Promotion of Government servants through LDCE against whom disciplinary/criminal prosecution are pending: Dept of Posts
No. X-7/6/2022-SPN-II Government of India Ministry of Communications Department of Posts
Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg New Delhi — 110 001 March 04, 2024
To a) All Chief Postmasters General, b) Chief General Manager, PLI / Parcel / BD Directorate c) Director RAKNPA / Director of all Postal Training Centres d) Add. Director General, Army Postal Service e) All General Manager (Finance) / Director of Accounts (Postal)
Subject:-Promotion of Government servants through Limited Departmental Competitive Examination against whom disciplinary / criminal prosecution are pending – reg.
Madam/Sir,
I am directed to refer to Directorate’s communication of even number dated 17.05.2023 and dated 22.09.2023, on the above mentioned subject and to convey approval of the Competent Authority for following modification:-
A. Para 4(c) of letter of even number dated 17.05,2023 shall be modified as under:-
`Minor Penalty – Recovery from Pay:- Where penalty of ‘Recovery from Pay’ has been imposed, results shall be declared. Candidate figuring in the merit list may be promoted after the currency period of penalty is over, i.e. after the pecuniary loss caused to the Government is fully recovered. Results of LDCE should clearly mention— ‘although the official has been declared successful, promotion will be effective after currency of the penalty imposed vide Order No….. dated
Yours faithfully, (Satya Narayana Dash) Director (SPN)
Copy to:
a) PSO / Sr. PPS to Secretary (Posts) / Director General Postal Services b) Sr. PPS/PPS to Members Postal Services Board / Addl. DG (Coordination) c) Sr. DDG(Vig) & CVO, Department of Posts d) Director (Staff) / Director (DE), Dak Bhawan e) All recognized Service Federation / Association of Department of Posts f) Portal upload, CEPT with request to upload this document on India Post website. g) Office copy / Guard file.
Notional increment to CG Employees retiring on 30th June or 31st December: Upholding Justice for Retired Government Employees – BPS writes to DOPT
BHARAT PENSIONERS SAMAJ (All India Federation of Pensioners’ Associations)
No BPS/SG/inc/024/5
Dated: 03.03.024
To
The Secretary, M/O Personnel, PG & Pensions -DOPT
The Secretary, MOF-DOE
The Secretary, GOI M/O Personnel, AR,PG & Pensioners -DOPPW
Sir/Madam,
Subject: Retrospective application of notional increment: Upholding Justice for Retired Government Employees
In a recent development concerning the grant of notional increment to Central Government Employees retiring on 30th June or 31st December, a pertinent issue of justice and equity has emerged. This matter gains significance in light of the Order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court dated 11.04.2023 in the case of KPTCL vs. C P Mundinamani, alongside the dismissal of SLP no.4722/2021 filed by the Union of India in an Order dated 19.5.2023.and Hon’ble High Court of Delhi judgment dated 31.5.2023 in WP(C) 1731 /2020 in Madan Mohan Dhyani vs UOI.
According to the information available, the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India has issued a Circular dated 18.01.2024.( No.2, Staff Wing/2024 No.24/Staff (entt-I)83-2021 of 18-1-2024,) This Circular extends the benefit of one increment with monetary benefits to government employees retiring on 30th June/31 st December, contingent upon completion of one year of qualifying service for pension & pensionary benefits. Importantly, this benefit is extended regardless of whether the retirees are involved in any court case about this matter. However, it is specified that this benefit shall be granted only to officials retiring on and from 30th June 2023 onwards, aligning with the date of the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s order dated 11.04.2023.
While the intent behind this Circular is commendable in extending relief to retiring officials, concerns arise regarding the prospective application of this benefit. It is essential to note that the petitioners in the case were granted the benefit of one increment from the date of their superannuation, 1.e., from 30.06.2006 onwards, rather than from the date of the Supreme Court’s order.
