NPS to OPS: Options for inclusion under the CCS (Pension) Rules to those employees who have since been retired from service
No. 57/03/2022-P&PW(13)/8361 (1) Government of India Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare ****
3 Floor, Lok Nayak Bhavan, Khan Market, New Delhi, Dated the 20th October, 2023
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Options for inclusion under the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972 ( now 2021) in accordance with DoPPW OM dated 03.03.2023 to those employees who have since been retired from service- reg.
The undersigned is directed to say that the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare administers pension related policy matters in respect to Central Government civil employees. This Department has issued instruction vide OM No. 57/05/2021-P&PW(B) dated 03.03.2023 giving one time option to the Central Government civil employee for inclusion under the CCS(Pension) Rules, 1972 (now 2021) who has been appointed against a post or vacancy which was advertised/ notified for recruitment/ appointment prior to notification for National Pension System i.e. 22.12.2003. As per para 7 of this OM, it is for the appointing authority of the post against which such option has been exercised to examine and decide applicability of these instructions.
2. References have been received seeking clarification on applicability of aforesaid instructions dated 03.03.2023 to the Central Government employees who have since retired from service before issue of these instructions.
3. It is, therefore, clarified that there is no restriction on applicability of aforesaid OM dated 03.03.2023 to Central Government employees who are otherwise eligible for coverage under OPS and who has already retired from service. Since, in this case, employee has already availed benefits under NPS, the Government contribution and return thereon under the NPS would require to be refunded along with interest thereon by the Government servant in order to avail the benefit under CCS(Pension) Rules, 1972, in case, he is found eligible for coverage under old pension scheme in terms of DoPPW OM dated 03.03.2023.
(S. Chakrabarti) Under Secretary to the Govt. of India
To All Ministries/Departments/Organisations, (As per standard list)
NPS to OPS : Employees who have joined Central Government service on mobility: DOPPW OM dated 20.10.2023
No.57/03/2022-P&PW(B)/8361 (2) Government of India Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare ***
3 Floor, Lok Nayak Bhavan, Khan Market, New Delhi, Dated the 20th October, 2023
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Inclusion under the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972 ( now 2021) in accordance with DoPPW OM dated 03.03.2023 to those employees who have joined Central Government service on mobility from Central Government/State Government / autonomous body service- reg.
The undersigned is directed to say that the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare administers pension related policy matters in respect to Central Government civil employees. This Department has issued instruction vide OM No. 57/05/2021-P&PW(B) dated 03.03.2023 giving one time option to the Central Government civil employee for inclusion under the CCS(Pension) Rules, 1972 ( now 2021) who has been appointed against a post or vacancy which was advertised/ notified for recruitment/ appointment prior to notification for National Pension System i.e. 22.12.2003. As per para 7 of this OM, it is for the appointing authority of the post against which such option has been exercised to examine and decide applicability of these instructions.
2. References have been received seeking clarification on applicability of aforesaid instructions dated 03.03.2023 to the Central Government employees who fulfils conditions of these instructions in their previous service rendered in State Government / autonomous bodies and thereafter joined Central Government service on or after 01.01.2004 after submitting technical resignation from previous service.
3. It is, therefore, clarified that the instructions issued vide OM dated 03.03.2023 are applicable to Central Government civil employees. Central Government employees who are included under CCS(Pension) Rules, 1972 in terms of OM dated 03.03.2023 for their appointment against any post / service in Central Government and moved to another Central Government service through proper channel would continue to be governed under the CCS(Pension) Rules, 1972.
4. However, the case of employee of the State Government / autonomous body moved to Central Government service on or after 01.01.2004 after tendering technical resignation from their previous service would examined as a case of counting of past service on mobility to Central Government service on or after 01.01.2004. Therefore, these cases would be examined in terms of this Department’s OM dated 28.10.2009.
(S. Chakrabarti) Under Secretary to the Govt. of India
To All Ministries/Departments/Organisations, (As per standard list)
Adjustment and recovery of Government dues from gratuity payable under the CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021: DOPPW OM 20.10.2023
No. 28/91/2022-P&PW(B) (1) Government of India Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare ***
3rd Floor. Lok Nayak Bhavan, Khan Market, New Delhi, Dated the 20th October, 2023
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Adjustment and recovery of Government dues from gratuity payable under the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021- reg.
