In view of reported irregularities and misuse of LTC, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), vide O.M. No. 31011/3/2013-Estt.(A-IV) dated 12.07.2016, has issued draft guidelines to be followed while booking the air tickets for stakeholders consultation. The guidelines will be finalized after considering all the inputs received from the stakeholders.
This was stated by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply to a question by Dr. C. Gopalakrishnan in the Lok Sabha today.
No proposal to introduce any new pension scheme for retired Central Government employees
Schemes for Retired Employees
The pension of Central Civil Government servants appointed on or before 31.12.2003 is governed by the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules 1972 or the corresponding Pension Rules of other Services/Departments such as All India Services and Railways.
The Central Civil Government Servants appointed on or after 01.01.2004 are governed by the Defined Contribution-based Pension Scheme under the National Pension System.
The personnel belonging to the Defence Services continue to be eligible for pension under Defined Benefit Pension Rules applicable to defence personnel.
There is no proposal to introduce any new pension scheme for retired Central Government employees.
This was stated by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply to a question by Smt. Rekha Verma in the Lok Sabha today.
No. 399/5/2016-AVD-III
Government of India
Department of Personnel and Training
AVD-III Section
***
North Block, New Delhi
Dated 8 August, 2016
Office Memorandum
Subject: Foreign Training Programme for Group ‘A’ officers of CVC and CVOs — regarding cooling off period.
The undersigned in directed to say that the Training Policy of the Central Vigilance (CVC) is under consideration in this Department. The said policy also has a Training component under which the para 8 of the policy specifies the following criteria that may be adopted while nominating officers of CVC for short-term programmes so that opportunities are available to officers on an equitable basis.
(i) Eligibility: All group ‘A’ officers in the Commission.
(ii) Officers who have undergone short-term training under DFFT scheme during their tenure in the Commission would not be eligible for consideration under this scheme for a period of two years while working in the Commission.
(iii) Similarly, candidature of officers would not be forwarded for short-term training ‘under DFFT scheme if they had undergone short-term training abroad (other than under DFFT scheme) within a period of two years of their tenure in the Commission.
2. In addition to this, there is also provision for Foreign Training for CVOs in Paras 15-17 of the Policy. It is proposed to add the following as Para 18 in the Policy:
The officers (CVOs) should not have undergone any foreign training under DFFT in the last 2 years as on 1 st April of the year in which training is being organized.”
3. It is requested that comments on the above, if any, may please be sent to the undersigned within a week.
(Sarita Nair)
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India
(a) The Government, after consideration, has decided to accept the recommendations of the Commission in respect of the categories of employees covered in its Terms of Reference contained in the aforesaid Resolution dated the 28th February, 2014 in the manner as specified hereinafter.
(b) The recommendations on allowances (expect Dearness Allowance) will be referred to Committee comprising Finance Secretary and Secretary (Expenditure) as Chairman and Secretaries of Home Affairs, Defence, Health and Family Welfare, personnel and Training, Posts and Chairman, Railway Board as Members. The Committee will submit its report within a period of four months. Till a final decision on Allowances is taken based on the recommendations of this committee, all Allowances will continue to be paid at existing rates in existing pay structure, as if the pay had not been revised with effect from 1st January 2016.
(c) The Government has accepted the recommendations of the Commission on upgrading of posts except for those specified at Annexure III of the Resolutions. The recommendations on the upgradations specified at Annexure III will be separately examined by Department of Personnel and Training for taking a comprehensive view in the matter. These are as under:-
Sl.No
Name of Posts
(para No. of 7th CPC Report)
Present Grade Pay
Grade Pay Recommended by 7thCPC
Up gradation other than Apex Level
1
Assistant Account Officer, Finance Div of Defence, MoD (11.12.140)
4800
5400 (PB-2) on Completion of 4 years service
Up-gradation to Apex Scale
2.
Director General (Indian Coast Guard) (11.12.27)
(d) Recommendations not relating to pay, pension and Allowances and other administrative issues specific to Department/Cadres/Posts will be examined by the Ministries/Departments concerned as per the Allocation of Business Rules or Transaction of Business Rules.
