7th Pay Commission: No scope to change in higher allowances

7th Pay Commission: No scope to change in higher allowances

New Delhi: Finance Ministry sources today said on condition of anonymity, there is no scope to change in higher allowances, which were recommended by the 7th Pay Commission.

The sources came up with the remark while talking to us about hiking of allowances of all central government employees and officials by the Empowered Committee of Secretaries (E-CoS) better than the 7th Pay Commission recommendations.

Those who will hope over these issues will gain nothing but no change in 7th Pay Commission recommendations on allowances are very much hiking possible, they added.

Replying to a question, the sources said, "The demand of central government employees to hike in allowances than the 7th Pay Commission recommendations is likely not to be considered by the secretaries panel."

"The central government finally decided not to give any facility to central government employees better than the 7th Pay Commission recommendations. Accordingly, the government stuck with the 7th Pay Commission recommendations on pay scales and advances and its implementation have been made forcefully.
Moreover, the government is now engaged in forceful implementation of allowances, which was recommended by the 7th Pay Commission," the finance ministry sources added.

The sources also said that the quantum of allowances may not vary from those proposed by the 7th Pay Commission as the committee on allowances headed by Finance Secretary stuck with the 7th Pay Commission's recommendations on allowances.

The Government will not necessarily be bound by the findings of the Empowered Committee of Secretaries on allowances, the sources confirmed.

"The Empowered Committee will make its proposal," source said. "government will make the decision."
In late June, after implementing the 7th Pay Commission proposals on salary and pension, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had announced the 'Committee on Allowances', headed by Finance Secretary Ashok Lavasa to examine the suggestions on allowances. It had time till October to give the report but this got delayed.

The decision on allowances was postponed because the 7th Pay Commission wanted a number of these to be abolished or subsumed. Employee unions were opposed.

The 'Committee on Allowances' submitted its report to finance minister Arun Jaitley on April 27.
However, the Committee's report on higher allowances under the 7th Pay Commission haven't made public.
The report on allowances is now examined by the Empowered Committee of Secretaries (E-CoS) headed by the Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha and after it, it will be placed before the Cabinet.

Shiv Gopal Mishra, secretary of the National Joint Council of Action (NJCA), which is a centralised union of several central government employees unions, met with the Cabinet Secretary recently for inordinate delay on implementation of allowances.

The Cabinet Secretary assured Mishra that the Empowered Committee of Secretaries is likely to take a final decision on higher allowances by June 1.

The central government employees now get all allowances except dearness allowance, according to the 6th Pay Commission recommendations until issuing of higher allowances notification.

The Union Finance Minister, Shri Arun Jaitley: Goods and Services Tax (GST) is an efficient tax system which not only checks tax evasion but also helps evolving India to become very strong society

The Union Finance Minister, Shri Arun Jaitley: Goods and Services Tax (GST) is an efficient tax system which not only checks tax evasion but also helps evolving India to become very strong society

FM inaugurates the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes and Narcotics (NACIN) Campus in Bengaluru today

Inaugurating the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes and Narcotics (NACIN) Campus in the Bengaluru today, the Union Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley said that Indirect Taxation regime in the country will play a key role and is undergoing a vital change.  He said that the present multiple taxation system is transformed into the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and all the taxes are amalgamated. Speaking further, the Finance Minister said that the new GST regime will come into effect from July 1, 2017. GST is an efficient tax system which not only checks tax evasion but it also help evolving India to become very strong society.

Speaking further on the occasion, the Finance Minister Shri Jaitley said that the new Indirect Tax is a product of federal India. He added that the Centre and the States will jointly administer and decide the taxes.  Coordination between taxation authority of Centre and States is also important. He said that the tax training academy NACIN, which has come-up in Bengaluru to impart training to officers of Central and State Governments and PSUs has to play a vital role.

Participating on the occasion, Smt.Vanaja N. Sarna, Chairperson, CBEC highlighted the contributions of NACIN.  Shri D.P.Nagendra Kumar, Principal Director General, NACIN, gave an overview of the new NACIN Complex.  Shri S.Ramesh, Member (Admn.), CBIC welcomed the dignitaries on this occasion while Shri P. K. Dash, Pr. Additonal Director General, NACIN, proposed vote of thanks.

