Release of additional installment of Dearness Allowance to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief to Pensioners, due from 1.1.2015

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today gave its approval to release an additional installment of Dearness Allowance (DA) to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) to pensioners with effect from 01.01.2015 at the rate of six percent increase over the existing rate of 107 percent.

Hence, Central Government employees as well as pensioners are entitled for DA/DR at the rate of 113 percent of the basic pay with effect from 01.01.2015. The increase is in accordance with the accepted formula based on the recommendations of the 6th Central Pay Commission.

The combined impact on the exchequer on account of both DA and DR would be of the order of Rs. 6762.24 crore per annum and Rs. 7889.34 crore in the Financial Year 2015-16 ( i.e. for a period of 14 months from January 2015 to February 2016).

This will benefit 48 lakh government employees and 55 lakh pensioners.

Source:http://www.pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=0

7th Pay Commission to meet leadership of AIRF on 7and 8 April, 2015 to seek the views of Federation.

MEENA AGARWAL
SECRETARY

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

SEVENTH CENTRAL PAY COMMISSION

D.O No. 7CPC/158/Meetings/2015

19th March, 2015

Dear Shri Mishra,

The Seventh, Central Pay Commission has, from the time of its constitution, engaged with a variety of stakeholders on the issues which it has been mandated to cover in accordance with its terms of reference. Based on the wide ranging interaction the Commission has had in this period, certain broad issues have emerged before the Commission. The Commission has also been seeking from individual Ministries / Departments their views on the issues posed, in relation to matters that are relevant to the Ministries.

The Commission has had the occasion to interact with the Federation in May 2014. A meeting was also held on 25 February 2015 with the National Council (Staff side) wherein it was agreed that the Commission would have a detailed engagement with the Staff side as part of its final deliberations.

Accordingly, a meeting with the 7th Central Pay Commission has been scheduled for the Federation on two successive days viz. 7 and 8 April 2015. between 10.30 am and 1 pm in the Conference Room 1 floor B-14/A Chatrapati Shivaji Bhawan, Qutub Institutional Area, New Delhi,

With Regards

Yours sincerely,

sd/-

(Meena Agarwal)

Shri Shiv Gopal Mishra
General Secretary
All India Railwayrnens’ Federation
4, State Entry Road
New Delhi- 110055

Source: http://www.airfindia.org/

OROP scheme to be executed after session: Rao Inderjit

Rewari, March 16 Union Minister of State for Defence Rao Inderjit said today that the announcement about implementation of the one-rank,one-pension (OROP) scheme would be made immediately after the conclusion of parliamentary session.

Interacting with mediapersons at his residence in Rampura village here today, he said the BJP government was committed to executing the OROP scheme for ex-servicemen.

He maintained the financial burden on account of implementing the OROP scheme had been taken care of in the Budget. If needed, additional funds would be transferred for the scheme.

“Any monetary problem will not be allowed to come in the way of the OROP scheme,” said Inderjit.

About amendments to the existing Land Acquisition Act, the minister said not a single inch of land would be acquired without obtaining consent from the landowners. The amendments had been made to make the Act effective and development-oriented, he added. Earlier, addressing a gathering at Tehna Deepalpur village the minister said the Central as well as the state governments were keen on fulfilling their poll promises.

Source:http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/orop-scheme-to-be-executed-after-session-rao-inderjit/54471.html

Shortages of Employees in Government Departments

Press Information Bureau,

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

March 18, 2015

The number of sanctioned posts and number in position of Class-C employees including erstwhile Group D employees in various Ministries/Departments as available in the Brochure on Pay and Allowances of Central Government Civilian Employees 2012-13 as on 1.3.2012, published by Pay Research Unit, Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, is 33,52,380 and 28,06,369 respectively.

The posts sanctioned in Government Departments are required to be filled as and when vacancies arise as per the Recruitment Rules. Instructions have been issued that requisitions for Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) may be made to the recruiting agency.

This was stated by the Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and Minister of State in Prime Minister’s office Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply to a question by Shri Ram Tahal Choudhary and Dr. Manoj Rajoria in the Lok Sabha today.

Source:pib

Digitisation of Government Functioning

National Informatics Centre (NIC) has developed work flow based application software for visitor management at any office known as eVisitor. It is a web based solution hosted at the NIC data centre and can be accessed / adopted by any Government office just by providing necessary master data for on-boarding.

Government has taken initiative to digitize Government files and documents for its easy accessibility. NIC is providing technical support and consultancy on digitization of files and documents to the various Ministries / departments. Government has conceived Mission Mode Project (MMPs) under National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) to improve service delivery system in the Central /State Government Ministries / Departments. The responsibility of provisioning of funds and digitization of file and documents rests with the concerned Ministry/Department/Organization.

NIC has also developed and implemented eOffice application. The eOffice application aims to support governance by ushering in more effective and transparent inter and intra-government processes. eOffice is Mission Mode Project under the National E-Governance Plan.

This was stated by the Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and Minister of State in Prime Minister’s office Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply to a question by Shri Ramesh Chander Kaushik in the Lok Sabha today.

Source: PIB

7th Pay commission was met by the delegates of the All India Federation of Defence Workers on 13.3.2015

BPMS delegates met with 7th Central Pay Commission on 13th March 2015 and the discussion points are published on its official portal in Hindi language and we translate the content of the letter and given below for your kind consideration…

Gist of the meeting held with 7th CPC on 13.03.2015

The Seventh Pay commission was met by the delegates of the All India Federation of Defence Workers –

Mr P.Mohanrao Chennai, Mr Sadhoo Singh Kanpur, Mr Mukesh Kumar Singh Kanpur, Mr Gopal Krishna Dwivedi Kanpur, Mr SK Singh, Naval dock yard Bombay, Mr Virendra Sharma Delhi were present.

The delegation had taken some Feedback from the Seventh Pay Commission during which the following topics were discussed:

1. Discussion about a few discrepancies of the Sixth Pay Commission like MACP, the delegation stated that reason for the discrepancies regarding MACP in the Sixth Pay commission was because MACP was given in the Second Grade Pay. Employees of equal status received MACP in different Grade Pays – like all Industrial workers are to receive a grade pay of 4600/- in 30 years, but a few employees received 4200/- and a few received a grade pay of 2800/- which created a dis-satisfaction among the employees and they requested that the ACP/MACP should be got along with the Promotional Grade Pay.

The Pay commission has stated that the discrepancies in ACP/MACP will be resolved after discussing the issue with various ministries and departments.

2. It was suggested to merge and upgrade the Group ‘C’ pay scales – like the grade pay of 1800/- can be upgraded to 1900/- and in future the 1900/- and 2000/- grade pay can be merged and upgraded to 2400/-, 2400/- grade pay can be upgraded to 2800/-, 4600/- and 4800/- grade pay can be merged to 4800/-

The representatives of the Pay commission have stated that inputs have been taken from various ministries.

3. The Pay scales of Promotee and Recruitee should be equal. In the sixth pay commission, for recruited employees, according to their grade pay, the minimum pay band was fixed, but for the Promotee employees, after a promotional benefit of 3 percentage, it was lesser than the minimum fixed pay.

On this issue the Pay commission has given assurance that such discrepancies will be resolved.

4. Discrepancies in annual increment to be cleared, ensuring that every employee is to receive an increment in 12 months. The employee who retires from service between January and June is to be given an additional increment and allotted pension, as the eligibility service for Increment is 6 months.

The Pay commission representatives didn’t pay any comments on this point.

5. Those employees who were recruited in the Naval Dockyard and E.M.E. before the Sixth Pay commission under HS and those getting recruited before the Fifth Pay commission directly under HS-1 are to be recruited under the pay scale of HS-1 ie. they are to be directly given a grade pay of 2800/-. This issue is departmental and under the rules of recruitment is to be decided by the department.

6. Certain jobs in the Navy and Air Force are such that the Soldiers and Civilians have to work together. In such cases, Technical allowance is to be given to both type of employees.

7. A wide discussion regarding NPS was done and stated that pension was given in the name of Social Security under CCS Pension Rule 1972, which will continue.

Pay commission has stated that this is a Government Plan which cannot be altered by the Pay Commission but you can give your suggestions regarding the NPS. The delegation stated that according to the September 2012 decree of the Supreme court, the minimum pension for every employee should guarantee at least 50 percent of his basic pay + Dearness Allowance. The members of the Pay commission discussed about the Modus operandi of Ordinance Factories and Naval dockyards and stated that a lot of jobs like sweeping, etc should be done by outsourcing.

B.P.M.S. directly opposed this statement and said that outsourcing has a direct compromise on the quality of the products and hence outsourcing has to be stopped. Pay commission has stated that relative to the increments there should be an increase in Efficiency. The delegates stated that as the Productive units are not given under Long Term Work Load Users, there is a decrease in productivity, if the government makes the Long Term Work load available, then there would certainly be an increase in productivity.

8. The quota for job opportunities to the dependents of deceased employees is only 5 percent, which needs to be increased.

9. The report of the Pay commission to be Implemented in January 2016, and all Allowances, Incentives, etc to be revised from the same date.

The Pay commission has stated that they will try to submit their report within the given time limit.

Source:http://cgemployeesnews.in/7th-pay-commission-was-met-by-the-delegates-of-the-all-india-federation-of-defence-workers-on-13-3-2015/

Biometric Attendance

The Central Government employees are marking their attendance in the Aadhar Enabled Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS). There is a difference between the number of registered employees and number of employees marking their attendance. The Department of Personnel & Training has issued fresh instructions to all Ministries/ Departments on 28.01.2015 that necessary directions may be issued to all employees to mark their attendance in the Biometric Attendance Portal on regular basis.

