Central Government extends UPS Option Cut-off Date to September 2025

June 24, 2025

Central Government extends UPS Option Cut-off Date to September 2025

The Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) for eligible Central Government employees was notified by the Ministry of Finance, Government of India, vide Notification No. F. No. FX-1/3/2024-PR dated 24^th January 2025.

To operationalise this framework, the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) notified the PFRDA (Operationalisation of the Unified Pension Scheme under NPS) Regulations, 2025 on 19^th March 2025.

As per the regulations, eligible existing employees, past retirees, and the legally wedded spouses of deceased past retirees were given a period of three months i.e., upto 30^th June 2025 to exercise their option under the scheme.

In view of the representations received from various stakeholders requesting an extension of the cut-off date, the Government of India has decided to extend the cut-off date for exercising the option for UPS by three months i.e., upto 30^th September 2025 for eligible existing employees, past retirees, and the legally wedded spouses of deceased past retirees.

PIB

Options to avail benefits under OPS on Death or Invalidation/Disability for Central Government Servants Covered under UPS: DOPPW

igeadmin

June 22, 2025

Options to avail benefits under OPS on Death or Invalidation/Disability for Central Government Servants Covered under UPS: DOPPW

No.57/01/2025-P&PW(B)/UPS/10498
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, P.G.and Pensions
Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare

Lok Nayak Bhawan, Khan Market,
New Delhi, the 18 June, 2025

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Options to avail benefits under old pension scheme on death of Government servant during service or his discharge from Government service on account of invalidation or disability for Central Government servants covered under Unified Pension Scheme – reg.

The undersigned is directed to refer to the Ministry of Finance, Department of Financial Service’s Notification No.FS-1/3/2023-PR dated 24.01.2025 regarding introduction of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) as an option under NPS for the recruits to the Central Government civil service w.e.f.01.04.2025 giving one time option to the Central Government employees covered under the National Pension System (NPS) for inclusion under the UPS

2. The Department of Pension and Pensioner’ Welfare had notified the CCS (Implementation of National Pension System) Rules, 2021 to regulate service related matters of Central Government employees covered under NPS. Rule 10 of these rules provides for the option to be exercised by every Central Government employee covered under NPS for availing benefits under NPS or Old Pension Scheme (OPS) in the event of death of Government servant during service or his discharge on the ground of invalidation or disablement.

3. UPS has been notified as an option under the NPS. Therefore, it has been decided that the Central Government civil employees who opt for UPS under NPS shall also be eligible for option for availing benefits under UPS or the CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021 or the CSS (Extraordinary Pension) Rules, 2023 in the event of death of the Government servant during service or his discharge on the ground of invalidation or disablement.

4. Every Central Government servant covered who opts for Unified Pension Scheme under the National Pension System shall, at the time of joining Government service, exercise an option in Form 1 for availing benefits under the UPS or under the CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021 or the CCS (Extraordinary Pension) Rules, 2023 in the event of his/her death or boarding out on account of disablement or retirement on invalidation. Existing Government servants, who have opted for the Unified Pension Scheme under the National Pension System, shall also exercise such option as soon as possible after the notification of these clarifications.

5. The option shall be exercised to the Head of Office who will accept the same after verifying all the facts submitted therein and place it in the service book. A copy of the option shall be forwarded by the Head of Office to the Central Recordkeeping Agency through the Drawing and Disbursing Officer and the Pay and Accounts Officer for their record. The Pay and Accounts Officer shall also make suitable entry in the online system indicating the details regarding the option exercised by the Government servant.

6. Every Government servant shall, along with the option in Form 1, also submit details of family in Form 2 to the Head of Office. The Head of Office shall, on receipt of the Form 2, acknowledge receipt of the Form 2 and all further communications received from the Government servant 1n this behalf, countersign it indicating the date of receipt and get it pasted on the service book of the Government servant concerned. The Head of Office on receipt of communication from the Government servant regarding any change in the size of family shall also incorporate such a change in Form 2.

7. The option exercised may be revised at any number of times by the Government servant before his retirement by making a fresh option intimating his revised option to the Head of Office. On receipt of the revised option, the Head of Office and the Pay and Accounts Officer shall take further action as mentioned above.

8. A Government servant who 1s discharged on invalidation or disability shall be given an opportunity to submit a fresh option at the time of such discharge. Where such Government servant does not exercise a fresh option or 1s not 1n a position to exercise fresh option at the time of discharge, the option already exercised by the Government servant shall become operative. Where no option was exercised by the Government servant and the Government servant is not 1n a position to exercise an option at the time of discharge, his case will be regulated in accordance with para 11 below.

9. In the case of death of a Government servant while in service, the last option exercised by the deceased Government servant before his death shall be treated as final and the family shall have no right to revise the option.

10. Where a Government servant who did not exercise an option and dies before completion of service of fifteen years, his family will be granted family pension in accordance with the provisions of the CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021 or the CCS (Extraordinary Pension) Rules, 2023, as the case may be, as a default option.

11. Where a Government servant is discharged from Government service on account of invalidation or disability before completion of service of fifteen years without exercising an option, and is also not in a position to exercise an option at the time of discharge, he will be granted invalid pension or disability pension in accordance with the provisions of the CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021 or the CCS (Extraordinary Pension) Rules, 2023 as the case may be, as default option;

12. In all other cases, where no option was exercised by the Government servant, the claim of the Government servant on discharge from the service and that of the family on death of the Government servant, shall be regulated in accordance with the regulations to be framed in this regard.