The undersigned is directed to say that Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare has notified the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021 in supersession of the Central Civil Service (Pension) Rules, 1972. Rule 67 of the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021 deals with Government duces which can be adjusted and recovered from the gratuity payable to a Government servant under these rules.
2. As per Rule 67 of the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021, it shall be the duty of the Head of Office to ascertain and assess Government dues payable by a Government servant due for retirement on superannuation / retiring otherwise than superannuation/ retired from service. The Government dues which remain outstanding till the date of retirement of the Government servant, shall be adjusted against the amount of the retirement gratuity becoming payable.
3, The Expression ‘Government dues’ includes
(a) dues pertaining to Government accommodation including arrears of licence fee as well as damages (for the occupation of the Government accommodation beyond the permissible period after the date of retirement of the allottee, subletting, unauthorised occupation, transfer to an ineligible office, etc.) and dues or arrears in respect of electricity, water and PNG charge, if any;
(b) dues other than those pertaining to Government accommodation, namely, balance of house building or conveyance or any other advance, overpayment of pay and allowances or leave salary and arrears of income tax deductible at source under the Income Tax Act, 1961 (43 of 1961).
4. Rules further provides that only the Government dues as referred to in sub-rule (2) shall be adjusted against the amount of retirement gratuity payable to the retired Government servant and any other dues which are not Government dues in terms of sub-rule (2) shall not be recoverable from the amount of retirement gratuity.
5. All Ministries/Departments are requested that the above provisions regarding Government dues which can be recovered from Gratuity payable under the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021 may be brought to the notice of the personnel dealing with the pensionary benefits in the Ministry/Department and attached/subordinate offices there under, for strict implementation.
(S. Chakrabarti) Under Secretary to the Govt. of India
To All Ministries/Departments/Organisations, (As per standard list)
Procedure for adjustment and recovery of Government dues from gratuity payable under the CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021 : DOPPW OM 20.10.2023
No. 28/91/2022-P&PW(B)(2) Government of India Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare ****
3rd Floor, ok Nayak Bhawan, Khan Market, New Delhi, Dated the 20th October, 2023
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Procedure for adjustment and recovery of Government dues from gratuity payable under the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021- reg.
The undersigned is directed to say that Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare has notified the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021 in supersession of the Central Civil Service (Pension) Rules, 1972. Rules 67 to 69 of the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021 deals with Government ducs which may be adjusted and recovered from the gratuity payable to a Government servant under these rules and the procedure to be followed by the Department for recovery of Government ducs from Gratuity.
2.1 As per Rule 68 of the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021 relating to adjustment and recovery of dues pertaining to Government accommodation, in the case of a Government servant who is due for retirement on superannuation, the Directorate of Estates, on receipt of intimation and details from the Head of Office shall scrutinise its records and inform the Head of Office within two months, if any licence fee was recoverable from the Government servant in respect of the period prior to eight months of his retirement. In case the Government servant has retired or is retiring otherwise than on attaining the age of superannuation, the Directorate of Estates shall inform the Head of Office within onc month from the date of receipt of intimation from him, if any licence fee was recoverable from the Government servant up to the date of retirement.
2.2 If no intimation in regard to recovery of outstanding licence fee is received by the Head of Office by the stipulated date. it shall be presumed that no licence fee was recoverable from the allottee in respect of the period preceding eight months of the date of his superannuation or up to the date of retirement in other cases.
2.3. In the case of retirement on superannuation, the Head of Office shall ensure that licence fee for the next eight months, that is upto the date of retirement of the allottee, is recovered every month from the pay and allowances of the allottee. Where the Directorate of Estates intimates the amount of licence fee recoverable from the Government servant, the Head of Office shall ensure to recover the same in installments from the current pay and allowances of the allottee and where the entire amount is not recovered from the pay and allowances, the balance shall be recovered out of the gratuity before its payment is authorised.
