Railway Protection Force (RPF) issues guidelines for travellers as the festive season approaches
Since the acts or omissions are likely to aid in the spread of corona virus, they will tantamount to interference with passenger amenities provided by the railway administration
Wilful omission or neglect endangering or causing to be endangered the safety of any person or rash and negligent act or omission likely to endanger the safety of any person travelling or being upon any railway and may be punished with imprisonment and/or fine under section 145, 153 and 154 of Railway Act 1989
Railway Protection Force has issued guidelines for travellers as the festive season is approaching. The general public is counselled to desist from the following acts or omission while being in railway stations, trains or other railway area:
1) Not wearing a mask or wearing a mask improperly.
2) Not maintaining social distancing.
3) Coming to railway area or station or boarding a train after having declared Covid Positive.
4) Coming to railway area or station or boarding a train after giving samples for testing of corona virus and awaiting result.
5) Boarding a train after having been denied to undertake travel by the health check up team at the railway station.
6) Spitting or wilful ejection of body fluid/waste in public area.
7) Activities which may create unclean or unhygienic conditions or affect public health and safety in railway stations and trains.
8) Not adhering to any of the guidelines issued by Railway administration for prevention of spread of corona virus.
9) Any other act or omission likely to aid in spread of corona virus.
Since these acts or omissions are likely to aid in the spread of corona virus, they will tantamount to interference with passenger amenities provided by the railway administration, wilful omission or neglect endangering or causing to be endangered the safety of any person or rash and negligent act or omission likely to endanger the safety of any person travelling or being upon any railway and may be punished with imprisonment and/or fine under section 145, 153 and 154 of Railway Act 1989.
OFFICE OF THE PR.CONTROLLER OF DEFENCE ACCOUNTS (PENSIONS) DRAUPADI GHAT, ALLAHABAD – 211 014
Circular No 213
No. AT/Tech/70-Vol. XXVI
Dated: 07/10/2020
To
The Chief Accountant, RBI Deptt. of Govt. Bank Accounts, Central office C-7, Second Floor, Bandre-Kurla Complex, P B No.8143, Bandre East, Mumbai-400051
2.The Manager, CPPC of all Public Sector Banks including IDBI
3.The Nodal office(ICIC/AXIS/HDFC Bank)
Sub: Consolidated instructions for pension disbursing authorities to ensure smooth payment of pension /family pension in respect of pensioners/Family pensioners.
Ref: This office Circular No. C-132 dated 13.12.2018, Circular No. 632 dated 30.03.2020 and Circular No.633 dated 30.03.2020.
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Govt. of India, Ministry of Personnel, public grievances & pension, department of pension & pensioners’ Welfare O.M. No.12/4/2020-P&PW(C)-6300 dated 15/05/2020 is reproduced herewith for immediate necessary action as applicable at the end of pension disbursing authorities.
2. All pension disbursing authorities are requested to take immediate necessary action as per provisions contained in above O.M
Z15025/18/2020/DIR/CGHS
Government of India
Min. of Health & Family Welfare
Department of Health
Directorate General of CGHS
545-A Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi.
Dated the 9th October , 2020
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Clarification regarding treatment of CGHS beneficiaries at government hospitals – regarding
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With reference to the above subject the undersigned is directed to state that this Ministry is in receipt of several representations seeking clarifications about treatment at government hospitals. In this regard attention is drawn to Office memorandum No. S-11012/1/91-CGHS(P) (Vol.I) dt 18.03.1992 vide which guidelines regarding settlement of Claims were issued and to convey the approval of competent authority for issue of tthe following clarifications regarding treatment at government hospitals:
i. CGHS beneficiaries have the option to avail Consultation from Specialists/ Investigations / treatment procedures from any Government Hospital Central /State)
ii. The definition of “Government hospital” would include any hospital of Central Government / State Government/Government Departments such as Railways. Atomic Energy Commission , etc. , as also hospitals of Public Sector Undertakings (such as those of the Steel Authority of India Limited/Coal India Limited, hospitals under Municipalities etc.
iii. Normally, many services at government hospitals are free. However, in case any government hospital charges for certain treatments , the same can be availed by way of reimbursement from the authorities concerned as per CGHS approved rates.
