Expected DA for January 2014 : AICPIN for the Month of December 2013.

Consumer Price Index Numbers for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) December 2013 

According to a press release issued by the Labour Bureau, Ministry of Labour & Employment the All-India CPI-IW for December, 2013 declined by 4 points and pegged at 239(two hundred and thirty nine). On 1-month percentage change, it decreased by 1.65 per cent between November and December compared with the rise of 0.46 per cent between the same two months a year ago. 

The largest downward pressure to the change in current index came from Food group contributing -4.96 percentage points to the total change. At item level, Onion, Ginger, Chillies Green, Brinjal, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Peas, Tomato, Potato and other Vegetable items, Sugar etc. are responsible for the decrease in index. However, this was compensated to some extent by Fish Fresh, Eggs, Hen, Poultry, Milk, Pure Ghee, Garlic, Firewood, ESI Contribution, etc. putting upward pressure on the index.

The year-on-year inflation measured by monthly CPI-IW stood at 9.13 per cent for December, 2013, as compared to 11.47 per cent for the previous month and 11.17 per cent during the corresponding month of the previous year. Similarly, the Food inflation stood at 11.49 per cent against 16.17 per cent of the previous month and 13.53 per cent during the corresponding month of the previous year. 

At centre level, Giridih recorded the highest decline of 12 points each followed by Ahmedabad, Chhindwara, Varanasi, Munger, Jamalpur, Nagpur and Bhavnagar (10 points each).Jamshedpur (09 points), Rourkela, Ludhiana, Tripura and Angul Talcher (08 points each) Among others, 7 points decrease was registered in 9 centres, 6 points in 8 centres, 5 points in 11 centres, 4 points in 8 centres, 3 points in 7 centres, 2 points in 9 centres and 1 point in 7 centres. On the contrary, Sholapur centre reported an increase of 4 points followed by Puducherry (2 points), Coimbatore and Srinagar centres 1 point each. Rest of the 3 centres’ indices remained stationary. 

The indices of 37 centres are above All-India Index and other 38 centres’ indices are below national average. The index of Varanasi and Vijaywada centre remained at par with all-India index.

The next index of CPI-IW for the month of January, 2014 will be released on Friday, 28 February, 2014. The same will also be available on the office website www.labourbureau.gov.in. 

Merger of Dearness Allowance with Pay

All India Railwaymen’s Federation 
(Estd. 1924)

4, State Entry Road, 
New Delhi-110055 
INDIA

No.AIRF/13
Dated: January 9, 2014

The Secretary(Exp.),
Ministry of Finance,
(Government of India)
North Block,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,
Reg: Merger of Dearness Allowance with Pay

On the persistent forceful demand of the Central Government employees, including Railwaymen, successive Central Pay Commissions were appointed by the Government of India with a view to improve upon wage structure and to grant parity with other employees of the Public Sector Undertakings in the wake of market inflation and price hike of essential commodities. These Pay Commissions, while recommending revised pay structure have also recommended grant of Dearness Allowance on the basis of increase in the Price Index.

The very purpose of compensating the pay with payment of Dearness Allowance is being defeated because of unbridled inflationary pressure on the economy and the consequent steep rise in the price of essential commodities.This has resulted in erosion of the value of the wage, remarkably beyond tolerable limit, as a consequence of which, payment of Dearness Allowance has failed to compensate devaluation of pay.

While Dearness Allowance was merged with the pay on crossing the percentage beyond 50% during V CPC as the actual value of wage devaluated because of market hike to compensate eroded value of the wages besides payment of Dearness Allowance, but this time Dearness Allowance, which has already gone beyond 80% w.e.f. 1st July, 2013, is yet to be merged with the pay.

It would, therefore, be quite appropriate and in the fitness of the thing that Dearness Allowance is merged with the pay for all purposes to compensate the erosion in the wage in the wake of market inflation and steep price hike of essential commodities which are posing serious constraints in the livelihood of the Govern employees in general and the low-paid employees in particular.

Yours faithfully, 

Sd/-
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
General Secretary

Source: AIRF

omination of Stenographers Grade ‘D’ of CSSS with seven years of approved service for Level-I Training programme to be conducted by ISTM w.e.f. 24/02/2014 to 14/03/2014 -reg.

No. 21/4/2012-CS-II(C)
Government of india
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training

3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhawan,
Khan Market, New Delhi.
Date: 28th January, 2014

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Nomination of Stenographers Grade ‘D’ of CSSS with seven years of approved service for Level-I Training programme to be conducted by ISTM w.e.f. 24/02/2014 to 14/03/2014 -reg.

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department’s OM. No. 20/28/2010-CS-II(A) dated 20/10/2011 (available on the website of the DoPT) regarding Cadre Training Plan (CPT) for the officers/officials of Central Secretariat Stenographers Service (CSSS) and to say that Stenographers Grade ‘D’ with seven years of approved service, whose names are given in the Annexure-I, are nominated to participate in the Level-I Training programme being conducted by the ISTM from 24/02/2014 to 14/03/2014. It is requested that these officials may please be relieved of their duties with the direction to report to Ms. R. Gayathri, Deputy Director, ISTM, Administrative Block, JNU Campus (old), New Delhi at 9.00AM on 24th February, 2014.

2. Cadre Units of CSSS are also requested to ensure that the officials nominated to the above Level-I training programme are relieved in time as this training course is mandatory in nature and the Stenographers Grade ‘D’ who do not complete and qualify the Level-I training programme shall not be considered for promotion to the grade of Personal Assistant till such time they pass the examination conducted by the ISTM. Absenteeism and withdrawn from the course, including part/different components of the programme may not be allowed in normal circumstances.

3. As part of the Training course, the participants would be taken on a study tour. In order to meet the expenditure for the study tour, all the administrative Ministries/Departments are required to sanction an advance of Rs 20,000/-(Rupees Twenty thousand only ) as TA/DA advance for each participant along with their relieving order.

4. Cadre Units of CSSS are also requested to send Curriculum Vitae of each participant specifically indicating their gender and language in prescribed proforma given in the Annexure-II to Ms. R. Gayathri, Deputy Director, ISTM, New Delhi. Ms. R. Gayathri, Deputy Director is accessible on Phone No. 011-26105592.

Sd/-
(Kameshwar Mishra)
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India

To Click here to view the ANNEXURE - I

Nomination of PA/PS(ad-hoc) for appointment to the grade of PS of CSSS for the SLY-2011 on regular basis under the zoning scheme for seniority quota (SQ)-regarding.

Reminder

No.4/4/2013- CS. II (A)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, P.G. and Pensions
Department of Personnel and Training

3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhavan, New Delhi- 110003
Dated: the 29th January, 2014

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:- Nomination of PA/PS(ad-hoc) for appointment to the grade of PS of CSSS for the SLY-2011 on regular basis under the zoning scheme for seniority quota (SQ)-regarding.

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department’s O.M. of even no. dated 10.09.2013, wherein 61 PA/PS(ad-hoc) were considered for appointment /promotion to the PS grade of CSSS on regular basis under Zoning scheme on their inclusion in the SLY 2011 (SQ). In this regard, all the cadre units were requested to forward a copy of the appointment orders of the concerned officials and to ensure that the officials who have been nominated out of their Cadre Units are relieved within 45 days from the date of issue of this O.M to take up the new posting in the allocated Cadre Units. However, despite a lapse of considerable time, this Department have not received the joining orders of the officials whose names appear in the annexure to this O.M.

2. In view of the above, the concerned Cadre Units are requested to ensure that the concerned officials, whose names are given in the Annexure, are relieved immediately under intimation to this Department. Further, in case any official is not willing to avail of his/he promotion as PS in his/her cadre, he/she may debarred of promotion and his/her ad-hoc promotion as PS may also be discontinued in terms of this Department’s O.M. No. 4/4/2013-CS.II (A) dated 10.09.2013. A copy of his/her debarment order be sent to this Department for taking further necessary action.

Sd/-
(Kameshwar Mishra)
Under Secretary to the Government of India

More Details Click here....

