BSNL Instructions regarding Payment of VRS dues - Validation & Compliance

BSNL Payment Guidance - Authentication & Compliance BSNL Instructions

BHARAT SANCHAR NIGAM LIMITED

(A Govt. of India Enterprise)
Corporate Accounts Section
1st Floor, Corporate Office
Harish Chander Mathur Lane
Janpath New Delhi- 110001

F.NO. 500-163/2019-20/ CA-III/BSNL

Dated: 08.04.2020

To
CGMs and IFAs
All Territorial and Non-Territorial Circles,
Sr GM Estt, PGM Pers & DGM R&P BSNL CO

Sub: Instructions regarding Payment of VRS dues - Validation & Compliance

In continuation of even numbered letters issued on the cited subject, following instructions are issued for strict compliance:

• Notwithstanding the position that the amount of ex-gratia and leave encashment payable to the retirees of BSNL VRS - 2019 scheme, has been verified by the circles, it is requested to do the checking of the master data of the employees towards eligible service, eligible number of leaves, their vigilance clearance status etc once again duly keeping in view the PPOs issued by CCA and underlying information thereto.
• It is required to prepare (and keep in records) a proper statement of the amount recoverable, and recovery made on account of dues (towards Loans, advances, Pay and allowances recoveries, other recoveries etc) from the BSNL VRS-2019 retirees against the Ex-gratia, and Leave Encashment payout. The amount recoverable and recovered should be duly validated for any errors and omissions.
• Establishment section has already communicated the SOP for BSNL VRS 2019, with the format of report to be submitted to DoT on Ex-Gratia. Kindly ensure that the reports / compliances in the Format given in Annexure A, B & C of the DOT letter No. 1/VRS/BSNL/2019/Accounts/TA-I/170-198, dated 16.01.2020 are duly submitted to the respective CCA.
• The second / subsequent instalment of the Ex-Gratia shall be paid as and when further funds and instructions are received from DoT. Therefore, you may please do the necessary preparations, well in advance so that the payout can happen without delay, as and when the funds are received in this regard.
• May kindly note that the activity needs to be completed by 14.04.2020.

Also check: No move to reduce the retirement age of central government employees to 50 years

This has been issued with the approval of the competent authority.

Surajit Mandol
Sr GM (CA & ERP)

Revision of Grade B pay structure Official language posts of the Zonal Railway / PUs Department equal to the CSOLS cadre Gazetted posts

Revision of Grade B pay structure Official language posts of the Zonal Railway / PUs Department equal to the CSOLS cadre Gazetted posts

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)

S.No. PC-VII/

RBE No. /2020

No. PC VI/2014/1/5/1

New Delhi, dated 28.4.2020

General Manager(P)
All Zonal Railways/PUs
(as per mailing list)

ORDER

Sub: Revision of pay structure of Gr. ‘B’ Gazetted posts of Official Language Department of Zonal Railways / PUs at par with the CSOLS cadre.

The issue regarding revised pay structure of gazetted posts of Official Language (OL) Cadre on Zonal Railway at par with those existing in Central Secretariat Official Language Service (CSOLS) has been under examination in consultation with Ministry of Finance (Department of Expenditure). The President Is now pleased to decide that pay structure of Group ‘B’ Gazetted posts of Official Language cadre of Zonal Railways may be upgraded subject to the following conditions:-

1. The pay structure of Group 'B' Gazetted posts of Official Language Department of Zonal Railways / PUs will be upgraded from existing PB-2 GP Rs. 4800/- (Level 8) to PB-3+ GP 5400/- (Level -10 ) Group “A” with designation "Rajbhasha Adhikari". from the date of issue of this order.
2. The Recruitment Rules of the above posts in the Zonal Railways would be brought at par with that of Assistant Director(OL,) in CSOLS.
3. The functions of these posts is exactly similar to Assistant Director (OL) of CSOLS.
4. Once the upgradation of posts from PB-2 GP Rs. 4800/- L-8 to PB-3 GP Rs. 5400/L-10 is effective. further instructions regarding procedure for placement of existing incumbents in lower grade to higher / upgraded post and change of RRs will be issued separately. by Management Service Directorate.

This issues in consultation with the Official Language directorate and with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways.