This decision to apply the benefit prospectively, post the Supreme Court’s order, raises questions regarding the principle of natural justice. It appears to overlook the fundamental principle of fairness, which dictates that individuals in similar circumstances should be treated equally.
In light of these considerations, it becomes imperative for the Secretary AR,PG &Pensions- DPPW, DOPT, and the Department of Expenditure to intervene in this matter. The spirit of justice, fairness, and equality demands a retrospective application of the benefit, effective from 30.06.2006 onwards, aligning with the relief granted to the petitioners in the referenced case.
Retired government employees who have dedicated their lives in the service of the nation deserve to be treated with dignity and fairness. The retrospective application of the notional increment is not merely a matter of financial benefit but a reaffirmation of the values of justice and equity that underpin our democratic ethos.
It is incumbent upon the authorities to heed the voices advocating for the rights of retired employees and to ensure that justice prevails. By taking corrective measures to address this anomaly, the government can demonstrate its commitment to upholding the principles of fairness and equality for all its citizens, even in matters concerning retirement benefits.
Inconclusion, the concerned authorities must act swiftly and decisively to rectify this injustice. The retrospective application of the notional increment is not just a legal obligation but a moral imperative that must be fulfilled to uphold the dignity and rights of retired government employees.
Only through such concerted efforts can we truly honour the contributions and sacrifices of those who have dedicated their lives to serving the nation.
DOPPW conducts Pre-Retirement Counselling Workshops throughout the country for Central Government Employees, who are about to retire as part of Good Governance
Under the guidance of the Union Minister of State for Personnel, PG and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) will be organizing the 53rd Pre-Retirement Counselling (PRC) Workshop in Ahmedabad (Gujarat) tomorrow for the benefit of Central Government Employees, posted across Gujarat and retiring during the next 12 months.
The Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare has been conducting Pre- Retirement Counselling (PRC) Workshops throughout the country as part of Good Governance to facilitate officials, who are about to retire, in the superannuation process. The Workshop, being held for the benefit of retiring employees of the Government of India, is a revolutionary step in direction of ‘Ease of Living’ of the pensioners. In the workshop, the retiring officials will be provided relevant information related to the retirement benefits and pension sanction process.
In order to facilitate the smooth transition for the retiring employees, various sessions on BHAVISHYA Portal, Integrated Pensioners Portal, Retirement Benefits, Family Pension, CGHS, Income Tax Rules, ANUBHAV, Digital Life Certificate, Investment Modes and Opportunities; etc. will be conducted. All these sessions have been curated to make the retirees aware of the process to be followed and forms to be filled pre-retirement and to provide information about the benefits available to them post-retirement.
A detailed session on the various Investment Modes, their benefits & investment planning will also be organized to enable the retirees to plan investment of their retirement funds well in time. There will also be a detailed session on the CGHS system, CGHS portal, facilities provided as well as procedures to be followed to avail CGHS benefits.
Pension disbursing banks, – SBI, PNB, Bank of Baroda and ICICI – will be participating in bank exhibition for retirees where banks will showcase pension related banking services available for pensioners. Banks will also guide retirees on opening of pension account and investment of pension corpus.
It is expected that 300 retirees, due to retire in the next 12 months, will benefit hugely from this Pre-retirement Counselling Workshop. The Department will continue to hold such workshops, as part of Good Governance to ensure a smooth and comfortable transition for Central Government retirees, keep them informed of the Government initiatives taken for them and to enable them to avail all the benefits available for them, post-retirement.
Sub: Processing of pending payments of Ex-Gratia and pensionary benefits including leave encashment in respect of VRS-2019 retirees-reg.
It has been observed that some circles have been facing difficulties due to restrictions built into the ERP/SAP system while processing of pending payments of Ex-Gratia and Leave encashment in respect of VRS-2019 retirees. These restrictions were put in place in the ERP/SAP system in order to prevent any un-authorized/wrong payments in respect of VRS-2019 retirees against whom complaint regarding fake caste certificate was pending. The restrictions were also necessary in view of the fact that payment of terminal benefits in respect of large number of cases of VRS-2019 retirees were required to be settled.
