Non-functioning of Departmental Councils under the Scheme of Joint Consultative Machinery (JCM)
No.4/3/2019- JCA Government of India Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Department of Personnel & Training Establishment (JCA) Section
North Block, New Delhi – 110 001 Dated: 14th December, 2023
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Non-functioning of Departmental Councils under the Scheme of Joint Consultative Machinery (JCM)
The undersigned is directed to say that instructions have been issued by this Department from time to time for making effective use of JCM Scheme by the Ministries/Departments to discuss the demands of the employees. Departmental Council set up under JCM Scheme is an appropriate forum for redressal of the grievances of the employees. However, it has come to out notice that the Meetings of the Departmental Councils in various Ministries / Departments except a few, are not being held regularly.
2. The Staff Side, National Council (JCM) has been raising this issue in the Meetings of the National Council (JCM) and Standing Committee of the National Council (JCM). As per JCM Scheme “the meetings of the Departmental Council shall be held as often as necessary, and not less than once in four months’. However, the Staff Side has pointed out that in some of the Ministries I Departments the meetings of the Departmental Councils have not been held regularly.
3. In view of the above, it is requested that the Joint Consultative Machinery needs to be galvanized and for this purpose Departmental Council may be constituted in those Ministries/Departments where they have not been constituted and where they already exist and the meeting of the Departmental Council may be held more frequently to resolve Staff Side grievances.
(Parveen Jargar) Deputy Secretary to the Government of India
To Joint Secretaries (Admn.) of the all Ministries/Departments
Copy to: 1. Shri Sunil Kumar Mandi, US(R&R,DC), DOPT, Lok Nayak Bhavan, New Delhi 2. Secretary, Staff Side, National Council (JCM), 13-C Ferozshah Road, New Delhi – 110001
(a) the number of pensioners in the country, State-wise;
(b) whether the Government proposes to restore Old Pension Scheme (OPS), if so, the details thereof and the reasons for delay in the implementation of OPS;
(c) the number of States that have restarted the OPS for their employees;
(d) whether many States have demanded return of contribution of National Pension Scheme (NPS) to restart OPS;
(e) the details of amount deposited along with interest thereon demanded by the Government of Chhattisgarh along with the action taken by the Government thereon; and
(f) the decision taken/being taken by the Government to return the fund of NPS to States that have restarted OPS?
ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR FINANCE (SHRI PANKAJ CHAUDHARY)
(a) As per the data compiled and furnished by Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare on the basis of database maintained by Central Pension Accounting Office, Controller General of Defence Accounts, Ministry of Railways, Department of Telecommunication and Department of Posts, the total number of Central Government pensioners as on 31.03.2023 is as follows:-
S.No
Department
No. of Pensioners and family Pensioners
1
Civil Pensioner
11,41,985
2
Defence Pensioner
33,87,173 (Defence pensioners including civilian pensioners)
3
Telecom Pensioner
4,38,758
4
Railways Pensioner
15,25,768
5
Postal Pensioner
3,01,765
Total
67,95,449
Central Government does not maintain database in respect of pensioners of State Government.
(b) No such proposal is under consideration of Government for restoration of OPS in respect of Central Government employees. A Committee has been set up under the chairmanship of Finance Secretary to look into the issue of Pensions under National Pension System (NPS) in respect of Government employees and to, inter alia, examine whether in the light of the existing framework and structure of the National Pension System, as applicable to Government employees, any changes therein are warranted.
(c) & (d) The State Governments of Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh have informed the Central Government/ Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) about their decision to revert to Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for their State Government employees. These State Governments have requested for withdrawal/refund of contribution along with return thereon. However, the Government of Punjab has also informed the Government of India that it continues to pay staff and Government contributions to the NPS.
(e) & (f) The State Government of Chhattisgarh vide letter dated 02.06.2022 has informed that an amount of Rs. 11,850 Crores has been transferred to Protean (erstwhile NSDL) having an Assests Under Management (AUM) of Rs. 17,240 Crores as on 31.03.2022 in respect of subscriber under NPS. There is no provision under PFRDA Act, 2013 read along with PFRDA (Exits and Withdrawals under the National Pension System) Regulations, 2015, and other relevant Regulations, vide which the accumulated corpus of the subscribers viz. Government contribution, Employees’ contribution towards NPS along with accruals, can be refunded and deposited back to the State Governments.
