Setting Up of a New Sainik School in Shivamogga District of Karnataka
A reference was received from State Government of Karnataka for setting up of a Sainik School in Shivamogga district of Karnataka. In response to the reference reply was sent informing that there is no plan under consideration to open more Sainik Schools other than the ones operational in the State of Karnataka, under the ambit of existing scheme of things.
Government is proposing to bring a new scheme for setting up Sainik Schools in the country in partnership with NGOs/Private Schools/State etc. The endeavor is to provide schooling opportunities in ‘CBSE Plus’ type of educational environment by involving desirous Government/Private Schools/NGOs to partner in establishing/aligning their system with Sainik Schools ethos, value system and national pride. It envisages enrolling existing/upcoming schools to be run to the line of Sainik Schools curriculum. The schools are proposed to be affiliated to Sainik Schools Society. Detailed guidelines and requisite approvals are at an advance stage.
This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt in a written reply to Shri KC Ramamurthy in Rajya Sabha today.
Safeguarding the interests of the employees of Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) post corporatisation
The Government has ensured safeguarding the interests of the employees of Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) post corporatisation of OFB, inter-alia, in the following manner:-
It has been decided that all the employees of OFB (Group A, B & C), belonging to the production units and also the non-production units being handed over to the new DPSUs (to be formed) would be transferred to these DPSU(s) on terms of foreign service without any deputation allowance (deemed deputation) initially for a period of two years from the appointed date.
All the employees of OFB Head Quarter, OFB New Delhi Office, OF Schools and OF Hospitals, would be transferred to the Directorate of Ordnance Factories (to be formed) under the Department of Defence Production, initially for a period of two years from the appointed date.
Till such time the employees remain on deemed deputation to the new entities, they shall continue to be subject to all rules and regulations as are applicable to the Central Government servants. Their pay scales, allowances, leave, medical facilities, career progression and other service conditions will also continue to be governed by the extant rules, regulations and orders, as are applicable to the Central Government servants.
The pension liabilities of the retirees and existing employees will continue to be borne by the Government.
Since the announcement of the Government to undertake corporatisation of OFB in May, 2020, the Government has held various discussions with the OFB employees’ Federations regarding the corporatisation of OFB under Chairmanship of Secretary (Defence Production). Their concerns and suggestions were noted. Their main concern about safeguarding the interests of the employees of OFB has been adequately addressed as mentioned above. It is pertinent to mention that Chief Labour Commissioner (Central) also held discussions with Government & OFB Federations as part of the conciliation process under the ID Act 1947.
This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt in a written reply to Shri Binoy Viswam in Rajya Sabha today.
Abolition of Savings Bank Aptitude Test – Saving Bank Allowance – Dept of Posts
SB Order No. 20/2021
eFile No. 113-01/2017-SB-I
Government of India
Ministry of Communications
Department of Posts
(F.S. Division)
Dak Bhawan, New Delhi – 110001
Dated: 20.07.2021
To
All Head of Circles / Regions
Subject : Abolition of Savings Bank Aptitude Test — Regarding.
***
The Savings Bank Allowance had been introduced on 01.05.1989, and was paid to the Postal Assistants working in the SB Branches of the Post Offices. The allowance was admissible only to those Postal Assistants who were selected to be posted in SB Branch having at least 5 years service with good record and pass the aptitude test / such other test as may be prescribed from time to time for posting in the SB Branch. The eligibility criterion in respect of minimum service requirement for attending SB Aptitude Test was revised as one year vide SB Order No. 16/2011 dated 23.08.2011. The said Saving Bank Allowance has been abolished in 7th CPC.
2. The issue has been examined in light of above development. Conducting SB Aptitude Test has not been found desirable in view of the present changed scenario due to implementation of Core Banking System, rationalization of counters due to introduction of Multi-purpose counters and other factors. The competent authority has accordingly ordered for abolition of SB Aptitude Test with immediate effect.
