Friday, August 30, 2013

6th Pay Panel has not recommended 50% DA merger with Basic pay, says govt

The 6th Pay Commission had recommended not to merge 50% of Dearness Allowance (DA) for government employees with their basic pay, Parliament was informed today.

'The 6th Central Pay Commission had recommended not to merge Dearness Allowance with basic pay at any stage,' Minister of State Finance Minister Namo Narain Meena said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

Government accepted this recommendation, he said, adding that the recommendations of the 6th Pay Commission were given effect from January 1, 2006.

Some Central Government Employees Associations have been demanding for the merger of 50% DA with Basic Pay and the constitution of 7th Pay Commission.

Meena said the setting up of the next Pay Commission is considered normally after a gap of 10 years between two successive Pay Commission.


DA to central government employees is revised twice a year, with effect from January 1 and July 1, calculated on the basis of percentage increase in all India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers.


Source: http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/6th-pay-panel-has-not-recommended-50-da-merger-with-basic-pay-says-govt-113083000764_1.html

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Age of Retirement of Employees of Sick CPSE

Press Information Bureau 
Government of India
Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises 
27-August-2013 
Age of Superannuation of Employees of Sick Central Public Sector Enterprises 

The Government has said that the Department of Public Enterprises is not considering any proposal to enhance the age of superannuation of employees of all sick Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) from 58 to 60 years. However, Board for Reconstruction of Public Sector Enterprises (BRPSE) has been directed to undertake in-depth examination with regard to enhancement of age of superannuation from 58 to 60 years in respect of such CPSEs whose revival packages have been approved by the Government and which will continue to be in public sector after implementation of revival package, and thereafter make suitable recommendations to the concerned administrative Ministry for obtaining approval of competent authority. Giving this information in written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today, Shri Praful Patel, Minister of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, said that BRPSE has also been directed to ensure that the issue of the enhancement of age of superannuation from 58 to 60 years is adequately addressed while examining/recommending future proposals for revival of sick/loss making CPSEs and that the revival package has specific recommendation in this regard.

Shri Patel informed the House that BRPSE has not made any specific recommendation regarding enhancement of age of superannuation from 58 to 60 years in respect of employees of ITI Limited.

PIB

No CGHS facilities for casual employees

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF  HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1935
ANSWERED ON-27.08.2013
CGHS facilities for casual employees
1935 . SHRI K. C. TYAGI
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) the guidelines for issuing of a CGHS card to the Government servant;
(b) whether it is a fact that CGHS facilities are not provided to these personnel appointed on the daily wages, contract basis, leave vacancy basis and co-terminus basis;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether Government may consider their genuine demand for CGHS card so that they may get medical facilities as are provided in private sector; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)

(a): CGHS cards are issued to the eligible Central Government serving personnel/ pensioners provided their salary /pension are drawn from the Central Civil Estimate as per laid down procedure.

(b) & (c): The CGHS facilities are not provided to the personnel appointed on daily wages, contract basis, leave vacancy basis. However CGHS cards are issued to personnel appointed on co-terminous basis only for the period of appointment.

(d): & e): There is no such proposal before the Government.

Source: Rajya Sabha Q&A
Filed Under: ,

Representation of SCs STs OBCs in AIIMS

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF  HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1960
ANSWERED ON-27.08.2013
Representation of SCs STs OBCs in AIIMS
1960 . SHRI ALI ANWAR ANSARI

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that there are 221 faculty posts in AIIMS, New Delhi;
(b) whether it is also a fact that out of the total 221 posts, only 4 teachers belong to Scheduled Tribes (STs) 14 to Scheduled Castes (SCs) and 7 to Other Backward Classes (OBCs) communities;
(c) if so, the reasons for less representation of OBCs/SCs/STs in AIIMS, New Delhi and the steps taken to fill the backlog of teachers of these communities; and
(d) the time likely to be taken to complete the whole procedure?

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)

(a)to(d):  Against the 826 faculty sanctioned posts, at present, 499 faculty members are in-position at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. Out of 499 faculty members, 60 faculty members belong to Scheduled Caste (SC), 13 faculty members belong to Scheduled Tribe (ST) and 47 faculty members belong to Other backward Class (OBC) communities presently working in different centres/departments/units of AIIMS, New Delhi.

AIIMS, New Delhi, was following floating reservation in respect of SC, ST & OBC categories at the level of Assistant Professor only till 2008. Since then, the AIIMS is following post-based reservation roster in respect of SC, ST and OBC categories for all faculty posts. In the year 2011, 115 posts of Assistant Professor/Lecturer in Nursing were advertised and selection process has been completed. In 2012, 148 posts of Assistant Professor/ Lecturer in Nursing and 37 posts of Professor have been advertised in accordance with reservation roster.