Payment of Pension/Family Pension in respect of NPS Subscribers: No More ‘N’ Prefix for PPO Numbers: CGA
No. I-95/4/2020-ITD-CGA (E 994)/583-91 Government of India Ministry of Finance Department of Expenditure Controller General of Accounts PFMS Division (GIFMIS)
Mahalekha Niyantrak Bhawan GPO Complex. INA, New Delhi Dated: 07.12.2023
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Payment of Pension/Family Pension in respect of NPS Subscribers as per Department of Pension & Pensioner’s Welfare notification dated 30th March, 2021
Reference is invited to Rule 20 of Central Civil Services (Implementation of National Pension System) Rules 2021 which prescribes entitlement of Invalid Pension and family pension to family members in the event of Invalidation/subscriber’s death. As per this rule, pension/family pension is to be processed as per Central Civil Services Pension Rules, 1972 now Central Civil Services Pension Rules, 2021.
2. Presently, Head of Office forward NPS Invalid Pension and NPS Family Pension cases through Bhavishya to PAO office which lands in Pension module at PFMS. PAO users pass case at all three levels i.e. DH, AAO and PAO. Thereafter, PAO User obtain PPO number from CPAO through Pension Module which in turn provide PPO number with “N” Prefix for NPS Family/Invalid Pension case. After digital signature, verification and submission, case lands at CPAO. PAO user also forward physical booklets of PPO to CPAO for further processing at their end.
3. Now. as per Rule 20 of DoP&PW aforesaid notification, NPS Family/Invalid Pension is required to be processed as per CCS Pension Rules, 2021, and as per CPAO’s OM No. CPAO/ IT&Tech/NPS to OPS/22Vol-V/2023-24/12612/147 dated 28.11.2023, there is no requirement of allotment of PPO number with prefix ‘N’ and hereafter PPO numbers will be allotted to such cases without prefix ‘N’ in PFMS Pension Module as well as by CPAO.
4. This issues with the approval of the competent authority.
(Hemant Gupta) Assistant Controller of Accounts (GIFMIS)
Anomaly in Promotions Before & After 2016: Rajya Sabha QA
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF EXPENDITURE
RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 241 TO BE ANSWERED ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2023/ 14 AGRAHAYANA, 1945 (SAKA)
ANOMALY IN PROMOTIONS
241: SHRI NEERAJ SHEKHAR
Will the Minister of Finance be pleased to state:
(a) whether cases of pay anomaly between senior employees promoted before 31.12.2015 and junior employees promoted after 01.01.2016, arising due to application of Rule 10 of CCS (RP) Rules, 2016 and subsequent clarifications vide DoE’s OM dated 28.11.2019 providing for grant of next increment after completion of 6 months of service after date of fixation. are covered for stepping up under Rule 7(10) read with Rule 10 and Rule 13 of CCS (RP) Rules, 2016, irrespective of their options for fixation of pay;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) if not, the corrective measures to step up pay of seniors?
ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI PANKAJ CHAUDHARY)
(a) to (c): Pay anomalies between senior employees promoted before 01.01.2016 and junior employees promoted after 01.01.2016. arising out of Department of Expenditure’s O.M. dated 28.11.2019 are considered keeping in view the provisions of Rule 7(10). Rule 10 and Rule 13 of the CCS(RP) Rules, 2016 and also under guidelines issued by Department of Personnel & Training on stepping up of pay by taking into account their options for fixation of pay.
Grant of Fixed Medical Allowance to Pensioners/Family Pensioners covered under National Pension System: DOPPW O.M 06.12.2023
No. 04/07/2020-P&PW(D) Government of India Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare
3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhawan Khan Market, New Delhi-110003 Dated :- 06th December, 2023
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Sub:- Grant of Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) to Pensioners/Family Pensioners covered under National Pension System – reg
In accordance with the existing instructions, Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) is admissible to the Central Government civil pensioners/family pensioners (i) residing in areas not covered under Central Government Health Scheme or any corresponding Health Scheme administered by other Ministries/Departments and (ii) not availing OPD facility under CGHS. FMA is disbursed to the pensioners by the Pension Disbursing Authorities/Banks along with their monthly pension.