2. Now very few cases are pending where release of retirement benefits in respect of VRS-2019 retirees are required to be executed as and when the retirees become eligible for payment of such benefits. Therefore, the general restrictions incorporated in the ERP system have now been removed. However, it is now imperative that the release of withheld payments to VRS-2019 retirees are made by the Circles only after carefully ascertaining regarding eligibility for such payment as per extant rules. The responsibility of ensuring correctness/genuineness of payment shall be solely with the concerned circles.
3. In this regard, it is requested that the authorization allowed for processing of payments in respect of VRS-2019 retirees may be reviewed and only those officers, who are directly involved in the process may be allowed due authorization in ERP system. Further, in case of any change in last pay drawn due to re-fixation of pay on any ground, it may be ensured that the calculation of Ex-Gratia, leave encashment and other retirement benefits in respect of VRS-2019 retirees are approved by the IFA of the concerned circle.
[Sanjeev Kumar] Asstt. General Manager (Estt I)
To, All Heads of Telecom Circles & All Heads of Other Administrative Units, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited
IRTSA Memorandum to DOPT – Grant of annual increment (as due on 1st July / 1st January) for the pensionary benefits
INDIAN RAILWAYS TECHNICAL SUPERVISORS’ ASSOCIATION
No:IRTSA/Memo-10
Date:27.02.2024
The Secretary, Department of Personnel & Training, Ministry of Personnel, PG and Pensions. Government of India, North Block, New Delhi – 110 001
Respected Sir,
Sub: Grant of annual increment (as due on 1st July/1st January) for the pensionary benefits to those employees who have retired/retiring on 30th of June/31st December before drawing the same.
Ref: 1) Our earlier memorandum No.IRTSA/Memo/10, dated 13.01.2024. 2) Ministry of Information & Broadcasting letter No.F.N.A-56011/1/2021-BAP, dated 12.02.2024.
1) We once again draw your kind attention on the issue of grant of annual increment (as due on 1st July/1st January) for the pensionary benefits to those employees who had retired (retiring) on 30th of June/31st December before drawing the same.
2) The Hon’ble Supreme court gave judgement to grant one annual increment to the original writ petitioners earned on the last day of their service for rendering their services preceding one year from the date of retirement. The Supreme Court said all the intervention applicants are entitled to get the same relief.
3) The judgements of various High Courts & Supreme Court are based on legal grounds quoted therein & have universal application and as such the same should be applied to all similarly placed retired/ retiring employees irrespective of the fact whether they were original applicants or intervenors or whether they had gone to court/s or not.
4) Ministry of Information & Broadcasting vide letter No.F.N.A-56011/1/2021-BAP, dated 12.02.2024 in consultation with DoPT issued following orders,
a) To extend the benefit of grant of annual increment along with all consequential benefits to applicants (in legal case) and report to court.
b) To extend the benefit of grant of annual increment along with all consequential benefits to all the similarly placed employees (who retired from service a day before i.e. on 30th June / 31st December) to avoid further litigations (pending litigations and litigations that may arise in future on similar matter) causing disproportionate diversion of Government resources.
5) It is therefore once again requested that, necessary orders may please be issued by DoPT for grant of annual increment (as due on 1st July/1st January) for the pensionary benefits to those employees who have retired/retiring on 30th of June/31st December before drawing the same.
Thank you in anticipation
K.V.RAMESH General Secretary, IRTSA 9003149578
Copy to: 1) Secretary, Administrative Reforms, Public Grievances, Pensions & Pensioners Welfare, 5th Floor, Sardar Patel Bhawan, Parliament Street, New Delhi – 110001. 2) Secretary Railway Board, 227-Rail Bhavan, Raisina Road, New Delhi – 110001.
