PFRDA inaugurates app to widen financial inclusion through fintech and to boost NPS
In order to foster innovation and inclusivity within the NPS architecture, particularly through its engagement of fintech entities as Point of Presence (PoP) thus, enhancing accessibility and convenience, Shri Deepak Mohanty, Chairperson, Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), inaugurated Zerodha Broking Limited’s NPS web-app, in New Delhi, today. The app offers seamless access of NPS to a wider subscriber base.
Shri Mohanty said that there is merit in joining NPS at a young age to harness the benefit of compounding. NPS provides continuity to retirement saving account irrespective of one’s employment status and is available for non-resident Indians (NRIs). As youngsters are tech savvy, the facilitation by Zerodha Broking Limited would expand access to NPS.Â
Extension of Relaxation of Upper Age Limit for Assistant Loco Pilot and upcoming Technician Recruitment: Railway Board Order
RBE No. 22/2024
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (BHARAT SARKAR) MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (RAIL MANTRALAVA) (RAILWAY BOARD)
No. E(NG)-II/2024/RR-1/4(Pt)
New Delhi, dated: 07.03.2024
The General Manager (P), All Zonal Railways/Production Units Chairpersons/Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) Chairpersons/Railway Recruitment Cells (RRCs)
Sub: Relaxation in upper age limit for direct recruitment to non-gazetted posts on the Railways.
In continuation to Board’s letter number E(NG)-II/2024/RR-1/4 dated 30.01.2024 (RBE No.08/2024) read with letter dated 06.02.2024 (RBE No.09/2024), it has been decided to extend relaxation of 3 years in upper age limit provided for the ongoing recruitment exercise for the post of Assistant Loco Pilot under CEN-01/2024 to direct recruitment from open market to the posts of Technician category to be notified in March 2024. This is to give relief to many candidates who may have become over-aged and have missed the opportunity to appear in recruitment in Railways due to Covid pandemic.
(U.K.Tiwari) Director Estt.(N) Railway Board
No. E(NG)/I112024/RR-1/4 (Pt.)
New Delhi, Dated: 07.03.2024
Copy to:
1. The General Secretary, AIRF, Room No. 253, Rail Bhawan, New Delhi (35spares). 2. The General Secretary, NFIR, Room No. 256-E, Rail Bhawan, New Delhi (35spares). 3. All Members of Departmental Council and National Council and Secretary, Staff Side, National Council, 13-C, Ferozeshah Road, New Delhi (60 spares). 4. The Secretary General, FROA, Room No.256-A, Railway Board (5 spares). 5. The Secretary General, IRPOF, Room No. 268, Rail Bhawan, New Delhi (5 spares). 6. The General Secretary, AIRPF Association, Room No. 256-D, Rail Bhawan, New Delhi. 7. The Secretary, RBSS Group ‘A’ Officers’ Association, Rail Bhawan, New Delhi. 8. The Secretary, RBSS Group ‘B’ Officers’ Association, Rail Bhawan, New Delhi. 9. The Secretary, Railways Board Ministerial Staff Association Rail Bhawan, New Delhi. 10. The Secretary, Railways Board Non-Ministerial Staff Association, Rail Bhawan, New Delhi. 11. The Secretary, Railways Board Promotee officers Association, Room No. 341-C, Rail Bhawan, New Delhi.
Staff Selection Commission Releases JSA/LDC 2021 & 2022 Exam Answer Keys and Opens Window for Objections
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the tentative answer keys and candidate response sheets for the Paper-II of the Junior Secretariat Assistant/Lower Division Clerk (JSA/LDC) Grade Limited Departmental Competitive Examination 2021 & 2022.
The computer-based exam for Paper-II was conducted on March 4, 2024.
Here’s what you need to know:
Access Answer Keys and Response Sheets: Candidates can access the answer keys and their response sheets through a link provided by the SSC. You’ll need your examination roll number and password to log in.
Challenge Answer Keys: If you disagree with any answer key, you can submit an online representation between March 6, 2024 (6:00 PM) and March 9, 2024 (6:00 PM). A fee of Rs. 100/- per question/answer challenged applies.
Download Response Sheets: You can download a printout of your response sheet along with the answer keys from the same link. This option is available only from March 6, 2024 (6:00 PM) to March 9, 2024 (6:00 PM).
Important Note: Representations received after the deadline of March 9, 2024 (6:00 PM) will not be considered under any circumstances.