(P.M. Meena)
Dy. Director, Pay Commission-VI
Railway Board

No.PC-VI/2014/1/5/1

New Delhi, dated.23 .04.2020

All Central Government Employees should download Aarogyasetu App on their mobile phones immediately - DoPT Order

All Central Government Employees should download Aarogyasetu App on their mobile phones immediately - DoPT Order

Latest DoPT Orders 2020

IMMEDIATE

F.No. 11013/9/2014-Estt (A-III)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training
(Establishment, A-III Desk)

North Block, New Delhi.
Dated: 29.04.2020

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Effective use of 'Aarogyasetu' App for breaking the chain of transmission of COVID-19.

With reference to the subject mentioned above, the following directions may strictly be followed to improve the safety of all Government officials :

• All the officers, staff (including outsourced staff) working in Central Government should download 'Aarogyasetu' App on their mobile phones, immediately.
• Before starting for office, they must review their status on 'Aarogyasetu' and commute only when the app shows 'safe' or 'low risk' status.
• The officers / staff are advised that in case the App shows a message that he/she has a 'moderate' or 'high risk' calculated on the basis of Bluetooth proximity ("recent contact with infected person"), he/she should not come to office and self isolate for 14 days or till the status becomes 'safe' or 'low risk'.
• Joint Secretary (Administration) should ensure that above directions are strictly followed in the respective Ministry / Department.
• Ministries / Departments may issue similar instructions to all autonomous / statutory bodies, PSUs etc. attached to them.
• Report on the action taken may be sent to the undersigned.

Also check: PIL Filed for Central Government Employees Freezing DA in Supreme Court

(G. Jayanthi)
Joint Secretary to the Government of India

Source: DoPT

50 lakh compensation in cases of loss of life from COVID-19 Port workers

Rs. 50 lakh compensation declared for the Port employees / workers in case of loss of life due to COVID-19

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Shipping

28-April, 2020

Rs. 50 lakh compensation declared for the Port employees / workers in case of loss of life due to COVID-19

All port employees including contractual labourers employed directly by the Port and other contractual employees are covered
Ministry of Shipping has decided that all the Major Ports may grant compensation / Ex-Gratia in the event of loss of life due to COVID-19 to the dependent members / legal heirs of the port employees as under:

Category	Amount of compensation / Ex-Gratia (Rs.)
All Port employees including Contract Labourers employed directly by the port	50.00 Lakh
Other Contractual Labourers	50.00 Lakh

Monetary Compensation is declared to cover the risk of life due to COVID-19 contamination while discharging the Port related duty. Port Chairman is the competent authority for the settling claims / disbursement of the compensation / Ex-Gratia and verifying authority for the cause of death from COVID-19. This compensation is applicable only for the pandemic of COVID-19 and shall be in force up to 30.09.2020, subject to review thereafter.

PIB

Reporting of officers in the office of the board during the lockdown period - Railway Board Order

Reporting of officers in the office of the board during the lockdown period - Railway Board Order

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)

Office Order No. 30 of 2020

Sub: Reporting of Officials in Board’s Office during lockdown period

Enclosed is a copy of DOP&T’s OM No.11013/9/ 2014-Esttt.A-IIT dated 23.04.2020 regarding attendance of Officers / Staff during the lockdown period.

2. Attention in this connection is invited to para 3 of Office Order No. 25 of 2020 and also para 2 of DOP&T’s enclosed OM for following the extant instructions in letter and spirit. While preparing the roster /asking Officials below Deputy Secretary level for reporting to Office, the guiding principle should be that only upto 33% Officials and depending on the requirement be called for working from Office and all others who are not being called at Office or are residing at Containment Zones should work from home and be available at all times on Mobile phones and other Electronic means of Communications. Officials below Deputy Secretary level should not regularly be called to avoid crowding in the Office, except in case of exigencies of work.

Latest DoPT order - Maintain 33 percent of employees attendance, roaster & work from home - Central Govt Employees April 24, 2020

3. Further, Officials may be called at staggered timings as stated in para 3 of the enclosed DOPT’s OM.

4. Based on above, if required, separate rosters may be prepared by all controlling Head of the Directorates (PEDs & EDs).

Also check: PIL Filed for Central Government Employees Freezing DA in Supreme Court

(B. Majumdar)
Joint Secretary/Railway Board

No. 2020/O0&M/9/1
Dated:- 24.04.2020

Source: Indian Railways

Freezing of DA to Tamil Nadu State Government employees and Government pensioners

Freezing of DA to Tamil Nadu State Government employees and Government pensioners

Government of Tamil Nadu
2020

FINANCE [Allowances] DEPARTMENT
G.O.Ms.No.232, Dated 27th April 2020
(Sarvari, Chithirai-14, Thiruvalluvar Aandu 2051)

ABSTRACT

Economy in Expenditure - Measures to tide over the financial constraints in view of the severe fiscal crisis arising out of COVID-19 pandemic - Freezing of Dearness Allowance to State Government employees and Government pensioners / family pensioners at current rates till July 2021 - Orders - Issued.

