Illegal withdrawal of Family Planning Allowance - withdrawal of orders

No.1/5(g)/Part VI

Dated: 31/12/2018

The Secretary (E),
Railway Board
New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub: Illegal withdrawal of Family Planning Allowance - withdrawal of orders -urged.

Ref: (i) Railway Board's letter No.PC V/2008/A/O/2 (FPA) dated 14/10/2008 (RBE No.151/2008)
(ii) Railway Board's letter No. PC V/2017/A/FPA/1 dated 28/07/2017 (RBE No.77/2017).
(iii) NFIR's letter No. 1/5(g)/Part VI dated 04/09/2017.

Federation invites kind attention of the Railway Board to its letter of even no. dated 04/09/2017 wherein it was requested to consider continuance of Family Planning Allowance to those Railway employees who were already in receipt of the said Allowance which was sanctioned in pursuance of Government's earlier policy decision. In its communication, the NFIR also suggested that in case the Railway Ministry (Railway Board) is not a position to allow the Allowance for want of clarification from DoP&T/MoF, the matter may be referred to DoP&T/MoF. Federation is however disappointed that though a period of more than 15 months passed no action seems to have been taken by the Board.

While enclosing copy of letter dated 04/09/2017, NFIR once again requests the Railway Board to consider for continuance of Family Planning Allowance to those Railway employees who were already in receipt of the same. In case the matter is referred to DoP&T/MoF, copy of the same may he sent to the Federation early.

Yours faithfully,

(Dr.M.Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source: NFIR

Scheme to partially reimburse employers for Maternity Benefits

Ministry of Labour & Employment
Scheme to partially reimburse employers for Maternity Benefits

02 JAN 2019

Government is working on an Incentive Scheme wherein seven weeks wages shall be reimbursed to employers who employ women workers and provide the maternity benefit of 26 weeks paid leave, as provided for in the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017.

To enable an entity to avail of the incentive, the women employees working in their entity should be a wage earner of less than Rs.15,000/- per month and a member of Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) for at least one year and not covered by Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC).

A meeting of Stakeholders' Consultation with representatives of concerned Central Ministries, State Governments, Employers', Employees' etc. was held on 14.11.2018 to discuss the matter. The Scheme was supported by and large with the majority of stakeholders.

The scheme is proposed to be administered after obtaining the approval of the competent authorities. The Incentive is proposed to be funded from the budgetary allocations. Government has not made any allocation for the scheme during the current financial year.

This information was given by Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Minister of State (I/C) for Labour and Employment in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

PIB

Payment of Wages to Contractual Labour through Cheque

Ministry of Labour & Employment

Payment to Contractual Labour through Cheque

02 JAN 2019

The Payment of Wages Act, 1936 has been amended by Payment of Wages (Amendment) Act, 2017 (effective from 28.12.2016) to enable the employers to pay wages to their employees by (a) cash or (b) cheque or (c) crediting to their bank account. The amendment in the Act also enables the appropriate Government to specify the industrial or other establishment, by notification in the Official Gazette, which shall pay to every person employed in such industrial or other establishment, the wages only by cheque or by crediting in his bank account.

Provision for making of payment only by cheque or by crediting in bank account of an employee, in respect of industrial or other establishment in the Central Sphere has been notified on 26.04.2017.
As per information received from the Government of Madhya Pradesh, contract labour are paid through Bank at thermal power station, Chachai in Amarkantak in the district Anuppur, Madhya Pradesh.

This information was given by Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Minister of State (I/C) for Labour and Employment in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

PIB

Defence: Modernisation of Armed Forces - Lok Sabha

Ministry of Defence

Modernisation of Armed Forces

02 JAN 2019

Budget Estimates, Revised Estimates, Modified Appropriation and Actual Expenditure incurred under Capital Acquisition (Modernisation) Head under Defence Services Estimates (DSE) for the last five years and the current year are tabulated below:-

(Rs. in crore)

Year	Budget Estimates	Revised Estimates	Modified Appropriation	Expenditure
2013-14	73,444.59	66,406.41	66,201.92	66,850.30
2014-15	75,148.03	66,151.73	65,706.04	65,862.38
2015-16	77,406.69	65,400.00	61,699.39	62,235.54
2016-17#	69,898.51	62,619.36	64,853.86	69,280.16
2017-18*	69,473.41	68,965.24	68,980.89	72,732.20
2018-19	74,115.99	Not yet finalised.	Not yet finalised.	54,230.94@