PIB

Status Report on implementation of OROP benefits as on April 30,2017

 Status Report on implementation of OROP benefits as on April 30,2017

Till 30.04.2017, a sum of Rs. 4,141.99 crores and Rs. 2,363.32 crores have been paid towards first installments & second installments of OROP arrears to 20,31,893 Ex-Servicemen/family pensioners and 15,87,643 Ex-Servicemen respectively. Further, a sum of Rs. 1,902.18 crores has also been paid to 13,04,353 ExServicemen as third installments of OROP arrears.

Withdrawal under paragraph 68-BD of EPF Scheme, 1952 for housing needs of the PF members

Withdrawal under paragraph 68-BD of EPF Scheme, 1952 for housing needs of the PF members

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

No: WSU/39(1)2017/Housing Scheme/4106

Date: 24.05.2017

To
All Addl. CPFC (HQ/ Zone),
Regional P.F. Commissioners-incharge of
Regional Offices.

Sub: Withdrawal under paragraph 68-BD of EPF Scheme, 1952 for housing needs of the PF members.
Ref: HO circular dated of even numbers dated 21.04.2017, 02.05.2017 & 19.05.2017

Sir,
Please refer to the above said subject.

2. There are a number of State Housing Boards or other authorities owned by the Government which construct and sell houses. In certain cases their houses remain unsold. Considering this, it is advised that RPFCs-incharge of ROs should contact all such Housing Board/authorities in their jurisdiction and persuade them for allotment of such unsold houses directly to the PF Workers' Cooperative Societies but EPFO shall not recommend or be associated in the agreement with any particular housing agency/housing society. RPFCs should also discuss the issue with PF Workers' Union and employers of establishments for formation of cooperative societies so that the concerned society may also negotiate with such Housing Board/ authorities.

3. Accordingly, it is advised that provisions of paragraph 68-BD of EPF Scheme, 1952 be given due focus and publicity by all such possible means in the interest of the workers.

Yours faithfully,

S/d,
(K.L. Taneja)
Addl. Central P.F. Commission (Housing)

Source: epfindia.gov.in

Payment of Over Time Allowance to the JEs (AC) performing running/ maintenance duties on Rajdhani/Shatabdi Trains

Dated: 24.05.2017

No. I/8/Part I

The Secretary (E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,
Sub: Payment of Over Time Allowance to the JEs (AC) performing running/ maintenance duties on Rajdhani/Shatabdi Trains-reg.

Ref:  General Manager (Personnel), Eastern Railway's letter No. E.740/0/Migo (Policy) dated 04/05/2017 to Railway Board.

On Eastern Railway, the Jr. Engineers (AC) GP 4200/- (6th CPC)/Pay Level 6 (7th CPC) are deployed to man Rajdhani/Shatabdi Trains along with the team of staff for ensuring safe and efficient maintenance standards. Unfortunately, these JEs are denied payment of Over Time Allowance since the last over three months, while the staff work under them on running maintenance are granted Over Time Allowance.

In the above context, the General Manager (P), Eastern Railway has addressed a letter to Railway Board vide No. E. 740/0/Misc (Policy) dated 04/05/2017 seeking Railway Board's approval for allowing payment of OTA to the Electrical JEs escorting the Rajdhani/Shatabdi Express Trains and discharging duties.

The Federation wants the Railway Board to appreciate that the role of Electrical JEs on Rajdhani/Shatabdi trains are not to be compared with other Supervisors so far as nature of duties are concerned as these JEs while discharging their duties of leading the team on Rajdhani/Shatabdi Trains, are always engaged and confined to their work under severe stress and tension to ensure safety, punctuality and efficient running and maintenance on the entire train formation to the comfort of passengers, thus they are not free to adjust their duties while on board, unlike those Supervisors who perform stationary duties. The CEE, Eastern Railway has also confirmed this view as mentioned in Eastern Railway’s letter dated 04th May 2017.

