51st YEAR OF 1968 SEPTEMBER 19th STRIKE M.KRISHNAN
Secretary General, Confederation of Central Govt. Employees & Workers
*******
2019 September 19th is the 51st Anniversary of 1968 September 19th one day strike. All leaders and workers who led and participated in that historic strike have either retired from service or are no more.
The indefinite strike of Central Govt. Employees in1960 was the first major strike of Central Govt. Employees after independence. The five days strike from 1960 July 11 midnight was brutally suppressed by the Central Government declaring it as “Civil Rebellion”. The main demand of the strike was improvement and modifications in the 2nd CPC recommendations. The Need Based Minimum Wage, though adopted by the 15th Indian Labour Conference in 1957, was rejected by the 2nd CPC.
The Joint Consultative Machinery (JCM) was constituted in 1966 by then Home Minister Guljarilal Nanda, as per the decision of the Government. The apprehension of the progressive leadership that this negotiating machinery may not settle any major demands of the Central Govt. employees and may become just a talking shop or a time killing business, ultimately resulting in abnormally delaying the genuine demands, came true within a year of its formation. In the very first meeting of the National Council JCM, the following three demands were notified by the staff side.
1. Grant of Need Based Minimum Wage as approved by the 1957 Tripartite Labour Conference.
2. Merger of DA with Pay
3. Revision of DA formula
After prolonged discussion for about one and a half year, disagreement was recorded. As per JCM Scheme once disagreement is recorded, the item should be referred to compulsory arbitration. But Govt. rejected the demand for arbitration. Protesting against this arbitrary stand of the Govt. the staff side leadership walked out of the JCM and decided to go for one day’s strike. A Joint Action Committee was formed and the date of the strike was decided as 19th September 1968. Even though, the INTUC affiliated organisations were initially a part of the strike decision, later on they decided not to join the strike due to the intervention of the then Congress Government headed by Smt. Indira Gandhi.
The following were the main demands of the strike charter of demands.
1. Need Based Minimum Wage.
2. Full neutralisation of rise in prices.
3. Merger of DA with Basic Pay
4. Withdrawal of proposal to retire employees with 50 years of age or on completion of 25 years of service.
5. Vacate victimisation and reinstate victimised workers.
6. No retrenchment without equivalent alternative jobs.
7. Abolition of Contract and Casual Labour System.
Strike notice was served and the Joint Action Council (JAC) decided to commence the strike at 0600 AM on 19th September 1968. Intensive campaign was conducted throughout the country. AIRF, AIDEF and Confederation was the major organisations in the JAC. Govt. invoked Essential Services Maintenance Ordinance (ESMO) to deal with the strike. Govt. also issued detailed instructions to impose heavy penalty including suspension, dismissal, termination, Break-in-service etc. on the striking employees. Para-military force (CRPF) and Police were deployed to deal with the strike. Central Govt. gave orders to all state Governments to suppress the strike at any cost. It was a war-like situation. Arrest of Leaders started on 18th September itself. About 3000 employees and leaders were arrested from Delhi alone. All over India about 12000 Central Government employees and leaders were arrested and jailed.
Inspite of all these brutal repressive measures the strike commenced on 18th after noon itself at many places and was a thundering success all over India and in all departments including Railway, Defence, P&T etc. About 64000 employees were served with termination notices, thousands removed from service and about 40000 employees suspended. Seventeen (17) striking employees had been brutally killed at Pathankot, Bikaner, Delhi Indraprastha Bhavan and in Upper Assam lathi charge, firing by police and military and by running the train over the bodies of employees who picketed the trains.
Though the strike was only for one day on 19th September 1968, the victimisation and repression continued for days together. Struggle against victimisation also continued including work-to-rule agitation, hunger fast of leaders from 10th October 1968. There was unprecedented support to the strike and relief work and also to agitation for reinstatement of the victimized workers, from National Trade Unions, state employees and teachers Unions / Federations etc. A mass rally was organised before the residence of Prime Minister of India Smt. Indira Gandhi on 17th October, 1968.
Kerala was ruled by the Communist Govt. during the strike. Chief Minister Com. E.M.S. Namboodiripad declared Kerala Govt’s full support to the strike of Central Government employees. The Central Govt. threatened dismissal of the Kerala Govt. for defying the Centre’s directive to suppress the strike.
1968 September 19th strike is written in red letters in the history of Indian Working Class. The demand raised by the Central Govt. employees – Need Based Minimum Wage – was the demand of entire working people of India. Even today, the Central Govt. employees and other section of the working class are on struggle path for realization of the Need Based Minimum Wage. The demand of the Central Govt. employees to modify the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission to ensure Need Based Minimum Wage is not yet conceded by the BJP-led NDA Government. Even the assurance given by three Cabinet Ministers including Home Minister, Finance Minister and Railway Minister regarding increase in Minimum Pay and Fitment formula is not honoured by the Govt. even after a lapse of three years and entire Central Government employees feel cheated.