13. In cases where the option exercised by the deceased Subscriber or the default option for benefit under the CCS (Pension) Rules or the CCS (Extraordinary Pension) Rules becomes infructuous on account of non-availability of an eligible member of the family for grant of family pension under the CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021 or the CCS (Extraordinary Pension) Rules, 2023 such option would be deemed to have become invalid and the benefits admissible under the Unified Pension Scheme shall be granted in accordance with the regulations to be framed in this regard.

14. A Government servant, who had exercised option or in whose case the default option is for availing benefits under the CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021 or CCS (Extraordinary Pension) Rules, 2023 on death of Government servant during service or his discharge from service on account of invalidation or disablement, as the case may be, further action will be taken by the Head of Office for disbursement of benefits 1n accordance with the provisions of the CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021.Where the death or disablement of the Government servant 1s attributable to Government service, further action will be taken by the Head of Office for disbursement of benefits in accordance with the CCS (Extraordinary Pension) Rules, 2023 subject to fulfillment of all the conditions for grant of benefits under those rules.

15. If on death of the Government servant during service or his discharge from service on account of invalidation or disablement, benefits are payable under the CCS (Extraordinary Pension) Rules, 2023 or the CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021, the Government contribution and returns thereon in the accumulated pension corpus of the Government servant shall be transferred to Government account.The remaining accumulated pension corpus shall be paid in lump sum in accordance with the regulations to be framed in this regard.

16. In the case of death of a Government servant during service or his discharge from service on account of invalidation or disablement, who had exercised option or in whose case the default option is for availing benefits under the UPS, such benefits may be granted in accordance with the regulations to be framed in this regard.

17.Copy of Form 1 and Form 2 are also enclosed.

18. This issues in consultation with of Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure vide ID Note No.1(18)/EV/2024 ( part 2) dated 16.06.2025.

19. In so far as the persons serving in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department are concerned, these orders are issued in consultation with Comptroller and Auditor General of India, as mandated under Article 148(5) of the Constitution of India.

(Dhrubajyoti Sengupta)
Joint Secretary to the Government of India

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Extension of benefits of Retirement Gratuity and Death Gratuity to the Central Govt employees covered by UPS: DOPPW O.M

igeadmin

June 19, 2025

Extension of benefits of Retirement Gratuity and Death Gratuity to the Central Govt employees covered by UPS: DOPPW O.M

No. 57/01/2025-P&PW(B)/UP S/10498
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, P.G. and Pensions
Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare

Lok Nayak Bhawan, Khan Market,
New Delhi, the 18th June, 2025

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Extension of benefits of ‘Retirement Gratuity and Death Gratuity’ to the Central Government employees covered by Unified Pension Scheme – reg.

The undersigned is directed to refer to the Ministry of Finance, Department of Financial Service’s Notification No. FS-I/3/2023-PR dated 24.01.2025 regarding introduction of the Unified Pension Scheme as an option under NPS for the recruits to the Central Government civil service w.e.f. 01.04.2025 giving one time option to the Central Government employees covered under the National Pension System (NPS) for inclusion under the Unified Pension Scheme.

2. Accordingly, it is clarified that the Central Government employees covered by Unified Pension Scheme shall be eligible for benefit of ‘Retirement gratuity and Death gratuity’ under the provisions of the Central Civil Service (Payment of Gratuity under National Pension System ) Rules, 2021.

3. This issues in consultation with of Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure vide ID Note No. 1(18)/EV/2024 dated 03.06.2025.

4. In so far as the persons serving in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department are concerned, these orders are issued in consultation with Comptroller and Auditor General of India, as mandated under Article 148(5) of the Constitution of India.

(Dhrubajyoti Sengupta)
Joint Secretary to the Government of India

To,

All Central Govt. Ministries / Departments.
Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, North Block, New Delhi.
C&AG, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi.
Ministry of Railways, Railway Board, for information, New Delhi.
Department of Personnel and Training, North Block, New Delhi.
Department of Financial Services, Jeevan Deep Building, Parliament Street, New Delhi.
Office of Controller General of Accounts, Mahalekha Niyantrak Bhawan, New
NIC for uploading on Department’s website.

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Bharat Pensioners Samaj Urges Finance Minister to expedite 8th Central Pay Commission Formation

igeadmin

June 12, 2025

Bharat Pensioners Samaj Urges Finance Minister to expedite 8th Central Pay Commission Formation

BHARAT PENSIONERS’ SAMAJ
(AIL India Federation of Pensioners Associations)

No BPS/SG/CPC/025/04

Date: 01.06.025

To,

The Hon’ble Finance Minister,
Ministry of Finance,
Government of India

The Secretary,
Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT),
Government of India,

Subject: Urgent Request for Expediting Terms of Reference and Appointment of Chairman and Members of the 8th Central Pay Commission

Respected Madam,

We, on behalf of the Bharat Pensioners Samaj (BPS), one of the oldest and largest federations representing pensioners and senior citizens across the country, wish to express our gratitude for the Government’s decision in January 2025 to accept the long-standing demand for the constitution of the 8th Central Pay Commission.

However, the lack of further progress — notably the non-finalization of the Terms of Reference and the absence of announcements regarding the Chairman and Members of the Commission has led to growing unease.

The prolonged delay is fueling rumors, speculations, and misunderstandings, causing anxiety and uncertainty among government pensioners. Unverified information circulating on various media and social platforms is creating confusion and adversely affecting morale.