Biometric attendance system is an enabling platform for marking of attendance. There is no change in the instructions relating to office hours, late attendance etc. There is no proposal to introduce an alternative system.

This was stated by the Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and Minister of State in Prime Minister’s office Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply to a question by Shri Dushyant Chautala in the Lok Sabha today.

Source:http://www.pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=0

Compulsory Paid Leave During Pregnancy

There are provisions which prescribe that a female Government servant (including an apprentice) with less than two surviving children may be granted maternity leave by an authority competent to grant leave for a period of 180 days from the date of its commencement. During such period, she shall be paid leave salary equal to the pay drawn immediately before proceeding on leave.

This was stated by the Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and Minister of State in Prime Minister’s office Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply to a question by Shri Kirti Azad in the Lok Sabha today.

Source:http://www.pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=0

Cabinet May Approve 6 Percent DA Hike Next Week

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet is likely to approve hiking dearness allowance (DA) to 113 per cent from existing 107 per cent benefiting 30 lakh central government employees and 50 lakh pensioners in its meeting scheduled in next week.

“The Union Cabinet will take a proposal to hike Dearness allowance for its employees and dearness relief for its pensioners to 113 per cent in next week as per agenda listed for the meeting,” a source said.
The hike in DA would be effective from the January 1 this year.

As per practice, the government uses Consumer Price Index- Industrial Workers ( CPI-IW) data of the past 12 months to arrive at a quantum for the purpose of any DA hike.

Thus, the CPI-IW from January 1 to December 31, 2014 would be used to take a final call on the matter.

The CPI (IW) of the months January, February, March, April, May, June and July were 237, 238, 239, 242, 244, 246 and 252 respectively.

The consumer price index -industrial workers (CPI-IW) remained stationery at 253 for last five months August to December, 2014.

“The average of the consumer price index -industrial workers (CPI-IW) from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014 works out to be 6.3 per cent. Thus the Central government will hike dearness allowance for it employees by 6 per cent,” the source added.

However, the employees’ bodies are pressing hard to merger of 50 percent DA with basic pay but it has not been given heed by the seventh Pay Commission as well as the government.

The merger of 50 percent DA was discontinued in the Sixth Pay Commission but the Fifth Pay Commission had recommended that if the DA crosses more than 50 percent then it should be clubbed with the basic pay.

Source:http://www.tkbsen.in/2015/03/cabinet-may-approve-6-percent-da-hike-in-next-week/

One rank-one pension by April-end, Army chief says

 JHAJJAR (Haryana): Army chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag on Saturday said that the long-standing demand of armed forces veterans' for one rank-one pension (OROP) will be approved by April end.

The file on the OROP is currently being studied by the finance wing of the defence ministry after which it would be sent to the finance ministry for final approval.

The government has already made it clear that the OROP will be implemented with effect from April 1, 2014.

Addressing a rally of around 17,000 ex-servicemen here, the Army chief said, "The OROP will come out in the same principle as desired. It will be effective from April 1, 2014 and may be approved latest by April 30 this year. However, delay does not matter as arrears will be given."

The OROP scheme, which seeks to ensure that a uniform pension is paid to defence personnel who retire at the same rank with the same length of service, irrespective of their date of retirement, has been a long-standing demand of the over two million ex-servicemen in the country.

In view of the hardships faced by the soldiers while discharging their duties, Gen Singh has sought a hike in their pay and allowances from the Prime Minister, a defence statement said.

Singh said that the army has tied up with the skilled development ministry for ensuring employment to the Army retirees in public and private sectors, it said.

However, the Army chief ruled out the possibilities of exempting the veterans from income tax as it would be a violation of the principal of parity, the statement added.

A number of grievance resolution stalls were set up to process on-the-spot redressal of grievances pertaining to pension, preparation of ECHS cards and CSD cards, it said.

A medical camp was also organised in which specialists from various discipline of medicine attended the needy patients.

Besides, 26 modified scooters and six wheel chairs were given to the eligible ex-servicemen, the statement added.

Source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/One-rank-one-pension-by-April-end-Army-chief-says/articleshow/46570263.cms

Introduction of “Executive Assistant” Scheme in Central Secretariat- meeting with Service Associations

F.No. 7/1/2010-CS.I(P)

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions

(Department of Personnel & Training)

 2nd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhavan,

Khan Market, New Delhi -110003

Dated the 10th March, 2015

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Introduction of “Executive Assistant” Scheme in Central Secretariat- meeting with Service Associations-reg.

The undersigned is directed to say that a meeting has been scheduled to discuss the proposal regarding introduction of “Executive Assistant” in Central Secretariat. The meeting will be chaired by Smt. Archana Verma, Joint Secretary and will be held at 11.30 AM on 11.03.2015 in Room No.190, North Block.

2. Representatives of the addressee associations are invited to attend the meeting. CSS Associations and CSSS Associations may furnish their views in group for 30 min ites each on the subject.

sd/-

(V. Srinivasaragavan)

Under Secretary to the Govrnment of India

Source: http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02csd/EA10032015.pdf

Shortlisting of HCOs under continuous empanelment scheme in Delhi/NCR.

F. No: 8.11045/36/2012-CGHS (HEC)

Government of India

Directorate General of Central Government Health Scheme

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare

Nirrnan Bhawan, New Delhi.

Dated the 10th March, 2015

Shortlisting of HCOs under continuous empanelment scheme in Delhi/NCR.

Following Health Care Organizations have technically qualified for consideration of their empanelment under CGHS Continuous empanelment scheme in Delhi/NCR.

Technically qualified HCOs which were empanelled under CGHS earlier are now required to submit letter of acceptance of CGHS rates, MoA & Performance Bank Guarantee of requisite amount (where PBG already submitted has expired) for consideration of their empanelment with CGHS within a period of 10 days but not later than 30 days from issuance of this order. The remaining HCOs which were not on CGHS panel earlier would be inspected by CGHS for physical amenities before further processing of their application for empanelment.

HCOs which were on CGHS panel earlier

Prayag Hospital & Research Centre Pvt. Ltd, J-206/A-I, Sector-41, Noida
Jeewan Hospital & Nursing Home Pvt. Ltd., Jeewan Nagar, Opp. Maharani Bagh, New Delhi.
Sanjeevan Medical Research (P) Ltd., 24, Ansari Road, Darya Ganj, New Delhi
Rotary Eye Care Centre, Tughlakabad Institutional Area, M.B. Road, New Delhi
Dr. Ananad Imaging & Neurological Research Centre, G14, Preet Vihar, Vikas Mar, Karkarimor, Delhi.

HCOs which were not on CGHS panel earlier

Irene Hospital, Kalkaji Extension, New Delhi
Max Multi Speciality Hospital, Greater Noida.
Navin Hospital, NH-3, Sector-Alpha-II, Pocket-F, Greater Noida.
Shivalik Hospital, Main Road, Hoshyarpur, Sector-51, Noida.
Mangalam Medical and Surgical Centre, Pooth Khurd, Bawana Road, Near Sector-35, Delhi.
Dr. Futela's Dental Centre, C-1 1, Nirvana Courtyard, Nirvana Country, South City-2, Sohna Road, Guraon.
Kumar Dental Clinic, 209, Hakikat Nagar, Gali No.7, Near GTB Metro Station, Delhi.
Lal Super Speciality Dental & Implant Clinic, Near Canara Bank, Opp. Purani Sabzi Mandi, Gurgaon.
J .A. Aneja Multispeciality Dental Centre, Vishnu Garden Extn, New Delhi.
White Field Dental Clinic, lE/4, Jhandewalan Extension, New Delhi.
Punarjyoti Eye & Mother Care Center, Duplex No.1, Sector-15, Vasundhara, Ghaziabad.
R.V.S. Eye Centre, Sorn Bazar Road, West Shalimar Bagh, Delhi.
DRS Northex Eye Institute Pvt. Ltd., Sector-7, Rohini, Delhi.
Complete Eye Care Centre, Mayur Vihar, Phase-2, Delhi.
Jain Eye Hospital and Laser Centre, Shalimar Bagh, New Delhi.
Indian Institute of Ophthalmology, Greater Kailash Enclave-II, New Delhi.
Vision Care Centre, Sector 8 & 7, Rohini, New Delhi
Rana Eye Centre, C-8/28, Sector-7, First Floor, Sai Baba Chowk, Rohini, Opp. Metro Pilar, 394, Delhi.
Viaan Eye & Retina Centre, UG-4, Bestech Central Square Mall, Sushant Lok-II, Sector-5 7, Gurgaon

sd/-

C. Joshi

Director (CGHS)

Source: http://msotransparent.nic.in/writereaddata/cghsdata/mainlinkfile/File947.pdf

National Mission on Teachers and Teaching

The Government will set up 50 Centres of Excellence for Curriculum and Pedagogy with necessary emphasis on Maths and Science; under the newly launched Scheme Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya National Mission on Teachers and Teaching (PMMMNMTT). The Mission will provide an integrated platform for building synergies among all the existing initiatives, providing oversight to the existing activities and also carry out new activities aimed at gap filling so that a comprehensive vehicle for Teacher/Faculty related programmes and schemes is created. Ongoing programmes will also be revitalized through this Mission on Teachers and Teaching. PMMMNMTT is mandated to ensure a coordinated approach so as to holistically address the various shortcomings relating to teachers and teaching across the educational spectrum ranging from school education to higher education including technical education; using the best international practices for excellence. It will also empower teachers and faculty through training, re-training, refresher and orientation programmes in generic skills, pedagogic skills, discipline specific content upgradation, ICT and technology enabled training and other appropriate interventions. The various components of PMMMNMTT, such as, setting up 30 Schools of Education, 50 Centres of Excellence for Curriculum and Pedagogy, two Inter University Centres, National Resource Centre, five Centres of Academic Leadership and Educational Management, Subject Based Networks and Workshops and Seminars, which will strengthen teachers, are, in fact aimed at improving the understanding of the students to grasp basic concepts and help them learn better.

