Join All India Bank Strike on 26th December 2018 Call of UFBU
BANK EMPLOYEES FEDERATION OF INDIA
Circular No. 37/2018
07.12.2018
To All Affiliates/Office Bearers/CC/GC Members
Dear Comrades,
Oppose Proposed Merger Join All India Bank Strike on 26th December 2018 Call of UFBU
This is further to our circular no.36/2018 dt. 01.12.2018 through which you were informed about the call for All India Bank Strike to be observed on 26th December 2018 at the call of UFBU against proposed merger of Bank of Baroda, Dena Bank & Vijaya Bank.
In our campaign, preparatory to the strike, we have to expose the Central Government and its game plan behind this merger move to divert the attention of the common people from the large scale compromises that are being made through the process of IBC and NCLT at the cost of public money.
Preparatory to the strike following programme has been given by UFBU:
PROGRAMMES
10-12-2018
Letter to Finance Minister
10-12-2018
UFBU to serve Strike Notice on IBA on 10-12-2018
12-12-2018
Display of poster before all bank branches/offices
13-12-2018
Demonstrations before all branches
18-12-2018
Badge Wearing
24-12-2018
Centralised Demonstrations
26-12-2018
All India Bank Strike
We call upon all our State units to take effective initiative for successful implementation of the programme in all centers keeping touch with other constituents of UFBU at State level.
Badges and posters are to be printed locally as per the following specimen which should be sent to all centres in respective States for display and use by members.
Bank Strike on 21.12.2018 : Demand for Unconditional Mandate
ALL INDIA STATE BANK OFFICERS’ FEDERATION
CIRCULAR NO.149
DATE: 11.12.2018
TO ALL OUR AFFILIATES/MEMBERS:
STRIKE ON 21ST DECEMBER 2018: DEMAND FOR UNCONDITIONAL MANDATE
We reproduce hereunder the text of AIBOC Ref No. AIBOC/2018/94 dated 10th December, 2018 contents of which are self-explicit.
(RAMKUMAR SABAPATHY)
GENERAL SECRETARY
TEXT
QUOTE
To all the Senior Management Functionaries and Executives in the Indian Banking Industry….
Salutations to each and every one of you from AIBOC. We are sure that many of you were active members of the respective affiliate of AIBOC before you moved up the ladder in your career. We are writing to you at this crucial juncture when the hard earned rights which would have taken the sweat of many people including you to achieve, is now under a threat in the form of IBA’s insistence to negotiate based on the fractured mandate.
As you are aware, there is little progress in the talks for Salary Revision which is due from 01/11/2017 due to the inflexible stance of IBA. On 30th November 2018, the IBA once again declined to commit that negotiations will be upto scale VII as in the past and stated that the issue of Mandate will have to be decided by the individual Banks. However, of the 20 Public Sector Banks whom the AIBOC represents in the talks at IBA, 15 Banks have given unconditional mandate and authorized the IBA to negotiate upto scale VII. The other five Banks which have restricted the mandate upto scale III are, SBI, PNB, BOB, Union Bank of India & Indian Bank. Despite majority of the Banks giving unrestricted mandate, the IBA has taken a rigid stand that they will negotiate only upto Scale III, which clearly defies all logic. The issue has been discussed repeatedly with not only the respective Bank Managements, but with the IBA & the Government as well. AIBOC has participated in the Bi-partite talks after the Department of Financial Services, GOI, gave an assurance that the issue of mandate will be resolved.
However, now the IBA has also linked wage revision to the Performance Linked Pay based on Gross Operating Profits and Return on Assets. The proposal of Performance Linked pay given by the IBA has already been outrightly rejected by the United Forum of Bank Unions in the previous meetings with IBA. AIBOC representatives were therefore left with no other alternative but to act as per the mandate of Executive Committee and excuse themselves from further negotiations and resort to agitations followed by one day strike on 21st December 2018 as IBA refused negotiation for all scales. You may specifically note that the prime issue of the strike is the issue of unconditional mandate and the humiliating offer of hike proposed by the IBA as against our demand for Minimum wages concept to the Officers of all scales. Thus, the strike is primarily to protect the interest of all the Officers and also focus the negotiations in line with the Charter of demands submitted by us rather than hovering around petty percentages being offered during every round of negotiations.