DOPPW takes 3 important steps for improving Pensioners Welfare
The Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare took following 3 important policy initiatives for Improving Pensioners Welfare:
1. The 53rd Pre-Retirement Counselling Workshop for the benefit of Central Government Employees, posted across Gujarat who are going to retire during the next 12 months, was held on 05.03.2024. In the workshop, over 300 retiring officials from 14 Central Government Ministries/ Departments were provided relevant information related to the retirement benefits and pension sanction process. 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. were conducted. Detailed sessions to enable the retirees to plan investment and health care under CGGHS system, CGHS portal, facilities was also held. Pension disbursing banks, SBI, PNB, Bank of Baroda and ICICI participated in a bank exhibition for retirees.
2. The 7th Banker’s Awareness workshop for 57 for officers from CPPCs and branches handling pension related work from Bank of Baroda was held on 5-6 March 2024. Senior officials of the Department interacted with the Bankers on improved coordination for redressal of Pensioner Grievances, conduct of the Digital Life Certificate Campaign and the use of Face authentication technology. This Workshop was the seventh in a series of Awareness Programs for Central Pension Processing Centers and field functionaries handling pension related work in various Banks. Several Pensioners also participated in the workshop.
3. An interactive meeting with five Pensioners’ Welfare Associations, of Gujarat, namely Posts and Telegraphs and Other Central Govt. Pensioners’ Association, Ahmedabad, Kendiriya Nirvutta Karmachari Mandal, Vadodara, Baroda Central Pensioners’ Association, Vadodra, Central Govt. Pensioners Association, Ahmedabad & Bharat Pensioners’ Samaj was held at Ahmedabad on 05.03.2024.
Secretary Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare Shri V.Srinivas addressed all three events and highlighted the Government’s policies for Improving Pensioners Welfare and the emphasis on dignity of life post retirement and the thrust for Digital Empowerment of Pensioners. Senior Officials of Banks, CGHS, Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare also joined the deliberations.
Dearness Allowance to West Bengal Government Employees – 14% from May 2024 [ Memorandum ]
Government of West Bengal Finance Department (Audit Branch) Nabanna, Howrah-711102. Email ID: [email protected]
No. 1090-F(P2)
Dated, Howrah, the 1st March, 2024.
MEMORANDUM
Sub: Grant of Dearness Allowance to State Government Employees and the employees of Government aided Educational Institutions, employees of Statutory Bodies, Government Undertakings, Panchayats including Panchayat Karmee, Municipal Corporations/ Municipalities, Local Bodies etc. and also Dearness Relief to the Pensioners/ Family Pensioners.
The question of enhancement of (i) Dearness Allowance in the revised pay structure implemented as per recommendation of the 6th Pay Commission in respect of Government employees, the teaching and non-teaching employees of Government aided Educational Institutions, employees of Statutory Bodies, Government Undertakings, Panchayats including Panchayat Karmee, Municipal Corporations/ Municipalities, Local Bodies etc. and (ii) Dearness Relief on the pension/ family pension since revised as per recommendation of the said Pay Commission has been under consideration of the Government for some time past.
2. After careful consideration, the Governor has been pleased to decide the following:
I. The whole time State Government employees shall draw Dearness Allowance @ 14% of basic pay with effect from 01.05.2024. The calculation of Dearness Allowances shall be made taking into account the revised basic pay and NPA, if any, but it shall not include any other type of pay.
II. The Dearness Allowance as sanctioned at (I) above in respect of State Government employees shall be admissible to the teaching and non-teaching employees of Government aided Educational Institutions, employees of Statutory Bodies, Government Undertakings, Panchayats including Panchayat Karmee, Municipal Corporations / Municipalities, Local Bodies etc. The respective Administrative Department may sanction the benefit of Dearness Allowance @ 14% of revised basic pay with effect from 01.05.2024 to the employees under their control without making any further reference to Group-P2 of this Department.
III. (a) The State Government Pensioners/ Family Pensioners shall draw Dearness Relief @ 14% of revised basic pension/ revised family pension with effect from 01.05.2024.
(b) It will be the responsibility of the Pension Disbursing Authority to calculate the quantum of Dearness Relief on revised Pension/ revised family Pension payable to each individual case.
(c) For the purpose of payment of Dearness Relief sanctioned herein, the Principal Accountant General (A&E), West Bengal, will issue authority to the Public Sector Banks in Kolkata and the Accountant General of other States.
(d) The Treasury or Sub-treasury Officers in this State will give effect to this order without the authority of the Accountant General (A&E), West Bengal.
IV. The Dearness Relief as sanctioned at (III) (a) above for the State Government Pensioners/ Family Pensioners shall also be admissible to the Pensioners/ Family Pensioners of State aided Non-Government Educational Institutions, Statutory Bodies/ Government Undertakings/ Panchayats, Municipal Corporations/ Municipalities, Local Bodies etc., who are in receipt of revised Pension/ revised Family Pension as per recommendation of 6th Pay Commission. The respective Administrative Department may sanction the benefit of Dearness Relief @ 14% of revised Pension/ revised Family Pension with effect from 01.05.2024 to the Pensioners/ Family Pensioners concerned under their control without making any further reference to Pension Branch of this Department.
