No.4/3/2019- JCA Government of India Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Department of Personnel & Training Establishment (JCA) Section
North Block, New Delhi – 110 001 Dated: 18 August, 2021
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject : Non-functioning of Departmental / Office Councils.
The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department’s OM of even number, dated 09.06.2021, regarding holding of meetings of a Departmental / Office Councils on regular basis with a view to making effective use of the JCM Scheme.
2.The JCM Scheme provides for Departmental Councils at the level of individual Ministries/Departments, and office council in attached and subordinate offices. The Staff Side of JCM, has been remonstrating that regular dialogue with the Staff Side, through the mechanism of Departmental Councils and Office Council are not happening at regular interval. Meetings of Departmental Council / Office Council are essential, as they help in resolving a differences between Government and its employees.
3.It is requested that meeting of the Departmental Council/ Office Council, may please be arranged to be held on regular basis. Further, wherever Departmental Council/Office Council have become defunct, the same may please be revived at the earliest.
(S.P. Pant) Deputy Secretary to the Government of India
To
Joint Secretaries (Admn.) of the all Ministries/Departments
Copy to:
Shri Sunil Kumar Mandi, US(R&R,DC), DOPT, Lok Nayak Bhavan, New Delhi
Secretary, Staff Side, National Council (JCM), 13-C Ferozshah Road, New Delhi – 110001
Guidelines for timely and qualitative disposal of Pensioners Grievances
No: 17/3/2021-P&PW(Coord.) E 7179 Government of India Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare
8th Floor, B-Wing, Janpath Bhawan, Janpath, New Delhi-110001
Dated : 06.08.2021
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject:- Guidelines for timely and qualitative disposal of Pensioners’ Grievances-reg . The undersigned is directed to say that the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) has provided a single window interface for all Central Government pensioners to register their grievances pertaining to any of the Central Government Ministry / Department / Organisation, which is thereafter forwarded online to the concerned Ministry/Department/ Organisation for redressal through the CPENGRAMS Portal.
2.In 2019, Pensioners’ grievance redressal system was expanded with the objective to provide easy access to pensioners who are living in remote areas and have no proper access to the Internet for registration of their grievances or not conversant with online technology. Accordingly, an Integrated Grievance Cell & Call Centre was inaugurated on 20th June, 2019 for pensioners enabling pensioners to register their grievance by calling on the toll free number 1800-11-1960. The Call Centre Executives register the grievance on CPENGRAMS, after taking inputs from pensioners, and thereafter it is forwarded to the concerned Ministry/ Department/Organization online for redressal. Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare also coordinates with different Ministries/Departments to resolve the grievances of the elderly pensioners and keep the pensioners informed about the progress of their grievances till disposal through this online system CPENGRAM.
3.The purpose of grievance redressal machinery is not only to allow easy access of Govt Machinery for pensioners but also disposal of the grievances expeditiously while maintaining the quality in redressal of the grievances. Keeping in view of the above objective, DoPPW has put in place a system of holding regular review meetings with Ministry/ Department/ Organization having large pendency of grievances. In order to ensure quality in disposal of Grievances, DoPPW is periodically analyzing closed Grievances and re-registering cases, wherever it is observed that Grievances were closed by the offices without taking appropriate final action. Though time and again specific guidelines/instructions have been issued to the Ministries, a need is felt to consolidate all instructions/guidelines and revise the time limit for redressal of grievances specially for the priority target groups i.e. family pensioners and super-senior pensioners in order to promote good governance and to ensure that the pensioners /family pensioners get their rightful entitlements.
