Cabinet approves Mega Consolidation in Public Sector Banks {PSBs} with effect from 1.4.2020
Government transforms PSB landscape with consolidation of ten PSBs into four with effect from 1.4.2020 Amalgamations to enable creation of digitally driven consolidated banks with global heft and business synergies
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved the mega consolidation of ten PSBs into four which include the –
(a) Amalgamation of Oriental Bank of Commerce and United Bank of India into Punjab National Bank
(b) Amalgamation of Syndicate Bank into Canara Bank
(c) Amalgamation of Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank into Union Bank of India
(d) Amalgamation of Allahabad Bank into Indian Bank
The amalgamation would be effective from 1.4.2020 and would result in creation of seven large PSBs with scale and national reach with each amalgamated entity having a business of over Rupees Eight lakh crore. The Mega consolidation would help create banks with scale comparable to global banks and capable of competing effectively in India and globally. Greater scale and synergy through consolidation would lead to cost benefits which should enable the PSBs enhance their competitiveness and positively impact the Indian banking system.
In addition, consolidation would also provide impetus to amalgamated entities by increasing their ability to support larger ticket-size lending and have competitive operations by virtue of greater financial capacity. The adoption of best practices across amalgamating entities would enable the banks improve their cost efficiency and risk management, and also boost the goal of financial inclusion through wider reach.
Further, with the adoption of technologies across the amalgamating banks, access to a wider talent pool, and a larger database, PSBs would be in a position to gain competitive advantage by leveraging analytics in a rapidly digitalising banking landscape.
CGDA : Periodic review of CG Employees under (FR)56(j)/(I) and Rule 48 of CCS(Pension)Rules, 1972
कार्यालय, रक्षा लेखा महानियंत्रक उलन बटार रोड, पालम, दिल्ली छावनी – 110010 Controller General of Defence Accounts Ulan Batar Road, Palam, Delhi Cantt – 110010
AN/XI/11206/S A/PR/FR-56(J)/2019
Dated: 02.03.2020
To
All PCsDA/PCA (Fys)/CsDA
(Through CGDA Website)
Subject : Strengthening of administration-Periodic review of Central Government Employees under Fundamental Rule (FR) 56(j)/(I) and Rule 48 of CCS(Pension)Rules, 1972.
Please refer to this HQrs office circular bearing No. AN/XI/11206/e-Suchna/2019 dated 21.01.2020 under which periodicity and due date for receipt of the subject report along with other directions was circulated for strict compliance.
2. 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. Provisions in this regard are contained in FR 56(J), FR 56(1) and Rule 48(1) (b) of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972. Besides, the detailed guidelines on the above subject are already in public domain at http://dopt.gov.in under ‘Notification’—’’OM & Orders’—Establishment—Premature Retirement. However, copies of DOP&T O.M. No 25013/1/2013-Estt (A) dated 21.03.2014, No.25013/01/2013-Estt.A-IV dated 11.09.2015 and MOD, D (lab) Branch ID No 26(1)/2015-D (Lab) dated 30.05.2016 are enclosed herewith for guidance and taking an appropriate action with reference to orders on the subject.
3. It is also re-iterated that project e-Suchna has been launched with an objective to introduce paperless reporting system. In order to achieve this objective, it is once again requested that the reports, (i) Strengthening of administration-Periodic review of Central Government Employees under Fundamental Rule (FR) 56(j)/(1) and Rule 48 of CCS(Pension)Rules,1972. (ii) Review of mechanism to ensure probity among Government servants (iii) Periodical review of Performance of Government servant as per the provision of FR 56(j), FR 96(1) and Rule 48(1) of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 and (iv) Representation of Women Members on the various Committees/Boards concerned with selection of Posts in Central Government, may strictly be rendered through e-सूचना portal only. Rendition of hard copy/Fax copy may be discontinued.
NPS to Old Pension Scheme to Railway Employees – Railway Board Order
RBE No. 28/2020
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (BHARAT SARKAR)
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (RAIL MANTRALAYA)
(RAILWAY BOARD)
No. D-43/12/2018-F(E)III
New Delhi, Dated : 03.03.2020
The GMs/Principal Financial Advisors,
All Zonal Railways/Production Units,
(As per mailing list)
Subject : Coverage under Railway Services (Pension) Rules, 1993, in place of National Pension System, of those Railway employees whose selection for appointment was finalized before 01.01.2004 but who joined Railway service on or after 01.01.2004.