2. FMA is also admissible to retired National Pension System (NPS) employees who are granted pension under Old Pension Scheme on account of invalidation/disability and to the family members of deceased NPS employees, who are granted family pension as per the Old Pension Scheme on death of NPS employee during service. Grant of FMA in such cases is subject to fulfilment of the usual conditions therefor.
3. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued orders vide O.M. No S.11011/10/2012-CGHS(P)/EHS dated 28th March, 2017 extending the CGHS facility to Government servants who retire under NPS, if they fulfil the following conditions:
(i) Minimum years of qualifying service for eligibility of CGHS membership after retirement-10 years
(ii) No minimum qualifying years of service for availing CGHS facilities in case of death/disability.
(iii) In case of absorption in an Autonomous Body/Statutory Body, NPS subscribers can avail CGHS after their retirement only if the Autonomous Body/Statutory Body, where they are absorbed, is covered for their retired employees, subject to condition (i) above.
(iv) In case of deputation to an Autonomous Body/Statutory Body, no CGHS coverage till such period of deputation continues unless the entity to which the employee has been transferred on deputation is covered by CGHS.
(v) Status quo to be maintained for serving NPS subscribers subject to conditions at (iii) and (iv) above.
(vi) Other conditions such as definition of family, CGHS contribution, conditions of dependency etc. will be applicable as per the existing rules.
4. The matter regarding grant of FMA to the employees who retire from NPS has been considered in consultation with the Department of Expenditure, Office of Controller General of Accounts (CGA) and Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. It has now been decided that such retired NPS employees, who otherwise fulfil the conditions for availing CGHS facility as mentioned in para 3 above, shall be eligible for grant of FMA on the same rates as in the case of pensioners drawing pension under Old Pension Scheme, if they are residing outside CGHS area and do not avail OPD facility under CGHS after retirement. Accordingly, those NPS retirees who are eligible for CGHS facility but are residing outside CGHS area shall be entitled to FMA as per the applicable rate, if they do not avail any CGHS facility or avail only the IPD facility under CGHS.
5. The modalities for sanctioning FMA to NPS retirees have been considered in consultation with the office of Controller General of Accounts (CGA) and the following procedure is laid down for sanction of FMA to the NPS retirees:
(i) The retiring Government servant shall submit the following forms/documents in triplicate to the Head of Office (HOO):
(a) Application-cum-undertaking in prescribed format (Form’1’) along with two copies of photograph, specimen signature and identification marks.
(b) Details of family in prescribed format (Form-2 of CCS (Implementation of National Pension System) Rules, 2021. (Referred to in Rule 10(3)of those Rules)
(c) Undertaking addressed to bank for recovery of overpayment prescribed format (Form-3)
(d) Nomination Form for payment of Arrears of FMA in prescribed format (Form-4)
(ii) The Head of Office, shall scrutinise the application and apply the necessary checks. After complying with the rules and instructions issued by the Government of India regarding eligibility for payment of FMA to the retired Government Servant, the HOO shall forward the FMA case along-with two sets of forms/documents referred to in sub-para (a) to (d) above to the Pay & Accounts Officer for issue of FMA payment authority. The Head of Office shall retain one set of each of the Forms/documents mentioned above. The Head of Office will maintain the files, registers and records relating to all such cases for future requirements.
(iii) The PAO shall apply the necessary checks and prepare FMA Payment Authority. The PAO will issue the FMA authority and send it to the Central Pension Accounting Office (CPAO) along with one set of forms documents mentioned in subpara (a) to (d) above and the copy of the forwarding letter sent to him by HOO. The FMA authority shall include the name of spouse/family member who would be eligible for FMA in the event of death of the retired NPS employee. For this purpose, the eligibility conditions for grant of FMA to the family would be the same as in the case of family pension under CCS (Pension) Rules. The Pay & Accounts Officer will endorse copy of FMA Payment Authority to the Head of Office as well as NPS retiree/beneficiary. The Pay & Accounts Officer will maintain the files, registers and records relating to all such cases for future requirements.
(iv) The Central Pension Accounting Office will feed the data of all such cases individually and also keep scanned copies of all documents received from Pay & Accounts Officer in its data base. After, carrying out necessary checks, CPAO will prepare Special Seal Authority (SSA) and send the same along with all the Forms received from Pay & Accounts Officer and mentioned in sub-para (a) to (d) above to the concerned Central Pension Processing Centre (CPPC) of the Authorised Bank for payment of FMA to the beneficiary. The Central Pension Accounting Office will endorse the copy to the PAO & beneficiary.