3. However, Circles are instructed to ensure that the officials engaged in POSB operation must have completed CBS/Finacle operation training including Induction training organized in PTC/RTC. Those officials posted in SB branches should also be specifically asked to keep checking www.indiapost.gov.in on regular basis for new SB Orders, amendments, latest circulars etc.
4. This may be circulated to all the Post Offices for information and necessary actions.
5. This is issued with the approval of the Competent Authority.
DA for Postal Employees from July 2021 – Dept of Posts Order
File NO.PP-08/2/2021-PAP-DOP
Government of India
Ministry of Communications
Department of Posts
PAP Section/(Establishment Division)
*****
Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg,
New Delhi —110001.
Dated: 20th July, 2021.
To
All Chief Postmasters General/ Postmasters General
Chief General Manager, BD Dte/Parcel Dte/ PLI Directorate
Director RAKNPA/ GM CEPT) Directors of All PTCs,
Addl. Director General, Army Postal Service, R.K. Puram, New Delhi
All General Managers (Finance)/ DAP/ DDAP
Sub: Grant of Dearness Allowance to Central Government employees – Revised Rates effective from 01.07.2021.
Sir/Madam,
I am directed to forward herewith a copy of the Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure’s Office Memorandum No 1/1/2020-E-II (B) dated 20th July, 2021 on the subject cited above for information and further necessary action.
This issue with the approval of the competent authority.
Yours faithfully
(D.K. Tripathi)
Assistant Director General (Estt.)
DA Order to Railway Employees from July 2021 – RBE No. 52/2021
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
Ministry of Railways
Railway Board
PC-VII No.- 173
File No. PC-VII/2016/I/7/2/1
RBE No.: 52/2021
New Delhi, dated: 20.07.2021
The General Manager/CAOs(R),
All India Railways & Production Units,
(As per mailing list)
Sub :– Revised rates of Dearness Allowance to Indian Railway employees w.e.f. 01.07.2021
The undersigned is directed to refer to this Ministry’s letter No. PC-VII/2016/1/7/2/3 dated 27.04.2020 vide which instalments of Dearness Allowance to Railway employees due from 01.01.2020, 01.07.2020 and 01.01.2021, were frozen and to say that the President is pleased to decide that the Dearness Allowance payable to Indian Railway employees shall be enhanced from the existing rate of 17% to 28% of the Basic Pay with effect from 1st July, 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 17%.
2. The term ‘basic pay’ in the revised pay structure means the pay drawn in the prescribed Level in the Pay Matrix as per 7th CPC recommendations accepted by the Government, but does not include any other type of pay like special pay, etc.
3. The Dearness Allowance will continue to be distinct element of remuneration and will not be treated as pay within the ambit of Rule 1303 (FR 9(21)), Indian Railway Establishment Code, Volume-II (Sixth Edition – 1987) – Second Reprint 2005.
4. The payment on account of Dearness Allowance involving fractions of 50 paise and above may be rounded to the next higher rupee and the fractions of less than 50 paise may be ignored.
5. This issues with the concurrence of Finance Directorate of Ministry of Railways.
(M. K. Gupta)
Executive Director, Pay Commission-II
Railway Board
F.No.W-02/0038/2017-DPE(WC)-GL-1/21
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Public Enterprises
Public Enterprises Bhawan,
Block 14, CGO Complex, Lodi Road,
New Delhi-110003,
Date 20th July, 2021
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject :– Payment of DA to the CDA pattern employees of CPSEs, drawing pay in 7th CPC pay scales.
The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department’s O.M.No.W-02/0038/201/7-DPE (WC) dated 28.04.2020 regarding freezing of Dearness Allowance to employees of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) drawing CDA pay scales.
2. The DA payable to the employees drawing pay in 7th CPC pay scale shall be enhanced from the existing rate of 17% to 28% 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 17%.
3. The payment of Dearness Allowance involving fractions of 50 paise and above may be rounded off to the next higher rupee and the fractions of less than 50 paise may be ignored.
4. These rates are applicable in the case of CDA employees whose pay have been revised with effect from 01.01.2016 as per DPE’s O.M. dated 17.08.2017.