Action Taken on 62'nd Report of the Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee

NO.41034/1/2014-Estt(D)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
(Department of Personnel and Training)

North Block, New Delhi – 110001
Dated: 30.01.2014

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:- Action Taken on 62'nd Report of the Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice on the Status of Women Government Employees, Service Conditions, Protection against exploitation, Incentives and other related issues —regarding.

The undersigned is directed to refer to Para 20.1 and Para 20.2 of the 62nd Report of the Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice wherein, the Committee has drawn attention to extant instructions of the Government on age relaxation for appointment of widows, divorced woman and woman judicially separated from their husbands and who were not remarried allowing age concession up to the age of 35 years (40 years for Member of SCs/STs) for the post of Group ‘C’ and erstwhile Group ‘D’ filled through SSC/Employment Exchange and has directed scrupulous compliance of these instructions by all administrative authorities.

2. The Department of Personnel and Training’s O.M. No. 15012/13/79- Estt.(D) dated 19.1.1980 provides that for purposes of appointment to Group C and D posts under the Central Govt. filled through the SSC and the Employment Exchange, the upper age limit in the case of widows, divorced women and women judicially separated from their husbands who are not remarried shall be relaxed upto the age of 35 years (upto 40 years for members of Scheduled Castes/Schedules Tribes) by invoking the provisions in the relevant recruitment rules, subject to production of a certified copy of the judgment/decree of the appropriate court to prove the fact of divorce or the judicial separation, as the case may be (provided through DoP&T O.M. No. 15012/1/82-Estt.(D) dated 06.09.1983) . Further, this relaxation has been extended to Group ‘A’ & ‘B’ posts except where recruitment is made through open competitive examination vide DoP&T O.M. No. 15012/1/87-Estt.(D) dated 05.10.1990.

3. All Ministries/Departments are requested to bring these instructions to the notice of all concerned including attached and subordinate office for strict compliance

Sd/-
(Arunoday Goswami)
Under Secretary to the govt.of India

Source:http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02est/41034_1_2014-Estt_D.pdf

Amendments in the Central List of Other Backward Classes for 13 States and three Union Territories

The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for making amendments in the Central List of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in respect of 13 States (Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal) and three Union Territories (Chandigarh, Delhi and Puducherry) by way of inclusion / correction / deletion of castes/communities according to advices received from the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC). The amendments will notify 115 changes recommended by the NCBC.

The proposed changes will enable persons belonging to these castes/communities to avail benefits of reservation in government services and posts as well as in central educational institutions according to existing policy. They will also become eligible for benefit under various welfare schemes, scholarships, etc. being administered by the Central Government, which are at present available to persons belonging to the OBCs.

Background:

The NCBC was set up in pursuance to the Supreme Court judgement in the Indira Sawhney case. As per the NCBC Act 1993, Section 9 (“Functions of the Commission”) states that:-

i. The Commission shall examine requests for inclusion of any class of citizens as a backward class in the lists and hear complaints of over-inclusion or under-inclusion of any backward class in such lists and tender such advice to the Central Government as it deems appropriate and;

ii. The advice of the Commission shall ordinarily be binding upon the Central Government.”

The NCBC has been tendering advice to the Central Government from time to time. A total of 30 Notifications have been issued so far and till date, a total of 2343 “entries” (an “entry” means a caste, including its synonyms, sub-castes etc.) have been notified in the Central list of OBCs for 24 States and six Union Territories. The last such notification was issued on 08.12.2011. Since then, many more advices for inclusion/ deletion of castes/ communities and correction in the existing list of OBCs, have been received from the NCBC.

Source: PIB

Indefinite strike from 17th Feb 2014 declared by three Defence Federations (INDWF, AIDEF & BPMS)

Serving Strike Notice by Individual Affiliated Unions on 03.02.2014
Indefinite Strike Commencing from 17.02.2014. 6.00 A.M.

INTUC
INDIAN NATIONAL DEFENCE WORKERS FEDERATION

INDWF/Strike/3001/2014
Dt. 28.01.2014
To
All Affiliated Unions of INDWF
Office Bearers & Working Committee Meeting of INDWF

Sub. : Indefinite Strike

Dear Colleagues,

Three Recognised Defence Federations (INDWF, AIDEF & BPMS) have jointly decided and issued a Joint Declaration on 19.09.2013 to call for a Joint Agitation by the Defence Civilian Employees including of a indefinite strike. Notice of the Joint Declaration was sent to Defence Secretary Dt. 19.09.2013 alongwith the charter demands. The Joint Declaration and the programme of action together with the charter of demands was sent to all our affiliated unions for conducting Strike Ballot. Accordingly strike ballot was conducted by our affiliated unions as per our programme on 19.12.2013 and reports were sent to the Federation HQrs. It has been observed as per reports that more than 98% of the Defence Civilian Employees all over the country have voted in favour of the indefinite strike as the demands are very much genuine and long pending.

After receiving the reports of the strike ballot, we have sent further intimation to the secretary, Ministry of Defence that the majority employees have supported the strike and the Ministry of Defence should settle the problems forth with failing which, the Defence Civilian Employees will go on indefinite strike and the date for strike will be intimated.

Three recognized Federation have met at New Delhi on 27.01.2014 and noted with serious concern that even after more than 4 month after forwarding the Joint Declaration alongwith charter of demands, there is no progress in settlement of the issues pertaining to Defence Civilian Employees and the Govt. has not taken any step forward for a negotiated settlement/Agreement on the charter of demands.

Considering the negative attitude of the Government and Ministry of Defence towards the demands of the Defence Civilian Employees and its negligence, three Federations have decided in the meeting held on 27.01.2014 at New Delhi to organize Defence Civilian Employees for an indefinite strike starting from 17.02.2014 from 0600 AM in support of the following charter of demands. The meeting also calls upon the affiliated unions of the three Federations to jointly mobilize the Defence Workers by various agitational programmes during the period of serving strike notice on 03.07.2014 and make the strike a grand success.

The meeting also appeals to the CDRA, its affiliates and all other trade unions and associations functioning in the Defence Establishments to join the indefinite strike in the interest of unity of the Defence Employees and also realize the out standing demands of the Defence Civilian Employees.

Serving Strike Notice by Individual Affiliated Unions on 03.02.2014
Indefinite Strike Commencing from 17.02.2014. 6.00 A.M.

CHARTER OF DEMANDS

Demands on Service Matters

1) Grant of 2nd / 3rd MACP in Grade Pay Rs. 4600/- to the Artisan Staff of Defence Establishments who were granted 2nd ACP in the Chargeman Pay Scale of Rs. 5000-8000 upto 31.12.2005 (inspite of MoD’s recommendation matter is pending with Defence Finance)

2) Correlation of the hourly rate of Industrial Workers deployed on Piece Work system in Ordnance Factories in 6th CPC Pay Scale w.e.f. 01.01.2006 (inspite of MoD’s recommendation matter is pending with Defence Finance)

3) Grant of Departmental Overtime Wages to the Industrial Workers deployed on Piece Work system in the Ordnance Factories (inspite of MoD’s recommendation matter is pending with Defence Finance)

4) Grant of hourly rate to the Piece Workers of Ordnance Factories who were given MACP benefits, (inspite of MoD’s recommendation matter is pending with Defence Finance)

5) Grant of revised ACP benefits to the labourers who have completed 30 years of service by granting an one time exemption of Trade Test. (MoD’s recommendation in the matter is pending with DOP&T)

6) Grant of revised ACP benefits to the erstwhile Group “D” NIEs (MoD’s recommendation in the matter is pending with DOP&T)

7) Revision of Night Duty Allowance w.e.f. 01.01.1996 and from 01.01.2006 in the 5th and 6th CPC rates respectively by implementing the Court Judgments on the subject.

8) Doubling of the Risk Allowance for Defence Civilian Employees w.e.f, 01.09.2008 has agreed in the National Anomaly Committee Meeting.

