Tuesday, March 26, 2013

STAGE SET FOR A JOINT ACTION BY ALL C.G.EMPLOYEES DEMANDING 7th CPC


MOVEMENT LAUNCHED BY THE CONFEDERATION CULMINATING IN A STRIKE ON  12.12.12 PAVES WAY FOR A UNITED PLATFORM OF ALL C.G.EMPOLOYEES UNDER THE JOINT BANNER OF ALL INDIA RAILWAYMEN FEDERATION - ALL INDIA DEFENCE EMPLOYEES FEDERATION - & CONFEDERATION OF C.G.EMPLOYEES.

NATIONWIDE DEMONSTRATIONS BY THE ENTIRETY OF C.G.EMPLOYEES ON 29th APRIL DEMANDING CONSTITUTION OF 7th PAY COMMISSION IS CALLED UPON BY THE ABOVE ORGANISATIONS.

JOINT CALL ISSUED BY AIRF - AIDEF - CONFEDERATION IS PLACED IN OUR WEBSITE FOR WIDEST CIRCULATION AMONG THE EMPLOYEES TO PREPARE THEM FOR A MASSIVE DEMONSTRATION ON 29.04.2013.

Source:http://confederationhq.blogspot.in/
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Interest rates for post office savings schemes

Millions of small savers and PPF account holders would be earning less on their post office savings schemes, with the government deciding to reduce interest rates on them marginally by 0.10 per cent.

The interest rate of Public Provident Fund (PPF) has been lowered from 8.8 per cent to 8.7 per cent with effect from April 1, said a Finance Ministry statement. However, the rates on savings deposit schemes and fixed deposits up to one year operated by the post offices have been kept unchanged at 4 per cent and 8.2 per cent, respectively.

Further, Monthly Income Schemes (MIS) of 5-year maturity will earn an interest of 8.4 per cent.

The National Savings Certificates (NSC) having maturity of five and 10 years will now attract 8.5 per cent and 8.8 per cent interest respectively, down 0.10 per cent each. The interest rates would be applicable for the entire 2013-14 fiscal.

The rate for senior citizens savings scheme (SCSS) has been fixed at 9.2 per cent, down from 9.3 per cent.

The revision in interest rates follows a decision taken by government last year to link the small savings returns with the market rate. The new rates are required to be announced at the beginning of a financial year.
The decision was in line with the recommendations of Shyamala Gopinath Committee, which had suggested that returns should be in sync with market rates determined by the returns offered by other securities.

Revised table is as under :  
Scheme
Rate of Interest
w.e.f. 01.04.2012
Rate of Interest
w.e.f. 01.04.2013
1
2
3
Savings Deposit
4.0
4.0
1 Year Time Deposit
8.2
8.2
2 Year Time Deposit
8.3
8.2
3 Year Time Deposit
8.4
8.3
5 Year Time Deposit
8.5
8.4

5 Year Recurring Deposit
8.4
8.3
5 Year SCSS
9.3
9.2
5 Year MIS
8.5
8.4
5 Year NSC
8.6
8.5
10 Year NSC
8.9
8.8
PPF
8.8
8.7

Source:http://postalinspectors.blogspot.in/

Monday, March 18, 2013

Quality of DRDO Products


Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is engaged in design and development of strategic, complex and security sensitive systems for the Armed Forces. During the past, DRDO has developed missiles, aeronautical systems, electronic warfare systems, communication systems, radars, sonars, torpedos, combat vehicles, bridges, life support systems, explosives and armaments systems, NBC detection and protection systems, composite materials, etc.

All equipment developed by the DRDO and inducted into the Services has met the qualitative requirements fully. However, modifications suggested by the Users during development stage are incorporated before the equipment is inducted into the Services. During life cycle of the equipment already inducted into the Services, improvements required by the Users in the existing systems in terms of quality, performance, function, etc. are carried out by the DRDO. Obsolescence management and product support are also provided by DRDO on regular basis.

This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri C. Rajendranin Lok Sabha today.

Source:pib

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Friday, March 15, 2013

Sixth Pay Commission recommendation in respect of URC employees


GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF  DEFENCE
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1761
ANSWERED ON-13.03.2013
1761 . DR K.P.RAMALINGAM

(a) whether it is a fact that Government is considering to grant Six Pay Commission wages to more than 10,000 civilian employees of 4,500 canteens countrywide;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether it is also a fact that Government has received many recommendations to implement the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations for these employees too; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI A.K. ANTONY)
(a) No, Sir.
(b) Does not arise.
(c) & (d): Recommendations through various forums have been received for implementation of Sixth Pay Commission recommendation in respect of URC employees, however, these recommendations have not been accepted as URC employees are not Government employees.

Source:http://164.100.47.4/newrsquestion/ShowQn.aspx

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Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Online Sale of Insurance Policies


The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) has informed Online Sale of Insurance Policies is one of the ways of distribution of insurance policies.