NFIR further states that the Board's letter No. E(LL)70/HER/16 dated 04th January 1972 classifying Electrical Chargemen in scale Rs. 250-380 (AS) or above as Supervisor under HOER is not relevant to the category of Electrical JEs who perform duties on running trains i.e. Rajdhani and Shatabdi and whose duties are totally different to that of those Supervisors of GP 4200/Level 6 (7th CPC) performing duties in the Sheds/Depots.

NFIR, therefore, requests the Railway Board to accord approval for payment of OT Allowance to Electrical JEs escorting Rajdhani/Shatabdi Express Trains for ensuring running maintenance and accordingly issue instructions to the General Manager, Eastern Railway etc., to ensure payment of Over Time Allowance.
DA/As above

Yours faithfully,
S/d,
(Dr. M. Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

---

Eastern Railway
(Personnel Department)
17, N. S. Road, Kolkata -700 001

No. E.740/0/AAisc (Policy)

Kolkata,
Dated :04.05.2017

Director Estt.(LL)
Ministry of Railways (Railway Board) Govt. of India
New Delhi.

Sub: Grant of Overtime Allowance to Supervisors.

A doubt has been arisen regarding the entitlement of Overtime Allowance (OTA) tothe category of Junior Engineers in GP Rs. 4200 (Level-6) working under Electrical Department deployed in Rajdhani/Shatabdi Exp. along with maintenance &. AC staff. The matter has been considered in consultation with Electrical Department of this Railway (CEE/ER), keeping in view the extant guidelines mentioned as under:
1.In terms of extant provisions laid down in RS (Hours of work and period of rest) Rules, 2005, Railway servants classified as "Supervisors" and "Excluded" under Hours of Employment Regulations are holding a position of responsibility and are employed mainly in a supervisory character and comparatively free to adjust their hours of duty & work during such hours and are thus not entitled to overtime allowance.
2.As per Board's letter no. E(LL)70/HER/16 dated 04/01/1972, the category of Electrical Chargeman in Rs. 250-380 (AS) or above, in-charge of electrical examination and maintenance units has been classified as 'Supervisor' under HOER.

3.However, the CEE/ER is of view that nature of the duty of an Electrical JEs, as escorting Supervisors, is in no way comparable to those who are working as such on stationary duties because while discharging the duties of leading the team in a train like Rajdhani/Shatabdi Exp, they are always engaged and confined with their work under severe stress and tension to run train maintaining safety, punctuality and requisite passengers' comfort and thus, not free to adjust their duty hours while on board. Hence they should be entitled to "Single (BARE) Rate Overtime".

4.As the issue involves pan Indian Railways implications, Board is requested to examine the entitlement to OTA to Electrical JEs deployed in Rajdhani/Shatabdi Exp. to be calculated' as per Para 2(c) of RBE No. 29/2010 in its true perspective and communicate the decision in this regard.

This issues with the approval of CPO (Admn.) and Accounts and in consultation with associated Accounts.

S/d,
U.Lahiri,
Dy.Chief Personnel officer/R,
for General Manager (p)
Phone No.24103 (Rly.)

Source : NFIR

Upgradation of the posts of Sr. SO (A/cs)/Sr. TIA/Sr. ISA in the Railways as recommended by 7 CPC - clearance of DoP&T

Upgradation of the posts of Sr. SO (A/cs)/Sr. TIA/Sr. ISA in the Railways as recommended by 7 CPC - clearance of DoP&T

No. IV/NFIR/7 CPC (Imp)/2016/R.B/Part I

Dated: 26.05.2017

Special attention: Executive Director/PC-II

The Secretary (E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub: Upgradation of the posts of Sr. SO (A/cs)/Sr. TIA/Sr. ISA in the Railways as recommended by 7 CPC - clearance of DoP&T-reg.

Ref: (i) NFIR's PNM Item No. 15/2013.

Railway Board's letter No. PC-VII/2016/RSRP/2 dated 02/08/2016 (RBE No. 93/2016) to the GMs etc.

