BSNL’s New Face Recognition Attendance: Employees Demand Funds for Smartphones
NEW DELHI – Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL)’s recent implementation of a face recognition feature in its mobile attendance application has sparked a demand from employees for financial assistance to purchase compatible Android smartphones. The National Federation of Telecom Employees (NFTE) has formally appealed to BSNL’s Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) to sanction a “reasonable amount” for this purpose.
The updated system, which mandates face recognition for marking attendance, necessitates the use of Android devices. However, the NFTE highlighted that not all employees possess such devices, particularly those in lower pay scales, who would be “forced to purchase the Androids with necessary facilities”.
In a letter dated July 15, 2025, the NFTE’s General Secretary, Chandeshwar Singh, also pointed out the need for training for unskilled workers to operate the new system, stating that “Action is necessary in this respect”. The union emphasized that the upgrade, referenced in a BSNL communication from July 8, 2025, has created an unforeseen financial burden and training requirement for a segment of the workforce.
NEW DELHI – Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is intensifying its efforts to ensure the timely settlement of superannuation pension cases for its absorbees, reiterating its commitment to a “Zero Pendency Mission” on pensions
In a letter dated July 15, 2025, BSNL’s Establishment Finance Section addressed the Chief General Manager (CGMT) of the Telangana Telecom Circle, specifically noting that 31 superannuation pension cases are yet to be submitted to the concerned DoT cell. A list of these pending cases was enclosed as Annexure ‘A’ with the DoT letter. BSNL has requested an update on the status of these 31 cases by July 21, 2025
The DoT, in its letter dated June 30, 2025, emphasized that despite repeated reminders, the delayed submission of superannuation pension cases for BSNL absorbees to their office by BSNL units is an ongoing issue. It was noted that pension cases are often not received at least four months prior to the retirement date, as stipulated by rules, leading to delays in addressing shortcomings related to service book entries, service verification, and clarifications. As of June 30, 2025, a substantial number of cases were pending, with delays ranging from 30 to 212 days.
BSNL has previously issued instructions on this matter through its letter dated August 29, 2024, emphasizing that delays in pension/gratuity or other retirement benefit settlements require investigation and strict action against defaulting officers/officials. This directive aligns with a DoT letter dated August 22, 2024, which also highlighted delayed payments of pensionary benefits and instances where pension papers were not received from BSNL units for months.
To address these persistent issues, the DoT has directed that coordination meetings be held between the Office of the Controller of Communication Accounts (CCA) and BSNL at appropriate levels in all field units. These meetings are intended to review both pending pension cases and those due in the upcoming three months. BSNL field units are urged to process and forward pension cases in a timely manner and to attend monthly meetings with the concerned CCA office to resolve any issues in submitting complete pension papers.
The list of pending superannuation pension cases from BSNL units in the Telangana Telecom Circle, along with the delay in days as of June 30, 2025, includes individuals with retirement dates ranging from March 31, 2025, to September 30, 2025. One case, with HRMS No. 199404691, shows a delay of 212 days for a retirement date of March 31, 2025.
BSNL has circulated these instructions to all Chief General Managers (CGMs) and Integrated Financial Advisors (IFAs) across Telecom Circles, Non-Territorial Circles, and Metro Districts, urging strict adherence to the prescribed timelines under Rule 60(4) of CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021, to ensure timely and hassle-free settlement of retirement benefits. The organization stresses that in cases of inordinate delay, responsibility should be fixed, and penal interest for delayed payment may be considered for recovery from the concerned officer(s), as per rules.
Department of Posts Announces Rollout of Next-Generation APT Application in Delhi for Enhanced Digital Excellence
The Department of Posts is proud to announce the rollout of the next- generation APT application, marking a major leap forward in our journey towards digital excellence and nation- building. As part of this transformative initiative, the upgraded system will be implemented at the Post Offices in Delhi on 21.07.2025:
Name of Post offices
Sr. No.