Read the following:-

1. G.O.Ms.No.323, Finance [Allowances] Department, dated 17-10-2019.
2. G.O.Ms.No.324, Finance [Allowances] Department, dated 17-10-2019.
3. G.O.Ms.No.327, Finance [Pension] Department, dated 21-10-2019.
4. From the Government of India, Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure, New Delhi Office Memorandum No.1/1/2020-E-II(B), dated 23-04-2020.

ORDER:

In the Government Order first read above, orders were issued sanctioning revised rate of Dearness Allowance to State Government employees at the rate of 17 percent with effect from 1st July 2019 following the orders issued by the Government of India and in the Government Order second read above, orders were issued for another ad-hoc increase to employees drawing consolidated pay / fixed pay / Honorarium. In the Government Order third read above, orders were also issued sanctioning revised rate of Dearness Allowance to State Government pensioners/family pensioners at the rate of 17 percent with effect from 1st July 2019 following the orders issued by the Government of India.
Also check: No DA/DR to Central Government employees till July 2021

2. The Government of India, in its Office Memorandum fourth read above, has directed that in view of the crisis arising out of COVID-19, the additional installment of Dearness Allowance payable to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief to Central Government pensioners, due from 1st January 2020 shall not be paid. The additional installments of Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief due from 1st July 2020 and 1st January 2021 shall also not be paid. However, Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief at current rates will continue to be paid. As and when the decision to release the future installment of Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief due from 1st July 2021 is taken by the Government, the rates of Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief as effective from 1st January 2020, 1st July 2020 and 1st January 2021 will be restored prospectively and will be subsumed in the cumulative revised rate effective from 1st July 2021. No arrears for the period from 1st January 2020 till 30th June 2021 shall be paid.
3. The Government of Tamil Nadu has adopted the rate of Dearness Allowance to the State Government employees and Pensioners /Family Pensioners as and when announced by the Government of India to its employees and pensioners/ family pensioners.
4. Following the orders issued by the Government of India and in view of the severe fiscal crisis arising out of COVID-19 pandemic, the Government has decided to adopt the decision of the Government of India for State Government employees, teachers and Pensioners / Family Pensioners for freezing the Dearness Allowance at current rates till July 2021. The additional installment of Dearness Allowance payable to State Government employees, teachers and Government Pensioners / Family Pensioners, due from 1st January 2020 shall not be paid. The additional installments of Dearness Allowance due from 1st July 2020 and 1st January 2021 shall also not be paid. However, Dearness Allowance at current rates will continue to be paid. As and when the decision to release the future installment of Dearness Allowance due from 1st July 2021 is taken by the Government, the rates of Dearness Allowance as effective from 1st January 2020, 1st July 2020 and 1st January 2021 will be restored prospectively and will be subsumed in the cumulative revised rate effective from 1st July 2021. No arrears for the period from 1st January 2020 till 30th June 2021 shall be paid.
5. This order shall also apply to the teaching and non-teaching staff working in aided educational institutions, employees under local bodies, employees governed by the University Grants Commission / All India Council for Technical Education scales of pay, the Teachers / Physical Education Directors/Librarians in Government and Aided Polytechnics and Special Diploma Institutions, Village Assistants in Revenue Department, Noon Meal Organisers, Child Welfare Organisers, Anganwadi Workers, Cooks, Helpers, Panchayat Secretaries / Clerks in Village Panchayat under Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department and other employees drawing pay in the prescribed Level of Pay in the Special Pay Matrix.

