Pongal gazetted holiday in Tamil Nadu central government offices

Pongal gazetted holiday in Tamil Nadu central government offices

Chennai: In a major boost to the ruling All India Anna Dravida Kazhagam (AIADMK), the Centre on Tuesday finally caved in to their demands and declared Pongal festival as a gazetted holiday.
According to the AIADMK official Twitter handle, party general secretary V K Sasikala or Chinnamma as popularly called among followers, had urged the Central Government to roll back the announcement of Pongal as restricted holiday.

"Following the efforts taken by the general secretary of AIADMK respected Chinnamma, who in her statement urged the Central Government to roll back the announcement of Pongal as restricted holidays, the Central Government has today declared the festival as gazetted holiday. Tamil speaking people across the globe thanked, respected Chinnamma profusely for her efforts and said the good governance of Amma is still continuing," it said.

This development comes a day after Central Government changed the status of the Pongal holidays from gazetted to restricted.

On Monday, Sasikala had termed the Centre's move to convert the Pongal holiday into a restricted one as a “big shock", following which she urged the Centre to review its decision.

Inputs with ANI

Option for pay fixation in the 7th CPC Pay Matrix level to the Railway employees promoted during the period 01.01.2016 to 31.12.2016

Option for pay fixation in the 7th CPC Pay Matrix level to the Railway employees promoted during the period 01.01.2016 to 31.12.2016

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

Dated : 06/01/2017

The Secretary (E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,
Sub : Option for pay fixation in the 7th CPC Pay Matrix level to the Railway employees promoted during the period 01/01/2016 to 31/12/2016-reg

The Railway Board vide RBE No. 90/2016 issued notification on 28th July 2016 on the basis of Ministry of Finance (Department of Expenditure) Resolution No. 1-2/2016-IC and Notification No. GSR 721 (E) dated 25th July 2016 for granting pay in the revised pay matrix to the Railway employees of various categories w.e.f. 01/01/2016. Options have also been allowed to be exercised by the staff (in those cases of staff who have been promoted during the period from 01/01/2016 and the date of notification for opting for switching over to revised Pay Matrix to a later date.

In this connection, NFIR desires to convey that there are cases of Railway employees who have been granted promotion after the date of notification i.e. 25th & 28th July 2016. All these employees have been demanding that should be allowed to exercise option for revised Pay Matrix from the date subsequent to the date of Railway Board’s notification. Representations have also been received that such of those staff who have been promoted in between 01/01/2016 and 31/12/2016, be also given opportunity of exercising option for switching over to 7th CPC Pay Matrix.

The Federation is ofthe view that the staff representations as above are genuine and required to be considered favourably

NFIR therefore, requests the Railway Board to consider the above points and accord approval, for providing option opportunity to those who got promotion in between 01/01/2016 to 31st December 2016.

Yours faithfully

(Dr. M. Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source : NFIR

Providing breakup of pension and arrear payments & recoveries to pensioners

CPAO Order : Providing breakup of pension and arrear payments & recoveries to pensioners

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
DEPARTMENT OF EXPENDITURE
CENTRAL PENSION ACCOUNTING OFFICE
TRIKOOT II, BHIKAJI CAMA PLACE,
NEW DELHI-110066

CPAO/IT&Tech/Bank Performance/2016-17/ 220
CPAO / IT & Tech / SCOVA / 20 / Part File / 2016-17/220

09.01.2017

Office Memorandum

Subject:  Providing breakup of pension and arrear payments & recoveries to pensioners.

Attention is invited to para 4.6.7 of the Accounting and Operating Procedure for Central Pension Processing Centre of Authorised Banks for Pension Disbursement to Central Government (Civil) Pensioners (February, 2012) whereby it has been provided that "The CPPC software will display on the computer screen, options and view of the details of calculation of pension and its breakup of the pension paid to the pensioner/ family pensioner. The Home Branch will act as intermediary with the CPPC and, besides providing accounts statement, provide to the pensioners the payment of TDS details, pension slip, the Due and Drawn Statement in respect of each arrear and the Annual Income Statement".

2. Taking into consideration the grievances reported by Pensioners’ Associations and Pensioners, CPAO had issued instructions to Heads of CPPCs and Government Business Divisions vide OM No. CPAO/Tech/Banks Performance/2015-16/60 dated-14.06.2016 for strict compliance of above guidelines for providing detailed breakup of pension payments.

3. It has again been reported by Pensioners Associations and Pensioners that "arrears of arrear of Revision of Pension, Fixed Medical Allowance, Additional Pension, Life Time Arrear etc. are clubbed with monthly payment of pension for which it becomes difficult for pensioner/family pensioner to understand if pension and arrears are disbursed correctly. Even recovery of overpayment or wrong payment is not shown separately".