2.4. The Directorate of Estates shall also inform the Head of Office the amount of licence fee for the retention of Government accommodation for the permissible period beyond the date of retirement of the allottee and the Head of Office shall adjust the amount of that licence fee from the amount of the gratuity together with the unrecovered licence fee, if any.
2.5. If in any particular case, it is not possible for the Directorate of Estates to determine the outstanding licence fee, that Directorate shall inform the Head of Office that ten per cent of the gratuity may be withheld pending receipt of further information.
2.6. The recovery of licence fee (where it is not possible for the Directorate of Estates to determine the outstanding license fee) as well as damages (for occupation of the Government accommodation beyond the permissible period after the date of retirement of allottee) shall be the responsibility of the Directorate of Estates and the withheld amount of gratuity under sub-rule (5) above of the retiring Government employee. who was in occupation of Government accommodation, shall be paid immediately on production of ‘No Demand Certificate’ from the Directorate of Estates after actual vacation of the Government accommodation.
2.7. The Directorate of states shall ensure the No Demand Certificate shall be given to the Government servant within a period of fourteen days from the date of submission of application for the said certificate after actual vacation of the Government accommodation.
2.8. If the Directorate of Estates fails to issue the No Demand Certificate within fourteen days from the date of the application, the allottee shall be entitled to payment of Interest (as per the rate and manner applicable to General Provident Fund deposit determined from time to time by the Government of India) on the excess withheld amount of gratuity which is required to be refunded after adjusting the arrears of licence fee and damages, if any, payable by the allottee till the date of issue of No Demand Certificate or the date of expiry of the period of fourteen days from the date of application for No demand certificate, whichever is earlier.
2.9. ‘The interest shall be payable by the Directorate of Estates through the concerned Account Officer of the retired Government servant from the date of application for the said certificate after vacation of the Government accommodation. up to the date of refund of excess withheld amount of gratuity.
2.10. If after adjustment from the withheld amount of gratuity, if any, mentioned under sub-rule (5), or if no amount of gratuity was withheld under sub-rule (5), any amount on account of licence fee or damages (for Overstay or unauthorised occupation or subletting or transfer to an ineligible office etc.) or dues on account of electricity, water or PNG charges, remaining unpaid, may be ordered by the Directorate of Estates to be recovered through the concerned Account Officer from the dearness relief without the consent of the pensioner and in such case no dearness relief shall be disbursed until full recovery of such dues has been made.
3.1. With respect to adjustment and recovery of dues other than dues pertaining to Government accommodation, rule 69 of the CCS(Pension) Rules, 2021 provides that the Head of Office shall take steps to assess the dues one year before the date on which a Government servant is due to retire on superannuation or on the date on which he proceeds on leave preparatory to retirement, whichever 1s earlier, in the case of retirement on superannuation and immediately on retirement or when the fact of retirement of the Government servant is known to the Head of Office, whichever is earlier, in the case of retirement otherwise than on superannuation.
3.2 The assessment of aforesaid Government dues shall be completed by the Head of Office eight months prior to the date of the retirement of the Government servant in the case of retirement on superannuation, and within thirty days after the date of retirement in the case of retirement otherwise than on superannuation.
3.3 The dues as assessed including those dues which come to notice subsequently and which remain outstanding till the date of retirement of the Government servant, shall be adjusted against the amount of retirement gratuity becoming payable to the Government servant on his retirement.
4. All Ministries/Departments are requested that the above provisions regarding recovery of Government dues from Gratuity payable under the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021 may be brought to the notice of the personnel dealing with the pensionary benefits in the Ministry/Department and attached/subordinate offices there under for strict implementation.
(S. Chakrabarti) Under Secretary to the Govt. of India
To All Ministries/Departments/Organisations, (As per standard list)
Periodic verification of qualifying service under the CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021 and monitoring at the level of Secretary of Ministry/Department: DOPPW OM dated 20.10.2023
No.28/90/2022-P&PW(B)/8297 (1) Government of India Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare
3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhawan, Khan Market, New Delhi, Dated the 20th October, 2023
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Periodic verification of qualifying service under the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021 and monitoring at the level of Secretary of the administrative Ministry/Department.