Given the criticality of the situation, we humbly request your good offices to kindly expedite the necessary steps for:

Early finalization of the Terms of Reference (ToR),
Prompt appointment of the Chairman and Members of the 8th CPC, and
Ensuring representation of pensioners in the Commission.

Clear and timely communication will not only dispel rumors and reassure stakeholders but will also facilitate the smooth and effective functioning of the Commission to deliver its recommendations on schedule.

We trust our earnest appeal will receive your kind consideration and prompt action.

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely,

S.C. Maheshwari
Secretary General
Bharat Pensioners Samaj (BPS)

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Provision of one-time relaxation for processing Married Daughter cases in manual mode: GDS

igeadmin

June 7, 2025

Provision of one-time relaxation for processing Married Daughter cases in manual mode

No.17-01/2017-GDS
Government of India
Ministry of Communications
Department of Posts
(GDS Section)

To,
All The Chief Postmasters General.

Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg,
New Delhi-110 001
Dated: 05-Jun-2025

Subject: Provision of one-time relaxation for processing Married Daughter cases in manual mode, which were registered before the introduction of the said provision dated 27.06.2024 in the Compassionate Engagement Scheme, 2023.

Sir/ Madam,

I am directed to refer to the Scheme of Compassionate Engagement for dependents of the deceased GDS issued vide this office OM of even number dated 14.06.2023, along with the Addendum dated 27.06.2024 and clarification dated 01.07.2024, issued under the Scheme of Compassionate Engagement of GDS, 2023.

2. This office is in receipt of representations from some Circles as well as the GDS Union, highlighting the difficulties being faced in processing cases of ‘married daughters’ of the deceased GDS registered in the Portal seeking compassionate engagement, during the period from 11.12.2023 (the date of launch of the online portal) to prior to the issuance of the ‘Married Daughter’ provision dated 27.06.2024.

3. In view of the difficulties being experienced by the Circles, it has been decided that cases falling within the period mentioned above, may be processed in offline/manual mode.

4. Wherever such cases have already been registered in the portal and further processing is not feasible due to system limitations, the concerned Circles, in consultation with DEPT, may update the status of these cases in the CCE Portal as “Processed Manually”.

This issues with the approval of the competent authority.

Yours faithfully,
Digitally signed by
Anand Singh
Assistant Director (GDS)

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13th Pension Adalat: Addressing 417 Family Pension Grievances Across 19 Departments in New Delhi

igeadmin

June 7, 2025

13th Pension Adalat: Addressing 417 Family Pension Grievances Across 19 Departments in New Delhi

Success stories of the 415 long pending family pension grievances taken up for redressal

Committed to ensure faster resolution of grievances and enhance dignity and financial security for the Family Pensioners\

Launching the 13th Pension Adalat at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on 04.06.2025, Dr. Jitendra Singh lauded the initiative of conducting the Pension Adalats for its ‘whole of government approach’ by bringing together all the concerned departments on one platform for expeditious and effective resolution of grievances. He highlighted that the initiative has not only expedited grievance redressal but also reinforced the government’s commitment to pensioners as active contributors to society.

415 grievances related to family pension matters pertaining to 19 Departments/Ministries belonging to the Departments under Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs, Finance, Commerce, CAG, Railways, Housing & Urban Affairs, Civil Aviation, External Affairs etc. were taken up in the Adalat for redressal out of which 325 grievances were resolved on the spot underscoring the efficiency of this initiative in delivering timely justice to pensioners.

Also Read: DOPPW conducting 13th Pension Adalat for Family Pension on 4th June 2025

There were many heart-warming success stories which came out of the Adalat held on 04.06.2025. Excerpts of the cases are mentioned below to appreciate the struggles experienced by the Pensioners and how the mechanism of Pension Adalat enabled them to get their long-pending rightful dues.

Smt Bhanwar Kanwar

Smt Bhanwar Kanwar who belongs to Rajasthan was widow of Naik Bajrang Singh. She was entitled for family pension arrears from July 2014 to August 2024 with a delay of almost 10 years. Rs. 2,49,964/- was already paid to her but a balance amount of ₹1,29,088/- was pending. It was assured by the officers of CGDA and PCDA present in the Adalat that after reconciliation, the balance payment will be paid by 10.06.2025.

Smt Geeta Devi

Smt Geeta Devi’s husband had expired while performing military duties on 11.06.2019 and she was not granted ex- gratia lump sum amount till date. She belongs to Delhi. It was apprised by the CGDA and PCDA officers present in the Adalat that the documents have been processed for release of ex gratia lump sum amount and as per the latest SPARSH data, Ex-gratia has been granted and notified vide Corr PPO no. 7 dated 14.05.2025 and arrears amounting Rs.25,00,000/- will be paid within a week.

Smt Yashoda Devi

Smt Yashoda Devi is a resident of Uttar Pradesh. Her case was that of non-payment of arrears of pension/ family pension and other retirement benefits. She was facing a lot of financial difficulties. It was informed in the Adalat by PCDA and CGDA officers present that her case has been resolved and arrears amounting to Rs.9,77,742/- have been paid on 16-May-2025.

Smt Sadhna Devi

Smt Sadhna Devi, resident of Uttar Pradesh, was wife of late CT/GD Kamlesh Bharti. She had not been receiving the entitled Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) of ₹1000 per month for the last 16 years. Despite multiple letters since 2022 to various administrative authorities, no sanction or payment of the medical allowance or arrears was received. She was facing financial hardship in supporting four children. The officers from CRPF HQ apprised the Adalat that Rs. 1,29,622/- in respect of FMA for the period 2009-2025 has now been paid to her account.

