Director, RAKNPA / CGM, CEPT/Directors of all PTCs
Addl. Director General, Army Postal Service, New Delhi
All General Managers (Finance) / Directors Postal Accounts / DDAP
Subject: Gramin Dak Sevaks (Compassionate Engagement) Scheme, 2023.
I am directed to refer to this office letters No. 17-1/2017-GDS dated 30.05.2017 whereas the instructions regarding engagement of dependents of deceased Gramin Dak Sevaks on compassionate grounds (the Scheme) were issued.
2. Based on the references received, a need was felt to further review the scheme to expedite the processing of the compassionate engagement cases. With this view the scheme has been reviewed and it has been decided to introduce revised scheme for compassionate engagement of eligible dependents of deceased Gramin Dak Sevaks to be known as GDS (Compassionate engagement) Scheme, 2023.
3. The scheme will come into effect from the date of issue of this Scheme and will be applicable in all cases yet to be put up before Compassionate Committee on Engagements (CCE). The cases which have already been settled will not be reopened. A copy of the scheme is attached.
4. Circles are requested to circulate the revised Scheme to all concerned and ensure its implementation.
Cashless Treatment Facilities now available to CGHS Beneficiaries at AIIMS New Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh, and JIPMER Puducherry
Memorandum of Agreement signed between Central Government Health Scheme(CGHS) and Three Institutes of National Importance (INI)
CGHS beneficiaries will have direct access to state-of-the-art treatment facilities available in these medical institutions, without the hassle of making upfront payments and seeking reimbursements from CGHS
The government aims to expand the number of hospitals empaneled under CGHS to provide excellent tertiary care facilities aligned with the rising requirements of the patients: Shri Rajesh Bhushan, Union Health Secretary
Through a significant and people centric move, cashless treatment facilities will now be available to CGHS beneficiaries (both serving and pensioners) at AIIMS New Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh, and JIPMER Puducherry. The Memorandum of Agreement to this effect was signed between the three medical institutions- AIIMS, New Delhi, PGIMER, Chandigarh, and JIPMER, Puducherry, and CGHS, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in the presence of Shri Rajesh Bhushan, Union Health Secretary, here today.
This initiative builds upon the six previously signed MoAs on May 20, 2023, between CGHS and various All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) located in Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Patna, Jodhpur, Raipur, and Rishikesh (https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1925806).
“The extension of patient care facilities at AIIMS New Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh, and JIPMER Puducherry to CGHS beneficiaries on a cashless basis will be particularly beneficial for pensioner beneficiaries of CGHS. It eliminates the need for them to submit individual reimbursement claims and follow up for approvals. With this new initiative, CGHS beneficiaries will have direct access to state-of-the-art treatment facilities available in these medical institutions, without the hassle of making upfront payments and seeking reimbursements from CGHS. This streamlined process will save time, reduce paperwork, and expedite the settlement of individual claims. Previously, CGHS pensioner beneficiaries availing treatment at these institutions were required to make payments upfront and claim reimbursement later from CGHS.” This was stated by Shri Rajesh Bhushan, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare at the signing of the MoA today.
The Union Health Secretary appreciated this development highlighting that CGHS is a significant service-oriented vertical of the Health Ministry through which existing and retired employees can avail medical services. He further stated, “The government aims to expand the number of hospitals empaneled under CGHS to provide excellent tertiary care facilities aligned with the rising requirements of the patients.”
Shri Bhushan further emphasized that this agreement will benefit a large segment of the population by simplifying lengthy formalities and expediting access to medical care. He also noted that this agreement will help expand the reach of CGHS services across the nation, allowing beneficiaries to avail CGHS facilities at the INIs institutions in their respective states. Additionally, CGHS has revised certain rates of treatment and medical care, further facilitating access to treatment facilities for patients.
The sailent features of this initiative are as under:
1. Cashless treatment will be available in outpatient departments (OPD), investigations, and indoor treatment for CGHS pensioners and other eligible categories of beneficiaries.
2. The three institutions will raise credit bills for CGHS pensioners and other eligible beneficiaries, and CGHS will preferably make payment within 30 days of receiving the bills.
3. CGHS beneficiaries will be admitted only upon the production of a valid CGHS Beneficiary ID Card for treatment at these institutions.
4. Separate Help Desks and accounting systems will be created for CGHS beneficiaries at AIIMS New Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh, and JIPMER Puducherry.