The undersigned is directed to say that Sub-rule (1) of Rule 30 of the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021, provides that on a Government servant completed eighteen years of service and on his being left with five years of service before the date of superannuation. the Head of Office in consultation with Accounts Officer, shall, in accordance with the rules for the time being in force. verify the service rendered by such a Government servant, determine the qualifying service and communicate to him, in format 4, the period of qualifying service so determined.
2. The rule further provides that a report shall be submitted to the Secretary of the Administrative Ministry/Department by 31st January of each year, giving the details of the Government servants who were required to be issued a certificate of qualifying service during the previous calendar year under sub-rule (1), the details of the Government servants who have actually been issued the said certificate during the said period and the reasons for not issuing the said certificate in the remaining cases.
3. Even though these statutory provisions are being repeatedly communicated to Ministries / Departments, it is noticed that the qualifying service is not invariably communicated to the Government servant required under these rules.
4. All Ministries/Departments are requested to bring these provisions to the notice of Head of Offices for strict compliance. If the Head of Office docs not comply with the requirements of the aforesaid rule, or in case any mistake in the calculation of qualifying service is detected later, the Head of Office will be held personally accountable. Therefore, all measures may be taken up to ensure that the aforesaid provisions are followed and fixing of responsibility in case of non-adherence to the statutory provisions.
(S. Chakrabarti) Under Secretary to the Govt. of India
To All Ministries/Departments/Organisations, (As per standard list)
Grant of ad-hoc bonus to the Group ‘C’ RPF/RPSF personnel for 2022-23: Railway Board Order
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (भारत सरकार) MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (रेल मंत्रालय) RAILWAY BOARD (रेलवे बोर्ड)
RBE No. 119/2023
No.E(P&A)II/2023/Bonus-1
New Delhi, dated 25.10.2023
The General Managers/CAOs (R), All Indian Railways & Production Units.
Sub: Grant of ad-hoc bonus to the Group ‘C’ RPF/RPSF personnel for the financial year 2022-23.
The President is pleased to decide that all Group ‘C’ RPF/RPSF personnel, may be granted ad-hoc bonus equivalent to 30 (thirty) days emoluments for the financial year 2022-23, without any wage eligibility ceiling. The calculation ceiling for payment of ad-hoc Bonus under these orders shall be monthly emoluments of ₹ 7000/-, as revised w.e.f 01.04.2014 vide Ministry of Finance (Department of Expenditure)’s OM No. 7/4/2014/E.ILI(A), dated 29th August, 2016.
2. The benefit will be admissible subject to the following terms and conditions:-
a) Only those Group ‘C’ RPF/RPSF personnel who were in service on 31.3.2023 and have rendered at least six months of continuous service during the year 2022-23 will be eligible for payment under these orders. Pro-rata payment will be admissible to the eligible personnel for period of continuous service during the year from six months to a full year, the eligibility period being taken in terms of number of months of service (rounded off to the nearest number of months).
b) The quantum of Non-PLB (ad-hoc bonus) will be worked out on the basis of average emoluments/calculation ceiling whichever is lower. To calculate Non-PLB (ad-hoc bonus) for one day, the average emoluments in a month will be divided by 30.4 (average number of days in a month). This will, thereafter, be multiplied by the number of days of bonus granted. To illustrate, taking the calculation ceiling of ₹7000/- (where actual average emoluments exceed ₹7000), Non-PLB (ad-hoc bonus) for thirty days would work out to ₹7000×30/30.4 = ₹6907.89 (rounded off to ₹6908/-)
c) All payments under these orders will be rounded off to the nearest rupee.
d) Various points regarding regulation of Ad-hoc/Non-PLB Bonus are given in the Annexure.
e) All the Group ‘C’ RPF/RPSF personnel, regardless of whether they are in uniform or out of uniform and regardless of place of their posting, shall be eligible for ad-hoc bonus in terms of these orders.
Point
Clarification
total amount admissible, if any, for prior to superannuation and that for re-employment period being restricted to the maximum admissible under ad-hoc bonus under these orders.
(g)
Employees on half-pay leave/ E.O.L./ leave not due/ study leave at any time during the accounting year.