(e) Anomalies committees will be set up be Department of personnel and Training to examine individual, Post – Specific and Cadre-specific anomalies arising out of implementation of the recommendations of the Commission.
2. The above provisions of the Resolution are brought to the knowledge of all the Administrative Division of MoD for their information and for taking necessary action in respect of the posts/cadres existing under their control. The copy of the Resolution is available for download at the website of finmin.nic.in.
(Gurdeep Singh)
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India
Fixation of Pay in 7th CPC Scales in respect of officials who got MACP-II from 2.1.2016 to 1.7.2016
For illustration purpose date of 2nd financial up-gradation under MACPS of a PA is taken as 18.1.2016
(i)
Pre-revised Basic Pay as per VI CPC
Scale on 1.1.2016 (13950 + 2800 G.P)
16750/-
(ii)
Granted 2nd MACP financial up-gradation on 18.1.2016 & Basic pay as per (13950 + 4200 G.P)
VI CPC Scales on 18.1.2016 (Opted to fix pay from DNI on 1.7.2016)
18150/-
(iii)
Basic pay as per VI CPC Scales on 1.7.2016
(14980 + 4200 G.P)
(Pay Fixation done 2nd MACP financial up-gradation in VI CPC Scales)
19180/-
Pay Fixation (in 3 different options exercise as per Rule 5 of CCS(RP) Rules, 2016) in 7th CPC Scales :-
(a)If Option exercised to switch over to 7th CPC scales from 1.1.2016:-
1
Pre-revised Basic Pay as on 01.01.2016
16750/- [ 13950 + 2800 G.P]
2
Applicable level in pay matrix
5
3
Amount at Col.3 above arrived by multiplying by 2.57
43047.50 say 43048/-
4
Applicable cell level either equal to (OR) just above the figure arrived at Col.5
44100
5
Revised Basic Pay on 1.1.2016 in 7th CPC Pay Matrix Level
44100
6
Pay fixation on account of 2nd MACP financial up-gradation granted w.e.f. 18.1.2016 as per Rule 13 of CCS (RP) Rules, 2016
46200/- (Level 6 in Pay Matrix)
7
DNI as per Rule 9 of CCS (RP) Rules, 2016
1.1.2017 to the stage of Rs.47600/-
8
Eligibility of Arrears = Arrears eligible from 1.1.2016 onwards.
(b)If option exercise to switch over to 7th CPC scales from the Date of Next Increment in Pre-revised pay structure i.e. on 1.7.2016: –
1
Pre-revised Basic Pay as on 01.01.2016
16750/- [13950 + 2800 G.P]
2
Pau drawn in pre-revised pay structure i.e. VI CPC Scales on account of 2nd MACP financial up-gradation w.e.f. 18.1.2016
13950 + 4200 (G.P) = 18150/-
3
Pay fixation done on 1.7.2016 in pre-revised pay structure i.e. VI CPC Scales on account of 2nd MACP financial up-gradation granted from 18.1.2016
14980 + 4200 (G.P) = 19180/-
4
Applicable level in Pay Matrix for Rs.4200/- G.P. (Pay Band – 2)
6
5
Amount an Col.3 above arrived by multiplying by 2.57
49292.60 say Rs.49293/-
6
Applicable Cell level either equal to (or) just above the figure arrived at Col.5
50500/- (level 6 of Pay Matrix)
7
Revised Basic Pay on 1.7.2016 in 7th CPC Pay Matrix Level
50500/-
8
DNI as per Rule 9 of CCS(RP) Rules, 2016
1.7.2017 to the stage of Rs.52000/-
9
Eligibility of arrears = Arrears from 1.1.2016 to 30.6.2016 are to forego. Arrears are eligible from 1.7.2016 onwards
(C)If Option exercised to switch over to 7th CPC scales from the Date of Promotion/Financial up-gradation under MACPS i.e. on 18.1.2016:-
1
Pre – Revised Basic Pay as on 01.01.2016
16750/- [ 13950 + 2800 (G.P)
2
Pay drawn in Pre-revised pay structure i.e. VI CPC scales on Account of 2nd MACP financial up-gradation w.e.f. 18.1.2016
13950 + 4200 (G.P) = 18150/-
[ Option already exercised for fixation in old pay scales from DNI on 1.7.16 cannot be revised now ]
3
Applicable level in Pay Matrix for Rs.4200/- G.P
(Pay Band – 2)
6
4
Amount at Col.2 above arrived by multiplying by 2.57
46645.50 Say Rs.46646/-
5
Applicable cell level either equal to (Or) just above the figure arrived at Col.4
47600/- (Level 6 of Pay Matrix)
6
Revised Basic Pay on 18.1.2016 in 7th CPC Pay Matrix Level
47600/-
7
DNI as per Rule 9 of CCS (RP) Rules, 2016
1.1.2017 to the stage of Rs.49000/-
8
Eligibility of Arrears. = Arrears from 1.1.2016 to 17.1.2016 are to forego. Arrears are eligible from 18.1.2016 onwards.