4. Therefore, banks are instructed to follow the provisions of CPPC guidelines and instructions issued vide OM dated-14.06.2016 and provide full breakup of pension payment dearly to the pensioners. A compliance report in this regard may be sent to CPAO latest by 31.01.2017 positively.

(Subhash Chandra)
Controller of Accounts

Order Copy

Delay in publishing GDS Committee Report - NFPE

Delay in publishing GDS Committee Report

UNJUSTIFIED DELAY IN PUBLISHING GDS COMMITTEE REPORT NFPE DECIDED TO COMMENCE INDEFINITE HUNGER FAST IN FRONT OF DIRECTORATE FROM 18.01.2017

National Federation of Postal Employees
All India Postal Employees Union GDS
1st Floor North Avenue Post Office Building, New Delhi-110 001

Phone: 011.23092771

Mob: 9868819295/9810853981

e-mail: nfpehq@gmail.com
website: http://www.nfpe.blogspot.com

No. PF-01(e)/2016

Dated: 09th January-2017

UNJUSTIFIED DELAY IN PUBLISHING GDS COMMITTEE REPORT NFPE DECIDED TO COMMENCE INDEFINITE HUNGER FAST IN FRONT OF DIRECTORATE FROM 18.01.2017

To
1) All General Secretaries
and Office Bearers
NFPE
2) All Circle/Divisional
Secretaries NFPE.
3) All Circle/Divisional Secretaries AIPEU GDS

Dear Comrades,

As you are aware the GDS Committee Report was submitted to the Government on 24th November 2016 by the Kamalesh Chandra Committee. NFPE conducted two days protest demonstration on 5th & 6th December 2016 demanding immediate publishing of the Report.
Secretary, Department of Posts categorically assured Secretary General NFPE that Report will be published after 31st December 2016. But even after 31st December, till this day, Report is not published.

Entire Postal Employees are agitated over the unjustified delay in publishing the Report.
NFPE Federal Secretariat has decided to commence INDEFINITE HUNGER FAST infront of Dak Bhawan , New Delhi from 18th January 2017 from 10 AM onwards demanding immediate publishing of GDS Committee Report.

Secretary General all General Secretaries NFPE and General Secretary AIPEU GDS / available Office Bearers will sit on hunger fast.

All Circle/Divisional Secretaries of NFPE/AIPEU GDS are requested to conduct protest demonstrations in front of all offices from 18th January onwards.

Please give wide publicity among all employees, especially among GDS employees

R. N. PARASHAR
Secretary General NFPE.

P.PANDURANGARAO
General Secretary AIPEU GDS

Source :  nfpe.blogspot.in

Holidays to be observed during 2017 in Central Government Offices in the state of Tamilnadu - Executive Committee Meeting of CGEWCC held on 10.1.2017 issue of corrigendum

Holidays to be observed during 2017 in Central Government Offices in the state of Tamilnadu - Executive Committee Meeting of CGEWCC held on 10.1.2017 issue of corrigendum

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
DEPT.OF REVENUE

Central Government Employees Welfare Coordination Committee

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS
CUSTOM HOUSE, NO,60,RAJAJI SALAI, CHENNAI-600001

F.No. CGEWCC-2016

Dated : 10.10.2017

To
All Executive Committee Members & Members (As per mailing list)
CGEWCC

Sir(s),
Sub: Holidays to be observed during 2017 in Central Government Offices in the state of Tamilnadu - Executive Committee Meeting of CGEWCC held on 10.1.2017 issue of corrigendum - reg.

Kindly reference is invited to the Executive Committee meeting of CGEWCC held on 10.1.2017 to discuss on the issue of declaring Pongal 14.01.2017 (Saturday) as closed holiday in Central Government Offices in the State of Tamilnadu
2. Consequent to the above the following corrigendum is issued of Closed Holidays and Restricted Holidays for the year 2017 issued vide letter of even no. dated 23-11-2016 for the Central Government Offices in Tamilnadau State as decided in the above meeting.

a. Pongal 14.01.2017 (Saturday) previously declared as restricted holiday is now changed as closed holiday.
b. The additional holiday for Dussehra 28.9.2017 (Thursday) previously declared as closed holiday is now changed as restricted holiday.

yours faithfully,
(K.K.SUJA)
JOINT COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS (P&V)

Source: http://www.chennaicustoms.gov.in/

Include Pongal in list of compulsory holidays: Paneerselvam

Include Pongal in list of compulsory holidays: Paneerselvam

Pongal is among 12 holidays that the Centre considers optional. This means Pongal is not a compulsory holiday for Central Government offices in Tamil Nadu.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday requesting that Pongal be included in the list of Compulsory Holidays to be observed by all Central Government Administrative offices in Tamil Nadu.

Mr. Panneerselvam requested that just as the Government of India’s Circular relating to list of 12 optional holidays from which three are to be selected includes an ‘Additional day for Dusshera’, an ‘Additional day for Pongal’ may also be included in the list of optional holidays.

