Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Minutes of the 26th meeting of SCOVA held on 03.02.2015

SCOVA Meeting

F. No. 42/39/2014-P&PW(G)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare

3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhavan,
Khan Market, New Delhi – 110003

Date: 26th Feb,2015

To
All the Pensioners Associations under present SCOVA

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

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

( Sujasha Choudhury)
Dy. Secretary (P)

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

The list of participants is at Annexure-A

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Action: CPAO)

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

(Action: Department of Posts)

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

(Action: Ministry of Railways)

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

(Action : Department of Telecom)Page 3 of 8

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

(Action: Ministry of Defence)

Source:Minutes of the 26th meeting of SCOVA held on 03.02.2015

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Amendment to Central Civil Service (Leave) Rules, 1972 – Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 (PWD Act, 1995) – regarding

No.18017/1/2014-Estt(L)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training

New Delhi, the 25th February, 2015

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Amendment to Central Civil Service (Leave) Rules, 1972 – Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 (PWD Act, 1995)-regarding

The Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972 were amended vide the Department of Personnel and Training Notification No. 13026/1/2002-Estt(L) dated the 15/16thJanuary, 2004 consequent to the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 (PWD Act, 1995) which came into force from 7thFebruary, 1996.

2. Section 47 of the PWD Act, 1995 provides that services of no employee can be terminated nor can he be reduced in rank in case the employee has acquired a disability during his service. The first proviso to the Section 47 lays down that if such an employee is not suitable for the post he was holding, he could be shifted to some other post.
However, his pay and service benefits would be protected. The second proviso provides that if it is not possible to adjust such an employee against any post, he would be kept on a supernumerary post until a suitable post is available or he attains the age of superannuation, whichever is earlier. Further, the Clause (2) of Section 47 provides that no promotion shall be denied to a person merely on ground of his disability. In Kunal Singh v. Union of India, [2003] 4 SCC 524, Hon’ble Supreme Court has observed that the very frame and contents of Section 47 of the PWD Act, 1995 clearly indicate its mandatory nature.

3. The issues relating to leave or absence of Government servants who have acquired a disability while in service are required to be dealt with in the light of the provisions of the Section 47 of Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995. The case of a disabled government servant who is declared fit to resume duty but who may not able to perform the duties of the post he was holding earlier may be dealt with as per the first proviso to Section 47 of the PWD Act, 1995. The second proviso shall apply if it is not possible to adjust him against any existing post. In all such cases, the Government servant so adjusted shall be entitled to the pay scale and other service benefits attached to the post he was holding.

4. A disabled Government servant who is not fit to return to duty shall be adjusted as per second proviso to the Section 47 mentioned above, until he is declared fit to resume duty or attains the age of superannuation whichever is earlier, with the same pay scale and service benefits. On being declared fit for resuming duty, the Government servant who is not fit for the post he is holding, may be adjusted as per the first proviso to Section 47.

5. Leave applied on medical certificate in connection with disability should not be refused or revoked without reference to a Medical Authority, whose advice shall be binding. The ceiling on maximum permissible leave laid down in Rule 12 may not be applied to leave on medical certificate applied in connection with the disability. Any leave debited for the period after a Government servant is declared incapacitated shall be remitted back into his/her leave account.

6. For a government servant who is unable to submit an application or medical certificate on account of disability, an  application/medical certificate submitted by a family member may be accepted. The provisions relating to examination of  disabled Government servants and the Medical Authorities competent to issue such certificates are also being amended.

7. Necessary amendments to the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972 are being notified separately.

(Mukesh Chaturvedi)
Director
Tel: 23093176

Source: http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02est/18017_1_2014-Estt.L-25022015.pdf

Extension Ad-hoc Recognition of Service Association of Employees of Non-Statutory Departmental Canteens/Tiffin Rooms of Central Government Offices under CCS(RSA) Rules, 1993 – regarding

No.27/1/2007 -Dir(C)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, P.G. and Pensions
(Department of Personnel & Training)
*****

Lok Nayak Bhawan, Khan Market,
New Delhi, dated 26 February, 2015

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Extension Ad-hoc Recognition of Service Association of Employees of Non-Statutory Departmental Canteens/Tiffin Rooms of Central Government Offices under CCS(RSA) Rules, 1993 – regarding.

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department’s O.M. of even No. Dated 03.09.2013 wherein ad-hoc recognition to All India Central Government Canteen Employees and Workers Association was granted for period of one year subject to verification through check-off-system within this period, It has been decided by competent authority to extend ad-hoc recognition given to All India Central Government Canteen Employees and Workers Associations for further period of one year subject to the condition that ad-hoc recognition would cease after one year if verification through check -off-system is not completed during
the period.

(Pratima Tyagi)
Director(Canteens)

To

1 All Ministries/Departments of Government of India (As per Standard list).
2 All Nodal DDOs nominated by Ministries/Departments(as per standard list) with request to arrange to send the consolidated information regarding deduction of subscription of the employees to the All India Central Government Employees and Workers Association. Continuation of recognition is based on verification through check-off system, as such requisite information may please be furnished at an early date.
3, Departmental Canteens(as per list attached).
4 Sh. Jogesh Chandra Nayak, Secretary General, All India Central
Government Canteen Employees and Workers Association, AG.
Departmental Canteen, Office of AG. Orissa, Bhubaneswar.
5. Dir(JCA), DOPT, North Block, New Delhi.
6 Section Officer(Canteens), with 20 spare copies.

Source: http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02adm/XXX.pdf

Friday, February 20, 2015

Reintroduction of direct recruitment in LDC in Central Secretariat – meeting to discuss to elicit views regarding

No. 19/2/2014-CS.I (P)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel and Training
CS.I Division

Dated the 19th February 2015

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:: Reintroduction of direct recruitment in LDC in Central Secretariat – meeting to discuss to elicit views regarding

The undersigned is directed to say that on the recommendations of the Committee on the Cadre Restructuring of CSS (3rd ), a proposal is under consideration of this Department for re-introduction of direct recruitment in the grade of LDC in the Central Secretariat.

2. In this regard, it has been desired to elicit views of the stakeholders in the matter. Accordingly, all  Ministries/Departments, Service Associations and individual officers are requested to submit their views on the issue urgently, latest by 10 March 2015. The views may be furnished via e-mail at uscs1-dopt@nic.in

3. A brief on the issue is attached.

(V. Srinivasaragavan)
Under Secretary to the Government of India


REINTRODUCTION OF DIRECT RECRUITMENT IN THE GRADE OF LDC

As a part of first cadre review of CSS in the year 2003, direct recruitment to the Lower Division Grade (LDC) of CSCS was stopped. Eighty Five percent of the posts of LDCs were then filled up through direct recruitment quota and accordingly, after implementation of the first cadre review, 85% of the posts of LDCs falling vacant every year are being abolished. The remaining posts are filled up by promotion from the erstwhile Group D employees (now MTS). Over the years, strength of LDCs in the Ministries/ Departments has come down substantially from the original level of about 5300.

2. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission endorsed the decision of phasing out of direct recruitment in LDCs. The Core Group on Administrative Reforms (CGAR) also agreed with the recommendations of ARC. However, the Group of Ministers did not agree phasing out of LDCs and directed that the matter be reconsidered.

3. As the issue of reintroduction of direct recruitment in the LDC has multifarious dimensions / implications like change in work culture in the Govt. of India, E-governance, impact on Multi-Tasking Staff, UDC, Assistant cadre etc. it was referred to the 3rd cadre restructuring committee of CSS.

