Payment of Minimum wages to DEOs engaged in PAO, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Kolkata: AICAEA writes to CGA

Payment of Minimum wages to DEOs engaged in PAO, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Kolkata: AICAEA writes to CGA

All India Civil Accounts Employees Association
(RECOGNISED BY GOVT. OF INDIA)
CENTRAL HEADQUARTERS

No: AICAEA/HQ/C-1/2015/169-171

Dated: 18.03.2015

To,
The Chief Controller of Accounts,
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare,
Room No. 147, ‘A’ Wing, Nirman Bhawan,
New Delhi–110011

Subject: – Settlement of the problems referred by the PAO, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Kolkata Unit.

Reference: – This Association’s letter No. AICAEA/HQ/C-1/2014/2252-54 dated 26-02-2014.

Madam,

With reference to the above and in pursuance of the discussion held with the Controller of Accounts, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on 10th February 2015, I would like to draw your kind attention to the following few lines –

1. Payment of Minimum wages to DEOs engaged in PAO, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Kolkata:-

Through the letter dated 1st September 2014, the Unit Association of PAO, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Kolkata had brought it to your kind notice that the outsourced employees engaged in the PAO, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Kolkata as Data Entry Operators have not only been receiving less pay then the rate prescribed by the Ministry of Labour but also lesser than their counterparts working in the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare itself. Alongwith its letter, the Unit Association had also forwarded a detailed note analyzing the entire fact for your perusal and favorable action.

As 10 posts of Accountant/Senior Accountant, 4 posts of LDCs and 4 posts of MTS were vacant in PAO, Ministry Of Health and Family Welfare, Kolkata , it was decided by the CCA, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to recruit 5(Five) Data Entry Operators through third party (Contractor) to meet the shortfall. These DEOs were granted Rs. 339/- per day in spite of the fact that being Graduates and Computer trained, they fall under the category of “Highly Skilled” and they had been engaged against regular works being performed by the Accountant, Senior Accountant and LDC.

Data Entry Operators engaged in the Central Drug Laboratory, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Kolkata have been receiving daily wages @ Rs. 405/- and the Pay Accounts Office, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Kolkata is making payment of the Bills preferred by DDO concerned. The Copies of the Bills are enclosed herewith for your ready reference. Therefore, the DEOs working PAO, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Kolkata are being paid less than their counterparts.

Moreover, the explanations below Part II of the Schedule of Government of India extra ordinary Gazette Notification No. 800 dated May 20th, 2009(copy enclosed) stipulated that-

(a) If there are two rates for the Highly Skilled category, the higher rate is to be protected (Explanation No. 2 below Part II of the Schedule). This fact has further been clarified vide Note of the order No. B-27(1)/2013 dated 1-4-2013 issued by the Dy. Chief Labour Commissioner (Central), Mumbai (copy enclosed).

(b) The minimum wage of DEO is to be determined after allowing Variable Dearness Allowances (explanation No. 7, below Part II of the Schedule).

(c) The minimum rates of wage include also the wage for weekly day of rest (explanation No.3 below Part II of the Schedule) which implies that pay is to be given for 26days and not 22days.

Further, the Ministry of Labour, Government of India vide OM No. 14(113)Misc. RLC (coord)/ 2012 dated 23rd January 2014 provided the detailed guidelines regarding engagement of workers through Contractors by the Ministries and Departments of Central Government (Copy enclosed).

In view of the above we request the following-

1. Wage to DEOs may be given for 26days instead of 22 days.

2. Discrimination in wages of DEO may be removed by granting the wage equal to the wage being paid to the DEOs of Central Drugs Laboratory, O/o the DDC (I) of ADC (I).

3. Variable Dearness Allowance may be given to DEOs twice in a year.

4. Higher rate of wage may be protected in r/o DEOs to determine the minimum wage.

5. The Ministry of Labour order No. 14(113)Misc.RLC(coord)/2012 dated 23rd January 2014 may be implemented in the matter of engagement of DEOs.

2. Filling up of vacant posts:-

In the year 2011, the office of the Controller General of Accounts issued orders directing the heads of the Civil Accounts organization to upload the data relating to vacancy to website of Staff Selection Commission within stipulated time. The arrangement was in operation in the years 2012, 2013 and 2014 also. Various Ministries and Departments of Civil Accounts organizations which had taken action promptly could fill up large number of vacancies as they were allotted candidates by the Staff selection Commission from among the qualified candidates of examinations of 2012 and 2013.

But the office of the CCA, Ministry of Health and family Welfare did not send its requirement to the Staff Selection Commission at that time and due to this the posts have been left vacant in this organization.
Therefore, we request you to kindly initiate steps for filling up of vacant posts immediately as the office is suffering from huge shortage of staff.