(BY ORDER OF THE GOVERNOR)

S. KRISHNAN
ADDITIONAL CHIEF SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT

No move to reduce the retirement age of central government employees to 50 years

Any attempt to reduce government employees' retirement age, nor such a plan discussed or contemplated at any level of government: Dr. Jitendra Singh

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

26-April, 2020

No move to reduce the retirement age of government employees, nor such a proposal discussed or contemplated at any level in the government: Dr Jitendra Singh

Strongly refuting the reports in a section of media that Government has moved a proposal for reducing the age of retirement of government employees to 50 years, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh categorically stated here today that there is no such move to reduce the retirement age nor has been such a proposal discussed or contemplated at any level in the government.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, there are certain motivated elements which have been over the last few days, time and again planting such disinformation in a section of media and attributing it to the government sources or DoP&T. He said, each time a prompt rebuttal is sought to be made in order to clear the confusion in the minds of stakeholders. He said, it was unfortunate that at a time when the country is going through Corona crises and the entire world is praising Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for his proactive handling of the pandemic, there are certain elements and vested interests which try to underplay all the good work done by the Government by planting such media stories.

On the contrary, right from the beginning of the emergence of the Corona challenge, Government and the DoP&T have, from time to time taken prompt decisions to safeguard the interests of the employees. For example, he said, even before the lockdown was officially announced, DOPT had issued an advisory for the offices to work with "absolutely necessary or minimum staff". Even though the essential services were exempted from this guideline, DOPT had issued directions to exempt the "Divyang employees even from the essential services".

Considering the constraints of the lockdown, he recalled that DOPT had postponed the last date for filling of the Annual Performance Appraisal Report (APAR) by the government officials.
At the same time, he referred to the UPSC’s decision to reschedule the dates of IAS / Civil Services interview / personality test and also announced that the Civil Services Preliminary Test will be done after May 3rd. Similarly, on the same line, SSC has also postponed its process of recruitment.
As for the Department of Personnel in the Ministry of Personnel, Dr Jitendra Singh said that last week there was fake news that the government had decided to impose a 30% reduction in the pension and discontinue pensions for those who are above the age of 80. However, contrary to this, the truth is that on the 31st of March there was not a single pensioner whose pension did not deposit in his account. Not only this, services of the Postal Department were sought to deliver the pension amount at the residence of the pensioners, whenever required.

As for the Department of Personnel, in the last four weeks, the Ministry of Personnel has had Video Conference consultations for Pensioners and Senior Citizens across 20 cities where pulmonary advice was given by experts like Dr Randeep Guleria, Director (AIIMS). Similarly, Yoga Sessions on Webinar are also being organised.

PIB

ECHS - CLAIM REIMBURSEMENT OF MEDICINES SPECIAL SANCTION IN VIEW OF COVID-19 till 30 April 2020

ECHS

CLAIM REIMBURSEMENT OF MEDICINES SPECIAL SANCTION IN VIEW OF COVID-19 till 30 April 2020

Tele: 25683476
Mil: 36833
Central Organisation,
ECHS Adjutant General's
Branch Integrated Headquarters
Ministry of Defence (Army)
Thimayya Nlarg, Near Gopinath
Circle, Delhi Gantt-110010

B/49761/AGIECHS

24th Apr,2020

(All Regional Centres)

REIMBURSEMENT OF MEDICINES SPECIAL SANCTION IN VIEW OF COVID-19

1. Further to this HQ letter No 13/49761/AG/ECHS dated 23 Mar 2020 (copy aft).
2. A onetime sanction for purchase of medicines and claim reimbursement was issued till 30 Apr 2020. in view of extended lockdown till 03 May 2020, the veterans having life style/ chronic ailments/ diseases on long treatment may purchase medicines lasting till 31 May 2020 based on the prescription held (prescribed by Polyclinic Service hospital Empanelled hospital) irrespective of NA or otherwise - Veterans need not go to Polyclinics to collect the medicines till 31 May 2020.
3. One time sanction is hereby accorded to reimburse of above expenditure under individual reimbursement of medical claims. The bills for reimbursement to be submitted by Veterans after 15 Jun 2020.
4. This will be applicable with immediate effect till 31 May 2020.

Also check: Latest DoPT order - Maintain 33 percent of employees attendance, roaster & work from home - Central Govt Employees

(Anuparn N Adhaulia)
Col
Dir (Med)
for MD ECHS

PIL Filed for Central Government Employees Freezing DA in Supreme Court

Latest Central Government Employees News

PIL Filed for Central Government Employees Freezing DA in Supreme Court

IN THE HON'BLE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA AT NEW DELHI.

PIL DATED 24th APRIL 2020 via Email regarding payment of DA or PIL DATED 24th APRIL 2020 via email regarding payment of DA or Dearness allowance with effect from 1st January 2020 atleast to veterans and to all employees if possible

Major Onkar Singh Guleria Retired, a Senior Citizen and CANCER PATIENT, aged 69 years, son of Late Shri Kikar Singh Guleria resident of village Jachh PO Jassur Tehsil Nurpur Distt Kangra Himachal Pradesh 176201.

