GDS Committee Report – Indefinite Hunger Fast Deferred
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF POSTAL EMPLOYYEES
ALL INDIA POSTAL EMPLOYEES UNION-GDS
1st FLOOR NORTH AVENUE PO BUILDING
NEW DLEHI – 110001
Ref: NFPE/AIPEU-GDS/AGTN/2017
Dated – 17.01.2017
GDS COMMITTEE REPORT
DEPARTMENT OF POST SOUGHT PERMISSION FROM ELECTION COMMISSION FOR PUBLISHING THE REPORT – DISCUSSION HELD WITH NFPE & FNPO – ASSURED TO PUBLISH THE REPORT IMMEDIATELY AFTER GETTING APPROVAL
INDEFINITE HUNGER FAST DEFERRED
Dear Comrades,
As you are aware, the GDS Committee headed by Shri Kamlesh Chandra, Retired Postal Board Member, has submitted its report to Government on 24th November 2016. Secretary, Posts, informed us that the report will be published only after getting approval of the Minister, Communications. Earlier, GDS Committee Report was published on the very same date of submission. 7th Pay Commission Report was also published immediately on submission to Government.
Protesting against the unjustified stand of the Department, NFPE & AIPEU-GDS conducted nationwide agitational programmes like protest demonstration, dharna etc. Finally we have given notice for indefinite hunger fast in front of the Directorate from 18.01.2017, by Secretary General, NFPE and all General Secretaries of affiliated Unions including AIPEU-GDS. After our hunger fast notice things started moving. Secretary, Department of Posts deputed a Senior Officer to the Minister’s office to get the approval of the Minister. Minister granted permission to publish the Report with a condition that Election Commission’s approval should be obtained before publishing the Report, as Election Commission has already declared election to five State Assemblies.
On 16.01.2017, the Department called us for discussion with Member (Technology). In the discussion Member (T) informed that “a reference has been made to the Election Commission of India (ECI) and a response is expected shortly”. We recorded our strong protest against the unjustified delay in publishing the report. The Member (T) expressed “the difficulty in hosting the report in the Department’s website on account of the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct in view of assembly elections having been announce in five states”. The appeal given by the Department to call off the indefinite hunger fast is published below.
In view of the above, the Federal Secretariat of NFPE and AIPEU-GDS has reviewed the situation based on the written assurance given by the Department and has decided to postpone the indefinite hunger fast to be commenced from 18th January 2017. Even if we go on indefinite fast or strike, Department cannot publish it without the permission of Election Commission, as the Department has already submitted it to Election Commission for permission.
We hope that the Election Commission will grant permission shortly to publish the Report.
NFPE & AIPEU-GDS has made sincere effort for compelling the Department to publish the GDS Committee Report and conducted nationwide agitational programmes. It is only because of our agitational programmes and indefinite hunger fast notice, the Department was compelled to get permission and also submitted it for Election Commission’s approval.
NFPE & AIPEU-GDS always stand with the three lakhs Gramin Dak Sevaks and we assure our GDS employees that if GDS Committee Report is against the interest of the GDS NFPE & AIPEU-GDS will declare serious agitational programmes including strike.
Dearness Relief to pensioners in the pre-revised scale of 5th CPC w.e.f. 01/07/2012
No.25014/05/2016.AIS-II
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training
****
North Block, New Delhi — 110001
Dated the 17 January, 2017
To
The Chief Secretaries of all the
State Governments and UTs.
Subject: Extension of scope of grant of Dearness Relief to Central Government pensioners who are in receipt of provisional pension or pension in the pre-revised scale of 5th CPC w.e.f. 01/07/2012.
Sir,
I am directed to refer to the Department of Pension and Pensioner Welfare’s OM No. 42/13/2012-P&PW(G) dated 25th October, 2012(copy enclosed) regarding “Grant of Dearness Relief to Central Government pensioners who are in receipt of provisional pension or pension in the pre-revised scale of 5th CPC w.e.f. 01/07/2012.”.