All Ministries/Departments are advised to follow the guidelines given below for redressal of the Grievances –
i. In accordance with the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972, every office is responsible for pension sanction, revision and payment of retirement benefits to its employees. Therefore, every grievance related to pension and other retirement benefits shall be redressed by the concerned office from where the employee retired or served before his/her death.
ii. Every grievance shall be disposed of within the ambit of extant rules. In case of a grievance falling outside the ambit of rules, a speaking order shall be issued indicating the rule position.
iii. All Ministries/Departments/Organisations shall strictly adhere to the time limit of 45 days to resolve the pensioners’ grievances. If the grievance pertains to a family pensioner/super-senior pensioner (aged 80 years and above) the dead-line to resolve the grievance shall be 30 days.
iv. Every grievance shall be closed only after its final resolution. If a grievance pertains to subordinate/attached office, the case may be forwarded by the Ministry/ Department to the concerned office but it should not be closed until final action is taken. The responsibility lies with the concerned Ministry/ Department to follow up the matter with subordinate/attached units for final resolution. Every Nodal Officer should undertake a weekly review of pending grievances in the portal.
v. The grievance shall not be closed for the want of any documents from the pensioner/family pensioner. The office may contact the concerned pensioner on the mobile number or email as available in the CPENGRAM Portal in order to ensure speedy and satisfactory disposal of grievances.
vi. Ministry/Department/Organization shall dispose of the grievances after indicating that it is ‘Accepted’ or ‘Rejected’ or ‘Partially Accepted.’ In case grievance is disposed of in favour of pensioner, the option ‘Accepted’ shall be indicated. In other cases, a speaking order shall be passed giving reasons for rejection/partial acceptance and also uploaded in the portal.
vii. Re-registered cases should be disposed of by Appellate Authorities nominated in every Ministry/Department/Organization for the purpose.
viii. Ministries/Departments/Organisations shall identify core grievance prone areas and streamline their systems to eliminate root cause of grievances. Cases delayed beyond the dead-line should be analysed and addressed promptly.
4.All the Ministries/Departments are requested to bring the above instructions to the notice of the all concerned under their administrative control for compliance.
Sd/- (Naresh Bhardwaj) Deputy Secretary to the Govt. of India
Subject:- Continuation of ongoing scheme-“Pensioners’ Portal” beyond 31st March, 2021 for next five years upto 31st March, 2026
The undersigned is directed to say that the Pensioners’ Portal was launched as a Mission Mode Project of the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DoP&PW) Government of India under the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) in March, 2007 for its implementation during the 11th Plan Period (2007-2012) and was extended for its continued implementation during the 1 h Plan Period (2012-2017) vide this Department’s communication No.41(2)/2011-P&PW(C) dated 2nd April, 2012 as modified vide letter No.55/24/2013 -P&PW(C) dated 19th December, 2013. The scheme was further extended for the remaining 14th Finance Commission Period i.e for a further period of 3 years beyond 31st March, 2017 to 31st March, 2020 vide this Department’s O.M No 55/12/2017-P&PW(C) dated 23rd November, 2017. The Scheme was further extended beyond 3151 March, 2020 (beyond 14th FC Cycle) for a period of one year till 31st March, 2021 vide this Department’s O.M No. 55/2/2019-P&PW(C)- 5855 dated 01.09.2020.
I. OBJECTIVES OF THE SCHEME
The Scheme is primarily aimed at making the pension/retirement online processing related services, Pensioners’ Welfare activities, information dissemination, awareness campaigns and grievances handling mechanism accessible online to the pensioners. This help bridge the gap between the pensioners and the Government. It is also expected to serve as a one stop grievance handling and information source for the pensioners of Government of India (especially civil pensioners) across the country.
The objectives of the Scheme are:-
To smoothen the process of sanctioning and disbursement of pension and gratuity.
To enable Ministries/Departments/organization to pay the dues to retiring Govt. Employees on or before the date of retirement.
To build an effective grievance redress mechanism related to pensioners.
To keep the pensioners aware of their rights and responsibilities/obligations.
To enable the Pensioners’ Associations/Welfare Organizations to access information/lodge grievances on behalf of their members.
II.ACTIVITIES OF THE SCHEME
At present following activities are being operational through the Pensioners’ Portal: –
1.CPENGRAMS (Centralized Pension Grievance Redress And Monitoring System)- CPENGRAMS is an online grievance registration and redressal portal. All Ministries/Departments including Railways, Post, Defence with their subordinate units are linked in CPENGRAMS and is providing online resolution to the pensioners’ grievances
2.Pension Adalat-This Department has started unique experiment of holding Pension Adalat, wherein grievances received from pensioners are segregated by their nature and accordingly linked to the department concerned. The stake-holders viz. the concerned Department, the PAO, the concerned Bank and representative of the pensioner are invited on a single platform and the grievances are resolved across the table.