Source: Rajya Sabha Q&A

Filed Under: ,

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Complaints against CGHS & Govt initiatives to improve the services

The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) is providing comprehensive healthcare facilities to the Central Government employees and pensioners and some other select categories of persons in 25 cities across the country. Government has taken a large number of initiatives over last few years to improve the functioning of CGHS which have yielded positive results. However, the Ministry has also been receiving suggestions, representations and complaints on various aspects of the functioning of this Scheme. The complaints reported from different States are generally of similar nature and can be broadly classified in the following categories:

1. The number of private hospitals on the panel of CGHS in some cities including Thiruvanathpuram, Kerala, is not adequate.
2. The number of CGHS dispensaries is not adequate.
3. Need to cover more cities under CGHS.
4. Shortage of doctors and staff in dispensaries.
5. Impolite and rude behavior of dispensary staff.
6. Delay in supply of indented medicines.
7. Overcharging and denial of credit facility by empanelled private hospitals.
8. Disruption in services due to break down in internet connectivity.
9. Delay in settlement of Medical Reimbursement Claims.
10. Delay in issue of plastic cards.
11. Non- supply of Ayurvedic medicines, etc.

Government has taken the following initiatives to improve the services of CGHS to its beneficiaries:

1. ‘Continuous Empanelment Scheme’ has been revived in all CGHS locations to empanel more number of eligible private hospitals and diagnostic/ imaging centres. The process of empanelment has also been decentralised by delegating powers at the city level.

2. CGHS beneficiaries residing in non-CGHS areas have been allowed to avail follow up and inpatient medical treatment in hospitals recognised under CS (MA) Rules and ECHS.

3. Ministry has mooted a proposal for opening at least one dispensary in the capital of the States where CGHS is not in operation.

4. CGHS engages retired Government doctors on short term contract basis to address the shortage of doctors wherever required. The powers to engage retired doctors on contract basis have also been delegated at city level.

5. Instructions have been issued to the doctors and other staff to be polite and courteous in their behaviour towards the beneficiaries.

6. There is a provision to penalise the authorised local chemists for delay in supply of indented medicines.

7. Appropriate actions are taken against the defaulting hospitals for overcharging and denial of credit facility.

8. Instructions have been issued to provide consultation/treatment even in case of breakdown of internet
connectivity. Instructions have also been issued to create standby arrangement to ensure uninterrupted services.

9. Continuous monitoring of MRCs are done at the level of Additional Directors to ensure timely settlement. Time limit of 45 days has been fixed for final settlement of MRCs.

10.  The requirement for referral /permission for diagnostic tests/investigations has been done away with.

11.  ‘SMS-Alert’ system has been introduced by CGHS for close contact with CGHS beneficiaries

12.  CGHS beneficiaries can avail medical consultation and medicines from any CGHS Wellness Centres across the country.

13.  Biometric System for recording attendance has been introduced in CGHS to ensure punctuality.

The above information was submitted by Min of Health & Family Welfare in reply of undermentioned Rajya Sabha Question:-

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF  HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
RAJYA SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO-242
ANSWERED ON-27.08.2013
Inadequate facilities provided by CGHS
*242. DR. T.N. SEEMA: 

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether Government has received any complaints about inadequate facilities, shortage of staff and delay in providing healthcare by the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) in various States including Kerala;
(b) if so, the details of the complaints received, State-wise for the last three years and the current year; and
(c) the action taken by Government to redress these grievances, State-wise?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)

(a)to(c): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 242 FOR 27TH AUGUST, 2013
 *** see above**
Source: Rajya Sabha Q&A

Filed Under: ,

Demand for new National Pay Commission

The railways have referred the demands concerning various service matters of railway employees like pay and allowances, promotion and pension including the setting up of 7th Central Pay Commission to the finance ministry. This comes in wake of the Strike Call by both recognized staff Federations on Railways.

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1704
ANSWERED ON-23.08.2013
Demand for new National Pay Commission
1704 . SHRI D. RAJA

(a) whether it is a fact that all Railway trade unions have threatened to go on a general strike if their demand for a new National Pay Commission is not announced within a period of four months; and

(b) if so, the details thereof and Government’s reaction thereto?

ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(SHRI KOTLA JAYA SURYA PRAKASH REDDY)

(a) and (b): There are two recognized staff Federations on Railways. Both the Federations have made numerous demands concerning various service matters of railway employees like pay and allowances, promotion and pension. While one of the Federations have indicated that if their grievances are not resolved in a time bound programme, the Federation would be compelled to conduct strike ballot as a first step. The other Federation have decided to give a time of four months to the Government for satisfactorily settling their demands failing which the Federation will be compelled to give call for ‘Indefinite Strike’ on Railways. One of the demands of both the Federations is regarding setting up of VIIth Central Pay Commission. Since constitution of Central Pay Commission is a subject matter of Ministry of Finance, the same has been referred to that Ministry.