9) Implementation of the following judgment to the similarly placed employees. As per the provisions of DOP&T OM No. A11019/2/98-AT dated 03rd September, 1998

i) Grant of MACP in promotional hierarchy (Government’s SLP dismissed in the case of CAT Chandigarh Bench Judgment on OA No. 1038/CH of 2010)-

ii) Placement from HS Grade to HS Grade-I should be ignored for . granting MACP (Judgment of CAT Principal Bench New Delhi in the case of Employees of 505 ABW, New Delhi referring various Supreme Court Judgments)

iii) Restoration of the opportunity of Chowkidars and Safaiwalas of MES for redesignation as Mate (SS) (Judgment of the Hon’ble CAT Ernakulam Bench in OA No.109/2012 dated 12.12.2012)

iv) Removal of discrimination and grant of skilled pay scale of Rs. 260-4000/950-1500 to non-petitioner Valvemen of MES (Judgment of Hon’ble CAT Jodhpur Bench in OA No. 51/2002 dated 21st July, 2003)

v) Inclusion of HRA and Transport Allowance etc. for computation of OT Wages under Factories Act 1948 based on the judgment of Madras High Court, vi) Implementation of higher Pay Scale and grade structure for the similarly placed Cooks of all Defence Establishments as granted to the Cooks of Air Force vide MoD Letter No. Air HQ./23064/Cooks/PC-4/444-CC/D (Air-!II) dated 12th November, 2013 based on the judgment of Hon’ble Principal Bench CAT, New Delhi.

10) Approval of all cadre review proposals of MTS, Durwan, Fireman, Drivers, Storekeeping Staff, Industrial Canteen Staff, Para Medical Staff, Stenographers, DEO, JJWM and Clerical Staff of OFB, DRDO, DGQA, Navy, EME, AOC, Air Force and other Directorates pending at different level.

11) Grant of PRIS to the DRDO Employees at par with Department of Atomic Energy and ISRO.

12) Revision of Fixed Medical Allowance to the Defence Employees posted at hard stations / isolated places and also grant of medical reimbursement for inpatient treatment for such employees by implementing the judgment of Punjab and Haryana High Court.

13) Grant of Four Grade Structure to the Ammunition Mechanic of NAD under Navy.

14) Grant of Four Grade Structure to the Meter Reader of MES at par with the Artisan Staff,

15) Extension of CSD Canteen facilities for retired defence civilian employees at par with Ex-Serviceman.

16) Revision of Bonus Payment ceiling and Gratuity Ceiling limit.

17) Opening of CGHS Dispensaries in all major cities and recognition of Hospitals under CGHS in Hill Stations.

DEMANDS ON POLICY ISSUES

1) Withdraw DPP-2013 which is against the interest of DRDO and Ordnance Factories.

2) No FDI in Defence Sector.

3) No disturbance in the functioning of DRDO by implementing Professor Rama Rao Committee recommendations.

4) No arbitrary reduction of manpower in the various Army Units in the name of ASEC Report in violation of the Cabinet Secretary’s directions.

5) No closure of any Defence Units including Military Farms,

6) Stop all types of outsourcing / contract and regularize all the existing contract/casual workers.

7) Fillup all the posts lying vacant in all the Defence Establishments.

8) Withdraw the New Pension Scheme.”

9) Grant of Compassionate Appointment 100% as being granted by the Railway Ministry.

10) No reduction of sanctioned strength of the Ordnance Factories based on Sourab Kumar Committee Report.

DEMANDS ON TRADE UNIONS RIGHTS AND FUNCTIONING OF JCM

1) Regular meeting with the recognized Federations by the MoD and other Directorates should be ensured.

2) Three meetings of the Departmental Council (JCM) and four meeting of the JCM-III Level Council as per the constitution of the JCM Scheme should be ensured.

3) Grant of Trade Unions rights to all the non gazetted employees working. in the Defence Establishments as being given in the case of Railway.

4) Grant of Trade Unions rights to the Employees of Hospitals and Training Establishments under MoD since these Establishments are already recognized as Industry by the Labour Ministry.

5. Grant of Trade Unions rights to the Defence Civilian Employees postedat area declared under SRO-17E.

DEMANDS ON 7th CPC ISSUES

1) Settle all the 6th CPC Anomalies and all Cadre review proposals before 7th CPC starts functioning.

2) Accept all the terms of reference of 7th CPC submitted by the staff side of National Council (JCM) to the DOP&T.

3) Implement the revised comprehensive pay packet for the Central Government Employees as on 01.01.2014.

4) To Consider the demand of merger of Dearness Allowance/Dearness Relief with Basic Pay and Basic Pension and also grant of interim relief.

The 4 lakhs Defence Civilian Employees who are the fourth force of the Defence of our country are committed and dedicated workforce and they work side by side with the uniformed personnel for the security of our great natioi. Their contribution to the Defence preparedness cannot be underestimated. Any disturbance in the industrial relations in the Defence Estatlishments will hamper the Defence preparedness. The Defence Civilian Employees and their Trade Unions with this responsibility in mind were patiently waiting for settlement of their demands. However, since there is no positive outcome inspite of our best efforts, the Defence Civilian Employees are forced to proceed with an indefinite Strike from 17.02.2014

Yours sincerely,

Sd/-
(R.SRINIVASAN)
GENERAL SECRETARY

Source:http://indwf.blogspot.in/2014/01/indefinite-strike-by-defence-civilians.html

Representation of minority communities-central government services

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL,PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 2157
ANSWERED ON 18.12.2013

REPRESENTATION OF MINORITY COMMUNITIES

2157 . Shri YASHVIR SINGH
NEERAJ SHEKHAR

Will the Minister of PERSONNEL,PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether 10.18% people from minority communities were employed in Central Government services in 2010-11;
(b) if so, the details thereof, departmentwise;
(c) whether the representation of minority communities in the Central Government jobs has decreased to 7.73% in 2012-13;
(d) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and

(e) the steps taken/proposed to be taken in this regard?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE (SHRI V. NARAYANASAMY)

(a) & (b): Available data received from 71 Ministries / Departments is enclosed as Statement – I.

(c): Received data from 70 Ministries / Departments is enclosed as Statement – II.

(d): As per information received from Ministries/ Departments for decline in recruitment of candidates from Minority communities are as under:-

1. The rise and fall in the recruitment of minorities community depends upon the number of applications received and the percentage of qualifying candidates of the minority community.
2. There is no reservation in recruitment for minorities.
3. Dependence on traditional/religious education.
4. Low literacy level and non-availability of suitable candidates.
5. Adequate number of minority community candidates do not qualify in the selection process i.e. PST/PET/Written Examination/Medical examination and candidate with low scoring in written examination do not find in the merit of selected candidates, etc.

(e): Instructions have been issued vide letter number 39016/2(s)/2009-Estt.(B) dated 17.09.2011 to all appointing authorities to scrupulously observe the following guidelines :-

(i) The composition of Selection Committees should be representative. It should be mandatory to have one member belonging to SC/ST and one member belonging to minority community in Selection Boards / Communities for making recruitment to 10 or more vacancies.

(ii) Where the number of vacancies against which selection is to be made is less than 10, efforts should be made to have the Scheduled Caste / Tribes officer and a Minority community officer included in such Communities / Boards.

(iii) Wide publicity should be given to all appointments in Government, public sector banks and financial institutions. Advertisements should be issued in the language(s) spoken by large number of people of the State / UTs, apart from English and Hindi. Further, for Group C level posts level posts, having only basic qualifying requirements, information about vacancies for recruitment should also be disseminated through schools and colleges in that area, in addition to normal channels.

(iv) Where there is concentration of minority community population in local areas, the vacancy circular in local language may be distributed in those areas by suitable arrangements. These instructions have been reiterated from time to time.

Kendriya Vidyalayas set to switch to 5-day week for primary classes

All Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) across the country are likely to switch to a five-day week for primary classes (up to Class 5) from the new academic session.

The proposal for a five-day week to “give space for students to pursue self-learning as per their aptitude and interest” is set to be taken up by the Board of Governors of the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan on Tuesday. Officials said the board was likely to clear the move. However, a proposal to cut the working hours of KV teachers was unlikely to be passed, said sources.

HRD Minister Pallam Raju chairs the board, while Minister of State Jitin Prasada is a member. The proposal to switch to a five-day schedule is in keeping with the Right to Education Act. The proposal was first mooted by the KVs in 2012, but was rejected.