(# figure excludes MF, ECHS, DGQA, NCC, RR, DGOF and R&D)
(* figure excludes MF and ECHS)
(@Expenditure in r/o Financial Year 2018-19 is upto November, 2018)

The Final Appropriation has been fully and optimally utilized during the said period. Internal Audit and External Audit of the allocated amount is carried out by CGDA and C&AG respectively.
In May 2001, the Defence Industry sector, which was hitherto reserved for the public sector, was opened up to 100% for Indian private sector participation, with Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) up to 26% both subject to licensing.  Further, Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion, Ministry of Commerce & Industry has notified revised FDI policy under which FDI is allowed under automatic route upto 49% and beyond 49% through Government route wherever it is likely to result in access to modern technology or for other reasons to be recorded.

During the last three years and current year (upto October, 2018) out of total 188 contracts, 121 contracts have been signed with Indian vendors for procurement of defence equipment for Armed Forces such as Helicopters, Survey vessel, Radar, Ballistic Helmets, Artillery Guns, Simulators, Missiles, Bullet Proof Jackets, Electronic Fuzzes and ammunition.

Government is taking measures for modernization of the Armed Forces, through procurement of new equipment and upgrading of existing equipment and systems. The modernization projects are being progressed as per the approved Capital Acquisition Plans and in terms of the extant Defence Procurement Procedure.

Since the launch of ' Make in  India' in September 2014, several measures have been taken by the Government to promote indigenous design, development and manufacture of defence & aerospace equipment in the country under  'Make in India' by harnessing the capabilities of the public and private sector.

Government has also promulgated the policy of Strategic Partnership in the Defence Sector which encourages participation of the private sector in manufacture of major defence platforms and equipment in four selected segments viz. Submarines, Fighter Aircraft, Helicopters and Armoured Fighting vehicles / Tanks.

This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Dr.Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Shri Rameswar Teli and others in Lok Sabha today.

PIB

DoPT: Submission of Immovable Property Return (IPR) for the year 2018 (as on 31.12.2018) by the Officers of Central Secretariat Services (CSS)

DoPT: Submission of Immovable Property Return (IPR) for the year 2018 (as on 31.12.2018) by the Officers of Central Secretariat Services (CSS)

F.No.26/01/2018-CS.I (PR/CMS)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions,
Department of Personnel & Training

2nd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhawan
Khan Market, New Delhi
Dated December 31st 2018

Office Memorandum

Subject:- Submission of Immovable Property Return (IPR) for the year 2018 (as on 31.12.2018) by the Officers of Central Secretariat Services (CSS) reg.

In terms of Rule 18 of CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964, the Immovable Property Return is required to be furnished by the CSS Officers in the grade of Under Secretary and above, latest by 31.01.2019. IPR should be submitted by all the CSS Officers through Web Based Cadre Management System which is hosted at cscms.nic.in . A copy of the print out (IPR submitted online) duly signed, should also be submitted to CS.I (PR/CMS) Section, which is the custodian of Immovable Property Return (IPR) of these Officers. Assistant Section Officers and Section Officers of CSS will also submit the print out (IPR) duly signed, to their respective Admin/Vigilance Division .

2. Ministries/Departments are therefore, requested that the contents of this O.M. may be widely circulated to the notice of all CSS Officers/Officials working under their respective control. They should also ensure that the IPR for the year 2018 (as on 31.12.2018) is submitted within the stipulated time by all the CSS Officers. The officers are also informed that non-submission of IPR within the stipulated date, would invite the denial of vigilance clearance for empanelment, deputation and applying to sensitive posts and assignment to training programme (except mandatory training) as the IPR status needs to be checked for the said purpose(s).

3. It is, therefore, requested that all the CSS Officers may be directed to file their Immovable Property Return (IPR) for the year 2018 (as on 31.12.2018) well in time, latest by 31.01.2019, through Web Based Cadre Management System only. IPRs received beyond the stipulated date, shall not be regarded as conforming to the extant guidelines. It is also stated that the date of filing of IPR will start from 01st January, 2019 and the “Immovable Property Returns” window shall be opened/provided at cscms.nic.in. automatically from that date only.