2. The applicability of the provisions of the aforesaid OM to All India Service Pensioners who are in receipt of provisional pension or pension in the pre-revised scale of 5 th CPC has been considered by this Department and it has been decided to make the provisions of the aforesaid Office Memorandum of Department of Pension and Pensioner Welfare regarding “Grant of Dearness Relief to Central Government pensioners who are in receipt of provisional pension or pension in the pre-revised scale of 5 th CPC w.e.f. 01/07/2012” applicable, mutatis-mutandis, to the All India Service Pensioners who are in receipt of provisional pension or pension in the prerevised scales of 5th CPC.
Enclo: as above.
Yours faithfully,
(Rajesh Kumar Yadav)
Under Secretary to Government of India
Revision of Provisional pension sanctioned under Rule 69 of the CCS(Pension) Rules, 1972
No.25014/05/2016.AIS-11
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training
****
North Block, New Delhi — 110001
Dated the 17th January, 2017
To
The Chief Secretaries of all the
State Governments and UTs.
Subject: Revision of Provisional pension sanctioned under Rule 69 of the CCS(Pension) Rules,1972.
Sir,
I am directed to refer to the Department of Pension and Pensioner Welfare’s OM No.38/6/2010-P&PW(A)(Pt.) dated 18 thMarch, 2013(copy enclosed) regarding “Revision of Provisional pension.”.
2. The applicability of the provisions of the aforesaid OM regarding grant of Provisional Pension sanctioned under Rule 69 of the CCS(Pension) Rules, 1972 has been considered by this Department and it has been decided to make the provisions of the aforesaid Office Memorandum of Department of Pension and Pensioner Welfare regarding “Revision of Provisional Pension” applicable, mutatis-mutandis, to the All India Service Pensioners to whom provisional pension was sanctioned under Rule 6 of All India Service(Death-Cum-Retirement-Benefits) Rules, 1958.
Yours faithfully,
(Rajesh mar Yadav)
Under Secretary to Government of India
Extension of scope of Additional Relief on death/disability of Government Servants covered by the New Defined Contribution Pension System (NPS)
No.25014/05/2016.AIS-II
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training
****
North Block, New Delhi — 110001
Dated the 17th January, 2017
To
The Chief Secretaries of all the
State Governments and UTs.
Subject: Extension of scope of Additional Relief on death/disability of Government Servants covered by the New Defined Contribution Pension System (NPS).
Sir,
I am directed to refer to the Department of Pension and Pensioner Welfare’s OM No.38/41/06-P&PW(A) dated 5th October,2009 (copy enclosed) regarding “Additional Relief on death/disability of Government Servants covered by the New Defined Contribution Pension System(NPS)”.
2. The applicability of the provisions of the aforesaid OM regarding grant of additional Relief on death/disability of members of all india service who have joined Service on or after 01.01.2004 has been considered by this Department and it has been decided to make the provisions of the aforesaid office Memorandum of Department of Pension and Pensioner Welfare regarding “Additional Relief on death/disability of Government Servants covered by the New Defined Contribution Pension System(NPS)” applicable, mutatis-mutandis, to the all India Service Pensioners/Family of all india service officers who have joined service on or after 01.01.2004.
Yours faithfully,
Enclo: as above.
(Rajesh Kumar Yadav)
Under Secretary to Government of India
Tel.No.230947114
No.S.11011/11/2016-CGHS(P)/EHS
Government Of India
Ministry Of Health and Family Welfare
EHS Section
*****
Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi
Dated the 9th January, 2017
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Sub: Revision of rates of subscription under Central Government Health Scheme due to revision of pay and allowances of Central Government Employees and revision of pension/family pension on account of implementation of recommendations of the Seventh Central Pay Commission.
The undersigned is directed to refer to this Ministry’s OM No.S.11011/2/2008-CGHS(P) dated 20th May, 2009 vide which orders were issued revising the rates of monthly subscription for availing CGHS facility, as also the entitlement for free diet, entitlement of accommodation in private empanelled hospitals under CGHS, etc.
2. Consequent upon revision of pay on the basis of the implementation of the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission, it has been decided to revise the rates of subscription, to be made by employees/pensioners, for availing benefits under the CGHS, with effect from 1st January, 2017. It has also been decided to revise the monetary ceiling limits for various entitlements of the beneficiaries for availing CGHS facilities.