IRTSA Memorandum to Finance Minister: Formation of 8th Central Pay Commission
INDIAN RAILWAYS TECHNICAL SUPERVISORS’ ASSOCIATION
No:IRTSA/Memo-7
Date:26.02.2024
Smt. Nirmala Sitaraman Hon’ble Minister for Finance
Respected Madam, Vanakkam.
Sub: Formation of 8th Central Pay Commission.
1) Central Pay Commissions are being constituted at regular intervals of ten years, “to examine, review, evolve and recommend changes regarding the principles that should govern the emoluments’ structure including pay, allowances and other facilities/benefits, in cash or kind, as well as the specialized needs of various Departments, agencies and services, in respect of Central Government employees”.
2) 3rd, 4th and 5th CPCs recommended for constituting permanent machinery to undertake periodical review of the pay, allowances and conditions of service of the Central Government employees.
3) 6th CPC recommended for implementing its recommendations w.e.f. 01.01.2006, ten years period since the implementation of 5th CPC.
4) 7th CPC recommended that the pay matrix may be reviewed periodically without waiting for the long period of ten years. (Gist of recommendations of 3rd, 4th. 5th, 6th and 7th CPC about formation of permanent machinery / next pay commission is given in the annexure)
5) Since the implementation of 7th CPC recommendations w.e.f. 01.01.2016, many changes have taken place in Government functioning, performance & size of Indian economy, GDP growth, quantum of various tax collections, role of various government departments, inflation pattern, erosion of real wages due to inflation, condition of service, role of private sectors in public utilities and government’s regulation over them, number of employees in each department, number of employees covered under National Pension Scheme (NPS), considerable reduction in poverty, changes in consuming pattern of employees & general public, etc.
6) There are many legal cases pending across the country in various courts regarding anomalies in pay level, increment, pay fixation, promotions, MACPS, retirement benefits, etc, consuming precious time of Courts and affecting efficiency of Government functioning.
7) Efficiency in public services should not be compromised for any reasons. There should be a continuous improvement in quality of public service and scope for administrative reforms. New pay commission needs to be constituted for elimination of disparities/anomalies in salaries between different group of employees and for the reasons explained above. Sufficient time should be given to the Pay Commission to study all principles relating to pay & allowance, working conditions, promotional avenue, classification of posts, etc and to hear the views of every stakeholder including staff side.
8) It is therefore requested to constitute 8th Central Pay Commission immediately to enable it to have sufficient time to give comprehensive recommendations to clear all existing anomalies and without giving room for future anomalies.
Thanking you, with regards,
K.V. RAMESH General Secretary, IRTSA 9003149578
Copy: 1) The Union Finance Secretary, Government of India. 2) The Secretary, Department of Personnel & Training. 3) CRB & CEO, Railway Board, Ministry of Railways.
Annexure
Recommendations of various Pay Commissions on the “Need for continuing machinery for pay revision”
3rd CPC
3rd CPC recommended for creation of a standing Body on Pay and Cadre Management.
“Our experience has convinced us that the system of periodically revising the pay structure and conditions of service of the Central Government employees on the recommendations of Pay Commission is not a very satisfactory one. We feel that even broad judgements in these matters should be based on analysis of the relevant data. This is not possible when a Pay Commission is required to make recommendations on the pay scales and conditions of service for such a large number of employees within a limited period. ………….. We would, therefore, suggest the creation of a standing Body on Pay and Cadre Management”
4th CPC
4th CPC recommend for forming a permanent machinery to undertake periodical review of the pay, allowances and conditions of service of the Central Government employees.
“If we may venture to say so, the work of a pay commission is laborious and .takes time. Moreover pay commissions come at intervals of 10 years or so. A great many changes take place in the meantime both in regard to the system of pay determination and the promotion policies, etc. Such changes take place quite fast in the case of compensatory allowance and other similar payments. An allowance which is considered sufficient today may not be reasonable if changes take place quickly. It is therefore necessary that there should be a permanent machinery to undertake periodical review of the pay, allowances and conditions of service of the Central Government employees. That will also enable Government to oversee the implementation of its pay policy in an effective, systematic and coordinated manner …… We suggest that Government may set up such a body which should be responsible for maintaining and updating the basic data on pay and allowances of Government employees and to review the pay scales and rates of allowances and other related matters”.