(v) The Central Pension Processing Centre (CPPC) of the Authorised bank, after receiving the Special Seal Authority for payment of FMA from CPAO, will credit the amount of FMA, at the rate notified from time to time by the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions in respect of retirees governed by CCS (Implementation of NPS) Rules, 2021, in the bank account of the beneficiary on monthly basis. The payment of FMA will be automatic and no bill is required to be submitted by the beneficiary. The CPPC will strictly follow the instructions mentioned in the Special Seal Authority for Payment of FMA issued by the CPAO and any other orders issued by the Government on the subject. The amount of FMA disbursed to the retired NPS employees and their families will be reimbursed by the Government to the banks as per the existing system.
(vi) In the case of change in option by the beneficiary from FMA to CGHS (OPD) facility, the instructions contained in the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions’ OM No. 4/05/2019-P&PW(D) dated 23.03.2022 as amended from time to time will be followed.
(vii) NPS retiree/beneficiary has option for getting FMA credited in their savings bank account opened or to be opened with any of the CBS enabled branch of concerned authorized bank (either single account in their name or joint account with member of their family in whose favour an authorization for FMA exists in the FMA Payment Authority) and operated either by “former or survivor” or “either or survivor” basis. The NPS retiree/beneficiary in whose favour FMA has been sanctioned should be the primary account holder in the joint account.
(viii) For payment of FMA to NRI beneficiary, opening of bank account and facility for withdrawal of FMA to sick and physically handicapped beneficiary, the procedures/instructions laid down in the Para Nos. 16 & 17 respectively of the ‘Scheme for Payment of Pensions to Central Government Civil Pensioners by Authorized Banks’ (5th Edition) issued by Central Pension Accounting Office shall be followed.
(ix) For transfer of account from one branch/bank to another for payment of FMA, the procedure laid down in Para 15 of the ‘Scheme for Payment of Pensions to Central Government Civil Pensioners by Authorized Banks’ (5th Edition) issued by Central Pension Accounting Office shall be followed.
(x) After making payment of FMA, the CPPC, for the present, shall follow the procedure / instructions contained in 5th Edition of “Payment of Pensions to Central Government Civil Pensioners by Authorised Banks” issued by Central Pension Accounting Office, for reimbursement, accounting and submission of reports to the extent feasible and required. Further, instructions for payment of FMA to the beneficiary under National Pension System will be formulated and issued by the Central Pension Accounting office to CPPCs in due course.
(xi) The person drawing FMA shall submit life certificate (Digital or physical) every year in November in the concerned bank for continuing the FMA. The payment of FMA due in following January onwards will be made only after the retiree has submitted the life certificate due in preceding November.
(xii) The member of family of NPS retiree will intimate about the death of NPS retiree/FMA beneficiary at the earliest and not later than one month after the date of death so that the Payment of FMA is stopped by the CPPC. On death of a beneficiary, pro-rata FMA for the period after the last payment up to the date of death shall be paid to the next beneficiary/nominee.
(xiii) On the death of FMA beneficiary, if the name of the spouse/family member eligible for FMA is mentioned in the FMA Payment Authority, the spouse/family member will apply to the bank along with the Death Certificate for disbursement of FMA to him/her. The bank will accordingly start disbursement of FMA to him/her. If the name of family member eligible for FMA is not mentioned in the FMA authority, then, on death of an FMA beneficiary, the member of the family shall apply to the Head of the Office along with death certificate for issue of a fresh FMA authority. Thereafter, the exercise as for issuing an FMA authority shall be followed for issuing a fresh FMA authority in favour of the family member. This will, interalia, include satisfying of HOO about eligibility of the family member and forwarding case to PAO for issue of FMA authority. PAO, after exercising necessary checks will issue authority and send case to CPAO for making payment through CPPC. The eligibility conditions for grant of FMA to the family would be same as in case of family pension under CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021.
(xiv) On death of a serving employee, if the family is entitled to benefits of lumpsum and/or annuity under NPS, the procedure applicable for issuing PPO for family pension in favour of a family member would be adopted for issuing FMA authority in favour of eligible family member of deceased NPS employee.