3. In supersession of all earlier instructions, the following revisions are being made, in so far as it relates to the facilities mentioned below:
(A) Monthly Contributions for availing CGHS facility:-
Sl.No
Corresponding
Levels in the Pay Matrix as per 7th CPC
Comtribution
(Rs. Per Month)
1
Level : 1 to 5
250
2
Level: 6
450
3
Level: 7 to 11
650
4
Level: 12 & above
1000
(B) Entitlement of wards in private hospitals empanelled under CGHS:
Sl.No
Corresponding Basic Pay drawn by the officer in 7th CPC per month
Ward entitlement
1
Up to Rs.47,600/-
General
2
Rs.47,601/- to Rs.63,100/-
Semi-Private
3
Rs.63,101/- and above
Private
(c) Monetary Ceiling for free Diet:-
The Monetary ceiling for free diet for CGHS beneficiaries is revised to pay/pension/family pension of Rs.44,900/- per month.
(D) Monetary ceiling for free diet for beneficiaries suffering from TB or mental disease:-
The monetary ceiling for free diet in case of beneficiary suffering from TB or Mental disease is revised to pay/pension/family pension of Rs.69,700/- per month.
(E) Pay slab for determining the entitlement of Nursing Home facilities in Government/State Government/Municipal Hospitals:-
The monetary ceiling for determining the entitlement of nursing home facilities in Central Government/State Government/Municipals Hospitals is revised to Pay/Pension/family pension Rs.47,600/- per month and above.
(F) Monetary ceiling for direct consultation with specialists in Central Government/State Government/Municipal Hospitals:-
The monetary ceiling for determining the entitlement for direct consultation with specialists in Central Government/State Government/Municipal Hospitals will continue at the existing rates until revision of the same after consultation with Ministry of Finance.
(G) Pay slab for determining the entitlement of accommodation in AIIMS, New Delhi.
The revised entitlement, as per the pay drawn by the officials, is as follows:
Sl.No
Corresponding Basic Pay drawn by the officer in 7th CPC per month
Ward entitlement
1
Up to Rs.63,100/-
General
2
Rs.63,101/- to Rs.80,900/-
Semi-Private
3
Rs.80,901/- and above
Deluxe/Private
4. It is clarified that the reference to pay in this order relates to the pay drawn in the level of pay.
5. Pensioners have an option to get their CGHs pensioner card made by either making CGHs contribution on an annual basis (twelve months) or by making contribution for 10 (ten) years 120 (one hurdred and twenty) months for getting a pensioner CGHS card with life-time validity, It is clarified that:
(i) contribution to be made by pensioners/family pensioners would be the amount that they were subscribing at the time of their retirement or at the time of death of the Government servant;
(ii) Pensioner beneficiaries, who have already obtained CGHS Card with life time validity by paying a lump sum amount equivalent to 10 years contribution, will not be required to pay any additional amount as a result of the revision in the rates of contribution for availing CGHS facility;
(iii) Entitlement of Pensioners/family pensioners, who have already deposited their contribution for life time CGHS facility, will not be changed.
(iv) Pensioners/family pensioners who are contributing to the CGHS on an annual basis and wish to continue to avail CGHs benefits will have to contribute at the revised rates up to the time of contribution needed to cover a period of a total of ten years from the time pensioner CGHS card was issued for the first time to them. The revised rate of contribution for the remaining period would be with reference to the level of pay that he/she would have drawn in the post held by him/her (at the time of his/her retirement/death) had he/she continued to be in service now but for his/her retirement/death; and
(v) Any pensioner/family pensioner who is entitled to avail CGHS facility has not so far got his/her pensioner CGHS card made, the rate of contribution in such cases will be with reference to the level of pay that he/she would have drawn in the post held by him/her (at the time of his/her retirement/dcath) had he/she continued to be in service now but for his/her retirement/death.
6. This issues with the concurrence of the Department of Expenditure vide their I.D.Note No.18(1)/EV/2016, dated 24/11/2016.
