Railway Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2016 – Clarification regarding fixation of pay under Rule 13 on promotion in various situations where feeder and promotional categories lie in same level in the Pay Matrix.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (BHARAT SARKAR) Ministry of Railways (Rail Mantralaya) (Railway Board)
PC-VII No. 152
File No. PC-VII/2016/1/6/7
RBE No. 23/2020
New Delhi, dated : 18/02/2020
The General Managers/CAOs(R),
All India Railways & Production Units,
(As per mailing list)
Sub : Railway Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2016 – Clarification regarding fixation of pay under Rule 13 on promotion in various situations where feeder and promotional categories lie in same level in the Pay Matrix.
Consequent to implementation of 7th CPC recommendations, doubts have been arisen on applicability of provisions under Rule 1313 (FR-22)(I)(a)(1) of R-II vis-a-vis Rule 13 of Railway Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2016 in cases where certain feeder and promotional posts of Railways lie in the same/identical Level(s) in the Pay Matrix.
2. During 6th CPC pay regime, similar situations were arisen and the matter was examined in consultation with Ministry of Finance and Federations and detailed instructions were issued vide Board’s letter No. PC-VI/2011/IC/1 dated 12.09.2013 (RBE No. 93/2013).
3. In the Pay Matrix recommended by 7th CPC, only replacement scales have been recommended for the categories covered under Board’s letter dated 12.09.2013 and no changes in circumstances have been observed, therefore, the guidelines contained therein will continue to be applicable in respect of following categories :-
S.No.
Feeder Category
Promotional Category
Pay Scale and Grade Pay in 6th CPC
Corresponding Level in Pay Matrix under 7th CPC
1
Chief Matron
Assistant Nursing Officer
PB-3, GP Rs. 5400
Level-10
2
Sr. Technician
Junior Engineer
PB-2, GP Rs. 4200
Level-6
3
(i) Loco Pilot (Goods)
(i) Loco Pilot (Passenger)
PB-2, GP Rs. 4200
Level-6
(ii) Loco Pilot (Passenger)
(ii) Loco Pilot (Mail/Express)
PB-2, GP Rs. 4200
Level-6
(iii) Passenger Guard
(iii) Mail/Express Guard
PB-2, GP Rs. 4200
Level-6
4. This issues with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate of Ministry of Railways. However, above have been done only on provisional basis and is subject to the concurrence of Ministry of Finance. Further, it may be ensured that before the benefit is extended, a declaration from the concerned employee may be obtained to refund the amount in case, Ministry of Finance does not agree to this proposal.
(Jaya Kumar G)
Deputy Director(Pay Commission) VII
Railway Board
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)
RBE No.20/2020
No.2017/E(LL)/AT/CNR/33
New Delhi, dated:18.02.2020
The General Managers,
All Zonal Railways, PUs,
Metro Kolkata and RDSO Lucknow
Sub: C&AG’s Report No. 19 of 2018 on “Compliance to Statutory requirements in engagement of contract labour by Indian Railways”.
Ref: i) Board’s letters No. 2017/E(LL)/AT/Misc/Channels-CAG/2016-17 dated 07.12.2017, 30.01.2019 and the Board (MS)’s D.O. letter of same number dated 09.12.2019.
ii) Board’s letter o. E(LL)70AT/CNR/1-3 dated 15.10.1971
iii) Board’s letter Mp/ 2018/E(LL)/AT/CNR/3 dated 24.01.2018.
Attention is drawn to the referred letter dated 07.12.2017 whereby chapter-wise comments on Audit observation on C&AG’s Report No. 19 of 2018 were sought from Railways concerned. Thereafter, this report on “Compliance to statutory requirements in engagement of contract labour by Indian Railways” for the year ended March 2017 was finalized and laid on the table in Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha on 8th January, 2019. Full report may be downloaded from https://cag.gov.in/content/report-no19-2018-compliance-statutory-requirements-engagement-contract-labour-indian. Afterwards, this Report was selected by Parliamentary Committee i.e “Public Accounts Committee” (PAC) (2019-20) for examination. In this connection, PAC has already studied working of few Zonal Railways during their study visit of ER, SER, Kolkata Metro, ECoR, CR, WR, SR and SWR during year 2019-20.
2. Attention of the Railways is also drawn to the provisions in regard to nominations of “Principal Employer” as contained in Board’s letter No. E(LL)70AT/CNR/1-3 dated 15.10.1971 and also to the directions contained in Board’s letter No. 2018/E(LL)/AT/CNR/3 dated 24.01.2018 and other relevant instructions issued by Civil Engineering directorate to ensure that all the relevant statutory and other related provisions are strictly complied with.