The restricted mandate is a deliberate attempt on the part of the government and the IBA to divide the Officers on the lines of scales and to take away our hard earned rights to negotiate for the entire officer community. You may kindly recall that the negotiation up to scale VII is as per the recommendations of the Pillai Committee appointed by the Government in 1973 to study and suggest standardization of Pay scales of Bank Officers up to Scale VII with that of the Government Officers. The recommendations were accepted by the Government in 1974 and finally adopted in 1979 and since then we have been negotiating upto scale VII.
The IBA has also raised the issue of paying capacity of the Banks to offer better package or discuss on our demands listed out in Charter of demands. This being the position, the Officers in SMGS IV to TEGS VII cannot expect a better deal by falling prey to the game plan of the IBA to divide us. We have already submitted to the IBA during the negotiations that the Senior Management grade and Top Executive grade officers deserve a better deal and the only way to achieve this by adopting the formula given by us in the Charter of demands. But the IBA is strangely silent on this.
Comrade, please remember, that exploitation sets in when there is a division amongst us and it weakens our unity. Our hard earned rights are at the risk of being snatched away. Therefore, we request all of you to go down memory lane relive those days of your activism and take all actions that are possible to make this strike a grand success.
AIBOC has a principled stand that there is only one ‘Officer Community’ in the Banking Industry and for them even the ‘service regulations’ are same. Hence, there is no question of going ahead negotiating with fractured mandate thereby ridiculing the majority Banks who have adhered to the tradition and given ‘unconditional mandate’. We are not for accepting any performance linked pay either, be it for specific grades or for everyone, which will primarily put you in a precarious position. If implemented, it is certain that you would be compelled to go against your conscience to safe guard your position. It has become a common practice for the Banks to shoot off a cautionary letter to Senior Management officers and executives to desist them to join any strike. However, as per constitutional provisions any officer has the right to join any association and can therefore, take part in strikes.
We, therefore request your active support / participation in the strike on 21st December 2018 and the future calls of the Associations to protect our hard earned rights.
Your unflinching support is, of course, the essence of protecting your dignity and self-esteem.
With regards,
Yours sincerely,
SD/-
(Soumya Datta)
General Secretary
All India Bank Strike on 26th Dec 2018 – AIBOC Letter
ALL INDIA BANK OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION
Circular No.25/VII/2018
December 6, 2018
To:
ALL UNITS / STATE COMMITTEES
Comrades,
RISE AS ONE MAN AGAINST AMALGAMATION OF BANKS
OBSERVE THE ALL INDIA STAY OUT STRIKE
ON 26THE DECEMBER 2018
Right from introduction of new economic policy [1991-93], commencing from Narasimham Committee I and II recommendations, an unimplemented agenda is “consolidation of Banks”. Subsequent to the captioned report, reports after reports suggest the “consolidation exercise” should be expedited. In 2005, Global Trust Bank [GTB] merged with Oriental Bank of Commerce, on account of external pressure from the owners. The Balance sheet of Oriental Bank of Commerce carried the burden of bad loans of the “Global Trust Bank”. In 2008, it was State Bank of Saurashtra [SBS] a bank involved in the Securities Scam along with Standard Chartered Bank willingly taken over by the parent Bank, State Bank of India. The next one in the line was “State Bank of Indore.” In 2010, SBI acquired the stake in State Bank of Indore a best performing bank in all parameters – a “mercy killing exercise”. In April 2017, 5 Associate Banks along with Bharat Mahila Bank were merged with State Bank of India. The net result of the exercise is increase in bad loans in “SBI”, closures of bank branches, 13000 reduction in manpower on account of branch closures and no fresh recuritment.
It is bolt from blue. Bypassing the Parliament, the “alternative mechanism” apparatus had announced the “ amalgamation” of three Banks ie; Vijaya Bank, Dena Bank and Bank of Baroda on 17th September 2018. Immediate protest demonstrations were held by Vijaya Bank Officers’ Union [VBOU] our affiliate throughout the country. Nine constituents unions have also stepped up the protest action in the interim period.
One of the constituent Union has requested not to escalate the programme of agitations upto end of October 2018, hence there was a restraint on all of us. In the recently concluded meeting held at Mumbai on 30th November 2018, it was decided to escalate our collective resistance through an ALL INDIA STAY OUT STRIKE ON 26.12.2018 preceded by the following actions.