It is in this background, last year we have celebrated the 50th year of 1968 September 19th strike all over the country in a befitting manner. On the 51st anniversary of the historic strike, let us pledge that we shall continue our struggle for realization of the demands raised by the martyrs of the 1968 strike. Let us pay respectful homage to those valiant fighters who sacrificed their life for the posterity. Let us salute and honour all those who participated in the historic strike, especially those who had been victimized severely for joining the strike.
Debit and Credit note for treatment of patient to other Railway Hospital
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
RAILWAY BOARD
No.2018/Trans.Cell/Health/Medical Issues
New Delhi, dated: 30.08.2018
The General Manager, All Indian Railways/PUs, NF(Con), CORE
The DG/RDSO/Lucknow, DG/NAIR/Vadodara
CAOs, DM W/Patiala, WPO/Patna, COFMOW/NDLS, RWP/Bela, CAO/IROAF
Sub : Debit and Credit note for treatment of patient (Railway Medical Beneficiary) to other Railway Hospital with or without referral Simplification of process.
It has been reported that the.treatment of patient (Railway Medical Beneficiary) has been delayed because of the demand of debit note by Railway hospital where patient has been referred or reported, from the Railway/Unit/Hospital to which the patient belongs. In order to facilitate easy treatment of Railway Medical Beneficiaries, Board (MS, FC & CRB) have approved the following:
1. Referral Case: A Railway Hospital referring the patient (Railway Medical Beneficiary) to other Zonal Hospital will include a note in its referral form/letter that it will accept debit raised on the treatment of the patient at Railway Hospital and/or further onward referral of the patient to empanelled hospitals and/or to non empanelled hospitals by making advance payment. All the necessary sanctions, if required, will be taken at the referred Railway itself.
2. Reported without Referral: In case patient (Railway Medical Beneficiary) has reported to the hospital of other Railway/unit without referral — treatment will be provided by the hospital — in house and/or referral to empanelled hospital :and/or non-empanelled hospital as advance payment case, as the need be after ascertaining the valid identity of patient (Railway Medical Beneficiary) thru Medical ID Card / ID Card /Pass / PTO etc. All the necessary sanctions, if required, will be taken at reported Railway itself. Meanwhile the reported Railway/Unit/Hospital inform the concerned Railway/Hospital/Unit to which the patient originally belongs.
3. The patient (Railway Medical beneficiary) will be given the treatment as per the medical condition by the referred or reported Hospital and after ‘treatment is over, then the debit will be raised on the concerned Zonal Railway/Unit/Hospital to which the patient originally belongs.
This issues with the concurrence of Associate Finance of Transformation Cell of Railway Board.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(Railway Board)
S.No.PC-VI/ 397
No. PC-V/2010/A/TA/1
RBE No.138/2019
New Delhi, dated 21-08-2019
The General Manager/CAO(R)
All Zonal Railways & PUs
(As per mailing list)
Sub : – Grant of Transport Allowance @ Rs.7000/-p.m. + DA thereon to the IRMS officers drawing Grade Pay of Rs.10,000/- under DACP Scheme.
Attention is invited to Board’s letter of even number dated 25-08-2015 whereby Railways were advised to keep in abeyance the payment of Transport Allowance @ Rs.7000/-p.m. + DA thereon to IRMS officers drawing Grade Pay of Rs.10,000/- under DACP Scheme. Subsequently, as per the interim order dated 27-10-2015 of Hon’ble CAT/New Delhi in O.A No.3528/2015, Railways were advised vide this office letter of even number dated 06-11-2015 that the payment of Transport Allowance to IRMS officers @Rs.7000/-p.m. + DA thereon, be continued till further orders.
2. The Hon’ble CAT/New Delhi vide order dated 28-05-2019 has now disposed of the said O.A No. 3528/2015 has observed as under :-
“The OA is, therefore, disposed of directing the respondents to take a final decision regarding extension or otherwise of the Transport Allowance at the rate of Rs: 7000/- per month plus DA, to the members of the applicant Association, within a period of three months from the receipt of this order. However, the amount already paid towards the said allowance shall not be recovered, and the respondents shall not be under an obligation to pay the said allowance until a final decision is taken. There shall be no orders as to costs.”
3. The matter has been accordingly considered by the competent authority and in view of fact that IRMS officers drawing Grade Pay of Rs.10,000/- (now pay level -14) under DACPS except those who are holding pinpointed administrative SAG posts mentioned in Board’s letter No.2009/H/16/1DACP dated 26-02-2009, are not entitled for use of official car in terms of Board’s letter No.E(G)95AL4-9, dated 06-11-1995, it has been decided that such officer shall not be eligible to opt for higher rate of Transport Allowance @Rs.7000/- p.m.+DA thereon (which now stands revised to Rs.15750/-p.m.+DA thereon based on the recommendations of the 7th CPC). These officers are entitled for Transport Allowance @Rs.7200/3600 + D.A thereon as per row- 2 of Board’s letter of even number dated 3-8-2017.