Note: Exercising Option to switch over to 7th CPC Scales from the date of next increment in pre-revised pay structure i.e. on 1.7.2016 would be beneficial [ i.e. 1st proviso to Rule 5 of CCS (RP)Rules, 2016] by forgoing arrears from 1.1.2016 to 30.6.2016.
Restoration of 1/3rd commuted portion of pension in respect of Government servants who had drawn lumpsum payment on absorption in Central Public Sector Undertakings/Central Autonomous Bodies —Stepping up of notional full pension w.e.f. 1.01.2006 for the purpose of Dearness relief and additional pension for old pensioners
No.4/38/2008-P&PW (D)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
(Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare)
3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhawan
New Delhi-110 003.
Dated the 4th August, 2016
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject :- Restoration of 1/3rd commuted portion of pension in respect of Government servants who had drawn lumpsum payment on absorption in Central Public Sector Undertakings/Central Autonomous Bodies —Stepping up of notional full pension w.e.f. 1.01.2006 for the purpose of Dearness relief and additional pension for old pensioners.
Orders for revision of 1/3rd restored pension of absorbees, who had drawn lumpsum payment on absorption, were issued vide this Department O.M. of even number dated 15.9.2008 as amended/ modified vide OM No. 4/30/2010-P&PW(D) dated 11.07.2013. As per these memorandums, the full pension of the absorbees was notionally revised w.e.f. 1.1.2006 in accordance with the instructions contained in this Department O.M. No.38/37/08-P&PW(A) dated 1.9.2008. The payment of DR and additional pension to old pensioners is regulated on the basis of the notional full pension.
2. Instructions were issued vide this Department’s OM No.38/37/08- P&PW(A) dated 28.1.2013 for stepping up of the pension of pre-2006 pensioners w.e.f. 24.9.2012. Accordingly, the notional full pension of the absorbee pensioners was also stepped up w.e.f 24.09.2012 in accordance with the instructions contained in the aforesaid OM dated 28.1.2013 vide this Department’s OM of even number dated 03.04.2013.
3. Instructions were issued vide this Department’s OM No 38/37/08- P&PW(A) dated 30.07.2015 for revision of pension/ family pension of all pre-2006 pensioners/ family pensioners in accordance with this Department’s OM dated 28.01.2013 with effect from 1.01.2006 instead of 24.09.2012. Accordingly, the notional full pension of absorbee pensioners was also revised in accordance with the instructions contained in aforesaid OM dated 30.07.2015 w.e.f. 1.01.2006 instead of 24.09.2012 for purpose of payment of dearness relief and additional pension for old pensioners vide this Department’s OM of even no. Dated 17.02.2016.
4. Instructions have now been issued vide this Department’s OM No. 38/37/08 P&PW(A) dated 6.04.2016 that the revised consolidated pension of pre-2006 pensioners shall not be lower than 50% of the minimum of the pay in the Pay Band and the grade pay (wherever applicable) corresponding to the Pre-revised pay scale as per fitment table without pro-rata reduction of pension even if they had qualifying service of less than 33 years at the time of retirement. Accordingly, the notional full pension of absorbee pensioners would also be revised in accordance with the instructions contained in aforesaid OM dated 6.04.2016 w.e.f. 1.01.2006 and dearness relief and additional pension for old pensioners would be admissible on such notional revised full pension. There will, however, be no change in the actual 1/3 rd restored pension determined in accordance with the OM dated 15.09.2008 read with OM dated 11.07.2013.