Post Office Name
1
Aliganj
2
Amar Colony
3
Andrewsganj
4
C G O Complex
5
Dargah Sharif
6
Defence Colony
7
District Court Complex Saket
8
East Of Kailash Phase I
9
East Of Kailash
10
Gautam Nagar
11
Golf Links
12
Gulmohar Park
13
Hari Nagar Ashram
14
Hazrat Nizamuddin
15
Jungpura
16
Kasturba Nagar
17
Krishna Market
18
Lodi Road
19
Lajpat Nagar
20
Malviya Nagar
21
MMTC-STC Colony
22
Nehru Nagar
23
ND South Ext-II
24
Panchsheel Enclave
25
Pragati Vihar
26
Pratap Market
27
Pushp Vihar
28
Sadiq Nagar
29
Safdarjung Air Port
30
Saket
31
Sant Nagar
32
Sarvodya Enclave
33
South Malviya Nagar
34
Sriniwaspuri
35
Jeevan Nagar BO
To enable a seamless and secure transition to this advanced digital platform, a planned downtime has been scheduled on 21.07.2025. No public transactions will be carried out at above Post Offices on 21.07.2025. This temporary suspension of services is necessary to facilitate data migration, system validations, and configuration processes, ensuring that the new system goes live smoothly and efficiently.
The APT application is designed to offer an enhanced user experience, faster service delivery, and a more customer-friendly interface, reflecting our unwavering commitment to delivering smarter, efficient, and future- ready postal operations.
We request our valued customers to kindly plan their visits in advance and bear with us during this brief interruption. We deeply regret any inconvenience caused and assure you that these steps are being taken in the interest of delivering better, faster, and more digitally empowered services to every citizen.
Ministry of Communication Issues Guidelines on Leave During Parliament Session
New Delhi: The Ministry of Communication, Department of Posts, has issued an Office Memorandum regarding instructions for leave during the upcoming Parliament Session.
The memorandum, dated July 15, 2025, informs all concerned that the 5th Session of the 18th Lok Sabha and the 268th Session of the Rajya Sabha are scheduled to commence from July 21, 2025, and are expected to conclude on August 21, 2025.
In light of the parliamentary sessions, all Heads of Circles have been requested to plan their leave after the conclusion of the sessions, as far as possible.
This directive has been issued with the approval of the Competent Authority. The Office Memorandum was signed by Nahar Singh Meena, Assistant Director General (SPG).
A copy of the memorandum has been forwarded to various officials, including the PSO to Secretary Posts, PPS to Director General Postal Services, Sr. PPS/PS to all Members Postal Services Board, all CPMSG/Sr. DDG (Vig. & CVO)/ CGM (PLI)/ CGM (Parcel), Director, RAKNPA, Ghaziabad, Addl. DG, APS, all DDSG (through eOffice portal), GM, CEPT Mysore for uploading on the India Post website, and SO (Admn) for uploading the OM in the eOffice portal. The memorandum was also signed by Ajay Kumar, Assistant Director (SPG-I).
Addl. Director General, Army Postal Service, R.K. Puram, New Delhi.
All General Managers (Finance)/Directors Postal Accounts/DDAP.
Sub: โ Grant of notional increment on 1st July/1st January to the employees who retired from Central Govt. Service on 30th June/31st December respectively for the purpose of calculating their pensionary benefits-regarding.
Sir/Madam,
In continuation of this office OM of even no. 18.10.2024 and Corrigendum dated 11.11.2024, | am directed to forward herewith DoPTโs OM No. 19/116/2024-Pers.Pol.(Pay) (Pt) dated 20.05.2025 whereby guidelines to deal with the cases of grant of notional increment to the officials retiring on 30th June or 31st December, as the case may be, have been issued based on the final directions dated 20.02.2025 of Honโble Supreme Court in MA No. 2400/2024.