4. In case of any doubt/difficulty about filing the IPR, Shri Krishnandan Kumar, Assistant Section Officer (PR/CMS)/Shri Anuj Pratap Singh (CSCMS Engineer), may be contacted at Telephone No. 24629890/24629414.

sd/-
(Chandra Shekhar)
Under Secretary to the Government of India

Source: https://dopt.gov.in

DoPT Orders 2018: Furnishing of OBC data of recruitment to Commission for Sub-Categorization of OBC

DoPT Orders 2018: Furnishing of OBC data of recruitment to Commission for Sub-Categorization of OBC

No.21/1/2016-CS.I(PR/CMS)

Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, PG and Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training

2nd Floor, Khan Market,
New Delhi-110003
Date:- 31st December, 2018

Office Memorandum

Subject: Furnishing of OBC data of recruitment to Commission for Sub-Categorization of OBC - Regarding.

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Division’s OM of even number dated 20.02.2018, 27.02.2018 and 21.03.2018 on the above cited subject related matter and to state that on scrutiny of the data available on CSCMS portal, it is observed that many Ministries/Departments have not yet updated the information with reference to Categorization/Sub-Categorization of OBC officers, along with the data relating to the "State" from which OBC candidates appeared/selected in respect of CSS cadre (ASO to JS-in-situ) in the CSCMS portal.

2. The Commission has desired for the details with reference to the Categorization / Sub-Categorization of OBC Officers in the CSS cadre. This data should also include the data on "State" from which the OBC candidates appeared/got selected.

3. As the data is urgently required by the Commission for Sub-Categorization of OBC Officers, the concerned Ministries/Departments are once again requested to take up immediate necessary steps for updating the information, in the CSCMS portal compulsorily, by 9th of January, 2019 (Wednesday). The concerned Officers may also be sensitized to get their data updated in the system, in a time bound manner.

4. In case of any doubt/difficulty about the functioning of the CSCMS portal/Correctness of data in the CSCMS, Shri Krishnandan Kumar, ASO (PR/CMS)/Shri Anuj Pratap Singh (Engineer/CMS)/ may be contacted at Tele-phone 24629890/24629414.

5. This may be accorded, "TOP MOST PRIORITY".

sd/-
(Chandra Shekhar)
Under Secretary to Government of India

Source: dopt.gov.in

7th CPC: Allowance to Armed Forces

Ministry of Defence
Allowance to Armed Forces

31 DEC 2018

Taking note of the rigours of military life, the 6th Central Pay Commission (CPC) had recommended an additional, separate element of Pay for the Defence Forces called Military Service Pay (MSP) which the CPC intended would also maintain the edge enjoyed by the Defence Forces over the civilian scales. The Commission was of the view that the rate of MSP as a percentage of the existing pay has to be maintained in case of officers (up to the level of Brigadier / equivalent) as well as PBORs because the difficulties faced in field situations by both these categories are similar.

The 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) had considered all aspects with regard to applicability of MSP including the rates while making its recommendations. This was done after considering the views of the Services in the matter. The 7th CPC has consciously decided not to create additional categories of personnel for the grant of MSP or to disturb the slab rates for the four categories for which it is being paid up to the level of Brigadiers. The Government after carefully considering the recommendations of the 7th CPC in respect of MSP has accepted and notified the same.

Besides MSP, Service personnel are entitled to several other allowances such as High Altitude Allowance, Field Area / Modified Field Area Allowance, Counter Insurgency Allowance etc which are paid based on risks and hardships involved at a location / in an operation.

Engine-wise capacity and interval in years allowed as regards vehicle PURCHASE for officers and jawans:

Eligibility
S. No.	Category	CC	Periodicity
(a)	Officers (including Retd / Widows)	3000	Once in Four Years.
(b)	JCOs granted Honorary Commission & Equivalent (including Retd & Widows)	2500	Once in Seven Years.
(c)	JCOs & Equivalent(including Retd & Widows)	2000	Once in Service and Once after Retirement. First Car after ten years of Service. Gap between purchases of Two Cars to be Ten years. If the late husband had purchased a car each while in service / after retirement then the widow will not be eligible to buy a car. In case late husband had purchased only one car then widow can buy one car through CSD after gap of 10 years from the date of last purchase.
(d)	OR & Equivalent(including Retd & Widows)	1800	Once in Service and Once after Retirement. First Car after ten years of Service. Gap between purchases of Two Cars to be Ten years. If the late husband had purchased a car each while in service / after retirement then the widow will not be eligible to buy a car. In case late husband had purchased only one car then widow can buy one car through CSD after gap of 10 years from the date of last purchase.

This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Shri Vishambhar Prasad Nishad and others in Rajya Sabha today.

