Suggestions/Comments for coverage under Old Pension Scheme [Rajya Sabha QA]
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL,PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS RAJYA SABHA QUESTION NO 611
ANSWERED ON 02.12.2021
Suggestions/Comments for coverage under Old Pension Scheme
611 Shri Neeraj Shekhar Will the Minister of PERSONNEL,PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS be pleased to state :-
(a) whether Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare (DoP&PW) had sought views of Department of Financial Services (DFS)and Ministry of Law and Justice for excluding those employees whose advertisements for recruitment were issued on or before 31/12/2003 from purview of NPS and to cover them under Old Pension Scheme in view of various judgements of Supreme Court and various High Courts; and
(b) if so, the details of suggestions/comments offered by DFS and Ministry of Law and Justice to DoP&PW so far, Department/Ministry-wise?
ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH)
(a): Yes sir,
(b): Department of Financial Services in their comments have conveyed that DoP&PW may take appropriate decision in regard to excluding the employees whose recruitment advertisement was issued on or before 01.01.2004 from the purview of NPS and cover them under OPS.
No comments from Department of Legal Affairs have been received, so far
Litigation for Old Pension Scheme [Rajya Sabha QA ]
MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS (DEPARTMENT OF PENSION & PENSIONERS’ WELFARE) RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 610 (TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.12.2021)
LITIGATION FOR OLD PENSION SCHEME
610 SHRI NEERAJ SHEKHAR:
Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:
(a) whether Supreme Court has dismissed more than half dozen SLPs and Review Petitions and ordered that Central Government officials whose advertisements were issued before 01/01/2004 and joining and results occurred after 31.12.2003 be reverted to old pension scheme;
(b) if so, whether officials of Government are deliberately advising for lame litigation in each case even after dismissal of SLPs and Review Petitions at admission stage without hearing by Supreme Court, to tarnish pro-public image of Government by harassing its own officials and not issuing general orders for similar cases; and
(C) if not, the reasons for litigation in each case?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH)
(a): Hon’ble Supreme Court has dismissed some of SLPs filed by Union of India against the orders of Hon’ble High Court of Delhi allowing benefit of old pension scheme to those Government servants whose selection process was completed after 01.01.2004.
(b) & (c): National Pension System (NPS) was introduced for Central Government employees by a Notification of Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs) dated 22nd December, 2003. NPS is mandatory for all new recruits to the Central Government service from 1st January, 2004 (except the armed forces).
In view of the specific provisions of the Notification dated 22.12.2003, the date of advertisement for the vacancies is not considered relevant for determining the eligibility for coverage under the Old Pension Scheme or the National Pension System.
F.No.7/3/2020-CS.I (A) Government of India Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (Department of Personnel & Training)
2′ Floor, Lok Nayak Bhawan, Khan Market, New Delhi-110003 Dated the 3rd December, 2021
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Violation of Central Civil Services (Conduct Rules), 1964 – reg.
This Department has been receiving numerous inter-cadre transfer requests on personal / medical grounds to attached/outstation offices of varous Ministries / Departments in the grade of ASO in CSS Cadre. Many times, these requests of ASOs are being forwarded from Hon’ble Minister/ Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha)/other designated authority for their favourable consideration.
2. The said conduct is clearly a violation of Rule 20 of CCS (Conduct Rules), 1964 which states the following:
“No Government servant shall bring or attempt to bring any political or other outside influence to bear upon any superior authority to further his interests in respect of matters pertaining to his service under the Government.”
3. The Competent Authority has taken a serious view in the matter. It is informed that all such acts will invite appropriate action including disciplinary action, as per extant rules in all such cases.
Time limit for submission of Travelling Allowance and other claims by staff: reiteration of instructions regarding condonation of delay in submission of claims by retired railway employees
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (RAILWAY BOARD)
RBE. No.229
No.F(E)I/2018/AI-28/29
New Delhi, dated: 29.11.2021
General Manager(P) All Indian Railways, PUs etc. (As Per standard mailing list)
Sub: Time limit for submission of Travelling Allowance and other claims by staff: reiteration of instructions regarding condonation of delay in submission of claims by retired employees.