5th CPC
5th CPC recommended for annual pay revision by a permanent pay commission with a constitutional provision.
In the free market liberalised economy there is a strong need for continuing machinery for pay revision as recommended by Fifth Pay Commission as per Para 99 of Summary of Recommendations:
“Need for continuing machinery for pay revision: The Commission has recommended that pay revision should, in future, be entrusted to a Permanent Pay Commission drawing its authority from a Constitutional provision, whose recommendations should have a binding character. Pay should be revised annually as in other countries. As an alternative, it has been suggested that dearness allowance should be converted into dearness pay every time the cost of living rises by 50% over the base level. This would imply a revision of pay every 4 to 5 years. The final option is to have a decennial exercise as at present, but with fixed dates. The Commission has suggested that the date of constitution of the next Pay Commission should not be later than 01.01.2003, and the date of implementation of its recommendations should be 01.01.2006, irrespective of when its report is submitted”.
6th CPC
6th CPC accepted the principle of regular interval of 10 years between two pay commissions.
Pay scales recommended by the Fifth Central Pay Commission were implemented from 1/1/1996. The Fifth CPC had also recommended that the date of implementation of the recommendations by the Sixth Central Pay Commission should be pre-determined as 1/1/2006.
7th CPC
7th CPC recommended for periodical review of pay matrix without waiting for long 10 years.
“It is also recommended that the matrix may be reviewed periodically without waiting for the long period of ten years. It can be reviewed and revised on the basis of the Aykroyd formula which takes into consideration the changes in prices of the commodities that constitute a common man’s basket, which the Labour Bureau at Shimla reviews periodically. It is suggested that this should be made the basis for revision of that matrix periodically without waiting for another Pay Commission”.
Performance Appraisal Report (PAR) of IDAS officers – CGDA ORDER
Office of the Controller General of Defence Accounts Ulan Batar Road, Palam, Delhi Cantt. – 110010
No.: AN-I/PAR/2023-24
Date: 28/02/2024
IMPORTANT CIRCULAR (THROUGH WEBSITE & WAN)
To, All PCDA / CDA offices
Sub: Performance Appraisal Report (PAR) of IDAS officers
At present, generation & completion of PARs in respect of IDAS officers is decentralized. In this system, there have been some instances of delay in PAR generation, selection of incorrect forms, incorrect mapping of workflow etc.
2. To avoid these issues, it has been decided to generate all the PARS for the year 2023-24 and onwards centrally by this HQrs. If any PAR for the year 2023-24 has already been generated by the Controller offices, it will remain valid and will be processed by the PAR manager concerned only as done earlier.
3. In view of the above, it is requested to forward the requisite details as per Annexure-1 & 2 latest by 05/03/2024 so that the PARs for the year 2023-24 can be generated within the timelines. The details (in excel sheet) and the forwarding (duly seen by the PCDA/ CDA) may kindly be sent via email on [email protected]. Kindly do not forward any hardcopy in this regard.
(Navpreet Kaur) Sr. Dy. CGDA (Admin)
Copy to: All IDAS officers – For information please.
Cabinet approves PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana for installing rooftop solar in One Crore households
Households to get 300 units of electricity free every month
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana with a total outlay of Rs.75,021 crore for installing rooftop solar and providing free electricity up to 300 units every month for One Crore households. The Prime Minister had launched the scheme on 13th February, 2024.
The major highlights of the scheme include:
Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for Residential Rooftop Solar
The scheme provides a CFA of 60% of system cost for 2 kW systems and 40% of additional system cost for systems between 2 to 3 kW capacity. The CFA will be capped at 3 kW. At current benchmark prices, this will mean Rs 30,000 subsidy for 1 kW system, Rs 60,000 for 2 kW systems and Rs 78,000 for 3 kW systems or higher.