Source :staff corner

Railway staff seek constitution of Seventh Pay Commission

All India Railwaymen Federation, Confederation of Central Government Employees’ Association and All India Defence Employees Association have threatened to go on strike if the Centre fails to meet their charter of demands, including constitution of the Seventh Pay Commission.

Addressing a meeting of Southern Railway Mazdoor Union members here, its zonal president C.A.Raja Sridhar said the three trade bodieswill wait till August for a positive response from the Centre, and will go on a nation-wide strike if they did not get any.

Around 25 lakh employees will join the agitation, he noted. Among the demands are merger of dearness allowance with basic pay, regularisation of services of gramin dak sevaks, rolling back of new pension scheme, scrapping of ceiling on bonus and appointment on compassionate ground.

Move flayed

Southern Railway Mazdoor Union has also condemned the Railway Ministry’s move to provide the drawings and designs of coaches of Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, to five private coach manufacturing factories to come up in the country.

“This move is nothing but plundering of the national wealth for the benefit of private companies,” said Mr.Sridhar.

He wondered what was the necessity for the railways to have private coach factories, when the Ministry had proposed to set up its own units at Rai Bareilly and Palghat and a second unit of the ICF.

“The process of recruitment of around 700 employees at Rai Bareilly unit was under way, while the certificate for production from the Ministry was awaited for the Palghat unit,” Mr.Sridhar said, and added that the budget proposal had been made for the second unit of the ICF, he said.

Stating that the Railways had paid Rs.150 crore to Germany to get patent right for the design of LBH coaches in the past, Mr.Sridhar asked why should the decades of toil of the ICF employees go free of cost to private companies in the form of its drawings and design.

The conditions laid for the five coach factories were highly favourable to private companies. Private companies would be making only steel shells while specialised tasks like manufacturing axle, wheel and traction equipment would be done by the ICF, he added.
Source - Rail News Center
Filed Under:

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Teachers of KVS are not eligible for the MACP

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 1428
ANSWERED ON 14.08.2013
ASSURED CAREER PROGRESSION SCHEME FOR KV TEACHERS
1428 . Shri HARIBHAU MADHAV JAWALE

Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Assured Career Progression (ACP) scheme, recommended by the Sixth Central Pay Commission, has been accepted by the Government for the teachers working in the Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs);

(b) if so, whether the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan has implemented the ACP scheme for its teachers; and

(c) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (DR. SHASHI THAROOR)

(a) to (c) The Assured Career Progression (ACP) Scheme was recommended by the 5th Pay Commission. Thereafter, the 6th Central Pay Commission has recommended the Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) Scheme in lieu of the earlier ACP. The teachers of the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan had not opted for the ACP and so are not eligible for the MACP.

Source: Lok Sabha
[http://164.100.47.132/LssNew/psearch/QResult15.aspx?qref=143355]
Filed Under: ,

Feedback on the meeting held with the Chairman, Railway Board on 23.08.2013 to discuss the grievances of the railwaymen

All India Railwaymen's Federation
No.AIRF/24(C) 
Dated: August 23, 2013
The General Secretaries,
All Affiliated Unions,

Dear Coms.,

Sub: Feedback on the meeting held with the Chairman, Railway Board on 23.08.2013 to discuss the grievances of the railwaymen
On being called by the Chairman, Railway Board, today, i.e. 23.08.2013, to discuss the grievances of the Railwaymen, Com. Umraomal Purohit, President AIRF, Com. Rakhal Das Gupta, Working President AIRF and myself, met the Chairman Railway Board, wherein Member Staff, Financial Commissioner, Adviser (Finance), ED(IR) and Director, Estt.(LR), Railway Board, were present. In the meeting, the following decisions were arrived :-
S.No.
Demand of AIRF
Decision Arrived in the Meeting
1.
Benefit of Pay Fixation in case of status promotion
Ministry of Finance has already cleared the file.
2.
LARSGESS
  • Regularization of railway accommodation in favour of wards of railway employees employed under LARSGESS.
  • Agreed to.
  • Dispensation of PET and Written Test for the purpose of recruitment under LARSGESS.
  • Orders have already been issued by the Railway Board.
  • Implementation of LARSGESS in case of staff working in Electrical(Power), Bridge, TMC and TRD Departments.
  • Under process.
  • The issues related to 2010 optees and those who have failed earlier in the PET/Written Test.
  • The matter is underexamination and the same will be expedited.
  • Implementation of LARSGESS in case of staff working in GP Rs.1900.
  • The condition of Qualifying Service etc. shall be at par with those in GP Rs.1800, i.e. 20 years’ Qualifying Service and age between 55-57 years.Recruitment will be held at the Divisional level, except Loco Pilots.
  • 2nd chance for passing Psycho Test in case of ALP
  • In case of recruitment of Asstt. Loco Pilot under LARSGESS, 2nd chance for passing Psycho Test will also be given.
3.
Implementation of recommendations of the Cade Restructuring Committee
The matter will be sorted out shortly.
4.
Implementation of unanimous recommendations of the Joint Committee constituted to study the Career Progression and Package for Trackmen.
The matter will be discussed separately.
5.
Upgradation of 15% apex level Group `C’ posts to Group `B’.
The matter is under process.
6.
Grievances of the Running Staff
  • One increment on status promotion.
  • Ministry of Finance has cleared the proposal of the Ministry of Railways for granting one increment onpromotion.
  • Other issues related to Running Staff, such as granting of Running Allowance w.e.f. 01.01.2006 duly improving ALK, reduction in Duty Hours, Provision of Additional Allowance to Running Staff working in Goods Trains and also to Traffic Running Staff working as Goods Guards and Passenger Guards.
  • The matter was discussed at length, and the Board had agreed for having serious discussion on the subject separately.
  • There will be a committee at the apex level also.
7.
Merger of Technician Gr. II(GP Rs.2400) into Technician Gr. I (GP Rs.2800).
Letter shall be sent from the MR to the concerned ministry and the MS will personally pursue the matter.
8.
Absorption of quasi-administrative offices staff in the Railways.
It was agreed that some solution will be found out.