Dec-18
10
Letter to Finance Minister Sending strike notice to IBA
12
Postering campaign
13
Demonstrations at all branches
18
Badge wearing
24
Centralised Demonstrations
26
ALL INDIA STRIKE
We advice that the State Committees and affiliated Units should mobilise the entire workforce in participating in the programme of actions.
The wolf is already at our doorstep. Drive it out with all force at our command, lest the future will not pardon us.
केन्द्रीय मंत्रिमंडल ने 6 दिसम्बर, 2018 को अपनी बैठक में राष्ट्रीय पेंशन प्रणाली (एनपीएस) को युक्तिसंगत या सरल बनाने के लिए निम्नलिखित प्रस्ताव को मंजूरी दी।
केन्द्र सरकार द्वारा एनपीएस टियर-। के दायरे में आने वाले अपने कर्मचारियों के लिए अपना अनिवार्य अंशदान मौजूदा 10 प्रतिशत से बढ़ाकर 14 प्रतिशत कर दिया गया है।
केन्द्र सरकार के कर्मचारियों को पेंशन फंडों और निवेश के स्वरूप के चयन की आजादी दी गई है।
वर्ष 2004-2012 के दौरान एनपीएस में अंशदान न करने या इसमें विलम्ब होने पर क्षतिपूर्ति की जाएगी।
एनपीएस से बाहर निकलने पर मिलने वाली एकमुश्त निकासी राशि पर कर छूट सीमा बढ़ाकर 60 प्रतिशत कर दी गई है। इसके साथ ही समूची निकासी राशि अब आयकर से मुक्त हो जाएगी। (मौजूदा समय में वार्षिकी की खरीद के लिए इस्तेमाल की गई कुल संचित राशि का 40 प्रतिशत कर मुक्त है। सेवानिवृत्ति के समय एनपीएस के सदस्य द्वारा निकाली जाने वाली संचित राशि के 60 प्रतिशत में से 40 प्रतिशत कर मुक्त है, जबकि शेष 20 प्रतिशत राशि कर योग्य है।)
एनपीएस के टियर-।। के तहत सरकारी कर्मचारियों द्वारा किये जाने वाला अंशदान अब आयकर की दृष्टि से 1.50 लाख रुपये तक की छूट के लिए धारा 80 सी के अंतर्गत कवर होगा। यह अन्य योजनाओं जैसे कि सामान्य भविष्य निधि, अंशकारी भविष्य निधि, कर्मचारी भविष्य निधि और सार्वजनिक भविष्य निधि के सम्तुलय है, बशर्तें कि इसमें तीन वर्षों की लॉक-इन अवधि हो।
पृष्ठभूमि
1 जनवरी, 2004 को अथवा उसके बाद केन्द्र सरकार की सेवा से जुड़ने वाले नये कर्मचारियों को राष्ट्रीय पेंशन प्रणाली (एनपीएस) के तहत कवर किया जाता है। 7वें वेतन आयोग ने वर्ष 2015 में अपने विचार विमर्श के दौरान एनपीएस से जुड़ी विशिष्ट चिंताओं पर गौर किया और सिफारिशें पेश कीं। 7वें वेतन आयोग ने इस संबंध में सचिवों की एक समिति गठित करने की सिफारिश की। तदनुसार, सरकार द्वारा वर्ष 2016 में सचिवों की एक समिति गठित की गई जिसे एनपीएस के कार्यान्वयन को युक्तिसंगत अथवा सरल बनाने के लिए विभिन्न उपाय सुझाने की जिम्मेदारी सौंपी गई। समिति ने वर्ष 2018 में अपनी रिपोर्ट पेश की। तदनुसार, समिति की सिफारिशों के आधार पर मसौदा कैबिनेट नोट को मंजूरी के लिए कैबिनेट के विचारार्थ पेश किया गया।
कार्यान्वयन रणनीति और लक्ष्य
अन्य संबंधित मंत्रालयों / विभागों से सलाह-मशविरा करने के बाद महत्वपूर्ण निर्णय लिये जाने के पश्चात एनपीएस में प्रस्तावित बदलावों को तत्काल लागू कर दिया जायेगा।
प्रमुख प्रभाव
एनपीएस के दायरे में आने वाले केन्द्र सरकार के सभी कर्मचारियों की अंतिम संचित राशि में वृद्धि होगी।
कर्मचारियों पर कोई अतिरिक्त बोझ पड़े बगैर ही सेवानिवृत्ति के बाद उन्हें मिलने वाली पेंशन राशि बढ़ जायेगी।
केन्द्र सरकार के कर्मचारियों को पेंशन फंडों और निवेश के स्वरूप या रूपरेखा के चयन में आजादी मिलेगी।
एनपीएस के दायरे में आने वाले केन्द्र सरकार के लगभग 18 लाख कर्मचारी लाभान्वित होंगे।
जीवन प्रत्याशा बढ़ने की स्थिति में वृद्धावस्था सुरक्षा बढ़ जायेगी।
एनपीएस को और ज्यादा आकर्षक बनाने से सरकार को सर्वोत्तम प्रतिभाओं को आकर्षित करने एवं उन्हें सेवा में बनाये रखने में आसानी होगी।
निहित व्यय