5. Medicines prescribed by the doctors at these institutions, whether for OPD treatment or at the time of discharge, will be collected by beneficiaries through CGHS.
6. CGHS beneficiaries will no longer require referrals to access healthcare facilities at these institutions.
The MoA signing ceremony was attended by Officer on Special Duty, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Shri Sudhansh Pant, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and Smt. V. Hekali Zhimoni, among other senior government officials. Directors of AIIMS New Delhi, Dr. M Srinivas, Medical superintendent, PGIMER Chandigarh, Dr. Vipin Kaushal, and Director, JIPMER Puducherry, Dr. Rakesh Agrawal were also present at the MOA signing event.
Govt Employees must mark attendance using AEBAS: DOPT O.M
Instructions regarding implementation of Aadhar Enable Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS) for attendance of all Government employees, by various Ministries/Departments/Organizations
F. No.11013/13/2023-Pers. Policy-A.III Government of India Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Department of Personnel and Training
North Block, New Delhi Dated 23rd June, 2023
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Instructions regarding implementation of Aadhar Enable Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS) for attendance of all Government employees, by various Ministries/Departments/Organizations
—–
During a recent review of the implementation of AEBAS, it has been observed that a large number’ of Government employees posted across Ministries/ Departments/ Organizations of Government of India, despite being registered and active over AEBAS, are not marking their attendance using the System and as such, are not adhering to the instructions contained in DOPT’s OM No. 11013/9/2014-Estt(A-III) dated 21.11.2014 and 28.01.2015.
2. Marking of attendance over AEBAS had remained suspended for a large period of time, during the spread of COVID19. Vide its OM dated 31.01.2022, this Department instructed that biometric attendance shall remain suspended till 15th February, 2022 or till further orders, whichever is earlier, and consequently, marking of attendance through AEBAS automatically resumed since 16.02.2022. However, it has been observed that many Ministries/Departments/Organizations have not yet resumed the use of AEBAS for marking of attendance of their employees.
3. Taking a serious note of the inattentiveness/laxity on the part of Ministries/Departments/Organizations and the employees (who are not marking attendance despite being registered and active), it has been decided that:
i. Ministries/Departments/Organizations (MDOs) shall ensure that the employees posted there mark their attendance using AEBAS without fail;
ii. Immediate steps would be initiated by the Ministries/Departments/ Organizations for registration of biometric data in AEBAS in respect of their employees;
iii. In respect of Divyang employees, Ministries/Departments/Organizations will make appropriate arrangements for providing easily accessible machines at lower heights or at their desks and for capturing biometrics through Face Recognition Machines;
iv. MDOs shall also verify the information provided by the employees for AEBAS to ensure that the same is correct and updated;
v. The concerned NIC Wings/Units shall provide information/attendance data including any discrepancy in Registered and Active Users to their Ministries/Departments concerned to ensure that employees mark their attendance on AEBAS.
vi. Ministries/Departments shall ensure that the biometric machines remain functional at all times; and
vii. HODs of the Ministries/Departments/Organizations shall periodically monitor the marking of attendance to ensure punctuality and sensitize their employees to adhere to the instructions relating to office hours, late attendance etc. Habitual late attendance and early leaving of office should be viewed seriously and essentially discouraged and action against the same may be initiated under the extant GOI rules.
4. All the Ministries/Department/Organizations are, therefore, directed to adhere to the instructions contained in Para 3 of this OM and also to bring this to the notice of all the concerned for proper implementation of AEBAS.
Grant of notional increment to Govt servants superannuated on 30th June or 31st December
19/1/2023PersPolicy[Pay(Promotion)]
1/3026765/2023
19/1/2023 Pers Policy [Pay (Promotion)] Government of India Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Department of Personnel & Training
North Block, New Delhi Dated June, 2023
To Shri Ramsahay Vijay Email: rsvijayvargia[at]gmail.com
Subject: Grant of notional increment to Govt servants superannuated on 30th June or 31st December-reg
Sir,
I am directed to refer to your email dated 06.06.2023 in the matter involving grant of notional increment to the Central Government employees who superannuated on 30th June or 31st December in light of the Order of Hon’ble Supreme Court dated 11.04.2023 in the case of KPTCL v/s C.P. Mundinmanian and dismissal of SLP No.4722/2021 filed by UOI in order dated 19.05.2023.