7. Hindi version will follow.
(Sunil Kumar Gupta)
Under Secretary to the Government of India.
Tel: 23061986
Relaxation to travel by private airlines to visit Jammu & Kashmir – Central Civil Services (Leave Travel Concession) Rules, 1988
No. 31011/7/2014-Estt.(A-IV)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel and Training
Establishment A-IV Desk
***
North Block, New Delhi-110 001
Dated: January 13, 2017
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject:- Central Civil Services (Leave Travel Concession) Rules, 1988 Relaxation to travel by private airlines to visit Jammu & Kashmir.
The undersigned is directed to refer to this Ministry’s O.M. of even no. dated 28.11.2014 on the subject noted above and to say that vide aforesaid O.M., facility to travel on LTC by private airlines to Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) under the special dispensation scheme was allowed for a period of one year. This facility ended w.e.f. 28.11.2015 and was re-introduced on 01.06.2016.
2. Many references have been received about Govt. employees who had inadvertently travelled by private airlines to J&K during the gap period i.e. from 28.11.2015 to 31.05.2016, under the impression that the facility was still operational and were later facing difficulties in settlement of their LTC claims.
3. The issue has been examined in consultation with Department of Expenditure and Ministry of Civil Aviation. In relaxation to this Department’s O.M. of even no. dated 28.11.2014, it has been decided to allow the claims of those Government employees who had travelled by private airlines to Jammu & Kashmir on LTC during the gap period of 28.11.2015 – 31.05.2016. This shall be subject to the condition that tickets have been booked through the authorised modes and at LTC-80 fare or less and other conditions prescribed in DoPT’s O.M. No.31011/7/2014-Estt.A-IV dated 28.11.2014.
(Surya Narayan Jha)
Under Secretary to the Government of India
7th Pay Commission Pay Revision of employees of Quasi-Government Organizations, Autonomous Organizations, Statutory Bodies etc. set up by and funded/controlled by the Central Government
F.No.1/1/2016-E.III(A) Government of India Ministry of Finance Department of Expenditure *****
New Delhi, 13th January, 2017
Office Memorandum
Subject: Pay revision of employees of Quasi-Government Organizations, Autonomous Organizations, Statutory Bodies etc. set up by and funded/controlled by the Central Government – Guidelines regarding
The employees working in the Quasi-government Organizations, Autonomous Organizations, Statutory Bodies etc. set up and funded/controlled by the Central Government, are not Central Government employees and, therefore, the benefits implemented by Central Government in respect of Central Government employees as part of their service conditions, are not directly applicable to the employees working in such autonomous organizations. The application of such benefits as given to Central Government employees in respect of employees of such autonomous organizations as well as the manner and conditions governing such application, including sharing of the additional financial implications arising thereon, requires specific approval of the Central Government. The autonomous organizations are expected to manage their affairs in such a fashion that their dependence on Central Government for financial support to meet the extra financial implications is minimal, as such autonomous organizations are expected to be financially Self-sufficient So as not to cause any extra burden on the Central Exchequer.
2. In the above background, the question of extension of the revised pay scales in terms of the CCS (RP) Rules, 2016 as notified on 25.7.2016 in respect of Central Government employees based on the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission, to the employees of the Quasi-government Organizations, Autonomous Organizations, Statutory Bodies, etc., Set up and funded/controlled by the Central Government, where pattern of emolument structure, i.e. pay scales and allowances, in particular Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance and Transport Allowance, are identical to those in case of the Central Government employees, has been considered by the Government and it has been decided that the revised pay scales as per the Pay Matrix, as contained in Part-A of the Schedule of the CCS(RP) Rules, 2016 as well as the principle of pay fixation as contained in the said rules, may be extended to the employees of such organizations, subject to the following stipulations:-
(i) The conditions of service of employees of these organizations, especially those relating to hours of work, payment of OTA etc. are exactly Similar to those in Case of the Central Government employees.
(ii) The revised pay structure shall be admissible to those employees who opt for the same in accordance with the extant Rules.