5. This issues with the concurrence of Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure vide their I.D.No.1(5)/E.V/2012 dated 4.07.2016.
Productivity Linked Bonus to Railwaymen for the year 2015-16
In reference to out discussion with the Additional Member (Staff), Railway Board, on 2nd August, 2016, we have explained threadbare about the modalities and norms fixed for the Productivity-Liked Bonus to railwaymen for the year 2015-16. It is a well-known fact that, the formula envisaged for calculation of number of days for PLB in November 1979 has been sacrosanct and the federations had never agreed for any alteration in that formula…..
A.I.R.F
All India Railwaymen’s Federation
(Estd, 1924)
4,State Entry Road
New Delhi – 110 055
India
No.AIRF/387
Dated:03-08-2016
The Secretary(E)
Railway Board
New Delhi Kind Attn: Shri Dhruv Singh,
EDPC-I, Railway Board
Dear sir,
Sub: Productivity – Linked Bonus to Railwaymen for the year 2015-16
In reference to our discussion with the Additional Member (Staff), railway Board, on 2nd August, 2016, we have emplained threadbare about the modalities and norms fixed for thr Productivity -Liked Bonus to railwaymen for the year 2015-16.
It is a well-known fact that, thr formula envisaged for calculation of number of days for PLB in November 1979 has been sactosanct and the federations had never agreed for any alteration in that formula.
Railway Board is quite aware that the railwayment are putting their best efforts for running Indian Railways system smoothly and efficiently 365 x 24 x 7 days even by laying their precious lives, therefore, any alteration with PLB Formula, which reduces the number of days, will demotivate them and will be proved counter – Productive to the interests of the Indian Railways. Though the number of railwayment is being reduced, they are carrying more number of passenger and freight trains, therefore, it is quite evident that, productivity of the railwaymen has increased to a great extent.
AIRF has already explained thatm any reduction in the number of days of PLB in comparison to last year will never be tolerated, and that can lead to further agitations.
Here it is pertinent to mention that, every time when the government changed, ceiling of the PLB also changed in the Railways. Last time (in 2009-10) when PLB ceiling was changed from Rs.2500 to 3500 p.m., railwaymen were paid PLB along with the arrear. Similarly, we expect that, this time also, since PLB ceiling has been enhanced from Rs.3500 to Rs.7000 p.m., Railwaymen will be paid PLB @ Rs.7000 p.m. along with arrear.
12 Point Charter of Demands for All India General Strike on 2nd Sept 2016
CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL GOVT. EMPLOYEES & WORKERS
2nd SEPTEMBER 2016 -ALL INDIA GENERAL STRIKE
MAKE IT A GRAND SUCCESS
The Joint platform of Central Trade Unions (CTUs) of the Country along with Independent National Federations of employees of different industries and services including Confederation of Central Govt. Employees and Workers, have decided to organize All India General Strike on 2nd September 2016, against the anti-people, anti-workers policies and authoritarian attitude of the NDA Government. Intensive campaign and preparation to make the general strike a resounding historical success is going on in full swing throughout the country. The attitude of the NDA Government is profoundly negative and hugely challenging to the working class including Central Govt. employees. The issues in the Charter of demands submitted by the Trade Unions to the Govt. relate to basic interest of the country’s economy and also issues concerning the livelihood of the working people of both organized and unorganized sectors.
Govt. has not taken any meaningful step to curb price rise of essential commodities and to generate employment except making tall baseless claims. Govt. is mysteriously silent on the question of retrieving the black money stashed abroad and recovering lakhs of crores of rupees of bad debts of public sector banks. Whole range of social security measures are under severe attacks including the pension of post – 2004 entrants in Central Govt. Services. Govt. has launched atrocious attack of drastic cut in interest on small savings deposits. Totally ignoring the united opposition of the working class, the Govt. has been moving fast to demolish existing labour laws thereby empowering the employers with unfettered rights to “hire and fire” and stripping the workers and trade union of all their rights and protection provided in laws. Alongwith the peasantry and agri- labourers are also under severe attack. Attack on public sector has been pushed to unprecedented height with Govt. announcing mega strategic sale and also allowing unlimited FDI in strategic sectors like Railways, Defence and financial Sector as complimentary to the move of privatization and Public Private partnership etc. The anti-worker and authoritarian attitude of the Government is also nakedely reflected in their refusal to implement the consensus recommendations of 43rd, 44th and 45th Indian Labour Conference for formulations of minimum wages, equal wage and benefits of regular workers to the Contract workers.