The Chief Minister referred to a Centre's notification of a list of holidays, in which 14 days are categorised 'compulsory holidays’, and further three holidays from a list of 12 optional holidays are to be notified by the Central Government Employees Welfare Co-ordination Committee in different State Capitals. He pointed out that Pongal was among in the list of 12 optional holidays, which meant Pongal was not a compulsory holiday for Central Government offices in Tamil Nadu.

"This apparent diminution in the importance accorded to Pongal for the past several years has created disquiet and an impression that an important people’s festival of Tamil Nadu has been ignored by the Central Government," Mr. Panneerselvam contended.

If Pongal was included in the list of compulsory holidays for central government offices in Tamil Nadu, it would "ensure that Thiruvalluvar day could also be declared as a holiday by the Central Government Employees Welfare Co-ordination Committee of Tamil Nadu, to enable the employees of Central Government Offices working in Tamil Nadu to participate fully in the festivities connected with Pongal," the Chief Minister added.

Pongal, the prominent harvest festival of Tamil Nadu, is a social festival that transcended all religions and a number of social, recreational and sporting events including jallikattu were organised along with Pongal festivities, which usually last for three or four days, he said. For the State Government, the holidays start from January 14 and last till January 16, which is Uzhavar Tirunal (Farmers Day).
Pongal falls on the first day of the Tamil Month of ‘Thai’.

Scheme for Promotion of Adventure Sports & Similar Activities amongst Central Government Employees-Calendar of Snow programme at Auli to be conducted by Garhwal Mandal vikas Nigam Limited, Dehradun

Scheme for Promotion of Adventure Sports & Similar Activities amongst Central Government Employees-Calendar of Snow programme at Auli to be conducted by Garhwal Mandal vikas Nigam Limited, Dehradun

No.12S/1/201S-16-CCSCSB
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
(Department of Personnel & Training)

Lok Nayak Bhawan, New Delhi
Dated 09th January December, 2016.

Sub: Scheme for Promotion of Adventure Sports & Similar Activities amongst Central Government Employees-Calendar of Snow Programme at Auli to be conducted by Garhwal Mandai Vikas Nigam Limited, Dehradun.

The undersigned is directed to refer to the Department of Personnel & Training Office Memorandum of even number dated 26th April 2016 regarding Scheme for Promotion of Adventure Sports & Similar Activities amongst Central Government Employees. The same may be seen at www.persmin.nic.in-Welfare-sportsgeneral/
recent circulars-miscellaneous.

2. The Department of Personnel & Training has approved the Snow Skiing programme at Auli under the Scheme to be conducted by Garhwal Mandai Vikas Nigam Limited, Dehradun during January, 2017 to March, 2017:

Programme Name : Snow Skiing at Auli
Duration: 7 Days
Programme dates : 30.01.2017 to 05.02.2017
07.02.2017 to 13.02.2017
14.02.2017 to 20.02.2017
22.02.2017 to 28.02.2017
01.03.2017 to 07.03.2017
09.03.2017 to 15.03.2017
16.03.2017 to 22.03.2017
24.03.2017 to 30.03.2017

Batch : Minimum 20 persons
Course Fee: 13000/- per person (reimbursement will be regulated as per para 7.3 of the scheme.)

Contact Person : Shri Rajpal Singh, P.R.O. GMVNL (New Delhi)9312633180, 011-23350481,011-23326620.

Services: Attached bath accom·modation in TRH/Tent, Non Veg/Veg meals; First Aid, Guide services.

3. The interested Government Employee may approach Garhwal Mandai Vikas Nigam Limited and submit his/her application directly to them and a copy of the same endorsed to Secretary, CCSCSB, Lok Nayak Bhawan, Khan Market, New Delhi. On completion of Adventure Activities, the Government servant concerned will have to be submitted the copy of documents issued by institute as proof of completion of said activity, expenditure details (issued by GMVNL) alongwith Bank Details (Name of Bank, Account Number, Branch Name and IFSC Code) and Aadhar Number for smooth reimbursement of claim.

4. It is, therefore, requested that the contents of the Scheme may please be disseminated amongst the Central Government employees to avail the benefits of the Scheme and encourage to participate in the Scheme.

(Md.Nadeem)
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India.