4. This issues with the concurrence of Finance Directorate of Railway Board.
2. The following provisions are hereby extended to casual worker/daily wager employed by Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs):
i. Where the nature of work entrusted to the casual workers and regular employees is the same, the casual workers may be paid at the rate of 1/30th of the pay at the minimum of the relevant pay scale plus dearness allowance for work of 8 hours a day.
ii In cases where the work done by a casual worker is different from the work done by a regular employee, the casual worker may be paid only the minimum wages notified by the Ministry of Labour & Employment or the state Government/Union Territory Administration, whichever is higher as per the Minimum Wage Act, 1948.
iii. Persons on daily wages (casual workers) should not be recruited for work of regular nature.
3. All CEOs of CPSEs and administrative Ministries/Departments are requested to ensure strict compliance of the above provisions.
(Naresh Kumar)
Under Secretary
All administrative Ministries/Departments of the Government of India.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)
RBA No. 82/2019
No. 2018/AC-II/21/3
New Delhi, dated: 12.09.2019
PFAs and PCPOs,
All Indian Railways and PUs
Sub : Minutes of meeting of Board (FC & MS) with Dy. CAOs and Dy. CPOs of all Zonal Railways and Production Units held on 04.09.2019 and 05.09.2019 in Board’s office.
Minutes of the meeting held on 4th and 5th September, 2019 in Railway Board’s office is enclosed for in formation and necessary action.
DA: As above
(Anjali Goyal)
Pr. Executive Director/ Accounts
Railway Board
Minutes of meeting of Board (FC & MS) with Dy. CAOs and Dy. CPOs of all Zonal Railways and Production Units held on 04.09.2019 and 05.09.2019 in Board’s office
A meeting of Dy. CAOs and Dy. CPOs of all Zonal Railways and Production Units was held on 04.09.2019 and 05.09.2019 in Railway Board to review the progress of National Pension System (NPS). The list of participants is at Annexure -I. The minutes of the meeting are as under:
1.0 Opening Address:
1.1 Welcome Address by PED/A:
PED/A welcomed all the participants and mentioned that review Reports received from NSDL and PFRDA on functioning of NPS on Railways have revealed that there are several areas requiring improvement and constant monitoring by both Personnel and Accounts Department. Therefore, it was felt necessary to hold this meeting of Dy. CAOs and Dy. CPOs to convey Board’s concern on these issues and discuss the same with officers in charge of NPS on Railways.
1.2 Keynote Address by FC(Railways):
FC welcomed the participants and stated that National Pension System is in the 16th year of its inception.
He recalled the challenges their Railways had faced on introduction of the scheme and the way they were addressed successfully.
However, continuous monitoring is required to address the delays and deficiencies in in registration and remittance of funds.
Registration process of the new appointees should be completed within one month of joining service and old cases of non-IRA compliance should be cleared in a time bound manner
The Contributions of the subscribers which have not been transferred to Trustee Bank and are lying in Suspense should be tracked at the earliest and transferred as they are the legitimate contributions of the employees.
The delays in remittance of these funds shall attract penal interest for which responsibility will be fixed.
FC desired the Railways/PUs to set right all the prevailing deficiencies of the system in close coordination with Personnel Branch.
1.3 Address by MS
MS welcomed the participants and thanked Accounts Dte for conducting such an important meeting with officials of Accounts and Personnel Department.
He mentioned that the no. of subscribers to the system have already crossed 7 lakhs and are increasing day by day. Therefore, it is joint responsibility of both Accounts and Personnel to work together to remove the deficiencies of the system.
He mentioned that considering the importance of this area of work, ED/EG has been nominated as nodal officer in Establishment Dte in Railway Board to address the NPS issues.
He desired that PCPOs should also nominate a Nodal officer in Personnel Dept in HQ and other Unit for the NPS work. NPS Cells/Sections should be formed for dealing with NPS work.
Referring to FC’s letter for setting up of monitoring Committees of Dy. CPO and Dy. CAO under FA&CAO, he desired PCPOs to immediately nominate officer from Personnel Deptt, if not already done. The Committee should hold meeting atleast once a month.
There should be no delay in registration of new employee. The Subscriber Registration form should be got filled at the time of joining report itself.
In case the employee already has as a PRAN from his previous establishment, the same should be brought under Government Sector NPS Scheme by filling stipulated form instead of generating new PRANs.
He wished all success to the meeting.
2.0 Agenda Items:
Director Finance Accounts made a presentation on the Railway wise performance during Aug., 2018 to July 2019 on important parameters as under:
2.1 Delay in Subscriber Registration:
Registrations of only 4% subscribers was done within one month of joining and remaining 96% were done after one month. Substantial delay in Subscriber Registration noticed in CR (3913 cases), ER (3011 cases), NR (3444 cases), CLW (364 cases), ICF (387 cases), CORE (113 cases) and (168 cases).
