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

EPFO PENSION SCHEME Age limit may be raised to 60 years

Retirement fund body Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation’s trustees in a meeting on Thursday will consider a proposal to raise the age limit from 58 to 60 years for vesting of pension under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS-95).

At present, a formal sector worker covered under the EPS-95 can make contributions towards pension scheme till the age of 58 years and can claim pension after that.

The Pension Implementation Committee (PIC) has recommended an increase in the age for vesting pension to 60 years, while suggesting that the Actuary should be asked to develop a model to give incentive to those persons who opt for drawing pension at the age of 60 years.

An actuary analyses financial consequences of risk after studying uncertain future events, particularly of concerns to pension and insurance plans.

Raising the age limit would reduce the deficit in pension fund and would increase the pension benefits of members as there would be two additional years of service, as per the agenda listed for the meeting of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation’s (EPFO) apex decision making body the Central Board of Trustees (CBT).

According to a report of the valuer on the scheme, increasing the age limit would reduce the shortfall in the pension fund to the extend of Rs 27,067 crore.

The level of deficit is not a matter of concern, though it is recommended that the EPFO should look into investment returns more carefully and do not increase benefits without consulting Actuary and do sensitivity analysis more frequently, the valuer has suggested. — PTI

Source:http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/age-limit-may-be-raised-to-60-years/42668.html

Budget 2015: NMC urges FM to raise IT exemption limit to Rs 5 lakh

JAMMU: The National Mazdoor Conference today asked Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to raise the income tax exemption limit to Rs 5 lakh.

"We urged Union Finance Minister to raise the Income Tax exemption limit to Rs five lakh," National Mazdoor Conference (NMC) President Subash Shastri said while addressing a series of rallies at Kanjali and Bomyal in Nagrota Block here today.

Shastri also appealed he Finance Minister to announce non inclusion of amount of DA to calculating income tax as the DA instalments are released by the government from time to time to utilise the impact of price rise and inflation.

Shastri emphasised the need for immediate merger of 50 per cent DA into basic pay and pension as per the recommendations of the Fourth Pay Commission.

He added that all these burning issues impacting both the Central and State Governments Employees and pensioners should be addressed by the Union Finance Minister while presenting the budget for 2015-16 in the coming Budget Session of Parliament beginning on 23rd of this month.

He also demanded immediate release two DA instalment of 17 per cent in favour of State Government Employees and pensioners, pointing out that while Central Government is about to release another instalment 6 per cent DA in favour of its employees and pensioners from Jammu 2015 but it is unfortunate that the salaried class in the state has not got the benefit previous two DA instalments.

He also demanded early regularisation of the 62,000 daily rated workers beside release of their wages without any further delay.

Source:http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/budget-2015-nmc-urges-fm-to-raise-it-exemption-limit-to-rs-5-lakh/articleshow/46245852.cms

Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan to recruit 5,000 teachers

ALLAHABAD: Faced with the problem of adverse pupil-teacher ratio (PTR) in many Kendriya Vidyalayas of the country and strictly adhering to the guidelines of Right to Education Act (RTEA), KV Sangathan would soon be recruiting over 5,000 new teachers. Among these, over 400 new teachers would be recruited in Varanasi region.

Of 1,100 odd KVs spread across the country, there are many where the strength of students is over 50 per class and in some cases, it reaches around 65.

Deputy commissioner, KVS, regional office, Varanasi, PV Sai Ranga Rao said: “KVS had always been following RTE. From the coming academic session in April 2015, we would adhere to the set norms in every respect, including PTR.” In accordance to RTE, the TTR would be brought down to the prescribed norm i.e. one teacher for every 40 students (for class I to 5) and one teacher for every 35 students (for class 6-8).

KVS has asked principals of all the schools to furnish information pertaining to how many more teacher they would require to follow the norms of PTR as per the RTE Act. “Now that the number of teachers to be recruited is known, the Sangathan would soon start recruitment process,” Rao said.
Principal of KV, New Cantt, Shalini Dikshit said that the work load of teachers in a class of 65 students would be divided among two teachers. It will benefit pupils.

Rao said: “We would require more teachers for science which could be around 150. Likewise, the numbers could be anything around 90 for mathematics, English and other subjects.”

Read at: Times of India

43% salary increase for all categories of employees in Andhra Pradesh

Naidu matches KCR, hikes staff salary by 43%

Under pressure from his Telangana counterpart to match the salary hike for government staff, Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday announced a 43% salary increase for all categories of employees. The Pay Revision Commission (PRC) had recommended a hike of 29%, but both AP and Telangana chose to peg the increase at 43%.