3. However, C&AG has pointed out many violations/irregularities/non-compliances of statutory provisions governing contract labour. These violations etc. are summarized as Annexure-1 to this letter. It can be gleaned from the Annexure that as many as fifteen types of non-compliances etc. have been detected by C&AG’s auditors. Railways should go through these infractions and strive to ensure that these are not repeated.
4. Furthermore, in order to facilitate compliance of statutory provisions by the designated Principal Employers as well as by the contractors, the following controls/measures have been recommended by C&AG in Para 7.2 of the said Audit Report:-
i) Preparation of estimates for labour component may be done duly taking into account the minimum wages fixed by Central/State Government from time to time plus additional amount of contribution required to be made by the contractors towards ‘Employees’ Provident Fund’ (EPF), ‘Employee State Insurance Corporation’ (ESIC) and any other related cost.
ii) A comprehensive list of conditions towards ensuring compliance to statutory provisions relating to labour laws may be included in the tender documents/General Conditions of Contracts/Special Conditions of Contract, including penalties for non-compliance. The tender documents should include terms and conditions relating to timely payments of wages due, amenities for labour, safety of labour, etc.
iii) Contracts may be awarded to contractors/agencies who have been registered with the Labour Department, EPFO and ESIC etc.
iv) Principal Employers for the various Departments of the organisation may be identified and nominated. A comprehensive list of responsibilities for Principal Employers may be issued as a checklist for the Principal Employers.
v) A mechanism may be put in place for effective monitoring by Principal Employers such as forming a dedicated cell/team, which will be entrusted with the overall responsibility for enforcement of Labour laws compliances in the organisation. These teams should be given powers to inspect work sites and records for checking compliance and also give a go-ahead before payments are made to the contractors. Detailed checklists for such inspections should also be issued.
vi) A mandatory list of documents may be prescribed for submission by the contractor, without which the contractors’ bills should not be processed. A comprehensive checklist may also be prescribed for checking of compliances before passing of contractors’ bills.
vii) For the contracts which are already in progress, Railway Administrations of all Zonal Railways may consider directing the Principal Employers in various contracts to examine the number of contract labour under their jurisdiction in preceding 12 months for all the contractors, determine if they are required to register themselves with the prescribed authorities under the Acts and get themselves registered with the prescribed authorities, where required.
viii) In works, where the applicability of the CLRA, 1970 on the contractor is established, the contractor may be directed to apply for license from the Labour Commissioner. If he fails to do so, Labour Commissioner may be informed, so as to take necessary punitive action against the contractor.
ix) Joint Procedure Orders should be issued by Zonal Railways, clearly indicating obligations of Principal Employers, functions of the designated nominee of Principal Employer, functions of paying authorities and the functions relating to filing of relevant returns with the prescribed authorities.
x) In all ongoing contracts, the short payments, short deduction and short contribution may be identified, verified and amounts short-paid/not paid may be paid to the concerned contract labour by the Railway administration as per the provisions of Acts. The amounts so paid should be recovered from the contractors, where applicable.
xi) Railways may encourage the contractors to follow provisions of the EPF & MPA, 1952 and EPFS, 1952 and effectively avail of the incentives under the newly introduced ‘Pradhanmantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana’ to promote recruitment of unemployed persons and bring into books the informal employees.
xii) Railways may consider putting in place an effective control mechanism through Internal Audit and/or inter-disciplinary teams to monitor compliance of statutory requirements. Measures may also be taken for creating awareness amongst various levels of Railway officers on the issue.
5. The Railway administrations/PUS should talbe note of all the aforementioned recommendations for strict compliance.
6. Recommendation at para 4(iii) above shall be enforced only in such cases where such registration is required as per prevailing law.
7. In this regard, Civil Engineering Directorate has also issued following important supplementary instructions. These too should be strictly implemented so as to avoid violation of applicable labour laws.
(i) Board’s letter No.2012/CE-1/CT/0/22 dated 14.12.2012.
(ii) Board’s letter No.2018/CE-I/CT/4 dated 17.10.2018 (Shramikkalyan Portal)
(iii) Board’s letter No.2017/CE-I/CT/8/GCC/Committee dated 05.11.2018.
(iv) Board’s letter No.2018/CE-1/CT/37/GCC/Policy dated 06.09.2019. (General Conditions of Contract)
8. This issues with the approval of Board.
9. Please acknowledge receipt.
DA: As above.
(Alok Kumar)
Executive Director Estt.(IR)
Railway Board
Vigilance clearance for obtaining passport : DOPT Guidelines
F.No.11012/7/2017-Estt.A-III
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension
Department of Personnel & Training
Establishment A-III Desk
*****
North Block, New Delhi – 110001
Dated 18th February, 2020
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject : Grant of vigilance clearance for obtaining passport.