Action:
PED/A mentioned that as already directed by Board (FC), it should be made mandatory for new entrants to submit PAN, Bank Account details and CRSF-1 form duly filled along with joining report.
The Railways/PUs should explore feasibility of online PRAN Registration in consultation with NSDL. A few units have already started the process and are getting PRAN immediately. But the same should be done with due validation so that only bonafied employees are entered.
Old legacy cases where PRAN was generated without filling up of Registration form on request of Railways, should be reviewed and Registration forms of those still in service should be got filled at the earliest. For the cases where the employees are not in service, the details should be located from PPAN registers and other office/service record for contacting them to arrange necessary action for clearance of these cases.
CR, ER, NR mentioned that the delays are mainly due to Bungalow peons, substitutes and apprentices where the registration takes place after regularisation.
Western Railway pointed out that delay in PRAN generation is also because of non-availability of Facilitation Centre at the city where PAO is located. NSDL advised the office to send such forms directly to Mumbai office along with the tracking no. Additionally, NSDL can map the Railway office with the concerned CRA-FC for better control.
Further implementation of online generation of PRAN shall obviate these delays altogether.
2.2 Rejection of forms submitted:
Review of the position of rejected cases revealed that in 898 cases, registration forms were rejected by CRA – Facilitation Centres. Further, in ECR out of 130 rejected application 71 were from Dhanbad Div; in NCR out of 105 rejections 91 were from of ALD Div.; in NR out of 99 rejected cases, 45 were from LKO Div, in SECR out of 55 rejections, 43 were from BSP Div and in SWR out of 57 rejections, 48 were from Hubli Div. In case of PUs, maximum rejections were in MCF/RBL (8), CLW (5) and RCF (4).
Action:
PED/A desired to streamline the system in both Personnel and Accounts branches to ensure completeness of forms w.r.t employment details, mandatory details and required documents, before submission to CRA – Facilitation Centres.
PAOs should ensure authorisation/attestation of the forms before forwarding to CRA-FC
The status of forms submitted should be tracked in the CRA website where the same is available along with reasons of rejection.
Rejected forms, if any, should be resubmitted in quickest possible time with complete details/corrections.
NSDL shall share a list of check points for the acceptance of CSRF.
SECR brought out that the Railways are not getting any updates on changes in the version of the CSRF.
NSDL stated that such intimations are sent to Nodal offices. Further the updated forms are available on
NSDL site. Henceforth, such communication will also be advised to Railway Board for circulation.
2.3 NPS contribution being deducted from salary without PRAN:
As per information obtained from IPAS, there were 1024 employees without PRAN from whom NPS deductions were made from salary in the month of July, 2019. Of these, 415 cases were in SCR, 404 cases in SWR and 119 cases in CR. This implies that the NPS recoveries in these cases would lie in the suspense and will lead to loss of interest to subscribers, which will have to be borne by the Railways. This position is available to the Railways
Action:
PED/A desired that IPAS exception reports should be viewed and acted upon by all Railways
All these cases may be reviewed, PRAN generated at the earliest, subscription remitted to the Trustee Bank forthwith.
2.4 Non-IRA PRANs:
There are 13,996 non-IRA compliant subscribers on Railways of which 46 are still active (where subscription is being received.) These include NR(14), SCR(10), CR (6), NCR (3), WR (3).
Action:
13950 PRANs of IR having balance, have been deactivated which need to be investigated to rule out irregularity.
The Railways should immediately complete the procedure of registration of 46 Active PRANs and make them IRA compliant.
For hard core cases where the employee are not traceable, the details can be located from PPAN Register and other office records and the subscriber should be contacted by deputing the Welfare Inspectors, wherever necessary, so these cases can be cleared.
The nominated officials for the ‘oversight mechanism’ should check the MIS of IPAS and NSDL Dashboard on regular basis for needful action.
2.5 NIL credit PRANs:
In 11,148 cases the credits were not received for period from 1 month to over 5 years after generation of PRAN. These include CR 1689 (876 cases in Mumbai Div), ECR – 1596 (535 cases in Dhanbad) and NR – 2041 (598 cases in LKO Div, 555 in MB Div and 520 in DLI Div). As regard PU, there were 50 such cases in MCF/RBL, 26 cases in CORE and 15 in CLW.
Action:
Railways need to investigate these cases and upload the contribution at the earliest.
ER asked for the PRAN wise details of such cases. CRA informed that this report is sent to them on regular basis and also available on the Dashboards. CRA gave a demo of various reports available on the dashboard.
The process for requesting non-standardized report was also explained.
2.6 Number of PRANs without Nomination and Mobile details
There are 35025 PRANs with nomination details and 44553 PRANS without Mobile No. Non-availability of Nomination details will delay settlement in case of Death of a Subscriber.
Action:
Mobile number has been made mandatory in CSR Form. For old cases, DDO/PAO should insist on providing the same with the help of WLI. Subscribers should be educated about importance of having nomination and mobile no. in their PRANs.
Nomination and Mobile no. should be collected from every subscriber and updated immediately.