(xv) The Bank shall make payment of FMA on quarterly basis in the following manner:
For the months of December to February – In the first week of March
For the months of March to May – In the first week of June
For the months of June to August – In the first week of September
For the months of September to November – In the first week of December
The payment of FMA to be made in the first week of December for the months of September to November and all subsequent payments of FMA will be subject to submission of life certificate (Digital or Physical) due in the month of November
(xvi) The amount of FMA disbursed to the retired NPS employees and their families will be disbursed by the Government to the banks as per the existing system.
(xvii) The FMA authority shall include the details of the Bank/Family/Nominee which may be utilised for payment of any arrears of the pay, etc., which may become due to the employee on account of implementation of recommendation of Pay Commission or any other reason.
(xix) The FMA payments, Account, Records and Registers maintained in the CPPC of Authorised Banks making FMA payments shall be open to audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India or any person appointed by Government in this regard. In addition to audit by C&AG, the Internal Audit Wing, Central Pension Accounting Office will also conduct audit of CPPCs of Authorised Banks in respect of FMA payments.
(xx) The existing procedure is for payment of FMA to those Pensioners/Family Pensioners who are governed by CCS(Implementation of NPS) Rules, 2021 and are in receipt of invalid or disability pension/family pension under CCS(Pension) Rules will continue.
(xxi) As informed by CGA, payments towards FMA may be done through same Head of Account and on the same lines as being done presently. The expenditure for booking FMA, following Head of Account will be used:-
2071
Pensions and other Retirement Benefits
2071.01-
Civil
2071.01.101
Superannuation and Retirement Allowances
2071.01.101.01
Ordinary Pensions
2071.01.101.01.00.04
Superannuation and Retirement Allowances, Ordinary Pension
2071.01.101.04
Ordinary Pensions (AIS)
2071.01.101.04.00.04
Superannuation and Retirement Allowances, Ordinary Pension (AIS)
2071.01.101.05
Additional Relief on Death/Disability of Government Servants Covered by the New Defined Contribution Pension Scheme (NPS) Ordinary Pensions (Invalid Pension)
2071.01.101.05.00.04
Superannuation and Retirement Allowances, Additional Relief on death/disability of Government Servants covered by the New Defined Contribution Scheme (NPS) Ordinary Pension (Invalid Pension)
2071.01.101.02.00.04
Family Pension
6. These orders will take effect from the date of issue of order.
7. All Ministries/Departments are requested to give wide publicity to these orders.
8. These orders issue with the concurrence of Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure, vide their I.D. Note No. 18(2)/EV/2021 dated 07.12.2022.
9. In so far as the persons serving in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department are concerned, these orders are issued in consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, as mandated under Article 148(5) of the Constitution of India.”
10. Hindi version will follow.
Encl: as above
(Ravinder Kumar) Director
To 1. All Central Govt. Ministries / Departments. 2. Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, North Block, New Delhi. 3. C&AG, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi. 4. Ministry of Railways, Railway Board, for information, New Delhi. 5. Department of Personnel and Training, North Block, New Delhi. 6. Department of Financial Services, Jeevan Deep Building, Parliament Street, New Delhi. 7. CGA, Department of Expenditure, INA, New Delhi. 8. AD(OL) for Hindi version. 9. NIC for posting on the website of this Department.
Extra Attempt and Age Relaxation for UPSC Civil Services Exam Candidates: Lok Sabha QA
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS (DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL & TRAINING) LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 572 (TO BE ANSWERED ON 06.12.2023)
EXTRA ATTEMPT/AGE RELAXATION
572. DR. SANJEEV KUMAR SINGARI:
Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has recorded the demand for extra attempt and age relaxation made by candidates that appeared for the UPSC-CSE during the two pandemic years;
(b) if so, the details thereof including the steps taken by the Government to consider the demand; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor;
ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH)
(a) to (c): Based on the judgments passed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the writ petitions filed by some CSE candidates and in light of the views expressed by the Department related Parliamentary Standing Committee, the matter was duly considered and it was not found feasible to consider any change in the existing provisions regarding number of attempts and age-limit in respect of the CSE.