The hike will come into retrospective effect from June 2, 2014. The arrears will be credited in the general provident fund account of the staff and the revised salary paid from February onwards. More than six lakh employees and pensioners stand to benefit from the salary hike. “Though the state is going through a financial crisis, we have taken this decision keeping in mind the welfare of the employees. Now, I expect them to deliver the results in the form of better governance and better revenue collections,” Chandrababu Naidu told the media while announcing the salary hike.

The hike would cost the exchequer close to Rs 7,000 crore annually. At present, excluding the hike, the state generates annual revenue of Rs 47,000 crore but has a burden of Rs 53,000 crore in the form of salaries, pensions and interests on loans.

With this increase, the salaries of AP government employees have more than doubled in the last five years. The 63 per cent hike in dearness allowance effected during the last few months and the current 43 per cent hike will result in a 106 per cent hike in the salaries of all employees working in the state government. It would be near impossible for central government employees to get their salaries doubled even in 10 years whereas the AP and Telangana employees have achieved this rare feat in just five years.

Read more at : Times of India

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (Bharat Sarkar)

MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (Rail Mantralya)

(RAILWAY BOARD)

No. 2014/TG-I/20/P

New Delhi, dated 22.01.2015

Chief Commercial Managers,
All Zonal Railways.

(COMMERCIAL CIRCULAR No.3 OF 2015)

Sub: Facility of free journey to SC/ST candidates appearing in exams conducted by Railway
Recruitment Boards (RRBs)/Railway Recruitment Cells (RRC) on. the downloadable admit cards.

As per instructions issued Vide Board’s letter of even number dated 15.10.2014 (Commercial Circular No.44 of 2014), SC/ST candidates appearing in the exams conducted by RRCs were allowed to book ticket on submission of self-attested photocopy of admission certificate and SC/ ST certificate.

2. A proposal was received from Establishment Directorate of Railway Board that this facility may also be extended to SC/ ST candidates appearing in exam conducted by Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBS).

3. The proposal was examined and it has been decided that in all cases where admit cards of various exams are uploaded by RRB & RRC, the facility of free journey may be made available on the authority of downloadable admit cards.

4. Necessary instructions may be issued to all concerned.

(Dr. S.K.Ahirwar)

Director Traffic Commercial(G)

Railway Board

Source: http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/traffic_comm/Comm-Cir-2015/CC_03_2015.pdf

Meetings held by 7th CPC (as on 10.02.2015)

Date                                 Meeting with
05.02.2015 At Port Blair: Central Government Employees Welfare Coordination Committee; Federation of Pharmacist Association (FIPO); Pensioners Association (JN Chander); Central Islands Agricultural Research Institute; Specialist Doctors Association; Light House and Light Ships Staff Association; Andaman and Nicobar Group “D” Medical Employees Association; Andaman and Nicobar Island Doctors Health Service Association; Andaman and Nicobar Teachers’ Association

04.02.2015 At Port Blair: Tech. Staff Association Andaman Lakshadweep Harbour Works; Andaman and Nicobar Forest Executive Staff Association; All India Forest Range Officers Federation; A&N Islands State Forest Service  Association; Employees of Agriculture Department; The Non Gazetted Government Officers’ Association; Andaman Technical Agriculture Employees Association; Government Employees Federation; Botanical Survey of India Employees Association; Andaman & Nicobar Islands Cooperative Department Executive Employees Association; Sub Committee on IT Non Gazetted Government Officers’ Association; Akhil Bharatiya Rashtriya Shaishhik Mahasangh

14.01.2015 At Kolkata: All India Railway Accounts Staff Association, SER Chapter; Technical Assistants’ Association of IIEST; All India Postal Stenographers’ Association; Eastern Railwaymen’s Congress (ERMC); All India Data Processing Officers’ Association; National Institute for the Orthopedically Handicapped Staff Association; Commercial Intelligence Union; Commercial Intelligence and Statistics Employees Association; Employees’ Association, CAT-III, Office of AG, WB; All India Customs Ministerial Officers’ Association; All India Customs Ministerial Employees Federation; National Library Employees Association; East Coast Railway Engineers’ Association; The Company Law Administrative Employees Association; Joint Council of Action of Income Tax Associations, WB; MTP Railwaymen’s Union