इस वजह से वित्त वर्ष 2019-20 के दौरान राजकोष पर लगभग 2840 करोड़ रुपये का भार पड़ने का अनुमान है और यह एक आवर्ती व्यय के रूप में होगा। वर्ष 2004-2012 के दौरान एनपीएस में अंशदान न करने या इसमें विलम्ब होने पर क्षतिपूर्ति किये जाने के प्रावधान के कारण जो वित्तीय भार पड़ेगा वह इस राशि के अतिरिक्त होगा।
लाभार्थियों की संख्या
राष्ट्रीय पेंशन प्रणाली को युक्तिसंगत बनाने से एनपीएस के दायरे में आने वाले केन्द्र सरकार के लगभग 18 लाख कर्मचारी लाभान्वित होंगे।
दायरे में आने वाले राज्य/जिले
समस्त भारत
पहले से ही कार्यान्वित की जा रही योजना, यदि कोई हो, का विवरण एवं प्रगति
फिलहाल यह स्थिति है कि 1 जनवरी 2004 को अथवा उसके बाद केन्द्र सरकार की सेवा से जुड़ने वाले नये कर्मचारियों को राष्ट्रीय पेंशन प्रणाली (एनपीएस) के तहत कवर किया जाता है। देश में एनपीएस का कार्यान्वयन और नियमन पेंशन कोष नियामक एवं विकास प्राधिकरण द्वारा किया जा रहा है।
Important Notice for the Applicants of Lateral Recruitment to Senior Positions in Government of India
NOTICE
File No: F.8/292/2018-R(C&P)
UNION PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
Lateral Recruitment to Senior Positions in Government of India
This is with reference to the applications invited by the Department of Personnel & Training (DOPT) from talented and motivated Indian nationals willing to contribute towards nation building to join the Government at the level of Joint Secretary on contract basis in the following ten Department/Ministries of the Government:-
(i) Department of Revenue
(ii) Department of Financial Services
(iii) Department of Agriculture Cooperation & Farmers’ Welfare
(iv) Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
(v) Ministry of Shipping
(vi) Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change
(vii) Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
(viii) Ministry of Civil Aviation
(ix) Department of Economic Affairs
(x) Department of Commerce
The task of selection of suitable candidates from amongst those who have already applied in response to the same has now been entrusted to the Union Public Service Commission by the competent authority on 29th October, 2018. All candidates who have already submitted the application to DOPT are hereby instructed to fill up a Detailed Application Form (DAF) which seeks to obtain additional specific information of the candidates regarding qualifications and experience so as to facilitate the selection process. A mail is also being issued separately to each of the candidates who have applied, through their registered e-mail ID indicated in their online applications submitted in response to DoPT Advertisement. The candidates may access the link (https://upsconline.nic.in/oralateral/candidate/LoginFi nal.php) also indicated in the mail addressed to them and submit online all the requisite information asked for in the DAF before 06.00 PM 1st January 2019
The essential qualifications indicated in the original advertisement are the minimum and mere possession of the same does not entitle candidates to be called for Test/ Interview. As the numbers of applications are large, Commission may adopt suitable short listing criteria to restrict the number of candidates to be called for Test / Interview to a reasonable number by any or more of the following methods
(i) By defining the comparable level of experience suitably.