Smt Rajmati

Case of Smt. Rajmati who belongs to Uttar Pradesh was that she was entitled for payment of arrears dated 01/07/2019 to 30/06/2024on account of OROP II. Despite sending all the relevant documents, there was considerable delay in processing of the payment. The officers of CGDA and PCDA apprised the Adalat that her case has been resolved and arrears of Rs. 4,80,780/- has been paid on 16.05.2025.

Minutes of the 63rd Meeting of Standing Committee of NCJCM held on 23.04.2025 under the Chairpersonship of Secretary

igeadmin

June 7, 2025

Minutes of the 63rd Meeting of Standing Committee of NCJCM held on 23.04.2025 under the Chairpersonship of Secretary

No.3/7/2024- JCА
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training
Pers. Policy (JCA) Section

North Block, New Delhi
Dated the 20th May, 2025

Shri Shiva Gopal Mishra
Secretary, Staff-Side
National Council, JCM
13-C, Ferozshah Road, New Delhi-110001

Subject: Minutes of the 63rd Meeting of Standing Committee of National Council (JCM) held on 23.04.2025 under the Chairpersonship of Secretary (P).

Sir,

I am directed to send herewith a copy of minutes of the 63rd meeting of the Standing Committee of National Council (JCM) held on 23.04.2025 at CSOI, KG Marg, New Delhi under the Chairpersonship of Secretary (P) for information.

(PARVEEN JARGAR)
उप सचिव/Deputy Secretary

MINUTES OF THE 63RD MEETING OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF NATIONAL COUNCIL (JCM) HELD ON 23.04.2025 AT 3:00 PM AT CSOI, KG MARG, NEW DELHI.

The 63r Meeting of the Standing Committee of National Council (JCM) was held on 23d April, 2025 at 3:00 pm at CSOI, KG Marg, New Delhi, under the chairpersonship of Secretary (P). List of participants is at Annexure- 1.

2.At the outset, Additional Secretary (PP) welcomed the Chairperson, Leader (Staff Side), Secretary (Staff Side), Members of the Staff Side and representatives of Ministries and Departments. The Chairperson also welcomed the participants to the meeting. in her opening remarks, Secretary (P) mentioned that it was her first opportunity to chair the meeting of the Standing Committee as Secretary, Department of Personnel and Training. She underscored the significance of the Joint Consultative Machinery (JCM) platform in addressing service matters related to Central Government employees. The Chair acknowledged the active participation and meaningful contributions made by the Staff Side in raising issues of concern. She stated that the feedback and inputs provided by the Staff Side were instrumental in identifying areas that require policy intervention and administrative improvements.

3.Opening speeches were made by Shri Shiva Gopal Mishra, Secretary, Staff Side, and Shri M. Raghavaih, Leader of Staff Side. The key points raised by them are given in Annexure-ll.

4.The agenda items were discussed and decisions were taken as under:-

(i) Item No. 3/SC/63/25 – Harassment being faced by the retired Employees since the money they deposited through bharatkosh.gov.in for CGHS Card not deposited in the CGHS Account due to various technical reasons in the online payment system. (Ministry of Health & Family Welfare)

Staff Side stated that in many cases the money deposited by retired employees through bharatkosh.gov.in for CGHS card was not reflecting in the CGHS Account due to various technical reasons in the online payment system. The representative of Department of Health & Family Welfare informed that CGHS is currently in the process of integrating the Payment gateway (Bharatkosh) as part of the CGHS Card Application itself in coordination with O/o CGA. The said mechanism intends to automate the process and completely avoid errors during the payment of CGHS Subscription.

For past cases, it was decided that a list of specific cases where amount has been deducted but not reflected in CGHS Account would be given by Staff Side to M/o H&FW for their quick resolution and M/o H&FW may circulate the name and contact details of the nodal officer for disposal of such past cases.

(PARVEEN JARGAR)
उप सचिव/Deputy Secretary

(ii) Item No. 16/SC/63/25 – NPS Pensioners to be allowed in CGHS and FMА benefit (Ministry of Health & Family Welfare) On the demand that NPS Pensioners who joined on compassionate ground and retired with less than 10 years’ service may also be allowed to join CGHS, it was decided that Staff Side may give a fresh proposal in this regard for consideration of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

(iii) Item No. 4/SC/63/25 – Revision of the Central Government Employees Group Insurance Scheme as proposed by the Staff Side (Department of Expenditure) On the demand of revision of the Central Government Employees Group Insurance Scheme it was decided that a copy of the revised proposal of Department of Expenditure may be provided to Staff Side for their comments.

(iv) Item No. 6/SC/63/25 – Request for issuing clarification regarding date next increment after effecting re-fixation of pay under Stepping up of pay of senior employee at par with Junior Employee. (Department of Expenditure &DOPT) of It was decided that clarification with illustrative cases would be prepared in the form of FAQ and uploaded on the website by DОРТ.

(v) Item No. 7/SC/63/25 – Stepping up of pay of Seniors promoted prior to 31.12.2015 getting lesser Basic Pay than the Juniors promoted after 01.01.2016. (Department of Expenditure) On the demand of stepping up of pay of Seniors promoted prior to 31.12.2015 getting lesser Basic Pay than the Juniors promoted after 01.01.2016, DoE informed that they are allowing stepping up request on case-to-case basis. It was decided that cases if any may be referred by Staff Side to DoE.