It was also agreed that various other issues will be discussed after taking the views of the AIRF.

Comradely yours;
sd/-
(Shiv Gopal Mishra)

Source: AIRF


Disclosure of personal information under the RTI Act, 2005

No. 11/2/2013-IR (Pt.) 
Government of India 
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions 
Department of Personnel & Training 
North Block, New Delhi, 
Dated the 14th August, 2013 
OFFICE MEMORANDUM 

Subject: Disclosure of personal information under the RTI Act, 2005.

The Central Information Commission in one of its decisions (copy enclosed) has held that information about the complaints made against an officer of the  Government and any possible action the authorities might have taken on those complaints, qualifies as personal information within the meaning of provision of  section 8 (1) (j) of the RTI Act, 2005.

2.  The Central Information Commission while deciding the said case has cited  the decision of Supreme Court of India in the matter of Girish R. Deshpande vs. CIC  and others (SLP (C) no. 27734/2012) in which it was held as under:-
"The performance of an employee/Officer in an organisation is primarily a matter  between the employee and the employer and normally those aspects are governed by  the service rules which fall under the apression 'persona? information', the  disclosure of which has no relationship to any public activity or public interest. On  the other hand, the disclosure of which could cause unwarranted invasion of the  privacy of that individual." The Supreme Court further held that such information  could be disclosed only if it would serve a larger public interest.
3.  This may be brought to the notice of all concerned.

End: As above.
sd/- 
(Manoj Joshi) 
Joint Secretary (AT&A) 

Filed Under: ,

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Withdraw new pension scheme’

 The Tiruchi District Pensioners’ Association urged the State government to withdraw its new contributory pension scheme and continue with the existing scheme. A resolution to this effect was adopted at a meeting of the association held here recently.

Source:http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/withdraw-new-pension-scheme/article5043588.ece

“Retirement benefits can’t be withheld pending enquiry”

Right to receive pension is treated as right to property, says SC
In the absence of any provision in the pension rules, a State government cannot withhold a part of pension and/or gratuity during the pendency of departmental/criminal proceedings, the Supreme Court has held.

Giving this ruling, a Bench of Justices K.S. Radhakrishnan and A.S. Sikri said: “It is an accepted position that gratuity and pension are not bounties. An employee earns these benefits by dint of his long, continuous, faithful and unblemished service. Right to receive pension was treated as right to property.”

Writing the judgment, Justice Sikri said: “According to Article 300 A of the Constitution, no person shall be deprived of his property save by authority of law. A person cannot be deprived of his pension without the authority of law. It follows that the attempt of the appellant [in this case the Jharkhand government] to take away a part of pension or gratuity or even leave encashment without any statutory provision and under the umbrage of administrative instruction cannot be countenanced.”

Referring to the contention that executive instructions had been issued by the appellant government, the Bench said: “It hardly needs to be emphasised that the executive instructions do not have statutory character and, therefore, cannot be termed as ‘law’ within the meaning of Article 300A of the Constitution. On the basis of such a circular, which is not having force of law, the appellant cannot withhold — even a part of pension or gratuity. So far as statutory rules are concerned, there is no provision for withholding pension or gratuity in the given situation. Had there been any such provision in these rules, the position would have been different.”