iv. CGHS beneficiaries shall be eligible for reimbursement as per the ward entitlement he/ she is entitled as per the criteria prescribed in case of AIIMS . In other government hospitals, where only General ward and Nursing home facility are available, CGHS beneficiaries , who are eligible eligible for semi-private ward and higher are eligible for treatment in Nursing Home wards .
v. Reimbursement for Implants shall be limited to CGHS prescribed ceiling rates. The other treatment charges are applicable item wise as per eligible ward entitlement.
vi. In case of treatment at ILBS , New Delhi , NIMS Hyderabad the reimbursement shall be as per CGHS rates.
vii. Medical claims are to be submitted through concerned CGHS Wellness Centre in case of Pensioners, ex-MPs , etc., and to the concerned Ministry /department /Office in case of serving employees and to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat I Lok Sabha Secretariat in case of Members of Parliament and to the concerned Autonomous body in case of CGHS beneficiaries of Autonomous Bodies for reimbursement.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)
RBA No. 79/2020
No. 2020/AC-II/21/7
New Delhi, dated 12.10.2020
General Managers/PFAs,
All Indian Railways & PUs etc.
CORRINGENDUM
Sub: Accountal of NPS Accumulation on Mobility of personnel amongst Central/State and Autonomous Bodies while working under Pensionable establishment
Ref: Board’s letter No. of even no. dated 18.09.2020 (RBA No. 76/2020)
Please refer to Board’s letter ibid. In this regard, it is clarified that accounting procedures referred to therein would be applicable for cases covered under the following letters:
S.No.
FE Dte’s letter no.and date
DOP&PW’s letter and date
Subject
1
F(E)IIl/2005/PN l/35 dated 19.08.2020
DOP&PW’s OM No. 28/30/2004-P&PW(B) dated 11.06.2020
Mobility of personnel amongst Central /State & Autonomous Bodies while working under Pensionable establishments – regarding.
2
D-43/12/2018 dated 03.03.2020.
DOP&PW’s OM No. 57/04/2019-P&PW(B) dated 17.02.2020
Coverage under Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules 1972, in place of National Pension System, of those Central Government employees whose selection for appointment was finalized before 01.01.2004 but who joined Government service on or after 01.01.2004
Kindly acknowledge receipt.
(Sanjeev Sharma)
Director Finance/Accounts
Railway Board
Controller General of Defence Accounts Ulan Batar Road, Palam, Delhi Cantt- 110010
No. AN/ Estt-Others)/11206/SAPR/FR-56(J)/2019
Dt. 09.10.2020
To,
PCA(Fys)PCsDA/CsDA
(Through CGDA Website)
Subject: Periodic Review of Central Government Employees for strengthening of administration under Fundamental Rule (FR 56U)/(i) and Rule 48 of CCS (Pension) Rules 1972.
In continuation of this HQrs office circular bearing No. even dated 02.03.2020 regarding instructions exist on the need for periodical review of performance of Government servants with a view to ascertain whether the Government servant should be retained in service or retired from service in the public interest. In this connection relevant orders were enclosed for guidance and taking an appropriate action with reference to orders on the subject.
F.No.12(2)/2020-EII(A)
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure
EII(A) Branch
North Block, New Delhi
12th October, 2020
Office Memorandum
Sub : Grant of Advance – Special Festival Package to Government Servants.
The undersigned is directed to say that with a view to enable Government servants to meet expenses relating to festivals and to encourage spending thereby giving a boost to economic activities, in pursuance of decision taken by the Government, it has been decided that a special festival package of advance will be accorded to all Government servants for any important festivals upto 31st March, 2021.
2. A Head of Office may sanction this special package on the eve of any important festival to any Central Government Servant under his administrative control. The term “important festival” is clarified as such festivals or one of such festivals as Head of Department may declare in respect of establishments under his/her administrative control.
3. The amount of the package is Rs. 10,000/- to be paid as advance to Government servant. This amount is interest free. The amount would be released through pre-loaded Rupay Card from SBI. DDOs, on receipt of application from Government servants for this package may process and acquire the prepaid cards from SBI for issue among the applicants. A detailed SOP for DDOs for obtaining these cards would be separately issued.
4. The festival package may be granted to a Government servant if he/she is on Government duty or on leave excluding leave preparatory to retirement, on the date on which the advance is disbursed. The amount paid under this package is recoverable in not more than ten (10) instalments.
5. These orders will take effect from the date of issuance of this Office Memorandum and will be in force during the current financial year till 31 March, 2021.