2. In this regard it is informed that action in light of the Order dated 11.04.2023 of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in CA No. 2471 of 2023 (@SLP(C) No. 6185/2020) – Director (Admn and HR) KPTCL & Ors. Vs C.P. Mundinamani & Ors. and dismissal of SLP No. 4722/2021 filed by Union of India vide order dated 19.05.2023 in the matter relating to grant of notional increment to the Government Servants who superannuated on 30th June or 31st December is presently under examination in consultation with D/o Expenditure. Further action, as may be required in this regard, will be taken on completion of the consultation process.
3. This issues with the approval of the Competent Authority.
Yours faithfully
(Shukdeo Sah) Under Secretary to the Govt. of India @ 011-23040 489
RSCWS request for early Setting up of 8th Central Pay Commission and Interim Relief for Central Government Employees
RAILWAY SENIOR CITIZENS WELFARE SOCIETY (Estd. 1991, Regd. No. 1881 – Under Registration of Societies Act), IDENTIFIED BY DOP&PW GOVT. OF INDIA – UNDER PENSIONERS’ PORTAL MEMBER, SCOVA (STANDING COMMITTEE FOR VOLUNTARY AGENCIES)
No. RSCWS/CHD/Memo -8th CPC/2023-6
Dated: 30-5-2023
Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Hon’ble Minister of Finance, Government of India, North Block, New Delhi.- 110001. CC by Emai; Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman MOF <nsitharaman[at]nic.in>
Sub :– Setting up of 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC).
Madam,
1. We draw your kind attention and that of the Government towards the financial constraints through which the Central Government employees and pensioners are passing for the last 70 years due to long gaps of 10 years between the Central Pay Commissions since Independence and very negligible rise of Pay & Pension each time due to defective formulae for fixation of revised Pay & Allowances and Pension adopted by each Pay Commission. Thus it leads to erosion of relativity with the other sections of society as well as the relativity vis-à-vis Per Capita Income of the Country.
2. The Seventh Central Pay Commission (CPC) had submitted its report in February 2017. Orders for its implementation were issued in July & August, 2017 with the provision that arrears of Revised Pays be paid w.e.f. 1-1-2016 and that of the Allowances etc. from later date(s).
3. a) Per capita income (as interpolated at current prices) in India had more than doubled from Rs.93,293/- in 2015-16 to Rs 1,97,000/- in 2022-23 (as per Budget Speech of MOF for the year 2023-24).
b) Pay & Pension of Central Govt. employees had increased by only 42% from 1-1-2016 to 1-1-2023 as against a rise of 111% in the Per Capita Income of the Country in this period as per details indicated above.
c) This was a great injustice with the Central Government employees and pensioners, caused due to continuous erosion of their real income; the Dearness Allowances and Dearness Reliefs do not provide requisite relief against inflation nor do they provide the required element to keep pace with the rise in per capita income of the country.
4. Seventh Pay Commission had fixed the Minimum Pay as Rs.18,000 instead of Rs.26,000 and erroneously proposed the fitment Factor as 2.57 instead of 3.15 thus doing great injustice to the employees and the pensioners, who face a triple jeopardy with deficient formula for DA & DR especially on account of irrational weightage to consumable items for compiling Consumer Price Index.
5. Fifth & Sixth Pay Commissions had recommended for delinking the Pay revision from a 10 years norm and link it with the date from which DA/DR rises above 50%.For ready reference, an extract of the relevant Para (1.1.4) of Sixth Pay Commission, is placed at Annexure 1 of this Memorandum.
6. As per the recommendations of the last three Central Pay Commissions, the future pay revision should be done when the DA/DR reaches 50% or more than the basic pay; the pay structure needs revision to neutralize the impact of inflation. The rate of DA/DR is projected to cross 50% or even more from Jan-2024 and as such the Pay & Allowances and Pension needs to be revised from January, 2024 accordingly.
7. The Pay Commissions have all along been taking about 2 years for submitting their Reports and another one year or more is taken by the Government to consider and to implement the same. This further erodes the relative value of the Pay & Pension proposed by Pay Commission.
8. It is therefore requested that Eighth Central Pay Commission may please be set up early and an Interim relief be granted to the Central Government employees & Pensioners w.e.f. 1-1-2024, to compensate them for the erosion of their Pay and Pension due to inflation & loss on account of relativity with GDP.
With regards.