13.01.2015 At Kolkata: All India P&T SC/ST Employees’ Welfare Association, WB Postal Circle; All India (Postal) Administrative Offices Employees Union; Postal Engineers’ Association; National Atlas & Thematic Mapping Organization Employees’ Association; IAS Officers’ Association; Indian Forest Service (IFS) Officers’ Association; IPS Officers’ Association; GSI Scientific Officers’ Association (GSISOA); GSI Employees Association; BARC Officers’ Association; All India Postal Administrative Offices’ Association; National Library Staff Association; National Defence Non-Gazetted Staff Association; National Defence Group ‘B’ Gazetted Officers’ Association; OFB Retired Employees’ Association; All India Ordnance Factories Teaching Staff Association; Indian Railway Medical Laboratory Technologists Association; Indian Ordnance Factory Gazetted Officers Association; National Federation of Printing, Stationery and Publication Employees

15.12.2014 At Jodhpur: Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti; All Staff & Welfare Inspectors of North Western Railway; Retired ICAR Employees Welfare Society (RICAREWES); National Union of Postal Employees (Group-C); All India Train Controllers Association; KVS; All India Ex Para Military Association; Legal Men’s Association (Railways); BRO; Rajasthan Radiographer Association

12.12.2014 At Jodhpur: Laboratory Technician Union, Rajasthan; Aids Control Employees Infection Diseases Centre; Coordinating Committee Central Government Pensioners Organisation, Rajasthan State; All India Pensioners’ Forum for Retired Officers of Central Ex. Customs & Service Tax Deptt.; Defence Laboratories Employees Union; All India Association of Clerical Employees of Ordnance Factories (AIACEOF); Rashtriya Raksha Ayudh Karamchari Sangh; North West Railway Engineers Association; Association of Railway Nurses of India; Indian Railways Technical Supervisors Association; All India Loco Running Staff Association; Public Prosecutors RPF
29.11.2014 Registrar (Administration), Supreme Court of India

27.11.2014 Indian Defence Service Engineers

19.11.2014 At Hyderabad: South Central Railways Employees Sangh; SVP NPA Employees’ Association; Nuclear Fuel Complex, IWU, NUFCOSSA and NFCSAA; Rail Mazdoor Union; All India MES Civilian Engineers’ Association; NIMS Paramedicals Employees Union & Society of Indian Radiographers; All India Central Government Deaf Employees; Scientific Workers Association; All India Retired Railmen’s Federation; All India MES Civilian Engineers’ Association (AIMCEA); ISRO Retired Employees’ Forum; Postal Officers Pension Association; Accountant General Office Pensioners Association; Naval Armament Inspectors Organization; National Defence Group “B” Gazetted Officers’ Association (NDGBGOA); Ordnance Factory Mazdoor Sangh; Government Employees National Confederation (GENC); South Central Railway Engineers Association (SCREA)

12.11.2014 At Shimla: HP State Coordination Committee of Central Govt. Employees and Workers; SAS (Accounts) Association; Central Research Institute Employees’ Association; All India NIC S&T Officers’ Association; All India Postal Administrative Officers’ Employees Union Group “C” and “D” NFPE; All India Association of Inspectors and Assistants Superintendents, Posts; All India Postal Employees Union Group “C”; IAS Officers’ Association

09.11.2014 At Mumbai: IPS Association, Maharashtra; Assistant Audit Officers’ Association; Competent Authority – SAFEMA/NDPSA; Indian Revenue Service Promotee Officers’ Association; Indian Revenue Service Association, Mumbai; Films Division Cameramen; Indian Naval Armament Service Association; Directorate of Marketing and Inspection Employees’ Association, Forest Survey of India

08.11.2014 At Mumbai: All India Defence Pharmacist Association; Orthotics and Prosthetics Association of India; All India CGHS Employees’ Association; All India Association of Statistical Investigators; National Railway Mazdoor Union; All India Naval Technical Supervisory Staff Association; Ordnance Factories Group B Gazetted Officers; National Defence Non-Gazetted Staff Association; All India Association of Non-Gazetted Officers; The Naval Employees’ Union, National Defence Group ‘B’ Gazetted Officers Association

07.11.2014 At Mumbai: ISRO Pensioners’ Association; Directorate of Purchase and Stores Employees’ Association; Atomic Energy Workers and Staff Union; National Federation of Atomic Energy Employees; Atomic Energy Workers and Staff Union; BARC Employees’ Association, Tarapur; All India Association of Inspectors and Assistant Superintendents; All India Savings Bank Control Employees’ Union; All India Central Labour Welfare Organization Staff Association; Central Government Pensioners’ Welfare Association