This information was given by the Union Human Resource Development Minister, Smt. Smriti Irani in a written reply to the Lok Sabha question.

(Release ID :116791)

SOURCE;http://www.pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=0

Voting Rights of Armed Forces Personnel

Issues relating to further facilitation of voting by defence service personnel had been taken up with Election Commission of India. Meanwhile, the Hon’ble Supreme Court passed an interim order on 24.3.2014 in Writ Petition (C) No.1005 of 2013 (Neela Gokhale versus Union of India & Another) with Special Leave Petition (C) No.6554/2014 (Rajeev Chandrasekhar versus Union of India & Others), inter alia, giving directions regarding registration of Service personnel posted in peace stations as general voters; not insisting on Election Commission of India’s order dated 28.12.2008 wherein certain conditions for registration of Service personnel as general voters have been prescribed; furnishing of details of peace stations to Election Commission of India and providing assistance to Election Commission of India for making Postal Ballot effective.

In compliance of the ibid interim order of Hon’ble Supreme Court, list of peace stations was furnished by the Ministry of Defence to Election Commission of India for registration of Service personnel working in those locations as general voters. Election Commission of India, in compliance of aforesaid interim orders of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, issued instructions on 26.3.2014 to all Chief Electoral Officers of all States with reference to Service personnel who have been posted at peace stations on 1.1.2014 and continue to be posted there on the date of the commencement of the election process in the concerned Assembly Constituency. Even after completion of General Election to Lok Sabha 2014, the Commission have extended these instructions for further period till any further order is given by the Hon’ble Supreme Court. Internal instructions were issued by the Ministry of Defence to the Services Headquarters for taking all necessary steps and provide necessary assistance to Election Commission in making Postal Ballot for Service personnel effective.

This information was given by Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar in a written reply to Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar in Rajya Sabha today.

Source:http://www.pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=0

Minutes of the 26th meeting of SCOVA held on 03.02.2015

SCOVA Meeting

F. No. 42/39/2014-P&PW(G)

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare

3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhavan,

Khan Market, New Delhi – 110003

Date: 26th Feb,2015

To
All the Pensioners Associations under present SCOVA

Subject: Minutes of the 26th meeting of Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) held on 03rd February, 2015 under the Chairmanship of Hon’ble MOS(PP).

      Please find enclosed herewith a copy of minutes of the 26th meeting of Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) held on 03rd February, 2015 under the Chairmanship of Hon’ble MOS (PP) at Vigyan Bhawan Annexe, New Delhi for your kind perusal and necessary action.

( Sujasha Choudhury)

Dy. Secretary (P)

Minutes of the 26th meeting of Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) held on 03.02.2015 under the Chairmanship of Hon’ble MOS (PP) at Vigyan Bhawan Annexe, New Delhi.

The list of participants is at Annexure-A

2. At the outset Joint Secretary (Pension) welcomed Hon’ble MOS (PP), Secretary, Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare, representatives of Pensioners Associations and the participating officers of various Ministries/Departments. It was stated that SCOVA is a multiparty forum and a platform for sharing views. Under the able leadership of the Hon’ble Minister, the Department will continue to streamline the various policy issues for the benefit of the pensioners.

3. Thereafter, Hon’ble MOS (PP), Chairman, SCOVA, welcomed all participants to the meeting. He said that presently the number of pensioners is more than the number of employees in service. Hence, there is a large pool of experience which can be utilized in a constructive manner. MOS (PP) also mentioned that the Department has been able to effectively deliver on most of what was promised. Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) has been increased from ` Rs.300 to Rs.500, online grievance monitoring system CPENGRAMS is being used to keep the number of outstanding grievances to a minimum, BHAVISHYA (online pension sanction and payment tracking system) has been extended to 25 Ministries/Departments. MOS(PP) also stated that the Pensioner’s Portal is a part of the e-governance system which is in itself a priority of the present Government. He said that initiative “Sankalp” had immense potential to contribute to the welfare of pensioners  who could continue to contribute to the society after their retirement. Regarding the issue of agenda points suggested by the various Pensioners Associations being summarily rejected, it was informed that due importance was attached to all agenda points. However, owing to time constraints some of them are taken up for discussion during the SCOVA meeting and the items which were specific to a particular Department were forwarded to the concerned Ministries/Departments for taking necessary  action. Hon’ble MOS(PP) emphasized that each Department should look at the pensioners as their own responsibility and treat them as their family members.

It was pointed out by Pensioners’ Associations that there has been delay in payment of the enhanced amount of Fixed Medical Allowance in several Postal Circles. The instructions of Department of Posts to Postal Circles for accessing the orders from the website of DoP&PW and send the copies to the Pension Disbursing Offices without delay are not being followed. A suggestion was made that the Heads of Postal Divisions (instead of the designated Officer in Postal Page 2 of 8 Circle Offices) may be authorised to download the relevant order from the website of DoP&PW and send the copies to the Head Post Offices to effect timely payment to the Pensioners.

4. Thereafter, the Action Taken Report of 25th SCOVA meeting and Fresh Agenda items of 26th SCOVA meeting were taken up for discussion.

5. Discussion on ATR of 25th SCOVA meeting:-

i) Sl.No 1 of ATR: Status of issue of revised PPOs to pre-2006 pensioners.

a) CPAO informed that 29,615 cases were pending for revision. Despite several efforts, no further information was coming forth in respect of the pre- 1990 PPOs. They have approached banks and pensioners to obtain the missing information. CPAO was advised to hold meetings with individual Ministries and sort out cases issue wise so that  solutions  could be worked out and the pendency brought down to zero. CPAO was also advised to discuss the issue with Ministry of Railways and Department of Defence who had shown remarkable progress and brought down the pendency to Nil.

(Action: CPAO)

b) One of the Pensioner Association intimated that a number of cases were still pending in the Maharashtra Circle post offices. The Department of Posts intimated that they would consider delegating authority of revision to sub-post offices. In case of Patiala Circle, date of birth of spouse is not indicated in the revised PPOs. In respect of the
comments of other Pensioners Associations, they were requested to give specific case wherein revised authority has not been issued.

(Action: Department of Posts)

c) The Ministry of Railways informed that only 5000 cases are pending where no records are available and revised PPOs could not be issued. However, the Pensioners Association informed that in Firozpur, Ambala and Delhi revised PPOs in some cases have not been issued. Ministry of Railways was therefore asked to reconfirm their figures of
revised PPOs.

(Action: Ministry of Railways)

d) Department of Telecommunications informed that as on date 867 cases are pending and out of which 665 cases pertain to BSNL. Necessary action to revise these are being taken.

(Action : Department of Telecom)Page 3 of 8

e) D/o Ex-Servicemen Welfare informed that revised PPOs have been issued in most of the cases. This was refuted by the Defence Pensioner Association. Pensioners Associations were requested to give the list of the pending cases to the Department of Ex-servicemen Welfare, which will take the matter with CGDA. However, CGDA was asked to also reconfirm their figures.

(Action: Ministry of Defence)

Source:http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D3/D03ppw/SCOVA_26-FEB-2015.pdf

EXPECTED DA JULY 2015-AICPIN RELEASED

No. 5/1/2015- CPI

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT

LABOUR BUREAU

`CLEREMONT’, SHIMLA-171004

DATED: the 27 th February, 2015

Press Release

Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) – January, 2015

The All-India CPI-IW for January, 2015 increased by 1 point and pegged at 254 (two hundred and fifty four). On 1-month percentage change, it increased by 0.40 per cent between December, 2014 and January, 2015 when compared with the decrease of (-) 0.84 per cent between the same two months a year ago.

The largest upward pressure to the change in current index came from Housing group contributing (+) 1.36 percentage points to the total change. At item level, Wheat, Wheat Atta, Arhar Dal, Masur Dal, Moong Dal, Groundnut Oil, Mustard Oil, Fish Fresh, Goat Meat, Milk, Cigarette, Firewood etc. are responsible for the increase in index. However, this increase was restricted by Rice, Eggs (Hen), Onion, Vegetable and Fruit items, Sugar, Petrol etc., putting downward pressure on the index.

The year-on-year inflation measured by monthly CPI-IW stood at 7.17 per cent for January, 2015 as compared to 5.86 per cent for the previous month and 7.24 per cent during the corresponding month of the previous year. Similarly, the Food inflation stood at 7.81 per cent against 5.73 per cent of the previous month and 8.94 per cent during the corresponding month of the previous year.
At centre level, Haldia reported a maximum increase of 18 points followed by Jamshedpur (7 points), Lucknow (6 points), Quilon (5 points) and Srinagar & Vadodra (4 points each). Among others, 3 points rise was observed in 6 centres, 2 points in 9 centres and 1 point in 17 centres. On the contrary, Rourkela recorded maximum decrease of 7 points followed by Bhilai & Coimbatore (5 points each), Madurai & Labac Si!char (4 points each). Among others, 3 points fall was registered in 5 centres, 2 points in 2 centres and 1 point in 13 centres. Rest of the 15 centres’ indices remained stationary.

The indices of 36 centres are above All India Index and other 40 centres’ indices are below national average. The index of Bhopal and Bokaro centre remained at par with all-India index.