Ref: 1. DC/JCM item No.24/2021-Transfer grant to retired Railway Employees- Condonation of delay in submission of claims by retired employees.
2. NFIR’s letter No.II/35/2021 dated 08.07.2021
3. Board’s letter No.F(E)I/89/AL-28/11, dated 23.02.1990.
NFIR vide their above-referred letter dated 08.07.2021 had represented that in view of Covid-19 pandemic many retired Railway Employees had not been able to shift their belongings to places where they intended to settle down even beyond one year after retirement, and requested Board to consider the matter and grant relaxation in the extant rules to enable the Zonal Railways etc. to accept applications for payment of transfer grant to the retired staff as and when received although belatedly and grant the same. This demand (Item No.24/2021) was also raised in the DC/JC Meeting held on 5th & 6th October 2021.
2.In this context it is advised that in terms of Board’s above referred letter No.F(E)I/89/AL-28/11, dated 23.02.1990 (Annex-I), the power to extend the time limit by one year for availing of the TA concessions admissible on retirement by the Railway Servant has already been delegated to the Zonal Railways to be exercised by the General Manager/Additional General Manager Personally, with the approval of the FA&CAO in individual cases attendant with special circumstances. These instructions are hereby retirated and re-circulated as Annexure to this letter for compliance.
Subject: Seeking pension related advice/clarification from Central Pension Accounting Office-reg.
1. It has been observed that many PAOs under different Ministries/Departments are seeking advice/clarification on issues related to pension from Central Pension Accounting Office (CPAO) and not from the concerned nodal authorities responsible for formulation of rules/policies relating to pensioners i.e. DP&PW, M/o of Law and Justice, Freedom Fighter Division of MHA, etc. This is leading to unnecessary delays in obtaining advice/clarification and is ultimately causing hardship to the pensioners.
2. It is intimated that CPAO is not the authority to interpret the Policies/Rules formulated by various nodal departments relating to pension and other retirement benefits.
3. In view of the above, all Pr. CCAs/CCAs/CAs (with independent charge) of Ministries are requested to direct all Pay & Account Offices (PAOs) under their control to seek advice/clarification on pension related matters from the concerned nodal authority.
4. This issues with the approval of Chief Controller (Pensions)
Medical Benefit for Retired Employees of Air India [Rajya Sabha QA]
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 7 (TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 29} November 2021)
MEDICAL BENEFITS FOR RETIRED EMPLOYEES
7. SMT PRIYANKA CHATURVEDI
Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:-
(a) the current number of retired employees of Air India;
(b) the number of retired employees covered under retirement benefits, including medical facilities and insurance;
(c) the details of the medical benefits provided to the retired employees of Air India;
(d) whether it is a fact that a sum of Rs. 50,000 is charged upon retirement to fund their medical benefits;
(e) if so, the number of retired employees who failed to deposit Rs. 50,000 upon retirement to fund their medical benefits; and
({) whether Government plans to cover the aforementioned uninsured retired employees under any medical insurance scheme to provide medical facilities?
ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION (GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD))
(a): The number of retired employees stands at 49700.
(b): The number of retired employees who have opted for the post-retirement medical scheme is around 29400.
(c): Air India inter-alia provides its retired employees and their spouses OPD facilities, medicines at company clinics/retainer doctors, referral to the specialists/super specialists/hospitals on the panel of the company on need basis, cashless hospitalization coverage. In case of emergency, there is also a provision Wherein the retired employee can avail treatment through non-panel hospital for which re-imbursement as per company rules is also considered.
On retirement, in case the retiring employee desires to avail post-retirement medical benefits, he/she has to make a lump sum contribution ranging from Rs. 20,000/- to Rs. 50,000/- depending on their respective category/grade.
(e): The Scheme is optional and data is being maintained only for the employees who have opted for the post-retirement medical benefit scheme.