The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department’s O.M. of even no. dated 28.03.2018 prescribing the guidelines for grant of vigilance clearance for obtaining passport. The guidelines have been reviewed by this Department in consultation with Central Vigilance Commission and Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
2. MEA has also issued the guidelines for issuance of ordinary Passport to the Government servants vide O.M. No. VI/401/01/05/2014 dated 26.05.2015, wherein procedures to be followed in this regard have been prescribed.
3. In view of the above, it is mandatory for the administrative Department/Controlling Authority to check as to whether any provision of the Section 6(2) of the Passport Act, 1967 is attracted in case of employees, who are working under them, while obtaining Indian Passport. As such, it is required to check the vigilance clearance of such Government servants.
4. Accordingly, it has been decided that vigilance clearance can be withheld only under the following circumstances:
(i) The officer is under suspension;
(ii) Charge sheet has been filed in a Court by the Investigating Agency ina criminal case or after grant of sanction by the Competent Authority under PC Act or any other criminal matter and taken cognizance of by the Court of Law.
Department of Posts, Gramin Dak Sevaks (Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 2020
No.17-30/2019-GDS
Government of India
Ministry of Communications
Department of Posts
(GDS Section)
Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg,
New Delhi-110001
Dated: 14th February, 2020
To
All Chief Postmasters General/Postmasters General
Subject : Department of Posts, Gramin Dak Sevaks (Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 2020 – regarding.
Sir/Madam,
The existing Department of Posts, Gramin Dak Sevaks (Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 2011 has been amended from time to time by issue of suitable amendments. In supersession of the existing rules issued in 2011, the Department of Posts, Gramin Dak Sevaks (Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 2020 are hereby circulated by incorporating all the amendments.
2. In brief, revision/amendments/insertions made in the existing rules are as follows:-
(i) These rules called “Gramin Dak Sevaks (Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 2020” containing 31 rules are issued replacing the existing set of rules called the “Department of Posts”, Gramin Dak Sevaks (Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 2011 containing 31 Rules. Rule 3- B, 3-C, 7-A, 7-B, 10-A to 10-G, 21-A and 21-B have been inserted as new rules in the “Gramin Dak Sevaks (Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 2020”.
(ii) Rationalisation of existing 5 categories of GDS in 3 categories Viz Branch Postmasters, Assistant Branch Postmasters and Dak Sevaks under Rule 3 (c) with a suitable note below.
(iii) Rule below 3-A (vii) has been replaced with appropriate sentence relating to applicability of the conditions of residence to Gramin Dak Sevaks.
(iv) Rule 3-B and 3-C have been incorporated in connection with Eligibility Criteria for Engagement to GDS Posts and two types of Voluntary Discharge Schemes for GDS respectively.
(v) Rule 4 has been amended by making some modifications.
(vi) Rule- 7 has been amended by incorporating Rule 7-A and 7-B m connection with 5 days Emergency Leave to GDS and 180 days Maternity Leave to Female GDS.
(vii) Rule-8 has been amended by incorporating some modification and also a note regarding non eligibility of GDS Gratuity and Severance amount etc.
(viii) Rule -9 has been amended with regard to Major and Minor penalties.
(ix) Rule 12 has been modified for treating the period of Put Off duty in case the procedure initiated for imposition of a minor penalty.
(x) Rule 23 has been amended by incorporating treatment of Strike period.
(xi) Rule 31 Schedule of Engaging Authority has been amended by incorporating Disciplinary Authority and Appellate Authority.
(xii) The words ‘Recruiting Authority’, ‘Recruitment’ and ‘Service’ whenever appears in the existing rules have been replaced with words ‘Engaging Authority’ and ‘Engagement’.
(xiii) The Conduct and Engagement Rules, 2020 shall be applicable to all existing categories of GDS including those GDS categories which have been declared as wasting cadre as long as they remain in engagement..
3. You are requested to ensure that the enclosed revised set of Rules called the Department of Posts, Gramin Dak Sevaks (Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 2020 is further circulated to all concerned in your Circle at the earliest and send confirmation to this office within a week’s time.