5. All administrative Ministries/Departments of Government of India are requested to bring this to the notice of Central Public Sector Enterprises under their administrative control for action at their end.
DA Order July 2021 : FinMin released Office Memorandum for Dearness Allowance from 01.07.2021
No. 1/1/2020.E-II (B)
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure
North Block, New Delhi
Dated the 20th July, 2021
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Revised rates of Dearness Allowance to Central Government employees w.e.f. 01.07.2021.
The undersigned is directed to refer to this Ministry’s Office Memorandum 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 and to say that the President is pleased to decide that the Dearness Allowance payable to Central Government employees shall be enhanced from the existing rate of 17% to 28% of the basic pay with effect from 1st July, 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 17%
2. The term ‘basic pay’ in the revised pay structure means the pay drawn in the prescribed Level in the Pay Matrix as per 7th CPC recommendations accepted by the Government, but does not include any other type of pay like special pay, etc.
3, The Dearness Allowance will continue to be a distinct element of remuneration and will not be treated as pay within the ambit of FR 9(21).
4. The payment on account of Dearness Allowance involving fractions of 50 paise and above may be rounded to the next higher rupee and the fractions of less than 50 paise may be ignored.
5. These orders shall also apply to the civilian employees paid from the Defence Services Estimates and the expenditure will be chargeable to the relevant head of the Defence Services Estimates. In respect of Armed Forces personnel and Railway employees, separate orders will be issued by the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Railways, respectively.
6. In their application to the persons belonging to Indian Audit and Accounts Department, these orders are issued under Article 148(5) of the Constitution and after consultation with the Comptroller & Auditor General of India.
(Annie George Mathew)
Additional Secretary to the Government of India
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.
Disbursement of Salary/Pension to Central Government employees/Pensioner working in the State of Kerala on 10th August 2021 on account of “ONAM” Festival.
Ref: CONFON/ONAM/2021
Dated- 17.07.2021
To,
The Controller General of Accounts,
Ministry of Finance,
Department of Expenditure,
Mahalekha Niyantrak Bhawan,
E-Block, GPO Complex, INA
New Delhi – 110 023.
Sir,
Sub :- Disbursement of Salary/Pension to Central Government employees / Pensioner working in the State of Kerala on 10th August 2021 on account of “ONAM” Festival.
ONAM is the State festival of Kerala. The Festival commences on 12th August 2021 and culminates on 23. August 2021. This is also a social 1501001 and is celebrated by one and all It had been the normal practice to draw and disburse the salary and pension of the employees and pensioners in the month in which the festival falls well prior to the commencement of the festival.
We shall be graffitol R orders are issued to all Departments to disburse the salary and pension for the month of August, 2021 by 10. August 2021 in respect of all employees and pensioners in the Slate of Kerala. A copy of the order issued by your office on 1008.2020 In this matter is enclosed for ready reference.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
(R. N. Parashar)
Secretary General
Copy to: -The Joint Secretary (Per), Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, North Block, New Delhi
DOPT Order : Cases pending or decided by Hon’ble High Courts / CAT regarding preponement of effective date of MACPS
No.35034/3/2015-Estt.(D)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training
North Block, New Delhi
Dated: 13th July, 2021.
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject : Cases pending or decided by Hon’ble High Courts/Central Administrative Tribunals regarding preponement of effective date of Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme – Order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India dated 28.4.2021 in CA No. 1579/21 (SLP (C) No. 15572/2019) of Union of India v/s R.K. Sharma & others – reg.
The undersigned is directed to say that vide O.M. of even number dated 30.9.2020, Ministries/ Departments were advised to defend all cases or challenge the Orders of Court/Tribunal, as the case may be, which are contrary to Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme (MACPS) guidelines, since the matter relating to preponing the date of effect of the MACPS from 1.9.2008 (as provided in the scheme) to 1.1.2006, was sub-judice in a number of cases pending in the Apex Court, which have been tagged with SLP No. 10811-13/2018 of Uol v/s Ranjit Samuel, and that all similar matters were being heard together.