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A copy of Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DOP&PW’s) O.M. No. 57/04/2019-P&PW(B) dated 17th February, 2020 is enclosed herewith for compliance and guidance. These instructions shall apply mutatis mutandis on the Railways also. Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972 correspond to the Railway Services (Pension) Rules, 1993. The Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance’s Notification No. 5/7/2003-ECB &PR dated 22.12.2003, mentioned in the DOP&PW’s O.M. dated 17.02.2020, has been circulated on Railways vide this office’s letter No. F(E)III/2003/PN1/24 dated 31.12.2003.
2. Similar to the amendments made in the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972 and other connected rules, as mentioned in para 1 of the DOP&PW’s O.M. dated 17.02.2020, the Railway Services (Pension) Rules, 1993 and other connected rules were also amended vide Notification No. F(E)III/2003/PN1/38 dated 30.12.2003.
3. Further, separate instructions with respect to para 9 of the DOP&PW’s O.M. dated 17.02.2020 will be issued by the Accounts Directorate for accountal of the corpus available in the NPS account of the railway servant.
(G. Priya Sudarsani)
Director, Finance (Estt.)
Railway Board
Intimation regarding admission schedule for the academic session 2020- 2021
KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA SANGATHAN (Min. of HRD, Deptt. of Education, Govt. of India)
F. No. 110331/01/2020/KVS(HQ)-Acad/9916-9948
03.03.2020
The Deputy Commissioner
Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan
All Regional Offices
Subject : Intimation regarding admission schedule for the academic session 2020- 2021 – reg.
Madam/Sir,
With regard to the subject cited above, this is to say that KVS (HQ) is receiving number of queries regarding. announcement of admission schedule for the academic session 2020-21 for admission in all Kendriya Vidyalayas. In this connection, it is informed that some essential changes / modifications in KVS Admission Guidelines are under way. Therefore, admission process shall be started after such changes/modifications are effected in KVS Admission Guidelines. KVS will issue detailed instructions / guidelines very soon in this regard.
(a) whether the employees’ unions of Public Sector Banks have gone on nationwide strike recently;
(b) if so, the details of demands of the bank unions/ associations and their impact on banking sector alongwith the estimated loss suffered by the Government from such strikes;
(c) whether the Government has considered the demands of the striking bank employees and if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether the Government has taken any decision to ward off any future strikes by banks that hinders the daily routine of the customers across the country and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor and the stand of the Government in this regard; and
(e) the steps being taken by the Government to avoid recurrence of such strikes in future?
ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE
(a) to (e): Some of the unions of Public Sector Bank (PSB) employees went on strike on 31.1.2020 and 1.2.2020 in support of their employment condition related demands for, inter alia, wage revision settlement, five-day banking, improvements sought in pension benefits, etc. Such employment condition related matters are considered by the banks themselves, whose managements also directly engage with employee unions in this regard on an ongoing basis. The impact of such demands is felt only in the event of a demand being acceded to. In the event of employees union giving a call for strike, bank management and employee unions try to resolve issues through mutual discussions. Banks take suitable steps to ensure smooth operations during periods of strike so that customers and business are not adversely impacted. Government also advises banks to take appropriate steps to maintain banking operations during the strike and avoid inconvenience to the general public, including adequate loading of cash in ATMs, ensuring operation of clearing houses, internet banking and core banking solution, etc.
As regards loss, it is stated that PSBs have posted net profit of Rs. 507 crore in the first three quarters of the current financial year.
ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE
(a) to (c): Wages in PSBs are settled every five years through bipartite settlement between the Indian Banks’ Association (which negotiates on behalf of bank managements on their specific mandate) and unions/associations of bank employees. PSBs had been requested by the Government to expedite steps for wage revision. Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) has informed that it has been in negotiations for wage revision in respect of 8.47 lakh PSB employees due since 1.11.2017. IBA has also informed that one month’s ad hoc salary has been paid to PSB employees in October 2019.