4. Hindi version will follow.
Yours faithfully,
sd/-
(SB Vyavahare)
Assistant Director General (GDS/PCC)
केन्द्र सरकार के ऐसे सभी कर्मचारी जिनका चयन नियुक्ति के लिए 01 जनवरी, 2004 से पहले हुआ था, लेकिन जो 01 जनवरी, 2004 को या उसके बाद सेवा में शामिल हुए, अब वे केन्द्रीय सिविल सेवा (पेंशन) नियम, 1972 के दायरे में आने का विकल्प चुन सकते हैं
पेंशन एवं पेंशनभोगी कल्याण विभाग ने एक ऑर्डर जारी किया है जिसके तहत केन्द्र सरकार के ऐसे सभी कर्मचारी जिनके चयन को नियुक्ति के लिए 01 जनवरी, 2004 से पहले ही अंतिम रूप दे दिया गया था, लेकिन जो 01 जनवरी, 2004 को या उसके बाद सेवा में शामिल हुए, अब वे एनपीएस (राष्ट्रीय पेंशन प्रणाली) के बजाय केन्द्रीय सिविल सेवा (पेंशन) नियम, 1972 के दायरे में आने का विकल्प चुन सकते हैं।
कार्मिक, लोक शिकायत एवं पेंशन मंत्रालय में राज्य मंत्री (स्वतंत्र प्रभार) श्री जितेन्द्र सिंह ने कहा कि इस ऑर्डर से भारत सरकार के उन कर्मचारियों को या तो अब केन्द्रीय सिविल सेवा (पेंशन) नियम, 1972 को अपनाने अथवा राष्ट्रीय पेंशन प्रणाली के दायरे में ही बने रहने का विकल्प दिया गया है जिन्हें वर्ष 2004 से पहले ही भर्ती कर लिया गया था।
श्री जितेन्द्र सिंह ने यह भी कहा कि पेंशन एवं पेंशनभोगी कल्याण विभाग ने यह ऐतिहासिक निर्णय केन्द्र सरकार के उन कर्मचारियों की लंबे समय से चली आ रही मांग को पूरा करने के लिए लिया है जिनकी भर्ती को 01 जनवरी, 2004 से पहले ही अंतिम रूप दे दिया गया था, लेकिन जो विभिन्न कारणों से 01 जनवरी, 2004 को या उसके बाद संबंधित सेवाओं में शामिल हुए थे। हालांकि, उन्होंने यह बात रेखांकित की कि इस विकल्प को अपनाने की अंतिम तिथि 31 मई, 2020 होगी और जो भी कर्मचारी इस निर्धारित तिथि तक इस विकल्प को अपनाने में विफल रहेंगे, वे आगे भी राष्ट्रीय पेंशन प्रणाली के दायरे में बने रहेंगे।
इस आदेश के माध्यम से केन्द्र सरकार ने बड़ी संख्या में ऐसे सरकारी कर्मचारियों की लंबे समय से लंबित शिकायतों को दूर किया है जिनका चयन नियुक्ति के लिए (लिखित परीक्षा सहित,साक्षात्कार और परिणाम की घोषणा) 01 जनवरी 2004 से पहले कर लिया गया था (पुरानी पेंशन योजना के दायरे में लाए जाने के लिए भी यही कट ऑफ डेट निर्धारित की गई थी) लेकिन जो प्रशासनिक कारणवश देरी से सेवा में शामिल हुए और यह विलंब इन सरकारी कर्मचारियों की वजह से नहीं हुआ था।
भारत सरकार के इस नए आदेश से ऐसे कई सरकारी कर्मचारियों को राहत मिलने की उम्मीद है जो सीसीएस (पेंशन) नियम 1972 के दायरे में शामिल किए जाने के लिए अदालत का दरवाजा खटखटा रहे थे। अब इस मामले से जुड़े कानूनी विवादों की संख्या भी काफी कम होने की उम्मीद है।
नीचे कुछ ऐसे उदाहरण दिए गए हैं जहां चयन को 01.01.2004 के पहले अंतिम रूप दे दिया गया था, लेकिन वास्तविक रूप से सेवा में शामिल होने की प्रक्रिया 01.01.2004 को या उसके बाद पूरी हुयी:
भर्ती के लिए परिणाम 01 जनवरी 2004 से पहले ही घोषित कर दिये गए थे, लेकिन सरकारी कर्मचारी को नियुक्ति पत्र मिलने और वास्तविक रूप से उसकी नियुक्ति होने में पुलिस सत्यापन, स्वास्थ्य चिकित्सा जांच आदि के कारण विलंब हुआ।
एक सामान्य चयन प्रक्रिया के माध्यम से चुने गए कुछ उम्मीदवारों को नियुक्तियों के प्रस्ताव जारी किए गए थे और उन्हें 01 जनवरी 2004 से पहले नियुक्त भी कर दिया गया था, जबकि अन्य चयनित उम्मीदवारों को नियुक्तियों के प्रस्ताव प्रशासनिक कारणों / बाधाओं तथा न्यायालय और कैट में लंबित मामलों के कारण 01 जनवरी 2004 को या उसके बाद जारी किए गए थे।.