“There should be no objection to a five-day week for primary students as the KVs will still be able to meet the 200 school days requirement mandated under the Right to Education (RTE) Act. The schools will also be able to meet the stipulated minimum teaching hours requirement under the Act. So there is little argument to subject the younger children to an extra day at school,” said an official.

The KVs have increased working hours for teachers from 6 hours 10 minutes to 7 hours 30 minutes, as stipulated under the RTE Act. Teachers have opposed the decision.

Source:http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/kendriya-vidyalayas-set-to-switch-to-5-day-week-for-primary-classes/

The Fundamental (First Amendment) Rules, 2014

MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
(Department of Personnel and Training )

NOTIFICATION

New Delhi, the 17th January, 2014 ,

G.S.R. 27(E).—In exercise of the powers conferred by the proviso to article 309 of the Constitution, and in consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General in relation to persons serving in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department, the President hereby makes the following rule further to amend the Fundamental Rules, 1922, namely :—

1. (1) These rules may be called the Fundamental (First Amendment) Rules, 2014. (2) They shall came into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.

2. In the Fundamental Rule, 1922, in rule 56, —

(a) in clause (k), in sub-clause (1), for item (c), the following shall be substituted namely :

“(c) it shall be open to the Appropriate Authority to withhold permission to a Government servant, who seeks to retire under this clause, if,—

(i) the Government servant is under suspension: or

(ii) a charge sheet has been issued and the disciplinary proceedings are pending; or

(iii) if judicial proceedings on charges which may amount to grave misconduct, are pending_

Explanation :–For the purpose of this clause, judicial proceedings shall be deemed to be pending, if a complaint or report of a police officer, of which the Magistrate takes cognizance, has been made or filed in a criminal proceedings.”;

(b) for clause (m), the following shall be substituted, namely :—

“(m) A Government servant in Group ‘C’ post who is not governed by any pension rules, may, by giving notice of not less than three months in writing to the Appropriate Authority, retire from service after he has completed thirty year’s service :

Provided that it shall be open to the Appropriate Authority to withhold permission to a Government servant, who seeks to retire proceedings.”;

(i) the Government servant is under suspension; or

(ii) a charge sheet has been issued and the disciplinary proceedings are pending; or

(iii) if judicial proceedings on charges which may amount to grave misconduct, are pending.

Explanation :-For the purpose of this clause, judicial proceedings shall be deemed to be pending, if a complaint or report of a police officer, of which the Magistrate takes cognizance, has been made or filed in a criminal proceedings.”;

[No. 2501313/2010-Estt. (A-IV)]

MAMTA KUNDRA, Jt. Secy.

Source:http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02est/25013_3_2010-Estt.A-IV-17012014.pdf

Granting of 3rd MACP in GP 4600/- after Restructuring of Cadre of Artisan Staff in Defence Establishments in modification of recommendations of 6th CPC – Clarification regarding.

BHARTIYA PRATIRAKSHA MAZDOOR SANGH
(AN ALL INDIA FEDERATION OF DEFENCE WORKERS)
(AN INDUSTRIAL UNIT OF B.M.S.)
(RECOGNISED BY MINISTRY OF DEFENCE, GOVT. OF INDIA) 

CENTRAL OFFICE: 2-A, NAVEEN MARKET, KANPUR – 208001, PH & FAX : (0512) 2332222 MOBILE: 09415733686, 09235729390, 09335621629, WEB : www.bpms.org.in 

REF: BPMS / MACPS / 64 (7/3/M)
Dated: 16.01.2014 
To,
The Secretary,
Govt of India, Min of Defence,
South Block, DHQ PO,
New Delhi – 110011

Subject: Granting of 3rd  MACP in GP 4600/- after Restructuring of Cadre of Artisan Staff in Defence Establishments in modification of recommendations of 6th  CPC – Clarification regarding. 
Reference: 1. MOD I.D. No. 11(5)/2009-D (Civ-I), Dated 28.12.2013

Respected Sir,
With due regards, your attention is invited to S.R.O. 13(E) Dated 04.05.1989 / S.R.O.-191 dated 28.11.1994 / S.R.O.-66 dated 27.05.2003 “Indian Ordnance Factories Group C Supervisory and Non-Gazetted Cadre (Recruitment and Conditions of Service) Rules” which stipulates that the post of Chargeman (Tech) will be filled up by- 

(a) 25% by direct recruitment after adjustment of surplus and transfer, 

(b) 25% by Limited Departmental Examination and 

(c) 50% by promotion from panel prepared by relevant DPC for each category  and on failure of recruitment by promotion, by transfer failing which by direct recruitment {as mentioned in Point No. 2 of Annexure to OFB Letter No. 01/CR/A/I/Vol.II/658, dated 21.02.2011}. 

It further stipulates that the post of Chargeman will be filled up by Promotion from Draughtsman or equivalent in scale of Rs.1200-2040 with 3 years service and by promotion from Highly Skilled Grade-I with 3 years of regular service failing which from Highly Skilled Grade-II with 6 years regular service in respectively category. 

The above Recruitment Rule (SRO) nowhere says that the post of Chargeman will be filled by promotion from Master Craftsman. 

It is to be noted that the post of Master Craftsman was created in pursuance of the recommendations of the 3rd Central Pay Commission made in Chapter 19 of Volume I of its Report, vide MOD letter No. 1(2)/80/D(Civ-I), dated 21.09.1982 in the pay scale of Rs. (425 – 640) at par with the Chargeman. Para 2(iv) of the letter stipulates that the incumbents selected for the post of Master Craftsman will forego their normal promotion to the supervisory grade; i.e., Chargeman. 

The pay scale of Master Craftsman & Chargeman was revised to Rs. (1400 – 2300) as per 4th CPC but the 5th  CPC revised the pay scale of Master Craftsman to Rs. (4500 – 7000) whereas Chargeman was revised & upgraded to Rs. (5000 – 8000) w.e.f. 01.01.1996. 

Subsequently, Restructuring of Cadre of Artisan Staff in Defence Establishments in modification of recommendations of the 5th CPC has been introduced vide MOD letter No.11(1)/2002/D(Civ-I), dated 20.05.2003 which states that the post of Master Craftsman shall not be part of the hierarchy and the placement in this grade will not be treated as promotion for Highly Skilled Grade either under normal promotion rules or under ACP Scheme. Para 4(iv) of the letter states that the post of Master Craftsman (Rs. 4500 – 7000) shall continue to be considered as Highly Skilled grade for the purpose of promotion to the grade of Chargeman-II (Rs. 5000 – 8000). 

It is worth to mention here that Hon’ble Supreme Court of India has already decided that the administrative instructions cannot be issued in contravention of the statutory rules {C&AG of India vs. Mohan Lal Mehrotra, 1991 Lab IC (SC) 2328, para 22} and that there can be no dispute with the proposition that a rule framed under the Proviso to Art. 309 of the Constitution cannot be modified by an executive order {State of Maharashtra & Anr vs Chandrakant Anant Kulkarni & Ors: 1981 AIR 1990, 1982 SCR (1) 665} 

The Supreme Court has held in the case of “Sant Ram Sharma vs State Of Rajasthan & Anr : 1967 AIR 1910, 1968 SCR (1) 111” as under:- 
“It is true that Government cannot amend or supersede statutory rules by administrative instructions, but if the rules are silent on any particular point Government can fill up the gaps and supplement the rules and issue instructions not inconsistent with the rules already framed.” 

Contrary to above, vide letter cited under reference MOD has communicated that the idea of exclusion of the post of Master Craftsman (MCM) from further promotions in the hierarchy (Chargeman in the same Grade Pay) has not found favour with the Defence Finance. 

 We are surprised to construe from above that Defence Finance may promote any person on any post which may be against the provisions of relevant Recruitment Rules (SRO) made under the proviso of Article 309 of the Constitution of India. 