The neo-liberal economic policies pursued by the Govt. has landed the entire national economy in distress and decline affecting the working people the most.
Central Govt. Employees worst affected:
The policy offensives of the Govt. like downsizing, outsourcing, contractorisation, corporatization and privatization has affected the Central Govt. departments and employees in a worst manner. Ban on creation of new posts and non-filling up of about six lakhs vacant posts had increased the work load of the existing employees and adversely affected the efficiency of the services. The New Pension Scheme (NPS) implemented with affect from 01.01.2004, is nothing but a “No Pension Scheme”, as it is fully dependent on the vagaries of share market forces. The Govt. is not ready to grant civil servant status to Gramin Dak Sevaks and to regularize the services of causal, contingent and contract workers. The 5% ceiling on compassionate appointment is not yet removed. The bonus ceiling enhancement from Rs.3500/- to Rs. 7000/- is not made applicable to Central Govt. Employees. Govt. is not ready to modify the 7th CPC recommendations, which is worst ever made by any pay commissions. The assurance given to the staff side regarding enhancement minimum pay and fitment formula is yet to be implemented. All other retrograde recommendations like reduction in the percentage of HRA, abolition of 52 allowances etc. are yet to be modified. Overall the attitude of the Modi Govt. is totally negative towards the Central Govt. employees and pensioners.
The National Secretariat is of the firm opinion that unless the policy of the Govt. is changed, more attacks are likely to come on the Central Govt. employees and working class. To change the policy the united struggle of entire working class is required. It is in this background the Confederation of Central Govt. employees and workers has decided to join the General Strike along with other sections of the working class of our country.
The Confederation National Secretariat calls upon the entirety of Central Govt. employees to make intensive campaign and preparation for making the 2nd September 2016 strike a grand success. Along with the 12 Point charter of demands of the working class, the Confederation has decided to submit the demands pertaining to the Central Govt. employees also as Part-B of the Charter of demands to the Govt. The Chater of demands (Part A and B) is furnished below:
2016 September 2nd General Strike 12 Point Charter of Demands of Joint Platform of Central Trade Unions submitted to government:
PART – A
1.Urgent measures for containing price rise through universalization of public distribution system and banning speculative trade in commodity market.
2.Containing unemployment through concrete measures for employment generation.
3.Strict enforcement of all basic labour laws without any exception or exemption and stringent punitive measures for violation of labour laws.
4.Universal social security cover for all workers.
5.Minimum wage of not less than 18000/- per month with provisions of indexation (for unskilled worker).
6.Assured enhanced pension not less than 3000 p.m for the entire working population (including unorganized sector workers).
7.Stoppage of disinvestment in Central/state public sector undertakings.
8.Stoppage of contractorisation in permanent/perennial work and payment of same wage and benefits for contract workers as that of regular workers for the same and similar work.
9.Removal of all ceilings on payment and eligibility of bonus, provident fund and increase in quantum of gratuity.
10.Compulsory registration of trade unions within a period of 45 days from the date of submitting application and immediate ratification of ILO conventions C-87 and C-98.
11.No FDI in Railways, Defence and other strategic sectors.
12.No unilateral amendment to labour laws.
PART – B
Demand of the Central Govt. Employees
1.Avoid delay in implementing the assurances given by Group of Ministers to NJCA on 30thJune 2016, especially increase in minimum pay a fitment formula. Implement the assurance in a time bound manner.
2.Settle issues raised by the NJCA, regarding modifications of the 7th CPC recommendations, submitted to Cabinet Secretary on 10th December 2015.
3. Scrap PFRDA Act and New Pension System (NPS) and grant Pension/Family Pension to all Central Government employees under CCS (Pension) Rules 1972.