2. Further to receipt of the Order dated 20.05.2025, this Department has sought clarification from DoPT on certain issues. Based on their clarification dated 08.07.2025 and the judgment of the Honโble Supreme Court following is clarified:
2.1. Eligibility
The benefit of a notional increment for pension purpose will be extended to Officials retiring/nave retired on 30th June or 31st December on or after 01.01.2006, subject to fulfillment of the conditions laid down in DoPTโs OM dated 20.05.2025.
2.2. Date of effect of order and General Conditions for third parties
The actual monetary benefit of higher pension based on this notional increment will be paid w.e.f 01.05.2023 to all eligible employees retired on or before 30.04.2023, except those who already have a court order in their favour. In such cases, the specific directions of the Court shall apply.
2.3. Cases having specific directions of the Court
If an eligible retired employee has filed an application for intervention, impleadment, writ petition, or original application before a CAT, High Court, or the Supreme Coun, the enhanced pension by including one increment will be payable for the period of three years prior to the month in which the application for intervention/impleadment/writ petition/original application was filed. The said direction of Honโble Supreme Court will, however, not apply to the retired government employees who filed a writ petition/original application or an application for intervention before the CATs/High Courts/Supreme Court after the judgement in โUnion of India & Anr. Vs M. Siddaraj caseโ, as in such cases direction referred in para 3(a) of DoPT O.M. dated 20.05.2025 will apply.
After the issuance of the orders dated 20.02.2025 of the Honโble Supreme Court, if the directions of any lower Courts are contrary to these instructions, such orders shall be challenged before the Higher Court to the extent they violate these conditions.
2.4. Re-opening of cases decided in past
The cases which have already been implemented need not to be re-opened.
This issues with the approval of the Competent Authority.
Yours faithfully,
(SAPNA) Assistant Director General (PE-II) L.O ADG (PAP)
Implementation of MACP Scheme for the teaching staff in railway schools
The Ministry of Railways (Railway Board) has issued new guidelines for the implementation of the Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) Scheme for teaching staff in railway schools, effective from April 29, 2025. This new scheme replaces the existing Career Advancement Scheme (CAS).
Under the new directives, any placements already earned in Senior and Selection Grades under CAS will be adjusted against financial upgradations under the MACP Scheme. Further financial upgradations will only be granted if they are due after this adjustment and all prescribed conditions of the MACP Scheme are met.
To facilitate a smooth transition, the Railway Board has provided Annexures 1 and 2 for guidance.
Annexure 1: Scenarios for Existing Railway School Teachers
Annexure 1 outlines various possible scenarios for railway school teachers who were in service as of April 29, 2025, and will now transition from CAS to MACPS, These scenarios are illustrative and not exhaustive, and any additional scenarios or discrepancies should be reported to the Railway Board.
Some of the key scenarios detailed for Primary Teachers (PRTs) include:
MACP before 1st NF upgradation under CAS (less than 12 years of regular service): The 1st MACP will be granted in Pay Level L-7 upon completion of 10 years of regular service or on April 29, 2025, whichever is later. Subsequent MACPs (2nd and 3rd) will follow existing provisions.
MACP after promotion to TGT but before 1st NF upgradation under CAS: The PRT’s promotion to the Basic Grade of TGT in L-7 will count as the 1st MACP. The 2nd MACP in L-8 will be granted on completion of 20 years of regular service or 10 years from the promotion date. If the 2nd MACP was due before April 29, 2025, it will be granted effective April 29, 2025. If due after, it will be given upon completion of 20 years of regular service or 10 years from the 1st MACP.
MACP after 1st NF upgradation under CAS to Sr. Grade: The 1st NF upgradation under CAS to Sr. Grade in L-7 will count as the 1st MACP. The 2nd MACP in L-8 will be granted on completion of 20 years of regular service or 10 years from the date of the 1st NF upgradation counted towards the 1st MACP. Similar to the above, specific dates apply if the 2nd MACP was due before or after April 29, 2025.