The households will apply for subsidy through the National Portal and will be able to select a suitable vendor for installing rooftop solar. The National Portal will assist the households in their decision-making process by providing relevant information such as appropriate system sizes, benefits calculator, vendor rating etc.
Households will be able to access collateral-free low-interest loan products of around 7% at present for installation of residential RTS systems up to 3 kW.
Other Features of the Scheme
A Model Solar Village will be developed in each district of the country to act as a role model for adoption of rooftop solar in rural areas,
Urban Local Bodies and Panchayati Raj Institutions shall also benefit from incentives for promoting RTS installations in their areas.
The scheme provides a component for payment security for renewable energy service company (RESCO) based models as well as a fund for innovative projects in RTS.
Outcome and Impact
Through this scheme, the households will be able to save electricity bills as well as earn additional income through sale of surplus power to DISCOMs. A 3 kW system will be able to generate more than 300 units a month on an average for a household.
The proposed scheme will result in addition of 30 GW of solar capacity through rooftop solar in the residential sector, generating 1000 BUs of electricity and resulting in reduction of 720 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions over the 25-year lifetime of rooftop systems.
It is estimated that the scheme will create around 17 lakh direct jobs in manufacturing, logistics, supply chain, sales, installation, O&M and other services.
Availing Benefits of PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana
The Government has launched a massive campaign since the launch of the scheme for raising awareness and generating applications from interested households. Households can register themselves on https://pmsuryaghar.gov.in to avail benefits under the scheme.
Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (2016=100) – January, 2024
TheLabour Bureau, an attached office of the M/o Labour & Employment, has been compiling Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers every month on the basis of retail prices collected from 317 markets spread over 88 industrially important centres in the country. The index is compiled for 88 centres and All-India and is released on the last working day of succeeding month. The index for the month of January, 2024is being released in this press release.
The All-India CPI-IW for January, 2024 increased by 0.1 point and stood at 138.9 (one hundred thirty eight point nine). On 1-month percentage change, it increased by 0.07 per cent with respect to previous month compared to increase of 0.38 per cent recorded between corresponding months a year ago.
The maximum upward pressure in current index came from Housing group contributing 0.48 percentage points to the total change. At item level, House rent, Ladies Suiting, Casual wear, Saree Cotton, Woolen Sweater/Pull-over, Plastic/PVC Shoes, Tailoring Charges/Embroidery, Chewing Tobacco, Foreign/Refined Liquor, Pan Masala, etc. are responsible for the rise in the index. However, this increase was largely checked by Onion, Potato, Tomato, Brinjal, Ginger, Peas, Cabbage, Cauliflower, French Beans, Lady’s Finger, Banana, Grapes, Papaya, Pomegranate, Coconut Fresh with Pulp, Kerosene Oil, Charcoal, etc. putting downward pressure on the index.
At centre level, Raniganj recorded a maximum increase of 4.2 points followed by Ramgarh with 2.5 points. Among others, 7 centres recorded increase between 1 to 1.9 points, 38 centres between 0.1 to 0.9 points. On the contrary, Guwahati and Tripura recorded a maximum decrease of 1.7 points each. Among others, 7 centres recorded decrease between 1 to 1.4 points, 30 centres between 0.1 to 0.9 points. Rest of two centres’ index remained stationary.
Year-on-year inflation for the month stood at 4.59 per cent compared to 4.91 per cent for the previous month and 6.16 per cent during the corresponding month a year before. Similarly, Food inflation stood at 7.66 per cent against 8.18 per cent of the previous month and 5.69 per cent during the corresponding month a year ago.
Y-o-Y Inflation based on CPI-IW (Food and General)
All-India Group-wise CPI-IW for December, 2023 and January, 2024
Sr. No.