3.Bhavishya– It is a landmark in digitization of Pension processing for civil pensioners which enables generation of e-PPO. It is mandatory for all civil ministries excluding Defence, Post and Railways to process the pension case through Bhavishya.
4.Sankalp – It aims to prepare retirees for post-retirement life and act as a facilitator in the entire process.
5.Anubhav-It is online facility for retirees to submit their experiences of working with government and to preserve their rich experience for future generation . All Ministries/Departments including Railways, Post and Defence are on the board of Anubhav .
6.Promotion of DLC– Unavailability of life certificate in banks’ record is major cause for discontinuation of pension payment. To ensure transparency in the system and to provide comfort for pensioners in submitting life certificate, DoPPW is promoting use of Digital Life Certificate amongst Central Government Pensioners.
7.Awareness workshops– Workshops are being organized at 3 levels:-
a.Employees who are about to retire -About their pensionary benefits, entitlements and post-retirement life. b.Pensioners – On updated pension rule and health issues c.Dealing staff on pension matters in Ministries/ Departments – To make them aware on the interpretation of pension rule while processing critical cases. d.Since pensioners are scattered throughout the country: electronic, print and social media is extensively used to create awareness on updated rules, entitlements and welfare measures.
III GRANT-IN-AID TO IDENTIFIED PENSIONERS’ASSOCIATION
Under the Scheme provision has been made to sanction Grant-in-Aid up to a monitory limit of Rs.75000/- per Pensioners’ Association identified to participate in the implementation of the Scheme to defray expenses on specified components . The maximum permissible amount on the individual components has been prescribed as follows:-
(i)
Telephone/ Internet Connection
Up to R 12,000 per annum
(ii)
Stationery + Battery replacement
Up to Rs.19,500 oer annum
(iii)
Subsidy towards Rent of Building/ Water/electricity/ AMC of equipment
Up to Rs.28,500 per annum
(iv)
Remuneration Payable to Data entry (Part time)
Up to Rs.15,000 per Operator annum
Total
Up to Rs.75,000 per annum
Depending upon their individual needs the Pensioners’ Associations will have flexibility on spending on various approved items of components as mentioned above within the overall sanctioned amount. This flexibility will be to the extent of 25% on higher/lower side of individual component subject to overall spending within the sanctioned grant. The Pensioners’ Associations will also be provided necessary hardware/software for the purpose of lodging grievances etc. online on CPENGRAMS.
IV.MANPOWER
Presently the Scheme is being implemented by the officials of Department with the assistance of outsourced staff such as Consultants. Data Entry Operators, and Programmers under the overall supervision of Secretary (Pension). Presently the following outsourced staff is assisting the Department for implementation of the Scheme
S.No.
Description
No. of Posts
1.
Consultants
5
2.
Operation Manager
3
3.
Technical Personnel
10
4.
DEOs/ Call Centre Executives
13
5.
MTS
4
V. FINANCIAL OUTLAYS
The cost estimates for all the components of the Scheme, clubbed together , for the extended period for Next Five years (from 01/04/2021 to 30/03/2026) have been fixed as follows:-
(Rupees in Crore)
Components
FY 2021-22
FY 2022-23
FY 2023-24
FY 2024-25
FY 2025-26
Total
1. Salary
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.05
2. Domestic Travel Expenses
0.20
0.20
0.20
0.20
0.20
1.00
3. Office Expenses
0.90
0.90
0.90
0.90
0.90
4.50
4. Advertising & Publicity
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
7.50
5. Grant-In-Aid- General
0.28
0.28
0.28
0.28
0.28
1.40
6. Other Charges
0.02
0.02
0.02
0.02
0.02
0.10
Total
4.4
4.4
4.4
4.4
4.4
22.0
The financing of the Scheme will be through Demands for Grants of M/o Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions – No extra budgetary sources, external aid, state share etc., are involved.