4. The pros and cons of reintroduction of direct recruitment in LDCs may be as under:

Pros
(i) More availability of manpower in the Sections. Presently, Central Secretariat is heavily top loaded with only 6700 Assistants feeding to 3200 SOs, 1600 USs and 1200 DS/Dirs;

(ii) Salary of a LDC is much less comparing that of an Assistant;

(iii) More continuity and institutional memory as compared to outsourced staff;

(iv) If manpower is to be increased at lower level it could be either at Assistant level or at LDC level. Direct recruitment at LDC level with Promotion to UDC and Assistant would create less problem of stagnation than increased direct recruitment at Assistant level;

(v) Quality of direct recruit LDCs is reasonable.

Cons:
(i) We would be going back from the principles of officer oriented system in the Gentral Secretariat;

(ii) In the era of e-governance, paperless office and multi skilling, maintaining a large cadre of LDCs to carry out routing office jobs manually may be regressive;

(iii) The savings shown in the first cadre restructuring of CSS would disappear;

(iv) LDCs in terms of salary, pension contribution and other benefits would cost much more than outsourced staff;

(iv) There could be conflict of promotional opportunities between direct recruit LDCs and Assistants


5. However, in the absence of LDCs, a number of Ministries/Departments have resorted to engaging out-sourced staff to manage basic activities like diary/dispatch, movement of files/papers, typing etc. and there is a functional need to strengthen the institutional memory and level of commitment cannot be expected from outsourced staff.

6. The 3rd CRC has recommended re-introduction DR in LDC in limited manner with simultaneous reduction in DR in Assistant grade.

7. However, in view of increased use of information technology tools and progressively more officer oriented system there is a much less requirement of ministerial staff than previously and therefore if direct recruitment in LDC is reintroduced it should be limited in number they should mostly be utilised in regulatory ministries where the volume of correspondence/ dak/ diarizing work
is higher.

8. In the changed IT environment, the intake of 200-250 may be adequate  to arrive at the sustainable number of about 2000 LDCs and equal number of UDCs over the years with the combined strength of 4000.

9. To provide adequate promotional avenues to the newly recruited LDCs, the percentage of intake of DR Assistant may be reduced to 60% (from the existing 75%) leaving 40% of the vacancies in the Assistant grade to be filled up by seniority/LDCE quota from the UDC grade. Reduction in direct recruitment in Assistant would in the long run reduce stagnation in senior grades of CSS.

Source:http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02csd/ReintroLDC19022015.pdf
Filed Under: ,

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

RBE No. 12/2015
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)
No. E(D&A) 2014 RG6-35
New Delhi, 18.02.2015

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(i) any offence or conduct involving moral turpitude;

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

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

(iv) desertion of duty;

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

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

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

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

7. Please acknowledge receipt.

(S. Modi)
Dy. Director Estt. (D&A)
Railway Board

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

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

No.38/31/11 – P&PW(A)(Vol.IV)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Pension and P.W

3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhawan,
Khan Market, New Delhi.
Dated the 18th February, 2015

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Hindi version will follow.

(Tripti P. Ghosh)
Director

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

Monday, February 16, 2015

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Home Loan Rates in 2015: Here's Your Guide

As soon as one starts looking out at properties to buy a house, banks start offering home loans. This can be overwhelming at times. Making a choice then largely depends on comparing what competitor banks have to offer. Here is a list, which compares home loan rates by different banks.

For a loan amount up to Rs 30 lakh and the tenure being 15-20 years, the following is on offering.

1. Floating interest rate of 10.15 per cent
This rate is being offered by the following organizations:

    SBI ( State Bank of India)
    ICICI Bank
    HDFC Bank
    HSBC Bank
    Axis Bank
    PNB Housing Finance
    DHFL
    India Bulls ( Up to Rs 25 lakh)
    Citi Bank
    Tata Capital Housing Finance Ltd

EMI per lakh works out to be Rs 975.

SBI charges a processing fee of 0.25 per cent of the loan amount up to Rs 25 lakh or minimum Rs 1000. For a loan amount above Rs 25 lakh the processing fee is Rs 3,250. Citibank charges 0.25 per cent of the loan amount. ICICI, HDFC and PNB charge 0.5 per cent of the loan amount as processing fees. However, HDFC has capped the maximum amount to Rs. 10,000. Whereas, Axis Bank and HSBC charge a minimum processing fee of Rs 10,000 or 1 per cent of the total loan amount. DHFL charges Rs 5000 plus document charges and taxes and India Bulls charges Rs 7,500 plus taxes.

2. Floating interest rate of 10.20 per cent
This rate is being offered by the following banks:

    Federal Bank
    Bank of India
    UCO Bank
    Canara Bank

The EMI per lakh works out to be Rs 978.

Federal Bank and UCO Bank both charge 0.5 per cent of the loan amount. The minimum amount charged is Rs 3000 and Rs 1500 whereas maximum is Rs 7500 and Rs 15,000 respectively by both the banks. Bank of India has decided to waive off processing fees on new loans sanctioned up to March 2015.

3. Floating interest rate of 10.25 per cent
This rate is being offered by the following lenders:

    IDBI
    Punjab National Bank
    Allahabad Bank
    Central Bank of India
    Corporation Bank
    Union Bank of India
    United Bank of India
    Bank of Baroda
    Oriental Bank of Commerce
    Kotak Bank
    Dena Bank
    First Blue Home Finance
    Syndicate Bank
    Indian Overseas Bank
    State Bank of Travancore
    Indian Bank

The EMI per lakh works out to be Rs 982.

IDBI, Punjab National Bank and Oriental Bank of Commerce have NIL processing fees. State Bank of Travancore does not charge any processing fee up to a loan amount of Rs 25,000 and United Bank of India has waived off processing fee for a loan amount up to Rs 75 lakh. Processing fee ranges from 0.25 per cent to 0.5 per cent of the loan amount. Allahabad Bank charges 0.6 per cent of the loan amount with a cap of Rs 12,000 while India Overseas Bank charges 0.58 per cent of the loan amount with a cap of Rs 10,190.

4. Floating interest rate of 10.26-10.30 per cent
Standard Chartered Bank offers 10.26 per cent on home loans with a processing fee of Rs 5500 plus service tax. The EMI works out to be Rs 982.

Vijaya Bank charges 10.30 per cent and the EMI works out to be Rs 985. The processing fee is 0.25 per cent of the loan amount with a cap of Rs 10,000.

5. Floating interest rate of 10.50 per cent and above
    Deutsche Bank offers an interest rate of 10.5 per cent and a flat processing fee of Rs 12,000 plus taxes. EMI per lakh works out to be Rs 998.
    Bank of Maharashtra offers 10.55 per cent (up to 25 lakh) and 10.75 per cent above that. Accordingly the EMI works out to be Rs 1001 and Rs 1015 respectively. Processing fee is 0.25 per cent of the loan amount subject to maximum of Rs 25,000.
    ING Vysya offers 10.75 per cent, the EMI for which works out to Rs 1015. Processing fee is 0.5 per cent of the loan amount.
    Development Credit Bank and Dhanalakshmi Bank offer 11.50 per cent and charge a processing fee of 1 per cent. EMI per lakh works out to be Rs 1066.

6. Fixed rates on offer
    LIC Housing Finance offers 10.10 per cent (fixed for 2 years)
    HDFC Ltd offers 10.15-10.65 per cent (fixed for 2-3 years) and 10.25- 10.75 per cent (fixed for 10 years).
    Axis Bank offers 10.40 per cent (fixed for 20 years)

Look out for festive offers when processing fee is waived off and always negotiate for better rates. Request your bank official to share complete details so that there are no surprises in the form of hidden charges, pre-payment charges etc. Also, find out about special rates applicable for self-employed individuals and women.

