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.
NFIR Meeting Minutes with Railway Minister on 7th Dec 2018
No. 11/95/2018
Dated: 08/12/2018
The General Secretaries of
Affiliated Unions of NFIR
Brother,
Sub : General Secretary/NFIR’s Meeting with Hon’ble Railway Minister on 07/12/2018-reg.
**********
It is to inform that I met Hon’ble Railway Minister Shri Piyush Goyal on 07/12/2018 at Rail Bhavan, New Delhi and discussed the following issues, while urging his personal intervention for speedy favourable decisions.
1. Railways to be exempted from NPS in the light of proposals already sent by the Railway Ministers S/Shri Suresh Prabhu and Mallikarjun Kharge.
2. Revision of Kilometrage Allowance rates of Running Staff pending since long. Hon’ble Railway Minister should accord approval without further loss of time as Running Staff are disappointed over the delay.
3. LARSGESS — The Scheme should be continued duly taking conscious decision and those wards already selected should be appointed.
4. Issues relating to Act Apprentices, Quasi Staff, Revision of Incentive Bonus rates of Workshop and Production Units etc., were also brought to MR’s notice..
The Hon’ble Railway Minister ‘has assured to consider the issues positively while at the same time said that the operating ratio has been causing anxiety.
The above is for information of the affiliates for taking further action to convey to the employees down the line.
Important to Note : The General Secretary, NFIR met FC/Railway Board on 07/12/2018 and explained the inputs given to the Member Staff by NFIR as a follow up step to the special discussions held on 25/10/2018 on NFIR’s demand for exempting Railways from NPS. The General Secretary specially urged upon the FC to make out cogent case, justifying the need to exempt Railways from NPS to enable Railway Ministry as well Government of India to accord approval.
ALL INDIA GRAMIN DAK SEVAKS UNION (AIGDSU)
First Floor, Post Office Building, Padamnagar, Delhi 110007
No.GDS/CHQ/1/5/2018
Dated 7-12-2018
To
All Circles/Divisional/ Branch Secretaries of All India Gramin Dak Sevaks’ Union All India Office Bearers
Dear Comrades,
GDS Unity is the Message of AIGDSU 10th AIC
The 10th Biennial Conference of AIGDSU was successfully held from 03-12-2018 to 05-12-2018 at Deopur Dhule, in Balakrishna Mangal Karyalaya Maharastra Circle as scheduled under the president ship of Corn. M. Ranjangam, All India President. The Conference commenced at 10 a.m. on 3-12-18 started with flag hoisting Corn S.S.Mahadevaiah General Secretary hoisted the AIGDSU flag followed by thundering slogan raised by more than 1500 delegates and visitors in the conference.
After the flag hoisting Subject Committee meeting commenced at about 11hrs to discuss the issues placed in the notice by General Secretary. 22 out of 22 circles and 15 out of 15 Central Working Committee Members attended the conference on the very 1st day itself. The President of the conference declared quorum amidst thundering claps of the delegates and visitors. All the proceedings of the conference were recorded officially. One delegate except Circle Secretary from every circle was allowed to speak on the agenda items. 24 delegates from various circles placed their views and ideas not only on the agenda items but also regarding the ensuing indefinite strike from 18-12-18. All the Circle Secretaries, Special invitees and CWC members discussed in length on both agenda and indefinite strike. Some of the Circle Secretaries raised doubts, querries and questions on the struggles, agitations and indefinite strike conducted by AIGDSU previously.
Com. S.S.Mahadevaiah General Secretary gave suitable appropriate scientific reply to the questions and querries raised by some of the Circle Secretaries and CWC members. He urged the August House to having belief in AIGDSU which is the unique recognized union among the GDS Unions in the Department of Posts.
Com. Rajender Prasad Singh working president CHQ(Bihar), Com. Mahender Pratap Singh, Vice president CHQ(M.P) Com. C.B.Mehra Vice President CHQ(Uttrakhand) were felicitated with garlands, shawls and momento on their superannuation for their out standing services to AIGDSU by S.S.Mahadevaiah General Secretary, Com.B.V.Rao, Assistant General Secretary and P.T.Berghe Senior leader Maharashtra. Com. M. Rajangam president who is going to be retired on 30.12.18 and Corn. Duttaram, Vice President CHQ(H.P) who is going to retire shortly, was also felicitated with garland, shawl and moment° for his outstanding services in AIGDSU.