Missing Entries in GPF accumulation of Subscribers: CGDA
Office of Controller General of Defence Accounts Ulan Batar Road, Palam, Delhi Cantt.- 110010
No. ABTDL-4462/42/2022-PAYC
Dated: 05.12.2023
To All Fund Maintaining Controllers/DDP Contrtollers
Subject: Missing Entries in GPF accumulation of Subscribers
Of late, several no. of grievance cases have come into light wherein inaccurate and delayed GPF settlement, along with interest, has been noticed. This is mainly due to missing credits/over credits during the tenure of their service. At the time of superannuation such discrepancies are being corrected with a huge interest resulting in a dispute between the Fund Maintaining Controller and the subscriber(s) after superannuation.
2. The Fund Maintaining Controller always insist on the point that it is the duty of the subscriber(s) to bring into the notice of the Fund Maintaining Controller about any discrepancy. On the other hand, the subscriber complains about less payment at the time of their final settlement of GPF. In some cases the subscriber(s) are even approaching the higher authorities for resolution.
3. In this connection, it is advised to follow, strictly, DoP&PW OM No. 3/7/2020- P&PW(Desk-F) E.6574 dated 17.07.2020 (Copy enclosed).
4. This issues with approval of Sr. it. CGDA (System).
Guidelines on Acceptance of Awards by Government Servants: DOPT
F. No. 11013/22/2023 – Pers. Policy (A-III) Government of India Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (Department of Personnel and Training) (Personnel Policy — A.III)
202, North Block, New Delhi Dated 4 December, 2023
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Guidelines on Acceptance of Awards by Government servants
Instructions have been issued by this Department, from time to time, regarding acceptance of awards by the Government servants from Private Bodies and Institutes, in accordance with Rule 14 of the CCS(Conduct) Rules, 1965.
2. Rule 14 of the CCS(Conduct) rules, 1964 provides that “No Government servant shall, except with the previous sanction of the Government, receive any complimentary or valedictory address or accept any testimonial or attend any meeting or entertainment held in his honour; or in the honour of any other Government servant: provided that nothing in this rule shall apply to- (i) a farewell entertainment of a substantially private and informal character held in honour of a Government servant or any other Government servant on the occasion of his retirement or transfer or any person who has recently quitted the service of any Government; or (ii) the acceptance of simple and inexpensive entertainments arranged by public bodies or institutions.
3. As a corollary to the aforesaid Rule, it was stipulated in DOPT OM No.11013/2/99-Estt.(A) dated 24 February, 1999 that, in general, awards sought to be given by private bodies and institutes to Government servants do not need to be encouraged, inter alia, because of the fact that if a Government servant has done any outstanding work, there are various methods open to Government itself to recognize his merits and service and it would not be appropriate for him to accept such an award from a private body. In exceptional circumstances like rewarding the merit of an officer for work done outside the purview of his functions in Government or where Government otherwise thinks that an individual deserves a particular award, it was left to the discretion of the competent authority to decide such issues in a reasonable and judicious manner based on the main criterion that such an award should not have a monetary component.
4. Further, vide DOPT OM No. 11013/2/99-Estt.(A) dated 174 February, 2000 it was emphasized that the Government servants should not be allowed to accept awards of monetary benefits instituted by private trusts/ foundations, etc.
5. It has, however, been observed that these instructions are not being adhered to in their true spirit.
6. Accordingly, it is, hereby, clarified that:
a. Awards given by Private Bodies / Institutions / Organizations may be accepted only with prior approval of Competent Authority.
b. The Competent Authority for acceptance of Awards by a Government servant would be Secretary of the concerned Ministry/Department.
c. The Competent Authority for acceptance of Awards by Secretaries to Govt. of India and Secretary rank Officers would be Cabinet Secretary.
d. The Competent Authority may grant approval, only in exceptional circumstances as elucidated in Para 3 above subject to the following conditions:
i. The award should not have any monetary component in the form of cash and/or facilities.
ii. Credentials of the Private Bodies / Institutions / Organizations should be unimpeachable.
7. All Ministries/Departments are requested to ensure strict adherence to these guidelines.
(A K GOPAL) Under Secretary to the Government of India
AICPIN for October 2023: Expected DA from Jan 2024
Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (2016=100) – October, 2023
TheLabour Bureau, an attached office of the Ministry of 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 October, 2023is being released in this press release.
The All-India CPI-IW for October, 2023 increased by 0.9 points and stood at 138.4 (one hundred thirty eight point four). On 1-month percentage change, it increased by 0.65 per cent with respect to previous month compared to increase of 0.91 per cent recorded between corresponding months a year ago.