The PAO, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Kolkata Unit alongwith the West Bengal Branches of All India Civil Accounts Employees Association and All India Civil Accounts Employees Association Category II have been agitating for settlement of above demands. However, responding to an assurance of the authority, the Unit Association and the aforementioned Branch Associations had suspended their agitational programmes after holding three days continuous Dharna in January 2015. But it is nearly two months they have not yet received any favourable response from the authorities.

It will therefore, be highly appreciable, if you kindly intervene into the state of affairs and settle above issues at the earliest.

Thanking you,

Enclo: as stated above

Yours Sincerely,

(V. Bhattacharjee)
Secretary General

Source: http://nfcaahqnd.blogspot.in/2015/03/a.html

Report of Committee on Traffic Optimization Presented to Railway Minister within Stipulated Time

Report of Committee on Traffic Optimization Presented to Railway Minister within Stipulated Time

Press Information Bureau,
Government of India
Ministry of Railways

27-March, 2015

The Committee Estimates Growth of 9 to 15 Per Cent in Freight Traffic During the Next 4 Years

The Committee Suggests Measuires to Increase Passenger Traffic

Use of Satelite Suggestd for Operation and Safety Needs

Specific Plans of Action Suggested for Zonal Railways

The Minister of Railways Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu received the Report of the Committee on traffic optimization from Committee’s head, Shri Mohd. Jamshed, Additional Member (C&IS) and (T&C), Railway Board at a function here today. The Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha was specially present on the occasion. Also present on the occasion among others were Chairman, railway Board, Shri A.K.Mital, Board Member, Members of the Committee and senior railway officials.

Speaking on this occasion, Minister of Railways Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu said that it is heartening to know that the Committee on Traffic Optimisation have submitted its report within the stipulated time frame. It is really an amazing document prepared by a Committee consisting of Railways’ own officers. The Minister said that the Committee has pointed out the potential of growth for Indian Railways and the roadmap suggested by the Committee, indicates that Indian Railways freight loading has the potential to grow between 9 to 15 per cent during the next 4 years against the growth of around 4% recorded during the last four years. The Railway Minister pointed out that the measures suggested by the Committee would be implemented in a mission mode. He called upon the railway officers to not only complete the freight loading traffic but work towards exceeding the target.  The Railway Minister also announced that this Committee continue to be in existence and will monitor the implementation of its recommendations.

 The Committee on Traffic Optimisation has examined and analysed the pattern of transportation growth both passenger and freight on Indian Railways in the last four decades and specifically during the last five years.  Various constraints that have been impacting the desired growth of freight and passenger traffic have been reviewed at length and various bottlenecks identified.  It is observed that growth of originating freight loading on Indian Railways has remained at a level of 4% during the last five years.  There has also been reduction in number of passengers being carried by Indian Railways except in PRS segment during last five years. Indian Railways growth has not been able to keep pace with the growth in GDP.

          The Committee has examined all factors impacting the growth of Indian railways including development of infrastructure, augmentation of capacity and saturation levels of all high density routes.  It has also identified specific bottlenecks requiring urgent attention including completion of last mile projects, specifically those connected to through put enhancement i.e. doubling of traffic facility, signaling and electrification works.  The Committee has also reviewed growth for various core sectors requiring high demand for transportation of selected commodities including Coal, Iron-ore, Steel, Fertilizers, Food-grain, POL and Cement, etc.  The Committee made the assessment to meet demand for transportation of Coal, Iron-ore and Containers.  Demands in other sectors will also be robust providing huge volumes of freight traffic for the railways to move.  The potential estimated by the Committee looks at growth of 9 to 15 per cent during the next four years.  The Great Leap Forward would be achieved only with completion of Dedicated Freight Corridor.  In the ensuing period various other capacity augmentation works will have to be completed, system improvements requiring changes in rolling stock and infrastructure maintenance practices will have to be looked at, capacity of terminals is to be augmented, utilization of alternate routes will have to be rationalized, wagon capacity scheme requires liberalisation, private freight terminals have to come up and rating structure have to be revised to provide more incentives in empty flow direction.

          The Committee has also looked at the growth of passenger traffic of Indian railways.  There has been decline in number of passengers in both sub-urban and non-sub-urban short route traffic.  These are identified areas which require rationalisation of fares.  The long distance reserved category traffic has shown robust growth, which has to be doubled during the next three years.  Full load running of trains, induction of DMUs and MEMUs, dynamic pricing for all Mail/Express trains and changes in scheduling of trains and their maintenance are some of the areas requiring attention.

The Committee has also suggested using satellite for Indian Railways’ operation and safety needs.