Hope this compilation helps you in analysing what suits you best.
Data source: deal4loans.com

Read at:http://profit.ndtv.com/news/your-money/article-home-loan-rates-in-2015-heres-your-guide-739557

Courtesy:http://karnmk.blogspot.in/2015/02/home-loan-rates-in-2015-heres-your-guide.html
Filed Under:

Age limit may be raised to 60 years-EPFO

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

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

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

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

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

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

The level of deficit is not a matter of concern, though it is recommended that the EPFO should look into investment returns more carefully and do not increase benefits without consulting Actuary and do sensitivity analysis more frequently, the valuer has suggested. — PTI
Source:http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/age-limit-may-be-raised-to-60-years/42668.html
Filed Under: ,

Monday, February 9, 2015

Request for Voluntary Retirement from Persons suffering with disability – regarding

F.No.25012/01/2015-Estt(A.IV)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel and Training
Establishment A-IV Desk

North Block, New Delhi – 110 001
Dated : 6th February  2015

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject :- Request for Voluntary Retirement from Persons suffering with disability – regarding

The undersigned is directed to say that many Government servants seek voluntary retirement on medical grounds. Sec 47 of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 19995 (PWD Act) lays down that no establishment shall dispense with the services of an employee who acquires a disability during the course of service. It is proposed that any Government servant seeking voluntary retirement on medical grounds may be apprised of the above provisions of PWD ACT, in order that he can take a considered decision.

2. A draft of the office memorandum to be issued in this regard is enclosed. Comments/suggestions are invited on the proposal. Comments may kindly be sent to the undersigned by E-mail at dsc@nic.in or by FAX at 011-23093179 by 20-02-2015.

(J.A.Vaidyanathan)
Director(E)
Tel : 23093179

Source-http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02est/25012_01_2015-Estt.A-IV-06022015.pdf

Friday, February 6, 2015

UFBU decides to revive the strike programmes – 4 days strike from 25th to 28th Feb 2015

IBA backtracks from its assurance
Offers a paltry 0.5% increase
UFBU decides to revive the strike programmes
Calls for four days Strike from 25th to 28th February, 2015
Indefinite Strike from 16th March, 2015

In our earlier Circular No.UFBU/2015/44 dated 19-1-2015, we had informed that in the background of the assurance given by IBA towards expeditious wage settlement and considering the positive developments since last conciliation meeting held on 5th January 2015, UFBU had put on hold its call for 4 days’ strike from 21st January 2015.

In this background another round of negotiations between IBA and UFBU was held in Mumbai yesterday (i.e., 3rd February 2015). Subsequent to a general reporting of the discussions held in the meetings of the three Sub-Committees on (i) Employees’ service conditions, (ii) Officers’ service conditions and (iii) revised medical reimbursement scheme, the important issue of further improvement in the wage increase offer came up for discussion. IBA sought the view of UFBU about revising its demand from 19.5% in order to arrive at a final deal. UFBU informed IBA that the wage increase offer needs to be substantially improved by IBA as assured and accordingly UFBU would negotiate further to reach a final accord. Quoting, once again, the strenuous financial performance of various Banks, IBA informed that the banks are not in a position to accept the demand of the UFBU. After prolonged discussions, IBA finally proposed to improve their offer from 12.5% to 13% and expected UFBU to scale down its demand.

Since the increase in offer of 0.5% by IBA was paltry, inadequate and not satisfactory, UFBU met thereafter and decided to revive the strike programmes as under:

9th February 2015 Centralised Demonstrations at all centres
13th February 2015 Centralised Demonstrations at all centres
20th February 2015 Badge Wearing & Demonstrations
23rd February 2015 Press Meet in all State capitals
24th February 2015 Centralised Demonstrations at all centres
25th to 28th February 2015 FOUR DAYS’ ALL INDIA BANK STRIKE
2nd to 14th March 2015 Further preparatory programmes
16th March onwards INDEFINITE STRIKE

Comrades, the sincere and persuasive efforts of UFBU to negotiate a reasonable and mutually acceptable wage increase are being misunderstood by the IBA and the Government as its weakness. With utmost patience, for the past two years, UFBU has been making its best efforts to settle the demands amicably. At every point of time, we have shown our flexibility. But unfortunately, it is not being reciprocated by the IBA.

When the entire workforce in the banking industry is making every effort to implement the various programmes of the Government including the recent Jan Dhan Yojana, when employees and officers are working under lot of stress and maximum difficulty due to manpower shortage and increased volume of work, it is regrettable that the Government is remaining a passive spectator without initiating any steps to find an amicable solution to the genuine expectations of bank employees for a better and reasonable wage revision.

UFBU has been once again pushed to the path of struggle. We call upon all our units and the entire membership to rise as one and plunge into action to implement the programmes successfully.

State-level UFBU meetings should be held immediately to plan out the steps to be initiated for making all the programmes a total success.

Comrades – March ahead with solidarity and unity – Let us exhibit clearly that our united movement brings Success and success alone…..

“WE SHALL FIGHT – WE SHALL FIGHT – TILL WE SUCCEED – WE SHALL FIGHT”

Source: AIBEA

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

EPFO settles more than One crore claims in the current financial year Employees Pension Fund deficit comes down to 2.5%

Shri K.K. Jalan, Central P.F. Commissioner while reviewing the performance of EPFO for the month of January, 2015 noted that the organization has settled 11.05 lakh claims. 73% of the claims were settled within 10 days and 93% within 20 days. With this, the total claim settlement for the current financial year 2014-15 stood at 1.08 crore by January end. 91% of these claims were settled within 20 days signifying the organization’s readiness to settle all claims within 20 days as per the new standards to be implemented later on. Also, the organization was able to settle more than 11,000 grievances in the month of January alone.

January also saw the Organisation opening its first Special Corporate Office at Bandra, Mumbai to offer priority service to big and promptly complying establishments. It would be a carved out of the existing Regional Office, but would enjoy a high degree of functional autonomy.

It was also noted that the preliminary report of the Actuary appointed for actuarial valuation of the EPS fund has been received and the same reveals that the deficit has come down drastically and is less than 2.5% of the total liability. Likewise, the Actuarial report of the EDLI Scheme was also received and it was seen that with the available corpus, there can be further additions to the benefits provided under the Scheme for which several options are being mulled by the organization.

With a view to facilitate dissemination of information regarding the various new initiatives taken by EPFO for the benefit of the working class, it has been decided to organize awareness camps for the same especially in industrial areas and residential areas having a concentration of workers. The camps would focus, among others on publicizing UAN and other web based services.

In a major step aimed at improving the speed and transparency of the assessment proceedings under the EPF &MP Act, 1952, it has been directed to send notices for assessment proceedings through e-mail also so that the employer is communicated in a faster and more effective manner.

A special facility has been launched on EPFO’s website in the members’ portal to enable members to identify and trace out their old accounts marked as inoperative. This initiative is expected to empower the members to initiate the process to transfer their past PF accumulations to their current account.

During the month, in the course of the Zonal Addl. CPFCs’ conference, it was decided to focus on certain key areas like special efforts to identify ‘inoperative accounts, introducing digital life certificates for EPS pensioners and system assisted monitoring of compliance, especially with regard to construction and contract workers. It was also decided to introduce Aadhar based Bio-metric attendance system in all the offices of EPFO.