VI. EXTENSION OF THE SCHEME
Prior to its extension, the third party evaluation was done by Indian Institute of Public Administration (llPA) vide its Third party evaluation of Scheme – “Pensioners’ Portal” in May, 2021 and its detailed appraisal having been done by AS & FA (Home) has been approved for continuance by the Competent Authority for next five years beyond 31st March, 2021 .
The scheme- “Pensioners’ Portal”, with the above feature and financial outlay accordingly stands extended beyond 3151 March, 2021 for next five years till 31st March, 2026 . The extension process including appraisal of the Scheme- Pensioners’ Portal was completed in consultation with Integrated Finance Division vide Dy. No. 55150/21 dated 07.07.2021 and E-6884 0/o AS&FA(H) dated 08.07.2021.
Advance payment of salaries to employees of Southern Railway on account of Onam Festival
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS RAILWAY BOARD
No. 20211E(LL)/APW/1
New Delhi, dated 16/08/2021
The General Manager (P), Southern Railway. Chennai,
Sub : Advance payment of salary on account of Onam festival.
Ref: Southern Railway’s letter No. P(R)483/P/DPAIDI XIII dated 12/08/2021
Sanction of Ministry of Railways is hereby communicated for advance payment of salaries to employees of Southern Railway (working in divisions/construction units situated in the State of Kerala) on 19/08/2021 (Thursday) on account of ONAM festival, 2021.
2.It has been noted that concurrence of the associate Finance of Southern Railway has not been obtained in the present case. The guidelines contained in Board’s letter N0.E(LL)92/AT/PW/1 dated 16/10/92 must be scrupulously followed when referring such proposals to Railway Board in all future cases.
3.This issues with the concurrence of Finance Directorate of th+e Ministry of Railways.
Railway Board clarifications on Children Education Allowance during Covid-19 Lockdown period
RBE No.49/2021 PC-VII No.172
भारत सरकार Government of India रेल मंत्रालय Ministry of Railways रेलवे बोर्ड (Railway Board)
No. E(W)2017/ED-2/3
New Delhi, dated: 12.08.2021
The General Manager(P) All Indian Railways and Production Units.
Sub: Clarifications on Children Education Allowance (CEA) during Covid-19 epidemic Lockdown period.
Please refer to Railway Board’s letter of even number dated 13.08.2018 circulating therewith consolidated instructions on the subject of Children Education Allowance (CEA) & Hostel Subsidy to Government Servants.
2.Now Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (Department of Personnel & – Training) vide their OM No.A-27012/02/2017-Estt(AL) dated 01.07.2021 have issued a clarification on Children Education Allowance during COVID-19 epidemic Lockdown period (copy enclosed). The same is circulated herewith for guidance of all concerned. These instructions shall apply mutatis-mutandis to Railway employees.
Compassionate engagement cases of dependent of deceased / missing GDS
Smriti Sharan DDG (Establishment)
Government of India Ministry of Communications & IT Department of Posts Oak Bhawan, New Delhi-110001
DO No. 17-14/2021-GDS
Date : 12.08.2021
Dear Madam / Sir
Please refer to this office letter no. 17-01/2017-GDS dated 05.03.2020 wherein it was requested to review the compassionate engagement cases of dependents of deceased/missing GDS, which were rejected by the CCE between the period year 2005 and May 2017 as a one time measure.
2.In this context, the matter has been reviewed again and it is observed that a large number of cases are pending on the part of the Circles. It is felt that Circles did not fully comply with the instructions issued vide letter no. 17-0112017-GDS dated 05.03 .2020 and 17-01/2017-GDS dated 01.06.2021. Therefore, it is again requested to finalize all pending compassionate cases within a period of one-month i.e by 11th September 2021. A completion certificate signed by DPS (HQ) with the approval of CPMG may be sent to Directorate by 15th September, 2021.
