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

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

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Filed Under: GPF, PENSION

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

Introduction of AADHAR enabled bio-metric attendance system.

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Filed Under: AADHAR, BIOMETRIC ATTENDANCE, dopt

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

Purchase of air tickets from authorized travel agents – Reg

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Filed Under: LEAVE TRAVEL CONCESSION, LTC, LTC 80 FARE

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

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

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Filed Under: AIRF, RAILWAY BOARD, RAILWAYS

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
 

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

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Filed Under: cpwd

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

All India Defence employees Federation opposes corporatisation of Ordnance Factories

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Filed Under: AIDEF, OFB, ORDINANCE FACTORY BOARD

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]

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

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Filed Under: india post, POSTAL DEPT, ppf

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

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

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Filed Under: APAR, RAILWAY BOARD, RAILWAY EMPLOYEES, RAILWAYS

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]

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

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Filed Under: LEAVE ENCASHMENT, RAILWAY BOARD, RAILWAY EMPLOYEES, RAILWAYS

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/

Railway union toughened stands on scrapping of NPS and DA Merger

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Filed Under: 50%DA MERGER, DA, DA MERGER, DEARNESS ALLOWANCE, NPS, RAILWAY BOARD, RAILWAY EMPLOYEES

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

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

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Filed Under: AICPIN, DA, DA JAN 2015, DEARNESS ALLOWANCE

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

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

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Filed Under: LEAVE TRAVEL CONCESSION, LTC, LTC 80 FARE

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

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

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Filed Under: 7th CPC, 7th PAY COMMISSION, IRTSA, RAILWAY BOARD, RAILWAYS

ISSUES RAISED BY CHAIRMAN & MEMBERS OF 7TH CPC DURING & AFTER THE PPP IN THE MEETING WITH IRTSA

During the presentation Chairman, Secretary & the Members of 7th CPC had inter-acted with IRTSA delegates and sough clarifications for their doubts.

Presentation made through 46 slides was well received by 7th CPC. We have tried to reproduce it almost in same manner as happened. [click here to view IRTSA delegates met 7th CPC]  There may be some minor deviation in the language, but spirit of discussion has been truly maintained. Presentation and interaction which lasted about an hour was very friendly and Hon’ble 7th CPC heard IRTSA with positive frame of mind and rapt attention.

1. Ques. (by Chairman 7th CPC ) You said that Senior Technicians are taking instructions from JEs, likewise Ch.OS from SSE and you also told that it is Office of Senior Section Engineer which controls all activities and all of them working within that – It appears that there is clear command line available, How it interferes in your Grade Pay?

Ans. i. Principle recommended by 6th CPC, which was also accepted by Govt, that, the senior post should be given with Higher Grade Pay need to be followed duly considering duties, responsibilities, accountabilities, etc.
ii. 5th CPC recommendations & Supreme Court Judgement supports this argument.
iii. Take an example: A senior technician welder working in Bogie Frame manufacturing section is responsible to the extent of welding done by him, where as a Technical Supervisor is responsible for the quality & quantity of output of not only that of welder but for entire section which may contain 20 to 30 Technicians besides others.
iv. More than that man, material, machine, other infrastructure, etc are controlled by Technical Supervisors, which posses’ higher responsibility & accountability than other posts.
v. Similar the case of certification of train, P.Way, Bridge, Power Distribution, Locos, etc.
vi. Categories like Ch.OS don’t have direct responsibility on performance & safety of Railways, whereas JE/SSE and their counterparts (CMT, Store) in all Technical Depts. born direct responsibility in core activities of Railways.

2. Ques. Is all 4 tier of Technicians work under your category in all areas?

Ans. Yes. In all areas 4 tier of Technicians, along with one Group ‘D’ category besides clerk, material / stores clerk, OS, Ch.OS work under our category.

3. Ques. Who writes ACRs for Ch.OS who are working in office of SSE?

Ans. Respective AMWs/AEs/AEEs etc.

4. Ques. Why can’t SSE write ACRs for Ch.OS who are working in their office?

Ans. SSEs who are in the same GP of Rs.4600 cannot write the ACRs for Ch.OS.

5. Ques. Who writes ACRs of Senior Technicians who work under JEs?

Ans. Senior Technicians’ ACR are written by SSEs even though Senior Technicians work under JEs.