The next index of CPI-IW for the month of February, 2015 will be released on Tuesday, 31st March, 2015. The same will also be available on the office website www. labourbureau. gov. in.

Sd/-

(S.S.NEGI)

DIRECTOR

Source:http://labourbureau.nic.in/press%20note%20eng%20jan%202015.pdf

NFIR’s 55 Point Charter of Demands Including DA Merger, Interim Relief and Scrap NPS

1. Withdraw FDI, PPP in Railways – Stop Out Sourcing, Contractorisation and Privatization.
2. Scrap New Pension Scheme in Railways and restore liberalised pension scheme.
3. DA merger with pay with retrospective effect and payment of Interim Relief to Central Government employees (serving and retired).
4. Calculation and payment of Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) on actual wages.
5. Transport Allowance be exempted from the purview of Income Tax.
6. Increase contribution to Group Insurance Scheme (GIS) by atleast 10-times for all Government employees.
7. Merge Technician-II with Technician-1 with Grade Pay Rs.2800/- (PB-I) in Railways.
8. Revise entry grade pay of Station Masters as Rs.4200/- in PB-2.
9. Replacement of Grade Pay Rs.4600/- with Rs.4800/- (PB-2) w.e.f. 01/01/2006.
10. Revise upwardly the kilometrage rates of Running Staff w.e.f. 01/01/2006 – Settle Running Staff issues as per agreement dated 7th February, 2014.
11. Implement agreement for Up-gradation of Apex Group ‘C’ posts to Group ‘B’ Gazetted in Railways.
12. Allotment of higher Grade Pay to the Loco Pilots and Guards.
13. Count Temporary status Casual Labour Service in full as qualifying service for retirement and other purposes.
14. Allot entry Grade Pay of Rs.5400/- to the Group ‘B’ Gazetted staff.
15. LARSGESS be extended to GP Rs. 2400/- and above.
16. Track patrolling – Support man provision be complied with.
17. Rectify MACPS anomalies.
18. Rectify Sixth CPC anomalies.
19. Enhance Fixed Medical Allowance of Rs.500/- p.m. to not less than Rs.2000/- p.m., for all retired employees.
20. Extend special privileges and facilities for Women employees for their empowerment.
21. Ensure full implementation of the report of Joint Committee for career growth of Track Maintainers.
22. Abolish 12/- Hours duty in Railways – Introduce 8 hours duty roster for Running and Safety categories staff. Classify Running Staff working high speed trains as “Intensive” – NFIR’s proposals on the recommendations of High Power Committee (R&S) be considered for reaching negotiated settlement.
23. Remove hardships being faced by Train Controllers.
24. Reduce Duty Hours of Nursing Staff, thus honour Government’s decision.
25. Create ticket checking staff posts for manning trains.
26. Casual Labour acquired temporary status prior to 01/01/2004 should be covered under Liberalised Pension Scheme.
27. Implement norms approved by Railway Board and sanction new posts of SSE/JE (Signal), ESM, Helper (Signal) etc.
28. Amend Rules for providing employment to Wards of Employees.
29. Provide quality Health care to employees, their families besides retired employees.
30. Fill vacancies of Doctors, Para Medical Staff and provide Super specialists in all Railway Hospitals — enhance superannuation age of Railway Doctors.
31. Cover all Railway employees under Incentive Scheme in Workshops, PUs etc., wherever not covered.
32. Grant parity in Pay Structure for Stenographers in Railways at par with CSS/RBSS.
33. Training Allowance should be revised to 30% of pay in all Training Centres/Schools.
34. Implement agreement on stepping up of pay of Loco Inspectors.
35. Review SPAD definition – Prevent harassment and victimisation of Running and safety categories staff.
36. Make upward revision of Income Tax exemption limit in the case of running staff.
37. Running Rooms should be improved, air-conditioned and upgraded on priority.
38. Grant Project incentive allowance to the staff working in projects on Indian Railways.
39. Negotiating foras of PNM, DC/JCM & NC/JCM should be made effective for resolving issues speedily – Implement agreements reached in PNM, DC/JCM & special meetings etc., immediately.
40. Ensure creation of posts in safety/operational/public image categories for manning new services and maintaining new assets without linking to matching surrender.
41. Grant Daily Allowance to Staff Car Drivers.
42. Absorb quasi administrative units/offices staff against posts in GP Rs. 1800/- PB-1.
43. Induct Course Completed Act Apprentice against vacancies.
44. Ensure quality Uniform to all employees and supply of quality protective gears — concede NFIR’s proposals.
45. Grant Patient Care Allowance to all para-medical staff.
46. Provision of single woman Hostel facility at all Divisional Headquarters and important stations.
47. Setting up of a multi-disciplinary training institute for imparting training in rail related electronic technologies for the wards of Railway Employees.
48. Extension of medical facilities to the dependent parents of railway employees.
49. Liberalize compassionate appointment provisions.
50. Remove restrictions on payment of Children Education Allowance/Hostel subsidy.
51. Allot adequate funds for maintenance of Railway Quarters as well as construction of new quarters.
52. Introduce warning/ Hooter system to prevent deaths of Track Maintainers etc., while on duty.
53. Grant Study leave with attendant incentives liberally o the employees for pursuing higher studies.
54. Enhance Night Patrolling Allowance for Track Maintainers.
55. Allot Pay Band-4 to Junior Administrative Grade Officers in Railways.

Source:http://nfirindia.com/Index.aspx

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Compassionate Appointment

Department of Personnel & Training

Establishment ‘D’ Section

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Compassionate Appointment

Definition of a Dependent Family Member

S.No. Question and Answer

60. Whether ‘married son’ can be considered for compassionate appointment?

Yes, if he otherwise fulfils all the other requirements of the Scheme i.e. he is otherwise eligible and fulfils the criteria laid down in this Department’s O.M. dated 16th January, 2013. This would be effective from the date of issue of this FAQ viz. 25th February, 2015 and the cases of compassionate appointment already settled w.r.t. the FAQs dated 30th May, 2013, may not be reopened.

Sr.No.13 of the FAQs dated 30th May, 2013 may be deemed to have been modified to this extent.

Source:www.persmin.gov.in

Meeting of the NC (JCM) Staff side under the Chairmanship of Secretary, DOPT on 25/2/2015

F.No.3/1/2015-JCA

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, PG & Pensions

Department of Personnel & Training

North Block, New Delhi

Dated: 23rd February, 2015 

OFFICE MEMORANDUM 

Subject: Meeting to be held on 25/2/2015 under the Chairmanship of Secretary (P).

This is in continuation of this Department’s letter of even no. dated 20th February, 2015 forwarding therewith the letter No. NC/JCM/2015 dated 11/2/2015 received from Staff Side, NC (JCM). A copy of the Charter of Demands received vide their letter dated. 2nd February is also enclosed.

2. In this connection, I would like to inform you that a meeting is scheduled to be held on 25/2/2015 at 2.30 PM in Room No. 190, Ministry of Personnel & Training, North Block under the chairman ship of Secretary (Personnel) to discuss the issues raised in Charter of demands of Staff Side NC(JCM).

3, Kindly make it convenient to attend the meeting.

                                                                 Encl.- As above

                                                                  sd/-

                                                                       (Mamta Kundra) 

                                                                                     Joint Secretary (E)

F .No.3/ 1/2015-JCA

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, PG &Pensions

Department of Personnel & Training

North Block, New Delhi

Dated: 20th February, 2015

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Meeting of the NC (JCM) Staff side under the Chairmanship of Secretary, DOPT on 25/2/2015 at 2:30 p.m. -regarding.

This is with reference to your letter No. NC/JCM/2015 dated 11/2/2015 and 16/2/2015 enclosing therein a copy of Charter of Demands.

2. In this connection, I am directed to inform you that a meeting, under the chairmanship of Secretary (DOPT), is scheduled to be held on 25/2/2015 to discuss the issues raised in the Charter of demands. The meeting will be held at 2.30 PM in Room No. 190, Department of Personnel & Training, North Block

3. Kindly make it convenient to attend the meeting.

Sd/-

(K.Kipgen)

Director (JCA)

MAMTA KUNDRA
JOINT SECRETARY

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL & TRAINING

MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES

AND PENSIONS

NORTH BLOCK, NEW DELHI-110001

D.O.NO.4/3/2009-JCA

Dated 17th February, 2015

Dear Sir/Madam

Kindly refer to D.O. letter of even number dated 23rd July, 2012 regarding holding of meetings of Departmental Councils regularly with a view to making effective use of Joint Consultative Machinery (JCM) Scheme. Secretary, DoPT had also vide his d.o letter of even number dated 3rd December, 2012 & 26th September, 2013 requested to promote this interaction more proactively through regular meetings of Departmental/Office Councils under your Ministry/Department.

2. The JCM Scheme provides for Departmental Councils at the level of individual Ministries/Departments including their attached and subordinate offices and instructions have been issued by this . Department from time to time for making effective use of the JCM scheme. The Staff Side of JCM however has been remonstrating that regular dialogue with the Staff Side through the mechanism of Departmental Councils at Ministry/Department level is not happening frequently. You would kindly appreciate that this is essential as it helps in resolving differences and stimulates an atmosphere of trust.

3. It is therefore requested that the Departmental Councils should be constituted in those Ministries/Departments where they have not been constituted and where they are already in existence, the meetings of the Departmental Councils should be held more frequently to resolve Staff Side grievances.