The Committee has also suggested specific plans of action for Zonal Railways who have been provided not only the potential targets but also various actions to be taken during 2015-16.

Various policies requiring review and modifications have also been mentioned in the report. The report has been submitted to the Ministry of Railways for acceptance and implementation.

Earlier, the Ministry of Railways (Railway Board) had constituted a Committee on 13/02/2015 to identify factors and issues affecting growth of traffic (Freight & Passenger) and suggest a plan of action for Traffic Optimisation in short term (during 2015-16) and long term (2018-19).  The Committee consisted of the following:

1.             Shri Mohd. Jamshed, AM(C&IS), Chairman

2.             Shri Rinkesh Roy, CFTM/ECoR, Member

3.             Ms. Sarla Balagopal, CCM/SR, Member

4.             Shri Prabhakar Pranai, CTPM/WR, Member

5.             Shri Mukul Jain, CTPM/SER, Member

6.             Shri H.D. Gujrati, Director/DFCCIL, Member

7.             Shri A.K. Gupta, MD/CONCOR, Member

8.             Shri V. Shanker, CFTM/NR, Member, Secretary.

The Committee was given following terms of reference:

a)             To review the traffic growth both passenger and freight from 2010-11 to 2014-15 & constraints in achieving higher growth during this period;

b)             Identify bottlenecks which can be removed in short term (during 2015-16 and long run term (upto 2018-19) for capacity augmentation;

c)             Suggest innovative measures to enhance through put to achieve traffic growth of upto 15% in short and long term periods;

d)            Develop a brief action plan for implementation by Zonal Railways during 2015-16 towards optimization of traffic out put; and

e)             Suggest policy changes required to be undertaken by Railway Board to enable achieving higher traffic (Freight & Passenger) output.

Promotion of USs of CSS to DS Grade on ad-hoc basis and posting of DS/Director- Furnishing of fresh personal information in terms of revised vacancy position

Promotion of USs of CSS to DS Grade on ad-hoc basis and posting of DS/Director- Furnishing of fresh personal information in terms of revised vacancy position

No.4/2/2015-CS-I(D)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
(Department of Personnel & Training)

Lok Nayak Bhawan, New Delhi -110003
Dated the 25th March, 2015.

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Promotion of Grade-I (Under Secretary) officers of CSS to the Selection Grade (Deputy Secretary) on ad-hoc basis and posting of DS/Director of CSS on their return from leave etc. – Furnishing of personal information thereof.

In partial modification of this Department’s OM of even number dated 18.03.2015 on the subject mentioned above, revised vacancy postion alongwith revised list of officers who are likely to be promoted/posted are given in Annex.1 and Annex.I respectively.

2. All the officers concerned are requested to exercise their revised options in terms of revised vacancy position till 26.03.2015 by  1 P.M.

( Biswajit Banerjee)
Under Secretary to the Government of India
Telefax: 24629413

To
1. Officers listed at Annex.II

Annex-I

Tentative vacancies in DS/Director grade as on 01.04.2015

Group A

Sno	Ministry/Deptt	Vacancy	Retention	Next Vacancy
1	DOPT	2	2	0
2	Defence	1	0	1
3	Home	1	1	0
4	Panchayti Raj	1	0	1
5	Science & Tech.	1	1	0
	Total	6	4	2

Group B

Sno	Ministry/Deptt	Vacancy	Retention	Next Vacancy
2	Food & PD	1	0	1
3	Health & FW	2	0	2
4	Niti Ayog	1	0	1
	Total	4	0	4

Note: The vacancies mentioned above are only indicative/tentative in nature and subject to change.

Source: http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02csd/aprpromo.pdf

Filling up of 5% Sports quota and 5% Compassionate quota vacancies, out of the total Direct Recruitment vacancies in the grades of Income Tax Inspectors and Tax Assistants: CBDT Order

Sports and Compassionate quota vacancies in the grade of Income Tax Inspectors and Tax Assistants: CBDT Order

 Filling up of 5% Sports quota and 5% Compassionate quota vacancies, out of the total Direct Recruitment vacancies in the grades of Income Tax Inspectors and Tax Assistants: CBDT Order

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA,
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
CENTRAL BOARD OF DIRECT TAXES
DIRECTORATE OF INCOME TAX
(HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT)

CADR Building, Plot No. 6, Vasant Kunj Institutional Area Phase-II
New Delhi – 110070. Telefax. 26130592.

F.No. HRD/CM/127/O7/2013-14 (Part-III)/9152

Dated: 24.03.2015

To
All the Principal Chief Commissioners of Income Tax (CCA)

Subject:- Filling up of 5% Sports quota and 5% Compassionate quota vacancies, out of the total Direct Recruitment vacancies in the grades of Income Tax Inspectors and Tax Assistants.