PIB

Grant of Disability Pension

Ministry of Defence
Grant of Disability Pension

31 DEC 2018

As per Ministry of Defence order dated 31.01.2001, Armed Forces Personnel who retire voluntarily / or seek discharge on request are not eligible for any award on account of disability. Provided that Armed Forces Personnel who are due for retirement / discharge on completion of tenure, or on completion of service limits, or on completion of the terms of engagement or on attaining the prescribed age of retirement, and who seeks pre-mature retirement / discharge on request for the purpose of getting higher commutation value of pension will remain eligible for disability element.
Further, Armed Forces personnel who are retained in service despite disability, which is accepted as attributable to or aggravated by Military Service and have forgone lump sum compensation in lieu of that disability, may be given disability element / war injury element at the time of their retirement / discharge whether voluntary or otherwise in addition to Retiring / Service Pension or Retiring / Service Gratuity. These provisions are effective from 1.1.2006

This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Shri Sanjay Seth in Rajya Sabha today.

PIB

Promotion of sports among rural youth

Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Promotion of sports among rural youth

31 DEC 2018

'Sports' is a State subject and promotion of sports in the country, including promotion of Sports among rural youth is primarily the responsibility of the State Governments and the National Sports Federations (NSFs) concerned. The Central Government complements/supplements the efforts of the State Governments and the NSFs. Government is already running several schemes to increase participation of the rural youth in sports.

The Khelo India Scheme implemented by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports provides for promotion of sports among entire population including rural youth. Also, the scheme has a dedicated vertical, viz., Promotion of rural and indigenous/tribal games which provides for financial assistance to NSFs / Non Government Organizations (NGOs) etc for promotion of sports in the country including rural areas. Under this vertical, various NSFs have been provided financial assistance to hold competitions in various parts of the country including those in rural areas. During the period from January to October 2018, a total number of 36 such competitions / exhibition events had been held.

Sports Authority of India (SAI), an autonomous organization under the aegis of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, is implementing following sports promotional schemes across the country to identify talented sports persons in the age group of 8-25 years and nurture them to excel at national and international competitions:

• National Sports Talent Contest Scheme (NSTC)
• Army Boys Sports Company (ABSC)
• SAI Training Centre (STC)
• Special Area Games (SAG)
• Extension Centre of STC/SAG
• Centre of Excellence (COE)
• National Sports Academies (NSA)

Many of the sports persons identified under SAI Sports Promotional Schemes belong to the rural, tribal, backward, coastal and inaccessible hilly areas of the country and are provided with training facilities in the form of expert sports coaches, requisite playing facilities, boarding & lodging, sports kit, competition exposure, educational expenses, medical/insurance and stipend as per the approved norms.

In addition, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), an autonomous organization under aegis of Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, undertakes programmes such as Block and District level Sports Meets, providing sports material to Youth Clubs etc., for popularizing and encouraging sports and develop competitive spirit among youth including rural youth. During 2017-18, a total 2965 Block level sports meets and 556 District level sports meets were conducted by NYKS.

The Government does not have any proposal for starting programme in addition to already existing programmes to increase participation of the rural youth in sports.

This information was given by Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs and Sports Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore (Retd.) in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha today.

PIB

Organizing Mass Dharna by the constituent members of Confederation of Central Government Gazetted Officers Organisations (CCGGOO) in solidarity with the two days Strike called by CCGE&W

CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT GAZETTED OFFICERS' ORGANISATIONS

NO CCGGOO/2018-19/

Dated: 27.12.2018

To
The Cabinet Secretary
Govt. of India,
Rashtrapati Bhavan,
New delhi-110004

Sir,
Sub: Organizing Mass Dharna by the constituent members of (CCGGOO) in solidarity with the two days Strike called by CCGE&W - intimation reg.

Your kind attention Is drawn to the two days' strike call given by the Confederation of Central Government Employee and Workers (CCGE&W) on 08th &. 09th January, 2018 In support of 10 paints Charter of Demands. The Confederation of Central Government Gazetted Officers' Organisations (CCGGOO), the apex body (or all Central Government Gazettld Officers' service associations, endorses all the demands included in the Character for the overall benefit of the Gazetted Officers of Central Government, Central Government employees, the entire working class of the country and the fellow countrymen as a whole.

To convey the full solidarity with the striking Central Government employees, it has been decided that all constituent service associations of CCGGOO In different Central Government Departments will organize 'Mass Dharna' on both the strike days across the country.

We would also like to take this opportunity to appeal to the Government of India through your good office to consider the justified demands of CCCE&W positively.

With regards,
Yours sincerely,
(BHASKAR BHATTACHARYA)
Secretary General

Source: Confederation