In the instant case, respondent Jitendra Kumar Srivastava was sanctioned 90 per cent provisional pension pending an enquiry. The remaining 10 per cent of his pension and salary was withheld. He was also not paid leave encashment and gratuity. The Jharkhand High Court directed the State government to release the withheld pension and salary and other benefits. The present appeals are directed against this judgment.

The Bench said: “We find there is no merit in the instant appeals as the impugned order of the High Court is without blemish. Accordingly, these appeals are dismissed with Rs. 10,000 costs each.”

Source:http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/retirement-benefits-cant-be-withheld-pending-
enquiry/article5035711.ece

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

AIRF to decide on General Strike in General Council Meeting on 13th Sep 2013

ALL INDIA RAILWAYMEN’S FEDERATION
4, State Entry Road, New Delhi-110055
PRESS RELEASE

New Delhi, 12th August, 2013: Aggrieved with the stony silence of the Ministry of Railways. All India Railwaymen’s Federation(AIRF) has decided to call is General Council Meeting on 13.09.2013 at New Delhi to decide the date of Strike Ballot.

The above is next step towards their decision taken in the 88th Annual Conference which was held at Visakhapatnam from 18 to 20 December, 2012.

The aforementioned decision was taken in the Standing Committee Meehng of the AIRF, attended by all the zonal railway unions’ Presidents and General Secretaries, which was presided over by Shri Umraomal Purohit, President AIRF.

Giving details here on the decision taken in the Standing Committee of the Federation, Shri Shiva Gopal Mishra, General Secretary AIRF stated that he has written and personally handed over letters along with the Resolution passed in Visakhapatnam to all the ministers, Chairman and Member Staff, Railway Board who were in office since January till today. Not only that, reminders were also given, and the above have been reminded repeatedly. The railwaymen are frustrated for non-fulfillment of their long pending genuine demands of removal of anomalies of VI CPC, non.merger of Technician Gr.II with Technician Gr. I, arrears to running staff w.e.f. 01.01.2006, GP Rs.4800 to Sr. Supervisors, forcing raliwaymen to work beyond 8 hour-a-day, non-maintenance of railway colonies, etc. etc.

Shri Mishra further added that, it has also been decided by the Standing Committee that the AlRFs’ affiliates will organize massive agitations by organizing gate meetings, dharnas and rallies on the next day of introduction of PFRDA Bill in the Parliament. He said that in our stake agenda “Scrapping of New Pension Schemeand appointment of VII CPC” are the main issues.
sd/-
For General Secretary/AIRF

Risk allowance to Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel deployed in maoist strongholds - Not any proposal under consideration

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 455
ANSWERED ON 06.08.2013
RISK ALLOWANCE OF CAPF
455 . Shri ANANDRAO VITHOBA ADSUL
RAJAGOPAL LAGADAPATI

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether any proposal is under consideration of the Government to bring the risk allowance given to Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) including CRPF personnel deployed in maoist strongholds at par with their counterparts in Jammu and Kashmir or the North Eastern Region of the country; and

(b) if so, the details thereof and the time by which a final decision is likely to be taken by the Government in this regard?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI R.P.N. SINGH)

(a) to (b): At present, no such proposal is under the consideration of the Government. As per the Ministry of Home Affairs order dated 16.4.2009, Risk/Hardship Allowance is sanctioned to the combatized Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) personnel upto the rank of Commandant, based upon their deployment at different places in India including Jammu & Kashmir, North Eastern Region and Left Wing Extremist (LWE) States.

Source:http://164.100.47.132/LssNew/psearch/QResult15.aspx?qref=142960
Filed Under: ,

Monday, August 19, 2013

Retirement age to remain 60 years?

There is raging speculation that the Centre may raise the retirement age of its staff but top sources say there is no such move.

"There is no such plan to raise the retirement age to 62 from 60 years," a reliable source in the government said. There are about 50 lakh central government employees working in various departments including the Railways across the country.

Recent media reports had claimed that the Ministry of Personnel was working on a proposal to increase the age of service by two years as part of government's plan to defer payouts in the form of pensions and other payments to check fiscal deficit. It was also speculated that the move may be timed ahead of Lok Sabha elections.