(vi) Item No. 17/SC/63/25 – Constitution of 8th Central Pay Commission. (Department of Expenditure)

It was noted that the Government has announced to constitute the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC). The Staff Side stated that the orders on the constitution of 8th CPC and To Rs are awaited.

(vii) Item No. 8/SC/63/25 – Not allowing the benefit of favourable Service Litigation judgments to the similarly placed employees, even if passed by the

Apex Court. (Department of Expenditure, DoPT) It was explained that the Govt. in principle agrees with extension of relief given by Courts to the similarly placed employees, where the judgment is in consonance with the Govt. rules and policies. However, the matter needs to be examine8० र case basis, taking into account various factors like financial and administrative implications, impact on the concerned services for which consultation with nodal Ministries and Departments is taken and decision is taken suitably. Further, National Litigation Policy has been put in place to minimise the litigation.

(viii) Item No. 13/SC/63/25 – Enhancement of House Building Advance from 25 Lakhs to 50 Lakhs and grant second House Building Advance for extension or repairing of house. (Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs) It was informed by Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs that enhancement of HBA from 25 Lakh would be considered in consultation with Dept. of Exp. after receipt of recommendations of the 8th CPC.

(ix) Item No. 14/SC/63/25 – Option for submission of pensioners’ death certificate of defence pensioners to sparsh through pension disbursing banks. (Department of Defence) It was informed by Department of Defence that the facility to upload death certificate is already available at SPARSH Portal. Further, a Death certificate can be uploaded on SPARSH through SPARSH Service Centres which include 14 banks, Common Service Centres and around 500 offices of DAD. In case of mismatch in name in PPO and death certificate, the HoD is authorized to certify the genuineness of the records, who takes due precautions to avoid any fraudulent claims. It was decided that a FAQ may be prepared by Department of Defence and uploaded on their website.

(x) Item No. 18/SC/63/25- Revision of Pension for BSNL Pensioners (Department of Telecommunication)

On the insistence of the Staff Side that the Department of Telecom may reconsider the matter since the affected persons are pensioners in the age group of 70 plus and 80 plus etc., Department of Telecommunication explained that at present the matter is sub-judice. It was decided to wait for the outcome of the case.

(xi) Item No. 5/SC/63/25 – Encashment of Earned Leave to reemployed Ex-servicemen while on retirement from reemployed service. (Department of Personnel and Training) It was decided to examine the proposal in consultation with Department of Ex-servicemen Welfare and Department of Expenditure.

(xii) Item No. 9/SC/63/25 – Determination of minimum qualifying service for promotion to different non-gazetted grades (Department of Personnel and Training) It was decided that Staff Side would submit their suggestions/proposal for consideration of the Govt.

(xiii) Item No. 10/SC/63/25 – Relaxation in the eligibility service- change in the crucial date i.e. from 1st April to1st January. (Department of Personnel and Training) It was stated by the Staff Side that Department of Post has given relaxation for the vacancy year 2019 and 2020. The Staff side demanded for issuing necessary approval after examining the proposal of CBDT. It was decided to examine the matter relating to CBDT case for relaxation not agreed in past.

(xiv) Item No. 11/SC/63/25 – The clause 5.2 of the Circular issued regarding Leave by the DoPT may be modified and make it applicable to other Festivals also. (Department of Personnel and Training) Staff Side demanded that there should be a provision for change in the dates of non-Muslim Festivals. It was noted that the Central Government Employees Welfare Coordination Committees at the State Capitals are authorised to change the date of holiday in respect of Islamic festivals based on confirmation of dates by the religious bodies namely Ruyat-e-Hilal (the moon sighting) Committees. It was noted that frequent changes in the dates of holidays are not advisable as this causes significant inconvenience and disruption.

(xv) Item No. 12/SC/63/25 – Regional Recruitment of Non-Gazetted Staffs (Department of Personnel and Training) It was noted in that regional recruitment was done away with by SSC since 2007 view of the Supreme Court decision. The Committee took note of necessity of the demand and it was decided that a discussion between SSC and RRB and Staff Side would be arranged to discuss the issue. For this purpose, Staff Side would nominate 2-3 members.

(xvi) Item No. 15/SC/63/25 – Amendment in the DOP&T Instructions regarding implementation OF Aadhar Enable Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS) for attendance of all Government Employees by various Ministries / Departments / Organizations (MDOs)(Department of Personnel and Training) AEBAS has been implemented to impress punctuality in government offices and instructions/reminders are issued from time to time to ensure effective implementation of AEBAS.

(xvii) Item No. 19/SC/63/25 -Facilities for the Staff Side Members of the National Council JCM and Departmental Council JCM. (Department of Personnel and Training) At present Staff Side Members of National Council are eligible for TA/DA as admissible to officers in Pay Level 12 and 13 for official meetings. There is no provision for facilitating non official visits.

(xviii) Item No. 3/19/SC -Maximum coverage under the deposit linked insurance scheme (insurance scheme for central government employees) may be increased from Rs. 60,000/- to Rs. 6.00 lakh. (Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare) It was informed that DoPPW has referred to DoE the proposal for enhancement of insurance coverage from Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 3.5 lakh. The matter is under examination in DoE. It was decided that Staff Side will give its comments in the matter.