(f): The Government is committed to provide medical facilities to the eligible retired employees of Air India
The Deputy Commissioner/Director, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, All Regional Offices/ZIETs
Subject:- Rationalization of financial transactions – reg.
Madam/Sir,
With reference to the subject cited above, it is stated that as per the existing procedure, the payment towards Gratuity, Commutation money, Leave Encashment, Employees Welfare Scheme, DLIS, Provident Fund, Advance/ withdrawal from Provident Fund etc. are being made to the concerned employee through the respective Vidyalayas/units. It was observed that there is a requirement to rationalise these financial transactions mainly due to the following reasons:-
(i) As per the existing procedure, aforesaid payments are done through concerned units, which some time causes delay in receipt of amount by the employees.
(ii) In the existing procedure, these transactions are recorded in the books of the concerned KVs/units as well as in the books of the Regional Offices. In the new procedure, since the payments would not be required to be entered in the books of accounts of KVs, it will decrease the work load significantly at Vidyalaya level. Further, Maintenance of cash book and subsidiary records would be easier because good number of transactions would not be required to be entered in Cash Book of KV.
(iii) Since the amount towards aforesaid payments would not be received by the Vidyalaya, possibilities of mis-classification of entries/ utilization of funds for other purpose would not be there.
(iv) Accumulation of liabilities can be avoided as the payment released even in the month of March would not form part of liabilities.
(v) The commutation of pension 1s effective from the date of receipt of the commutation money by the pensioner. The new procedure will reduce the grievances from the pensioner to this extent.
(vi) Utilization of funds/grants would be optimal as no funds would be available in transit (KV level) at the close of financial year.
(vii) in the existing procedure, the payment relating to GPF/CPF withdrawal is released through the concerned KV/unit which some time causes delay in receipt of amount by the employee concerned. Late receipts of amount cause loss of interest to the employees. In the new procedure, the payment would be made directly to the employee concerned. Hence, question of loss of interest would not be there.
In view of the above, the existing procedure relating to these financial transactions was reviewed and further discussed in detail during the Virtual DC conference on financial matters, held on 22.10.2021. Now, it bas been decided that all Regional Offices/ KVS (HQ) shall make the aforesaid payments except Gratuity directly to the employee/retired employee/ nominee concerned without routing these transactions through the respective Vidyalaya/ RO Unit / Cash Section of KVS (HQ) w.ef 01.12.2021 on trial basis.
In this regard detailed guidelines are given in Annexure-I. All the Deputy Commissioners are requested to go through the guidelines carefully and ensure the compliance without fail.
This issues with the approval of Commissioner, KVS.
Hindi version follows
(Sanjay Kumar) Deputy Corinissioner (Fin)
Annexure -1
Detailed Guidelines
Existing procedure
New procedure
Pension On receipt of the required documents from the concerned Kendriya, Vidyalaya/RO, the pension is sanctioned by the Regional Office /HQ as per the codal provisions. The funds for disbursement of pension are released by K VS (HQ) to State Bank of India, Parliament Street. State Bank of India disburses the pension to all the pensioners of KVS. The pension expenditure is booked in the books of Accounts of K VS (HQ).
No change
Gratuity and Commutation money
(i) On receipt of the required documents from the concerned Kendriya Vidyalaya/RO/ZIET, the amount of Gratuity and commutation money is sanctioned by the Regional Office /HQ as per the codal provisions. The funds for payment of Gratuity and Commutation money are released to Regional offices by KVS (HQ) on receipt of the requisition from the Regional offices.
(i) no change
(ii) After getting funds from KVS (HQ), Regional Offices release the funds through TSA to the concerned Vidyalayas (from where the employee is retired) as per the sanction orders and book this release as expenditure in their books of Accounts accordingly.
(ii) Commutation money shall be paid directly through TSA to the concerned retired employee. The sanction order issued by the concerned unit must have the bank account details of the concerned employee.One copy of payment advice/covering letter shall also be endorsed to concerned KV/unit for information and record purpose.For Gratuity, existing procedure will continue.