VERSUS

1. Union of India through Secretary Finance Govt of India New Delhi 110011.
2. Union of India through Secretary Home Govt of India New Delhi 110011.

BEFORE CHIEF JUSTICE AND ALL HIS COMPANION JUSTICES OF SUPREME COURT OF INDIA TO DIRECT UNION OF INDIA TO PRACTICE WHAT PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA PREACHES TO 130 CRORES DESHWASI AND DEFREEZE DA or dearness allownce by paying with effect from 01st January 2020 to Veterans atleast if not to employees.

MOST RESPECTFULLY SHOWETH,

1. That the applicant a CANCER PATIENT, disabled of right foot and also suffering from hypertension and a Senior Citizen with no home but living in a rented building in my last span of life and also to take care of wife a senior citizen suffering from various ailments and my only source of income is my monthly military pension of the rank of Major that too on reduced scale. I and lakhs of Veterans are aggrieved by arbitrary act of Union of India through Secretary Finance Govt of India New Delhi who were committed to pay arrears of DA or dearness allowance in first week of April 2020 but purposely not payed and on 20th April 2020 has FREEZED "DA or dearness allowance" retrospectively with effect from 01st January 2020 to cause us Veterans an irreparable loss that too at a time when Pandemic of COVID 19 VIRUS (China Originated Virus in December 19) has been commiting genocide in entire world and we to survive honourably need every paisa due to us from Govt of India. I attache arbitrary orders of freezing of DA or dearness Allowances dated 20th April 2020 of Secretary Finance Govt of India as ready referance for the Hon'ble Court.

2. That DA or dearness allowance can be basically understood as a component of salary, aimed at hedging the impact of inflation. The DA or dearness allowance is calculated as a specific percentage of the basic salary which is then added to the basic salary. PENSION received by a retired individual is considered as salary and taxed as, income from salary. Generally whatever is received from the employer in cash including DA or dearness allowance is treated as salary.

3. That the Union of India itself after studying the impact of inflation had announced increased instalment of DA or dearness allowance with effect from 01st January 2020 and promised to pay its employees and Veterans receiving pension in first week of April 2020 which was illegally and arbitrarily withheld and as a afterthought issued malafied orders dated 20th April 2020 ordering of freez of DA or dearness allowance retrospectively from 01st January 2020. It has come as a big blow especially to pensioners at a time when all veterans are more vunerable to catching COVID 19 VIRUS (China Originated Virus in December 19 ) as being daily advocated by Prime Minister of India and all functionaries of Union of India and Doctors through media and advisory letters in black and white. When Union of India is doling out financial package after package from announced budget of 2020-21 in Parliament and later various stimulous financual packages gìven and planning to give to business houses for whom at drop of hat the Political and Administrative Governments of whom many are directly or indirectly associated with industry then huge financial stimulous is being passed even during this national rather international calamity of COVID 19 ( CHINA ORIGINATED VIRUS IN DECEMBER 19), Whereas, petty amount for Union of India but it is a large amount for its employees and Retired personnels who in last span of life are undergoing various hardships is being denied by freezing "DA or dearness allowance" that too retrospectively wef 01st January 2020. This arbitrary and illegal mechanical step of Union of India without applying mind must be struck down immediately and all beneficairies paid their legitmate authorised "DA or dearness allowance" wef 01st January 2020 and continued to be paid. Even Union of India has taken care of other classes of India but subjected the "MIDDLE CLASS" to this horible torture by freezing its "DA or dearness Allowances"at a time when we need every paisa in our last span of life. We by cutting our legitimate expenses have even made small contribution to "PM CARES FUND" which so far is not transparent.

Also check: Second National Judicial Pay Commission has filed the subject of Pay, Pension and Allowances, in Supreme Court on 29.01.2020

4. Then why does Prime Minister of India preaches to look after Senior citizens, not to cut salary when his own Govt is doing it. Atleast the Union of India must practice what its Prime Minster preaches.