6. Ques. What would be the reason for non application of common multiplication factor of 3.25 to SSE (S-13) scale by 5th CPC?

Ans. i. 5th CPC has applied common multiplication factor of 3.25 to all scales except to SSE (S-13) scale.
ii. This had been done merely to accommodate a new scale in Gazd scale (Rs.7500-12000) above S-13.
iii. SSE scale had been kept Rs.50 below than Rs.7500, ie.Rs.7450.

7. Ques. How the disadvantage of non-application 3.25 multiplication factor carried through to 6th CPC?

Ans. i. Initially 5th CPC recommended Rs.7000-11500 to SSE compressing it the newly introduced Gazetted scale.
ii. If 3.25 multiplication factor had been followed by 5th CPC, the scale might have been placed in 8000-12000 during 5th CPC and correspondingly Rs.5400 GP in 6th CPC.
iii. After the implementation of 5th CPC recommendations, based on demand from staff side when Govt. decided to modify the scale of SSE (S-13) instead of placing it in scale 8000-12000, it had been decided to modify minimum of the scale from Rs.7000 to Rs.7450 to keep it below newly created scale of Rs.7500-12000.
iv. Since corresponding increase of Rs.450 had not been done for maximum of scale, Span of the scale has been reduced to 18 years which was 20 years for all other scales.
v. The principle of 6th CPC to calculate the Grade Pay as 40% of maximum of the fifth pay commission scales put SSE scale in further disadvantageous position since maximum of scale was low because of 18 years span & non application of 3.25 multiplication factor.

8. Ques. You said that there were proposals sent to Fin. Ministry from Railway Ministry to upgrade the Grade Pay of SSE from Rs.4600 to Rs.4800 and that have been returned back without throwing proper light into it, can you produce copy of the proposals?

The proposals and communications between both the Ministries were very well available with Railway Board. (Later Secretary Pay Commission confirmed availability of Railway Board proposals sent to Fin. Ministry)

9. Ques. Is there any link available between the cadre of Group ‘C’ and ‘B’?

Ans. No. Promotional avenue from Technical Supervisors in Group ‘C’ to Group ‘B’ is restricted to the vacancies arising from 4200 Group ‘B’ posts, which may be around 0.5%.

10. Ques. As you said, Previous Pay Commissions recommended Group ‘B’ status to your scale DoPT also given their orders, it is only Rly Ministry not followed the classification, is it not Railways to take decision?

Ans. i. It is true that Railways have not implemented the classification of posts recommended by Pay Commissions & DoPT orders.
ii. We bring to your notice, submission made by DoPT before 5th CPC that even though there were some exemptions in following the classification rules, but the effort was to ensure that posts carrying similar functions were given the same classification.
iii. Similarly placed posts in departments like CPWD, Ordinance Factory, MES, Department of Telecom etc are all classified as Group ‘B’ Gazetted.
iv. State Governments which are following central pay commission pattern have also followed DoPT orders in classification of posts.
v. Railway Board also agreed on the need to increase the managerial posts (from the pool of senior supervisor) on functional justification, but didn’t implement.
vi. Hon’ble 7th CPC is requested to give specific instruction for Railways not to deviate from classification rules recommended for all Government Departments.

11. Ques. What are all the reasons for lack of promotion to your category?
Ans .i. Recruitment happens in the apex scale of Group ‘C’ in the Grade Pay of Rs.4600 with Graduate in Engineering qualification and Railways is the only dept which recruit Engineering Graduates in Group ‘C’.
ii. Available Group ‘B’ posts are very meagre to the extent of 4200 only.
iii. For example in Mechanical department of Integral Coach Factory sanctioned cadre strength of Group ‘B’ is only 16. Cadre strength of Technical Supervisors including Design in Mechanical Department (JE & SSE) is 1200.There are roughly 60 Engineering Graduate entrants are available many of them completed 20 years of service. There is no enough opportunity available because of meagre Group ‘B’.
iv. Confining Cadre Restructure within each Group.
v. Combined cadre structure for Group ‘A’, ‘B’ & ‘C’ is not available in Railways.
vi. Apex scale of SSE never received the benefit of CRC.
vii. Upgradation from Group ‘D’ to Group ‘C’ and Group ‘B’ to Group ‘A’ is being done in Railways, but no upgradation done from Group ‘C’ to Group ‘B’.
viii. Ratio of Group A & B Gazetted officers viz-a-viz Group C are the lowest on the Railways as compared to all other Departments.
ix. During previous 8 years number of Group-B employees in Central Govt Departments have increased by
36% even though employee strength reduced by 25%, But Railways never increased Group ‘B’ posts.
x. Gazetted posts were not increased in tune with increase of Railways performance including financial performance. Railways outlay was increased from Rs.60,600 crores during 10th plan to Rs.5.5 lakh crore during 12th plan Railways. Many of increased activities / work load are being managed by outsourcing, since there is negative growth in staff strength.