(ii) On the basis of any specific experience or higher Experience in the relevant field than the minimum prescribed in the advertisement.
(iii) On the basis of higher/ relevant Educational Qualifications than the minimum prescribed in the advertisement.
(iv) By holding a Recruitment Test.
The candidate should, therefore, mention all his/her qualifications and experience in the relevant field over and above the minimum qualifications.
The candidates are required to upload documents in support of the Educational Qualification and Experience claimed by them in DAF. Degree / Diploma / Certificate may be uploaded in support of the educational qualification. If Degree / Diploma is not available, Provisional Certificate along with full Marksheet may be uploaded. For experience, up-to-date and full Experience Certificate, unambiguously indicating the nature of duties, dates and duration of experience, level / position, responsibilities etc issued by the employer may be uploaded. In case, the submitted documents do not satisfactorily support the claim made, the applications would be liable to be rejected.
Similarly, applicants who have claimed relevant experience but the Experience Certificate attached in support of that is not for the entire duration claimed or do not support the claim made would be rejected. Only the time period of relevant experience for which Experience Certificate has been submitted would be considered.
Appointment letters, office orders, transfer orders, resignation letters, pay certificates, service certificates, posting orders, affidavits and the certificates attested by the candidates themselves or self employment certificates are not considered as proof of experience. Candidates will be short-listed for Test/Interview on the basis of the information provided by them in their DAF. They must ensure that such information is true. If at any subsequent stage or at the time of Test/Interview any information given by them or any claim made by them in their online DAF is found to be false, appropriate action as deemed fit, would be taken against such candidates
DAF received after last date of submission i.e. 06.00 PM on 01/01/2019 would not be considered
Lateral Recruitment to Senior Positions in Government of India
Department of Personnel & Training (DOPT) had invited applications from talented and motivated Indian nationals willing to contribute towards nation building to join the Government at the level of Joint Secretary on contract basis on 10th June 2018. This was for the following ten Department/Ministries of the Government:-
(i) Department of Revenue
(ii) Department of Financial Services
(iii) Department of Agriculture Cooperation & Farmers’ Welfare
(iv) Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
(v) Ministry of Shipping
(vi) Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change
(vii) Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
(viii) Ministry of Civil Aviation
(ix) Department of Economic Affairs
(x) Department of Commerce
The task of selection of suitable candidates from amongst those who have already applied in response to the same has now been entrusted to the Union Public Service Commission by the competent authority on 29th October, 2018.
All candidates who have already submitted their applications online to DOPT are now requested to fill up a Detailed Application Form (DAF) which seeks to obtain additional specific information from the candidates regarding qualifications and experience so as to facilitate the selection process. A mail is also being issued separately to each of the candidates who have applied, through their registered e-mail ID indicated in their online applications submitted in response to DoPT Advertisement.
The candidates may access the link indicated in the mail addressed to them and submit online all the requisite information asked for in the DAF before 06.00 PM on 1st January 2019. Detailed information about the process is available on the website of UPSC (http://www.upsc.gov.in) and DoP&T (https://lateral.nic.in). All candidates are advised to visit the website as well as check their registered emails for detailed information.
It may be noted that the Detailed Application Form (DAF) received from the candidates after last date of submission i.e. 06.00 PM on 01/01/2019 would not be considered.
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Central Board of Direct Taxes
Directorate of Income-tax (Systems)
New Delhi
Notification No. 06/2018
New Delhi, 06th December, 2018
Subject :- TDS deduction under section 194A of the Income-tax Act, 1961 in case of Senior Citizens – reg
It has been brought to the notice of CBDT that in case of Senior Citizens, some TDS deductors/Banks are making TDS deductions even when the amount of income does not exceed fifty thousand rupees. The same is not in accordance with the law as the Income-tax Act provides that no tax deduction at source under section 194A shall be made in the case of Senior Citizens where the amount of such income or, the aggregate of the amounts of such income credited or paid during the financial year does not exceed fifty thousand rupees. (Please refer to the third proviso to sub-section 3 of section 194A)
2. Under sub-rule (5) of Rule 31A of the Income-tax Rules, 1962, the Director General of Income-tax (Systems) is authorized to specify the procedures, formats and standards for the purposes of furnishing and verification of the statements or claim for refund in Form 26B and shall be responsible for the day-to-day administration in relation to furnishing and verification of the statements or claim for refund in Form 26B in the manner so specified.