Sources in the Ministry said raising retirement age requires a detailed consultation with all stake holders and discussion with the Finance Ministry. Without the Finance Ministry's nod, the matter cannot be processed, they said. The retirement age for a majority of central government employees is 60 years. However, the age for retirement in case of teachers and scientists is 62 years.
In a related development, Chhattisgarh government has recently increased the age of retirement to 62 years from 60 for its employees. The age of superannuation varies in state governments with majority of them keeping it at 60 years. The Centre had in 1998 raised the retirement age of central government employees to 60 from 58 years.
Read at http://ibnlive.in.com

Number of Kendriya Vidyalaya in the Country and Total Staff Strength

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-671
ANSWERED ON-12.08.2013

Kendriya Vidyalayas in the country
671 . SHRI T.K. RANGARAJAN
(a) the number of Kendriya Vidyalayas throughout the country;
(b) the sanctioned strength of staff for these schools;
(c) whether there is any short fall in the sanctioned strength; and
(d) if so, the measures proposed to fill up the shortfall?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(DR. SHASHI THAROOR)

(a) The number of Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) throughout the country at present is 1091.
(b) As on date the total sanctioned strength of teaching and non-teaching posts in the KVs is 57,170.
(c) No, Sir.
(d) A total of 9853 posts in different categories are lying vacant in KVs all over the country. The occurrence of the vacancies due to retirement, resignation etc. and the filling up of these vacancies by promotion, direct recruitment and limited departmental examination as per the provisions of the Recruitment Rules of the KVS, is a continuous process. The shortfall of teachers, if any, is met by measures like placement on contractual basis and by providing teachers from the neighboring KVs so that the education of the students do not suffer.

Source: Rajya Sabha Q&A
Filed Under: ,

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Norms/Procedure for future Promotion in the Unified Cadre of Track Maintainers.

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)
No.E(NG)I-2012/PM5/1
New Delhi, dated 13.08.2013.
The General Managers,
All Indian Railways & Pus.
(As per standard list).

Sub: Norms/Procedure for future Promotion in the Unified Cadre of Track Maintainers.

    Railway Board vide letter No.2010/CE-I(Spl)/GNS/15(Pt.), dated 17.08.2012 have issued instructions for restructuring/reorganizing staffing pattern of Trackmen on Indian Railways. In para 2 of the letter ibid it was indicated that instructions regarding norms/procedure for future promotion in the Unified Cadre of Track Maintainers will be issued by the Establishment Directorate separately.

2.    Accordingly, it has been decided that existing eligibility conditions as applicable to the erstwhile category of Trackman/Trolleyman/Gateman/Watchman/Keyman in Civil Engineering Department (P.Way) in PB-I, Grade Pay  1800 would continue to apply for future promotion to the newly created cadre of Track Maintainers (Grade-III, II & I).

2.1    As regards the mode of promotion in the Unified Cadre of Track Maintainers, the following principle may be adhered to :
S.No.
Designation
Pay Structure
Mode of Promotion
1.
Track Maintainer-IV
PB-1, G.P.1800
Entry Grade – Direct Recruitment, Compassionate Ground Appointment etc.
2.
Track Maintainer-III
PB-1, G.P.1900
Seniority/Non-Selection.
3.
Track Maintainer-II
PB-1, G.P.2400
Seniority-cum-Suitablitiy/Non-Selection
4.
Track Maintainer-I
PB-1, G.P.2800
Selection, through a Trade Test


3.    All other conditions applicable for promotion to next higher grade will also hold good for this cadre.

4. The above instructions will come into effect from the date of issue of this letter.

Please acknowledge receipt.

(Kajal Mukherjee)
Joint Director Estt.(N)III
Railway Board
Source: http://www.nfirindia.org/

Saturday, August 17, 2013

50% D.R. Merger or Interim Relief for Central Government Pensioner: Bharat Pensioners Samaj's letter to FM

BHARAT PENSIONERS' SAMAJ
(All India Federation of Pensioners' Associations)
No. BPS/SG/FM/031/1
Dated: 06.08.2013

To
Shri P. Chidambaram,
Hon'ble Finance Minister,
Government of India,
New Delhi.

Sub: Relief to C.G. Pensioners
.
Sir,

The pension of central government pensioners' was revised last w.e.f. 1.1.2006 as per the recommendations of VI Central Pay commission.  Though central government employees and pensioners were granted 50% DA/DR merger benefit w.e.f. 1.4.2004 as per V CPC recommendation, this benefit was not granted after DA/DR crossed 50% w.e.f. 1.1.2011 on the ground that the VI CPC did not recommend this.  It may kindly be seen that the VI CPC had not recommended an alternative benefit to pensioner.  They had also overlooked the spirit behind V CPC recommendation in the above regard.

This organization had been demanding for long either granting of 50% DR merger or an alternative benefit to pensioners in order to protect them against rigours of ravaging inflation.  Pensioners have been facing grave financial hardship due to the galloping and unbridled inflation for the past several years.  It is becoming increasingly difficult for them to make their both ends meet with steady and continuous fall in the real values of pensions against ever increasing prices of essential commodities and general cost of living.  It may also be seen that while several state governments in the country have been revising salaries and pensions of their employees and pensioners once in every five years, it is more than seven years since VI CPC recommendations had come into effect and the government has unfortunately been apathetic to the sufferings of the pensioners.