(iii) Deductions on account of Provident Fund, Contributory Provident Fund or National Pension System, as may be applicable, will have to be made on the basis of the revised pay w.e.f. the date an employee opts to elect the revised pay structure.
3. The revised pay scales contained in Parts B & part C of the Schedule of the CCS(RP) Rules, 2016, shall not be automatically applicable to the employees Of Autonomous Organizations. The concerned Administrative Ministry shall consider such cases keeping in view whether these pay scales are justified for the category of staff of Autonomous Organizations based on functional considerations, recruitment qualifications, as well as the applicable pre-revised pay scales. Based on such an examination by the concerned Administrative Ministry, appropriate proposals, if justified, would be submitted to the Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure, through their Integrated Finance.
4. In case of those categories of employees whose pattern of emoluments structure, i.e., pay scales and allowances and conditions of service are not similar to those of the Central Government employees, a separate ‘Group of Officers’ in respect of each of the Autonomous Bodies may be constituted in the respective Ministry/Department. The Financial Adviser of the respective Ministry/Department will represent the Ministry of Finance on this Group. The Group would examine the proposals for revision of pay scales etc. taking into account the views, if any, expressed by the Staff representatives of the concerned organizations. It would be necessary to ensure that the final package of benefits proposed to be extended to the employees of these Autonomous Organizations etc. is not more beneficial than that admissible to the corresponding categories of the Central Government employees. The final package recommended by the ‘Group of Officers’ will require the concurrence of the Ministry of Finance.
5. In regard to the additional financial impact arising out of the implementation of the revised pay Scales, as provided above, the following parameters shall be kept in view:-
(i) In respect of those Autonomous Organizations, which have not been depending upon the Government Grants for their operations or for meeting the cost of salary, including those autonomous organisations which are in a position to meet the additional financial impact from their Own internal resources, the additional financial impact shall be met by the concerned autonomous organizations without any financial support whatsoever from the Government, No financial Support shall be given by the Central Government in Such cases.
(ii) In respect of the other Autonomous Organizations. which are not in a position to meet the additional financial impact, either fully or partly, on account Of the implementation of the revised pay scales, the concerned autonomous organization will take up the proposals with the Advisers of the respective Administrative Financial Ministry/Department, bringing out the extent to which the additional cost could be met internally, the shortfall to be made up and the reasons for the shortfall. While giving concurrence to the implementation of the revised pay scales, the Financial Advisers shall ensure that the extent of Government support is kept at the minimum, and in no case the Government support shall be more than 70% (seventy percent) of the additional financial impact.
(iii) In respect of Autonomous organisations set up under a specific Act of Parliament, not generating adequate internal resources to meet the additional financial impact, the extent of Government support may be more than 70% of the additional impact, provided in the opinion of the concerned Financial Adviser the nature of functions and the fund position of the organisations so warrant.
(iv) The mode of payment of arrears, as laid down in Rule 14 of the CCS(RP) Rules, 2016 shall be followed, subject to the overall financial impact and the capacity of the concerned autonomous organization to absorb the cost without putting any avoidable burden on the Governments finances, provided the conditions mentioned above are met.
6. The Central Government has not taken any decision so far in regard to various allowances based on the 7th Central Pay Commission in respect of Central Government employees and, therefore, until further orders the existing allowances in the autonomous organizations shall continue to be admissible as per the existing terms and conditions, irrespective of the revised pay Scales having been adopted.
88 percent of pension accounts have been linked to Aadhaar: Dr Jitendra Singh
Dr. Jitendra Singh chairs 29th meeting of SCOVA
Make Pensioners part of nation building process, says Minister
The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh chaired the 29th meeting of the Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) here today. The SCOVA meeting is organised by the Department of Pensions & Pensioners’ Welfare (DoP&PW), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions and the last such meeting was held on June 27, 2016.