As a onetime effort, the Mobile numbers and email ids of these subscribers can be forwarded to NSDL for back end updation.
2.7 Subscribers flagged in the system:
Railways have flagged 9948 subscribers as deserters in the system. However, 769 of them are receiving NPS credits. These include 155 over CR, 115 on ECR, 89 on NR, 66 on SER and 15 on MCF/RBL in PUs
Action:
Railways may review position, as each Railways have subscribers receiving credits after flagging
To remove flagging, PAO can select the option “not applicable” available under the ‘current status’ field.
2.8 Subscriber Coverage:
There is substantial gap in no. of registered subscribers and those receiving credits viz. ECR – 83.06%, NR – 87.56% and NER and SCR 89%.
Action:
DDOs/PAOs should ensure all the registered subscribers are receiving regular contribution credits
SCFs uploaded should get matched and booked in the CRA system. Cancelled SCFs need to be re-uploaded on time.
The regular monthly contributions should be uploaded as “regular” and arrear contributions as “arrear”.
2.9 Gap in PAOs registered and PAOs uploading contribution:
There are 199 registered PAOs on Railways. 7 to 17 PAOs are not uploading contribution every month.
Action:
Such PAOs may be identified. In case there is no subscribers under them or the unit has closed they may be deactivated from system.
2.10 Subscribers getting credits within 7 days of respective/previous salary month
On an average only 77% of subscribers are getting credit within 7 days of payment of salary. ECR (37.78%), NR (50.70%), CLW (27.66%), RWP (38.48%) and Metro Railway (40.27%) are cause of concern.
Action:
The delay in remittances in Railways may be due to:different wage periods.
Non-drawal of salary due to absenteeism etc.
Delay in crediting contribution impacts Pension wealth and resultant grievances.
Remittance should be made on date of payment of salary itself.
Government orders envisage payment penal interest by employer in case of delays
Railways may ensure NPS contribution is credited to Trustee Bank on the payment day itself for all subscribers.
Analyse non-credit cases to ensure that these include only those cases where salary is not drawn for any reason.
2.11 Credit Analysis:
There are 2,80,485 subscribers who have received less than 12 contributions during Aug., 2018 to July , 2019. 40621 PRANs have not received even a single credit during the above period.
Action:
Both Drawing officers and PAOs need to check at time of salary:
No. of subscribers of their unit.
No. of subscribers for which subscription is deducted
Reasons for gap
Upload the regular contributions under “regular” head and arrear contributions under “arrear” head.
Do not combine contributions for more than 1 month under one single month. For e.g. If a PAO has missed to upload contributions for the month of July and August 2019, and is uploading regular contribution for the month of September 2019, then these missing contributions should be uploaded as separate entries by selecting the month and year as July 2019 and August 2019 as regular in the month of September 2019 in the FPU.
Ensure that SCFs uploaded gets processed/matched and booked in the CRA system.
2.12 Funds Returned by Trustee Bank:
49 funds transfers amounting to Rs 66.32 cr were returned by the Trustee Bank during last one year. Maximum funds were returned in NWR and WCR(6 each) and SCR and CORE (5 each).
Action:
PAO should ensure that the Transaction ID of the SCF uploaded on NPSCRA website is correct and amount matches with SCF at the time of fund transfer to Trustee Bank so that there are no rejections.
Matching status (Matched and Booked) should be monitored in the CRA System.
2.13 SCFs cancelled:
The SCFs are cancelled, if the funds thereof are not remitted within 10 working days. 28 SCFs were cancelled during last one year of which 7 pertain to NR, 4 to NER and 3 each to WCR and SR.
Action:
The funds should be remitted on the day of salary payment itself with details of transaction id of SCF. In case of cancellation, SCF should be uploaded and funds transferred at the earliest.
2.14 Error Rectification Module
There are three types of Error Rectification – rectification of credit to wrong PRAN, excess credits to PRAN and withdrawal of non-NPS subscription. Error rectification of 1072 transactions amounting to Rs. 51.04 lakhs credited to wrong PRAN (335 items on SR).; 1432 transactions of excess credits amounting to Rs 36.71 lakhs (Rs 34.55 lakhs on SER) and 66 cases of non-NPS subscribers amounting to Rs 2.81 cr took place during last one year.
Action:
NSDL highlighted that uses of ERM functionality requires caution as in past some incidents have occurred where Nodal Office have used ERM functionality with wrong intent
PED/A emphasised for putting in place a system which ensures that the rectification are genuine cases. ER explained that they detected these cases of wrong PRAN during exercise of validation of employee data.
All Railways should take up validation exercise at the earliest.
2.15 Dashboard access by PAO and DDO:
Review revealed that during last one year about 92% of DDOs and 15% of PAOs have not accessed the Dashboard even once.
Action
All registered users of Personal & Accounts Deptt should log in CRA website on regular basis using user ID & IPIN > select dashboard menu to check various reports which can help them to see and set right deficiencies.