2. Though decision in the above mentioned cases is still awaited, the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, in a related matter, has held that benefits under the MACPS cannot be claimed w.e.f. 1.1.2006. In its Order dated 28.4.2021 in Civil Appeal No. 1579/2021 [arising out of SLP (C) No. 15572/2019] of Union of India v/s R.K. Sharma & Others, the Hon’ble Apex Court has held as under:-
“7. For a better understanding of the dispute in these cases, it is necessary to examine the judgments of this Court in Balbir Singh Turn (supra) and M.V. Mohanan Nair (supra). The point that was considered by this Court in Balbir Singh Turn (supra) relates to the applicability of the benefit of MACPS from 01.01.2006. The Respondents therein approached the Armed Forces Tribunal which held that the benefit of ACP granted to an employee is part of the pay structure which affects the pay and also his pension. The Armed Forces Tribunal held that an ACP is not an allowance but a part of pay and therefore, in terms of the Government resolution, the employees were entitled for MACP w.ef. 01.01.2006. This Court in Balbir Singh Turn (supra) upheld the said finding recorded by the Armed Forces Tribunal. Instructions issued on 30.05.2011 were found to be contrary to the resolution dated 30.08.2008 as, according to the resolution 01.01.2006 was the effective date for implementation of MACPS in matters relating to pay and dearness allowance.
8. In MV. Mohanan Nair (supra) a three Judge Bench of this Court considered the ACPS as well as the MACPS to hold that the schemes are in the nature of incentive schemes which were brought into force to relieve stagnation. This Court was of the considered view that the Respondents therein were entitled only to the benefit of next grade pay in the pay band and not to the benefit of grade pay of next promotional post. As the MACPS is a matter of Government policy pursuant to the recommendations made by the Pay Commission, this Court refused to accept submissions of the employees that MACPS should be made applicable w.e.f. 01.01.2006.
9. In view of the judgment of this Court in M.V. Mohanan Nair (supra), the Respondents and other similarly situated employees are entitled for financial upgradation under MACPS only to the next grade pay and not to the grade pay of next promotional post. It is clear from the resolution dated 30.08.2008 that the recommendation of the 6th Pay Commission was accepted by the Government and was made effective from 01.01.2006 in respect of civilian employees with regard to revised scales of pay and dearness allowances. In so far as the revised allowances other than dearness allowance, recommendation of the 6th Pay Commission were given effect from 01.09.2008. The judgment in M.V. Mohanan Nair (supra) clinches the issue. Benefits flowing from ACP & MACP Schemes are incentives and are not part of pay. The resolution dated 29.08.2008 is made effective from 01.09.2008 for implementation of allowances other than Pay and DA which includes financial upgradation under ACP & MACP Schemes. Therefore, the Respondents and other similarly situated officers are not entitled to seek implementation of the benefits of MACPS w.e.f. 01.01.2006 according to the resolution dated 29.08.2008. Moreover, the implementation of MACPS by granting financial upgradation only to the next grade pay in the pay band and not granting pay of the next promotional post w.e.f. 01.01.2006 would be detrimental to a large number of employees, particularly those who have retired. We find force in the submission made by the learned Additional Solicitor General that uniform implementation of MACPS for civilian employees w.e.f. 01.01.2006 would result in large scale recoveries of amounts paid in excess.
10. In view of the above, we set aside the judgment of the High Court and allow these Appeals.”
3. Accordingly, in terms of the existing MACP guidelines, and in light of above mentioned order dated 28.4.2021, all Ministries/Departments are, therefore, advised to dispose of all pending grievances seeking grant of benefit w.ef. 1.1.2006 under the MACP Scheme, and also. to defend the various pending Court Cases or to take immediate suitable action for appealing against such judgments which are contrary to the existing policy, as upheld by the Hon’ble Apex Court in the instant case.
