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Retirement of Government Servants on 31st March, 2020 – DOPT Clarification

F.No 33/12/73-Esttt A
Government of India
Department of Personnel and Training
(Establishment A-III Desk)

North Block. New Delhi
Dated the 31st March. 2020

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject – Retirement of Government Servants on 31st March, 2020 – clarification

In view of the unprecedented situation arising out of country-wide lockdown declared by the Government consequent to the outbreak COVID-19, it is clarified that the central Government employees who are attaining the age of superannuation on 31st March, 2020 in terms of Fundamental Rule 56 and due to retire. shall retire from Central Government service on 31st March, 2020, irrespective of whether they are working from home or working from office.

(Umesh Kumar Bhatia)
Deputy Secretary to the Government of India

Signed Copy

FINMIN : Special Instructions relating to relief operations for COVID-19 global pandemic

F 6/18/2019-PPD
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure

North Block, New Delhi
Dated: 27th March 2020

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Special Instructions relating to relief operations for COVID-19 global pandemic

In its I.D.No.101/2/1/2020-CA.IV dated 26th March, 2020, the Cabinet Secretariat has asked the Department of Expenditure to facilitate the procurement and transportation of medical and other essential supplies for COVID-19 operations by issuing suitable guidelines or providing necessary relaxations, for the following Ministries/Departments:

i) Department of Pharmaceuticals
ii) Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
iii) Ministry of Textiles
iv) Department of Consumer Affairs
v) Ministry of Civil Aviation.

The Cabinet Secretariat has pointed out that a Logistics Committee for COVID 19 operations has been constituted in this regard to coordinate transport and other logistics services. Accordingly, the following special instructions are hereby issued under Rule 6(1) of the General Financial Rules 2017 to facilitate procurement (Part I hereof) and incurring of expenditure (Part II).

2. These instructions apply to the following Ministries/Departments for procurement and transportation of medical and other essential supplies for COVID-19 operations:

(i) Department of Pharmaceuticals
(ii) Ministry of Health & Family Welfare(including Department of Health Research)
(iii) Ministry of Textiles
(iv) Department of Consumer Affairs
(v) Ministry of Civil Aviation.

Part I: Procurement

3. The prevailing health emergency requires immediate procurement of certain items in quantities which may not be available with a single supplier and/or within the time frame in which they are needed. There is also a possibility that some items may not be available in the country in sufficient quantity within the time frame in which they are needed. Certain items of equipment are currently in global short supply and are effectively in a ‘sellers’ market’. There are also variations in specifications within the same category of item and hence price differences may sometimes reflect differences in specifications or quality. With the shutting down of international flights and surface
transport routes, international procurement may have to be done through Indian missions. Being a national health emergency of unprecedented and historic scale, delays in procurement will result in loss of lives of citizens. Hence there is a paramount public interest in ensuring that the necessary supplies are procured in the fastest possible manner and financial procedures have to adapt accordingly.

4. Rule 166 of the GFR provides inter alia as follows:

Single source procurement. Procurement from a single source may be resorted to in the following circumstances:

(i) It is in the knowledge of the user department that only a particular firm is the manufacturer of the required goods

(ii) In a case of emergency, the required goods are necessarily to be purchased from a particular source and the reason for such decision is to be recorded and approval of competent authority obtained.”

This is in respect of procurement of goods.

5. Rule 204 of the GFR 2017 provides as follows:

“Procurement of Non-consulting services by nomination. Should it become necessary, in an exceptional of situation to procure a non-consulting service from a specifically chosen contractor, the Competent Authority in the Ministry or Department may do so in consultation with the Financial Adviser. In such cases the detailed justification, the circumstances leading to such procurement by choice and the special interest or purpose it shall serve, shall form an integral part of the proposal.”

This is in respect of procurement of non-consulting services, including air and other transportation services.

6. Rule 149 provides that procurement of goods and services through Government e-Marketplace (GeM) will be mandatory for items available on GeM. In the present situation of lock down, vendors under GeM, even if orders are placed, may not always be able to effect deliveries of supplies on time and desired locations, due to closure of factories, stoppage of transportation services and general disruption of normal life.

7. In view of the urgency involved in the procurement of medical and other essential supplies, where time is of the essence and delay may result in loss of life, the following special instructions are issued for any emergent purchases related to COVID-19 operations: –

(i) The provisions of Rule 149 will not be applicable to purchases made under Rule 166 or Rule 204 cited above.