एक सामान्य प्रतियोगी परीक्षा के माध्यम से 01 जनवरी 2004 से पहले चुने गए उम्मीदवारों को विभिन्न विभागों/संगठनों में नियुक्त किया गया। इनमें से कुछ की नियुक्ति विभिन्न सरकारी विभागों / संगठनों में 31 दिसंबर 2003 को या उससे पहले पूरी कर दी गई थी, जबकि कुछ अन्य विभागों/संगठनों के लिए चयनित कुछ उम्मीदवारों को नियुक्ति पत्र एक जनवरी 2004 को या उसके बाद भेजा गया।
चयनित उम्मीदवारों को नियुक्ति पत्र 01 जनवरी 2004 से पहले ही इस निर्देश के साथ भेजा गया था कि वह इस तारीख को या फिर इसके बाद सेवा में शामिल हो सकते हैं।
कुछ चयनित उम्मीदवारों को 01 जनवरी 2004 से पहले नियुक्ति पत्र जारी किए गए थे, और कई / अधिकांश उम्मीदवार एक जनवरी 2004 से पहले ही सेवा में शामिल हो गए थे। हालांकि, कुछ उम्मीदवारों को सेवा में शामिल होने के लिए कुछ अतिरिक्त समय दिया गया था और वे 01 जनवरी 2004 को या उसके बाद सेवा में शामिल हुए। हालांकि, उनकी वरिष्ठता या तो अप्रभावित रही या उसी बैच में या उसके बाद के बैच में उनकी वरिष्ठता कम कर दी गई। बाद के बैच के नतीजे 01 जनवरी 2004 से पहले घोषित कर दिए गए थे।
भर्ती के लिए परिणाम 01जनवरी 2004 से पहले घोषित किया गया था, लेकिन इनमें से एक या अधिक उम्मीदवारों को मेडिकल फिटनेस या चरित्र प्रमाण पत्र, जाति या आय प्रमाण पत्रों के सत्यापन के आधार पर अयोग्य घोषित कर दिया गया। हालांकि, बाद में इस पर दोबारा गौर करने पर उन्हें नियुक्ति के लिए योग्य पाया गया और उन्हें 01 जनवरी 2004 को या उसके बाद सेवा सेवा में शामिल होने के नियुक्ति पत्र जारी किए गए।उपरोक्त सभी व्याख्यात्मक मामलों में, चूंकि भर्ती के लिए परिणाम 01 जनवरी, 2004 से पहले घोषित किया गया था, इसलिए प्रभावित सरकारी कर्मचारियों को सीसीएस (पेंशन) नियम, 1972 के तहत पेंशन के लाभ से वंचित करना उचित नहीं माना जाता है।
मामले में विभिन्न अभिवेदनों/संदर्भों और न्यायालयों के फैसलों को देखते हुए इस मामले की कार्मिक और प्रशिक्षण विभाग, व्यय विभाग और कानूनी मामलों के विभाग के साथ मिलकर जांच की गई है। यह फैसला लिया गया है कि 31 दिसंबर, 2003 या उससे पहले की रिक्तियों के लिए 1 जनवरी, 2004 से पहले घोषित भर्ती परिणामों के सभी मामलों में भर्ती के लिए सफल घोषित किए गए उम्मीदवार सीसीएस (पेंशन) नियम, 1972 के तहत पेंशन पाने के पात्र होंगे।
तदनुसार, ऐसे सरकारी कर्मचारी जिन्हें 01 जनवरी, 2004 के पहले की रिक्तियों के लिए 31 दिसंबर, 2003 या उससे पहले घोषित परिणामों में भर्ती के लिए सफल घोषित किया गया था और जो 01 जनवरी, 2004 या उसके पहले सेवा में शामिल होने पर राष्ट्रीय पेंशन प्रणाली के तहत आते हैं, उन्हें सीसीएस (पेंशन) नियम, 1972 के तहत लाने का एकमुश्त विकल्प दिया जा सकता है। यह विकल्प संबंधित सरकारी कर्मचारियों द्वारा 31 मई, 2020 तक लिया जा सकता है।
वे सरकारी कर्मचारी जो उपरोक्त पैरा-4 के अनुसार विकल्प अपनाने के पात्र हैं, लेकिन जो निर्धारित तिथि तक इस विकल्प को नहीं अपनाते हैं, उन्हें राष्ट्रीय पेंशन प्रणाली में ही रखा जाएगा और एक बार लिया गया विकल्प अंतिम माना जाएगा।
सरकारी कर्मचारी द्वारा विकल्प चुनने के आधार पर सीसीएस (पेंशन) नियम, 1972 के तहत कवरेज का यह मामला नियुक्ति प्राधिकरण के समक्ष इन निर्देशों के अनुसार विचार करने के लिए रखा जाएगा। यदि सरकारी कर्मचारी सीसीएस (पेंशन) नियम, 1972 के तहत कवरेज की शर्तों को पूरा करता है, तो इन निर्देशों के अनुसार, इस संबंध में आवश्यक आदेश 30 सितंबर, 2020 तक जारी किया जाएगा। नतीजतन, ऐसे सरकारी कर्मचारियों का एनपीएस खाता 01 नवंबर, 2020 से बंद हो जाएगा।
वे सरकारी कर्मचारी जो सीसीएस (पेंशन) नियम, 1972 के तहत पेंशन योजना का विकल्प चुनते हैं, उन्हें सामान्य भविष्य निधि (जीपीएफ) की सदस्यता लेना आवश्यक होगा।
No.F.10/2/2019-PPD(Pt.)