MACP after 2nd NF upgradation under CAS to Selection Grade in L-8: The 1st NF upgradation to Sr. Grade in L-7 and the 2nd NF upgradation to Selection Grade in L-8 under CAS will count as the 1st and 2nd MACPs, respectively. The 3rd MACP in L-9 will be granted on completion of 30 years of total service or 10 years from the 2nd NF upgradation counted towards the 2nd MACP, whichever is earlier.
Similar detailed scenarios are provided for Trained Graduate Teachers (TGTs) / Headmasters in Primary Schools and Post Graduate Teachers (PGTs) / Headmasters in Middle Schools.
Annexure 2: 7th CPC Pay Levels for New Entrants
Annexure 2 specifies the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) pay levels for MACPS for teachers joining railway schools on or after April 29, 2025.
The entry pay levels and subsequent MACP pay levels are as follows:
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (RAILWAY BOARD)
No. E(P&A)I-2024/PS-5/PE-3
New Delhi, dated: 12.06.2025
The General Managers and PFAs, All Indian Railways and Production Units etc.
Sub: Implementation of Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) Scheme for the teaching staff in railway schools – reg.
Ref: Board’s letter of even No. dt 05.05.25.
Approval of the Railway Board was communicated for implementing the Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) Scheme and withdrawing the existing Career Advancement Scheme for teaching staff in railway schools w.e.f. 29.04.2025 vide Board’s letter of even number dated 05.05.2025. Vide pars 3 of the ibid letter it has been clarified that the placements in Senior Grades and Selection Grades already earned under CAS will be first adjusted against the financial upgradation(s) under MACP Scheme and any financial upgradation(s) due thereafter only will be granted subject to the fulfillment of all prescribed conditions for grant of financial upgradation(s) under the MACP Scheme.
2. In continuation of the said communication and with a view to ensuring a smooth transition from the existing CAS to the MACP Scheme, Annexures 1 and 2 may please be referred to for guidance.
i. Annexure I indicates certain scenarios which may be applicable in case of railway school teachers in service as on 29.04.2025 who would now be getting MACPS over CAS.
ii. Annexure 2 indicates the 7th CPC pay levels for the purpose of MACPS which the teachers joining in railway schools on and after 29.04.2025 would get.
2.1. The various possible scenarios in Annexure 1 are illustrative in nature but not exhaustive and any additional scenarios or discrepancies observed in the same may be brought to the notice of Railway Board.
Extension of timelines for completion of APAR for 2024-2025: Railway Board
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS RAILWAY BOARD
File No. PC-VII/2025/HRMS/15
New Delhi, Dated : 16.07.2025
To, The General Managers, All Indian Railways/Pus/TIs, (As per standard mailing list)
Sub : Extension of timelines for completion of APAR for the year 2024-2025.
Ref: Board’s letter No. PC-VII/2025/HRMS/15 dated 01.05.2025
Kindly refer to Board’s letter referred above wherein timelines for completion of various stages of e-APAR for the year 2024-2025 have been specified.
2.Though the timelines for finalization of hierarchy and submission of self appraisal are over, it is observed that a number of APARs are still pending at these stages. In view of such pendency in completion of e-APARs, it has been decided by the competent authority to extend the timelines for completion of various stages of e-APAR for the year 2024-2025 as under:
S. No.
Activity
New Target Date
1
Finalisation of hierarchy and online generation of APAR form
20th July, 2025
2
Submission of self-appraisal to reporting officer
31st July, 2025
3
Submission of reporting officer to reviewing officer
31st August, 2025
4
Forwarding report by reviewing officer to accepting authority
30th September, 2025
5
Appraisal by accepting authority
31st October, 2025
6
Communication of APAR to the officer report above
15th November, 2025
7
Submission of representation if any on APAR from the date of communication
30 days from the date of communication of APAR, or 15th December, 2025, whichever is later.