Here, we would like to draw your attention to Para 3.1 of Govt. of India, DoP&T O.M. No. 22011/5/86-Estt.(D), dated 10th April, 1989 issued as consolidated instructions on Departmental Promotion Committee, which stipulates as under:- 
“ ….. A vacancy shall be filled in accordance with the recruitment rules in force on the date of vacancy, unless rules made subsequently have been expressly given retrospective effect. Since amendments to the recruitment rules normally have only prospective application, the existing vacancies should be filled as per the recruitment rules in force. Holding of DPC meetings need not be delayed or postponed on the ground that recruitment rules for a post are being reviewed/amended.” 
It is worth to mention here that Para 2 of Annexure - I of DOP&T O.M. No. 35034/3/2008-Estt. (D), dated 19.05.2009 of MACPS provides that the MACPS envisages merely placement in the immediate next higher grade pay in the hierarchy of the recommended revised pay bands and grade pay as given in Section I, Part – A of the first schedule of the CCS (RP) Rules, 2008 and which is as under;

Grade Pay Rs. 1800/-   Grade Pay Rs. 4200/-
Grade Pay Rs. 1900/-   Grade Pay Rs. 4600/- 
Grade Pay Rs. 2000/-   Grade Pay Rs. 4800/- 
Grade Pay Rs. 2400/-   Grade Pay Rs. 5400/- 
Grade Pay Rs. 2800/-   Grade Pay and so on 

Hence, a person who is drawing grade pay of Rs. 4200 due to 02 promotions/ACPs and completes 30 years regular service on or after 01.09.2008 will be granted financial upgradation under 03rd MACPS in grade pay of Rs. 4600/-. 

 Therefore, you are requested to review the referred clarifications and withdraw the same without further delay and clarify that since the post of MCM was not in hierarchy of artisan staff cadre upto 31.12.2005, the Highly Skilled worker/MCM who were already drawing the pay scale of Rs. (5000 – 8000) under ACP Scheme may be considered for further financial upgradations in the next Grade Pay (Rs. 4600) in the hierarchy of Grade Pays. 

Thanking you. 

Yours Sincerely 

 Sd/-
 (MUKESH SINGH) 
 Secretary/BPMS & 
 Member JCM-II (MOD)

Source: http://bpms.org.in/documents/macp-mcm-4tdp.pdf

Holding of meeting of the Standing Committee of National Council(JCM) for finalization of Terms of Reference

All India Railwaymen’s Federation

No.AIRF/405( VII CPC)
Dated: January 23, 2014
The Director(JCA) & Member Secretary,
National Council(JCM),
Government of India,
Department of Personnel & Training,
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions,
North Block,
New Delhi-110001

Dear Sir,
Sub: Holding of meeting of the Standing Committee of National Council(JCM) for finalization of Terms of Reference of

In the meeting held on 24.10.2013, under the chairmanship of Secretary, DoP&T, to discuss the Terms of Reference for VII CPC, Secretary,National Council (JCM) (Staff Side), Shri Umraomal Purohit had demanded a meeting with the Secretary(EXP.) and DoP&T before finalization of Terms of Reference of VII CPC.

Despite elapsing a period of around three months, nothing has been heard in this regard.

We, therefore, request that an urgent meeting should be held with the Secretary(ExP.) and DoP&T for finalization of Terms of Reference of VII CPC.

Yours faithfully, 

Sd/-
(Shiva Gopal Mishra) 
General Secretary

Source : AIRF

Government plans to review the Leave Travel Concession (LTC) policy

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL,PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 2100
ANSWERED ON 18.12.2013

REVIEW OF LTC POLICY

2100 . Shri AMARNATH PRADHAN
Will the Minister of PERSONNEL,PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government plans to review the Leave Travel Concession (LTC) policy to check bogus LTC claims, inflated air travel bills and foreign travels by the employees of the Central Government, State Bank of India and other PSUs as reported in the media;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) if not, the manner in which the Government plans to check fictitious claims and streamline the working of private travel agencies; and

(d) the penal action proposed for violation of rules in this regard?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE (SHRI V. NARAYANASAMY)

(a) to (d): Government of India formulates the policies and schemes keeping in mind the various service requirements of the employees and their welfare. Various Ministries/Departments & other independent agencies of the Government of India are responsible for the proper implementation of these policies. These policies are reviewed from time to time and also amended when situation demands.

In case of Leave Travel concession having any fraudulent activities coming to the notice of designated body/agencies, the irregularities are looked into in terms of Rule 16 of the CCS (LTC) Rules, 1988 and disciplinary proceedings are initiated against the Government servant on the charge of preferring a fraudulent claim which may result in imposition of any of the penalties specified in Rule 11 of CCS (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965. During the pendency of disciplinary proceedings, the Government servant shall not be allowed the next two or more sets of LTC in addition to the sets already withheld.

Extension of CGHS facility to State Govt Employees..?

While answering to a question in Parliament, Minister Shri.Ghulam Nabi Azad said that the Central Government Health Scheme is primarily meant for the Central Government employees and pensioners receiving salary / pension from Central Civil Estimates of Government of India. 

The State Government employees and other members of public are not eligible to join CGHS. However, no requests from State Governments including Kerala have been received for improvement in CGHS. 

CGHS is basically providing the dispensary services through its Wellness Centres manned by the General Duty Medical Officers. However, CGHS also provides the services of medical specialists through the Polyclinics and Central Government hospitals. In addition, the CGHS medical specialists also visit designated dispensaries on stipulated days in each week to provide medical consultation to the beneficiaries. Due to shortage of specialists in CGHS it is practically not feasible and financially viable to provide Specialist facilities in each CGHS Wellness Centre. Moreover, CGHS is also engaging contractual specialists against the vacant posts of specialists to provide the medical consultation services to its beneficiaries. 

CGHS has a dedicated wing of specialists at the Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi for its beneficiaries. The CGHS beneficiaries are also allowed to consult specialists at Dr. RML Hospital and other Government hospitals in NCR in respective specialties. In addition, CGHS has empanelled a large number of private hospitals to provide inpatient medical care to its beneficiaries on the advice of Government specialists. 

As per the Terms & Conditions for empanelment under CGHS, all empanelled private hospitals are required to provide credit facilities to the CGHS beneficiaries in case of emergency. Pensioners and other specified category of beneficiaries are entitled for credit facilities under normal circumstances also. Non-compliance of the said provision attracts penalty as per the Memorandum of Agreement signed by them. 

Decision on railwaymen’s indefinite strike on February 17

The national trade unions of railwaymen will decide on February 17 whether or not to go ahead with the proposed indefinite general strike to press for implementation of various long-standing demands.

Though railwaymen across the country had overwhelmingly voted in favour of a direct agitation during the ‘strike ballot’ held nationwide last month, the crucial decision on launching a general strike that could cripple railway operations is due to be taken at the meeting scheduled at Kota, Rajasthan, said N. Kanniah, general secretary of the Southern Railway Mazdoor Union (SRMU), which is affiliated to the All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF).

The AIRF and the National Federation of Indian Railwaymen are the two parent trade unions representing an estimated 1.3 million railwaymen. The charter of demands include scrapping of the new pension scheme, filling up of vacancies, better working conditions for loco running staff and constitution of the Seventh Pay Commission.

Though the Railway Board had offered to negotiate on Railway-specific demands at meetings held over January 16 and 17 in Delhi, the AIRF leadership has taken the view that some of the key demands such as merger of DA with basic pay and guaranteed pension scheme in place of new pension scheme, could only be resolved by Government of India, Mr. Kanniah said. The union leadership feels that the Railway Ministry needs to facilitate negotiations with the Centre in order to avert the strike, he said.

It may be recalled that during the strike ballot, over 96 per cent of railwaymen in the country voted in favour of an indefinite general strike.

In the six divisions across Southern Railway, 86.8 per cent of railwaymen endorsed the strike plan.

Source: http://www.thehindu.com

Issue of Uniforms/Liveries to MTS directly recruited through Staff Selection Commission post 6th CPC.

Controller General of Defence Accounts
Ulan Batar Road, Palam, Delhi Canit-110010

No. AN/XIV/14162/6th CPC/ Vol-V

Dated : 23.01.2014

To
All PCsDA/CsDA
All CFAs/PC of Fys) Kolkata

CIRCULAR

Subject: Issue of Uniforms/Liveries to MTS directly recruited through Staff Selection Commission post 6th CPC.