(g)
Except in the case of leave without pay the period of leave of other kinds will be included for the purpose of working out eligibility period. The period of E.O.L./dies non will be excluded from eligibility period but will not count as break in service for the purpose of ad-hoc bonus.
(h)
Employees under suspension at any time during the accounting year.
(h)
Subsistence allowance given to an employee under suspension for a period in the accounting year cannot be treated as emoluments. Such an employee becomes eligible for the benefit of ad-hoc bonus if and when reinstated with benefit of emoluments for the period of suspension, and in other cases such period will be excluded for the purpose of eligibility as in the case of employees on leave without pay.
(i)
Employees transferred from one Ministry/ department/ Office covered by ad-hoc bonus orders to another within the Government of India or a union Territory Government covered by ad-hoc bonus orders and vice versa.
(i)
Employees who are transferred from any of the Ministry/Department/ Office covered by ad-hoc bonus orders to another such office without break in service will be eligible on the basis of combined period of service in the different organizations. Those who are nominated on the basis of a limited departmental or open competitive exam from one organization to a different organisation will also be eligible for the ad-hoc bonus. The payment will be made only by the organization where he was employed as on 31st March, 2023 and no adjustments with the previous employer will be necessary.
(j)
Employees who are transferred from a Government Department/ organization covered by ad-hoc bonus orders to a government Department/ Organization covered by productivity — Linked bonus scheme or vice versa.
(j)
They may be paid what would have been paid on the basis of emoluments in ad-hoc bonus covered department for the entire year less the amount due as productivity-linked bonus. The amount so calculated may be paid by department where he was working on 31st March 2023 and/or at the time of payment.
DA to Railway employees from July 2023: Railway Board Order
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (भारत सरकार) Ministry of Railways (रेल मंत्रालय) Railway Board (रेलवे बोर्ड)
PC-VII No.- 210
RBE No:118/2023
File No. PC-VIV/2016/1/7/2/1
New Delhi, dated: 23.10.2023
The General Manager/CAOs(R), All India Railways & Production Units, (As per mailing list)
Sub :- Grant of Dearness Allowance to Railway employees – Revised Rates effective from 01.07.2023.
The undersigned is directed to refer to this Ministry’s letter RBE No. 50/2023 dated 10.04.2023 (F.No. PC-VII/2016/I/7/2/1) on the subject mentioned above and to say that the President is pleased to decide that the Dearness Allowance payable to Railway employees shall be enhanced from the existing rate of 42% to 46% of the Basic Pay with effect from 1st July, 2023.
2. The term ‘Basic Pay’ in the revised pay structure means the pay drawn in the prescribed Level in the Pay Matrix as per 7 CPC recommendations accepted by the Government, but does not include any other type of pay like special pay, etc.
3. The Dearness Allowance will continue to be distinct element of remuneration and will not be treated as pay within the ambit of Rule 1303 (FR 9(21)), Indian Railway Establishment Code, Volume —II (Sixth Edition — 1987) — Second Reprint 2005.
4. The payment on account of Dearness Allowance involving fractions of 50 paise and above may be rounded to the next higher rupee and the fractions of less than 50 paise may be ignored.
5. This issues with the concurrence of Finance Directorate of Ministry of Railways
No. 42/04/2023-P&PW(D) Government of India Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare
3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhawan Khan Market, New Delhi-110003 Date:- 27th October, 2023
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Sub: Grant of Dearness Relief to Central Government pensioners/family pensioners – Revised rate effective from 01.07.2023.
The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department’s OM No. 42/04/2023- P&PW(D) dated 06.04.2023 on the subject mentioned above and to state that the President is pleased to decide that the Dearness Relief admissible to Central Government Pensioners/Family Pensioners shall be enhanced from the existing rate of 42% to 46% of the basic pension/family pension (including additional pension/family pension) w.e.f 01st July,2023.