Yours sincerely

Sd/-

(Mamta Kundra)

Source: www.persmin.nic.in
[http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02est/3_1_2015-JCA-23022015.pdf]

Pre-Rail Budget Meeting of the Railway Federations with Hon’ble MoSR

No.AIRF/60

Dated: February 23, 2015

The General Secretaries,

All Affiliated Unions,

Dear Comrades,

Sub: Pre-Rail Budget Meeting of the Railway Federations with Hon’ble MoSR

Today Presidents and General Secretaries/Secretary Generals of all the Recognized Federations of the Railwaymen met Hon’ble MoSR and handed him over following significant suggestions for including the same in the forthcoming Rail Budget 2015-16:-

The government is concerned about the safety and welfare of its workers and officers, serving round-the-clock to transport passengers and freight from one end to other end of the country.
The following burning issues may be considered favourably:-

Maintenance/repair cost of more than 60% over-aged staff quarters has gone considerably higher. As such, present allotment of budget for maintenance of railway quarters may be increased by 30%. Please take steps to improve the condition of the Drivers/Guards Running Rooms, Barracks, TTEs Rest Rooms, Subordinate Rest Houses also.
Smart Card Medical Facilities are requested to be extended to all the Railwaymen.
Vacancies of Safety Category posts may be filled-up in the larger interest of safe-rail operation.
Scope of the LARSGESS for Safety Categories, which has been found to be very useful, may be extended to all Group `C’ categories.
The government proposes to introduce “House and Education for all”. For this purpose, vacant railway land at various stations may be utilized, and the Ministry of Urban Development be approached to construct houses for the Railwaymen, and easy home loans may be provided through the Banks and Railway Schemes.
The government has decided to open Medical and Engineering Colleges, Universities for the children of its workforce. The same may be extended to the Railwaymen as well.
The government is concerned about the welfare of the Railwaymen and their families and dependants. Parents of the Railwaymen may be granted Railway Pass and Medical facilities.
Quasi-administrative staff, working in the Federation/Union Offices, who are availing Railway Pass and Medical facilities may kindly be absorbed in the Railways.
As the then Hon’ble Minister for Railways has already written a letter to the then Hon’ble Finance Minister to implement Old Pension Scheme in place of National Pension Scheme(NPS), and for that it has also been written that financial provisions will be made by the Railways itself. Therefore, it is requested that provisions for the same should be made in this Rail Budget.
Repealing of RPF Amendment Act, 2001 should be implemented to give powers to the RPF.
Railway Federations and Associations have been expressing their concern on outsourcing and FDI in the Railways. This has been considered by the government, and the Hon’ble Prime Minister has already announced that there is no intention for privatization of the Indian Railways. Keeping in view prevailing cordial industrial relations, it is requested to re-call the instructions of the government on FDI in the Indian Railways.

Yours faithfully,

(Shiva Gopal Mishara)

General Secretary

Source: http://www.nrmu.net

Income Tax Expectations: Here's What India Wants - NDTV

A survey carried out by industry body Assocham has found that a majority of salaried employees want Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to increase the income tax exemption in the forthcoming Budget.

A hike in income tax exemption from Rs. 2.5 lakh to Rs. 3 lakh will lead to savings of up to Rs. 5,000 for those who fall in the Rs. 2.5 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh tax bracket. Those in the Rs. 5 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh tax bracket will save up to Rs. 10,000, while those in the highest tax bracket can save up to Rs. 15,000.

Any increase in exemption in income tax would leave more money in the hands of people and will increase their purchasing power, Assocham said.

If Mr Jaitley hikes income tax exemption limit, it will be for the second time in two years that salaried employees will get a relief on taxes.


The other big expectation is about exemption on housing loans. 78 per cent of those surveyed want interest exemption on home loans to go up to Rs. 5 lakh from Rs. 2 lakh.

Property prices in the country have gone up sharply over the years and many individuals have to pay large amounts as interest for home loans. Exemption on interest on home loan was hiked by Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 2 lakh in the previous Budget.

A large number of respondents in the survey also voted for hiking exemption limit under section 80C of the Income Tax Act; the section makes investments worth Rs. 1.5 lakh on saving instruments such as fixed deposits, national saving certificates and public provident funds exempt from taxes.

"Hike in exemption limits will boost the savings rate in the Indian economy to 35 per cent of GDP from below 30 per cent currently," said Assocham secretary general D S Rawat.

88 per cent of respondents want the government to reduce the record-high duty on gold import. Import duty on gold was hiked to 10 per cent in 2013 when the economy was struggling with a high current account deficit and volatile rupee.

Nearly 82 per cent of the salaried class expects a separate deduction of Rs. 50,000 for the payment towards annuity or pension plans. Deduction of the amount paid towards annuity plans u/s 80CCC and NPS u/s 80CCD come under the threshold limit of section 80C currently.

Around 55 per cent of the survey respondents were between 25 and 29 year-old; 26 per cent fell between 30 and 39 years; 16 per cent were between 40 and 49 years. The survey was carried out among employees from 18 broad sectors, with maximum share contributed by employees from IT/ITes sector (17 per cent). It was conducted across Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Pune, Chandigarh, Dehradun, etc. About 500 salaried employees from the different sectors were covered by the survey from each city on an average.

Source:http://profit.ndtv.com/budget/income-tax-expectations-heres-what-india-wants-741265

Bank Employees to get 15% increase in wages – Strike from 25th Feb called off – 10th Bipartite Wage Settlement

 PSU bank employee unions withdraw strike call, settle wages: Economic Times

NEW DELHI: Employee unions of public sector banks today withdrew their strike call following an agreement with the management on 15 per cent wage hike.

"In today's talks, wage revision settled at 15 per cent with effect from November 2012," United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) Convener M V Murali said.

The bank unions had threatened to go on 4-day nation-wide strike from February 25 demanding 19 per cent hike in wages. The wage hike was due from November 2012.

At a meeting today in Mumbai, PSU banks employee unions and bank management, Indian Banks' Association (IBA), agreed on 15 per cent wage hike and entered into an agreement for it.

National Organisation of Bank Workers (NOBW) Vice President Ashwini Rana said: "We are not happy as our expectation was that bank staff would get what was given to them last time -- 17.5 per cent increase in wages".

The bank employees will now also get holidays on two Saturdays in a month.

"Long pending demand of holiday on second and fourth Saturdays for the bank employees have also been reached," AIBEA General Secretary C H Venkatachalam said.

Last week, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had appealed to bank employee unions to call off their strike as talks were on for a revision of wages of employees.

The Minister said banks are already in negotiations with their unions and associations for wage settlement and "the bipartite negotiations in a cordial manner is the only available tool for settlement".

The wage revision of public sector bank employees has been due since November 2012.

Earlier, unions had deferred one-day strike scheduled for January 7 as IBA improved the wage hike offer to 12.5 per cent from 11 per cent earlier.

There are 27 public sector banks in the country with a combined employee strength of about 8 lakh. There are about 50,000 branches of these banks across the country.

Source:http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/banking/finance/banking/psu-bank-employee-unions-withdraw-strike-call-settle-wages/articleshow/46343971.cms

Revision of pension of pre-2006 pensioners – inclusion of Non-Practicing Allowance (NPA) in revision of pension of retired medical officers

No.38/31/11 – P&PW(A)(Vol.IV)

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions

Department of Pension and P.W

3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhawan,

Khan Market, New Delhi.

Dated the 18th February, 2015

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject :- Revision of pension of pre-2006 pensioners – inclusion of Non-Practicing Allowance (NPA) in revision of pension of retired medical officers

The undersigned is directed to say that in accordance with para 4.2 of this Department’s OM No.38/37/08-P&PW(A) dated 1.9.2008 (as clarified vide OM dated 3.10.2008 and 14.10.2008), the revised pension of pre-2006 pensioners shall, in no case, be lower than fifty per cent of the minimum of the pay in the pay band plus the grade pay corresponding to the pre-revised pay scale from which the pensioner had retired. In the case of HAG and above scales, this will be fifty per cent of the minimum of the revised pay scale. Further, in accordance with OM No.38/37/08-P&PW(A) dated 28.1.2013, the normal pension in respect of pre-2006 pensioners/family pensioners as revised w.e.f. 1.1.2006 in terms of para 4.1 or para 4.2 of the aforesaid OM dated 1.9.2008 would also be further stepped up w.e.f. 24.9.2012 to 50% of the sum of minimum of pay in the pay band and the grade pay corresponding to the pre-revised pay scale in which the Government servant had retired, as arrived at with reference to the fitment tables annexed to the Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure OM No.1/1/2008-IC dated 30th August, 2008. In the case of HAG and above scales, this will be 50% of the minimum of the pay in the revised pay scale arrived at with reference to the fitment tables annexed to the above OM dated 30.8.2008 of Ministry of Finance (Department of Expenditure).

2. In its judgment dated 27.11.2013 in Civil Appeal No.10640-46/2013 and other connected matters, Hon’ble Supreme Court observed that in accordance with Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s OM No.45012/11/97-CHS.V dated 7.4.1998, NPA counts as pay for all service benefits including retirement benefits. In implementation of the aforesaid judgement of Hon’ble Supreme Court, orders have been issued vide this Department’s OM No.38/31/11-P&PW(A)(Vol.IV) dated 14.10.2014 read with OM dated 21.10.2014 that in the case of pre-1996 retired medical officers, NPA @ 25% shall be added to the minimum of the revised scale of pay as on 1.1.1996 corresponding to the pre-1996 pay scales from which the pensioner had retired, in cases where consolidated pension/family pension was to be stepped up to 50% / 30% respectively of the minimum of revised pay-scale in terms of OM No.45/10198-P&PW(A) dated 17.12.1998 read with OM No.45/86/97-P&PW(A) (Pt.) dated 11.5.2001.