(ii) Procurement may be simultaneously undertaken under Rule 166or Rule 204 from more than one source if the entire quantity required is not available, or is not immediately available, from one source. Such procurement may, if unavoidable, be at different rates.

(iii) Procurement may be undertaken through Indian Missions. In case of procurement through Indian missions abroad, the concerned Ministry/Department shall provide the necessary details including quantity, specifications etc. Prices shall be fixed by the Indian Mission in consultation with the Ministry/Department.

(iv) If the entire quantity required is not immediately available from any one method of procurement, procurement may also be resorted to simultaneously by multiple methods, namely, procurement under Rule 166 / 204 (as the case may be), procurement through GeM, and procurement through other procurement methods (including through Indian missions) and such procurement may, if unavoidable, be at different rates.

(v) Rates for transportation and logistics services shall be fixed by the Logistics Committee.

8. The term “essential supplies” will include any items deemed by the Ministry/Department, with the approval of the Secretary, to be essential supplies necessary for COVID 19 operations.

9. Secretaries, if they feel necessary, may constitute committees of officers to deal with and recommend and/or decide any of these matters.

10. These instructions will apply notwithstanding anything to the contrary provisions in the Delegation of Financial Powers.

Part ll : Relaxation of Expenditure Guidelines in case of absence of sufficient budgetary allocation in the relevant Budget head

11. For expenditure to be incurred on or before 31.03.2020:-

i) In the event the Ministry/Department has sufficient funds as per RE 2019-20 within their Demand, the Department shall utilise the savings for the expenditure requirements arising out of Relief Operations for COVID-19. Post-facto approval may be sought from DoE for the said expenditure by April 15, 2020.

ii) In the event that the Ministry / Department does not have sufficient funds to proceed as per (i) above, it is hereby authorised to operate on the budget head, as indicated below, in Demand No 38- Transfer to States for the year 2019-2020 as a temporary measure:

2245-Relief on Account of Natural Calamities (Major Head)
80 — General (Sub Major Head)
103-Assistance to State from National Disaster Response Fund (Minor Head)
02-Assistance to State from NDRF for calamities of severe nature (Sub Head)
02.00.31 Grant-in-aid (General) (Object Head)

iii) This authorisation shall be upto a limit of Rs.200 crore per Department/Ministry specified in para 2.

iv) In case the above authorisation is exhausted, the concerned Department may approach the Department of Expenditure. The DoE may then authorize excess expenditure as per Appendix 10 under Rule 61 & 69 of the GFR 2017.

12. For expenditure to be incurred on or after 01.04.2020:-

i) The Financial Advisor with the approval of the Secretary of the Ministry/Department may authorize expenditure in excess of appropriation as per BE 2020-21. The said authorization shall be under Rules 61& 69 read with Appendix 10 of GFR. Within three working days of incurring of such expenditure, the proposal shall be sent to DoE for post-facto approval.

ii) The concerned Ministry /Department shall submit a Contingency Expenditure Plan by 10th April, 2020 to the Department of Expenditure outlining the expected amount and the heads under which the expenditure on account of Relief Operations for COVID-19.

iii) The amount of excess expenditure authorized, however, shall not exceed the total amount indicated by the Ministry/Department in the Quarterly Expenditure Plan (QEP)submitted to Parliament for the entire first quarter (April to June) of the Financial Year 2020-2021.

iv) For any requirement of the Ministry/Department to incur expenditure in excess of the expenditure indicated for Quarter 1 of 2020-21, prior approval of the Department of Expenditure shall be sought.

Validity of Special Instructions

13. These instructions, issued with the approval of Secretary (Expenditure), shall be in force for the period till 30th April, 2020 or till superseded by another order, whichever is earlier.

(Sanjay Prasad)
JS-PFC-II
Department of Expenditure

Signed Copy

Counting of the limitation period for the diverse purposes under CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965, CCS(Pension) Rules, 1972

F.No.11012/09/2016 – Estt.A-III
Government of India
Department of Personnel and Training
(Establishment A-III Desk)

North Block, New Delhi
Dated the 30th March, 2020

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject – Counting of the limitation period for the diverse purposes under CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965, CCS(Pension) Rules, 1972 – reg.