Sir,
Kindly refer to the above subject.

2. Additional posts at various levels in Gr. B & C were created vide CBDT Order F.No. A-11013/1/2013-Ad.VII, dt. 31-05-2013. Vide ietter F.No. HRD/CM/ 102/28/2013-14/4488, dt. 17-10-2014 at Annexure Q (copy enclosed), the vacancies pertaining to D.R quota (including Sports and Compassionate appointment quota) were communicated to ail Pr. CCsIT.

3. I am now directed to communicate the region-wise Direct Recruitment quota for Income Tax Inspector and Tax Assistant grades (Annexure A and B) being 5% each of the D.R quota indicated at Annexure Q. These are included in the figures mentioned at Annexure Q of CBDT.

4. I am, further directed to request you to fill up the Sports and Compassionate quota vacancies of 2013-14 in your Region, including the vacancies as per the above Annnexure , evenly and fully, taking care to include various sports, as per Government instructions in the matter.

5. Some sports quota and compassionate ground vacancies of earlier years or for vacancy year 2014-15 also may be existing with your Regions. It is requested that the Sports & compassionate quota appointments for other vacancy years, including vacancy year 2014-15, may also be filled up, as per Government instructions in tho matter.

Encls:- As above

Yours faithfully,

(Surabhi Sharma)
Deputy Director of Income Tax (HRD)

Source: Click here to read/download

POSTAL DEPARTMENT JOINT COUNCIL OF ACTION

POSTAL JOINT COUNCIL OF ACTION
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF POSTAL EMPLOYEES
FEDERATION OF NATIONAL POSTAL ORGANISATIONS
ALL INDIA POSTAL EMPLOYEES UNION, GDS (NFPE)
NATIONAL UNION GDS

No. PJCA/2015

Dated: 26th March , 2015

CIRCULAR

To
All Office Bearers of both the Federations.
All General Secretaries
All Circle/Divisional and Branch Secretaries.
Dear Comrades,

P.J.C.A. MEETING

As decided earlier PJCA meeting was held at NFPE office, 1st Floor North Avenue Post Office Building New Delhi-110 001 on 24.03.2015. at 2 P.M The meeting was Presided over by Shri. D.Theagarajan, Chairman, PJCA and Secretary General FNPO.

The meeting attended by both Secretary Generals and General Secretaries of both the Federations.
Before commencement of meeting homage was paid to Com. S.K. Vyas, a Veteran & legendry leader of Central Government Employees & Pensioners Trade Union Movement by observing one minute silence.
In the meeting Com. R.N. Parashar, Secretary PJCA and Secretary General NFPE presented the position of action and development on the 40 points Strike Charter of demands after PJCA meeting with Secretary (P) on 05.02.2015.

All General Secretaries presented their views and after a detailed discussion, the following decisions were taken:

1. Disagreement was recorded on items No. 1,2,11,12,13,14,15,16,21, 25,27, 30, 31,33,34, 35,36,37, and 40 of PJCA Strike Charter of demand as the progress is not being noticed on all these items. Secretary (P) will be addressed to settle these issues as per the assurance given in meeting on 05.02.2015.

2. Due to some unavoidable circumstances the date of Dharna in front of Dak Bhawan, New Delhi by All India leaders of both Federations is rescheduled as 29th April-2015 instead of 15th April.

3. Notice for Indefinite Strike to be organized from 06th May 2015 will be served to the Secretary, Department of Posts, New Delhi on 06th April-2015. All Circle /Divisional and Branch Secretaries will also submit Strike Notice at all levels by organizing demonstrations in front of all important offices.

4 Campaign programme by All India Leaders of both the Federations affiliated unions has been finalized and it will be completed between 05th April to 15th April, 2015 to mobilize entire rank and file. All concerned will fix the dates in consultation with Circle leadership and conduct the programme to mobilize maximum employees to participate in Parliament March to be conducted on 28th April 2015 under banner of National Council JCM and to make them ready for the Indefinite strike from 06th May 2015 onwards . (Campaign programme is enclosed)

5. Next Meeting of PJCA will be held on 29th April, 2015 on the day of Dharna by All India leaders in front of Dak Bhawan, New Delhi.

MEETING WITH PAY COMMISSION

1, Meeting of NFPE leaders with 7th Central Pay Commission was held on 25th March, 2015 at Pay Commissions Office at Chhatrapati Shivaji Bhawan Qutub Institutional Area, New Delhi. Secretary General NFPE and all General Secretaries participated in the meeting and presented the issues very nicely submitted in the memorandums. Chairman and members appeared courteous and co-operative with positive attitude.
GDS issues were also discussed by Secretary General NFPE and Com. P. Panduranga Rao General Secretary, GDS (NFPE) and Memorandum on GDS issue was also presented again to Chairman 7th CPC by General Secretary GDS (NFPE) . Chairman assured all possible help to this most exploited and deprived section of Postal Workers within his capacity.