06.11.2014 At Mumbai: Central Railway Promotee Officers’ Association; Central Railway Mazdoor Sangh; All India Train Controllers’ Association; Central Railway Engineers’ Association; Bhartiya Pratiraksha Mazdoor Sangh; All India Loco Running Staff Association; Western Railway Motormen’s Association; Indian Railways Radiographers’ Association; All India Loco Inspectors’ Welfare Association; Rashtriya Bhartiya Khani Vibhag Karmchari Sangh; Indian Bureau of Mines Employees’ Association; Central Water and Power Research Station; Indian Forest Service Association, Maharashtra

30.10.2014 S30 Retired Pensioners’ Association; PFRDA
29.10.2014 Director General and Other officers of Defence Estate
13.10.2014 At Leh: Personnel of Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Defence Institute of High Altitude Research, DRDO, BRO, ITBP, MES, All Ladakh Central Government Employees Association

09.10.2014 At Dehradun: Non-Gazetted Officers’ Association, LBSNAA; National Institute for the Visually Handicapped Employees’ Union; Ministerial Staff Association, Survey of India; Topographical Staff Association, Survey of India; Class III Service Association, Survey of India; Central Government Library Association; Faculty, Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy; Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy Staff Association; Faculty, Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education

08.10.2014 At Dehradun: National Defence Medical Laboratory Technical Staff Association; All India Association of Clerical Employees of Ordnance Factories; Employees Union Ordnance Factory, Dehradun; All India Association of Non-Gazetted Officers of Ordnance & Equipment Factories and Quality Assurance Organization; Staff Association, Rashtriya Indian Military College; All India DGQA Engineers Association; Wildlife Institute of India

24.09.2014 Indian Ex-servicemen Movement
23.09.2014 CRPF Officers
22.09.2014 BSF Officers; Forum of retired CAPF officers
17.09.2014 Aviation Research Centre
16.09.2014 RPF Group ‘A’ Officers, IIM Bangalore
15.09.2014 Disabled War Veterans (DISWAVE) Association, DG Bureau of Police Research and Development
26.08.2014 At Bangalore: IAS Officers’ Association, IPS Officers’ Association, IFS Officers’ Association
25.08.2014 At Bangalore: IIM Bangalore, ISRO
24.08.2014 At Bangalore: Army Base Workshop (EME) Diploma Holders Association, Bangalore, Air Force Store Keepers Association, All India NCC Defence Civilian Employees Association, Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers – Karnataka State, Atomic Energy Employees Federation, All India Central Excise Inspectors Association, The Indian Hospital Pharmacist Association, Indian Railway Loco Runningmen Organisation, South Western Railways Engineers Association, Railway Wheel Factory, South Western Railway Employees Sangh, All India DRDO Personal Staff Association, DoS Pensioners Forum, Central Government Pensioners Association, Indian Institute of Horticulture Research Employees’ Association, NIMHANS, Veterans Association, All India Loco Running Staff Association

21.08.2014 Physiotherapy Forum; Indian Ordnance Factories Group’B’ Gazetted Officers Association

20.08.2014 Commissioner, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan; Commissioner, Navodaya Vidyalaya Sangathan

24.07.2014 Confederation of Central Government Gazetted Officers Association; National Ex-Servicemen Co-ordination Committee; Indian Ex-Services League

23.07.2014 Bharat Central Pensioners Federation; Bharat Pensioners Samaj; Group ‘B’ Indian Information Service Association; Indian Postal Service Officers Association; DANICS Officers Association; Group ‘B’ Indian Ordnance Gazetted Officers Association

22.07.2014 Police Commissioner, Delhi; DG Coast Guard; IOFS Officers Association
21.07.2014 Director, IB; Director, CBI; Director, RAW
19.06.2014 Indian Economic Service Officers Association; Indian Statistical Service Officers Association; IFS Officers Association; DGs of CAPFs (BSF+ITBP+Assam Rifles+Sashastra Seema Suraksha Bal); DGs of CAPFs (CISF+CRPF+NSC)

18.06.2014 IFS Officers Association; PFRDA; Officers of Department of Financial Services,

MOF; Officers of Department of Pension & Pensioners Welfare; P&T Finance Accounts Gr.A Officers Association; IRAS Officers Association; Central Health Service Association
17.06.2014 IAS Officers’ Association; Central Engineering Services Officers’ Association (Water+Power+Architecture); Central Engineering Services Officers’ Association (Civil+Electrical+Mechanical+Road Transport+Telecom); Income Tax Officers’ Association; Custom Officers Association; Central Excise Officers Association