NSDL explained the process of Password resetting process for PrAO/PAO/DDO and Subscriber.
In case of any difficulty, assistance of NSDL helpdesk can be obtained.
2.17 No. of pending grievances at CGMS:
There are 37 cases of unresolved grievances pending on IR of which 13 are SCR, 4 on SER.
Action:
Pending grievances can be checked by PAOs in their respective CRA logins under ‘grievance’ menu <> sub-menu ‘grievance resolution’.
PAO should also monitor the emails notification on email that are sent to them whenever grievance is raised against them by subscribers.
Immediate action should be taken to resolve grievances after checking the details and it should be ensured that such grievances do not recur.
2.17 Non-initiation of online withdrawals even after superannuation:
There are 969 requests pending on Indian Railways of which 224 are on NR, 90 on NCR, 88 on NCR and 79 on NER.
Action:
CRA generates a “Claim ID” and intimates the same to the Nodal Offices and Subscribers, six months prior to retirement.
Details of the Claim IDs generated are provided on the home screen of CRA Login.
DDOs/PAOs should also regularly login into CRA system and check for details of claim ids generated and take necessary action, promptly.
2.18 Delay in authorization of Online Withdrawal:
There are 1242 cases of delay in authorisation (more than 15 days) in IR, of which 292 were on ECR, 122 on CR, 131 on ER, 102 on NR
Action:
PAO should regularly login into CRA system and check for details of pending cases awaiting authorisation.
They can also view the pending cases under “authorization pending for online requests” in the NPSCAN home page.
PAO, as the checker, through ‘user id 02’ should process all the withdrawal requests.
2.19 Funds transferred to Railways but Returned to Trustee Bank
There are 69 instances where funds remitted by Trustee Bank to subscribers/railways have been returned to Trustee Bank amounting to ` 96.35 lakhs, of these 11 cases were on CR.
Action:
Funds remitted by Trustee Bank to subscribers (processing of withdrawal request) or to Railways (non-NPS withdrawal or excess transfer etc) are returned back to Trustee Bank in case of incorrect Bank Account no.,
invalid IFSC code, Bank account closed etc.
Railways must ensure to provide correct of bank details while processing requests.
2.20 Pending partial withdrawal cases for authorisation:
There are 48 cases of partial withdrawal cases pending for authorisation.
Action:
A withdrawal request initiated in CRA System requires authorization by Drawing officer and PAO of Accounts Dept of Railways
PAOs can view the status of the request in the CRA login and authorise a pending request upon verification of withdrawal application and supporting documents and eligibility of a subscriber.
The Railways need to review and ensure timely action in this regard
2.21 Non-submission of documents, post authorization of online withdrawal
Nodal office is responsible for verifying Withdrawal Request and establishing veracity of the documents/claims along with supporting documents. Once the Nodal Office authorizes the Withdrawal Request in CRA system, it will be placed in the CRA system for redemption of units from the subscriber’s PRAN. There are 583 cases of non- submission of documents post authorization of online withdrawal on IR out of which 158 are on ECR, 93 on CR, 65 on NER and 53 on NWR. Of these, 252 cases are above 12 months.
Action:
PAO is required to forward the physical withdrawal request forms to CRA by next month for storage once the same has been authorized.
The defaulting railways need to review and ensure timely action.
2.22 Withdrawal requests pending for purchase of annuity
There are 634 cases where the subscriber has not chosen the Pension plan.
Action:
Employees that have exited should be asked to make the option.
Necessary informatory Youtube videos about the various pension plans are available.
Links of these videos are at Annexure -2. Railways/Units may arrange to broadcast these for the benefit of the subscriber/retirees.
NSDL offered training session for subscribers as well as Railway officals (Accounts & Personnel), on various aspects of NPS. Request for the same can be sent to NSDL under intimation to Railway Board
For any queries/ assistance, PAOs may send an email to [email protected].
2.23 STATUS OF PENDING PENSION/FAMILY PENSION under NPS
Railway Board had directed Railways to send information on pending cases of pension and family pension in MCDO to FC. The information in not forthcoming from all the Railways. Submission of this information may kindly be ensured.
Further, it is noticed that several requests for family pension by family members of deceased NPS subscribers are pending on Railways mainly for want of documents from beneficiaries. This issue is being raised by Union/Federations and also by the beneficiaries in various forums.
Complaints are also received regarding non-revision of NPS pension as per recommendation of 7th CPC
Railways may review the pending position and ensure clearance thereof in a time bound manner.
3.0 Conclusion:
All Railways will ensure necessary action on the deficiencies discussed above and send an action taken report by 15th Oct., 2019 under signature of FA&CAO in charge of NPS.
The Special Training Program for Maldivian Civil Servants under the India-Maldives MoU on Training and Capacity Building Programme between the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) and the Maldives Civil Service Commission (CSC) will be conducted from September 16-28, 2019 at Mussoorie and Delihi. A 32 member Maldives delegation arrived at the NCGG, campus in Mussoorie.