The matter regarding issue of Uniforms and liveries to MTS recruited posts 6th CPC through Staff Selection Commission was referred to Ministry for clarification.

2. DoP&T has since confirmed that Uniforms/Liveries and washing allowance to newly recruited MTS , post 6th CPC may be allowed as is being admitted to erstwhile Group ‘D’ posts of peon, daftary, jamadar, Junior Gestetner Operator, Farash, Chowkidar, Safaiwala, Mali etc. which have been designated as MTS in Group ‘C’ post 6th CPC.

Further , it should be ensured that the Uniforms/Liveries are being admitted to those expected to wear respective uniforms while on duty.

3. This is for your information, guidance and necessary action please.

Sd/-
(Upendra Kumar)
For CGDA

Source:http://www.cgda.nic.in/adm/uniforms_mts_230114.pdf

24th meeting of the Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) to be held on 5th Febraury

F. No. 42/2/2014-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:- 23rd January, 2014

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject : 24th meeting of the Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) under the Chairmanship of Hon’ble MOS (PP) to be held on 5th February, 2014 at 4.00 PM in Vigyan Bhawan Annexe, New Delhi – Reg

- Venue & Time of 24th SCOVA meeting.
- Comments on Fresh Agenda Items
- Confirmation of the participation

The undersigned is directed to say that the 24th meeting of the Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies(SCOVA) under the Chairmanship of Hon’ble MOS (PP) will be held on Wednesday, the 5th February, 2014 at 4.00 PM in:-

Committee Room-A,
Ground Floor, Vigyan Bhawan Annexe,
Maulana Azad Road,
New Delhi 110011

2. It is to say that the Five agenda items for discussion in the 24th Meeting of SCOVA is enclosed herewith. The concerned Ministries/Departments are. therefore. requested to kindly furnish comments on the enclosed agenda items for 24th meeting of SCOVA latest by 28th January, 2014 to the undersigned through Fax / Email (Fax No. / E-mail Address given below) and also in hard copy.

3. It is also requested that the name and telephone number of the official, not below the rank of Joint secretary/Director, nominated to attend the above meeting may kindly be sent to this Department early for further interaction relating to 24th SCOVA meeting.

Sd/-
(Sujasha Choudhury)
Dy. Secretary (P)

1. Smt Suman Bala, Chief Controller (Pension), Central Pension Accounting Office (CPAO), Trikoot – II, Bhikaji Cama Place, New Delhi.
2. Shri Rajiv Kishore, Exe. Dir (ERP), Ministry of Railways, Rail Bhawan, New Delhi.
3. Shri V. P. Singh, Dy. Secretary, Room No. 308-D, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi.
4. Shri S.C.Sharma, DDG (C & A), Department of Telecom, Sanchar Bhavan, 20, Ashoka Road, New Delhi.
5. Shri Vivek Ashish(US), Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, North Block, New Delhi.
6. Shri Vijay Kumar Singh, Director (Administration), Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, North Block, New Delhi.
7. Shri Anil Kumar DDG(Estt), Department of Posts, Dak Bhawan, New Delhi.
8. Shri Rajnish Kumar, DDG(PAF) Department of Posts, Dak Bhawan, New Delhi
9. Shri Ashok Kumar, Dy. Secretary(JCA), Dept of Personnel & Taining, North Block, New Delhi.
10. Shri. S.S.Singh, DDG(PG), Deptt. of Telecommunication, Sanchar Bhawan, 20, Ashoka Road, New Delhi.
11. Shri Surya Prakash,Director(CP),Mjo Defence, , B-Wing, Sena Bhawan, New Delhi.
12. Shri Shahbaz Ali, DDG(TPF & AjCs), Department of Telecom, Sanchar Bhavan, 20, Ashoka Road, New Delhi.
13. Shri Ajay Mishra, (Jt CGDA), Office of CGDA, Ulan Batar Road, Palam, Delhi Cantt., New Delhi.
14. Dr. B.C.Mahapatra, ADDG (HQ), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi.
15. Shri S.C.Das, Deputy Secretary, Dept of Financial Services, Jeevan Deep Building,Sansad Marg, New Delhi.
16. Smt. Shilpi Aggarwal, Director (Fin) CCA, Ministry of Railways, Rail Bhawan, New Delhi.
17. Shri Dilip Kumar, Controller of Accounts, CPAO, Trikoot-II, Bhikaji Cama Place, New Delhi.
18. Shri Sumant Narain, Deputy Secretary, IFD, Ministry of Home Affairs, North Block.
19. Smt. Mamta Kundra Joint Secretary(E), DoPT, North Block, New Delhi.
20. Shri R.K.Karma (Jt. CGDA), Office of CGDA, Ulan Batar Road, Palam, Delhi Cantt., New Delhi.
21. Shri Harbans Singh (OSD), Ministry of Defence, South Block, New Delhi
22. Controller General of Accounts (CGA), Lok Nayak Bhavan, New Delhi.
23. Ms. Malathi Narayanan, Under Secretary, Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence, Sena Bhawan,B- Wing, New Delhi.

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
(Department of Pension &. Pensioners Welfare)

AGENDA ITEMS FOR 24TH MEETING OF STANDING COMMITTEE OF VOLUNTARY AGENCIES(SCOVA) TO BE HELD ON 5TH FEBRUARY, 2014 AT VIGYAN BHAWAN ANNEXE, NEW DELHI

                           AGENDA ITEMS

1. Health Insurance Scheme for pensioners including those residing at non-CGHS areas.

The present position regarding the introduction of Health Insurance Scheme for pensioners may be indicated.

2. Dedicated day for pensioners:

In line with DOP&PW (Reference No. 5/40/2012-P&PW(C) dtd 31.12.2012): Ministry of Railways which has more than 12,18,000 Pensioners/Family pensioners should create similar facility for Pensioners/family pensioners at Rly. Board, Zonal Hqs & Divisional level. Similar facility may be provided in Ministry of Defence, Posts, Telecom etc.

3. Special Family Pension for the Widows of Disabled War Veterans

A war disabled soldier, on being invalided out of service, receives war injury pension comprising war injury /disability element and service element. On his demise, war injury /disability element of the pension gets extinguished and his widow’s family pension is fixed on the basis of service element only, resulting in a sharp reduction in the pension amount. The case for basing the family pension entitlement of the widow a disabled war veteran on his last drawn pension inclusive of war injury /disability element is well merited as follows -

(A) Most war disabled ex-servicemen invalided out of service, are forced to leave service at a very young age, often with less than 5 years of service, and in very junior ranks without achieving their full potential. Service Element of their War Injury Pension is accordingly fixed very low. Combining war injury element with service element enhances the total pension to a reasonable amount.

(B) As the career of a disabled ex-serviceman is curtailed while fighting for the nation in adverse circumstances, it is imperative that after his demise, the family does not suffer financially. This can be assured to some extent by not excluding the war injury element for the purpose of computing family pension entitlement of the widow.

(C) The proposal was initiated well over 2 years ago and is currently under examination by Deptt of Ex-servicemen Welfare. However, the movement is very slow. As the issue equally concerns para-military forces under MHA, it may be piloted by DoPPW.

(D) The number of invalided out disabled war veterans is small and the benefit would accrue to the widow only after a veteran’s demise~ the financial implications therefore would be limited. The morale-boosting impact on the armed forces and para-military forces, however, would be huge.

4. Reimbursement of medical expenses to CGHS beneficiaries:-

As per instructions contained in O.M.No.S-ll030/6/2001-CGHS(P) dated 5.11.2001 issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, New Delhi the reimbursement of expenditure incurred on treatment availed from AIIMS will be made as per rates of AIIMS and as per entitlement of the beneficiary. However, in Chandigarh whenever a CGHS member gets treatment from the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences and Research the reimbursement of medical expenses incurred on such treatment is restricted to limits prescribed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare from time to time and the patient is left to bear the difference from his pocket, which in some cases is much more than the amount actually reimbursed to the beneficiary. Both the above Institutions are run entirely on the same pattern and with the full budgetary support provided by the Govt. of India. Rates to be charged from the patients from time to time are also approved by the Govt. of India. Once a patient is referred for specialized treatment to the PGIMER by the CMO I/C Wellness Center the patient should be normally reimbursed full charges as paid to the PGIMER as per entitlement of the beneficiary. As the CGHS beneficiaries are left to bear the huge amount from their own pocket there is great resentment amongst the retirees. It is also not understood as to why CGHS beneficiaries of Delhi and Chandigarh are treated differently by the Govt. of India.