16.06.2014 IPS Officers’ Association; Representative of Pay Commission cells of Army, Navy and Airforce; Indian Audit and Accounts Service Association; Cost Accounts Association; Civil Accounts Association; Federation of Railway Officers

Source:http://7cpc.india.gov.in/

Meeting on Amendment in EPF & MP Act, 1952

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

Ministry of Labour & Employment

12-February-2015

Shri Bandaru Dattatreya Chairs Tripartite Meeting on Amendment in EPF & MP Act, 1952

The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Labour & Employment, Shri Bandaru Dattatreya has chaired the tripartite meeting on the proposed amendments to Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act’ 1952 in New Delhi yesterday.
The main proposal for amendments in the Employees’ Provident Fund & Miscellaneous Provisions Act’ 1952 are to bring the threshold of coverage from 20 employees to 10 employees. This will ensure a wider coverage and extension of social security benefits to hitherto uncovered areas. The ‘Schedule of Industries’ provided in the Act has already grown to more than 182 industries. The Government proposes to do away with the ‘Schedule of Industries’ and come up with a ‘Negative List’. It is also proposed to reduce the size of the CBT to make it an active decision making body. In order to remove the discretion, a limit of 5 years has been proposed in regard to assessment of dues against the establishment. However, to reduce the problems arising out of ex-parte assessments etc., a new appellate provision by appointment of Appellate Officer has also been proposed. To avoid protracted litigation, provisions for compounding of offences in deserving cases has been introduced. Uniformity in regard definitions of ‘Wages’ is proposed to be introduced in line with the ESI Act. The Government of India is also contemplating promulgation of a comprehensive Labour Code on Social Security to bring together all legislations relating to social security.

The representatives of prominent trade unions like CITU, AITUC, INTUC, BMC, AICCTU, HMS and TUCC attended the meeting. Representatives of important employers’ associations like FICCI, CII, CIE, PHDCCI, ASSOCHAM etc. attended the consultations. Officers from Ministry of Labour & Employment and other Ministries of Central Government and NITI Aayog were also present.

The Unions and Associations welcomed the Government’s proposal to widen the coverage of EPF & simplification of procedures required for compliance. There was some disagreement regarding reduction in the size of CBT both from Employers’ and Employees’ side.

The Minister responding to suggestions from participants, stated that number of members of CBT will not be reduced and there will be no restriction on the number of terms of members of Central Board of Trustees. He also stressed the need to reduce the threshold limit for application of the EPF & MP Act’ 1952 to 10 employees from the existing 20 employees. He also announced that cards will be provided to unorganized sector workers, one house will be provided to every family of the contributory member. He also promised that Bill for Social Security for Unorganised Sector workers will be brought in. Concluding the discussion, he stated that all the suggestions received during the consultation will be considered while finalizing the Bill.

Source : PIB

Implementation of Government decision on the recommendations of the Committee on the issues related to Defence Services Personnel and Ex-Servicemen. 2012- Minimum guaranteed pension to pre-2006 Commissioned Officers pensioners/ family pensioners.

No.1 (11 ) 2012/D(Pen/Policy)

Government of lndia

Ministry of Defence 

Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare

Dated: 25th November, 2014

To

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

CORRIGENDUM

Subject:- Implementation of Government decision on the recommendations of the Committee on the issues related to Defence Services Personnel and Ex-Servicemen. 2012- Minimum guaranteed pension to pre-2006 Commissioned Officers pensioners/ family pensioners.

Sir,

Kindly refer to this Ministry's letter No.1 (11)/2012/D(Pen/Policy) dated 17.01.2013 issued in implementation of CEC-2012 recommendation relating to the captioned subject. Although enhanced rate of Ordinary Family Pension for the families of Commissioned Officers were duly taken care of in the table appended with the original letter dated 17.01.2013, this fact, however, could not be included in the body of the letter. Accordingly, following para may be inserted below para 3 of the letter No.1 (11)/2012/ D(Pen/Policy) dated 17.01.2013.

Similarly, the minimum guaranteed enhanced rate of ordinary family pension in respect of pre-2006 Commissioned Officers/Army, Navy, Air Force, DSC & TA family pensioners shall not be less than 50% of the minimum of the fitment table for the rank in the revised pay band as indicated under fitment tables plus the grade pay corresponding to the pre- revised scale from which the pensioner had retired /discharged/invalided out / died including Military Service Pay. In case, where full revised pension is otherwise not authorised to a retired employee in terms of 6th CFC orders, the revised enhanced rate of Ordinary Family Pension shall be restricted to that amount."