(xix) Item No. 6/SC/22 -Restoration of Commuted Portion of Pension after 12 Years (Department of Expenditure & Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare) It was noted that the pensionary benefits had been generally included in the Terms of Reference (ToR) of previous Pay Commissions. It has now been decided by the Government to constitute the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC). However, the Staff Side insisted that since this matter was already under consideration of DoE for quite some time and broad consensus in the matter had emerged, this matter may be taken up separately instead of being referred to the 8th CPC. It was decided to review the demand of Staff Side by Department of Expenditure.

(xx) Item No. 8/SC/62/23 – The Staff Side demand to reconsider the proposal for option to switch over to the 7th CPC Pay Scale at least for a period of one year i.e. 25.07.2017, not yet considered. (Department of Expenditure) The Staff Side demanded for reconsideration of the proposal for option to switch over to the 7th CPC Pay Scale at least for a period of one year i.e., 25.07.2017. Staff Side also stated that in the earlier meetings, the Special Secretary, MOF (DOE) had agreed to consider on case-to-case basis. It was decided that Department of Expenditure would look into the matter.

(xxi) Item No. 21/21/SC – Grant of Risk Allowance to Central Government Employees including Defence Civilian Employees and Railway employees w.e.f. 01.07.2017 and inclusion of new hazardous activities in the list of grant of Risk Allowance. (Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Defence & Department of Expenditure) On the demand of grant of Risk & Hardship Allowance to Defence Civilian Employees and Railway employees, it was decided that M/o Railways may refer the matter to D/o Expenditure for its reconsideration. Further, Department of Defence would expedite the matter relating to identification of additional posts, which may fall into Hazardous category.

(xxii) Item No. 13/SC/62/23 – To retain the status of the employees of Ordnance Factories who are on deemed deputation in the 7 Ordnance Factory Corporations as Central Government Employees / Defence Civilian Employees till their retirement and other issues including Compassionate Appointment (faced by the employees of Ordnance Factories – So far, no meeting with the Staff Side has taken place as decided in the meeting. (Department of Defence Production) DDG, D/o Defence Production explained that the empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) has further decided to extend the period of deemed deputation of all the employees of erstwhile OFB up to 31st December, 2025 on same terms and conditions as issued earlier vide DDP OM dated 24.09.2021. On the issue related to compassionate appointment, it was informed that the compassionate appointment policy is under examination in D/o Ordnance (C&S), Kolkata. The Staff Side demanded to expedite decision on compassionate appointment.

(xxiii) Item No. 9/SC/22 – Grant of one notional increment for those who retired\on superannuation on 30th June. (Department of Personnel and Training) It was noted that DoPT had issued orders in this regard and the demand was fulfilled.

(xxiv) Item No. 3/SC/62/23 – The request of the Staff Side that DoP&T may issue a clarification that service associations under CCS(RSA) Rule, 1993 and Employees Cooperative Societies / Banks which are covered under the Central Cooperative Societies Act and the respective State Government Cooperative Societies Act are out of the purview of Rule 15(1) of the CCS(Conduct) Rules, 1964. It was decided that the matter will be examined by the Department of Personnel & Training – So far, no instructions is issued by the DoP&T in this regard. (Department of Personnel and Training) The demand for issuing a clarification that service associations under CCS (RSA) Rule, 1993 and Employees Cooperative Societies / Banks covered under the Central Cooperative Societies Act and the respective State Government Cooperative Societies Act are out of the purview of Rule 15(1) of the CCS(Conduct) Rules, 1964 was discussed. It was requested by the Staff side to issue necessary clarifications in this regard as early as possible. It was decided that the matter will be examined by the Department of Personnel & Training in the light of recent judgement of the Hon’ble Bombay High Court.

(xxv) Item No. 9/SC/62/23 – So far no Government orders issued for a one time relaxation for employees who availed LTC-80 to Andaman & Nicobar Island by purchasing Air Tickets from Agents other than authorized Agents. It was decided that the proposal will be reconsidered by Department of Personnel & Training. – It is demanded that necessary orders may please be issued at the earliest. (Department of Personnel and Training) The Staff Side insisted that since one time relaxation has been given for purchasing Air Tickets for availing LTC-80 to the employees who travelled to J&K and NER, the same benefit to the employ yees who availed LTC-80 for travelling to A&N Islands by purchasing Air Ticket from other than authorized agents may also be given These employees have actually travelled to A&N Islands, the only dispute is with regard to the Fare and the Ticket purchased from other than authorized agents. In such cases the actual LTC-80 Fare on the day of Travelling may be paid to them and remaining amount if any may be recovered from them as was done in the case of J&K and NER. It was informed that matter was reconsidered but not agreed to. Settlement of issues other than agenda points raised in meeting of 20.09.2023 & 15.12.2023

(xxvi) Item No. 2.0 – Anomalies and implementation of DOP&PW OM dated 03.03.2023 – the decision taken in the meeting 15.12.2023 that DOP&PW will hold a meeting with the Staff Side to resolve the issues represented by the Staff Side. (Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare) It was decided that DoP&PW may further have a meeting with the Staff Side on the issue.

(xxvii) Item No. 2.2- The issue of recoveries from retirement benefits of retiring Government Servants. Staff Side urged to issue clear instructions to Ministries /Departments to prevent such recoveries. (Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare) On the issue of recoveries from retirement benefits of retiring Government Servants, Staff Side urged to issue clear instructions to Ministries / Departments to prevent such recoveries. Director (DoP&PW) informed that instructions in this regard have been issued vide OM No. dated 18.10.2024. It was decided that DoP&PW will issue FAQs in the matter.