PCDA Circular 630 : Payment of arrear in the affected case of post 30.05.1998 retirees/death where enhanced rate of OFP
Government of India Ministry of Defence (Finance) O/o THE PRINCIPAL CONTROLLER OF DEFENCE ACCOUNTS (PENSIONS) DRAUPADI GHAT, ALLAHABAD- 211014
Circular No. 630
Dated: 14.02.2020
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
All CMDs, Public Sector Banks.
The Nodal Officers, ICICI/ HDFC/ AXIS/ IDBI Banks
All Managers, CPPCs
Military and Air Attache, Indian Embassy, Kathmandu, Nepal
The PCDA (WC), Chandigarh
The CDA (PD), Meerut
The CDA Chennai
The Director of Treasuries, All States
The Pay and Accounts Officer, Delhi Administration, R K Puram and Tis Hazari, New Delhi.
The Pay and Accounts Office, Govt of Maharashtra, Mumbai
The Post Master Kathua (J&K) and Camp Bell Bay.
The Principal Pay and Accounts Officer Andaman and Nicobar Administration Port Blair.
Subject:- Payment of enhanced rate of OFP in respect of JCO/ORs for a period of 7 years or till the Armed Force Personnel would attain the age of 67 years whichever is earlier irrespective of the fact that individual has availed the extended period of service before release/discharge or not –reg.
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Reference is invited to the GoI, MoD letter No. F. 14(3)/98/D(AG) dated 03.09.1998 under which revised age of retirement was extended for 2 years with effect from 30.05.1998. Accordingly applicability of enhanced rate of ordinary family pension was enhanced from 65 to 67 years age of service pensioner or 7 years after retirement whichever was earlier to the Armed Force Personnel, who have qualified in screening board and got extension of 2 years in service. Personnel who had not get extension due to this in their case, old provision was applicable and enhance rate of ordinary family pension was applicable upto 65 years of age of service pensioner or 7 years whichever was earlier.
2. Various pensioners association has represented that the orders of enhanced rate of Ordinary Family Pension are required modification (for grant of enhance rate of family pension upto 67 years instead of 65 years in non extension case also) on the issue as GoI, MoD letter No. 6(1)/99/D(Pen/Sers) dated 18.03.1999 does not debar the benefit of enhanced rate of ordinary family pension for those cases where extended term of engagement have not been granted by Screening Committee or were not availed for any other reason.
3. Now, the issue has been examined by the competent authority and it has been decided vide MoD ID No. 2338/D(Pen/Pol)/2015 dated 11.11.2019 that provision of enhanced rate of Ordinary Family pension, irrespective of retirement age and type of retirement, already exists and no separate Govt. orders are required.
In terms of clarification received from MoD, it is stated that Armed forces personnel who have not get extension are also eligible for enhanced rate of family pension for 7 years or upto 67 years whichever is earlier.
4. In view of above, PDAs are hereby authorized to make the payment of arrear in the affected case of post 30.05.1998 retirees/death where enhanced rate of ordinary family pension was paid only upto age of 65 years instead of 67 years age of pensioner due to non extension of same or otherwise. Therefore, PDAs are requested to review all past cases of post 30.05.1998 retirees/death where enhanced rate of ordinary family pension was paid less than 7 years and stopped due to completion of 65 years age of pensioner. In such cases if arrear due of enhanced rate of ordinary family pension due to completion of 67 years age of pensioner or 7 years whichever was earlier, the same may be calculated and paid to the affected family pensioner. In case LTA are due, if family pensioner had died earlier before receiving it, same may be paid as usual manner.
5. This circular has been uploaded on this office website www.pcdapension.nic.in.
PCDA Circular 629 : Payment of enhanced rate of OFP for JCO/ORs for a period of 7 years
Government of India Ministry of Defence (Finance) O/o THE PRINCIPAL CONTROLLER OF DEFENCE ACCOUNTS (PENSIONS) DRAUPADI GHAT, ALLAHABAD – 211014
Circular No. 629
Dated: 14.02.2020
To,
The OI/C
Records/ PAOs (ORs)
Subject :- Payment of enhanced rate of OFP in respect of JCO/ORs for a period of 7 years or till the Armed Force Personnel would attain the age of 67 years whichever is earlier irrespective of the fact that individual has availed the extended period of service before release/discharge or not – reg.