4. No privatization, outsourcing, contractorisation of Government functions.
5.(i) Treat Gramin Dak Sevaks as Civil Servants and extend all benefits on pay, pension and allownaces of departmental employees.
(ii) Regularise casual, contract, contingent and daily rated workers and grant equal pay and other benefits.
6.Fill up all vacant posts by special recruitment. Lift ban on creation of new posts.
7.Remove ceiling on compassionate appointments.
8. Extend benefit of Bonus Act amendment 2015 on enhancement of payment ceiling to the Adhoc bonus/PLB of Central Govt. employees with effect from the financial years 2014-15. Ensure payment of revised bonus before Pooja holidays.
9.Revive JCM functioning at all levels.
All affiliated organisations and C-O-Cs are requested to plan phased campaign programme during the month of August 2016 by conducting squad work, general body meetings, conventions, and printing and circulating notices, pamphlets and posters. Each affiliated organization should issue their own separate circulars and instructions to all their units endorsing the decision of the Confederation National Secretariat.
Serve Strike Notice on 12.08.2016
Strike notice should be served to all Departmental heads by the affiliated organisations on 12thAugust 2016. On that day demonstrations should be conducted in front of all offices and copy of the strike notice may be served to all lower authorities also. Confederation CHQ will also serve strike notice to Cabinet Secretary on 12th August 2016.
As per the 7th Pay Commission Pension Order, the retired central government employees will now get a minimum pension of Rs 9,000, from the current Rs 3,500.
As per Office Memorandum, para 4.4
“4.4. The minimum pension with effect from 01.01.2016 will be Rs. 9000/- per month (excluding the element of additional pension to old pensioners). The upper ceiling on pension/family pension will be 50% and 30% respectively of the highest pay in the Government (The highest pay in the Government is Rs. 2,50,000 with effect from 01.01.2016).”
Also refer para 5 in the above said OM
“5. Where the revised pension /family pension in terms of paragraph 4.1 above works out to an amount less than Rs. 9000/-, the same shall be stepped up to Rs. 9000/-. This will be regarded as pension/family pension with effect from 1.1.2016.”
So, the Minimum pension will be Rs. 9000/- and maximum pension will be 2,50,000 with effect from 01.01.2016
Multiplication factor
Basic pension shall be multiplied by 2.57
As per para 4.1 in the above said order,
“4.1 For existing pensioners, who have retired before 01.01.2016, the revised pension/family pension with effect from 01.01.2016 shall be determined by multiplying the pension/family pension, as had been fixed at the time of implementation of 6th Central Pay Commission (CPC) recommendations, by 2.57. The amount of revised pension/family pension so arrived at shall be rounded off to next higher rupee.”
Example 1
Pensioner ‘A’ retired at last pay drawn of Rs.79,000 on 31st May, 2015 under the 6th CPC regime in the scale of Rs.67000-79000 :
Amount in Rs.
1
Basic Pension fixed in 6th CPC
39500
2
Revised pension fixed under 7th CPC (using a multiple of 2.57)
101515
Example 2 :
Pensioner ‘B’ retired at last pay drawn of Rs.4,000 on 31st January, 1989 under the 4th CPC regime in the pay scale of Rs.3000-100-3500-125-4500:
Amount in Rs.
1
Basic Pension fixed in 4th CPC
1940
2
Basic Pension as revised in 6th CPC
12600
3
Revised Pension fixed under 7th CPC (Using a Multiple of 2.57)
32,382
Based on the latest order, we have updated the calculation method in the 7th Pay Commission Pension & Arrears Calculator, check the latest pension details in the following link.
The Government of India has accepted the recommendation of the Seventh Pay Commission with regard to Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) scheme and withholding of annual increments as under:-
(i) Benchmarking for performance appraisal for promotion and financial upgradation under MACPS to be enhanced from ‘Good’ to ‘Very Good’.
(ii) Withholding of annual increments in the case of those employees, who are not able to meet the benchmark either for MACP or a regular Promotion within the first 20 years of service.
This was stated by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply to a question by Shri Rajeev Shukla in the Rajya Sabha today .