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

Filed Under: , ,

The Secretary, National Council, JCM (Staff Side) writes to the Chairman 7th CPC for meeting:-

National Council (Staff Side)
Joint Consultative Machinery
for Central Government Employees
13-C, Ferozshah Road, New Delhi - 110001
Shiva Gopal Mishra,
Secretary

No. NC-JCM-2015/7th CPC
2/2/2015
The Chairman
7th Central Pay Commission,
Chatrapati Shivaji Bhawan
1st Floor, B-14/A,
Qutab Institutional Area
New Delhi 110016
Post Box No. 4599,
Haus Khas P.O.

Respected Sir,
Sub: Holding of Hearings by 7th CPC with members of Standing Committee -National Council (JCM).

A lot of quarries are pouring in JCM Office from grass root workers ,as also from the Constituent Organization in respect of holding Hearings/Oral Evidence by 7th CPC . It may be appreciated that previous 6th CPC had held a detailed oral evidence with Members (Staff Side) of the Standing Committee of NC/JCM continuously for 3 days for better appreciation of the demands put-forth by the Staff Side.

It would, therefore, be highly appreciated if a time schedule is fixed, well in advance, so as to make necessary preparations in this regard.

Yours faithfully
sd/-
(S.G.Mishra)

Source: http://ncjcmstaffside.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/7th-CPC-M_ncjcmstaffside.pdf

NC JCM staff side demands scheduled meetings of Joint Consultative Machinery for redressal of grievances of 40 Lakhs central government employees.

National Council (Staff Side)
Joint Consultative Machinery
for Central Government Employees
13-C, Ferozshah Road, New Delhi - 110001
Shiva Gopal Mishra,
Secretary

No.NC-JCM/2014/DoP&T
Dated: February 2, 2015

Dr. Jitendra Singh,
Hon'ble Minister of State for Prime Minister Office,
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions,
(Department of Personnel & Training),
(Government of lndia),
New Delhi

Respected Sir,
Sub: Joint Consultative Machinery(JCM) (Staff Side)

I would like to invite your kind attention towards my earlier letter dated June 30, 2014(photocopy enclosed for your kind perusal), wherein it was represented that the JCM(National level) is responsible for all the common issues of around 40 lakh Central Government Employees, particularly wages, allowances, leave etc. This machinery had become quite ineffective since last half decade. Since last four and half years, meeting of the National Councii(JCM) has not been held, resulting in stoppage of dialogue at the highest level. Decision taken by the Standing Committee on many agenda items has not been implemented, and in many of the government departments, Departmental Council has not been formed or non-existent. Even in these circumstances, you will appreciate that the role of the unions and the federations had been quite cooperative, but how long it will remain, we are not sure.

It is, therefore, requested that, to avoid any industrial unrest, JCM Machinery must be made effective and meetings of the same must be ensured with a yearly calendar. The said scheme should also be made participative to resolve and redress various problems of the Central Government Employees.

For the above, we would like to request you to kindly call a meeting of the Standing Committee of the NC/JCM under your chairmanship to strengthen the JCM Scheme.

With kind regards!
Sincerely yours,

sd/-
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)

Source: http://ncjcmstaffside.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/letter-to-Min-of-State.pdf

DA FOR BANK EMPLOYEES FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY,MARCH AND APRIL 2015

Indian Banks’ Association
HR & INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS

No.CIR/HR&IR/76/D/2014-15/1277

31st January, 2015

All Members of the Association
(Designated Officers)

Dear Sirs,
Dearness Allowance for Workmen and Officer Employees in banks for the months of February, March & April 2015. under IX BPS/Joint Note dt. 27.4.10

The confirmed All India Average Consumer Price Index Numbers for Industrial Workers (Base1960=100) for the quarter ended December 2014 are as follows:-

Oct 2014 – 5774.95
Nov 2014 – 5774.95
Dec 2014 – 5774.95

The average CPI of the above is 5774.95. Consequently, dearness allowance to employees is payable for 734 slabs for the period February, March & April 2015 i.e., an increase of 2 slabs over the Current level.
In terms of clause 7 of the 9th Bipartite Settlement dated 27.04.2010 and clause 3 of the Joint Note dated 27.04.2010, the rate of dearness allowance payable to workmen and officer employees for the months of February, March & April 2015 shall be 110.10% of ‘pay’. While arriving at dearness allowance payable, decimals from third place may please be ignored.
We advise banks to pay the difference between the old and revised salary and allowances to officers on an ad hoc basis, pending amendments to Officers’ Service Regulations.

Yours faithfully,
Sd/-
K S Chauhan
Senior Vice President

Source:http://www.iba.org.in/Documents/Cir_12770001.pdf

Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules 1964 — Guidelines regarding prevention of sexual harassment of women at the workplace— regarding

No. 11013/2/2014-Estt (A-III)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel and Training
Establishment Division
North Block, New Delhi
Dated February 2, 2015
OFFICE MEMORANDUM 

Subject: Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules 1964 — Guidelines regarding prevention of sexual harassment of women at the workplace— regarding

Following the promulgation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 [SHWW(PPR) Act] and notification of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Rules, 2013 [SHWW(PPR) Rules] on 09.12.2013., the Government has recently, on 19.11.2014, notified the amendments to Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules 1964 and Classification, Control and Appeal Rules, 1965.

The amendments and other salient features of the Act/ Rules was brought to the notice of all concerned vide Office Memorandum of even no. dated 27.11.2014. The amendments to the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules 1964 and Classification, Control and Appeal Rules, 1965 and the Office Memorandum dated 01.12.2014 are available on the Department’s website.

2. The following guidelines, conveying the decision of the Committee of Secretaries on this subject, were issued vide this Department’s Office Memorandum No. 11013/3/2009-Estt.(A) dated 03.08.2009,
“As regards provisions for protection of women, it was suggested that the complaints committee mechanism provided under Vishakha guidelines relating to sexual harassment should be strictly in accordance with the judgment and steps should be taken to ensure that the committee is effective and functional at all times. It would also be desirable for the Committees to meet once a quarter, even if there is no live case, and review preparedness to fulfil all requirements of the Vishakha judgment in the Department/Ministry/ organization concerned.”

3. As per the guidelines issued vide Office Memorandum dated 21.07.2009, it is also to be ensured that the Complaints Committee shall at all times be in existence and changes in its composition, whenever necessary, should be made promptly and adequately publicized. The composition of the Complaints Committee should also be posted on the websites of the concerned Ministries/Departments/Offices concerned.

4. Vide the Office Memorandum dated 01.12.2014, the attention of the Ministries/Departments was also invited to the reporting requirements mentioned in the SHWW(PPR) Act and SHWW(PPR) Rules.

5. All Ministries/ Departments are requested to please review the progress of implementation of the existing abovementioned guidelines issued in the aftermath of the Vishakha judgment.

6. Attention of all Ministries is invited to Section 22 of the Act relating to including information in Annual Report, and to request that information relating to number of cases filed, if any, and their disposal may be included in the Annual Report of the Ministry / Department.

7. All Ministries / Departments are also requested to furnish an annual return (as on 31 stMarch) in the enclosed proforma to this Department by 30th April every year.

(J.A. Vaidyanathan)
Director (E) 

Source:http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02est/11013_2_2014-Estt.A-III-02022015.pdf

Merger of DA is just a Distant Mirage

Merger of DA

               Almost all the Federations adopted the resolution in their Meetings and submitted Memorandum to Central Government and 7th pay commission for merger of 50% DA with Basic Pay. The matter has been raised in Parliament several occasions, but until now the central government, whether it is NDA or UPA – not ready to accept this demand. The central Government always responded with a ready-made answer to this query as “since it has not been recommended by sixth CPC, there is no question of considering to merge the DA with pay”.