(xxviii) Item No. 2.3 – The issue of Old Pension Scheme to Central Government Employees recruited after January 1, 2004, against vacancies prior to that date may be examined. (Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare) It was decided that Ministry of Railways and DoP&PW may look into the matter and resolve as per discussions held with Ministry of Railway and DoP&PW.

(xxix) Item No. 2.6 – Payment of 18 months of DA / DR arrears to Government Employees which were frozen during the Covid-19 pandemic period. (Department of Expenditure) Staff Side reiterated its demand for restoration of 18 months of DA / DR arrears to Government Employees which was frozen during the Covid-19 pandemic period. DoE informed that as the adverse financial impact of pandemic in 2020 and the financing of welfare measures taken by the Government had a fiscal spillover beyond FY 2020-21, arrears of DA/ DR were not considered feasible.

(xxx) Item No. 2.9 – Restoration of Festival Advance to the Central Government Employees. (Department of Expenditure On the demand of restoration of Festival Advance to the Central Government Employees, it was decided to review the matter by Department of Expenditure.

(xxxi) Item No. 2.7 – The Defence Ministry may hold regular meeting with Staff Side to resolve the issues arising after Corporatization of Ordnance Factories. (Ministry of Defence and Department of Defence Production) It was observed that several meetings had been held under the chairmanship of Secretary (DP) & Joint Secretary (LS) with recognized federations/confederations. However, the Staff Side demanded that regular meetings should be held with the Federations by the Joint Secretaries of the Administrative Divisions through the Additional Meeting Mechanism constituted by the Ministry of Defence.

(xxxii) Item No. 2.8 – To extend CGHS benefits to the employees in Industrial Establishments under Western Naval Command, Mumbai. (Ministry of Defence & Ministry of Health & Family Welfare) On the demand to extend CGHS benefits to the employees in Industrial Establishments under Western Naval Command, Mumbai, it was informed that MoH&FW, vide OM dated 01.03.2024, has extended CGHS facility have been noted and wherever necessary, instructions to Departments and Ministries would be issued

(xxxv) Item No. 2.4- A request was made to issue ID Cards to the Staff Members for full tenure of the Staff Members instead of on yearly basis. (Department of Personnel and Training) Staff Side demanded to issue ID Cards to the Staff Members for full tenure of the Staff Members instead of on yearly basis. It was informed that as per the guidelines issued by MHA, non-official photo passes are issued for a period not exceeding one year at a time. The matter will again be taken up with MHA. The Staff Side would send a proposal in this regard.

(xxxvi) Item No. 2.5 – Staff Side requested for settlement of awards of the Board of Arbitration (BoA) through dialogue. (Department of Personnel and Training) It was noted that the matter of implementation of BoA Awards is under examination in consultation with concerned Ministries/ Departments. Staff Side requested for early settlement of awards of the Board of Arbitration.

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the Chair.

KEY ISSUES RAISED BY STAFF SIDE REPRESENTATIVES

SHRI SHIVA GOPAL MISHRA, SECRETARY, STAFF SIDE

Shrí Shiva Gopal Mishra, Secretary, Staff Side welcomed the Chairperson and Members of the Standing Committee on behalf of the Staff Side. He strongly condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and extended condolences to the bereaved families. The points raised by him are given below:

Order on constitution and Terms of Reference (ToR) for the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) are awaited.
Requested the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) to issue a clarification, in light of the Hon’ble Bombay High Court’s judgment, that service associations under CCS (RSA) Rules, 1993 are outside the purview of Rule 15(1) of the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964
Ministry of Defence have not yet issued instructions for Payment of NDA in 7th CPC Basic Pay notionally calculated at Rs.43600/- at par with Railways. The same may be issued without further delay.
Urged that Children Education Allowance and Hostel Subsidy for the financial year 2022-23 be considered under the provisions of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Highlighted the need to include Group ‘B’ posts under the coverage of the JCM Scheme
Noted twere last revised in 2014, resulting in several hospitals refusing to participate in the CGHS system; demanded the opening of more CGHS wellness centres.
Proposed the exemption of Kilometer Allowance from income tax, similar to the exemption given to Travelling Allowance.
Requested settlement of pending awards of the Board of Arbitration through dialogue and negotiations.
Requested that all settled issues in process of settlement like CRC, Risk and Hard Duty allowance should be settled at an earlier and should not be referred to 8th CPC.

SHRI M. RAGHAVAIAH, LEADER OF STAFF SIDE

Shri M. Raghavaiah, Leader of Staff Side welcomed the Chairperson and Members of the Standing Committee on behalf of the Staff Side. The following key issues were raised by him: –

Emphasized the importance of the Joint Consultative Machinery (JCM) as a platform for resolving service matters through formal meetings.
Urged for the regular holding of Departmental Council meetings as per the JCM scheme.
Requested the early convening of the National Council (JCM) meeting.
Demanded resolution of the pending issue regarding the exemption of TA component of Kilometer Allowance provided to Loco Pilots and Assistant Loco Pilots in the Ministry of Railways from income tax, similar to Travelling Allowance as this matter is pending since long.
Stressed the need to grant Risk and Hardship Allowance to all employee categories where risk is involved. The Railway Ministry’s proposed may be considered and approval given.
Suggested reconsideration of the Government’s decision to impose a total ban on the creation of new posts, highlighting the implications foradministrative efficiency and additional burden on Staff Requested the Cadre Restructuring Committees to expedite their work avoid reference of such matters to the 8th CРС.1`
Drew attention to the pending awards of the Board of Arbitration and recommended resolving these matters through mutual negotiations.