V. (a) The rate of Dearness Allowance in respect of the employees mentioned in para (I) above who are drawing pay in the pre-revised pay structure as per recommendation of the 5th Pay Commission shall be enhanced from 151% to 161% with effect from 01.05.2024.
(b) The pensioners/ family pensioners still drawing pre-revised pension/ family pension (As per ROPA 2009) will get Dearness Relief @ 161% with effect from 01.05.2024 till their pension/ family pension is revised.
VI. The Dearness Allowance/ Dearness Relief sanctioned herein shall be rounded off to the nearest rupee in each case.
VII. In the case of Public Undertakings/ Statutory Bodies, the additional expenditure for sanction of Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief should be borne by such Undertakings/ Bodies themselves out of their own resources or out of financial assistance provided to them in the budget and no additional financial assistance will be given to them on that account.
VIII. There will be a further ad-hoc increase in the Daily Rate of Wages by Rs. 22/- (Rupees Twenty Two) only with effect from 01.05.2024 for the daily rated workers under the Government whose wages are not regulated by any Statutory provisions like the Minimum Wages Act, etc.
Sd/- Dr. Manoj Pant Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of West Bengal
Central Secretariat Club: Call for Elections of Office Bearers and Executive Committee Members
OFFICE OF THE AD-HOC ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE, CENTRAL SECRETARIAT CLUB, TALKATORA ROAD, NEW DELHI NOTIFICATION DELHI, THE 1ST MARCH, 2024
NO. CSC/Meetings/2023/01-01 – The following is published for general information for the members of the Central Secretariat Club Talkatora Road, New Delhi:-
Whereas, the Ad-hoc Administrative Committee constituted by the Department of Personnel & Training, (DOPT) for the Central Secretariat Club, Talkatora Road, New Delhi decided to call upon all members of the Central Secretariat Club to elect Office Bearers and Members to the Executive Committee of the Central Secretariat Club in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of Central Secretariat Club and of the decision/order made by the Ad-hoc Administrative Committee.
2. Now, therefore, the Committee, in pursuance of election of the Executive Committee of the Club, hereby-
(A) appoints, with respect of the said election in the Club
(a) the 7th March, 2024 (Thursday), as the opening date for filling Nominations, (b) the 18th March, 2024 (Monday), as the last date for filling Nominations, (c) the 28th March, 2024 (Thursday), as the last date for withdrawal of candidatures; (d) the 7th April, 2024 (Sunday), as the date on which a poll shall be taken
(B) fixes the hours from 11:00AM to 3:00 PM, as the hours during which the poll shall be taken on the date specified above at Central Secretariat Club, for the election.
By Order (Chief Welfare Officer, Doff) & Chairperson To the Ad-hoc Administrative Committee, Central Secretariat Club
Incentive for Sportspersons in Government of India: Revised DOPT O.M dt 04.03.2024
F. No. 14034/1/2020-Pers. Policy (D) Pt Vol.II (C.No. 3164784) Government of India Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (Department of Personnel & Training)
North Block, New Delhi Dated the 4th March 2024
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject :Incentive for Sportspersons in Government of India – regarding.
The undersigned is directed to say that consolidated instructions on Recruitment/Promotion and other incentives for Sportspersons in Government of India were issued vide Department of Personnel & Training (DOPT) Office Memorandum No. 14034/01/2013-Estt. (D) dated 03.10.2013. These instructions have been reviewed in consultation with the Department of Sports which is the nodal Department for promotion of sports in the country in order to bring more clarity, inclusion of events which have gained importance in the recent times as well as to provide greater incentives to the sportspersons performing well in these games.
2. Accordingly, it has been decided to revise the existing instructions relating to the following areas in these consolidated instructions:-
• Eligibility for appointment of Sportspersons considered meritorious • Inclusion of Games/Events • Authorities competent to award certificates on eligibility for recruitment of sportspersons • Order of Preference to candidates (Competition-wise) • Events of national importance
3. Resultantly, the following paras of existing instructions, as contained in above mentioned DOPT’s O.M. dated 03.10.2013 hereby stand revised:-
Para No. of DOPT O.M. dated 03.10.2013
Â
A. I (a) i)
Eligibility
A. I (a) iv)Â
A. VÂ
List of authorities competent to award certificates on eligibility for recruitment of sportspersons
A. VIÂ
Order of Preference
F
Events of national importance
4. The revised paras are appended to this O.M.
5. This may be brought to the notice of all concerned for information, guidance necessary action.
6. Hindi version will follow.
(Amit Choubey) Under Secretary to the Government of India
To All Ministries/Departments of Government of India.
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.