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure
Procurement Policy Division (PPD)
512, Lok Nayak Bhawan, New Delhi.
Dated the 17th February, 2020
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject : Amendment to Rule 153 of General Financial Rules (GFR), 2017.
It has been decided to partially amend Rule 153 of GFR regarding Reserved ltems and other Purchase/ Price Preference Policy as under:
Para
Existing provision of Rule 153 of
GFR, 2017
Amended Rule
(i)
The Central Government through administrative instructions, has reserved all items of hand spun and hand-woven textiles (khadi goods) for exclusive purchase’ from Khadi Village Industries Commission (KVIC). It has also reserved all items of handloom textiles required by Central Government departments for exclusive purchase from KVIC and/ or the notified handloom units of Association of Corporations and Apex societies of handlooms (ACASH).
The Central Government, through administrative instructions, has reserved all items of hand spun and hand-woven textiles (khadi goods) for exclusive purchase from Khadi Village Industries commission (KVIC). Of all items of textiles required by Central Government departments, it shall be mandatory to make procurement of at least 20% from amongst items of handloom origin, for exclusive purchase from KVIC and/ or Handloom Clusters such as Co-Operative Societies, Self Help Group (SHG) Federations, Joint Liability Group (JLG), Producer. Companies (PC), Corporations etc. including Weavers having Pehchan Cards.
2. This OM is also available on our website www.doe.gov.in -> Notification -> Circular –> Procurement Policy OM. Hindi version of this OM will follow.
(Kotluru Narayana Reddy)
Deputy Secretary to the Govt. of India
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
No. 57/04/2019-P&PW(B)
Government of India
Department of Pension and PW
Lok Nayak Bhawan, Khan Market,
New Delhi, the 17th February, 2020
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: 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.
The undersigned is directed to say that consequent on introduction of National Pension System (NPS) vide Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs) Notification No. 5/7/2003-ECB & PR dated 22.12.2003, all Government servants appointed on or after 01.01.2004 to the posts in the Central Government service (except armed forces) are mandatorily covered under the said scheme. The Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972 and other connected rules were also amended vide Notification dated 30.12.2003 and, after the said amendment, those rules are not applicable to the Government servants appointed to Government service after 31.12.2003.
2. Representations have been received in this Department from the Government servants appointed on or after 1.1.2004 requesting for the benefit of the pension scheme under Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972 on the ground that their appointment was delayed on account of administrative reasons or lapses. Similar references have been received from Ministries/Departments seeking advice of this Department on the question whether the Government servants who were appointed on or after 1.1.2004 could also be extended the benefit of pension scheme under CCS (Pension) Rules, if their appointment was delayed beyond 31.12.2003 on account of administrative reasons and the delay in appointment was beyond the control of the said Government servants.
3. From the representations of the Government employees and the references received from Ministries/Departments , it has been observed that in many of the cases referred to this Department, selection process (including written examination, interview and declaration of result) for recruitment had been completed before 01.01.2004 but the employee joined the Government service on or after 01.01.2004. A few illustrations where the selection was finalized before 01.01.2004 but actual joining took place on or after 01.01.2004 are as under:
(i) The result for recruitment was declared before 01.01.2004 but the offer of appointment and actual joining of the Government servant was delayed on account of police verification, medical examination etc.;
(ii) Some of the candidates selected through a common selection process were issued offers of appointments and were also appointed before 01.01.2004 whereas the offers of appointment to other selected candidates were issued on or after 1.1.2004 due to administrative reasons/constraints including pending Court/CAT cases.
(iii) Candidates selected before 01.01.2004 through a common competitive examination were allocated to different Departments/organization. While recruitment process was completed by some Department(s) I organizations on or before 31.12.2003 in respect of one or more candidates, the offers of appointment to the candidates allocated to the other Departments / organization were issued on or after 01.01.2004.