The inaugural session of the Special Training Program for Maldivian Civil Servants to be held on September 16, 2019 and would be chaired by Shri K. V. Eapen, Secretary DARPG, Ms. Fatimath Amira, Member Civil Services Commission and Shri V. Srinivas, Additional Secretary DARPG. This would be followed by sessions on Public Policy and Governance, Ethics and Accountability and Redressal of Public Grievances, Motivation, Innovation, Sustainable Development Goals, Promoting Tourism, Regional Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region, India – Maldives Relations along with visits to Unique Identification Authority, Passport Sewa Kendra and Election Commission of India.
Senior policy makers from Government of India including Shri K.V.Eapen, Secretary DARPG, Shri Sanjeev Chopra, Director LBSNAA, Shri V.Srinivas, Additional Secretary DARPG, Shri Akhilesh Mishra, Director General ICCR, Shri Padamvir Singh, former Director LBSNAA, Siraj Hussain, former Secretary Agriculture, would be addressing the participants in the 2 week training program. Dr. Aly Shameem, Chairman of the Civil Services Commission of Maldives would address the valedictory session on September 28, 2019.
The Prime Minister of India in his visit to Maldives in June 2019, had emphasised India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and assured India’s full support to Maldives in realising its aspirations for broad based socio-economic development and strengthening of democratic and independent institutions. One of the MoUs signed during the visit was between the National Center for Good Governance, India and the Civil Services Commission of Maldives which envisaged capacity building activities for 1000 Civil Servants of Maldives at the National Centre for Good Governance over the next 5 years. Under the MOU, 10 training programmes will be conducted from September 2019 to December 2020. The first 3 training programs under the MOU would be held in 2019 (a) September 16-28, 2019 and November 18-30, 2019 for 60 officers of the middle management level (b) December 2-14, 2019 for 30 officers of top management level.
India is the largest development partner for capacity building of Maldivian Civil Servants. A unique feature of the special training program is that 70 percent of the delegates are women officials. Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Personnel, PG and Pensions conveyed his good wishes for successful conduct of the Special Training Program for Maldivian Civil Servants.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
RAILWAY BOARD
No.2018/Trans Cell/S&T/Go Digital
Dated: 02.09.2019
The General Manager, All Indian Railways/PUs, NF(Con), CORE
The DG/RDSO/Lucknow, DG/NAIR/Vadodara
CAOs, DMW/Patiala. WPO/Patna, COFMOW/NDLS RWP/Bela, CAO/IROAF
Sub: Digital Signature Certificate Policy for Railway Units.
Ref: Railway Board’s letter no.2017/RBCC/7/101e-Office/DSC Policy for IR dated 21.07.2017.
With reference to Board’s letter above, Board (FC & CRB) have approved the following:
1. Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) may also be procured by the department. In Railway Board, procurement will be done by C&IS Directorate and in Zonal Railways/PUs by Sr.EDPM or as decided by GM or the Zonal Railway/PU or by DRM/CWM at Divisional/Workshop level.
2. The sanctioning authority will be same as per Para 3.5 of the under reference policy.
3. Other extant instructions/guidelines issued from Board on the subject shall remain unchanged or as modified from time to time.
This issues with the concurrence of Associate Finance of Transformation Cell of Railway Board.
Kindly acknowledge the receipt and ensure compliance.
Need for restoration of discontinued Allowances — Daily Officiating Allowance to staff in Railways
No.1/5(g)/Part VI
Dated: 09/09/2019
The Secretary (E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi
Dear Sir,
Sub: Need for restoration of discontinued Allowances — Daily Officiating Allowance to staff in Railways-reg.
Ref: (i) NFIR’s PNM Item No.13/2018.
(ii) Railway Board’s letter No.E(P&A)I-2011/FE-4/1 dated 04/07/2016.
(iii) Railway Board’s letter No.E(P&A)I-201 1/FE-4/1 dated 05/09/2017.
(iv) NFIR’s letter No.I/5(g)/Part VI dated 13/10/2017 & 28/05/2019.
(v) Railway Board’s letter No.E(P&A)I-2011/FE-4/1 (Pt.) dated 27/06/2019 addressed to GS/NFIR (together with copy of Railway Ministry’s O.M. dated 07/02/2019 to Ministry of Finance/Deptt., of Exp).
Federation invites kind attention of the Railway Board to its PNM Agenda Item No.13/2018 relating to “need for restoration of discontinued Allowances — Daily Officiating Allowance to staff in Railways” upon which it was conveyed to NFIR that O.M. dated 07/02/2019 has been sent to the Ministry of Finance (Deptt., of Exp), seeking concurrence. A period of nearly seven months has passed thereafter, unfortunately further progress in the matter is yet to be communicated to the Federation.
NFIR, therefore, once again requests the Railway Board to pursue the matter vigorously with the Ministry of Finance and also apprise the progress on the issue.