Bharat Pensioners Samaj therefore, request your kindself to consider granting 50% DR Merger or some other equivalent benefit/interim relief pending setting up of VII Central Pay Commission to provide the much needed immediate relief to central government pensioners in the country.

Thanking you,

Yours faithfully,
sd/-
S.C. Maheshwari
Secy. Gen Bharat Pensioners Samaj

Source: Bharat Pensioners Samaj Blog
[http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6tWigCLmlVA/UgsFXAfKGwI/AAAAAAAACnU/6N3QN1jbXzE/s1600/BPS+demands+interim+relief+for+pensioners.jpg]

Friday, August 16, 2013

KVS Orders - Amendment in Admission Guidelines 2013-14-Part-C, Procedure for Admissions, Para-9 (I), Method of admission in Class XI (KV Students)

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA SNAGATHAN
(Min. of HRD, Deptt. of Education, Govt. of India)
18, Institutional Area, Shaheed Jeet Singh Marg
New Delhi-110016
www.kvsangathan.nic.in

F.No.110331/01/2013/KVS (HQ)/Acad
Date: 11.06.2013
To
The Deputy Commissioner,
Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan,
All Regional Offices and ZIET's.

Sub :- Amendment in Admission Guidelines 2013-14-Part-C, Procedure for Admissions, Para-9 (I), Method of admission in Class XI (KV Students).

1. KV Students: Admissions in different streams viz. Science, Commerce, Humanities of Class XI in KVs for KV students who have passed Class X will be regulated as follows:
PointExistingAmended
a.The merit list will be drawn/prepared as per CGPA obtained by applicant in CBSE/Class X result in every schoolNo change
b.The Seats will be allotted as per the rank in the merit list prepared as at (o) above vis-a-vis number of vacancies available in a particular stream in the Vidyalaya and as per the option of stream exercised by the student. The Seats will be allotted as per the rank in the merit list prepared as at (a) above vis - a-vis number of vacancies available in a particular stream in the Vidyalaya and as per the option of stream exercised by the student.However, the Class Strength will be fixed by the Principal of the kendriya Vidyalaya concerned in following manner.The total No. of applications received from students of the same KVs from neighbouring KVs which are upto Class X or not having the desired stream. If any, plus no. of students failed and detained, etc. in class XI (including all streams) would be divided by the number of sections of class XI available in the KV (including Science, Commerce and Humanities streams) and the quotient arrived at, will be the maximum strength of each section of class XI of that KV of each stream. For example, if 200 applications are received from some KV and neighbouring KV which is upto Class X and 12 students failed in class XI (Including all streams in the school) and 4 sections of class XI (2 Science, 1 Commerce and 1 Humanities) are available , then 200+12 = 212/4 = 53/ 4 53 would be fixed as maximum strength of each section of Class XI. However, the maximum strength to be fixed should not be less than 40. Thus a combined merit list (including students from neighbouring school which are upto class X or not having desired streams) would be prepared. As per the option given by the students and maximum number per section as fixed (above), admission would be granted in each section (including detained students) eg: if 53 is the class strength fixed in a particular stream, 3 students are detained in that stream 53- 3=50 students would be admitted (including students from neighbouring schools which are upto class X, if ay).
c.Concessions wherever applicable shall be incorporated while preparing the Merit List.No Change
d.In case of two or more candidates obtaining equal CGPA, the inter-se merit of such candidates may be determined as follows: (i) Candidates obtaining higher grade points in Maths will get precedence in admission. (ii) If two or more candidates have got the same grade points in Maths, then the candidates securing higher grades in Maths and Science taken together will get precedence over the others. (iii) In case of a tie between two or more candidates obtaining same grade points in Maths and Science taken together, the student older in age as per the D.O.B. will be given precedence over the other.No Change
e.Principal may admit children to class XI only up to the permitted class strength.Principal may admit children to Class XI as per the maximum strength fixed at the school level as at (b) as amended including detained students.
f.A student who was earlier not found eligible for admission to a particular stream may be allowed fresh admission to a particular Stream in Class XI in the next academic session, if he/she improves his/her performance within one year for the same Board.No Change
g.If school is not able accommodate all the students and students from neighbouring KVs which are only up to class 10th, the class strength will be increased with the approval of the DC ol the concerned Region.Deleted

This issues with the approval of Commissioner, KVS.