The undersigned is directed to refer to Central Civil Services (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules, 1965 [CCS(CCA) Rules, 1965] and Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972 [CCS(Pension) Rules, 1972] and the instructions issued under these Rules wherein certain time-limes have been prescribed for various activities/events/procedures relating to procedures under the said Rules. For instance, in the said Rules/instructions, time limits have been prescribed for the following: –

(i) Review of order of suspension before its expiry date [Rule 10(6) of CCS(CCA) Rules,1965]

(ii) Submission of written statement of defence on the charge-sheet by the charged officer [Sub Rule 4 in Rule 14 of CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965]

(iii) issuance of charge-sheet once a decision is taken by the Disciplinary Authority to initiate Disciplinary proceedings.[DoP&T’s O.M. No. 425/04/2012-AVD-N(A) dated 29.11.2012]

(iv) completion of Inquiry and submission of report by the Inquiring Authority [Sub rule (24) in Rule 14 of CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965]

(v) disciplinary proceedings initiated against a Pensioner shall not be in respect of an event which took place four years before such initiation.[Rule 9 of CCS(Pension) Rules, 1972]

(vi) Acceptance of notice of VRS under Rule 48A of CCS(Pension) Rules, 1972
(The list is only illustrative and not exhaustive)

2. Consequent upon the outbreak of COVID-19, and considering the unprecedented situation of the Lockdown w.e.f. 24th March 2020, it may not be feasible to adhere to the timelines prescribed in the said Rules and to the instructions issued under the Rules. It has accordingly been decided not to count the period of the Lockdown for the purposes of adherence to the prescribed timelines, including those listed above. For example, if the due date for completing a process/work/event at the start of the Lockdown falls after 20 days, then the due date will get postponed by the number of Lockdown days and the same number (20) of days will be available to complete the work after the Lockdown is lifted.

Also Read : DOPT – Office should function with skeletal staff – Officials who are working from home should be available in all means of communication

3. However, after the Lockdown is lifted, if the time left to complete the task is less than 15 days, then the processes may be allowed to be completed within 15 days.

4. In addition, timelines may have been prescribed for receipt of applications for direct recruitment, deputation, etc. Where the last date of receipt of application for direct recruitment, deputation etc. falls within the period of the Lockdown, the last date shall be extended by the number of days of the Lockdown. Similarly, the time limits prescribed in the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964, for various purposes shall also be extended by the number of days of the Lockdown.

5. These instructions are applicable only in such cases where there is an intervening Lockdown period and it will not be applicable otherwise.

(Sujata Chaturvedi)
Additional Secretary to the Government of India

Signed Copy

Extension of timelines for recording of APAR of Group ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ officers of CCS for 2019-2020

Extension of timelines for recording of APAR of Group ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ officers of CCS for 2019-2020

No.21011/02/2015-Est(A-II)-Part II
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training

North Block, New Delhi
30th March 2020

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject : Extension of timelines for recording of Annual Performance Assessment Report (APAR) of Group ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ officers of Central Civil Services for the year 2019-2020.

In continuation of this Department’s O.M. No.21011/1/2009-Estt.(A)(Pt.II) dated 27.03.2020 extending the timeline for distribution of blank APAR forms and completion of self-appraisal for Group ‘A’ officers of Central Civil Services owing to situation arising out of the lockdown due to spread of corona virus, it has been decided, with the approval of the competent authority, that the revised target dates for distribution/online generation, recording and completion of entire APAR process for the year 2019-20 for Group ‘A’, `B’ and ‘C’ officers of Central Civil Services shall be as specified in the Annexure. This relaxation is a one-time measure only for the APAR year 2019-20, and is subject to the condition that no remarks shall be recorded in the APAR for the year 2019-20 after 31.12.2020. Where the reporting, reviewing and the accepting authority fail to record their comments within the time frame, the officer reported upon may be assessed on the basis of the overall record and self-assessment for the year, if he has submitted his self-appraisal within stipulated time.

2. It has further been decided that for the APAR year 2019-20, the extended timelines specified in the Annexure shall also apply to the reporting I reviewing I accepting authorities, who have demitted office or retired from service on or after 29.02.2020. They shall be allowed to record their remarks till the respective extended cut-off dates.