Yours faithfully,
Secretary General/RSCWS
Copy To: –
1 Secretary, Finance Expenditure, North Block, New Delhi-110001. 2 Secretary, Department of Public Grievances, Adm. Reforms & Pensions, 5th Floor, Patel Bhavan, Parliament Street, New Delhi – 110001
ANNEXURE – I
Para1.1.4 of 6th CPC is reproduced below:
1.1.4 The Fifth Pay Commission had recommended that pay revision should, in future, be entrusted to a permanent Pay Commission drawing its authority from a constitutional provision and whose recommendations, made annually, should have a binding character. The Commission, as an alternative, suggested that dearness allowance should be converted into dearness pay every time the cost of living rises by 50% over the base level. In their opinion, DA would normally increase by 50% in a period of 5 years and that this relief could be combined with a decennial exercise of pay revision through a Pay Commission, meeting partially the demands of Central Government employees for a more frequent revision of salaries on the analogy of public sector employees. The Fifth CPC recommended constitution of the next Pay Commission by 2003 so that its report was available by 2006. Although the Government did not appoint the next Pay Commission in 2003, it allowed merger of 50% of dearness allowance with pay with effect from 1/4/2004.
Extension of timelines for recording of PAR for the year 2022-23 in respect of AIS officers
F. No.11059/04/2023-AIS-III Government of India Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Department of Personnel & Training
North Block, New Delhi Dated the 15th June, 2023
To, The Chief Secretaries of States / UTs
Sub: Extension of timelines for recording of PAR for the year 2022-23 in respect of AIS officers by the reporting I reviewing / accepting authorities — reg.
Sir / Madam,
I am directed to refer to DoPT’s letter dated 30.05.2023 extending timelines for recording PAR for the year 2022-23 and the request received from State Govt. of Manipur for further extending timelines on the grounds of prolonged internet ban due internal disturbance in various parts of Manipur. Also, there may be some AIS officers in other State Cadres who could not complete their PAR within extended timelines of 15 days due to similar exigencies.
2. Accordingly, the matter has been duly considered in this Department and it has been decided with the approval of the Competent Authority to further extend timelines for recording PAR for the year 2022-23 by one month, in relaxation of rule 5(1) read with Schedule 2 of AIS (PAR) Rules so as to give sufficient time to each authority, as indicated below: –
Activity
Cut off dates
Existing
Already Revised
Revised
Self Appraisal for current year
31st May, 2023
15th June, 2023
15th July, 2023
Appraisal by Reporting Authority
31st July, 2023
15th August, 2023
15th September, 2023
Appraisal by Reviewing Authority
30th September, 2023
15th October, 2023
15th November, 2023
Appraisal by Accepting Authority
31st December, 2023
31st December, 2023
31st December, 2023
3. Notwithstanding anything contained herein, no remarks may be recorded after 31st December, 2023 in the PAR of AIS officers for the PAR year 2022-23, in accordance with the 2nd proviso of the AIS (PAR) rules, 2007, as amended.
4. The aforesaid relaxation is accorded as a one-time measure only.
(Ram Lakhan) Under Secretary to the Government of India
Accessing NPS Statement of Transactions through DigiLocker
PENSION FUND REGULATORY AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
CIRCULAR
Circular No: PFRDA/2023/19/Sup-CRA/05
14th June 2023
To All stakeholders
Subject: Experience the ease and convenience of accessing NPS Statement of Transactions through DigiLocker -reg
DigiLocker is a digital platform that provides a shareable & secure private cloud based digital space, allowing one to access all their personal documents and certificates in one place. With nearly 16.50 crore registered users and 5.62 billion issued documents under various categories, DigiLocker is a key initiative under the Government of India’s flagship program, Digital India. The number of NPS Subscribers who have availed various services through DigiLocker is approx. 5 Lacs.
2. Central Record Keeping Agencies (CRAs) of PFRDA have become DigiLocker Partner Organizations to provide Subscriber Centric online Services indicated vide Circular PFRDA/2022/16/SUP CRA/4 dated 27th July 2022 and PFRDA/2022/30/SUP-CRA/11 dated 19th Oct 2022.
3. PFRDA is pleased to inform that the NPS subscribers will be able to download their NPS Account Transaction Statement to DigiLocker for easy access and view their pension wealth. Statement can be downloaded for Tier | and Tier II both.