During the meeting, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that today’s interaction was very meaningful and stimulating, thus reflecting on the working of DoP&PW. The Minister said that there are about 50-55 lakh pensioners in the country and almost 88 percent of pension accounts have been seeded to Aadhaar. He further said that minimum pension has been increased to Rs. 9000 per person and ex-gratia amount has been increased from Rs. 10-15 lakh to Rs. 25-35 lakh.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said that we need to put in place an institutionalized mechanism to make good use of the knowledge, experience and efforts of the retired employees which can help in the value addition to the current scenario. Dr. Jitendra Singh said the retired employees are a healthy and productive workforce for India and we need to streamline and channelize their energies in a productive direction. We should learn from the pensioners’ experience, he added. The Minister also said that the DoP&PW should be reoriented in such a way that pensioners become a part of nation building process.
In the meeting, discussions were held on the action taken report of the 28th SCOVA meeting. Further many issues related to pensioners were discussed threadbare, such as revision of PPOs of pre-2006 pensioners, Health Insurance Scheme for pensioners including those residing in non-CGHS area, Special “Higher” Family Pension for widows of the war disabled invalidated out of service, Extension of CGHS facilities to P&T pensioners, issue relating to CGHS Wellness Centre, Dehradun etc. The Minister directed for the prompt and time bound redressal of the grievances of the pensioners and said that we should have sympathetic attitude towards them.
The Secretary, DoP&PW, Shri C. Viswanath and other senior officers of the department were also present on the occasion. The meeting was also attended by the member Pensioners Associations and senior officers of the important Ministries/Departments of Government of India.
Pongal Bonus 2017 – TN CM Announces Pongal bonus for Govt Employees
Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam on Wednesday announced Pongal bonus for government employees, teachers and pensioners, costing the exchequer of Rs 325.20 crore.
“Group C and D staffs will get a bonus equal to 30 days salary with a ceiling of Rs 3,000,” the chief minister said in a statement.
The employees who come under A and B group, besides teachers, would get a special bonus of Rs 1,000. Pensioners, family pensioners, retired village administrative officers would be given a festival gift of Rs 500.
Those who worked part time or full time for a minimum period of 240 days or more in the fiscal year, with a monthly pay, and staff members on consolidated pay, noon meal employees, anganwadi staffs under ICDS, village assistants, panchayat assistants of rural development department, contract labourers, temporary employees, daily wagers and those whose services have been regularised after daily wages will get a special bonus of Rs 1,000.
The employees and teachers of local bodies and government-aided educational institutions and those getting a monthly pay under University Grants Commission, All India Technical Council for Technical Education and Indian Council of Agricultural Research will also be given a bonus of Rs 1,000.
7th CPC Option for pay fixation to the Railway employees promoted during 2016
Option for pay fixation in the 7th CPC Pay Matrix level to the Railway employees promoted during the period 01/01/2016 to 31/12/2016-reg
No. IV/NFIR/7th CPC(Imp)/2016/R.B./Part I
Dated : 06/01/2017
The Secretary (E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi
Dear Sir,
Sub : Option for pay fixation in the 7th CPC Pay Matrix level to the Railway employees promoted during the period 01/01/2016 to 31/12/2016-reg
*************
The Railway Board vide RBE No. 90/2016 issued notification on 28th July 2016 on the basis of Ministry of Finance (Department of Expenditure) Resolution No. 1-2/2016-IC and Notification No. GSR 721 (E) dated 25th July 2016 for granting pay in the revised pay matrix to the Railway employees of various categories w.e.f. 01/01/2016. Options have also been allowed to be exercised by the staff (in those cases of staff who have been promoted during the period from 01/01/2016 and the date of notification for opting for switching over to revised Pay Matrix to a later date.
In this connection, NFIR desires to convey that there are cases of Railway employees who have been granted promotion after the date of notification i.e. 25th & 28th July 2016. All these employees have been demanding that should be allowed to exercise option for revised Pay Matrix from the date subsequent to the date of Railway Board’s notification. Representations have also been received that such of those staff who have been promoted in between 01/01/2016 and 31/12/2016, be also given opportunity of exercising option for switching over to 7th CPC Pay Matrix.
The Federation is ofthe view that the staff representations as above are genuine and required to be considered favourably
NFIR therefore, requests the Railway Board to consider the above points and accord approval, for providing option opportunity to those who got promotion in between 01/01/2016 to 31st December 2016.