It is requested that in view of the position explained above the Govt. of India Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, New Delhi may kindly reconsider the above anomaly and issue necessary instructions so that the beneficiaries at Chandigarh are not left to suffer any more on this account.

5. Grant of T.A. to Non-official Members attending the SCOVA meetings- Permission to perform journey by AIR and grant of actual expenses, when the journey performed is above 1,000 km.

Generally, all the Non-official Members representing Pensioners’ Associations who attend the SCOVA meetings are in their advanced age and are not in robust health to withstand the strains associated with journeys performed by Road and Rail especially, when such journeys extend beyond 24 hours and the distance travelled is above 1,000 km. The plight of those members who are suffering from old age ailments needs no explanation. Journey performed by Air, even from a place in the southern most part of the country may not take more than 3 hours to reach the Capital city of New Delhi where SCOVA meetings are held. Further, journey by Air is not as tedious as the journey by Rail and therefore it is preferable.

Supplementary Rule 190(b) states that “A Competent Authority may, in its discretion; grant to the person concerned his actual travelling, hotel and carriage expenses instead of travelling allowance under that clause, if it considers that such allowance would be inadequate.” Further, as per the provisions contained in G.L, M.F., a.M. No.F.19024/7/82-E dated the 8th October, 1982 incorporated in Appendix 2 of F.R.& S.R. Part II (T.A.Rules) performing journey by train by the non-officials is compulsory only when the distance travelled is up to 500 km and the journey could be performed by overnight. “

Non-official Members who attend SCaVA Meetings as representatives of Pensioners’ Associations functioning in the Southern part of the Country have to travel above 2,000 km to reach New Delhi and the hours of journey, if performed by train, is also more than 40 hours. Similarly, the Members from places in Western and some places in the Eastern part of the Country have to travel for a distance of above 1000 km and the period of journey, if performed by train, will be more than 24 hours. In view of the provisions under T.A. Rules stated in the preceding paragraph, it is requested that the case of non-official members travelling above1,000 km to attend SCOVA meetings may be considered sympathetically and as a special case, grant them actual travelling expenses incurred by them when they perform the journey by Air, without limiting their claim to the train fare by entitled class, which would go a long way in helping the Pensioners’ Associations, since the Associations have to meet extra expenditure, if the T.A. claim of their representatives is restricted to the Train fare.

Source:http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D3/D03ppw/SCOVA_230114.pdf

Review of guidelines for allotment of General Pool Residential Accommodation to the employees of State/Union Territory Governments posted in Delhi.

No.12016/1/2004-Pol. II
Government of India
Ministry of Urban Development
Directorate of Estates

Nirman Bhavan,
New Delhi— 110 108.

Dated the 15th January, 2014

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Sub: Review of guidelines for allotment of General Pool Residential Accommodation to the employees of State/Union Territory Governments posted in Delhi.

The guidelines for allotment of General Pool Residential Accommodation to the employees of State/Union Territory Governments posted in Delhi have been issued vide this Directorate OM of even number dated 23.5.2013.

2. The matter has been reviewed by the competent authority and it has now been decided that the allotment of general pool residential accommodation shall be made to the officers/employees of State/Union Territory Governments posted or whose presence is required in Delhi, other than in the offices of the Resident Commissioners of State/Union Territory Governments in Delhi, within the prescribed units of residential accommodation to State/Union Territory Governments on the recommendation of the Resident Commissioners of respective State/Union Territory Governments in Delhi.

Sd/-
(J.P.Rath)
Deputy Director of Estates

Source:http://estates.nic.in/WriteReadData/dlcirculars/Circulars20304.pdf

RRB invites application for Recruitment of Asstt. Loco Pilot & Technician Categories in Railways.

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA, MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
RAILWAY RECRUITMENT BOARDS

CENTRALISED EMPLOYMENT NOTICE No.01/2014

Assistant Loco Pilot & Technician Categories

Date of publication :18.01.2014 Date &Time of Closing: 17.02.2014 up to 17.30 Hrs.

Date of Written Examination: 15.06.2014(Refer to para 16)

Applications are invited in prescribed format on 44 size bond paper of 80 GSM using one side only from eligible Indian Nationals for the following posts of ALP & TECHNICIANS. Applications complete in all respects should be sent by Ordinary Post to the Railway Recruitment Boards concerned as mentioned in para 15 of this notification, so as to reach on or before 17.02.2014 up to 17.30 Hrs. Applications can also be dropped in the box kept at the premises of RRB offices
concerned, till the closing date and time. For candidates residing in Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Sikkim, Jammu & Kashmir, Lahaul & Spiti districts and Pangi Sub-Division of Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands and for candidates residing abroad, the closing date for receipt of applications by Ordinary Post will be 04.03.2014 up to 17.30 Hrs.

Candidates Please Note: 1) Common Written Examination for ALP & Technician Categories will be held on the same day by all participating RRBs. 2) In addition to English, Hindi and Urdu, choice of Local Languages for each RRB is indicated at Para 15. 3) No examination fee for SC/ST/Ex. Servicemen/Women/Minorities/ Persons with Disability/ Economically backward candidates having annual family income less than Rs. 50,000/-. (Refer para 3)4) Their candidature is provisional at all stages of recruitment and is liable to be cancelled at any stage in case it is found that they are not fulfilling the prescribed eligibility conditions. The onus for proving that the candidate fulfills the eligibility conditions will solely lie with the candidate himself/herself.

(1) Scale of Pay with GP: For ALP and all other Technician Gr.III Categories - Rs.5,200 - 20,200 (GP Rs.1,900).

(2)Age (as on 01.07.2014): 18-30 years (please refer para 2 forage relaxations). 

(3) Exam Fee (for Male UR/OBC candidates only): For ALP and all other Technician Gr.III Categories -Rs.40/-

 More Detail click here.....

Allotment of General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA) and General Pool Office Accommodation to Kendirya Bhandar

No. 12035/2/94-Pol.II(Vol.IV)
Government of India
Ministry of Urban Development
Directorate of Estates
Policy-II Section

Nirman Bhavan,
New Delhi — 110 108.

Dated the 15th January, 2014

OFFFICE MEMORANDUM

Sub: Allotment of General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA) and General Pool Office Accommodation to Kendirya Bhandar [Central Government Employees Consumer Cooperative Society Limited].

In continuation of this Directorate O.M.No. 12035/2/94-Pol.II dated 10.11.2005, O.M.No.12035/2/94-Pol.II(Pt.) dated 27.5.2013 and O.M. of even number dated 11.10.2013, the undersigned is directed to say that the subject matter has been reviewed by the competent authority and it has now been decided to allow the Kendirya Bhandar [Central Government Employees Consumer Cooperative Society Limited] retention of the General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA) and General Pool Office Accommodation (GPOA) occupied by it for a further period of six months from 20.12.2013 on existing terms and conditions. In the interregnum, the Department of Personnel and Training may, after consultation with all Ministries/Departments concerned, bring an alternate proposal for consideration of the Cabinet Committee on Accommodation for providing accommodation/built-up space for office and retail stores to Kendriya Bhandar.

2. All concerned are, therefore, requested to take further necessary action in the matter accordingly.

Sd/-
(J.P. Rath)
Deputy Director of Estates

Source:http://estates.nic.in/WriteReadData/dlcirculars/Circulars20302.pdf

Determination of date of increment after expiry of duration or penalties of withholding of increments/reduction to lower stage imposed for less than a year regarding.

RBE No. 09/2014
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)

No. E(D&A) 2008 RG6-36
New Delhi, 15-01-2014

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

Sub: Determination of date of increment after expiry of duration or penalties of withholding of increments/reduction to lower stage imposed for less than a year regarding.