2. These rates of DR will be applicable to the following categories:-
(i) Civilian Central Government Pensioners/Family Pensioners including Central Govt. absorbee pensioners in PSU/Autonomous Bodies in respect of whom orders have been issued vide this Department’s OM No. 4/34/2002-P&PW(D)Vol.II dated 23.06.2017 for restoration of full pension after expiry of commutation period of 15 years
(ii) The Armed Forces Pensioners/Family Pensioners and Civilian Pensioners/Family Pensioners paid out of the Defence Service Estimates.
(iii) All India Service Pensioners/Family Pensioners.
(iv) Railway Pensioners/Family Pensioners.
(v) Pensioners who are in receipt of provisional pension.
(vi) The Burma Civilian Pensioners/Family Pensioners and Pensioners/families of displaced Government Pensioners from Burma/ Pakistan, in respect of whom orders have been issued vide this Department’s OM No. 23/3/2008-P&PW(B) dated 11.09.2017.
3. The payment of Dearness Relief involving a fraction of a rupee shall be rounded off to the next higher rupee.
4. Other provisions governing grant of DR in respect of employed family pensioners and re-employed Central Government Pensioners will be regulated in accordance with the provisions contained in Rule 52 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021 and this Department’s OM No. 45/73/97-P&PW (G) dated 2.7.1999 as amended from time to time. The provisions relating to regulation of DR where a pensioner is in receipt of more than one pension will remain unchanged.
5. In the case of retired Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, necessary orders will be issued by the Department of Justice separately.
6. It will be the responsibility of the pension disbursing authorities, including the nationalized banks, etc. to calculate the quantum of DR payable in each individual case.
7. The offices of Accountant General and authorised Pension Disbursing Banks are requested to arrange payment of Dearness Relief to Pensioners/Family Pensioners on the basis of these instructions without waiting for any further instructions from the Comptroller and Auditor General of India and the Reserve Bank of India in view of letter No. 528-TA, II/34-80-II dated 23/04/1981 of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India addressed to all Accountant Generals and Reserve Bank of India Circular No. GANB No. 2958/GA-64 (ii) (CGL)/81 dated the 21st May, 1981 addressed to State Bank of India and its subsidiaries and all Nationalised Banks.
8. In- so far as the persons serving in 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.
9. This issues in accordance with the Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure’s OM No. 1/4/2023-E.II(B) dated 20.10.2023
Hindi version will follow.
( Sanjiv Narain Mathur ) Additional Secretary to the Government of India
1. All Ministries/Departments of the Government of India 2 Chief Secretaries and AGs of all States/UTs. 3. CMDs/CPPCs of all authorised Pension Disbursing Banks 4. C&AG of India, UPSC, etc. as per standard endorsement list. 5. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for Information.
No. 1/4/2023-E-II(B) Government of India Ministry of Finance Department of Expenditure
North Block New Delhi Dated the 20th October, 2023.
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Revision of rates of Dearness Allowance to Central Government employees – effective from 01.07.2023.
The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department’s Office Memorandum No. 1/1/2023-E-II(B) dated 3rd April, 2023 on the subject mentioned above and to say that the President is pleased to decide that the rates of Dearness Allowance payable to Central Government employees, shall be enhanced from 42% to 46% of the Basic Pay with effect from 1st July, 2023.
2. The term Basic Pay in the revised pay structure means the pay drawn in the prescribed Level in the Pay Matrix as per 7th CPC recommendations accepted by the Government, but does not include any other type of pay like special pay, etc.
3. The Dearness Allowance will continue to be a distinct element of remuneration and will not be treated as pay within the ambit of FR 9(21).
4. The payment on account of Dearness Allowance involving fractions of 50 paise and above may be rounded to the next higher rupee and the fractions of less than 50 paise may be ignored.
5. These orders shall also apply to the civilian employees paid from the Defence Services Estimates and the expenditure will be chargeable to the relevant head of the Defence Services Estimates. In respect of Armed Forces personnel and Railway employees, separate orders will be issued by the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Railways respectively.
6. 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.
(Ram Gopal) Deputy Secretary to the Government of India
To All Ministries/Departments of the Government of India (as per standard distribution list) Copy to: C&AG, UPSC, etc. as per standard endorsement list.