3. In this Department’s OM of even number dated 14.7.2009, it was clarified that in the case of pre-2006 pensioners, Non-Practicing Allowance is not to be added to the minimum of the revised pay band+Grade Pay/revised pay scale in cases where consolidated pension/family pension as on 1.1.2006 is to be stepped up to 50% / 30% respectively in terms of para 4.2 of Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare OM No.38/37/08-P&PW(A) dated 1.9.2008 (as clarified vide OM dated 3.10.2008 and 14.10.2008).

4. In the OM No. A.45012/2/2008-CHS.V dated 29.9.2008 of Ministry of Health & FW, it is provided that NPA will be treated as pay for the purpose of computing Dearness Allowance, entitlement of Travelling Allowance and other allowances as well as for calculation of retirement benefits. Therefore, the ratio of the said judgement dated 27.11.2013 in CA No.10640-46/2013 would be applicable for revision of pension/family pension of pre-2006 retired civilian medical officers w.e.f. 1.1.2006 also. Accordingly, the OM dated 38/37/08-P&PW(A) dated 14.7.2009 is hereby withdrawn. In the case of pre-2006 retired medical officers, NPA @ 25% would be required to be added to the minimum of the pay in the revised pay band plus grade pay (or minimum of pay in the revised pay scale in the case of HAG and above) as on 1.1.2006 corresponding to the pre-revised pay scale from which they retired, in cases where pension family pension is to be stepped up to 50%130% of the minimum pay respectively.

5. Similarly, for revision of pension family pension w.e.f. 24.9.2012 in terms of OM dated 28.1.2013, NPA @ 25% would be required to be added to the minimum of the pay in the revised pay band plus grade pay (or minimum of pay in the revised pay scale in the case of HAG and above) corresponding to the pre-revised pay scale from which they retired as arrived at with reference to the fitment table annexed to the Department of Expenditure’s OM dated 30.8.2008 subject to the condition that the basic pay plus NPA does not exceed Rs.85,000/- .

6. This issues with the approval of Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure vide their I.D. No. 7211E-V/2014 dated 2.1.2015 and Ministry of Law F.No.213/Advice’A’/2015 dated 29.1.2015.

7. Hindi version will follow.

(Tripti P. Ghosh)

Director

Source:http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D3/D03ppw/PPWA_18022015.pdf

Rule 5 of Railway Servants (Discipline and appeal) Rules, 1968 – Instructions regarding timely review of suspension

RBE No. 12/2015

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(RAILWAY BOARD)

No. E(D&A) 2014 RG6-35

New Delhi, 18.02.2015

The General Manager(P)
All Indian Railways and
Production Units etc.
(As per standard list).

Sub: Rule 5 of Railway Servants (Discipline and appeal) Rules, 1968 – Instructions regarding timely review of suspension

Rule 5 of the Railway Servants (Discipline and appeal) Rules, 1968 deals with the provisions of suspension. As per the rule, a Railway servant may be placed under suspension in the following circumstances:

(a) where a disciplinary proceeding against him is contemplated or is pending; or

(b) where, in the opinion of the authority competent to place a Railway servant under suspension, he has engaged himself in activities prejudicial to the interest of the security of the state; or

(c) where a case against him in respect of any criminal offence, is under investigation, inquiry or trial.

2. A Disciplinary Authority may also consider it appropriate to place a Railway servant under suspension in the following circumstances. These are only intended for guidance and should not be taken as mandatory:-

(i) Cases where continuance in office of the Railway servant will prejudice the investigation, trial or any inquiry (e.g. apprehended tampering with witnesses or documents);

(ii) where the continuance in office of the Railway servant is likely to seriously subvert discipline in the office in which the Railway servant is working;

(iii) where the continuance in office of the Railway servant will be against the wider public interest [other than those covered by (i) and (ii)] such as there is public scandal and it is necessary to place the Railway servant under suspension to demonstrate the policy of the Government to deal strictly with officers involved in such scandals, particularly corruption;

(iv) where allegations have been made against the Railway servant and preliminary inquiry has revealed that a prima facie case is made out which would justify his prosecution or his being proceeded against in departmental proceedings, and where the proceedings are likely to end in his conviction and/or dismissal, removal or compulsory retirement from service.

3. In the first three circumstances the Disciplinary Authority may exercise his discretion to place a Railway servant under suspension even when the case is under investigation and before a prima facie case has been established. Suspension may be desirable in the circumstances indicated below:-

(i) any offence or conduct involving moral turpitude;

(ii) corruption, embezzlement or misappropriation of Government money, possession of disproportionate assets, misuse of official powers for personal gain;

(iii) serious negligence and dereliction of duty resulting in considerable loss to Railways;

(iv) desertion of duty;

(v) refusal or deliberate failure to carry out written orders of superior officers. In respect of the types of misdemeanor specified in sub-clauses (iii) to (v) herein above, discretion has to be exercised with care.

4. Rules 5(6) and 5(7) of RS(D&A) Rules, 1968, deal with the review of suspension cases. The provision of review within ninety days is applicable to all types of suspensions. However, in cases of continued detention, the review becomes a mere formality with no consequences as a Railway servant in such a situation has to be continued to be kept under deemed suspension. A review of suspension is not necessary in such cases during this period. Therefore, in all such cases the first review of suspension becomes due on completion of ninety days counting from the date, the Railway servant was released from detention, unless suspension has already been revoked. Subsequent reviews shall become due before completion of currently continuing period of suspension. During each such review, suspension can be extended for a period not exceeding 180 days at a time.

5. It has come to notice that in cases of prolonged suspension period, the courts have pointed out that the suspension cannot be continued for long and that inspite of Railway Board’s instructions, the Disciplinary Authorities are not finalizing the disciplinary proceedings within stipulated time. Also, in such cases the Railway is unnecessarily paying subsistence allowance without extracting any work and if, on the culmination of the disciplinary proceedings, the charged officer is exonerated from the charges, the Railway has to unnecessarily pay the full salary and treat the period of suspension as on duty etc. It is therefore, desirable that timely review of suspension is conducted in a just and proper manner and that the disciplinary proceedings are finalized expeditiously.

6. The zonal Railways etc. may bring the existing instructions on timely review of suspension and expeditious completion of disciplinary proceedings to the notice of all concerned.

7. Please acknowledge receipt.

(S. Modi)

Dy. Director Estt. (D&A)

Railway Board

Source:http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/establishment/E_D%26A/DA_Rules/E(D%26A)_Timely_Suspension.pdf

Supreme Court sets bar on suspension of govt employees

A government employee can't be kept suspended for more than three months if not formally informed about the charges, the Supreme Court said Monday.

Based on the principle of human dignity and the right to speedy trial, the landmark verdict is expected to affect lakhs of government employees across India, many of whom are under suspension for years pending departmental proceedings.

"Suspension, specially preceding the formulation of charges, is essentially transitory or temporary in nature, and must perforce be of short duration," a bench headed by justice Vikramjit Sen said.

If the charge sheet or memorandum of charges was served within three month, the suspension could be extended, it ruled.

"If it (suspension) is for an indeterminate period or if its renewal is not based on sound reasoning…, this would render it punitive in nature," the court said.

It agreed with petitioner's senior counsel Nidhesh Gupta that a suspension order can't continue for an unreasonably long period.

Protracted periods of suspension had become the norm and not the exception that they ought to be, the court said. It drew a parallel with criminal investigation wherein a person accused of heinous crime is released from jail after the expiry of 90 days if police fail to file the charge sheet.

The suspended persons suffers even before being charged and "his torment is his knowledge that if and when charged, it will inexorably take an inordinate time for the inquisition or inquiry to come to its culmination". "Much too often this has now become an accompaniment to retirement," the court said, setting aside a direction of the central vigilance commission that required departmental proceedings to be kept in abeyance pending a criminal investigation.

The government, however, was free to transfer the officer concerned to any department in any of its offices to ensure the employee did not misuse contacts for obstructing the probe, the court said.

The order came on a petition filed by defence estate officer Ajay Kumar Choudhary, who was suspended in September 2011 for allegedly issuing wrong no-objection certificates for the use of a four-acre land parcel in Kashmir. After failing to get relief from the Delhi high court, Choudhary had moved the top court in 2013.

Since a charge sheet had already been served on Choudhary, these directions would not apply to his case, the court said.

Source:http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/supreme-court-sets-bar-on-suspension-of-govt-employees/article1-1317561.aspx

Meeting with the 7th Central Pay Commission – NFIR

 NFIR

National Federtion of Indian Railwaymen

3, Chelmsford road, New Delhi – 110 005

 No.IV/NFIR/7th CPC/Corres/Pt.V

Dated: 18-02-2015

 The General Secretaries of
Affiliated Unions of NFIR

Dear Brother,

Sub: Meeting with the 7th Central Pay Commission – reg.

A meeting will take place between the JCM Staff Side and the 7th Central Pay Commission on 25th February 2015. Following issues are expected to be discussed in the meeting.

Minimum Wage
Interim Relief &
Merger of DA with Pay.

It may also be noted that the Oral evidence on the Memorandum submitted by the Federation will commence from 15th March 2015, but however, the dated will be confirmed later on.