AICPIN for April 2025 Released: Impact on Expected Dearness Allowance

igeadmin

June 3, 2025

AICPIN for April 2025 Released: Impact on Expected Dearness Allowance

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT
LABOUR BUREAU

Shram Bureau Bhawan, Block No. 2,
Institutional Area, Sector 38 (West),
Chandigarh – 160036

F.No. 5/1/2021-CPI

Dated: 30.05.2025

Press Release

Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (2016=100) – April, 2025

1.Labour Bureau, an attached office of the M/o Labour & Employment, has been compiling Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers every month on the basis of retail prices collected from 317 markets spread over 88 industrially important centres in the country. The index for the month of April, 2025 is being released in this press release.

2. The All-India CPI-IW for April, 2025 increased by 0.5 point and stood at 143.5 (one hundred forty three point five).

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DA Calculator from July 2025

DA Calculation Sheet

3. Year-on-year inflation for the month of April, 2025 stood at 2.94% as compared to 3.87% in April, 2024.

CGEGIS Tables of Benefits from April 2025 to June 2025: FINMIN O.M

igeadmin

May 30, 2025

CGEGIS Tables of Benefits from April 2025 to June 2025: FINMIN O.M

No. 7(1)/EV/2023
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure
E-V Branch

New Delhi, the 28th May, 2025

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Sub: Central Government Employees Group Insurance Scheme-1980 – Tables of Benefits for the savings fund for the period from 01.04.2025 to 30.06.2025.

The Tables of Benefits for Savings Fund to the beneficiaries under the Central Government Employees Group Insurance Scheme-1980, which are being issued on a quarterly basis from 01.01.2017 onwards, as brought out in this Ministry’s OM of even number dated 17.03.2017, for the quarter from 01.04.2025 to 30.06.2025, as worked out by IRDA based on the interest rate of 7.1% per annum (compounded quarterly) as notified by the Department of Economic Affairs as per their Resolution No. 5(3)-B(PD)/2023 dated 01.04.2025, are enclosed.

2.The Tables enclosed are of two categories as per the existing practice. As hitherto, the first Table of Benefits for the savings fund of the scheme is based on the subscription of Rs.10 p.m. from 1.1.1982 to 31.12.1989 and Rs.15 p.m. w.e.f. 1.1.1990 onwards. The second Table of Benefits for savings fund is based on a subscription of Rs.10 p.m. for those employees who had opted out of the revised rate of subscription w.e.f. 1.1.1990.

3.In so far as the persons serving in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department are concerned, these Orders are issued in consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, as mandated under Article 148(5) of the Constitution of India.

4.Hindi version of the order is attached.

(Praveen Ranjan)
Director

1. All Ministries/ Department of the Central Government as per standard list.

2. Copy with spare copies for information and necessary action to C&AG, UPSC, all State Government etc. as per standard list.

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Defence Personnel Gratuity Limit Increased to ₹25 Lakh : DESW O.M

igeadmin

May 28, 2025

Defence Personnel Gratuity Limit Increased to ₹25 Lakh : DESW O.M

F.No.17(2)/2016-D(P/P)-Vol-1
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare
D(Pension/Policy)

New Delhi, 110011
Dated 19.05.2025

To
The Chief of the Defence Staff
The Chief of the Army Staff
The Chief of the Naval Staff
The Chief of the Air Staff

Subject:-Enhancement of maximum limit of gratuity to Central Government Employees on reaching the Dearness Allowance rates to 50%- Implementation of recommendations of Seventh CPC-reg.

Sir,

I am directed to refer to this Ministry’s letter no. 17(02)/2016-D(Pen/Pol) dated 04.09.2017 regarding revision of provisions regulating Pension/ Gratuity/ Commutation of Pension/ Family Pension including Pensionary awards notified in terms of Casualty Pensionary Awards in respect of Commissioned Officers, Junior Commissioned Officers & Other Ranks, Retiring or dying in harness on or after 01.01.2016 in implementation of the Government’s decision on the recommendation of the Seventh Central Pay Commission.

2. In terms of Para 7.1 of the aforesaid Ministry’s letter the maximum limit of all kinds of Gratuity i.e. Retiring/ Retirement/ Service/ Invalid/ Special/ Terminal/ Death Gratuity shall be Rs.20 lakhs. This ceiling on gratuity shall be increased by 25% whenever the Dearness Allowance rises by 50% of the basic pay.

3. Department of Expenditure vide their OM No. 1/1/2024-E-II(B) dated 12.03.2024 has issued instructions regarding enhancement of Dearness Allowance from 46% to 50% of the Basic Pay with effect from 1st January, 2024.

4. Accordingly, as per the Government’s decisions in implementation of the recommendation of the Seventh CPC, the maximum limit of all kinds of gratuity is increased by 25% i.e from Rs 20.00 Lakh to Rs 25.00 Lakh, with effect from 01.01.2024.

5. This issues with the concurrence of the Finance Division of this Ministry vide their ID Note No. 10(03)/2017/Fin/Pen dated 01.05.2025.

6. Hindi version will follow.

Yours faithfully

(Gopal Singh)
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India

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Central Government Employees News

Central Government extends UPS Option Cut-off Date to September 2025