Reference is invited to the GoI, MoD letter No. F. 14(3)/98/D(AG) dated 03.09.1998 under which revised age of retirement was extended for 2 years with effect from 30.05.1998. Accordingly applicability of enhanced rate of ordinary family pension was enhanced from 65 to 67 years age of service pensioner or 7 years after retirement whichever was earlier to the Armed Force Personnel, who have qualified in screening board and got extension of 2 years in service. Personnel who had not get extension due to this in their case, old provision was applicable and enhance rate of ordinary family pension was applicable upto 65 years of age of service pensioner or 7 years of service whichever was earlier.
2. Various pensioners association has represented that the orders of enhanced rate of Ordinary Family Pension are required modification (for grant of enhance rate of family pension upto 67 years instead of 65 years in non extension cases also) on the issue as GoI, MoD letter No. 6(1)/99/D(Pen/Sers) dated 18.03.1999 does not debar the benefit enhanced rate of ordinary family pension for those cases where extended term of engagement have not been granted by Screening Committee or were not availed for any other reason.
3. Now, the issue has been examined at appropriate level and it has been decided vide MoD ID No. 2338/D(Pen/Pol)/2015 dated 11.11.2019 that provision of enhanced rate of Ordinary Family pension, irrespective of retirement age and type of retirement, already exists and no separate Govt. orders are required.
In terms of clarification received from MoD it is stated that Armed forces personnel, who have not given extension are also eligible for enhanced rate of ordinary family pension for 7 years or upto 67 years whichever is earlier.
4. In view of the above, it is requested that the future cases/claims may be dealt accordingly. In respect of past cases covered under this provision will be dealt by PDA for payment of arrears in affected cases.
5. This circular has been uploaded on this office website www.pcdapension.nic.in.
6. Hindi version will follow.
(Sushil Kumar Singh)
Addl.CDA(P)
No. Gts/Tech/0148/LX
Dated: 14.02.2020
Ministry of Defence Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare D(Pension/Policy) Room No. 222, B-Wingh, Sena Bhawan, New Delhi
Subject: Payment of enhanced rate of Ordinary Family Pension to the families of JCOs/ORs for a period of 7 years or till the Armed Forces Personnel would attain the age of 67 years whichever is earlier irrespective of the fact that individual has availed the extended period of service before release/discharge or not – reg.
Reference CGDA UO No. 5608/AT-P/FP/Vol.XXXIX dated 11.09.2019 on the above mentioned subject wherein it has been opined that provision of enhanced rate of OFP irrespective of retirement age and type of retirement already exists and no separate Govt. orders are required. CGDA have further requested that, if MoD agrees, PCDA(P), Allahabad may be instructed to issue clarificatory circular for information and guidance of ROs/PDAs.
2. This Ministry is agreed with the view of CGDA. It is, therefore, requested that a clarificatory circular may be issued in the matter under intimation to this Ministry.
3. This issues with the approval of Joint Secretary (ESW).
(Ashok Kumar)
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India
BIPARTITE TALKS WITH IBA TODAY – STRIKE ACTION DEFERRED
Further to our successful 2 days strike on 31st January and 1st February, 2020, today, one more round of bipartite talks was held in IBA office in Mumbai. IBA team was led by Shri Rajkiran Rai G, Chairman of the Negotiating Committee.
After a lot of discussions, the following points emerged today:
Offer on Pay slip cost increased to 15%.
The demand on 5 Day Banking will be taken forward by further discussions.
The demand for loading more than 2% will be considered by a Joint Committee of IBA and UFBU.
In addition to 15% offer, encashment of Privilege Leave at 5 days per year.
Improvement in Family Pension – matter recommended to Government, will be expedited.
On updation, IBA agreed that some improvement in the Pension would be worked out for the retirees of earlier settlements period by working out the cost.
Revised offer on PLI was given at 1.37%, 2.74% and 4.11%.
IBA agreed to discuss all other issues through further discussions. In view of these positive developments, all the agitational programmes including the ensuing 3 days strike from 11th March, 2020 stands deferred.