2. Meeting of FNPO leaders was also held with 7th CPC on 26th March 2015 at CPC office at New Delhi. Secretary General & all General Secretaries presented the issues effectively and Pay Commission was also of positive views on most of the items. FNPO & NUGDS also discussed GDS related issues to Pay Commission and submitted memorandum.

D. THEAGARAJAN	R.N. PARASHAR
Secretary General, FNPO	Secretary General NFPE

Source: http://nfpe.blogspot.in/

Fixed Medical Allowance to CG Pensioner residing non-CGHS area: PCDA Circular

Grant of Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) to the Central Government Pensioners residing in areas not covered under CGHS: PCDA Circular

OFFICE OF THE PR. CONTROLLER OF DEFENCE ACCOUNTS (PENSIONS)
DRAUPADI GHAT, ALLAHABAD- 211014

 Circular No. 130

No.G1/C/0197/Vol-II/Tech
O/o the Pr. C.D.A. (Pensions)
Draupadighat Allahabad -211014 

Dated: - 07.01.2015

Subject: Grant of Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) to the Central Government Pensioners residing in areas not covered under CGHS.

Reference: This office Circular No. 78 dated 08.07.2010.

Attention is invited to this office circulars no. 78 dated 08.07.2010,

under which a copy of Govt. of India, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare, OM No. 4/25/2008-P & PW (D), dated 26.05.2010 regarding grant of Fixed Medical Allowance @ Rs. 3ooI- PM to Central Government Pensioners/Family Pensioners residing in area not covered under CGHS was circulated to all Pension Disbursing Authorities (PDAs).

2. As per Govt. of India, Min. of PPG & P, Deptt. of P & PW OM No.4/25/2008-P & PW (D), dated 19.11.2014, Govt. has decided to enhance the amount of Fixed Medical Allowance from Rs.300/- to Rs. 500/- per month. The other conditions for grant of Fixed Medical Allowance shall continue to be in force. These orders will take effect from 19.11.2014.

3. A copy of Govt. of India, Min. of PPG & P, Deptt. of P & PW OM No.4/25/2008-P & PW (D), dated 19.11.2014 is enclosed for immediate implementation and the payment of Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) to be regulated accordingly wef 19.11.2014. Other conditions for grant of Fixed Medical Allowance circulated in previous circulars will remain unchanged.

4. It is requested that suitable instructions alongwith a copy of this Circular may please be issued to all sub offices under your administrative control for implementation of the above Government order.

(C.B. Yadav)
ACDA (P)

Source: http://pcdapension.nic.in/6cpc/Circular-130.pdf

Meeting of NC JCM Staff Side with 7th Pay Commission – Detailed report including about DA Merger, Interim Relief

Meeting of NC JCM Staff Side with 7th Pay Commission – Detailed report including about DA Merger, Interim Relief

Feedback of the meeting of NC JCM Staff Side with 7th CPC

No.NC/JCM/2015

Dated: March 25, 2014

Dear Comrades,

The 7th CPC had asked the JCM Staff Side to present their case before the Commission for wage revision on 23rd and 24th March 2015. Accordingly, the Standing Committee of the Staff Side met on 22nd March and again 23rd March 2015. The presentation was made on 23rd and 24th March 2015 before the Commission.

We have discussed the memorandum, chapter wise and the Commission made a very patient hearing and interacted with us seeking clarifications on certain matters. It is not possible to provide a detailed account of the discussions. However, we are to inform you that we came out of the discussion with a very good impression and satisfaction.

1. The Commission will adopt Minimum Wage Concept(Dr. Aykhrod Formula) as the principle of wage determination. They will however, collect the retail rates of the commodities that go into the basket.

2. We have pleaded for the adoption of the best international practices while fixing the highest salary.

3. On the demands for Interim Relief and Merger of DA, the Commission finally said that those can only be considered if Terms of Reference are amended.

4. The Commission agreed that there had been reduction in the sanctioned strength and working strength over the years despite the increased workload.

5. They have also noted that there was substantial reduction in percentage terms of the expenses on salary and wages over the years.

6. The Commission enquired, as to how multiplication factor of 3.7 was arrived at. The same was explained in detail.

7. Fitment Formula and the demand on Fixation of Pay on Promotion, were appreciated as the rationale was explained.

8. Date of effect: No commitment or comment was made by the Commission. The Staff Side explained, as to how they compromised by shifting the date from. 01.01.2011 to 01.01.2014.