2. The provisions of this letter shall take effect from 24.9.2012.

3. This issues with the concurrence of the Finance Division of this Ministry vide their lD No. 10(11)/2012/FlN/PEN dated 15.10.2014.

Hindi version will follow.

(Prem Parkash)

Under Secretary (Pension/Policy

Source: http://www.desw.gov.in/sites/upload_files/desw/files/pdf/D%28Pension-Policy-1%29-25-Nov-2014.pdf

Improvement in Pension of JCO/OR retired / discharged /invalided out of service prior to 1.1.2006.

No.1(13)2012/D(Pen/Policy)

Government of India

Ministry of Defence

Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare

Dated; 25th November,2014

To

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

CORRIGENDUM

Subject:- Implementation of Government decision on the recommendations of the Committee of Secretaries 2012 on the issues related to Defence Service Personnel and Ex-Servicemen - Improvement in Pension of JCO/OR retired / discharged /invalided out of service prior to 1.1.2006.

Sir,
While issuing this Ministry's letter No. No.1(13)/2012-D(Pen/Policy) dated 17.01.2013 [Click here] the rates of improved pension in respect of Honorary Commissioned Officers of DSC could not be included therein inadvertently.  The same are provided as indicated below:-

[i] The rates of pension as indicated in Table No.6 (Army), attached with MoD letter No.1(13)/2012-D(Pen/Policy) dated 17.01.2013 [Click here] in respect of pre-1.1.2006 retirees JCO/OR granted honorary Commissioned Officer rank, are equally applicable to Honorary Commissioned Officers of DSC. Accordingly, the new Table No.11 (A) (DSC) has been added for Honorary Commissioned Officers of DSC as Annexure.

[ii] Revised rates of pension relating to NCs (E) as indicated in Table-l [Army], may be applied in Table No.19 (Air Force) for NCs(E) TlNDAL and HEAD TINDAL in place of existing rates.

(iii) in Columns 2,3, 4 and 5 of Table No.13 (Navy), for ranks Art-IV and Art III-l; for the period post 10.10.1997 read "group X" for "group 'A'".

2. The provisions ofthis letter shall take effect from 24.9.2012.

3. This issues with the concurrence of the Finance Division of this Ministry vide their ID No. 10(11)/2012/FlN/PEN dated 15.10.2014.

Hindi version will follow.

(Prem Parkash)

Under Secretary(Pension/Policy)

Source:http://www.desw.gov.in/sites/upload_files/desw/files/pdf/D%28Pension-Policy-1%29-25-Nov-2014.pdf

Chargeability of Interest under Section 234A of the Income-tax Act, 1961 on self-assessment tax paid before the due date of filing of return of income

Circular 2/2015

F. No. 385/ 03 /2015-IT(B)

Government of India

Ministry of Finance

Department of Revenue

Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)

North Block, New Delhi

10th February, 2015

Subiect: Chargeability of Interest under Section 234A of the Income-tax Act, 1961 on self-assessment tax paid before the due date of filing of return of income- regarding

Interest under Section 234A of the Income-tax Act, l961 (hereinafler the Act) is charged in case of default in furnishing return of income by an assessee. The interest is charged at the specified rate on the amount of tax payable on the total income, as reduced by the amount of advance tax, TDS/TCS, any relief of tax allowed under section 90 and section 9oA, any deduction allowed under section 91 and any tax credit allowed in accordance with the provisions of section 115JAA and section 115JD of the Act. Since self-assessment tax is not mentioned as, a component of tax to be reduced from the amount on which interest under section 234A of the Act is chargeable, interest is being charged on the amount of self-assessment tax paid by the assessee even before the due date of filing of return.

2. It has been held by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case of CIT vs Prannoy Roy, 309 ITR 231 (2009) that the interest under section 234A of the Act on default in furnishing return of income shall be payable only on the amount of tax that has not been deposited before the due date of filing of the income-tax return for the relevant assessment year. Accordingly, the present practice of charging interest under section 234A of the Act on self-assessment tax paid before the due date of filing return was reviewed by CBDT.

3. The Board has decided that no interest under section 234A of the Act is chargeable on the amount of self-assessment tax paid by the assessee before the due date of filing of return of income.

4. This Circular may be brought to the notice of all officers for compliance.

5. Hindi version shall follow.

(Sandeep Singh)

Under Secretary to Government of India

Source: http://irsofficersonline.gov.in/Documents/OfficalCommunique/1210201555813.pdf