3.Further, attention is invited to letter no. 17-0112017-GDS dated 01.06.2021 wherein it was requested to finalize compassionate case within a period of two months from the death of GDS. To expedite the process, Competent Authority has approved the following stage wise timelines to finalize the Compassionate Engagement within the period of 2 months of from the date of death of GDS:-
Time limit for finalization of the compassionate engagement within 2 months of the death of GDS
SI No
Step
Time limit to complete each step
i
Family should be I informed about the scheme of compassionate engagement along with the list of regular GDS vacancies available in the Division and provide necessary documents to the family.
Immediate.
ii
Sub Divisional Head should obtain duly filled applications of compassionate engagement and submit along with all documents to Divisional Head.
20 days
iii
Divisional Head should submit the duly completed case to Regional office
12 days
iv
Regional office should submit the case to Circle office
07 days
v
The case should be considered by CCE and decided by the Circle Head
14 days
vi
Issue of order of compassionate engagement
7 days
4.In case family of the deceased GDS, refuses or delays the case, Sub Divisional Head shall report such reasons to Divisional Head within the prescribed timelines of 20 days from the death. Divisional Head in all cases, where the offer is refused or delayed, shall personally enquire the matter and record his findings. In case of delay on the part of family members of deceased GDS, Sub Divisional Head shall send a report every month to Divisional Head about all such pending cases along with status thereof. Divisional Head shall keep a close watch on such delays and intervene personally wherever required.
5.Therefore, I would be greatful if you could direct concerned officers to follow the above time lines strictly and to finalize the compassionate engagement cases of GDS.
DA Order from July 2021 for 5th CPC Employees and Central Autonomous Bodies
DA Order July 2021 5th Pay Commission
No. 1/3(2)/2008-E.II(B) Government of India Ministry of Finance Department of Expenditure
North Block, New Delhi Dated the 13th August, 2021.
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject:- Revised rates of Dearness Allowance to the employees of Central Government and Central Autonomous Bodies continuing to draw their pay in the pre-revised pay scale/Grade Pay as per 5th Central Pay Commission from 01.07.2021
The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department’s O.M. No. 1/3(2)/2008-E,II(B) dated 25 October, 2019 revising the rate of Dearness Allowance (DA) w.e.f. 01.07.2019 in respect of employees of Central Government and Central Autonomous Bodies continuing to draw their pay in the pre-revised pay scale/Grade Pay as per 5th Central Pay Commission and to this Department’s OM No. 1/1/2020-E.II(B) dated 23.04.2020 vide which instalments of Dearness Allowance to Central Government employees due from 01.01.2020, 01.07.2020 and 01.01.2021, were frozen.
2.The rate of DA admissible to above categories of employees of Central Government and Central Autonomous Bodies shall be enhanced from the existing 312% to 356% of the Basic Pay with effect from 01.07.2021. The increase subsumes the additional instalments arising on 01.01.2020, 01.07.2020 and 01.01.2021. The rate of Dearness Allowance for the period from 01.01.2020 till 30.06.2021 shall remain at 312%
3.The provisions contained in paras 3, 4 and 5 of this Ministry’s O.M.No.1(13)/97-E.II(B) dated 3rd October, 1997 shall continue to be applicable while regulating Dearness Allowance under these orders,
4.The contents of this Office Memorandum may also be brought to the notice of all organisations under the administrative control of the Ministries/Departments which have adopted the Central Government scales of pay.
(Nirmala Dev) Director
To
All Ministries/Departments of the Government of India (as per standard distribution list). Copy to: C&AG, UPSC, etc.(as per standard endorsement list).
DA Order from July 2021 for 6th CPC Pay Scale Employees and Central Autonomous Bodies
DA Order July 2021 6th Pay Commission
No. 1/3(1)/2008-E.II(B) Government of India Ministry of Finance Department of Expenditure
North Block, New Delhi Dated the 13th August 2021
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject :- Revised rates of Dearness Allowance to the employees of Central Government and Central Autonomous Bodies continuing to draw their pay in the pre-revised pay scale/Grade Pay as per 6th Central Pay Commission w.e.f. 01.07.2021
The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department’s O.M. No. 1/3(1)/2008-E.II(B) dated 25 October, 2019 revising the rate of Dearness Allowance (DA) w.e.f. 01.07.2019 in respect of employees of Central Government and Central Autonomous Bodies continuing to draw their pay in the pre-revised pay scale/Grade Pay as per 6th Central Pay Commission and to this Department’s OM No. 1/1/2020- E.II(B) dated 23.04,2020 vide which instalments of Dearness Allowance to Central Government employees due from 01.01.2020, 01.07,2020 and 01.01.2021, were frozen.