 Yours fraternally,

 Sd/-

(Dr.M.Raghavaiah)

General Secretary

Source: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B40Q65NF2_7UUWt3bndTcXlXcW8/view

Revision of 43% and 45% commuted portion of pension of Armed Forces absorbees who had drawn lump sum payment on absorption in Public Sector Undertaking/Autonomous bodies -

No 1(4)/2007/D(Pen/Policy)

Government of India

Ministry of Defence

Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare

New Delhi Dated, the 19th January, 2015

To
The Chief of the Army Staff,
The Chief of the Naval Staff,
The Chief of the Air Staff,

Subject: Revision of 43% and 45% commuted portion of pension of Armed Forces absorbees who had drawn lump sum payment on absorption in Public Sector Undertaking/Autonomous bodies -Implementation of Government’s decision on the recommendations of the Sixth Central Pay Commission reg. [Click to view previous Order]

Sir,
The undersigned is directed to say that orders were issued vide this Ministry’s letter No 1(4)12007/D(Pen/Policy) dated 21.8.2009 amended vide letter No 1(4)/2007/ D(Pen/Policy) dated 9.2.2011 regarding revision of restored amount of commuted portion of pension as well as notional full pension with effect from 1.1.2006 in respect of Armed Forces Personnel absorbees who had drawn lump sum payment on absorption in Public Sector Undertakings/ Autonomous Bodies and have become entitled for restoration of 45% of pension in the case of PBOR and 43’% of pension in the case of Commissioned officers.

2. In compliance of orders of Hon’ble CAT, Hyderabad Bench order in CP No 26/2012 in OA 710/2010, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Deptt of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare vide their OM No 4130/2010-P&PW(D) dated 11th July 2013 has issued order that restored pension of those Government servant who had drawn lump- sum payment on absorption in Public Sector Undertakings/ Autonomous Bodies and whose pension has been restored from a date before 1.1.2006, the pre-revised restored pension (without DP) shall be revised with effect from 1.1.2006 by multiplying the same by a factor of 2.26, if the same is more beneficial than the amount of revised restored pension in terms of 6th CPC orders. These instructions have been issued as a special case and would not be taken into consideration for revision of pension on the basis of recommendations of next Pay Commission.

3. The undersigned has been directed to say that the provisions of Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Deptt of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare OM No 4/30/2010-P&PW(D) dated 1 lth July 2013 shall apply mutatis – mutandis to Armed Forces personnel absorbees.

4. The other terms and conditions prescribed vide this Ministry’s above mentioned letter dated 21.8.2009 as amended, which are not affected by the provisions of this letter, shall remain unchanged. Pension Sanctioning Authorities shall revise restored portion of pension of absorbee pensioners’ suo moto, if found beneficial, by issue of revised Pension Payment orders, where the restored pension has already been revised in terms of this Ministry’s above said letter dated 21.8.2009.

5. These orders issue with the concurrence of MoD (Finance/Pension) vide their ID No 31(08)/09/Fin/Pen dated 22.12.2014.

Hindi version of this order will follow.

Yours faithfully,

sd/-

( Prem Parkash )

Under Secretary (Pension/Policy)

Source: http://www.desw.gov.in/sites/upload_files/desw/files/pdf/D%28Pen-Pol%29-19-Jan-15.pdf

Bharat Pensioner’s Samaj presentation to 7th CPC

By

S.C. Maheshwari
Secretary General Bharat Pensioners Samaj
E-mail: bharatpensioner@gmail.com
Web Sites: www.bharatpensioner.org

Pensioners aspirations
Pensioners are asking for only what is provided in the constitution , service conditions & pronounced by the Apex Court

Pension is not largesse but a right.
Should be adequate to enable retd. employee to live with standard he was living.
There Should be no discrimination on the basis of date of retirement.
Gap between haves & have lots should go on reducing
Healthcare is a fundamental right of   ex employee.

Pensionable employee were deprived of Govt. 8.33% PM of salary, matching contribution to PF & were paid low salaries designed to cater for Pension
(6th CPC study by Dr K . Gyithri)

Quantum of pension
Pension of Govt. employees need to be 65% of last drawn as per 5th CPC study (TECS ). Correspondingly Family Pension to be 45% of last drawn.Fitment benefit exactly same as for employees. BPS urge 7th pay comm. to recommend accordingly to do justice .

Emoluments for Pension
DA of Govt. employees is part of salary. It  compensate  fall in purchase value of salary. Should be taken into account for calculation of pension as it affects commutation & future DR

Parity in Pension
Pension of pre & post retired SC,HC judges, CAG, Cab. Secy.& Secy. is at par.  One rank one pension has been acceded to Defence forces retirees . Others too are citizens of this Country, then why disrimination.BPS Plead for 100% parity to all Pensioners

Full and modified parity will be meaningless unless the actual grades and grade pays implemented to serving employees on revision are taken into consideration.  For some categories especially at lower and middle levels, grades higher than those actually recommended by the Commissions were implemented for employees in service.  They were not extended for modified and full parity to those who retired prior to revision in the corresponding posts on the pretext that what were implemented were improved grades and grade pays.  This resulted in invidious discrimination against and grave injustice to past retirees.  The gap in pensions due to this ever widens not only with every subsequent revision but also whenever additional installment of DR and when  additional quantum based on advanced age are  granted.

Parity, full or modified, will be meaningful and confer real benefit on past retirees only when the actual grades and grade pays implemented for serving employees are taken for this purpose.  This injustice is happening only when a higher grade or grade pay is given to a certain category after revision.    We respectfully submit that certain sections of past pensioners are not able to get justice in the  matter of full/modified parity due to the above discriminatory treatment.  A Group-B officer, who retired in III CPC scale had been brought down one scale lower w.e.f., 1.1.96 and to Rs.4200/- GP w.e.f., 1.1.2006 whereas a IV CPC Group-B officer got Rs.4600/- GP  w.e.f., 1.1.2006 and a V CPC Group-B officer got Rs.4800/- GP in revision.  This injustice has occurred to many categories of pre-2006 retirees.  We appeal to the Commission to do full justice to all past retirees in the above regard by making suitable recommendations.

Pre-2006 pensioners were given 40% fitment benefit whereas serving employees were given grade pay.  This resulted in grave imbalance between pre and post 2006 pensioners.  In order to rectify this, notional fixation has to be extended w.e.f., 1.1.2006 to pre 2006 pensioners taking 50% of corresponding grade pay into account so that they will be brought on a common platform with post 2006 pensioners and they will all get equal justice in the next revision as per VII CPC.  We urge the Commission to recommend same fitment benefit to employees as well as pensioners to avoid imbalance between past and future pensioners and also same multiplication factor for revision to one and all to ensure equal treatment.

No cut off dates
Revision of Pension by Pay comm. is to neutralize inflationary effect . Inflation affects all equally with- out cut off date. Then why cut off dates for implementation of Pay comm. recommendations?

7th CPC recommendations should apply to all pensioners without cut-off dates .All new benefits to apply to present pensioners. Pension of all should rise by equal % to ensure equality.

Minimum-Maximum Ratio
Ratio mini- max. emoluments i.e. Basic + DA+IR was down to 1:8 on 1.7.96 prior to Vth CPC implementation. 7CPC must bring it back to that level.


Gulf between highest & lowest paid
Huge gulf between lowest & highest pension need to be narrowed, should not be more than 1:8.Revise pay/pension of top person first, divide it by 8 to calculate minimum.

Any attempt to increase highest & lowest paid ratio in Govt jobs will be disastrous and against the preamble to constitution.

Additional old age pension
100 yrs of age for a pensioner is illusionary BPS requests the Hon’ble comm. to review existing dispensation & to recommend 10%upward increase in pension every 5 yrs   from 65yrs to 75yrs , 20% every 5yrs from 75- 85yrs & finally increasing pension to 100% at 90 yrs of age. As in the present scenario old age disabilities/diseases set-in right from 60 yrs of age & go on manifesting v. fast needing additional medical & caregiver expenditure.

Pension to be net of Income Tax
Purchase value of pension gets reduced day by day due to steep rise in food, medical & transport cost. Net worth of a pensioner gets considerably reduced at year end compared to the beginning of the year. To enable a pensioner in the evening of life to live with minimum comfort, BPS appeals that Pension may be exempted from Income tax.

DR Merger
BPS requests the pay comm. to recommend merger of Dearness allowance with basic pension whenever it goes 50% or beyond.
Due to inherent flaws in the method of inflation index calculation which is  based on WPI. DR  is never sufficient to afford 100% neutralization. Whenever DR rise to 50% & above, it results in considerable erosion of financial position of Pensioners.

Ex- servicemen status
Defence civilian are paid from defence budget. Are accorded Rank equivalency. BPS urge pay comm. To recommend  ex- servicemen status to retd. Defence civilians.

BSNL pensioners
BSNL pensioners are governed by Rule 137A of CCS (Pension) Rules 1972. BPS pleads that they be treated  at par with C .G. Pensioners for pension fixation.

Family pensioners other than spouse
Family pension is restricted to daughters who become divorcee or widow during the life time of  Parents. Social Structure always force a widow or divorced lady to return to parental home. In the absence of parents illiterate ladies have to feed themselves & children by doing menial jobs & living as destitutes. Removal of present restriction will help these ladies to lead honorable life. BPS appeals to hon’ble  comm. to consider the issue on humanitarian grounds & to recommend removal of this restriction .

New Pension Scheme
TO ensure social security. Amend it to guarantee minimum 50% of last drawn as pension & Family pension as per exiting pre 2004 scheme

Restoration of commuted value
Commutation is an advance sanctioned to pensioner at  specific  conditions & rate of intt.  at the time of retirement which is recoverable from  pension in regular monthly installments. Thus the recovery must stop the day total amount with interest is recovered.BPS requests that Commuted value of Pension be restored after 10yrs.