4. The following services have been made available by the respective CRAs through DigiLocker Account –
i. Protean e-Governance Technologies CRA (PCRA) — Subscribers of the CRA can view their e-PRAN card & Account Statement. Subscribers can also update the existing address using Driving License through DigiLocker. The prospective subscribers canalso open NPS account through Aadhaar — DigiLocker integration as well as through Driving License.
ii. KFin Technologies CRA (KCRA) – Subscribers of the CRA can view their e-PRAN card & Account Statement. Subscribers can also update the existing address using Aadhaar through DigiLocker. The prospective subscribers can also open NPS account through Aadhaar — DigiLocker integration.
iii. Computer Age Management Services CRA (CCRA)- – Subscribers of the CRA can view their e-PRAN card. Subscribers can also update the existing address using Aadhaar through DigiLocker. Prospective subscribers of CCRA can open NPS account through Aadhaar – DigiLocker integration.
Refer the Annexure for details regarding the services offered through DigiLocker and process of accessing Statement of Account.
5. Subscribers can download the e-PRAN and Account Statement by searching for PFRDA in DigiLocker and providing the details of PRAN, DoB and Consent which is a one-time activity.
PFRDA believes that accessing NPS Account Transaction Statement through DigiLocker will provide one with greater ease and convenience.
Chief General Manager
Annexure
Process Flow: Accessing NPS Statement of Account through DigiLocker
NPS subscribers can easily sign up for DigiLocker by using their mobile or Aadhaar number.
The mobile/Aadhaar number will be authenticated by receiving a one-time password (OTP) for 2-Factor authentication. Subscribers will then set their security PIN.
Once authenticated, the subscriber’s DigiLocker account Is created.
The issued documents in DigiLocker are e-documents issued by various government agencies, including the Central Record Keeping Agency (CRA) appointed by PFRDA.
These e-documents are obtained directly from the original data source, which is the CRA system.
The issued documents section of DigiLocker contains the links to access these documents.
In DigiLocker, search for “PFRDA” and select the respective CRA.
Enter the 12-digit Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN).
Provide consent to DigiLocker to share subscriber details with the issuers, in this case, the CRA, for the purpose of fetching the Statement of Account.
Consolidated guidelines on Rotational Transfer Policy for officers of CSS – Modification
No. 01/03/2023-CS.I(P) Government of India Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions Department of Personnel & Training
Lok Nayak Bhawan, New Delhi Dated the 14th June, 2023
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Sub: Consolidated guidelines on Rotational Transfer Policy (RTP) for officers of Central Secretariat Service (CSS) — modification thereof – reg.
The undersigned is directed to refer to this department’s O.M. No.21/1 9/2022-CS.I(P) dated 02.11.2022 notifying the consolidated guidelines on Rotational Transfer Policy (RTP) for the officers of Central Secretariat Service (CSS) and to convey the approval of the competent authority for the following modifications in the guidelines with immediate effect:
(I) Para 14 of the guidelines on cut-off date and tentative schedule of transfer is substituted with the following:
The crucial date for calculating the period of residency to decide the eligibility of the officer(s) for rotational transfer from the existing cadre unit will be the date on which the process of rotational transfer is initiated.
Scrap the no guaranteed NPS and to restore the defined and guaranteed old Pension Scheme (National Council, JCM)
Shiva Gopal Mishra Secretary
Ph.: 23382286 National Council (Staff Side) Joint Consultative Machinery for Central Government Employees 13-C, Ferozshah Road, New Delhi – 110001 E-Mail : [email protected]
No.NC-JCM-2023/RPS
June 09, 2023
All the National Council JCM Staff Side Members
Dear Comrade,
All of you are aware that the Government of India, Ministry of Finance, vide its Notification dated 06/04/2023 has constituted a Committee to Review the Pension System for Government Employees Under the Chairmanship of The Finance Secretary & Secretary (Expenditure). The following Terms of Reference have been given to the Committee:
(i) Whether in the light of the existing framework and structure of the National Pension System, as applicable to Government employees, any changes therein are warranted.
(ii) If so, to suggest such measures as are appropriate to modify the same with a view to improving upon the pensionary benefits of Government employees covered under the National Pension System, keeping in view the fiscal implications and impact on overall budgetary space, so that fiscal prudence is maintained to protect the common citizens.
The Committee invited the Standing Committee Members of the National Council – JCM to hold discussions on 09/06/2023. The Staff side was represented in the meeting by Shri M. Raghavaiah Leader Staff Side, Shri Shiva Gopal Mishra, Secretary, Staff Side, Dr. N. Kanniah, Shri Ch. Sankara Rao, Shri J.R.Bhosle, Shri C.Srikumar, Shri Guman Singh, Shri R.P.Bhatnagar, Shri Rupak Sarkar, Shri R.Srinivasan, Shri R.N.Parashar, Shri Tapas Bose.