8
Completing the process relating to the representation submitted by the official
15 days from the date of representation received or 31st December 2025, whichever is later.
9
End of entire process
31st December 2025
3.It is informed that any APAR pending for self-appraisal after the deadline shall be auto forwarded to the Reporting Officer. It is advised that the aforementioned relaxations are also applicable for the ex-Cadre employees in Railway Board. All Field Units may take steps to ensure that the APARs are completed within the timelines.
4.This issues with the approval of competent authority.
Freezing of Small Savings Schemes accounts matured but not closed after 3 years
SB Order No. 10/2025
FS-13/7/2020-FS-Part (1) Government of India Ministry of Communications Department of Posts (Financial Services Division)
Dak Bhawan, New Delhi โ 110001 Dated: 15.07.2025
To
All Head of Circles/Regions
Subject: Freezing of Small Savings Schemes accounts matured but not closed after 3 years.
Sir/Madam,
Please refer to SB Order No. 25/2022 dated 16-12-2022, concerning the freezing of Small Savings Schemes accounts, under INOP-freeze Code, that have matured but not closed even after three years of maturity.
2. As per the aforementioned SB Order, it was decided to freeze matured accounts under the schemes MIS, SCSS, TD, KVP, NSC, RD, and PPF accounts (that are matured but not extended), which have not been closed even after three years since maturity. The designated freeze reason code for these accounts is โINOP: Inoperative more than 3 yearsโ.
3. To further enhance security of hard-earned money of depositors, it has now been decided that this freezing activity will be conducted twice a year as a continuous cycle. The process of identification and freezing of such accounts will be completed within 15 days, commencing from 1st July and 1st January of each year. This means accounts that complete three years of maturity as on 30th June and 31st December every year, respectively, will be identified and frozen
4. The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for handling these frozen accounts, as detailed in SB Order 25/2022, remains in effect and must continue to be followed.
5. This issues with the approval of the Competent Authority.
Yours faithfully,
(Devender Kumar Sharma) Assistant Director (SB-II)
Free Aadhaar Biometric Update for Children Aged 5-7: UIDAI Urges Parents to Update
Mandatory Biometric Update Enables Seamless Access to School Admissions, Entrance Exams, Scholarships, and DBT Benefits
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has reiterated the importance of completing the Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) for children who have attained the age of seven but have not yet updated their biometrics in Aadhaar. This is an existing requirement under Aadhaar, and parents or guardians can update the details of their child at any Aadhaar Seva Kendra or designated Aadhaar centre.
UIDAI has started sending SMS messages to the mobile numbers registered in the Aadhaar of such children for completing the MBU exercise.
Update Your Childโs Aadhaar Biometrics for Free Between Ages 5 and 7
A child under the age of five enrols for Aadhaar by providing the photograph, name, date of birth, gender, address and documents of proof. The fingerprints and iris biometrics of a child are not captured for Aadhaar enrolment below the age of five because these are not mature at that age.
As per existing rules, therefore, fingerprints, iris and photo are mandatorily required to be updated in his/her Aadhaar when the child reaches the age of five years. This is called first Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU). If the child performs the MBU between the age of five and seven years, it is free of cost. But after seven years of age, there is a prescribed fee of Rs. 100 only.
Timely completion of MBU is an essential requirement for maintaining the accuracy and reliability of biometric data of children. If the MBU is not completed even after 7 years of age, the Aadhaar number may be deactivated, as per the existing rules.
From Enrolment to Opportunity-Aadhaar Empowers Every Step
Aadhaar with updated biometric facilitates ease of living and ensures seamless usage of Aadhaar in availing services such as school admissions, registering for entrance examinations, availing benefits of scholarships, DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) schemes, etc wherever applicable. Parents/ guardians are advised to update biometrics of their children/wards in Aadhaar, on priority.