Restoration of commutation to PSU absorbees
Presently in case of pensioners other than PSU absorbees pensioners, recovery of commuted value of pension lasts 15 yrs, where as in case of PSU absorbees this recovery continues till survival which is discriminatory. In their case also full pension should be restored, the day sanctioned amount with interest is fully recovered.

Injustice to those born onIst jan & on Ist  july
 Modified FR56(a) requires every one whose date of birth is the first of month to retire from service on the afternoon of last day of preceding month on attaining superannuation age. As a result, those born on Ist of Jan loose  pay & pension revision benefits due to pay comm. recommendations and those born on Ist july loose benefit of one increment. They are deprived of equality of status. Hon’ble pay comm. is requested to set right the discrepancy.

Gratuity
We suggest that the gratuity may be calculated on the basis of 26 effective days as against 30 days in a month.
 The ceiling of 16.5 times should also be removed.


Health care
Healthcare is not a luxury to be in  possession of privileged few. All Govt. pensioners must be issued smart cards for cashless treatment in emergencies in any empanelled/NABH accredited hospital in the country. BPS requests the Honourable commission to recommend accordingly .

Quality healthcare
To ensure quality healthcare to pensioners . Periodically upgrade CGHS rates, to keep these compatible to market rates. Exercise rate & quality control on Govt. empanelled  hospitals.

Hospital Regulatory authority
Constitute hospital regulatory authority to monitor quality & rates of empanelled & NABH /NABL  accredited hospitals / Labs to ensure quality healthcare at affordable rates.

Fixed Medical allowance
As is recorded in Para 5 of the minutes of Committee of Secretaries (COS) held on 15.04.2010. OPD cost per CGHS card holder was Rs1369/ PM in 2007-8. With inflation, it is well over Rs 2500/PM now.EPFO baneficiaries already getting RS 2000/PM FMA wef June.013. Hon’ble comm. is requested to recomend Rs 2500/FMA w/o distance restriction, net of Income Tax and  allowing DR on it.

Grievance redressal
There should be an effective redressal mechanism with a strict Time line & punitive clause for violation of time line. Any court judgement involving a common policy matter of Pay/Pension should be extended automatically to similarly placed employees/Pensioners without driving every affected person  to court of Law.
BPS, therefore, appeal to Hon’ble Comm. to recommend accordingly.

Immediate relief
Pending submission of commission’s report & implementation of its recommendations . As an immediate measure to partially  mitigate sufferings of pensioners, BPS appeal to the Hon’ble comm. to immediately recommend merger of 50% DR with basic pension & an interim relief of 20% of existing pension.

General
Federations of C.G. Pensioners’ associations be    granted recognition by Government.
Pensioners’ representatives should be included in various Committees & Forums wherein issues relating to pensioners’ are discussed & decided.
SCOVA may be upgraded to JCM level.
Scope of Pension Adalats be widened to include Genl.Grievances& Pensioners associations may be permitted to present pensioners cases in Pension Adalats.

THANK YOU

Source: http://scm-bps.blogspot.in/2015/02/bps-to-7th-cpc-presentation.html

MODIFIED ASSURED CAREER PROGRESSION SCHEME FOR THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES-instructions regarding,

No.35034/3/2008-Estt. (D)

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions

(Department of Personnel and Training)

North Block, New Delhi, the 18th February, 2015

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:-MODIFIED ASSURED CAREER PROGRESSION SCHEME FOR THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES-instructions regarding,

This Department on the recommendation of Sixth Central Pay Commission in Para 6.1.15 of its report and in supersession of previous Assured Career Progression Scheme, vide O.M. No. 35034/3/2008-Estt.(D) dated 19.05.2009 introduced the Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme (MACPS) for the Central Government Civilian Employees which is operational w.e.f. 01.09.2008. MACP Scheme envisages the three financial upgradations at intervals of 10, 20 and 30 years of continuous regular service to all regularly appointed Group "A", "B", and "C" Central Government Civilian Employees.

2. As per para 6 of DOPT's O.M. No. 35034/3/2008-Estt.(D) dated 19.05.2009, the Screening Committee would follow a time-schedule and meet twice in a financial year preferably in the first week of January and first week of July of a year for advance processing of the cases maturing in that half. Accordingly, cases maturing during the first-half (April/September) of a particular financial year would be taken up for consideration by the Screening Committee meeting in the first week of January. Similarly, the Screening Committee meeting in the first week of July of any financial year would process the cases that would be maturing during the second-half (October-March) of the same financial year.

3. It has come to notice of this Department that the benefits of MACPS are not being granted as per the schedule/provisions in the MACP Scheme leading to dissatisfaction and grievances among the employees. Therefore, Ministrie/Departments are advised to ensure strict compliance to the time limits indicated in MACPS for grant of benefits under this scheme as and when the employees become eligible for such benefits.

sd/-

(Mukta Goel)

Director(E-I)

Source: http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02est/35034_3_2008-Estt-D_18022015.pdf

Importance of following the due process in disciplinary proceedings - regarding

F. No.11012/3/2015-Estt.A-III

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

Department of Personnel & Training

North Block, New Delhi

Dated February 18, 2015

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Importance of following the due process in disciplinary proceedings - regarding

This Department has been emphasising the necessity of conforming with the procedures prescribed in the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules, 1965 [CCS(CCA) Rules, 1965] while dealing with the disciplinary proceedings conducted in Ministries/ Departments. Many a times the Hon'ble Administrative Tribunals and Courts have held the proceedings non-est for non-conformity of the procedure, without even going into the merits of the case. This issue was highlighted recently in the judgement of the Hon'ble Supreme Court in the B. V. Gopinath case in SLP No. 6348/2011.

2. Procedural lapses have also been noticed in a few cases referred to this Department for advice. Two areas where procedural lapses are frequently noticed are: (i) not following the procedure prescribed in Rule 14(18) of CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965 while conducting the disciplinary inquiry; and (ii) not following the procedures laid down in Rule 9 of CCS(Pension) Rules, 1972 in the case of proceedings against retired Government servants.

3. Rule 14(18) of CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965, provides that, "the inquiring authority may, after the Government servant closes his case, and shall, if the Government servant has not examined himself, generally question him on the circumstances appearing against him in the evidence for the purpose of enabling the Government servant to explain any circumstances appearing in the evidence against him.". This is a formal action required to be taken by the inquiry officer before closing the inquiry. It has been seen that many a times this is not formally recorded and the inquiry gets vitiated. It is imperative that the inquiry is conducted strictly in accordance with the procedures prescribed.

4. Attention is also invited to Rule 9 of the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972, while lays down that the departmental proceedings, if instituted while the Government servant was in service, whether before his/her retirement or during his re-employment, shall, after his/her final retirement, be deemed to be proceedings under the rule and shall be continued and concluded by the authority which
commenced them, in the same manner as if the Government servant had continued in service. This rule also stipulates that where the departmental proceeding is instituted by an authority subordinate to the President, that authority shall submit a report recording its findings to the President.

5. All Ministries / Departments are requested to please bring to the attention of all concerned the necessity of conforming to the procedures prescribed for conducting departmental proceedings.

6. In this regard, attention is also invited to the ISTM publication 'Handbook for Inquiry Officers & Disciplinary Authorities, 2013', which can be used as a reference guide in such matters. The Handbook may be accessed under 'Publications/Reports' on this Department's website: http://persrnin.nic.in/DOPT.asp.

(J.A. Vaidyanathan)

Director (E)

Source: http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02est/11012_3_2015-Estt-A-III_18022015.pdf

Proposal for reimbursement of in-patient medical expenses in addition to Fixed Medical Allowance(FMA) to serving Government employees in remote areas.

No. 9(l)/2010/D(Civ-II)

Government of India

Ministry of Defence

B Wing, Sena Bhavan, New Delhi

Dated 15th December, 2014

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Proposal for reimbursement of in-patient medical expenses in addition to Fixed Medical Allowance(FMA) to serving Government employees in remote areas. 

The undersigned is directed to refer to Ministry of Health & Family Welfare’s ID No. 8.14025/9/2011-MS dated 14.08.2014 on the above mentioned subject.

2. This Ministry agrees with the proposal of MoH&FW that the “FMA being granted to CS(MA) beneficiaries be stopped and they should be governed by the provisions of CS(IHA) Rules, 1944 under which medical reimbursement for outdoor treatment as well as indoor treatment is permissible as per rules."

3. In addition to above, the following provisions for inclusion in the proposal, are also submitted for consideration of Ministry of Health &Family Welfare:-

(a) FMA at enhanced rates @ Rs.300/-p.m. may be paid w.e.f. 1.9.2008 till the provisions of CS(MA) Rules at para 2 above is made applicable;

(b) Procedure for appointment of AMA may be simplified and HoD may be authorised to nominate a RMP as AMA in case there is no Govt. doctor available within the radius of 5 kms;

(c) Provision of credit facilities may be made for serving & retired employees and dependent in emergency in Govt. approved hospitals;

(d) Provision for medical advance for Non-approved hospitals;

(e) There may be some isolated areas where no AMA/Govt doctor or RMP is available within the radius of 5 kms. In these areas, FMA @ Rs. 300/- pm. may continued to be paid to civilians in terms of Min of H&FW OM dated 17.07.1990 as the same is in lieu of CPD treatment only. The reimbursement of medical expenses for the indoor treatment, in respect employees posted in these areas, may also be allowed under the CS(MA) Rules.

3. This issues with the approval of Joint Secretary.

sd/-

(Gurdeep Singh)

Under Secretary to the Govt. of India

Source:http://bpms.org.in/documents/fma-xnys.pdf