9. The institution of Special Pay, especially in the wake of de-layering was explained.

10. Common Categories: We have requested the upgradation and amalgamation of the cadres of LDC with UDC and the need for bringing about parity in pay scales of the Subordinate Offices with the Central Secretariat. The problems of Staff Car Drivers were also elaborated. The contractorisation and casualisation at lower level positions and the consequent exploitation of the labour were discussed at length. The Commission has made a proposal to do away with the contractorisation/casualisation. Staff side will discuss the proposal and will send its views to the Commission in due course.

11. Classification of Posts: Our proposal has not been found favour.

12. GDS: While sympathizing with the Staff Side, the Commission wanted them to approach the Government with a view to amend the Terms of Reference.

13. Allowances and Advances: Detailed discussions were held on HRA, CCA, Transport Allowance, CEA and Special Allowance for personnel posted at North East Region. Chapters dealing with the facilities was also discussed at length, including compassionate appointment. On holidays, we have requested to include May Day in the list of holidays. The background of observance of May Day was enquired by the Commission and explained.

14. Pension and Retirement Benefit – NPS: Commission stated categorically that NPS being an Act of Parliament, they will not make any comment thereon.

Pension Computation: The rationale of 67% was explained and appreciated.

Minimum Pension: our demand for 2/3rd of the Minimum Wage was also explained.

Parity in pension of past and present pensioners was fully explained, linked with one rank -one pension scheme for Defence Personnel. We have pleaded that Civilian Pensioners should not be discriminated against. Demand for Additional Pension for both Pensioners and Family Pensioners was explained. All matters concerning Family Pension were also discussed. So also, gratuity to be computed in accordance with the Gratuity Act.

There was good response for the demands from the Commission.

Restoration of commuted value of pension: The Commission will enquire the views of the Government as to what is their objection to the demand.

Medical facilities for pensioners and discrimination between Pensioners in CGHS area and CCS(MA) Area as also the Postal Pensioners was brought home including the higher Fixed Medical Allowance for ESI persons.

Certain clarifications/elucidations have been asked for by the Commission. To provide such clarifications, another meeting with the Commission might be held after the Commission’s interaction with other organizations. The Staff Side may meet the Commission after their interaction with the other organizations are over.

With greetings,

(Shiva Gopal Mishra)

Secretary/Staff Side NC JCM

PDF file regarding feedback of the meeting is reproduced underneath:-

Closed Holiday on 14th April 2015 on account of the birthday of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: Railway Board

Closed Holiday on 14th April 2015 on account of the birthday of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: Railway Board

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)

No. 2012/F(LR)IIJ/HL1/1

New Delhi, Dt: 25.03.2015

The General Managers.
All Indian Railways
(As per standard list)

Sub: Declaration of Holiday on 14th April, 2015- Birthday of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.

In the above matter. Department of Personnel & Training vide 0M No. 12/6/2015/JCA-2 dated 19th March. 2015 has advised as under:

“it has been decided to declare Tuesday, the 14rn April 2015, as a Closed Holiday on account of the birthday of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, for all Central Government Offices including Industrial Establishments throughout India.

2. The above holiday is also being notified in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881(26 of 1881).

3. All Ministries/Departments of Government of India may bring the above decision to the notice of all concerned.”

The above may be noted for information and necessary action.

(Nirmala Tirkey)
Dv. Director Estt (LR)II
Railway Board

Source: http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/establishment/E(LR)/Ambedkar_Jayanti_Holiday_140415.pdf

Proposal for Centralised Pension Disbursement System for Ex-Servicemen – CGDA presentts Concept Paper

Proposal for Centralised Pension Disbursement System for Ex-Servicemen – CGDA presentts Concept Paper

CONTROLLER GENERAL OF DEFENCE ACCOUNTS

CENTRALISED PENSION DISBURSEMENT SYSTEM

CONCEPT PAPER

Ministry of Defence disburses appx Rs. 51,000 crore every year as pension benefits to 24.16 lakh defence pensioners – both service personnel as well as defence civilians. While pension sanction is being done in a centralised way – by PCDA (Pension) Allahabad in r/o Army and defence civilians; by PCDA (Navy) in r/o Navy personnel and by JCDA (AF) Subroto Park, New Delhi in r/o Air Force personnel, pension disbursement is being carried out by a number of agencies who are working as PDAs (Pension Disbursing Agencies) – 28 Public Sector and 4 Pvt Sector Banks, 63 DPDOs, State Treasuries and Post Offices.
Banks have the largest number of pensioners on their roll – appx 18.06 lakh pensioners or 75% of the total number of defence pensioners. And they disburse Rs. 3800 crores every month (or Rs. 45,600 crores per annum which is almost 90% of the total pension disbursement to defence pensioners) as pension to these pensioners. Instances have come to notice where different practices have been followed by banks or where different interpretation have been arrived at and implemented for one government order, resulting in complaints from pensioners. An analysis of grievances received at the Ministry or at CGDA office or at PCDA (Pension) office reveal that more than 95% of the complaints pertain to pensioners drawing their pension from the banks. The task of addressing these grievances and providing services to pensioners to their complete satisfaction is an arduous one. This, however, could be changed by adopting a new paradigm for pension disbursement.