5. Copy if this P.I.L., is being sent to all concerned by mail and all Chief Ministers are also requested to pay "DA or dearness Allowances" wef 01st January 2020 to their employees and Retired personnels."HAVES"Political and Administrative class and affluent families are nit in touch with reality. A prominent singer is heard on TV asking 130 Crore Deshwasi to donate atleast Rs.100 Per person to make it Rs13000Crores donations. Madam there are many who have not seen or handled Rs.100 note in their entire life. Then if five of family members donate then amount comes to Rs.500/- which is equivalent to one month amount given to BPL Families by Govt of India. Madam have a heart and producers allowing her to speak this in print media has never applied mind to these ground realities. Sad, how insensitive are our "HAVES"Class!

RELIEFS SOUGHT WITH SPEAKING ORDERS.

6. In the given premises it is respectfully prayed that the Hon'ble Court be pleased to direct Union of India through Secretary Finance Govt of India New Delhi and Secretary Home Govt of India to:

(A) Pay immediately "DA or dearness Allowances" to all employees and Retired personnels and same be done by respective States and Union Territories of India.

(B) Union of India be directed to immediately stop various financial stimulous package being given or are being planned to be given in near future to business houses as after freezing "DA or dearness Allowances" Union of India admits that financial health of the Nation is not sound and healthy. More over these business houses are directly or indirectly related to all Political class who like to enjoy all benefits even in national calamities. Some are seen distributing Govt or public donations of food etc to poor to ensure their own stamp on it. India with Lockdown has gone back to "SATJUG" in many ways and air and water is purified and need of the hour is purification of "HAVES", i.e., the Political cum business class. Union of India must practice what Prime Minister of India preaches to look after senior citizens and not to cut salary.

Also read: MACP ON PROMOTIONAL HIERARCHY - MACP Supreme Court Order - Heard & Reserved - Order dated 23 Jan 2020

7. Kindly direct registry to confirm receipt and action taken via revert Email.

NAMASTE INDIA! JAI HIND!

(MAJOR ONKAR SINGH GULERIA RETD)
(A CANCER PATIENT)
Mob: 7018748978, 9418009991.
Email: maj.onkarsinghguleria@gmail.com

CITU opposes the freezing of Dearness Allowance for Central Govt Employees

CITU opposes the freezing of Dearness Allowance for Central Govt Employees

CENTRE OF INDIAN TRADE UNIONS (CITU)

CITU DENOUNCES CENTRAL GOVT DECISION TO FREEZE AND CONFISCATE INCREASE IN DEARNESS ALLOWANCE FOR CENTRAL GOVT EMPLOYEES AND PENSIONERS

The Centre of Indian Trade Unions denounces the Central Govt’s decision to freeze, rather confiscate the increase in Dearness Allowance payable to Central Govt employees and pensioners falling due from January 2020 and also future dues, falling due on July 2020 and January 2021 on the plea of financial crisis arising out of COVID 19 vide Finance Ministry Order no 1/1/2020-E-II(B) dated 23rd April 2020.

No doubt, the country has been passing through a financial crisis but why should the workers and employees be made the sacrificial item for the same who themselves suffer most owing to Covid-19 followed by lockdown. Quite a number of employees are deployed and consequently are involved in various governmental activities and services meant to combat the spread of the pandemic Covid-19 especially of those departments declared as emergency services viz, health, postal, defence, railways etc. While taking such decision Govt did not bother to consult the unions and federations of the central govt employees, displaying rabid authoritarianism.

CITU strongly urges that response to financial crisis by the central govt must start with measures to garner resources where it is there aplenty at the disposal of handful of ultra rich class. As Per OXFAM Report, combined wealth amassed by only 63 billionaires in India is more that the total Union Budget in 2018-19 which was at Rs 24, 42, 200 crore. Top 10% of population cornered 77% of national wealth. Wealth of India’s richest 1 per cent is 4 times more than the bottom 70%. Govt must tap this huge accumulation of wealth with barely 5% of ultra-rich, amassed mostly through undue and illegitimate patronization of the economic policy regime, through appropriate direct taxation/wealth tax measures instead of brutally pouncing on the working peoples’ earnings and livelihood. And this right is vested with the Central Govt only

CITU strongly condemns this retrograde decision of the Central Govt to confiscate outright the legitimate dues of the employees and pensioners on account of increase in DA till January 2021, although prices of all essentials will continue to increase to further increase the profit of the big-business / corporate.

CITU demands withdrawal of this DA Confiscation order by the central government also demands that the state governments be extended financial help to enable continuity of variable DA payment to their employees. CITU calls upon the Govt employees’ movement in particular and the trade union movement in general to unitedly oppose this retrograde anti-worker measures.

(Tapan Sen)
General Secretary

Via: citucentre.org