Haryana Govt : Notional Increment on completion of 12 months of service on 1st July of Calendar year Government employees
Government of Haryana
Finance Department
Most Urgent/ Court Case
From
Additional. Chief Secretary to Government Haryana,
Finance Department.
To
1. All the Administrative Secretaries in Haryana State.
2. All the Head of Departments in Haryana State.
3. All the Divisional Commissioners in Haryana State.
4. All the Deputy Commissioners in Haryana State.
5. All the SDOs (Civil) in Haryana State.
Memo No.6/183/2018-4PR(FD)
Dated : 27.08.2019
Subject:- Grant of Notional Increment on completion of 12 months of service on 1st July of Calendar year (after retirement) for the purpose of Pension to Government employees.
Sir/ Madam,
I have been directed to refer to Finance Department’s earlier letter No. 6/ 183/2019-4PR(FD), dated 03.04.2019 on the subject noted above.
It is informed that as per Order dated 22.04.2019 passed in CWP No. 29465 of 2018 – Rajinder Singh Kuhar & Others Vs. State of Haryana, Hon’ble Punjab & Haryana High Court has directed the Respondent State to take appropriate decision with regard to the issue involved in the concerned petitions soon after receiving the requisite information as already sought by the State Government from Government of India.
Now, Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure, Government of India has informed the State Government vide letter No.08-09/2019-E-III A, dated 25.06.2019 (copy enclosed) that issue regarding grant of one notional increment, is under examination in Department of Personnel and Training (DOPT). It is already communicated vide letter dated 03.04.2019 that a decision by the Haryana Government will be taken only after ascertainment of final decision from the Government of India.
You are, therefore, advised to inform the Hon’ble High Court in all pending matters that a decision will be taken after Government of India’s decision in this regard and seek disposal of the matters.
Chief Accounts Officer (PR)
for Additional Chief Secretary to Government Haryana
Finance Department
F.No.08-09/2019-E.III.A
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure
(E.III-A Branch)
Room No.31-B, North Block,
New Delhi, the 25th June, 2019
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject :- Grant of one notional increment to those government servants who have completed one year on the day of superannuation i.e. 30th June.
The undersigned is directed to refer to your letter No.6/183/2018-4PR(FD) dated 13th May, 2019 on the subject mentioned above.
2. It is stated that asst per Rule 10 of CGS (RP) Rules, 2008, a uniform date of increment i.e. on 1July of every year, has been introduced for central government employees. The issue regarding granting one notional increment to those Government Servant who retired on 30th June, after completing one year service on 30th June, arisen due to the order-dated 15.9.2017 passed by Madras High Court in WP No.15732/2017 filed by Sh.P.Ayyamperumal Vs Registrar, CAT & Ors wherein the SLP filed by Government has also been dismissed by Apex Court, is under examination in DOPT.
3. This issues with the approval of the competent authority.
(Ashok Kumar)
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India (E.III -A)
GOVERNMENT OF WEST BENGAL
FINANCE (AUDIT) DEPARTMENT
325, SARAT CHATTERJEE ROAD, NABANNA
HOWRAH-711 102.
No.5152- F(P)
Howrah, the 6th September, 2019
MEMORANDUM
Sub : Additional instructions for availing Leave travel Concession in respect of State Government Employees
It has come to the notice of the Government that some government employees are often availing Leave Travel Concession (LTC), particularly, in the neighboring foreign countries through some private tour operators/package tour agencies in violation of the provisions of pars 2E(e) of Memo No. 9924-F dated 07-12-2005
Keeping in view of the above position, the undersigned is directed by order of the Governor to lay down the following instructions in addition to all previous instructions/guidelines/clarifications issued from time to time.
1) Every government employee intending to avail LTC in foreign countries or within the country for himself/herself or any member of his/her family, shall, at the time of submission of application either for station leave permission or for drawal of advance, furnish a declaration in the following manner:
‘The estimated cost claimed by me is only Air Fare/Train Fare/Bus Fare as admissible as per rule. I will not directly or indirectly built-in/avail any package including cost of food and lodging in my claim.
2) Such an employee shall also furnish another declaration at the time of submitting claim for reimbursement/adjustment of advance drawn in the following marine:
‘The travel cost claimed by me is only Air Fare/Train Fare/Bus Fare as admissible as per rule. I have not directly or indirectly built-in/availed any package including cost of food and lodging in my claim.
3) In the case of travelling by air, the tickets should be booked directly from the Booking Counter of the Airlines or from the Website of the Airlines.
In case, any violation of the declaration or booking of tickets is detected subsequently, it will be seriously dealt with in terms of provisions of the West Bengal Services (Clarification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1971.
The undersigned is further directed to say, in partial modification of Memo No.3430-F dated 02-05-1981, that the government employees will avail LTC while on Earned Leave or on half pay leave without commutation or on Casual Leave if total absence does not exceed 7(seven) days at a stretch or on holidays declared by Government.
This instruction shall take effect immediately
sd/- H, K. Dwivedi
Additional Chief Secretary to the
Government of West Bengal