When the DA was reached 50%, the federations were not having that much hope that merger of 50% DA would be considered by the then Government. But when the DA was at the verge of reaching 100% Level, they started demanding like anything to consider Merger of DA as General Election for Parliament was due at the time. It seemed that the UPA Government was ready to accept this demand to woo the voters, since the Central and State Government Employees and their family members alone comprise considerable Vote bank. But the UPA government failed to fulfill the central government employee’s hope in its tenure.  The only good thing done to the central government servants by the previous government was constitution of 7th Pay Commission well in advance.

The approach of NDA government towards the central government employees clearly shows that the merger of DA with pay is not going to happen anyway. Because the way this demand has been handled by the Government and 7th Pay Commission shows that it will not be an achievable target for central government employees. The central government and 7th pay commission are not ready to accept or not even give in-principle nod for this Merger of DA proposal. So far the organizations and Unions met with the seventh pay commission, not at all gave any positive inputs to cg employees’ community about the 7th pay commission’s views on the proposal of merger of DA. At the end the demand of Merger of DA is now become an unrealistic expectation. So there is no point to expect that this government would consider this demand favorably.

Source:http://www.gservants.com/2015/02/01/most-of-the-employees-of-defence-finance-and-it-ministries-are-not-marked-their-attendance-in-bas/

Friday, January 30, 2015

GPF & Pension Benefits to Casual Labour with temporary status regularised after 1.1.2004 —regarding.

No. 49014/2/2014-Estt(C)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training
North Block, New Delhi.
Dated the 29th January,2015.

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: GPF & Pension Benefits to Casual Labour with temporary status regularised after 1.1.2004 —regarding.

The undersigned is directed to say that following the issue of this Department's O.M. No. Dated 26.04.2004, the status of admissibility of pensionary benefits to CL-TS regularised after 1.1.2004 has been a subject of litigation in a number of court cases being contested by various Ministries/Department.


2. In order to take a view on the above issue and in view of the court rulings, it is requested that all Ministries/Departments may furnish the details of Casual Labour with temporary status (CL-TS) regularised after 1.1.2004 in the enclosed proforma latest by 07.02.2015.

3. The particulars of CL-TS yet to be regularised called for vide this Department's O.M No. Dated 16.10.2014 may also be sent urgently, if not already sent.

sd/-
(J. A. Vaidyanathan)
Director(Estt.)

Source: http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02est/49014_2_2014-Estt.C-29012015.pdf
Filed Under: ,

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Introduction of AADHAR enabled bio-metric attendance system.

F. No. 11013/9/2014-Estt.A-III
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, PG & Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training
Estt.A-III Desk
North Block, New Delhi.
Dated:28th January, 2015

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Sub: Introduction of AADHAR enabled bio-metric attendance system.

The undersigned is directed to refer to Secretary, DEITY’s DO letter no. SSD/DeitY/BAS/2014-74 dated 23.12.2014 (copy enclosed), observing that in many offices there is a large difference between the number of registered employees and the number of employees marking their attendance in the Biometric attendance system (BAS). The Secretaries of all Ministries / Departments have been requested to issue directions to all employees to mark their attendance in BAS Portal on regular basis.

2. As per the Guidelines issued vide O.M. No. 11013/9/2014-Estt.A-III dated 21.11.2014, it has been decided to use an AADHAR Enabled Bio-metric Attendance System (AEBAS) in all offices of the Central Government, including attached / subordinate Offices, in India. All employees are, therefore, required to register themselves in the system and mark their attendance. Instructions already exist for dealing with cases of late attendance/ unauthorized absence, which may be followed.

3. It is requested that necessary directions may be issued to all employees to mark their attendance in BAS portal on regular basis.

Sd/-
(J.A. Vaidyanathan)
Director (Establishment)

Source : http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02est/11013_9_2014-Estt.A-III-28012015.pdf

Purchase of air tickets from authorized travel agents – Reg

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

IMPORTANT CIRCULAR

No.AN/XIV/14162/TA/DA/LTC/Deviation/Vol-IV
Dated: 27/01/2015

To
All PCsDA/CsDA
(through CGDA Mail Server)

Subject: Purchase of air tickets from authorized travel agents – Reg

Of late, this HQrs office has been receiving requests from officers / staff of this department to relax the guidelines laid down under DoP&T OM dated and take up their case for according regularization sanction Ministry.

2. In this connection, it is intimated that Ministry of Finance had granted time relaxation to the guidelines on air travel to purchase air tickets from authorized travel agents to officials who had undertaken air journey before 24.08.2011.However, Ministry while granting such sanction had clarified that journeys undertaken after the specified date i.e 24.08.2011 will not be considered for granting regularization sanction.

3. Inspite of clear instruction issued by this HQrs from time to time to adhere to the guidelines laid down in DoP&T OM dated 16.9.2010, receipt of requests from officers/staff through Controllers for condonation of non compliance to these instructions is not understood. In this regard, a recent circular bearing No. AN/XIV/ 19015/Govt orders/2014 dated 25/05/2014 also refers vide which content of DoP&T OM No. 31011/4/2014-Estt (A.IV) dated 19/06/2014 has been circulated stressing on the fact that the employees may be made aware of the modes in which air tickets are to be booked so as to avoid breach of any LTC rules.

4. In view of the foregoing, it is enjoined upon all, that the contents of this circular may be brought to the notice of all concerned to ensure strict compliancy and adherence.

Sd/-
(S.J.Bajaj)
AO(AN)

Source: http://cgda.nic.in/adm/circular/purchase%20air%20ticket%20280115.pdf

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Brief of the meeting held with Hon’ble Minister for Railways

AIRF

All India Railwaymen’s Federation
(Estd. 1924)

No.AIRF/24(C)

Dated: January 24, 2015

The General Secretaries,
All Affiliated Unions,
Dear Comrades,

Sub: Brief of the meeting held with Hon’ble Minister for Railways

Yesterday I met Hon’ble Minister for Railways, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, and had discussion on various issues, right from 14:00 to 14:45 hrs.

Once again I tried my level best that the FDI should not be brought in the Railways.

I also expressed my fear that, by taking lot of money, there will be over-capitalization, and since we do not have commercial viable projects, it will be difficult to pay back the liabilities to the investors. Though Hon’ble MR has assured that there will not be any privatization in the Railways, he was still of the view that, for expansion of the railway network, money is required. He also told that, he is trying to take interest-free repayable loan for 35-40 years from the countries, like Australia, China, Japan, Canada or the World Bank.

I handed him over a copy of representation, containing suggestions for Rail Budget 2015-16, not to introduce FDI in the Indian Railways, implementation of various Welfare Schemes announced by the then Hon’ble Minister for Railways, viz. establishing of Medical Colleges and opening of Nursing Colleges and Central Schools and Technical Institutions, “Own Your House Scheme” and provision of Mobile Medical Van for treatment of Railway Staff and their families posted on roadside station, extension of scope of the LARSGESS, improvement in the condition of Railway Colonies, Roads and Running/Rest Rooms, improvement in medical facilities, filling up of Safety Category Posts, extension of facilities of Privilege/Complimentary Passes to both the parents of the Railwaymen,replacement of National Pension Scheme(NPS) with “Old Guaranteed Pension Scheme, absorption of quasi-administrative staff in the Railways, provision of proper infrastructure and manpower while introducing new trains, implementation of recommendations of High Power Committee, appointed by the Ministry of Railways, under the chairmanship of Shri D.P. Tripathi, to review duty hours of the Running and other Safety related categories of staff and also provision of proper Pathway for the Trackmen for performing their duties efficiently and safely.