Yours faithfully,
sd/-
(Dr. V. Vijayalakshmi)
Joint Commissioner (Acad)

Source : www. kvsangathan.nic.in
[http://kvsangathan.nic.in/GeneralDocuments/Adm-Guideline-12-06-13.pdf]

A comparative report of Central Government Employees and Bank Employees salary…

A popular website of www.allbankingsolutions.com is published an article about a comparison of getting salary between Central Government Employees and Bank Staff…

We are publishing below some comparative charts on the eve of forthcoming negotiations between UFBU and IBA which are reported to be held on 12th August, 2013.   Union leaders are shy to discuss such charts as these tables expose the capabilities of such leaders to get an honourable settlement for the bankers.   These charts have not been prepared by me but are sent to us by one of readers (V Subramanian) who has time and again taken keen interest in putting the truthful facts before the bankers.   We give below two charts for perusal by bankers and for drawing their own conclusions :-
MONTHLY SALARY OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT STAFF AND BANK STAFF (OTHER THANOFFICERS) AS ON 01-08-2013 – A COMPARISON


Various Components ofMonthly PayCentral Govt. Staff (in Pay Band –1)Sub-staff in BanksCentral Govt. Staff (in Pay Band – 2)Clerical staff in Banks
Basic Pay4,8605,8508,7007,200
Grade Pay1,800N I L4,200N I L
Special Pay (at the minimum for bank staff)N I L340N I L500
Total6,6606,19012,9007,700
Dearness Allowance5,994 (@90%)5,506 (@88.95%)11,6106,849
H.R.A.1,998 (@30%)619 (@10%)3,870770
C.C.A.N I LN I LN I LN I L
Education Allowance(maximum for 2 children)2,5005002,500500
Transport Allowance1,140 (600+90% DA)2253,040 (1,600+90% DA)225
Staff Welfare/ProvisionsN I L500N I L500
NewspaperN I L100N I L100
Gross Monthly salary18,29213,64033,92016,644

MONTHLY SALARY OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT STAFF AND BANK STAFF (OTHER THANOFFICERS) AS ON 01-08-2013 – A COMPARISON

Various Components
of Monthly Pay
Central GovernmentOfficers (in Pay Band – 3 –
Stage I)
BankOfficers
in JMGS I
Central GovernmentOfficers (in Pay Band – 3 –
Stage II)
BankOfficers
in MMGS II
Central GovernmentOfficers (in Pay Band – 3 –
Stage III)
BankOfficers
in MMGS III
Basic Pay15,60014,50018,93019,40021,90025,700
Grade Pay5,400N I L6,600N I L7,600N I L
Total of Basic + Grade Pay21,00014,50025,53019,40029,50025,700
DearnessAllowance18,900
(@90%)
12,898
(@88.95%)
22,97717,25626,55022,860
H.R.A.6,300
(@30%)
1,233
(@8.5%)
7,6591,6498,8502,185
C.C.A.
(Maximum@4% for bank officers)
N I L540N I L540N I L540
EducationAllowance(maximum for 2 children)2,500N I L2,5006002,5001,000
TransportAllowance /MonthlyConveyance6,080
(3,200+90% DA)
2,200
(30 litres of petrol)
6,080
(3,200+90% DA)
3,000
(40 litres of petrol)
6,080
(3,200+90% DA)
3,750
(50 litres of petrol)
Staff WelfareN I L500N I L500N I L500
Staff Entertainment Expenses(prorata)N I L300N I L400N I L500
Gross Monthlysalary54,78032,17164,74643,34573,48057,035

Note:
1.   As regards Education Allowance, Staff Welfare/Maintenance Expenses and Newspaper subscription paid to bank staff, the average prevailing at the industry level has been taken into account, to have a fair and reasonable comparison.

2.   In some banks, cost of 15 litres of petrol is reimbursed as ‘Conveyance Allowance’ to award staff, besides the above.  At the present prices, this will be Rs.1,100 extra.
3.   If we compare the limited working hours a day and 5 day week for the central government staff,bank staff  need to be paid additional amount of compensation for the extra hours worked (15% more than the central government staff).
4.   The volume and varieties of work handled by a bank staff are beyond comparison.
5.   If someone moots the topic of concessional loans for bank staff, ask them to consider these points so far as the bank employees are concerned:
(a)  There is no tax liability on the perquisites paid to the government staff.
(b) Number of transfers of a government staff is far less compared to his counterpart in a bank.
(c)  If the amount of risks and responsibilities is any criterion, the bank employees (other thanofficers) must be paid not less than 150% of the salaries paid to the central government staff.
(d) Central government staff enjoy stagnation-free running scale, throughout their career.
(e)  Whenever the pay scales of central government staff are revised, their pension also undergoes automatic revision, for all types of pensioners.

6.     If we look at the statistics given above, clerical staff working in banks are the worst affected.
7.     In fact, a clerk in Central Government service earns a monthly salary of Rs.33,920, whereas themonthly salary of JMGS I officers in a bank is Rs.32,471 (both at the beginning of the scale).  This is the mother of all injustice.
Source: www.allbankingsolutions.com
[http://www.allbankingsolutions.com/Wage-Revision/Xth-Bipartite-Settlement/Comparative-Salaries-in-GoI.htm]