(iv) Offers of appointment to selected candidates were made before 01.01.2004 with a direction to join on or after 01.01.2004 .
(v) Offers of appointment were issued to selected candidates before 01.01.2004 , and many/most candidates joined service before 01.01.2004. However, some candidate(s) were allowed extension of joining time and they joined service on or after 01.01.2004. However, their seniority was either unaffected or was depressed in the same batch or to a subsequent batch, the result for which subsequent batch was declared before 01.01.2004.
(vi) The result for recruitment was declared before 01.01.2004 but one or more candidates were declared disqualified on the grounds of medical fitness or verification of character and antecedents, caste or income certificates. Subsequently, on review, they were found fit for appointment and were issued offers of appointment on or after 01.01.2004.
In all the above illustrative cases, since the result for recruitment was declared before 01.01.2004, denial of the benefit of pension under CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 to the affected Government servants is not considered justified.
4. The matter has been examined in consultation with the Department of Personnel & Training, Department of Expenditure and Department of Legal Affairs in the light of the various representations/references and decisions of the Courts in this regard. It has been decided that in all cases where the results for recruitment were declared before 01.01.2004 against vacancies occurring on or before 31.12.2003, the candidates declared successful for recruitment shall be eligible for coverage under the CCS(Pension) Rules, 1972. Accordingly, such Government servants who were declared successful for recruitment in the results declared on or before 31:12.2003 against vacancies occurring before 01.01.2004 and are covered under the National Pension System on joining service on or after 01.01.2004, may be given a one-time option to be covered under the CCS(Pension) Rules, 1972. This option may be exercised by the concerned Government servants latest by 31.05.2020.
5. Those Government servants who are eligible to exercise option in accordance with para-4 above, but who do not exercise this option by the stipulated date, shall continue to be covered by the National Pension System.
6. The option once exercised shall be final.
7. It is clarified , that the above option would be available to only those Government servants who were declared successful for recruitment before 01.01.2004, against vacancies pertaining to the period prior to that date. This option shall, however, not be available to the Government servants appointed on or after 01.01.2004 if they fall in any of the following categories:
(i) Government servants whose names were included in a panel of selected candidates before 01.01.2004 for recruitment against vacancies occurring on or after 01.01.2004 and were, accordingly, recruited on or after 01.01.2004.
(ii) A Government servant whose name was included in a panel of selected candidates prepared before 01.01.2004 for vacancies arising before and after 01.01.2004 but was actually appointed after 31.12.2003 against a vacancy arising on or after 01.01.2004.
(iii) Government servants who were selected against vacancies pertaining to the period prior to 01.01.2004 on the basis of an advertisement/notification issued before 01.01.2004 or a written examination/interview held before 01.01.2004 but results for recruitment- were declared on or after 01.01.2004.
(iv) Government servants who joined on or after 01.01.2004 after they were granted extension of joining time on their own request and, in accordance with the instructions issued by the Department of Personnel & Training, their seniority was depressed on account of such extens ion of joining time to a batch for which the result for recruitment was declared on or after 01.01.2004.
8. The matter regarding coverage under the CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 based on the option exercised by the Government servant shall be placed before the appointing authority for consideration in accordance with these instructions. In case the Government servant fulfils the conditions for coverage under the CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972, in accordance with these instructions, necessary order in this regard shall be issued latest by 30th September. 2020. The NPS account of such Government servants shall, consequently , be closed w.e.f. 01st November, 2020.
9. The Government servants who exercise option to switch over to the pension scheme under CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972, shall be required to subscribe to the General Provident Fund (GPF). Regarding accountal of the corpus in the NPS account of the Government servant, Controller General of Accounts (CGA) has furnished the following clarification vide letter No. 1(7)(2)/201O/cla./TA III/390 dated 14.11.2019:
i. Adjustment of Employees’ contribution in Accounts : Amount may be credited to individual’s GPF account and the account may be recasted permitting up-to-date interest (Authority-FR-16 &Rule 11 of GPF Rules).
ii. Adjustment of Government contribution under NPS in Accounts : To be accounted for as (-) Dr. to object head 70 – Deduct Recoveries under Major Head 2071 – Pension and other Retirement benefit – Minor Head 911- Deduct Recoveries of overpayment (GAR 35 and para 3.1O of List of Major and Minor Heads of Accounts).
iii. Adjustment of increased value of subscription on account of appreciation of investments – May be accounted for by crediting the amount to Govt. account under M.H. 0071- Contribution towards Pension and Other Retirements Benefits 800- Other Receipts ( Note under the above Head in LMMHA).