The maximum upward pressure in current index came from Food & Beverages group contributing 0.68 percentage points to the total change. At item level, Wheat, Wheat Atta, Arhar Dal/Tur Dal, Cow milk, Egg Hen, Papaya, Pomegranate/Anar, Arum/Arbi, Brinjal, Capsicum, Carrot, Cauliflower, French beans, Garlic, Lady’s Finger, Onion, Peas, Radish, Sugar White, Cumin seed/Jira, Mixed Spices, Cooked Meals, Vada/Idli/Dosa, Bidi, School uniform (Girls/Boys), Leather Sandle, Rubber Chappal, Bus fare, Toilet Soap, Medicine allopathic, etc. are responsible for the rise in index. However, this increase was largely checked by Rice, Fish Fresh, Poultry/Chicken, Mustard oil, Soyabean oil, Apple, Chillies Green, Ginger, Tomato, Cooking Gas (LPG), etc. putting downward pressure on the index.
At centre level, Biswanath-Chariali recorded a maximum increase of 4.8 points. Among others, 4 centres recorded increase between 3 to 3.9 points, 4 centres between 2 to 2.9 points, 19 centres between 1 to 1.9 points and 42 centres between 0.1 to 0.9 points. On the contrary, Chennai recorded a maximum decrease of 1.3 point followed by Coonoor and Kolkata with 1.1 points each. Among others, 13 centres recorded decrease between 0.1 to 0.9 points. Rest of two centers index remained stationary.
Year-on-year inflation for the month stood at 4.45 per cent compared to 4.72 per cent for the previous month and 6.08 per cent during the corresponding month a year before. Similarly, Food inflation stood at 6.27 per cent against 6.52 per cent of the previous month and 6.52 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 September, 2023 and October, 2023
Sr. No.
Groups
September, 2023
October, 2023
I
Food & Beverages
140.5
142.3
II
Pan, Supari, Tobacco & Intoxicants
156.8
157.0
III
Clothing & Footwear
139.4
139.5
IV
Housing
125.7
125.7
V
Fuel & Light
161.8
161.7
VI
Miscellaneous
134.7
135.1
General Index
137.5
138.4
CPI-IW: Groups Indices
The next issue of CPI-IW for the month of November, 2023 will be released on Friday, 29th December, 2023. The same will also be available on the office website www.labourbureau.gov.in.
CPAO clarification for applicability of pension rules after 01.04.2022
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF EXPENDITURE CENTRAL PENSION ACCOUNTING OFFICE TRIKOOT-II, BHIKAJI CAMA PLACE, NEW DELHI-110066
CPAO/IT&Tech/UT Chandigarh/50/2023-24/139
21.11.2023
Office Memorandum
Subject:- Clarification regarding applicability of pension rules after 01.04.2022.
The undersigned is directed to forward the clarification regarding applicability of pension rules to the employees of UT Chandigarh retiring on or after 01.04.2022.
Kindly refer to the letter no. Pen UT/CH/Central scales/2023-24/3972 dated 15.09.2023 issued by O/o AG(A&E), Punjab & UT, Chandigarh (copy enclosed) wherein information sought regarding applicability of pension rules on employees retiring on or after 01.04.2022 has been clarified:-
(i) Employees of Chandigarh Administration retiring on or after 01.04.2022 shall be governed by CCS (Pension) Rules and they shall accordingly be entitled to Central Pay Scales as well i.e. Revised Pay Rules 2023.
(ii) As employees retiring on or after 01.04.2022 are governed by CCS (Pension) Rules & Revised Pay Rules 2023 (Central Scales), therefore such pensioners/family pensioners are entitled for Central pattern of Dearness Relief.
(iii) Payment of LTC/any other allowance shall be admissible to pre-01.04.2022 pensioners/ family pensioners as they are not governed by CCS (Pension) Rules & Revised Pay Rules 2023.
All the Heads of CPPCs of Authorized Banks are requested to follow the above notification for payment of pension to the pensioners/family pensioners of UT Chandigarh.
This issues with the approval of the Competent Authority.
(Ajay Chaudhary) Sr. Accounts Officer (IT & Tech)
To, 1. Heads of CPPCs & GBD of All Authorized Banks.
Copy to: 1. PS to CC (P) 2. P.A. to CA 3. PA to Dy.CA 4. Sr.AO (A-II), CPAO