The open session
The open session commenced at about 15:30 hrs on 4-12-18 with Com.Rajender Prasad in Chair. Com. M. Parietal senior leader Maharashtra. Com. P.T. Berghe, Com. Amrutha Lingam former deputy General Secretary AIPEU Gr.0 AITUC Leaders Corn. Arun Mhaske, Corn. V.D. Dhanvate Electrical employees leaders Com. Com. S.S.Mahadevaiah G.S, Com. B.V.Rao Asst. GS, Com. Rajender Prasad Singh working president„ Com. Girnale, Com. Jaiswal C/S AIGDSU Maharastra, Com. Sagwekar, Circle Prsident Maharastra, Com. SK Lalavazer,Wellwisher of AIGDSU and other several other leaders addressed and greeted the conference. The open session ended successfully with vote of thanks of Com. M.D. Ahiri working president CHQ and GS reception committee.
On the 3rd day i.e.., 5-12-18 Com. B.V. Rao Asst. GS explained a elobarately the struggles and strikes of the AIGDSU for achieving justified demand of GDS fraternity. He quoted the various of AIGDSU particularly from 2012 to till date. He also told the endeavour of AIGDSU in preparing Memorandum of each and every issue of GDS to submit the GDS Committee headed by Sri.Kamlesh Chandra committee. Com. B.V.Rao insisting one thing that there is no exaguration to say that more than 80% suggestions of AIGDSU memorandum of has been taken into consideration by Sri. Kamlesh Chandra
Com. S.S.Mahadevaiah GS delivered an inspiring speech and the doubt of the delegates about certain problems regarding RICT, IPPB etc. The house unanimously adopted the resolution placed by the General Secretary S.S.Mahadevaiah
The August house unanimously accepted the following policy and program placed by the Asst. general secretary.
1. Divisional leadership have to conduct meetings in sub offices in the divisions from 9-Â12-18 to 16-12-18.
2. Conduct mass demonstrations in front of divisional offices from 4 p.m. to 5.p.m. from 14-12-18 to 16-12-18.
3. Make huge propaganda in each and every division regarding indefinite strike through print and electronic media.
4. Conduct candle rally on 17-12-18 evening on divisional head quarters.
Following this all the agenda items completed with due approval of the conference. The elections were democratically and peacefully held and the following office bearers for the next session were elected unanimously.
Centre’s contribution to NPS hiked to 14% of basic salary
In a bid to make retirement income scheme more attractive for central government employees, the government has agreed to chip in a higher 14 per cent of the basic salary of an individual as its contribution to the National Pension System (NPS), a top source said.
The move would benefit over 36 lakh central government employees.
Also, individual contributions, which will continue to be capped at a maximum of 10 per cent of the basic salary, will be exempt from taxable income.
National Pension System (NPS) is a government-sponsored pension scheme that was launched in January 2004 for government employees. However, in 2009, it was opened to all sections.
The scheme allows subscribers to contribute regularly in a pension account during their working life. On retirement, subscribers can withdraw a part of the corpus in a lump sum and use the remaining corpus to buy an annuity to secure a regular income after retirement.
Currently, the minimum employee contribution in NPS is 10 per cent of basic pay and an equal contribution is made by the government.
The Cabinet at its meeting Thursday cleared raising the government’s share to NPS to 14 per cent, the source said.
It also cleared tax incentives under Section 80C of Income Tax Act for employee contribution of up to 10 per cent towards NPS. The tax measures are likely to come into effect from April 1, 2019.
Central government employees had approached the government seeking tweaking of the terms of the current ‘contribution’ based NPS.
Also, the Cabinet has given more flexibility to the government employees to withdraw the amount from NPS corpus at the time of retirement.
Once the changes are notified, central government employees can commute up to 60 per cent of the NPS fund accumulated, up from 40 per cent at present.
Sources said if an employee decides not to commute any portion of the accumulated fund in NPS at the time of maturity and transfers 100 per cent to annuity scheme, then his pension would be more than 50 per cent of his last drawn pay.
Also, employees will have the option to decide on investing their annuity either in fixed income instruments or equities, sources said.
While the government is yet to decide on the date of notification of the new scheme, sources said many of the changes require amendment to the Income Tax Act and hence will come into effect from April 1, 2019.
This formula for changes in the NPS was worked out by the Finance Ministry based on the recommendation of a government-appointed committee, sources said.