6. All the Ministries/Departments are requested to bring the contents of this OM to the notice of all its Attached and Subordinate offices for their information /necessary action.
Hindi version of this Office Memorandum will follow.
(B.K.Manthan)
Deputy Secretary to the Govt. of India
F.No.12(2)/2020-EII(A)
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure
EN(A) Branch
North Block, New Delhi
12th October, 2020
Office Memorandum
Sub : Special cash package equivalent in lieu of Leave Travel Concession Fare for Central Government Employees during the Block 2018-21.
In view of Covid-19 pandemic and resultant nationwide lockdown as well as disruption of transport and hospitality sector, as also the need for observing social distancing, a number of Central Government employees are not in a position to avail themselves of LTC for travel to any place in India or their Hometowns in the current Block of 2018-21.
2. With a view to compensate and incentivise consumption by Central Government employees thereby giving a boost to consumption expenditure, it has been decided that cash equivalent of LTC, comprising Leave Encashment and LTC fare of the entitled LTC may be paid by way of reimbursement, if an employee opts for this in lieu of one LTC in the Block of 2018-21 subject to the following conditions:-
a) The employee spends the money of a larger sum than the entitlement on account of LTC on actual expenditure.
b) Cash equivalent of full leave encashment will be allowed, provided the employee spends an equal sum. This will be counted towards the number of leave encashment on LTC available to an employee.
c) The deemed LTC fare for this purpose is given below :-
Category of employees
Deemed LTC fare per person
(Round Trip)
Employees who are entitled to business class of airfare
Rs. 36,000
Employees who are entitled to economy class of airfare
Rs. 20,000
Employees who are entitled to Rail fare of any class
Rs. 6,000
d) The cash equivalent may be allowed if the employee spends a sum 3 times of the value of the fare given above.
e) The amount both on account of leave encashment and fare shall be admissible if the employee spends (i) an amount equal to the value of leave encashment and; (ii) an amount 3 times of the cash equivalent of deemed fare, as given above on purchase of such items / availing of such services which carry a GST rate of not less than 12% from GST registered vendors / service providers through digital mode and obtains a voucher indicating the GST number and the amount of GST paid.
f) The admissible payment shall be restricted to the full value of the package [leave encashment as admissible for LTC and deemed fare] or depending upon the spending as per example given at Annexure-A.
g) While TDS is applicable in the case of leave encashment, since the cash reimbursement of LTC fare is in lieu of deemed actual travel, the same shall be allowed exemption on the lines of existing income-tax exemption available to LTC fare. The legislative amendment to the provisions of the Income-Tax Act, 1961 for this purpose shall be proposed in the due course. Hence, TDS shall not be required to be deducted on the reimbursement of deemed LTC fare.
3. Head of the Departments / DDOs may make reimbursement under this package as per the details given above on receipt of invoices of purchases made / services availed during the period post the issuance of this order from the employees who are desirous to avail this package. It may be noted that in order to avail this package an employee should opt for both leave encashment and LTC fare.
4. An amount upto 100% of leave encashment and 50% of the value of deemed fare may be paid as advance into the bank account of the employee which shall be settled based on production of receipts towards purchase and availing of goods and services as given in Para 2(e). The claims under this package (with or without advance) are to be made and settled within the current financial year. Non-utilization / under-utilization of advance is to be accounted for by the DDOs in accordance with the extant provisions relating to LTC advance i.e. immediate recovery of full advance in the case of non-utilisation and recovery of unutilized portion of the advance with penal interest.
5. These orders will take effect from the date of issuance of this Office Memorandum and will be in force during the current financial year till 31st March, 2021.
6. All the Ministries/Departments are requested to bring the contents of this OM to the notice of all its Attached and Subordinate offices for their information.
Hindi version of this Office Memorandum will follow.
(B.K.Manthan)
Deputy Secretary to the Govt. of India
Special Festival Advance Scheme which was meant for non-gazetted government employees is being revived as a one-time measure, for gazetted employees too. All central govt. employees can now get interest-free advance of Rs. 10,000, in the form of a prepaid RuPay Card, to be spent by March 31, 2021.
The one-time disbursement of Special Festival Advance Scheme is expected to amount to Rs. 4,000 crore; if given by all state governments, another Rs. 8,000 crore is expected to be disbursed. Employees can spend this on any festival.