2.The rate of DA admissible to above categories of employees of Central Government and Central Autonomous Bodies shall be enhanced from the existing 164% to 189% of the Basic Pay with effect from 01.07.2021. The increase subsumes the additional instalments arising on 01.01.2020, 01,07.2020 and 01.01.2021. The rate of Dearness Allowance for the period from 01.01.2020 till 30.06.2021 shall remain at 164%.
3.The provisions contained in paras 3, 4 and 5 of this Ministry’s 0.M.No.1(3)/2008-E.II(B) dated 29th August, 2008 shall continue to be applicable while regulating Dearness Allowance under these orders.
4.The contents of this Office Memorandum may also be brought to the notice of all organisations under the administrative control of the Ministries/Departments which have adopted the Central Government scales of pay.
(Nirmala Dev) Director
To All Ministries/Departments of the Government of India (as per standard distribution list). Copy to: CMG, UPSC, etc.(as per standard endorsement list).
Exits and Withdrawals under the National Pension System – Railway Board [ RBE No. 61/2021 ]
RBE No. 61/2021
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (BHARAT SARKAR) MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (RAIL MANTRALAYA) (RAILWAY BOARD)
No. 2016/F(E)}IIN/1(1)/3
New Delhi, dated: 10.08.2021.
The GMs/Principal Financial Advisors, All Indian Railways/Production Units (etc), (As per mailing list)
Sub: Exits and Withdrawals under the National Pension System – regarding. .
A copy each of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA)’s Gazette Notification No.PFRDA/12/RGL/139/8 dated 29.09.2020 and 14.06.2021 issued in amendment of the provisions of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (Exits and Withdrawals under the National Pension System) Regulations, 2015 are enclosed herewith for information and compliance.
F.No. TA-2-03002(2)/1/2020/TA-U/(E-3001)/ 624 Ministry of Finance Department of Expenditure Controller General of Accounts Mahalekha Niyantrak Bhawan, E Block, GPO Complex INA, New Delhi-110023
Date: 11-08-2021.
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Disbursement of salary/ wages/ pension to the Central Government Employees/Pensioners in the State of Kerala for the month of August, 2021 on account of ONAM festival and in the State of Maharashtra for the month of September 2021 on account of Ganpati Festival-reg.
In view of the ‘ONAM’ and Ganpati festival, the Government have decided that the salary/wages/pension of all Central Government employees in the State of Kerala and Maharashtra may be drawn and disbursed by the Central Government offices (including Defence, Posts & Telecommunications) as per the following dates:-
(i) Kerala – 19-8-2021 (Thursday) (ii) Maharashtra – 18-9-2021 (Saturday)
2. The wages of the industrial employees of Central Government serving in the State of Kerala and Maharashtra may also be disbursed in advance as per the dates given above.
3. The pension of all Central Government Pensioners in the State of Kerala/ Maharashtra may also be disbursed by Bank/PAOs as per the dates given above.
4. The salary/wages/pension so disbursed is to be treated as advance payments and will be subject to adjustment after the full month’s salary/wages/pension of each employee/ pensioner is determined. The adjustment, if any, will be made without exception from the salary/wages/ pension of the month of August/September, 2021.
5. The concerned Ministries/Departments are requested to bring these instructions to the notice of their offices located in the State of Kerala/ Maharashtra for necessary action immediately.
6. Reserve Bank of India is requested to bring these instructions to the notice of all paying branches of all Banks located in the State of Kerala/Maharashtra for necessary action immediately.
(T.C.A. Kalyani) Joint Controller General of Accounts