IRDA has put in place a regulatory framework for enhancing the transparency and improving the informed choice amongst all classes of policyholders during the course of solicitation of insurance business and all Insurers are required to comply with the IRDA (Protection of policyholders’ interests) Regulations, 2002. The online sale of insurance policies should also comply with IRDA Guidelines on Distance Marketing of Insurance Products. All other extant regulatory framework are equally applicable to online sale of insurance policies.

52 Complaints have been registered in IRDA’s Integrated Grievance Management System (IGMS) with regard to alleged mis-selling in online sale of insurance policies. Out of that, 50 complaints have been resolved by the Insurers and 2 complaints are pending.

This was stated by Minister of State for Finance, Shri Namo Narain Meena in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

Source:pib

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Welfare Schemes for Disabled


Department of Disability Affairs under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment administers the following major schemes for the welfare and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities: (i) Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS) under which financial assistance is provided to Non-governmental organizations running projects for the welfare of persons with disabilities & (ii) Schemes of Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids/ Appliances (ADIP) under which assistance is provided to Implementing Agencies for providing aids and appliances to persons with disabilities.

Besides, seven National Institutes (NIs), eight Composite Regional Centers (CRCs) and 220 District Disability Rehabilitation Centres (DDRCs) under the Ministry are engaged in human resource development, providing rehabilitation services to the persons with disabilities, research & development efforts and awareness generation etc.

Enhancement of budget depends on factors like requirement, availability and utilization of funds. Notwithstanding this the budget for the disability sector has been increasing over the years.

Under DDRS and ADIP Schemes, grants are released on receipt of recommendations of the State Govt. and the inspection report in respect of a particular NGO/Agency. In the case of ADIP, the recommending authority also conducts 5 to 10% test check of the beneficiaries from the previous grant to the organization. The organizations are also required to furnish audited utilization certificate in respect of the previous grant.

The National Institutes, their Regional Centres and Composite Regional Centres have been allocated States/UTs for inspection and monitoring of the NGOs/ Implementing Agencies receiving grants under the disability related schemes.

The Department has nominated Nodal Officers for various regions, States/UTs for monitoring the implementation of various schemes.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri D. Napoleon in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

Source:pib

Saturday, March 9, 2013

New Norms for Credit Cards


Reserve Bank of India (RBI) vide Circular dated 28.02.2013on “Security and Risk Mitigation Measures for Electronic Payment Transactions” has directed banks to put in place the following safety measures for Credit and Debit Card Transactions :

All new debit and credit cards to be issued only for domestic usage unless international use is specifically sought by the customer. Such cards enabling international usage will have to be essentially EMV Chip and Pin enabled. (By June 30, 2013).

Issuing banks should convert all existing Magstripe cards to EMV Chip card for all customers who have used their cards internationally at least once (for/through e-commerce/ATM/POS) (By June 30, 2013).

All the active Magstripe international cards issued by banks should have threshold limit for international usage. The threshold should be determined by the banks based on the risk profile of the customer and accepted by the customer (By June 30,2013).

Banks should ensure that the terminals installed at the merchants for capturing card payments (including the double swipe terminals used) should be certified for PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry – Data Security Standards) and PA-DSS (Payment Applications – Data Security Standards) (By June 30,2013).

Bank should frame rules based on the transaction pattern of the usage of cards by the customers in coordination with the authorized card payment networks for arresting fraud (By June 30, 2013).

Banks should ensure that all acquiring infrastructure that is currently operational on IP (internet protocol) based solutions are mandatorily made to go through PCI-DSS and PA-DSS certification. This should include acquirers, processors/aggregators and large merchants (By June 30, 2013).

Banks should move towards real time fraud monitoring system at the earliest.

Banks should provide easier methods (like SMS) for the customer to block his card and get a confirmation to that effect after blocking the card.

Banks should move towards a system that facilitates implementation of additional facilitates implementation of additional factor of authentication for cards issued in India and used internationally (transactions acquired by banks located abroad).

After discussions with Banks, the RBI had issued the guidelines vide Circular dated 28.02.2013 on “Security and Risk Mitigation Measures for Electronic Payment Transactions”.

This was stated by Minister of State for Finance, Shri Namo Narain Meena, in Lok Sabha today.

Source:pib
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Thursday, March 7, 2013

Grievances of Ex-Servicemen


Government constituted a committee headed by Cabinet Secretary in July, 2012 to look into the Pay & Pension related issues of Armed Forces Personnel and ex-servicemen. The committee submitted its report dated 17.8.2012 on pension issues, which has been accepted by the Government. The recommendations relate to OROP-Bridging the gap in pension, Enhancement of family pension, Dual Family Pension and Family Pension to mentally/physically challenged son/daughter of Armed Forces personnel on marriage.

All the recommendations of the Cabinet Secretary Committee (CSC), 2012 have been implemented by issue of eight Government letters on 17.1.2013. These are available on the websitewww.desw.qov.in andwww.cgda.nic.in.