10. All Ministries/Departments are requested to give wide publicity to these orders. The cases of those Government servants who fulfil the conditions mentioned in this O.M. and who exercise option to switch over to the pension scheme under CCS (Pension) Rules may be settled by the administrative Ministries/Departments in accordance with these orders.
11. These orders issue with the concurrence of Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure, vide their l.D. Note No. 1(7) EV/2019 dated 08.01.2020.
12. In their application to the employees of Indian Audi_t and Accounts Department, these orders are issued after consultation with Comptroller and Auditor General of India, as mandated under Article 148(5) of the Constitution.
13. Hindi version will follow.
(Ruchir Mittal)
Deputy Secretary to the Government of India
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
RAILWAY BOARD
No. E(G)2020/LE/1 – 1
New Delhi, Dated: 04.02.2020
The General Manager (P)
All Zonal Railways & Production units
(As per Standard list)
Sub: Biometric Attendance System on Indian Railways.
Detailed instructions were issued vide Board’s letter No. E(G)2014/LE 1-27 dated 30.12.2014 regarding introduction of “Aadhar Enabled Biometric Attendance System” (AEBAS) on Indian Railways. In terms of these instructions, in the first phase, the staff working in the Zonal Headquarters Office, Administrative office of Production Units, RDSO/Lucknow, Metro Rail/Kolkata, CORE/Allahabad and Divisional Headquarter offices which do not fall under the shift duty roster were to be covered.
2. In terms of the Board’s letter No. E(G)2017/LE 1-34 dated 03.11.2017, instructions were issued that the AEBAS should. be implemented in all the offices of the Railways including PUs, attached and subordinate offices etc. by 31st January, 2018. AEBAS should be integrated and implemented in such a way that status of biometric machines and attendance at divisional/Unit level should be accessible by DRM office. Similarly, all DRM offices be integrated with Zonal Railways and all the Zonal Railways with Railway Board so that monitoring of attendance of any location can be done by Railway Board. CCTV cameras should also be provided with the Biometric machine in similar fashion.
3. Strict compliance of extant instructions (Board’s letter No. E(G)2014/LE 1-27 dated 30.12.2014 & No. E(G)2017/LE 1-34 dated 03.11.2017) is solicited from all concerned. All the Zonal Railways should issue suitable directions for compliance of these instructions by the staff working under their control.
(Anita Gautam)
Director Estt.(General)
Railway Board
Controller General of Defence Accounts Ulan Batar Road, Palam, Delhi Cantt – 110010
Important Circular
No.AN-I/1058/SPARROW/Vol. II
Date: 13/02/2020
To
All PAR Managers/ Custodians (SPARROW- IDAS)
All IDAS officers
(Through CGDA’s website)
Subject : Completion of APARs in “SPARROW”.
In the recent times, it is observed that the APARs are not completed by the officers as per the laid down DoPT timelines. APARs in respect of few IDAS officers for the FY 2018-19 have been closed by the system -“Pending with Officer Reported upon for self appraisal” stage. This has been viewed seriously by the competent authority.
2. In this regard it is stated that the PAR managers are responsible to send alert message to the officer reported upon (preferably a week before the prescribed timeline for submitting self appraisal). On failure of an officer to submit self-appraisal as per DoPT timelines to the Reporting Officer, the PAR Manager shall “Force Forward” the same to the Reporting Officer without self appraisal.
3. The Reporting officers should also keep a watch on the movement of APARs of officers working under them and ensure that the APARs are written timely. In case, the self appraisal is not submitted timely, then the force forwarded APAR without self appraisal shall be written by the Reporting officer.
4. The Reporting/Reviewing/Accepting officers are also requested to complete the APARs as per DoPT timelines in future. The online recording of APARs on SPARROW system close on 3151 December after which it will not be possible to take any action on the APARs.
5. APARs of officers posted on deputation to various Ministries/Departments (other than those posted in Ministry of Defence , UPSC and OFB) are generated centrally in this HQrs office. These officers are request ed to provide the details as mentioned in the table below latest by first week of the next financial year so that the APARs could be initiated timely. Officers posted in Ministry of Defence, UPSC and OFB may forward the details to concerned PAR Managers of MoD, UPSC and PCA (Fys) Kolkata respectively.
Period of report
Service, Cadre and Designation
Leave
Training details during the period
Pay Details
Reporting Officer
Reviewing Officer
Accepting officer
Nature of leave
From
To
Subject
Institute
From
To
Level
Basic Pay
6. Officers posted on deputation/IPA/Ordinance factories setup, where officers of other services/Ministers/Executive authorities are involved are requested to track the movement of their APARs using the tracking activity on SPARROW and if necessary request their Reporting/Reviewing/Accepting officers for timely completion of their APARs.