(Sujata Chaturvedi)
Additional Secretary

Signed Copy

Annual Closing of Government Accounts – Transactions of Central / State Governments – RBI

Annual Closing of Government Accounts – Transactions of Central / State Governments – Special Measures for the Current Financial Year (2019-20)

भारतीय र‍िजर्व बैंक
RESERVE BANK OF INDIA

RBI/2019-20/194
DGBA.GBD.No.1799/42.01.029/2019-20

March 27, 2020

All Agency Banks

Dear Sir / Madam

Annual Closing of Government Accounts – Transactions of Central / State Governments – Special Measures for the Current Financial Year (2019-20)

All government transactions done by agency banks for Financial Year 2019-20 must be accounted for within the same financial year. Taking into account the current unprecedented situation across the country to tackle the Covid-19 situation, the following arrangements are put in place to report and account for Government transactions for March 31, 2020.

2. All agency banks should keep their designated branches open for over the counter transactions related to government transactions upto the normal working hours on March 31, 2020.

3. Government transactions through Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) System will operate for extended time on March 31, 2020 for which Department of Payment and Settlement Systems (DPSS), Reserve Bank of India will issue necessary instructions. Transactions through National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) will continue upto 2400 hours as hitherto on March 31, 2020.

4. Special clearing will be conducted for collection of government cheques on March 31, 2020 for which DPSS, RBI will issue necessary instructions.

5. Regarding reporting of Central and State Government transactions to RBI, including uploading of GST / e-receipts luggage files, the reporting window on March 31, 2020 will be extended and kept open till 1200 hours on April 1, 2020.

6. Agency banks may take note and give adequate publicity to the special arrangements made as above.

Yours faithfully

(Charulatha S Kar)
Chief General Manager

Signed Copy

Engagement of para-medical categories in Group ‘C’ on contract basis

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)

No. E (NG)II/2005/RC-4/SC/2

New Delhi, dated 28/03/2020

The General Manager (P)
All Zonal Railways/Production Units
CORE/Allahabad & Metro Railway, Kolkata.

Sub : Engagement of para-medical categories in Group ‘C’ on contract basis.

Keeping in view the outbreak of Corona Virus disease, instructions had been issued vide Board’s letter of even No. dated 18.03.2020 extending the Scheme of hiring of Paramedical Categories in Group ‘C’ on Contract basis for a further period of six months beyond 31.03.2020, i.e. upto 30.09.2020 subject to stipulation that total regular staff on roll and contractual engagement will not exceed the sanctioned strength of the cadre.

Also Read Coronavirus : Railway extends medical services to all Central Govt Employees

2. Keeping in view the pandemic situation because of the outbreak of Corona Virus disease, it apprehended that extra Paramedical staff will be required for handling the enormous rush expected in few weeks. Therefore, to meet the situation, it has been decided to authorise General Manager/CAO/DRMs to engage retired Paramedical staff up to age of 66 years or to hire Paramedical staff on Contract basis for a period of one month over and above the sanctioned strength of the cadre depending upon the requirement. This is purely a temporary measure and after expiry of one month, the status quo ante will be restored with regard to total strength and delegation of power unless extended by further orders.

3. The concurrence of the Associate Finance at Railway/PU/Divisional Level may be obtained before resorting to engagement in terms of these instructions.

4 This issues with the concurrence of Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways (Railway Board).

sd/-
(KAMAL SINGH)
For Principal Executive Director (Rectt) & EDE(N)
Railway Board

Extension in timelines for generation of PAR and submission of self-appraisal

Extension in timelines for generation of PAR and submission of self-appraisal in respect of AIS officers for the PAR year 2019-20

F. No.11059/01/2014-AIS-III
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, PG and Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training

North Block, New Delhi
Dated 27 March, 2020

To,
The Chief Secretaries of States / UTs

Subject : Extension in timelines for generation of PAR and submission of self-appraisal in respect of AIS officers for the PAR year 2019-20 – reg.

Sir /Madam,

I am directed to refer to the subject mentioned above, and to state that, due to situation arising out of spread of COVID 19, it has been decided with the approval of the competent authority, to extend the cut-off dates prescribed for some of the activities relating to recording of PAR for the year 2019-20, as a one-time measure, in relaxation of Rule 4(1) read with Schedule 2 of AIS (PAR)Rules, 2007 as amended from time to time. Accordingly, the revised timelines in respect of PAR for the year 2019-20 shall be as under:-

Activity Cut off dates
Existing Revised
Blank PAR form to be given to the officer reported upon by the Administration
Division/Personnel Department, specifying the Reporting Officer and Reviewing Authority
1st April, 2020 1st June, 2020
(This may be completed
even a week earlier)
Self-Appraisal for current year 31st May, 2020 30th June, 2020

3. Further, the decision with regard to revision of remaining timelines for the PAR year 2019-20 will be issued in due course.