3. In exercise of the powers delegated by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (Board) under sub-rule (5) of Rule 31A of the Income-tax Rules, 1962, the Principal Director General of Income-tax (Systems) hereby clarifies that no tax deduction at source under section 194A shall be made in the case of Senior Citizens where the amount of such income or, the aggregate of the amounts of such income credited or paid during the financial year does not exceed fifty thousand rupees.
(Dewangi Marthak)
Asstt. Commissioner of Income-tax(CPC-TDS)
O/o the Pr. Director of Income-tax (Systems)
New Delhi
No.7(2)/EV/2016
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure
New Delhi, the 10th December, 2018
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Sub : Central Government Employees Group Insurance Scheme – 1980 – Tables of Benefits for the savings fund for the period from 01.10.2018 to 31.12.2018.
The Tables of Benefits. for Savings Fund to the beneficiaries under the Central Government Employees Group Insurance Scheme-1980, which are being issued on a quarterly basis from 01.01.2017 onwards, as brought out in this Ministry’s OM of even number dated 17.03.2017, for the quarter from 01.10.2018 to 31.12.2018, as worked out by !RDA based on the interest rate of 8% per annum (compounded quarterly) as notified by the Department of Economic Affairs as per their Resolution No. 5(1)-B(PD)/2018 dated 04.10.2018, are enclosed.
2, The Tables enclosed are of two categories as per the existing practice. As hitherto, the first Table of Benefits for the savings fund of the scheme is based on the subscription of Rs.10 p.m. from 1.1.1982 to 31.12.1989 and Rs.15 p.m. w.e.f. 1.1.1990 onwards. The second Table of Benefits for savings fund is based on a subscription of Rs.10 p.m. for those employees who had opted out of the revised rate of subscription w.e.f. 1.1.1990.
3. While these orders are in respect of Table or Benefits for the period from 01.10.2018 to 31.12.2018. the Tables already issued for the first quarter, second quarter and third quarter i.e. for the period 01.01.2018 to 30.09.2018 are also reproduced for the sake or convenience and consolidation.
4. In their application to the employees or Indian Audit and Accounts Department, these orders are issued after consultation with the Comptroller & Auditor General of India.
No. 31011/2/2018-Estt (A.IV)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel and Training
Establishment A-IV Desk
North Block, New Delhi-110 001
Dated : December 10, 2018
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject:- Procedure for booking of air-tickets on LTC – compliance of instructions regarding.
The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department’s O.M. No. 31011/5/2014-Estt.A-IV dated 24.09.2014, 23.09.2015 and 21.08.2017 on the procedure for booking of air tickets on LTC and to say that as per the extant instructions, whenever a Government servant claims LTC by air, he/she is required to book the air tickets directly from the airlines (Booking counters, website of airlines) or by utilizing the services of the authorized travel agents viz. ‘M/s Balmer Lawrie & Company’, ‘M/s Ashok Travels & Tours’ and ‘IRCTC’ (to the extent IRCTC is authorized as per DoPT O.M. No. 31011/6/2002-Est(A) dated 02.12.2009) while undertaking LTC journey(s).
2. In this regard, it is observed that despite reiterating the above instructions from time to time, this Department still continues to receive numerous references from various Ministries/Departments and individuals seeking relaxation for booking of air tickets for the purpose of LTC through private travel agents. In most of the cases, the common reasons cited by the Government employees are lack of awareness of the rules and work exigencies.
3. Therefore, all the Ministries/Departments are advised to ensure wide circulation and strict compliance of the guidelines stated in para 1 of this OM. This point may also be emphasized by the Administration whenever any advance is sought or intention to avail LTC is conveyed by the Government servant. It is stated that henceforth only those cases, where it is established that bonafide mistake has occurred and the Administrative Ministry/Department is satisfied that undue hardship is being caused to the Government servant, shall be considered by this Department for relaxation provided that the information is received in the Proforma enclosed along with supporting documents.
End.: As above
(Surya Narayan Jha)
Under Secretary to the Government of India
Proforma for sending the request for seeking relaxation for booking of air tickets for the purpose of LTC from private travel agents.