2. This new paradigm is centralised disbursement of pension. This simply means disbursing pension from a central agency viz. Centralised Pension Disbursement Agency (CPDA) to all the pensioners.


3. The present system of pension imbursement is an opaque one in the sense that it does not easily provide details reg. no of pensioners, category wise distribution of pensioners, amount of pension disbursed in a month and govt’s pension liability. Collation of the information from various sources is quite difficult and the output is not always accurate.

4. Further, in the existing system, there is a multiplicity of PDAs ‐ 29 Banks, 63 DPDOs and a large number (500+) of State Treasuries. As mentioned earlier, many a times PDAs tend to interpret Govt. Orders differently. This, in some cases delays the implementation of the order itself and in some other cases the order gets to be implemented differently by different PDAs. In both cases, generally, pensioner is the sufferer. There are other issues/difficulties in the existing pension disbursement system:‐

I. With multiple PDAs, the system is not amendable to effective monitoring as well as grievance handling. It makes the task of all decision makers including the Ministry, a very difficult one.

II. There is a delay in booking the pension amount to Govt. account. This also makes it relatively difficult to know the exact pension liability.

III. Even at a given time, it becomes an arduous task to exactly find out the number of active defence pensioners (including categories‐wise) as the information is to be collated from a large no. of PDAs.

IV. Maximum pensioners are drawing pension from banks. It has been experienced that they (Banks) do not have dedicated staff to deal with pensioners’ issues. Also, they are not well conversant with orders/issues peculiar to Defence pension.

The Proposed System

5. The proposed system of Centralised disbursement of pension is not only transparent but easy for information processing and retrieval.

6. Under the proposed system, after sanctioning pension and issuing Pension Payment Order (PPO), the pension sanctioning authority will forward the PPO and other details – including bank details – of the pensioner to the Centralised PDA (CPDA) on soft format through a secured channel. It could be on the CGDA intranet and for enhanced security could also be with digital signature. The CPDA will process the papers and will initiate first payment as well as subsequent monthly pension payments for credit to the pensioners’ bank accounts (as given by the PSA along with the PPO) through the NEFT/RTGS or the CMP (on‐line payment mechanism with SBI). Since the CPDA is making payment of pension – he can directly book the amount to the government account, avoiding any delay or suspense head booking. For the pensioners, there will be no change as they would receive pension in their bank account, as is the status presently. The proposed system only replaces the multitude of PDAs with a single PDA without affecting the pensioners’ interest and rather bringing about a focused delivery mechanism. There are a number of benefits of the proposed system

i. Uniform interpretation and implementation of govt orders ii. Instant booking of pension payment to govt accounts – giving authorities a true picture of the pension liability and payment.

iii. Better grievance monitoring system can be instituted with a single PDA.Easier for everybody.

iv. Centralised database will help in better exploitation of information and communication technology for the betterment of services to the pensioners.

v. There will be no change as far as pensioners are concerned. They will continue to receive their pension in their given bank accounts.

vi. No loss to the banks in terms of accounts maintenance as they will continue to be the final pension paying agency.

vii. Future scalability is possible and relatively simple. For example, a centralised call centre could provide solutions to the pensioners for their queries or complaints.

7. In addition to these benefits, the proposed system will also result into a large saving to the Ministry of Defence (MoD). Presently, MoD pays Rs. 60 per transaction to Banks; and with 12 regular payments and 4 DA payments in a year, MOD pays Rs 960 per pensioners per year. For 18.06 lakh Bank pensioners, this amounts to almost Rs. 180 Cr. every year. If all pensioners are brought under the centralised PDA system ‐ where CPDA will credit pension in pensioners Bank A/c through NEFT/RTGS ‐ saving of Rs. 180 Crore could be achieved.

Implementation Modalities

8. Phase I can cover all new pensioners – appx. 80,000 per year – coming into pension fold. This can be done from a particular date which can be decided after taking decision on centralised pension disbursement and creating necessary IT and Communication infrastructure.