DoPT Orders 2017

Admissibility of HRA in case of residing in Government Guest House / Transit Facility

Admissibility of HRA in case of residing in Govt. Guest House / Transit Facility - CGDA Orders

CONTROLLER GENERAL OF DEFENCE ACCOUNTS
ULAN BATAR ROAD, PALAM, DELHI CANIT-10

No.AN/XII/18001/1/GH

To
All PCDA,CDA, PCA (FYS) Kolkata

Dated: 5th Jan 2017

Subject: Admissibility of HRA in case of residing in Govt. Guest House / Transit Facility
Reference: HQrs Office Important Circulars Xo.AX/XVIII/1/18001/GH dated 21.11.200 and AN/XIV/14153/III/HRA/CCA/Vol.-X dated 18.03.2011

Comprehensive guidelines have been issued on the subject vide HQrs Office Important Circular dated 21.11.2000, to regulate the stay of officials at Guest Houses/transit accommodations. Further, HQrs Office Circular dated 18.03.2011 clearly stipulates that those occupying Government accommodation are not eligible for HRA and that the officers staying in the Inspection Quarters/Bungalow etc. in the Headquarters of their posting will not be entitled to draw HRA for the penod during which they stay in the Inspection Quarters/Bungalow etc.

2. Despite this, HQrs office is in receipt of reference from PCDA/CDA asking for clarification on the subject matter.

3. It is therefore, reiterated that those residing in Government accommodation be it Inspection Quarter or Transit Facility or Guest House shall not be granted HRA as stipulated vide GOI, Ministry of Communications, in consultation with Ministry of Finance, vide their letter No.14-4/85-NB dated 26.11.1985. Action may be taken accordingly.

(Mustaq Ahmad)

Dy. CGDA (Admin)

Click to view the order

Authority: www.cgda.nic.in

Pongal Holiday is not in the List of Compulsory Holidays 2017

Pongal Holiday is not in the List of Compulsory Holidays 2017

In Tamil Nadu, agitation Programme is being organised against the government decision of not including the Pongal Holiday in the list of Compulsory Holidays for the year 2017 for central government offices.

It is quite a surprise that some Political parties and Tamil Media are telling that Central Government has removed the Pongal holidays from the List of Compulsory Holidays for the year 2017.

Since 2009, there is no such order issued by DoPT (A Nodal Ministry for Central government employees) that includes Pongal festival in the List of Compulsory Holidays. The Orders for Central Government Holidays from the year 2009 are available in DOPT website

The Holiday for the Festivals which are celebrated in States shall be decided by the Central Government Employees Welfare Coordination Committee in the State Capitals, if necessary, in consultation with Coordination Committees at other places in the State from the list of restricted Holidays declared by central government. There are three such Holidays can be decided by State Coordination committees or Co Ordination committees in Departments for Central Governments offices functioning in States.

It is not clear that whether any Central Government Department in Tamil Nadu has decided not to announce Holiday for Pongal. If that is the case, it is not a correct decision. The Co Ordination Committee of the concerned Department has every right to avail the Pongal Holiday from restricted Holidays list.

In the list of Restricted Holidays, all the Regional Festivals like Pongal, Onam, Holi, Chat Puja, Ugadi are included. They are not included in Compulsory Holidays List according to the DoPT Orders available from 2008

The List of Compulsory Holidays and restricted Holidays shown below has been issued since 2009

Date	Subject	OM Download Link
11.6.2008	Holidays to be observed in Central Government Offices during the year 2009	Click Here
9.6.2009	Holidays to be observed in Central Government Offices during the year 2010	Click Here
31.6.2010	Holidays to be observed in Central Government Offices during the year 2011	Click Here
27.6.2011	Holidays to be observed in Central Government Offices during the year 2012	Click Here
5.6.2012	Holidays to be observed in Central Government Offices during the year 2013	Click Here
11.6.2013	Holidays to be observed in Central Government Offices during the year 2014	Click Here
6.6.2014	Holidays to be observed in Central Government Offices during the year 2015	Click Here
11.6.2015	Holidays to be observed in Central Government Offices during the year 2016	Click Here
24.6.2016	Holidays to be observed in Central Government Offices during the year 2017	Click Here

Mandatorily process all pension cases online: Government to departments

Mandatorily process all pension cases online: Government to departments

In order to check delay and bring in more transparency, the Centre has asked all its departments to mandatorily process all pension-related cases through an online system.

The move will result in timely sanction and grant of post-retirement benefits to employees.

The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions has issued instructions to secretaries of all central government departments asking them to ensure that pension cases are processed electronically.
It has been seen that despite detailed guidelines and instructions, a large proportion of retiring employees do not get their retirement benefits and pension payment order (PPO) in time, the Ministry said in an order.

It said an online pension sanction and payment tracking system called 'Bhavishya' has been launched to check delay in providing retirement benefits to employees.

Both the retiring employees as well as administrative authorities can monitor progress of pension cases at each stage online.

"It has now been decided that all Heads of Offices will henceforth mandatorily process all pension cases only through Bhavishya. In this, where necessary, they will assist the retiring employee to submit the online application form," the Personnel Ministry said, seeking strict compliance of its directive.
All pension related cases of retiring employees have to be filed electronically from January 1, 2017 and "in no case will the pension case be delayed on account of electronic processing through Bhavishya", it said.