ESIC to Allow Non – IPs to Avail Medical Services from its Underutilized Hospitals
Recruitment of Around 5200 Various Posts in ESIC Under Way
The ESI Corporation during its 176th meeting held on 05.12.18 under the Chairmanship of Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Minister of State for Labour & Employment (I/C) has taken some very important decisions towards improvements in its service delivery mechanism.
In the meeting, It was decided to allow Non-IPs (Non Insured Persons) to avail medical services from underutilized ESIC Hospitals after levying User Charges at a subsidized cost of Rs. 10/- for OPD Consultation, at 25% of CGHS package rates for admitted patients and to provide medicines on actual rate initially for one year on pilot basis. It will immensely help common people get the quality medical care at very low cost. Besides, it will ensure full utilization of resources of hospital for people’s cause.
Recruitment to the 5200 posts in various categories like Social Security Officer, Insurance Medical Officer Grade-II, Junior Engineers, Teaching Faculty, Paramedical & Nursing Cadre, UDC and Steno etc. in ESIC is under process.
To meet the shortage of specialist/super specialist doctors in some of the ESIC Hospitals, the ESIC approved for hiring of full time contractual specialists/super specialists in the department of Anaesthesia, Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Gyne, Ortho, Cardiology, Nephrology and Medical Oncology after inviting open tender.
Keeping in view the rise in the National Floor Level Minimum Wages to Rs. 176/-, it was decided in the meeting to Enhance the exemption limit for payment of employees’ share of contribution from Rs. 137 to Rs. 176.
Shri Heera Lal Samaria, Secretary, Labour & Employment, Sh. Raj Kumar, Director General, ESIC, ESIC representatives of Employees and Employers and ESI Corporation Members, representatives of state govts. and senior officers of the Ministry were also present in the meeting.
Non-functional Grade pay 
of Rs.5400 for InspectorsÂ
F.No.A-23011/62/2016-Ad.IIA
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs
North Block,New Delhi
Dated 6th December, 2018
To,
Director General
Directorate of Human Resource Development(HRM),
Customs & Central Excise, 507, Deep Shikha,
Rajendra Place,New Delhi-110 008
Subject: OA No. 1707/2016 filed by Shri R.K. Tripathi & Ors
before Hon’ble CAT PB,New Delhi for grant of non-functional Grade pay 
of Rs.5400/- in PB-2 to those Inspectors who were granted Grade Pay of
 Rs. 4800/- due to ACP/MACP Scheme
Sir,
I am directed to say that as per extant instructions, non functional Grade
 pay of Rs.5400 in PB-2 (per-revised) is granted to those Superintendents / Appraisers who have completed 4 years who was granted Grade pay of Rs. 4800/- Shri M.Subramaniam, the then Inspector who was granted Grade pay of Rs. 4800/-due to ACP scheme, got favorable judgment from the Hon’ble Supreme Court. Review Petition in the said case was also dismissed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court.
2. Consequent upon dismissal of Civil Appeal No.8883/2011 and Review Petition in Civil Appeal filed by UOI by Hon’ble Supreme Court, the judgement of Hon’ble High Court of Madras in M. Subramaniam has been implemented in consultation with D/o Expenditure.
3.Keeping in view a number of similar court cases in different Benches of CAT/Court being decided by CAT/High Court, in favour of petitioners, the matter was examined in the Board and a proposal was referred to D/o Expenditure tp consider extension of the direction of the Hon’ble Court in M.Subramaniam, to all similarly placed officers.Deptt.Of Expenditure vide note dated 12.11.2018 examined the matter and sought following clarifications:-
(i) Hoe many individuals of which posts have been allowed the benefit so far?
(ii) How many similarly placed persons are to be covered in the benefit?
(iii) Whether the similarly placed persons are holder of the same post which was held by the individuals covered in the SLP?
(iv) The financial implications on the benefit already allowed and the estimated financial implication on the similarly placed employees?
4. The details sought by D/o Expenditure vide note dated 12.11.2108 needs to be compiled from the Zonal Commissionerates. You are requested to kindly obtain the details/information on the points mentioned above from Zonal Commissionerate, compile it and furnish the same to the Board for taking up the matter with D/o Expenditure. Since a number of court cases are pending in CAT/High Court, it is requested to expedite this exercise and detail/information be made available to the Board, by 20.12.2018.
Yours faithfully,
sd/-
(M.K.Gupta)
Under Secretary to the Government of India