NFIR's letter No. IV/NFIR/7 CPC (Imp)/2016/R.B. dated 12/09/2016 & 15/11/2016 & 26/11/2016 addressed to Board.

Federation invites kind attention of the Railway Board to the correspondence cited under reference. Federation also invites Board’s attention to DoP&T’s ID Note No. 1198678/18- Estt/11405 dated 2nd February 2017 to the Ministry of Railways (EDPC-II).

In this connection, Federation re-iterates that the Ministry of Finance vide resolution dated 25th July 2016 had referred the 7th CPC specific recommendation (Para No. 11.40.83, 11.40.124 of. 7th CPC) to DoP&T for examination. Sadly, the DoP&T has given reply stating that the revision of pay scales and pay structure does not come under the administrative domain of DoP&T and has advised the Railway Ministry to consult Department of Expenditure of Ministry of Finance for the purpose.

NFIR also vide letter dated 26/11/2016 had sought copies of the references made by the Railway Ministry on the subject but unfortunately till date the copies have not been made available. Federation also desires to know the Board’s initiative for ensuring implementation of 7th CPC recommendation.

NFIR, therefore, once again requests the Railway Board to kindly make available copies of the references made to DoP&T/MoF. The Federation further requests that appropriate communication may be sent to the DoP&T/MoF seeking approval for implementation of 7th CPC recommendation relating to upgradation of CMA, CMS, ACM & SSO (Accounts).

Yours faithfully,
S/d,
(Dr. M. Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source : NFIR

Regarding allotment of GPF Account Numbers to Casual Labourers with temporary status

Allotment of GPF Account Numbers to Casual Labourers with temporary status: Clarification by DoP

No. 01-07/2016-SPB-1
Government of India
Ministry of Communications
Department of Posts
Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg,
New Delhi-110001.

Dated: 22 May, 2017

To,
1. All CPMsG
2. All PMsG
3. Director, Rafi Ahmed Kidwai National postal Academy, Ghaziabad
4. All Directors, PTC
5. All Directors, Postal Accounts
6. Controller, Foreign Mails, Mumbai
7. Heads of all other Administrative Offices.

Subject: Regarding allotment of GPF Account Numbers to Casual Labourers with temporary status.

Sir,
Reference is invited to Directorate’s letter No. 01-07/2016-SPB-I of even No. dated 12.09.2016 vide which clarifications in respect of Casual Labourers with temporary status were issued. The Directorate has received references from Postal Circles seeking clarification as to whether GPF account numbers should be allotted to Temporary Status Casual Labourers covered under the Scheme formulated vide Directorate’s letter No. 45-95/87-SPB-I dated 12.04.1991.

2. In this regard, it is clarified that Directorate’s letter No. 01-07/2016-SPB-I dated 22.07.2016 restores the provisions of the scheme as it existed prior to this Department’s letter no. 45-6/2005-SPB-I dated 02.09.2005. Since, the benefit of GPF was available to temporary status Casual Labourers prior to 02.09.2005, GPF account numbers may be allotted to such Casual Labourers for the purpose of contribution in GPF including those Temporary Status Casual Labourers who have not been regularized as yet. In this context, provisions of above said letter, dated 12.09.2016 may also be taken into consideration.

Yours faithfully,
(Satya Narayana Dash)
Assistant Director General (SPN)

Source: [Department of Posts]

Revision of minimum wage payable to Temporary status Casual Labourers

Revision of minimum wage payable to Temporary status Casual Labourers - reg.

Ref: Confdn/Genl/2016-19

Dated - 25.05.2017

To,
The Secretary
Department of Personnel & Training
Government of India
North Block, New Delhi - 110001

Sir,
Sub:- Revision of minimum wage payable to Temporary status Casual Labourers - reg.

The minimum wage payable to Temporary Status Casual labourers is revised, every time when the minimum pay of Central Government employees is revised. Eventhough the notification revising the minimum pay of Central Government employees with effect from 01.01.2016 was issued by Government on 25.07.2016, the minimum wage of Temporary status Casual labourer is not yet revised. Pending revision, they are being now paid the minimum wage as per the 6th CPC wage revision.