Non-Productivity Linked Bonus (ad-hoc bonus) to Central Government Employees for 2022-23: FINMIN ORDER
No.7 /24/2007/E III (A) Government of India Ministry of Finance Department of Expenditure (E III-A Branch)
North Block, New Delhi, Dated the 17th October, 2023
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject:- Grant of Non-Productivity Linked Bonus (ad-hoc bonus) to Central Government Employees for the year 2022-23.
The undersigned is directed to convey the sanction of the President to the grant of Non-Productivity Linked Bonus (Ad-hoc Bonus) equivalent to 30 days emoluments for the accounting year 2022-23 to the Central Government employees in Group ‘C’ and all non-gazetted employees in Group ‘B’, who are not covered by any Productivity Linked Bonus Scheme. The calculation ceiling for payment of ad-hoc Bonus under these orders shall be monthly emoluments of Rs. 7000/-. The payment of ad-hoc Bonus under these orders will also be admissible to the eligible employees of Central Para Military Forces and Armed Forces. The orders will be deemed to be extended to the employees of Union Territory Administration which follow the Central Government pattern of emoluments and are not covered by any other bonus or ex-gratia scheme.
2. The benefit will be admissible subject to the following terms and conditions:-
(i) Only those employees who were in service as on 31.3.2023 and have rendered at least six months of continuous service during the year 2022-23 will be eligible for payment under these orders. Pro-rata payment will be admissible to the eligible employees for period of continuous service during the year from six months to a full year, the eligibility period being taken in terms of number of months of service (rounded off to the nearest number of months);
(ii) The quantum of Non-PLB (ad-hoc bonus) will be worked out on the basis of average emoluments/calculation ceiling whichever is lower. To calculate Non-PLB (Ad-hoc bonus) for one day, the average emoluments in a year will be divided by 30.4 (average number of days in a month). This will, thereafter, be multiplied by the number of days of bonus granted. To illustrate, taking the calculation ceiling of monthly emoluments of Rs. 7000/- (where actual average emoluments exceed Rs. 7000/-), Non-PLB (Ad-hoc Bonus) for thirty days would work out to Rs. 7000×30/30.4=Rs.6907.89/- (rounded off to Rs.6908/-).
(iii) The casual labour who have worked in offices following a 6 days week for at least 240 days for each year for 3 years or more (206 days in each year for. 3 years or more in the case of offices observing 5 day week), will be eligible for this Non-PLB (Ad-hoc Bonus) Payment. The amount of Non-PLB (ad-hoc bonus) payable will be (Rs.1200×30/30.4 i.e.Rs.1184.21/- (rounded off to Rs.1184/-). In cases where the actual emoluments fall below Rs.1200/- p.m., the amount will be calculated on actual monthly emoluments.
(iv) All payments under these orders will be rounded off to the nearest rupee.
(v) Various points regarding regulation of Ad-hoc / Non- PLB Bonus are given in the Annexure.
3. The expenditure on this account will be debitable to the respective object head in terms of Department of Expenditure’s Notification dated 16th December 2022.
4. The expenditure to be incurred on account of Non-PLB (Ad-hoc Bonus) is to be met from within the sanctioned budget provision of concerned Ministries/Departments for the current year.
5. 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.
(Umesh Kumar Agarwal) Deputy Secretary to the Govt. of India
To,
All Ministries/Departments of the Government of India as per standard list etc.
ANNEXURE to O.M. No. 7/24/2007-E-III(A) dated 17/10/2023
Point
Clarification
1. Whether the employees in the following categories are eligible for the benefit of ad-hoc bonus’ for an accounting year
Subject to completion of minimum six months continuous service and being in service as on 31st March, 2023.
(a) Employees appointed on purely temporary ad-hoc basis.
(a) Yes, if there is no break in service.
(b) Employees who resigned, retired from service or expired before 31st March, 2023.
(b) As a special case only those persons who superannuated or retired on invalidation on medical grounds or died before 31st March, 2023 but after completing at least six months regular service during the year will be eligible for the ad-hoc bonus on pro rata basis in terms of nearest number of months of service.
(c) Employees on deputation/ foreign service terms to state governments, U.T. Governments, Public Sector Undertakings, etc., on 31st March, 2023.