Festival advance along with other similar advances were abolished on the recommendations of 7th Pay Commission. It is proposed to restore the Festival Advance to Government employees for festivals up to 31.3.2021
Interest-free advance of Rs. 10,000/- to be recoverable in maximum 10 instalments
Rs. 4,000 crore expected to be disbursed
If given by all State Governments, another Rs. 8000 crores is likely to be disbursed; assuming 50% adoption by states estimate is Rs. 4000 crores
No permanent increase in government expenditure—advance will be recovered
Additional consumer demand generated will be Rs. 8,000 crore.
Employees will get pre-loaded Rupay Card of the advance value.
Government will bear Bank charges in this regard
Ensures digital mode of payment, resulting in tax revenue and encouraging honest businesses
Under LTC Cash Voucher Scheme, government employees can opt to receive cash amounting to leave encashment + 3 times ticket fare, to buy something of their choice. The items bought should be those attracting GST of 12% or more. Only digital transactions are allowed, GST Invoice to be produced.
The biggest incentive for employees to avail the LTC Cash Voucher Scheme is that in a four-year block ending in 2021, the LTC not availed will lapse, instead, this will encourage employees to avail of this facility to buy goods which can help their families.
Estimated cost of LTC Cash Voucher Scheme: For Central govt. : ₹ 5,675 crore; for PSBs & PSUs: ₹ 1,900 crore.
Tax concessions for LTC tickets available for state govt. & private sector too, if they choose to give such facility, these employees too can benefit
Indications are that savings of govt. and organized sector employees have increased, we want to incentivize such people to boost demand for the benefit of the less fortunate. On a conservative basis, we expect the LTC Cash Voucher Scheme to generate additional consumer demand in the range of ₹ 28,000 crore.
– Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman
Leave Travel Concession (LTC) Cash Voucher scheme
Central Government Employees get LTC in a block of 4 years (one to anywhere in India & one hometown or two for home town)
Air or rail fare, as per pay scale / entitlement, is reimbursed and in addition, Leave encashment of 10 days (pay + DA) is paid
Due to Covid-19, employees are not in a position to avail of LTC in the current block of 2018-21
In lieu of one LTC during 2018-21, cash payment will be made :
Full payment on Leave encahment and
Payment of fare in 3 flat-rate slabs depending on class of entitlement
Fare payment will be tax free
An Employee, opting for this scheme, will be required to
Buy goods / services worth 3 times the fare and 1 time the leave encashment
Do so before 31st March 2021
Money must be spent on
goods attracting GST of 12% or more from a GST registered vendor
throught digital mode
GST invoice will be required to be produced
Financial Boost to the Economy
If Central Government employees opt for it, cost will be around Rs.5,675 crore. Employees of PSBs and PSUs will also be allowed this facility and the estimated cost for them will be Rs. 1,900 crore.
The tax concession will be allowed for State Government/Private sector too, for employees who currently are entitled to LTC, subject to following the guidelines of the Central Government scheme
Demand infusion in the economy by Central Government and Central PSE/PSB employees is estimated to be Rs. 19,000 crore approx. Demand infusion by State Government employees will be Rs. 9,000 crore.
Additional consumer demand generated will be Rs. 28,000 crore
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today addressed the media on key economic issues. The following schemes are announced for Central Government Employees in this meeting :
The interest-free advance of Rs 10,000 under the Special Festival Advance Scheme to be paid back in 10 instalments.
The one-time disbursement of Special Festival Advance Scheme is expected to amount to ₹4,000 crore; if given by all state governments, another ₹8,000 crores is expected to be disbursed. Employees can spend this on any festival.
Special Festival Advance Scheme for non-gazetted employees is being revived as a one-time measure, for gazetted employees too. All central govt. employees can now get an interest-free advance of Rs.10,000, in the form of a prepaid RuPay Card, to be spent by March 31, 2021
Special Festival Advance Scheme is being revived as a one-time measure. All central govt. employees can now get interest-free advance of Rs. 10,000, recoverable in maximum 10 installments: Finance Minister
Employees will get pre-loaded Rupay Card of the advance value
Under LTC Cash Voucher Scheme, government employees can opt to receive cash amounting to leave encashment plus 3 times the ticket fare, to buy items that attract GST of 12% or more. Only digital transactions allowed, GST invoice to be produced, said Sitharaman.