The Administrative Ministry/Department needs to examine each case on the following parameters and where the Ministry/Department is satisfied that a bonafide mistake has occurred and undue hardship is being caused in any particular case, it may be sent to this Department in the following Proforma along with supporting documents:-
S.No
Criteria
Response
1
Whether booking of air tickets on LTC has been done according to the prescribed procedure. If no, reasons thereof.
2
Whether the employee has travelled by Air India flight or any other airlines as authorised by the Government for the purpose of LTC from time to time?
3
If answer to s.no. I above is ‘No’, then such cases shall not be considered for relaxation.
4
Whether the tickets were purchased at LTC-80 fare or less?
5
It may be confirmed/ verified from the concerned airlines whether the tickets were booked at the same price on the date of booking as indicated on the ticket?
6
Whether the Govt. servant has availed of any tour package or other facility from the travel agent except the tickets?
7
The tickets may be checked for any additional, hidden or superfluous charges. If yes, the same shall not be admissible.
8
Government servant shall submit a self- certification to his office/Administration that he has not availed of any tour package or any other facility from the travel agent except the tickets.
*NB : If it is found that any fraudulent attempt has been made by the Government servant to inflate the LTC claim, it shall make him/her liable for appropriate action under Rule 16 of CCS(LTC) Rules, 1988 and the relevant disciplinary rules.
Cabinet approves Streamlining of National Pension System (NPS)
Decision
The Union Cabinet in its Meeting on 6th December, 2018 has approved the following proposal for streamlining the National Pension System (NPS).
Enhancement of the mandatory contribution by the Central Government for its employees covered under NPS Tier-I from the existing 10% to 14%.
Providing freedom of choice for selection of Pension Funds and pattern of investment to central government employees.
Payment of compensation for non-deposit or delayed deposit of NPS contributions during 2004-2012.
Tax exemption limit for lump sum withdrawal on exit has been enhanced to 60%. With this, the entire withdrawal will now be exempt from income tax. (At present, 40% of the total accumulated corpus utilized for purchase of annuity is already tax exempted. Out of 60% of the accumulated corpus withdrawn by the NPS subscriber at the time of retirement, 40% is tax exempt and balance 20% is taxable.)
Contribution by the Government employees under Tier-II of NPS will now be covered under Section 80 C for deduction up to Rs. 1.50 lakh for the purpose of income tax at par with the other schemes such as General Provident Fund, Contributory Provident Fund, Employees Provident Fund and Public Provident Fund provided that there is a lock-in period of 3 years.
Background
The new entrants to the central government service on or after 01.01.2004 are covered under the National Pension System (NPS). The Seventh Pay Commission (7th CPC), during its deliberations, examined certain concerns regarding NPS and made recommendations in the year 2015. The 7th CPC recommended for setting up of a Committee of Secretaries in this regard. Accordingly, a Committee of Secretaries was constituted by the Government to suggest measures for streamlining the implementation of NPS in the year 2016. The Committee submitted its report in the year 2018. Accordingly, based on the recommendations of the Committee, draft Cabinet Note was placed before the Cabinet for its approval.
Implementation strategy and targets
The proposed changes to NPS would be made applicable immediately once time critical decisions are taken in consultation with the other concerned Ministries / Departments.
Major impact
Increase in the eventual accumulated corpus of all central government employees covered under NPS.
Greater pension payouts after retirement without any additional burden on the employee.
Freedom of choice for selection of Pension Funds and investment pattern to central government employees.
Benefit to approximately 18 lakh central government employees covered under NPS.
Augmenting old-age security in a time of rising life expectancy.
By making NPS more attractive, government will be facilitated in attracting and retaining the best talent.
Expenditure involved
The impact on the exchequer on this account is estimated to be to the tune of around Rs. 2840 crores for the financial year 2019-20, and will be in the nature of a recurring expenditure. The financial implications on account of provisions regarding payment of compensation for non-deposit or delayed deposit of NPS contributions during 2004-2012, would be in addition to the amount indicated above.
No. of beneficiaries
Approximately 18 lakh central government employees covered under NPS would be benefitted from the streamlining of the National Pension System.
States/districts covered
Pan India.
Details and progress of scheme if already running
Presently, the new entrants to the central government service on or after 01.01.2004 are covered under the NPS. NPS is being implemented and regulated by Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority in the country.