Source: http://www.irtsa.net/pdfdocs/Issues_raised_by_7th_CPC_during_their_meeting_with_IRTSA.pdf

ISSUES RAISED BY CHAIRMAN & MEMBERS OF 7TH CPC DURING & AFTER THE PPP IN THE MEETING WITH IRTSA

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Filed Under: 7th CPC, 7th PAY COMMISSION, IRTSA, RAILWAYS

Provision of cooking facilities for employees sent on duty at outstations-RAILWAY BOARD

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(RAILWAY BOARD)

PNM/AIRF item

No. 2013/LMB-I/20/11 

New Delhi, dt. 22.12.2014

The General Managers,
All Indian Railways,
(except Southern, South Eastern, North Western
and South East Central Railways

Sub. : Provision of cooking facilities for employees sent on duty at outstations - PNM item No. 37/92, 51/2001 & 21/2013.

Instructions were issued Vide Railway Board’s letters No. 92/LMB/3/43 dt. 20.4.1993 and 2001/LMB/3/35 dated 17.9.2002 (copies enclosed) regarding cooking facilities for employees at out stations.

2. Further, in terms of Board’s letter of even number dated 27.12.2013 these instructions were reiterated for proper implementation on Railways. It was also advised to review the existing cooking facilities, wherever provided, to establish need for further augmentation of facilities, if required. Zonal Railways were further advised to submit implementation report. Your Railway’s implementation report has not yet been received so far.

3. This may please be expedited.

sd/-

(Ramesh Kumar)

Director(Land & Amenities)

Railway Board.

Source: http://www.airfindia.com/Orders%202014/Provision%20of%20cooking%20facilities.pdf

Provision of cooking facilities for employees sent on duty at outstations-RAILWAY BOARD

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Filed Under: RAILWAY BOARD, RAILWAY EMPLOYEES, RAILWAYS

Grant of Savings Bank allowance to Postal Assistants working in Savings Bank/Certificate Branches

SB ORDER No.13/2014

FA No. 113-07/2010-SB

Government of India

Ministry of Communications & IT

Department of Posts

(F. S. Division)

Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg,

New Delhi - 110001

Dated: 24.12.2014

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

Subject : Grant of Savings Bank allowance to Postal Assistants working in Savings Bank/Certificate Branches - clarification reg.
Sir/ Madam,

It has come to notice of this office that some Circles are giving SB allowance to those who have completed one year service and are working in SB / SC branch after qualifying the SB Aptitude Test and some Circles are interpreting it as if the eligibility to appear in the Aptitude Test is completion of one year service but the eligibility for getting SB Allowance is completion of five years service even if the Aptitude Test has been qualified after completion of one year of service and the official is working in the SB / SC Branch.

2 To clear the confusion of circles, the grant of SB allowance at prevailing rates approved by Ministry of Finance, Department of Economic Affairs, to those officials who have passed SB aptitude test after issue of SB Order dated 23.08.2011 with one year service condition and their services are utilized in SB/SC branch of Post Offices has been allowed.

This issues with the concurrence of JS & FA and with the approval of Secretary (Posts).

Yours faithfully,

sd/-

(K. Ramalingaiah)

Assistant Director (SB-I)

Source:http://www.indiapost.gov.in/DOP/Pdf%5CCirculars%5CSB_Order_13_1775_31122014_Pub-Upload.PDF

Grant of Savings Bank allowance to Postal Assistants working in Savings Bank/Certificate Branches

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Filed Under: india post, post offices, POSTAL DEPT