(iii) On receipt of funds from Regional Office concerned, KV books the receipt of funds in their books of accounts as current liability — under the head “Liabilities towards retiral benefit”. The concerned KV makes the payment to the retired employees after making the adjustment towards recovery, if any and debit the same head i.e. “Liabilities towards retiral benefit”. If the payment is not made to the retired employee by 31st March, then the current liability of the KV will increase by the same amount and form part of consolidated Accounts of KVS
(iii) Since the payment is to be made directly to the retired employee/ nominee, question of book entry in the accounts of KV does not arise.
i) On receipt of the required documents from the concerned Kendriya Vidyalaya/RO/ZIET, the above said benefits are sanctioned by the Regional Office /ZIETs’ HQ as per the extant provisions. The funds for Leave Encashment and DLIS are released by KVS (HQ) to ROs/ZIETs out of Grants and funds for EWS are released out of EWS Fund on receipt of requisitions from ROs/ZIETs.
(i) No change
(i)After getting funds for Leave encashment and DLIS from KVS (HQ), Regional Offices release the funds to the concerned Vidyalaya through TSA and book this release as expenditure in their books of Accounts, On receipt of EWS funds from HQ, Regional Offices /ZIETs credit it in the EWS Fund Account. Based on the sanction orders, RO releases the funds out of EWS Fund accounts to the concerned KV and book the release as expenditure in EWS Account.
(ii) Payments are to be made directly by concerned RO/unit through TSA to the retired employee/ nominee after ensuring, the adjustment from leave encashment amount towards recovery, if any, as per rules. Before payment, Regional Office/unit concerned shall get the details of recoveries/ no dues certificate from the concerned KV/unit without fail. The sanction order issued by the concerned unit must have the bank account details of the concerned employee. One copy of payment advice/covering letter should also be endorsed to the concerned KV/unit for information and official record purpose.
(iii) On receipt of funds (Leave encashment, DLIS, EWS) from Regional Office, concerned KV books the receipt of funds in their books of accounts as current liability — under the head “Liabilities towards retiral benefit”. The concerned KV makes the payment to the retired employees after making the adjustment as per rules towards recovery, if any and debit the same head i.e. “. Liabilities towards retiral benefit”. If the payment is not made to the retired employee by the concerned KV by 31st March, then the current liability of the KV will increase by the same amount and form part of consolidated Accounts of KVS
(iii) Since the payments are to be made directly to the retired employee/nominee, question of book entry in the accounts of KV does not arise.
GPF/CPEF final payment, Advance/ withdrawal. (i) GPF/CPF ledgers are maintained in ROs/ZIETs/ HQ. Accordingly, final payment of GPF/CPF and advances & withdrawal are also sanctioned by ROs/ZIETs/ HQ for the employees working under their jurisdiction. Based on the sanctions orders, ROs / ZIETs submit their requisition to KVS (HQ) for release of funds. KVS (HQ) releases the funds to ROs/ZIETs out of GPF account maintained at HQ.
No change
(ii) After receipt of funds from KVS (HQ), the Regional Offices credit the funds in its GPF accounts and release the same to the concerned Vidyalayas through RTGS/NEFT and book this release in its GPF Accounts ‘under the head “Payments to Subscribers”
(ii) Payments are to be made directly by concerned RO/unit to the retired employee/ nominee/ serving employee. The sanction order issued by the concerned unit must have the bank account details of the concerned employee. One copy of payment advice must be endorsed to concerned KV/unit for information and necessary action. For advances sanctioned out of GPF/CPF, concerned KV/unit has to ensure the recovery of Advances as per the sanction order/payment advice.
(iii) On receipt of amount from Regional Office, concerned KV books the receipt of funds in their books of accounts as current liability — under the head “Liabilities towards retiral benefit”/ Liabilities towards other remittances”. The concerned KV makes the payment to the retired employees/serving employees and debits the same head i.e. “Liabilities towards retiral benefit’/ “Liabilities towards other remittances”. If the payment is not made to the retired employee/ serving employees by 31st March, then the current liability of the KV will increase by the same amount and form part of consolidated Accounts of KVS.