This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Shri Jitendra Singh in a written reply to Shri Hansraj G. Ahirand Shri S.S. Ramasubbuin Lok Sabha today.

Source:PIB

Grant of Financial upgradation under MACPS to the employees holding feeder post in a cadre where promotional post is in same Grade Pay.


GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(Railway Board)
No PC-V/2011/M/4/NFIR 
 New Delhi, dated 05.03.2013

The General Secretary NFIR
3, Chelmsford Road,
New Delhi-110055

Sir,

Sub:-Grant of Financial upgradation under MACPS to the employees holding feeder post in a cadre where promotional post is in same Grade Pay.

The undersigned is directed to refer to NFIR’s letter No. IV/MACPS/09/Pt-6, dated 31/01/2013 and to state that the provisions contained in Para-1 of Annexure to Board’s letter dt.10-06-09 may be read alongwith the provision contained in Para-8 of Annexure to said letter dated 10-06-09 which stipulates that promotions earned in the Post carrying same Grade Pay in the promotional hierarchy as per Recruitment Rules shall be counted for the purpose of MACP Scheme.

It is further stated that on receipt of references from Zonal Railways seeking clarification as to what Grade Pay would be admissible under MACPS to an employee holding feeder post in a cadre where promotional post is in the same Grade pay, a reference was made to DoP&T seeking their clarification. Based on the clarifications given by DOP&T, Board’s letter dated 13-12-2012 has been issued Since DoP&T is nodal department, of Govt. on the subject of MACPS, this Ministry is not in position to deviate from the instructions/clarifications issued by them.

In view of the above, Federations is requested may please appreciate the position.

Source-NFIR

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Monday, March 4, 2013

Modernisation of IAF


Modernisation of Indian Air Force (IAF) is a continuous process based on threat perception, operational challenges, technological changes and available resources. The modernization of IAF is progressing as per the Long Term Integrated Perspective Plan (LTIPP 2012-2027) and Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP). As per broad time-frame given in DPP, it takes about 2-3 years to complete thevarious stages of procurement and conclude the Contract. In respect of 126 MMRCA project, Contract negotiations are in progress with M/s Dassault Aviation, France, which emerged as the L-1 vendor. Divulgence of information on details of operational and non-operational aircraft may not be in national interest.

To counter systemic and institutional delays, procedures and processes are continuously refined on the basis of experience gained during the procurement process. The Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) provides an effective framework for expeditious procurement for modernization and to keep the Armed Forces in a state of operational readiness to meet any eventuality.

IAF is planning to conduct Air Force level exercise during the month of March to April 2013 in two phases tentatively from 16th March to 26th March and 28th March to 4th April, 2013.

This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Prabodh Pandaand othersin Lok Sabha today.

Source;pib
Filed Under: ,

Grievances of Ex-Servicemen


Government constituted a committee headed by Cabinet Secretary in July, 2012 to look into the Pay & Pension related issues of Armed Forces Personnel and ex-servicemen. The committee submitted its report dated 17.8.2012 on pension issues, which has been accepted by the Government. The recommendations relate to OROP-Bridging the gap in pension, Enhancement of family pension, Dual Family Pension and Family Pension to mentally/physically challenged son/daughter of Armed Forces personnel on marriage.

All the recommendations of the Cabinet Secretary Committee (CSC), 2012 have been implemented by issue of eight Government letters on 17.1.2013. These are available on the websitewww.desw.qov.in andwww.cgda.nic.in.

                This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Shri Jitendra Singh in a written reply to Shri Hansraj G. Ahirand Shri S.S. Ramasubbuin Lok Sabha today.

Source:pib


Filed Under: ,

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Initiation of online filling up of data about representation of SCs,STs and OBCs and Persons with Disabilities in Central Government Services.


MANOJ JOSH! 
Joint Secretary (AT&A) 
Phone: 2309 3668 
Fax : 2309 4001                                                                                          GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL & TRAINING
MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES
AND PENSIONS
NORTH BLOCK. NEW DELHI-110001
D.O. No.4301 1/297/2010-Estt.(Res.) 
27th February, 2013 
Dear

Kindly refer to my D.O. letter of even number dated 3rd October, 2012 whereby it was informed that a trial run of filling up of data about representation of SCs, STs & OBCs and Persons with Disabilities in Central Government Services as on 1st January of each year, has been initiated and it was requested to fill the data as on 1st January, 2012 on trial basis.

2.    In the month of January, 2013 workshops with representatives of Ministries/Departments were organized to facilitate and smoothen the process of uploading and submission of data and invite suggestions for improvement of the software. Now, the software has been augmented and is ready for uploading of data about representation of SCs, STs & OBCs and Persons with Disabilities in Central Government Services in respect of your Ministry/Department as on 1.1.2013.

3.    1 shall be grateful, if you could kindly instruct to get the data uploaded by 31 St March, 2013.

With regards, 
Yours sincerely, 
(Manoj Joshi)