers medical care to them and their dependents along with unemployment benefits in case of disablement or occupational accidents, including fatal ones. The law mandates employers to contribute 4.75% of an employees’ gross salary (up to Rs.15,000 per month) with a 1.75% matching premium payment from employees. In return, members get access to ESIC’s 151 hospitals and 1,380 dispensaries around the country.

Trade unions are annoyed with the haste in which the corporation meeting has been scheduled. “We got a notice about the meeting on April 2, after which there have been a slew of government holidays. Moreover, any amendments to the law are usually debated by our board first. This is the first time that the government is bringing amendments to the table,” said the general secretary of a major trade union, who is on the ESIC board.

Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com