Groups
December, 2023
January, 2024
I
Food & Beverages
142.8
141.9
II
Pan, Supari, Tobacco & Intoxicants
157.8
158.0
III
Clothing & Footwear
141.1
141.4
IV
Housing
125.7
128.4
V
Fuel & Light
161.8
161.8
VI
Miscellaneous
135.5
135.5
General Index
138.8
138.9
CPI-IW: Groups Indices
The next issue of CPI-IW for the month of February, 2024 will be released on Thursday, 28th March, 2024. The same will also be available on the office website www.labourbureau.gov.in.
Banks & Post offices will now help ECI step-up voter education and outreach ahead of Lok Sabha Elections 2024
ECI messaging will reach a wide audience through 1.6 lakh bank branches, over 2 lakh ATMs & 1.55 lakh Post Offices across the country
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Election Commission of India (ECI) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two prominent organizations, the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) and the Department of Posts (DoP) to amplify its voter outreach and awareness efforts ahead of the forthcoming General Elections to Lok Sabha 2024. The initiative is in continuation of ECI’s untiring efforts to enhance electoral awareness in the country. Notably, ECI had recently signed an MoU with the Ministry of Education to formally integrate electoral literacy into the educational curriculum of schools and colleges. The MoU was signed today in the presence of Chief Election Commissioner Shri Rajiv Kumar and Election Commissioner Shri Arun Goel. Sh Vineet Pandey Secretary, Department of Posts Shri Sunil Mehta, Chief Executive, IBA and other officials from Department of Posts, IBA and ECI were present on the occasion.
As part of the MoU, IBA & DoP with its members and affiliated institutions/units will extend support in promoting voter education through their extensive network on a pro-bono basis, employing various interventions to empower citizens with knowledge about their electoral rights, processes, and steps for registration and voting.
Key highlights of the MoU include:
Members and affiliated institutions/units will display voter education messages prominently on their websites, directing visitors to learn more about the electoral process.
Voter education content will be disseminated through various promotional channels such as social media and customer outreach platforms of member institutions, ensuring widespread awareness among stakeholders and the public.
Voter education messages will be displayed in the form of posters, flex, and hoardings at office infrastructure/premises at major locations, reaching customers at key touchpoints.
All member institutions under IBA & DoP will establish Voter Awareness Fora to engage employees and customers in discussions and initiatives related to voter education.
Sensitize about training module on SVEEP in the regular orientation Programmes of employees of IBA & DoP.
The Department of Posts will affix a special cancellation stamp (bearing voter education messages) on the postal articles.
Despite successfully managing and conducting elections by the Election Commission over the years in fair and peaceful way along with a significant increase in participation of the electors, there is also a concern that around 30 crore electors (out of 91 crore), did not cast their votes in General Election to Lok Sabha 2019. The voting percentage was 67.4%, which the Commission has taken as a challenge to improve upon.
This collaboration with IBA and Department of Posts, signifies a significant step towards strengthening democracy by empowering citizens with knowledge and awareness about their electoral rights and responsibilities. Through concerted efforts, both organizations are committed to fostering a culture of informed and active participation in the electoral process.
Background: The Indian Banks’ Association (IBA), formed on September 26, 1946, started with 22 members and now has a strong network of 247 members across the country. Public sector banks are in lead with 90,000+ branches and 1.36 lakh ATMs followed by 42,000+ branches of Private Sector Banks with 79,000+ ATMs. Regional Rural Banks contribute 22,400+ branches, while Small Finance & Payment Banks operate around 7000 branches and 3000+ ATMs. Foreign Banks maintain 840 branches and 1,158 ATMs, and Local Area Banks have 81 branches. The cumulative number of the branches are 1.63 lakh+ with 2.19 lakh+ ATMs across the country.
For more than 150 years, the Department of Posts (DoP) has been the backbone of the country’s communication and has played a crucial role in the country’s social economic development. With more than 1,55,000 post offices, the DoP has the most widely distributed postal network in the world.