Also Read Extension of time lines for submission of APAR for Group ‘A’ officers of CCS for the year 2019-20

(Khushboo G Chowdhary)
Deputy Secretary to the Government of India

Signed Copy

Contribution to Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund(PMNRF) : COVID-19 Epidemic

(GOVERNMENT OF INDIA)
(MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS)
(RAILWAY BOARD)
*****

No. 2020/E(LL)/PMNRF/1

New Delhi, Dated 27.03.2020

General Managers
All Zonal Railways, PUs etc
including Metro Railway,
Kolkata

Sub : Contribution to Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund(PMNRF) : COVID-19 Epidemic.

…..

As you are aware, our country is threatened with the spread of COVID-19 epidemic which has already been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. This is one of the worst and most unprecedented disaster faced by our nation. Resultantly, a National Disaster has been declared leading to invocation of statutory provisions of Disaster Management Act, 2005 which has already been conveyed by Railway Board’s two letters issued vide No. 2020/Safety(DM)/6/14 dated 25.03.2020.

2. Board has taken note of the fact that the likely intensity and spread of disease necessitate mobilization of all possible help and contribution from every source. Therefore, those of us who are more fortunately placed have a very special responsibility in this hour of gravest crisis. Railwaymen has always stood up and extended their helping hand in such hour of distress. In the past also, Railwaymen had shown their solidarity and generosity by contributing a day’s basic pay to provide support to needy people.

3. Therefore, Board desires that an appeal should be made to each one of Railway Servants to generously contribute to PMNRF by donating at least one day’s basic pay towards this cause. In order to facilitate voluntary contribution to PMNRF, it is suggested that one day’s basic pay should be deducted from salary of all willing Railway Servants except those who give a specific declaration either (a) for non-deduction ; or (b) for deduction of an amount less than one day’s basic pay, on this account. As you are aware, contributions to the PMNRF are notified for 100% deduction from taxable income under Section 80(C) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 for eligible taxpayers willing to avail such tax deduction benefit.

4. Therefore, it is directed to arrange to send an appeal, as per aforesaid, to all the Railway Servants under your control through letters, SMS and other electronic means of communication duly involving recognized Trade Unions etc. The Zonal Railways/PUs/Other administrative Units should transfer the consolidated amount towards contribution to PMNRF to Railway Board so that a single cheque on behalf of all Railwaymen can be handed over to the Prime Minister’s Office.

(Alok Kumar)
Executive Director Estt(IR)
Railway Board

Signed Copy

Coronavirus : Railway extends medical services to all Central Govt Employees

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)

No. 2020/H-1/7/2/A

New Delhi, Dated : 28.3.2020

General Managers, All Indian Railways

GM/CAO Production Units DG RDSO and NAIR

Subject : Railway Health Facilities available to all Central Government Employees.

In view of the outbreak of Covid 19, Ministry of Railways have decided that the services of Railway Hospitals and Health Units across the country would be available for use by all Central Government employees, on showing their Identity Cards, at the Railway Hospital/Health Unit.

Please find enclosed Railway Board OM No. 2020/H-1/7/2 dated 28.03.2020 sent to all Central Ministries in this regard.

Necessary action may please be taken in this regard.

(Dr.Vijay Kumar)
Exe. Director Health (Plg.)

Signed Copy

DOPT guidelines for protection and safety of PwDs (Divyangjan) during COVID-19

No. 11013/9/2014-Estt. (A.III)
Government Of India
Ministry Of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training

North Block, New Delhi
27th March, 2020

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Preventive measures to contain the spread Of COVID19 – Guidelines for protection and safety Of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) during COVID-19.

In continuation of this Department’s OM of even no. dated 25.03.2020, all the concerned Ministries/ Departments, while drawing up roaster Of staff who are required to attend essential services within their respective Ministry/ Department may keep in mind that employees, who are persons with disabilities (PwD) are exempted.

Also Read CGHS guidelines for Corona Virus (COVID-19) Infection

(G. Jayanthi)
Joint Secretary

Signed Copy

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