It is requested that necessary action may be taken for revision of minimum wage payable to Temporary status Casual labourers working in various Central Government department.

Yours faithfully,

(M. Krishnan)
Secretary General &
Standing Committee Member
National Council JCM

Source: http://confederationhq.blogspot.in/

Extension of the benefit of bunching to Assistant Accounts Officers as per the recommendations of 7CPC

Extension of the benefit of bunching to Assistant Accounts Officers as per the recommendations of 7CPC
No:- NFCAA/HQ/A-2/2017

Dated: 22.05.2017

To,
Shri Anthony Lianzuala,
Controller General of Accounts,
Ministry of Finance,
Department of Expenditure,
4th Floor, GPOA, Block-E, INA,
New Delhi - 110023

Subject: - Extension of the benefit of bunching to Assistant Accounts Officers as per the recommendations of 7CPC.

Sir,
I have been directed to draw your kind and personnel attention to the All India Civil Accounts Employees Association Category-II letter No:- AICAEA Cat-II/CHQ/2017/27 dated 27.04.2017 (Copy enclosed) on the above mentioned subject and state that, it is nearly eight months the Implementation Cell of Department of Expenditure vide order No:- 1-6/2016-IC dated 07.09.2016 has conveyed its decision to implement the recommendation of 7CPC regarding the bunching benefit to entitled employees and officers, but the Assistant Accounts Officers of Civil Accounts Organization have not yet been extended the benefit inspite of an order issued by your office in this respect. As such the Assistant Accounts Officers have become aggrieved due to non-receipt of their legitimately due benefit.

Therefore, on behalf of this federation, I seek your kind intervention into the matter so that the issue is settled at the earliest.

Four your kind and early favorable action this federation shall be highly thankful to you.
Thanking you,

Yours Sincerely,
(V. Bhattacharjee)
Secretary General

Source: http://nfcaahqnd.blogspot.in/

ECHS Order: Empanelled Hospital Claims- Ophthalmic procedures

ECHS Order: Empanelled Hospital Claims- Ophthalmic procedures

Empanelled Hospital Claims- Ophthalmic procedures

Central Organisation,ECHS
Adjutant General's Branch
Integrated Headquarters
Ministry Of Defence(army)
Maude Lines
Delhi Cantt - 110010

B/49773/AG/ECHS/Rates/Policy

18th May 2017
UTI-ITSL
15533/1, Above Farico Show Room
1st Floor, Old Madras Road
Halasuru, Bangalore,
Karnataka - 560008

EMPANELLED HOSPITAL CLAIMS : OPHTHALMIC PROCEDURES

1. It has been noted with concern while scrutinizing claims of an Eye Centre that ECHS had been billed more than the hospital rates. It was also observed that for ocular investigations the hospital was billing ECHS at twice the CGHS rates (stating that the CGHS rates are for one eye). It has been clarified the CGHS rates for Ophthalmology investigations are for both eyes unless specified".

2. As per provisions of MoA and para 4(b)(x) of Gol MoD letter NO.24(8)/03/US(WE)/D(Res) dated 19 Dec 2003, the hospital cannot bill ECHS more than the hospital rates. It should be ensured by Regional Centre's that the rate list of the hospital is taken whenever MoA is being renewed. The rate list attached with MoA should not have a rate more than CGHS rate/Hospital rate. wherever the hospital rate is below CGHS rate it should be reflected with an asterisk (*) on the rate list attached with MoA.

3. BPA to check the claims of such hospital (including settled claims) which have not been processed correctly and the excess amount paid post implementation of CGHS 2014 rates if any would be recoered from the pending claims of the hospitals.

4. The RCs are directed to ensure no additional charges/extra charges than CGHS/ECHS or actuals whichever is less to be paid to the hospital. It is also requested RCs to accordingly review the pending claims (i.e not settled claims) of the hospitals not restricted to ophthalmic claims and those with observations be returned to BPA for correct processing.

5. Please ask.

Sd/-
(IVS Gahlot)
Col
Dir (Med)
for MD ECHS

Source: [Document Click here to download]