(c) Such employees are not eligible for the ad-hoc bonus to be paid by the lending departments. In such cases the liability to pay ad-hoc bonus lies with the borrowing organization depending upon the ad-hoc bonus/PLB/ex-gratia/incentive payment scheme, if any, in force in the borrowing organization.
(d) Employees who reverted during accounting year from deputation on foreign service with the organizations indicated in ‘C’ above.
(d) The total amount of bonus/ ex-gratia received for the accounting year from foreign employer and the ad-hoc bonus, if any, due from a central government office for the period after reversion will be restricted to the amount due under ad-hoc bonus as per these orders.
(e) Employees from state Government/U.T. Admn./ Public Sector Undertakings on reverse deputation with the Central Government.
(e) Yes, they are eligible for ad-hoc bonus to be paid by the borrowing departments in terms of these orders provided no additional incentive as part of terms of deputation, other than Deputation Allowance, is paid and the lending authorities have no objection.
(f) Superannuated employees who were re-employed.
(f) Re-employment being fresh employment, eligibility period is to be worked out separately for re-employment period; the total amount admissible, if any, for prior to superannuation and that for re-employment period being restricted to the maximum admissible under ad-hoc bonus under these orders.
(g) Employees on half-Pay leave /E.O.L./Leave not due/study leave at any time during the accounting year.
(g) Except in the case of leave without pay the period of leave of other kinds will be included for the purpose of working out eligibility period. The period of E.O.L./dies non will be excluded from eligibility period but will not count as break in service for the purpose of ad-hoc bonus.
(h) Employees under suspension at any time during the accounting year.
(h) Subsistence allowance given to an employee under suspension for a period in the accounting year cannot be treated as emoluments. Such an employee becomes eligible for the benefit of ad-hoc bonus if and when reinstated with benefit of emoluments for the period of suspension, and in other cases such period will be excluded for the purpose of eligibility as in the case of employees on leave without pay.
(i) Employees transferred from one Ministry / Department / Office covered by ad-hoc bonus orders to another within the Government of India or a Union Territory Government covered by ad-hoc bonus orders and vice versa.
(i) Employees who are transferred from any of the Ministry/ Department/Office covered by ad-hoc bonus orders to another such office without break in service will be eligible on the basis of combined period of service in the different organizations. Those who are nominated on the basis of a limited departmental or open competitive exam from one organization to a different organization will also be eligible for the ad-hoc bonus. The payment will be made only by the organization where he was employed as on 31st March, 2023 and no adjustments with the previous employer will be necessary.
(j) Employees who are transferred from a Government Department/ Organization covered by ad-hoc bonus orders to a Government Department/ Organization covered by productivity Linked Bonus scheme or vice versa.
(j) They may be paid what would have been paid on the basis of emoluments in ad-hoc bonus covered department for the entire year less the amount due as productivity-linked bonus. The amount so calculated may be paid by Department where he was working on 31st March, 2023 and/or at the time of payment.
(k) Part-time employees engaged on nominal fixed payment
(k) Not eligible.
2. Whether ad-hoc bonus is payable to casual labour for an accounting year in the following cases:-
(a) Those who have put in specified number of days of work in different offices during each of the three years ending with the said accounting year.
(a) The eligibility is to be worked out for three years from the said accounting year backwards. The period of 240 days of work in each of these years may be arrived at by combining the number of days worked in more than one offices of the government of India, for which bonus, ex-gratia or incentive payment has not been earned and received.
(b) Casual labour who were not in work on 31st March, 2023.
(b) The condition of being in employment on 31st March, 2023 as laid down in these orders is applicable to regular Government Employees and not to casual labour.
(c) Those who have put in at least specified number of days of work in each of two years preceding the accounting year but are short of this limit due to regularization in employment in the said accounting year.
(c) If a casual labour, who has been regularized in the accounting year does not fulfill the minimum continuous service of six months as on 31st March, 2023 and therefore, cannot be granted benefit as a regular employee, he may be allowed the benefit as for a casual labour provided the period of regular service in the said year if added to the period of work as casual labour works out to at least specified number of days in that accounting year.