I also handed him over a copy of our suggestions to increase productivity of the Indian Railways as also copies of our letters handed over to High Level Railway Restructuring Committee, constituted under the chairmanship of Shri Bibek Debroy and High Level Committee, constituted to identify the factors, issues
and avenues for improving financial health of the Indian Railways, under the chairmanship of Shri D.K.
Mittal.

Chairman, Railway Board was also present during course of meeting, and the Hon’ble MR told him that, the important issues raised by the Federation(AIRF) for inclusion in Rail Budget 2015-16 should be kept in view, particularly provision of proper budget for maintenance of Railway Colonies.

He also promised for better and proper communication with the organized labour in all the times to come, and also instructed the CRB to ask the MS to regularly have meetings with the federations in the committee.

Comradely yours,

sd/-
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)

Source-http://www.airfindia.com/AIRF%202015/Feedback.pdf
Filed Under: , ,

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu addresses 30,000 CPWD employees through video-conferencing; first time in 160 years

Minister urges employees to change image of CPWD through a four pronged approach

Stresses on timely completion of projection, zero tolerance to corruption, transparency and accountability

Minister of Urban Development Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu today reached out to all the 30,000 employees of the public sector construction major Central Public Works Department (CPWD), sharing his concerns over the functioning of the organization and urging them for a change over in the public perception about it. For the first time in the history of the 160 year old CPWD, Shri Naidu addressed all its employees at 33 locations in the country through video-conferencing and live web streaming.

Shri Venkaiah Naidu insisted that CPWD needs to achieve a makeover in its working and public perception through timely completion of projects, zero tolerance to corruption, transparency and accountability. During the interaction that lasted over an hour, Shri Naidu directed top brass and all the employees of CPWD to ensure:

1.Payments are made from April, 2015 to contractors only after social and third party audit of works costing more than Rs.5.00 cr;

2.Only Online payments by all the 274 divisions from April, 2015 which is now being done by half of them;

3.Introduction of Bio-metric attendance markers in all the circle and field units by December,2015; 4.All project managers to reside at the site of work;

5.All cases of pending promotions to be cleared by February this year.

Shri Venkaiah Naidu noted that Prime Minister’s suggestion of enhancing ‘Skills, Speed and Scale’ is most suited to CPWD given its scale of operations, skills required and speedy delivery of services and should be adopted forthwith to survive the growing competition.

The Minister noted that as a part of ongoing efforts to streamline functioning of CPWD all relevant information about 7,000 projects costing over Rs.30,000 cr has been placed in public domain. He assured the employees that CPWD and the Ministry would do the needful to create better working conditions of its employees.

Informing them that he will interact with all of them once in three months, Shri Naidu urged them to rise to the occasion collectively and assured them there would not be any interference in their working.

Shri Venkaiah Naidu interacted with senior officers and others from 15 locations seeking their views on working conditions, areas of improvement required, progress of various works, changed brought about during the last eight months etc.

Shri Shankar Aggarwal, Secretary(UD), Shri B.B.Bhatia, DG, CPWD, Shri Praveen Prakash, Joint Secretary, Ministry of UD and other senior officials participated in the interaction session.

Source:pib
 
Filed Under:

Monday, January 19, 2015

All India Defence employees Federation opposes corporatisation of Ordnance Factories

ALL INDIA DEFENCE EMPLOYEES FEDERATION
Survey No.81, Or.Babasahab Ambedkar Road. Khadki, Pune — 411003.
Tele Fax (020) 25818761 Ernail defempfed@gmail.com

PRESS RELEASE

FOR FAVOUR OF PUBLICATION

All India Defence employees Federation opposes corporatisation of Ordnance Factories

AIDEF convey it, Stand to the Defence Minister Shri.Manohar Parrikar

It is seen from the media report that the Government is considering the proposal to corporatised the Ordnance Factories. The 4 lakhs Defence Civilian Employees and their trade Unions have opposed any move of the Govt in the past to corporatised the Ordnance Factories, which is not in the interest of National Security of the country. Moreover the experien. with various Public Sector Units and corporation reveal that ultimately it will result in Privatisation. The Ordnance Factories are captive industry established for manufacturing Military Equipments including Tanks, Arms, Ammunitions, Vehicles and other troop comforts, strategic uniforms etc. Therefore the Defence Production Ordnance Factories should be under the control of Government. In this regard there are written agreement with the Federations of the Defence Civilian Employees by the then Defence Ministers, including the then Defence Minister, now Hon’ble President of India Shri.Pranab Mukherjee, that Ordnance Factories would not be corporatised. A delegation of AIDEF met Defence Minister Shri.Manohar Parrikar on 1.1/2015 and conveyed the views of the employees that Ordnance Factories should not be privatised. The Ordnance Factories should not be privatised in view of the agreernent with the recognised Federations. The Defence Minister has assured that he will call a meeting of the 3 Federations after 15. of Feb. 2015 to discuss the entire issues until such time no decision would taken in this regard.

In the meantime the recognised Federations and Associations of Defence Civilian Employees are meeting on the 27, of Jan. 2015 to consider the development and the proposal of the Defence Ministry and to take further course of action to fight against any move of the Government to corporatise the most Stratigical Defence Industry, the 41 Ordnance Factories.

C. SRIKUMAR
General Secretary
Courtesy:palegacyblog

Monday, January 12, 2015

Extension of Public Provident Fund Scheme up to double handed Post Office

SB ORDER NO. 01/2015

F.No.32-01/2014-SB
Government of India
Ministry of Communications & IT
Department of Posts

Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg,
New Delhi-110001, Dated: 09.01.2015

To
All Heads of Circles/Regions
Addl. Director General, APS, New Delhi.

Subject: – Extension of Public Provident Fund (PPF) Scheme up to Post Offices with sanctioned strength of 1+1 (double handed Post Office) – reg.

Sir / Madam,

The references have been received in this office from time to time to expand PPF scheme to all departmental Post Offices across the country. The matter was examined and it has been decided to expand the operation of PPF scheme up to double handed Post Offices.

2. Expanding the PPF Scheme up to double handed Post Offices will provide a very convenient facility/service to large section of population in their nearby locations, in smaller places/semi urban areas/ rural areas. By extending PPF Scheme up to double handed Post Offices; the Department will be in a position to add 6000 plus locations for the scheme. thereby benefitting the investors.

3. As regards supervising the work of double handed Post Offices. it may be ensured to post senior official as SPM.

4. Necessary amendment in the Inspection Questionnaire of Sub Post Offices will be issued by the concerned branch of Directorate to avoid the possibility of any fraud in PPF accounts on extending the Scheme to double handed Post Offices.

5. It is requested to circulate these instructions to all the field units immediately. Appropriate publicity needs to be given for awareness of members of public that PPF Account facility is now available in all Post Offices up to double handed. Each double handed post office may display notice to this effect to open maximum PPF Accounts by 31st March, 2015.

This issues with the approval of Secretary Posts.

Yours faithfully,
sd/-
(L.K. Sinha)
Assistant Director General (FS-I)

Source: http://www.indiapost.gov.in
[http://www.indiapost.gov.in/DOP/Pdf%5CCirculars%5CSB%20Order_01_Pub_Upload.pdf]

Filed Under: , ,

Introduction of provision for writing of APAR of all Railway employees Working in GP Rs. 1900

RBE No.148/2014.

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (BHARAT SARKAR)
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (RAIL MANTRALAYA)
(RAILWAY BOARD)

No.E(NG)I-2013/CR/1

New Delhi dated 30/12/2014

The General Managers(P)
All Indian Railways & Production Units etc, i
(As per standard list).