Ex-gratia lump sum compensation – MoD Clarification Order dated 14.07.2021
No. 20(1)2017/D(Pay/Services)
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
Department of Military Affairs
New Delhi, 14th July, 2021
To
The Chief of the Army Staff
The Chief of the Air Staff
The Chief of the Navy Staff
Subject: Ex-gratia lump sum compensation – Clarification
Sir,
I am directed to refer to this Ministry’s letter No. 20(1)98/D(Pay/Services) dated 22.9.1998 as amended vide letter of even number dated 12.4.1999, 3.8.1999, 19.5.2000, 21.10.2008, letter No. 20(5)2009/D(Pay/Services) dated 46.2010 and letter No. 20(2)2016/D(Pay/Services) dated 2.11.2016 on the above subject and to say that following has been clarified for better interpretation of the aforementioned letters regarding grant of Ex-gratia lump sum compensation to the next of kin of the Defence Service personnel who die in harness in the performance of their bonafide official duties:
(a) A person subject to the disciplinary code of the Armed Forces shall be treated on ‘Bonafide Official duty’
a. When performing an official task or a task failure to do which would constitute an offence, triable under the disciplinary code applicable to him.
b. When moving from one place of duty to another place of duty irrespective of the mode of journey.
c. During the period of participation in recreation and other unit/sports activities organized or approved by service authorities and during the period of traveling in relation thereto.
Note 1: Personnel of the Armed Forces participating in local/national/ international sports tournaments as member of service teams or mountaineering expeditions/ gliding organized by service authorities, with the approval of Service HQs, shall be deemed to be ‘on bonafide duty’ for the purpose of grant of ex-gratia lump sum compensation.
Note 2: Personnel of Armed Forces participating in sports tournaments or in privately organized mountaineering expeditions of indulging in gliding as a hobby in their individual capacity, shall not be deemed to be ‘on bonafide duty’ for the purpose of grant of ex-gratia lump sum compensation, even though prior permission of the competent service authorities have been obtained by them.
Note 3: Injuries sustained by personnel of the Armed Forces in impromptu games and sports which are organized by or with the approval of the local service authority and death or disability arising from such injuries, will be regarded as having occurred ‘on bonafide duty’ for the purpose of grant of ex-gratia lump Sum compensation.
Note 4: The personnel of the Armed Forces deputed for training at courses conducted by the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling and other similar institutes shall be treated at par with personnel attending other authorized professional courses of exercise for the Defence Services for the purpose of grant of ex-gratia lump sum compensation on account of death sustained during the courses.
d. When proceeding on leave/ valid out pass from his duty station to his leave station or returning to duty from his leave station on leave/ valid out pass.
Note 1: An Armed Forces personnel while travelling between his place of duty to leave station and vice-versa is to be treated on duty irrespective of whether he has availed railway warrant/ concession vouchers/ cash TA etc or not for the journey. This would also include journey performed from leave station to duty station in case the individual returns early.
Note 2: The occurrence of death should have taken place in reaching the leave station from duty station or vice versa using the commonly available/ adopted route and mode of transport.
e. When travelling by a reasonable route from one’s official residence to and back from the appointed place of duty irrespective of the mode of conveyance (whether private or provided by the Government).
f. Death which occurs when an individual is not strictly ‘on duty’ e.g. on leave, including cases of death as a result of attack by or action against extremists or anti-social elements may also be considered attributable to service, provided that it involved risk which was due to his belonging to the Armed Forces and that the same was not a risk faced by a civilian. Death due to personal enmity is not admissible.
Note 1: For the purpose of grant of ex-gratia lump sum compensation leave shall include all types of leave granted by Competent authority. Leave/Casual Leave shall not be treated as ‘Duty’ except in situations mentioned above.
2. This letter takes effect from the date of issue of this letter.
3. The other terms and conditions contained in the Ministry’s dated 22.9.1998 as amended shall remained unchanged.
4. This issues with the concurrence of Finance Division of this Ministry vide their U.O. No. 8(15)/2004-AG/PA dated 13.7.2021.