The Staff Side met on the forenoon of today in the office of the Staff Side and discussed in detail about the approach and strategy to be adopted by the Staff Side before the Committee, which Shri Mukesh Singh, BPMS also attended. After detailed discussions the Staff Side has unanimously taken the following conclusion:-
No Central Government Employees Organizations and the Staff Side of the National Council – JCM have ever demanded for any improvement in the NPS. Therefore the Terms of Reference is not acceptable.
A memorandum on behalf of the Staff Side should be submitted to the Chairman of the Committee in the meeting bringing in all facts and arguments why the Central Government Employees are opposing NPS and demanding for Restoration of Old Pension Scheme.
We should reiterate the following two demands which was adopted in the declaration of the JFROPS (NJCA).
(i) To withdraw the National Pension System implemented to the employees who are recruited on or after 01/01/2004 and to bring them all under the coverage of old pension scheme under CCS(Pension) Rules 1972.
(ii) To implement the GPF scheme to the employees who are recruited on or after 01/01/2004 by depositing the accumulated employees contribution along with the returns to the GPF Account of the employees.
Accordingly a detailed memorandum was prepared and handed over to The Chairmen of the Committee in today’s meeting. A copy of the memorandum dated 09/06/2023 addressed to The Chairman of the Committee is enclosed along with this circular.
In the meeting the Staff Side placed our firm views and all justifications for scrapping the no Guarantee NPS and restoration of the defined and guaranteed Old Pension Scheme. Detailed discussion took place on all the issues raised by us in the memorandum. A patient hearing was given by the Chairman of the Committee on all the issues raised by us. We also clarified on the issues raised by the Chairman in an effective manner.
Responding to the views expressed by us the Chairman of the committee and the official Side Members responded as follows:-
The committee has to work within the frame work of the Terms of Reference given to the Committee.
The Memorandum submitted by the Staff Side would be studied by the Committee and would be taken in to account while finalizing its recommendations.
The points and the justifications given by the Staff Side on their Demand are also noted and the committee would study the same.
Discussions both formally and informally would continue to take place with the Staff Side of the National Council – JCM.
After listening to the views expressed by the Chairman we categorically reiterated our position that the only way to solve the problem is to scrap the no guaranteed NPS and to restore the defined and guaranteed old Pension Scheme.
Dear Comrades let our struggle in the united banner of NJCA to scrap NPS and restore OPS will continue and will be intensified in the coming days.
Execution of Bond for availing Study Leave under AIS (Study Leave) Regulations 1960: DOPT ORDER
No. 11020/02/2023-AIS-III Government of India Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions Department of Personnel & Training ***
North Block, New Delhi Dated the 7th June, 2023
To, Chief Secretaries of all the State Governments;
Subject: Execution of Bond for availing Study Leave under AIS (Study Leave) Regulations, 1960.
Sir / Madam,
I am directed to refer to the provisions of Regulations 9(i) of the AIS (Study Leave) Regulations, 1960, regarding execution of a bond by Member of Service before proceeding on Study Leave.
2. Instances have come to notice of certain All India Service officers not conducting themselves fully in consonance with the spirit of the AIS (Conduct) Rules, 1968 while on study leave.
3. It is, therefore, appropriate that Guidelines on conduct during Study Leave to be scrupulously adhered to by AIS officers be prescribed. The bond to be executed before proceeding on Study Leave has accordingly been revised, where a Member of Service shall, inter-alia, undertake to abide by the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968 and the Guidelines on conduct during Study Leave contained in the Annexure to the revised bond.
4. Before forwarding the proposal of ex-India Study Leave of any Member of Service to the Central Government, the State Governments shall satisfy themselves that the Member of Service fulfills all requisite conditions for grant of study leave. They will also exercise due diligence to ensure that the proposed study course is relevant to the officer’s area of work and future career growth and is in public interest, before seeking approval of the Central Government under AIS (Study Leave) Regulations, 1960. State Governments may also like to satisfy themselves regarding the suitability of the Member of Service before forwarding proposals for consideration of the Central Government.
5. The State Governments are also advised to ensure that the Member of Service is properly briefed before he / she proceeds on Study Leave.
6. This issues with the approval of Competent Authority.
Yours Faithfully,
(Ram Lakhan) Under Secretary to the Government of India