Sub: Introduction of provision for writing of APAR of all Railway employees Working in PB-I, 5200-20200, GP Rs. 1900-Regarding.

As the Railways are aware, in terms of Board’s letter No. E(NG)I-81/CR/5 dated 30.09.1981 Annual Confidential Reports (ACR) {now renamed as Annual Performance Appraisal Report (APAR)} are at present written by the reporting authority on every Non-gazetted Railway servant as per the procedure being narrated in the letter ibid, except the following Railway employees:-

(a) Grade ‘D’, now upgraded as Grade ‘C’, railway servants in grade pay of Rs. 1800.

(b) The Railway servants in Grade Pay Rs. 1900

(c) Railway servants whose initial grade pay is higher than Rs. 1900 provided the next higher grade is a non-selection grade except in the case of highly skilled Artisan Staff for whom APAR shall be written for those in two grades below in selection grade.

2. Pursuant to directives of Hon’ble Central Administrative Tribunal (CAD/Chandigarh dated 10.04.2013 delivered in DA. No. 1346-PB-2011, and of Hon’ble High Court Punjab Haryana at Chandigarh vide its judgment dated 18.09.2013 in CWP No. 20612 of 2013, the issue of initiation of APAR was considered by Railway Board for the left out categories mentioned above.

3. Afier consultation with the Railways [the] Board have considered the matter further. In partial modification of Board’s letter No. E(NG)I-81/CR/5 dated 30.09.1981, it has now been decided that the concept of writing of APAR on all Non-gazetted Railway servants working in Group ‘C’ PB-I, 5200-20200 in Grade Pay Rs. 1900 & above be introduced on the zonal Railways. Consequently, APAR may henceforth be written for the categories mentioned in set (b) & (c). The proforma of APARs of these categories is enclosed herewith. For those in Grade Pay of Rs. 1800/-, the system of working reports as and when required will continue. The procedure of writing of APARs for those Railway servants for whom it is already written will remain unaltered.

Please acknowledge receipt.

(Arvind Kumar)
Executive Director Estt. (N)
Railway Board

Source: NFIR

One time relaxation In Rules for leave Encashment during service in Railways


RBE No. 141/2O14

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (BHARAT SARKAR)
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (RAIL MANTRAIAYA)
(RAILWAY BOARD)

No. F(E)III/20081LE-1/1

New Delhi, Dated: 15.12.2014.

The GMs/FA&CAOs,
All Zonal Railways/Pus,
(As per Mailing List).

Subject: One time relaxation In Rules for leave encashment during service – Permission for leave encashment to Railway Employees who have failed to avail leave encashment during the previous blocks.

Representations have been received in this office to allow leave encashment to Railway employees who have failed to avail the benefit during the previous blocks despite availing Pass/PTO and leave during a block on the ground that the concept of block period was new for the Railway employees and it Introduced during the 2nd block period resulting in some of the employees failing to apply for the same due to various reasons

2. The matter has been sympathetically considered by Board and it has been agreed to allow leave encashment to the employees who have failed to avail the same during the previous block period (first three block periods) despite fulfilling the condition of availing of Pass/PTO and leave during the block, as one time exemption, with the condition that leave encashment will be made at the rate of pay applicable at the time of availing of leave, subject to fulfillment of the conditions as laid down in Railway Boards letter of even No’s dated 29.10.2008 and 11.06.2009, as applicable on the day of leave availed, with the approval of leave sanctioning authority

3. The above relaxation Is made as one time measure and the employees have to apply for the same along with the proof of grant of leave and pass during the block period within four months from the date of issue of this letter.

4. It is reiterated that it is a one-time relaxation and in future including the current block no claim from a retrospective date shall be entertained. All the claims for leave encashment should be done with prior approval of the competent authority as per the block system of Leave encashment

5. This issues-with the approval of Board (MS & FC).

(Amitabh Joshi)
Deputy Director Finance (Estt.)III
Railway Board.

Source : AIRF

[http://www.airfindia.com/Orders%202014/One-time-relaxation-in-Rules-rbe-141_2014.pdf]

Friday, January 9, 2015

Railway union toughened stands on scrapping of NPS and DA Merger

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s persuasive pitch to railway employees unions has cleared the decks for more FDI inflows and private capital in national transporter that may be reflected in the rail budget.

After Modi’s statement that there would be no privatization of railways, the workers’ unions have softened their stand over several issues including FDI in the transport behemoth. However, the unions are sticking to demands relating to scrapping of new pension scheme (NPS) and DA mergers.

The PM has said that he had a “deep connection” with the railways. “I love railways. My life is what it is because of railways,” Modi said. “The government will not go in the direction of railway privatization ..

People are spreading rumors about privatization of railways. It is not true,” Modi had said. The change of heart came after railway minister Suresh Prabhu’s ^ reassurance that FDI or public-private partnership (PPP) will not affect the ownership of railways. During the meeting of general managers last week where union representatives were also present, the minister argued that the government wants to attract private investment in cash-strapped railways and it was not for privatization of railways. After Modis categorical assurance, Prabhu’s persuasive skills worked in convincing the union leaders, said a senior railways official. The union representatives were also satisfied with the ministers’ assurance that the railways would not sell any piece of land but instead try to exploit the land commercially. Shiv Gopal Mishra of All India Railway men Federation said,

“Our opposition is not politically I motivated. We demanded that there should not be privatization of railways and the ‘ issue of FDI must be discussed with full transparency.” At the same time, Mishra warned the minister and railways official that the transporter should not invite FDI or money from national resources which could harm the railways because of overcapitalization or payment of interest on the borrowed capital. However, the deadlock over the employees’ demands such as scrapping of NPS and DA merger continues. The unions have been demanding the restoration of old pension scheme as had been done in case of defence because the working conditions in the transporter are risky and large number of employees die on duty.

The NPS is without social guarantee. The unions have also hinted at opposing any radical restructuring of the railway board. The union leaders admitted that there were problems, but blamed politicians at the helm of affairs for the mess. A leader said ministers did not raise passenger fares for years and announced ‘unviable projects which pushed the state- run transporter into bankruptcy.

Source: http://www.airfindia.com/

Friday, January 2, 2015

1/1/2015 DA NEWS- LATEST AICPIN (NOVEMBER 2014) RELEASED

                                                            No. 5/1/2014- CPI
                                                       GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT
LABOUR BUREAU
‘CLEREMONT’, SHIMLA-171004
DATED: the 3lst December, 2014

Press Release
Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI-1W) - November, 2014
The All-India CPI-1W for November, 2014 remained stationary at 253 (two hundred and fifty three). On l-month percentage change, it remained static between October, 2014 and November, 2014 when compared with the rise of 0.83 per cent between the same two months a year ago.

The largest upward pressure to the change in current index came from Miscellaneous group contributing (+) 0.17 percentage points to the total change. At item level, Wheat, Rice, Moong Dal, Masur Dal, Arhar Dal, Eggs (Hen), Goat Meat, Milk (Cow), Onion, Tea (Readymade), Private Tution Fee, Flower/F lower Garlands, Tailoring Charges, etc. are responsible for the increase in index. However, this increase was restricted to some extent by Ginger, Chillies green, Vegetable items, Sugar, Petrol, etc., putting downward pressure on the index.

The year-on-year inflation measured by monthly CPI-1W stood at 4.12 per cent for November, 2014 as compared to 4.98 per cent for the previous month and 11.47 per cent during the corresponding month of the previous year. Similarly, the Food inflation stood at 2.56 per cent against 4.48 per cent of the previous month and 16.17 per cent during the corresponding month of the previous year.