(iii) Since the payments are to be made directly to the retired employee/nominee/serving employee, question of book entry in the accounts of KV does not arise.
Timeline for submission of Life Certificate has been further extended till December 31 2021
No.18/1/2020-P&PW(H)-III-6786 Government of India Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances& Pension Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare
8th Floor, Janpath Bhawan, Janpath, New Delhi, Dated the 1st December, 2021
Office Memorandum
Sub.: Extension of time period for submission of Life Certificate by Central Government pensioners till December 31, 2021.
The undersigned is directed to mention that every Central Government Retired Employee is required to submit life certificate in the month of November for continuation of his/her pension. It has been observed that a large number of Central Government pensioners physically visit bank branch for this purpose.
2. In view of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic in various states and keeping in view of the vulnerability of elderly population to Corona Virus, it has now been decided to extend the existing timeline for submission of Life Certificate for all age group of pensioners from 30/11/2021 onwards, Now, all Central Government pensioners may submit Life Certificate till 31st December, 2021. During this extended period. the pension will be continued to be paid by the Pension Disbursing Authorities (PDAs) uninterrupted.
3. The above measures are expected to avoid rush at branches and maintain covid-19 appropriate Behaviour,, while obtaining Life Certificates. PDAs shall also ensure proper arrangements and social distancing measures at the branches and prevent overcrowding.
4. All Pension Disbursing Authorities are requested to take note of this °Office Memorandum for compliance and give wide publicity to the same amongst the pensioners.
5. This issues with the approval of the competent authority.
(Ashok Kumar Singh) Under Secretary to the Govt. of India
Regular Pay & Allowances and NPS subscription in r/o New Recruits: DAD
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE CONTROLLER OF DEFENCE ACCOUNTS, GUWAHATI Udayan Vihar, Narangi, Guwahati-781171
CIRCULAR NO. 80
No. AN/III/111/P&A/CORR/VOL-IV.
Date: 22/11/2021
To, The Officer-in-Charge, (All sections and Sub-offices)
Subject: Regular Pay & Allowances and NPS subscription in r/o New Recruits: DAD
Reference: This Office Circular No. AN/III/NPS/Corrs/Vol-II dated-28/09/2021
It is to inform to all the sections of M.O. and all Sub-Offices that all new recruits joining in your office may be directed to submit the requisite documents for regular Pay & Allowances as per Annexure attached.
It is also mandatory for all new recruits to submit NPS Subscriber registration form immediately upon joining. All officers-in-charge of concerned sections and sub-offices are requested to ensure compliance.
1. I certify that I (have applied for the Govt. accommodation in accordance with the prescribed procedure but) have not been provided with Govt. accommodation /(have refused the allotment of Govt. accommodation) during the period in respect which the allowance is claimed.
2. I certify that | am residing in a house hired /own by me/my wife /husband/ son/ daughter/ father mother/ a Hindu undivided family in which l am coparcener.
3. I certify that | am incurring some expenditure on rent. I certify that am paying /contributing towards house or property tax.
4. I certify that | am not sharing accommodation allotted to my parent (child) by the state/central Govt, an autonomous public undertaking or semi Government organization such as municipality, port trust etc. allotted rent free to another Government servant.
5. I certify that my husband /wife /children/parents who is/are sharing accommodation with me allotted to another employee of the Semi-Govt. organizations like municipality, port trust, etc. is /are not in receipt of house rent allowance form the Central/State Govt. organization like municipality, port trust etc.
6. I also certify that my wife/husband has not been allotted accommodation at the same station by the Central /State Govt./Autonomous public undertakings or Semi-Government -organizations such as municipality, port trust etc.
Local Address:______________
____________________________
Signature ___________ Designation _________ Account No. _________ Office _______________ Date of Joining ______