Ministry of Railways have received a few references regarding certain penalties of rule 6 of Railway Servants (Discipline And Appeal) Rules, 1968 which are having pay element imposed for less than a year. In one case, the penalty of withholding of increments was imposed on 24.3.2008 for a period of six months with cumuiative effect and in the other case the penalty of reduction to lower stage was imposed on 9.2.2009 for a period of six months with non-cumulative effect.

2. The question of date of release of increment in the above cases on expiry of the penalty, in the context of fixing of 1st July as the date of increment uniformally for all Government servants following VIth CPC, has been examined in consultation with the Department of Personnel & Training. It is advised that fixing of 1st July as the date of increment for all Government servants under the Revised Pay Rules following the acceptance of the recommendation of the VIth CPC, is relevant only in respect of Annual increment. This provision is not applicable where the increment is withheld as a measure of penalty. In cases where the increment is withheld as a penalty for a specified period restoration of the withheld increment would be at the end of the currency of the penalty and not postponed to the next 1st July. The person concerned may even be entitled to the next increment on the 1st July following the expiry of the currency of the penalty, (notwithstanding the fact that the penalty imposed on him was having postponing effect on his future increments), if he has net qualifying service of six months prior to the relevant 1st July.

3. Likewise, where tne penalty of reduction to lower stage was imposed, the pay will be restored immediately on expiry of the currency of the penalty. In so far as release of next increment is concerned, the same may also be allowed immediately on restoration if the person concerned has rendered net qualifying service of six months on the 1st July preceding the date of the expiry of the currency of the penalty.

4. Please acknowledge receipt.

Sd/-
(Harish Chander)
Dy. Director Estt. (D&A)
Railway Board

Source: NFIR

Comprehensive review of instructions pertaining to vigilance clearance for promotion - clarifications - regarding

No.22034/4/2012-Estt (D-II) 
Government of India 
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions 
(Department of Personnel and Training) 

North Block, New Delhi 
Dated the 23rd January, 2014 

OFFICE MEMORANDUM 

Subject : Comprehensive review of instructions pertaining to vigilance clearance for promotion - clarifications - regarding 

The undersigned is directed to refer to the Department of Personnel & Training O.M. of even number dated 2.11.2012 on 'Comprehensive review of instructions pertaining to vigilance clearance for promotion', wherein, inter alia, it has been laid down in Para 9, as under: 

 "For the purpose of vigilance clearance for Review DPC, instructions exist in O.M. No.22011/2/99-Estt(A) dated 21.11.2002 that review DPC will take into consideration the circumstances obtaining at the time of original DPC and any subsequent situation arising thereafter will not stand in the way of vigilance clearance for review DPC. However, before the officer is actually promoted it needs to be ensured that he/she is clear from vigilance angle and the provision of para 7 of O.M. No.22011/4/91- Estt.(A) dated 14.09.1992 are not attracted". 

2. This Department has been receiving references seeking clarification on grant of promotion in case of review DPC with regard to the official who is clear from vigilance angle on the date of promotion of the junior in the original DPC but subsequently attracts the provisions contained in para 2 of DoPT OM dated 14.09.92. 

3. The matter has been examined in consultation with the Department of Legal Affairs and it is further clarified that, in the case of a review DPC, where a junior has been promoted on the recommendations of the original DPC, the official would be considered for promotion if he/she is clear from vigilance angle on the date of promotion of the junior, even if the provisions of para 2 of DoPT OM dated 14.9.92 get attracted on the date the actual promotion is considered, as provided in DoPT O.M. No.22011/2/99-Estt (A) dated 21.11.2002. 

4. In cases, where the junior is not promoted, it is to be ensured that the provisions of para 7 of OM dated 14.9.1992 are not attracted on the date the official is being actually promoted. 

Sd/-
(Arunoday Goswami) 
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India 

Source:http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02est/22034_4_2012-Estt.D-II-23012014.pdf

Indentification of Scientific and Technical posts in terms of DoPT’s O.M. No. 9/2/73-Estt (Res), dated 23.6.1975.

No.36012/35/2013-Estt. (Res.)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training

New Delhi, North Block,
Dated the 21st January, 2014

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: - Indentification of Scientific and Technical posts in terms of DoPT’s O.M. No. 9/2/73-Estt (Res), dated 23.6.1975.

The undersigned is directed to invite a reference to this Department’s O.M No. 9/2/73-Estt(SCT), dated 23rd June, 1975 wherein it has been stated that scientific and technical posts required for conducting research or for organizing, guiding and directing research which satisfy the conditions laid down therein, can be exempted from the purview of the orders relating to reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

2. The Hon’ble Supreme Court in its judgment date 18.7.2013 in Civil Appeal No. 4500/2002[Faculty Association of AIIMS Vs UOI & Ors] impressed upon the Central and State Governments to take appropriate steps in accordance with the views expressed in Indra Sawhney’s case wherein it was observed that there were certain services and posts where either on account of the nature of duties attached to them or the level in the hierarchy at which they stood, mental one counts and in such situations, it cannot be advised to provide for reservation.

3. In this connection, attention is invited to para 2 of this Department’s O.M No. 9/2/73-Estt(SCT), dated 23.6.1975 (copy enclosed) in which Ministries/Departments were asked to review the list of scientific and technical posts under their control which are at present exempt from the purview of the orders relating to reservations for Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribes. Keeping in view of the aforesaid judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, it has been decided to identify all such Scientific & Technical posts in each Ministry/Department.

4. All the Ministries/Departments are requested to identify scientific and technical posts under them and intimate this Department about such posts which have been exempted from the purview of reservation. The information may be furnished to this Department by 15th February 2014.

Sd/-
(Sandeep Mukherjee)
Under Secretary to the Government of India

Source:http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02adm/36012_35_2013-Estt.Res.-21012014.pdf

Remittance of NPS funds solely through electronic mode (NEFT/RTGS) from 01st April 2014

PENSION FUND REGULATORY AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
PFRDA/2014/01/CSG/1
Date: 09th January 2014
To,
All Central Government Ministries & State Governments
Dear Sir/Madam,
Remittance of NPS funds solely through electronic mode (NEFT/RTGS) from 01st April 2014
1. The Circulars no. PFRDA/2013/10/CRTB/1 dated 30th April 2013 and PFRDA/2013/12/CRTB/2 dated 31″ May 2013 may be referred.

2. It has been observed that the following problems are presently being faced on account of remittance of NPS contribution funds through physical instruments:
a.) Higher percentage of rejection of contributions/ funds return
b.) Delays due to cheque clearing activity
c.) incidences of cheque rejection due to financial/ technical reasons.

3. All the aforementioned issues affect the timely investments of the subscribers thus adversely impacting their pension corpus accumulation. To obviate the aforesaid concerns, and in compliance of CVC instructions issued vide Office Order No. 20/4/04 File No. 98/ORD/1 dated 06-04-2004 PFRDA has decided to discontinue the remittance of NPS contribution funds through physical instruments and to accept remittance solely through electronic mode from 01st April 2014.
 
4. Accordingly from 01st April 2014 onwards, all the nodal offices remitting NPS contributions have to mandatorily remit NPS Contributions through electronic mode i.e. NEFT/ RTGS only.

5. The overall procedure for remittance of funds to Axis Bank (Trustee Bank), matching & booking of SubscriberContribution Files (SCFs) and the receipt of funds from it shall remain unchanged.
6. This circular may be sent to all the nodal offices under your jurisdiction for necessary action/ compliance.
7. The contact details of NPS Cell at Axis Bank is as follows:
First Level of Contact:
S No.
Contact Person
Designation
Phone No.
1
Mr Abhishek Gautam
Senior Manager
022-24253678
2
Mr Dakshesh Barbhaya
Senior Manager
022 24253639
3
Mr Yash Mayekar
Senior Manager
022 24253628

Second Level of Contact:
S No.
Contact Person
Designation
Phone No.
1
Mr Debraj Saha
Assistant Vice President
011 43506532
2
Mr Piyush K Singh
Deputy Vice President
022 24253680
The Circular has also been placed on PFRDA website at http://www.pfrda.org.in
Yours faithfully,
sd/-
(Ashish Kumar)
General Manager
Source: https://www.npscra.nsdl.co.in/download/Remittance-Update.pdf