At centre level, Madurai reported an increase of 12 points followed by Chennai (11 points), Tiruchirapally (7 points), Coonoor (6 points), Salem and Coimbatore (5 points each) and Bangluru (4 points). Among others, 3 points rise was observed in 3 centres, 2 points in 7 centres and 1 point in 9 centres. On the contrary, Srinagar recorded a decrease of 6 points and Ghaziabad (5 points). Among others, 4 points fall was registered in 2 centres, 3 points in 6 centres, 2 points in 12 centres and 1 point in 19 centres. Rest of the 11 centres’ indices remained stationary.

The indices of 38 centres are above and other 39 centres’ indices are below national average. The index of Bhopal centre remained at par with all-India index.

The next index of CPI-1W for the month of December, 2014 will be released on Friday, 30 January, 2015. The same will also be available on the office website www.1abourbureau. gov. in.

(S.S. NEGI)
DIRECTOR

Source: http://labourbureau.nic.in/press_note_eng_nov_2014.pdf

Maldives, Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal likely on LTC map: Times of India News

NEW DELHI: Following PM Narendra Modi's visit to Nepal for the Saarc summit, the government is mulling a proposal to provide leave travel concession (LTC) for government employees to four countries — Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka — to boost tourism in the neighbourhood. The LTC will be modeled on the schemes for the north-east and J&K which helped increase tourism and fueled economic improvement in the two regions.

Sources in the tourism ministry said, "Introducing LTC for 20 lakh government employees could encourage greater people to people exchange among the Saarc countries. But there will have to be some reciprocal arrangement. We are working on that." Sources said India was in touch with the countries to consider the proposal's viability.


At the Saarc summit, Modi had highlighted the need for better connectivity in the region. In his speech, he had said, "It is still harder to travel within our region than to Bangkok or Singapore; and, more expensive to speak to each other."

Source:Times of India

IRTSA DELEGATES MET 7th CPC on 12-12-2014 at Jodhpur

Well organised & impressive presentation on the issues of Technical Supervisors/ Supervising Engineers jodhpur, 12th Dec, 2014

IRTSA delegates met 7th Central Pay Commission and presented a strong case on the demands pertaining to Technical Supervisors / Supervising Engineers.

Through an exclusive well organised and impressive Power Point Presentation and an exhaustive inter action with the entire Pannel - including the Chairman and all Members of the Commission.

The team included the following Senior CEC Members of IRTSA:

1. Er.Darshanlal, Working President / IRTSA
2. Er.K.V.Ramesh, Seniorjoint General Secretary/ IRTSA
3. Er.O.N.Purohit, Central Treasurer/ IRTSA
4. Er.M.K.Bhatnagar,Zonal Secretary IRTSA RCF
5. Er.jatana, joint General Secretary/ IRTSA
6. Er.j agatar Singh, joint General Secretary/ IRTSA

1. In his introduction speech Er.Darshanlal, Working President IRTSA thanked 7th CPC for giving the chance for oral evidence and explained about IRTSA & the category. He said that apex category of Technical Supervisors had received raw deal always and their pay scale, promotional avenue are grievously inadequate. Graduate Engineers recruited in the GP of Rs.4600 remains in same Grade Pay without any promotion & 1 Es after getting one promotion to SSE remains in same Grade Pay for many years. He also told that proposal sent by Railway Board to Finance Ministry to upgrade the Grade Pay of SSE has not understood well and returned back. MACPS have not brought expected relief and motivation o the category. Group ‘B' (Gaz) recommended by Pay Commissions were not implemented in Railways. He also told that SSE scale has been downgraded compared to others and there is heretical confusion.

2. Er.K.V.RAMESH, SeniorJGS / IRTSA made a Power Point Presentation on main demands pertaining to Technical Supervisors / Supervising Engineers. (A copy of the PPP is placed on the Website of IRTSA)

Following main points were explained in the PP presentation

1. Direct responsibility shouldered by the category in Production, repair maintenance of rolling stock, locos, P.Way, Bridges, Power distribution, Signal & Telecommunication, machinery plant & equipments, Design Drawing, Chemical & Metallurgical lab, Stores, IT etc were explained.

2. Hierarchy of Technical Supervisors in Indian Railways - Supervision of Five grades of Skilled & semi skilled besides ministerial category including Chief Office Superintendent etc.

3. Determination of new Grade Pay / Pay scale by job Evaluation duly taking into account Duties, responsibilities and accountabilities shouldered by each category / post and Technical categories which shoulder direct responsibilities who should be placed one grade higher than-non technical supporting categories (as prior to 5th CPC).

4. a. Replacement Grade Pay of Rs.4800 to j E and Rs.5400 to SSE.
b. Similarly placed posts of CMA, DMS & j E/ IT should be granted the pay at par with Junior Engineer.
c. Similarly placed posts of CMS, CDMS & SE/ IT should be granted the pay at par with Senior Section Engineer.

5. Disturbance of vertical relativity between JE and Sr.Technician who work under J E in violation of 5th & 6th CPC recommendations were highlighted.

6. Categories which were in the Pay Scale of 425-700 during 3rcl CPC are placed in the GP of Rs.4800] 4600, whereas I E-I who were in the pay scale of Rs.550-750 are placed in the GP of only Rs.4200.

7. Disregard to Duties & Responsibilities shouldered by SSE.

8. Exclusive pay scales (Rs.840-1040 & 840-1200) recommended by 3rd CPC for Technical Supervisors were diluted and many categories who were in two grade below are placed in GP Rs.5400/ 4800 by 6th CPC.

9. Scale of SSE was placed over Group ‘A' & Group 'B" posts previously but now degraded.

10. Un-just multiplication factor adopted by 5th CPC and the disadvantage carried through to 6th CPC.

11. Highest Recruitment Qualification of Gradate in Engineering with one year training and stagnation of Engineering Graduates in recruitment grade for more than 20 years.

12. Discrimination in the Grade Pay of CMA-l which has the element of DR with Gradate in Engineering.

13. Incumbents of SSE, CMS, CDMS & Sr.Er/ IT are stagnated in same grade till 4th CPC.

14. Meager number of Posts in Group A & B vis-a-vis Group C on the Railways as compared to all other Central Government Departments.

15. Promotion chances limited to vacancies arising in 4200 Group ‘B' posts.

16. Non implementation of previous pay commission recommendations DoPT orders on classification of posts as Group-B Gazetted.

17. Posts carrying similar functions have to be given the same classification as per DoPT's submission to 5th CPC.

18. Cadre restructuring didn't bring any relief to senior supervisors (SSE/ CMS/ CDMS).

19. Number of Gazetted posts increased by 36% in other Govt. Departments over last 8 years, but not in Railways.

20. Necessity to have combined cadre structure for Group ‘A', ‘B' & 'C".

21. Requirement of higher number of managerial posts to meet out the increased plan outlay of Railways during 12th plan and to manage huge outsourcing.

22. Anomalies and Improvements required to be done in MAPCS & Time bound promotions to Technical Supervisors/ Supervising Engineers.

23. Allowances pertaining to the category.

INTER-ACTION BY CPC PANEL: Honorable Chairman 7th CPC interacted with IRTSA team to clarify his doubts beside Secretary and other Members who also interacted with IRTSA team. Detais of the Inter-action will follow. [Click here to view Clarifications sought by 7TH CPC during Oral Evidence]

Source: http://www.irtsa.net/pdfdocs/Meeting_7th_CPC_Jodhpur_12-12-2014.pdf