9. In Phase II all DPDO pensioners can be covered. All original files may be shifted to the CPDA DPDO‐wise. Given that out of 63 DPDOs, 52 have been centralised under Project Ashraya (Pension disbursement system), this is likely to be smoother phase wherein shifting of files and their appropriate indexing will be the main activity / focus.

10. In Phase III existing bank pensioners can be covered depending upon the response of the banks.
This would be the toughest phase both in terms of making banks agree to the new model and in database management Banks revenue loss will also be a big issue from their perspective. As such this phase will require perseverance and a different strategy (including for database management) which can be derived and decided later from the success of the first two phases.

11. An issue which may require a conscious decision would be whether the centralised disbursement should be from one location or multi‐location. It is considered that in a networked environment, location may not be an important factor from the view‐point of users. However, for the ease and adaptability with the existing pension set‐up, it is recommended to have three centres associated with the existing pension sanctioning authorities, viz. PCDA

(P), Allahabad, PCDA (N), Mumbai and JCDA (AF), New Delhi. It is also recommended to have a centralised call centre, which can have access to the complete database of the three centres of CPDA. The call centre can be co‐ located with one of the three centres for the purpose of administrative convenience.

Role of DPDOs in the proposed centralised system

12. DPDOs are Pension Disbursement Agencies (PDAs) in the exiting set‐up. Each DPDO is a distinct PDA. Presently, 63 DPDOs – 51 in northern India and 12 in Southern India (Eastern central and Western India have no DPDOs) – are working as PDAs for 4.7 lakh pensioners.

13. If we divide the role of a DPDO in terms of (i) processing of monthly pension payments and (ii) identification exercise (which is not restricted to any specific month (e.g. November for bank pensioners) and continues for the whole year) then it can be stated that in the proposed CPDA paradigm, role of DPDOs will not be there for first part (i.e. payment processing). However, they can be effectively used for the second part ‐ identification of pensioners. This would mean that DPDOs would need to be remodelled as service centres for pensioners/ which will carry out their annual identification, accept change requests/applications on behalf of CPDA (for cases related to re‐marriage, re‐ employment, death, Bank account changes etc.) and can also act as grievance handling /settlement centre as they would be linked with the CPDA server and can have a higher protocol communication with the CPDA call centre. It is considered that in the proposed model ‐ one DPDO may only require one AO, one AAO (or two AAOs) and one MTS ‐ all proficient on the new system. Savings achieved in manpower (to be assessed) can be used for opening up a few more service centres in areas where pensioner concentration is relatively very high or in existing offices of DAD or even with the Zila Sainik Board Offices.

Infrastructure requirements

14. To start the work at the CPDA, it is assessed that manpower strength of one IDAS, One AO, two AAOs, 4 Adrs and 2 MTS would be sufficient and can even last for the first two phases with 2‐4 additional Adrs. It is assessed that this manpower can be spared from the existing resources of the organization of CDA (PD).

Source: CGDA

One Rank One Pension Scheme to Cost Exchequer Rs. 7,500 – 10,000 Crore

‘One Rank One Pension’ Scheme to Cost Exchequer Rs. 7,500 – 10,000 Crore

NEW DELHI: Implementation of ‘One Rank One Pension’ scheme, the long-standing demand of Armed Forces veterans, is likely to cost the exchequer Rs. 7,500 crore to Rs. 10,000 crore, Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh said today.

The government has already made it clear that One Rank One Pension (OROP) will be implemented with effect from April 1, 2014, the Minister of State for Defence told reporters in Chandigarh.

He said that the Defence Ministry had recently forwarded to the Finance Ministry the cost which the scheme’s implementation would entail.

“It is likely to cost us somewhere between Rs. 7,500 crore to Rs. 10,000 crore,” he said, adding that the previous UPA government had made a mere announcement with regard to OROP.

“During the past four to five months, we have gone deep into this. We have calculated the entire cost now,” he said.

On being asked about Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohmmad Sayeed’s statement that his government will proceed with phased removal of AFSPA after consulting the Army, Mr Singh said that it is true that the Army has expressed its reservations about it.

The Army had yesterday said it was against any move to dilute the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Jammu and Kashmir.

“One thing is clear that there cannot be any unilateral decision on this,” he said.
He said that gradual withdrawal is everybody’s hope, “though that can only be possible when peace returns to the state.”

Responding to another question, Singh said that he would like the PDP-BJP coalition in Jammu and Kashmir to be given a chance to deliver.

“Before people start taking potshots at us, I would say let we be given a chance to deliver. If we fail, then may be, people have the right to criticise,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Singh said that more Sainik Schools would be set up in various states of the country so that students could be trained to become competent officers to serve the Armed Forces which faces a shortfall of 7,500 officers.

He said that efforts will also be made to woo people to join the Army in areas where joining the force was a tradition.

Source: NDTV