Irregularities and misuse in availing Leave Travel Concession Guidelines to be followed.
DOPT ORDER 2016
No. 31011/3/2013-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: July 12, 2016
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject:- Irregularities and misuse in availing Leave Travel Concession Guidelines to be followed.
The undersigned is directed to enclose a copy of draft O.M. on the subject noted above for comments within 15 days to the undersigned (email address: [email protected]).
(Surya Narayan Jha)
Under Secretary to the Government of India
No. 31011/3/2013-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: 2016
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject:- Irregularities and misuse in availing Leave Travel Concession – Guidelines to be followed.
The undersigned is directed to say that some instances where some Government servants colluded with private travel agents to submit LTC claims showing inflated airfare to clandestinely obtain undue benefits like free boarding/lodging/transport or cash refunds have come to notice of the Government.
2. In order to curb these malpractices the following steps may be taken:
(i) As per instructions reiterated from time to time, in all cases whenever a Govt. servant claims LTC by air, he/she is required to book the air tickets either directly through the airlines (Booking counters, website of airlines) or by utilizing the service of authorized travel agents viz. ‘M/s Balmer Lawrie & Company’, ‘M/s Ashok Travels & Tours’ and ‘IRCTC’. Proposals from different Ministries/Departments for relaxation continue to be received on the plea that the Government servant was not aware of this requirement. Vide the OM dated No. 31011/3/2015-Estt (A.IV) dated 18th February, 2016 detailed guidelines on submission and processing of claims were circulated. These guidelines are required to be made available to Government servants whenever they apply for LTC. Plea of ignorance of the instructions therefore cannot be used by such Government servants.
The nodal Ministries of M/s Balmer Lawrie & Co. (Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas), M/s Ashok Travels & Tours (Ministry of Tourism) and IRCTC (Ministry of Railways) shall issue instructions to these organisations to ensure compliance to the instructions issued vide O.M. dated 18th February, 2016 on issue of air tickets. Any violation of these instructions shall invite blacklisting.
(ii) Vide the Department of Expenditure’s O.M. No. 19024/1/2009-E.IV dated 04.03.2011, it was clarified that reimbursement of air fare lower than LTC-80 fare of Air India is admissible for the journey(s) performed by Air India under LTC-80. LTC-80 fare is to be used as the ceiling beyond which no claim will be entertained. It has now been decided that in accordance with the canons of financial propriety, Government servants should purchase tickets at the lowest rate available at the time of booking for the date and time of scheduled journey. Government servant will be required to submit the print out of the tickets showing date and time of booking in addition to the fare charged. It may, however, be kept in mind that in some cases of cancellation/rescheduling, a refund fee may be applicable. This will be borne by the employee unless the journey had to be rescheduled/cancelled due to exigencies of work. The Authority which has approved the LTC will have the powers to cancel or reschedule it.
From pre-page:
(iii) While submitting the LTC claim after completion of the LTC journey, the Govt. servant will be required to submit a self-certificate on plain paper as follows:
(1) I certify that the airfare claimed by me is in respect of the fare charged by the Airline for the air journey only and does not include any charges for any facility/undue benefit including boarding/lodging/local transport.
(2) I also certify that I have booked the ticket at the lowest fare available for the destination at the time of booking for the scheduled date and time of departure. I am aware that suppression of any information or furnishing wrong information will render me liable to disciplinary action.
3. The Administrative Ministries/Departments may also from time to time do random checks from airlines whether the tickets were booked at the lowest fare available on that date. Attention of the Ministries/Departments is also invited to Rule 3(1)(i) of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964 which requires the Government servants to maintain absolute integrity at all times. In addition, cheating/fraud also attract various sections of the Indian Penal Code 1860. Ministries/Departments should therefore not hesitate to take severe action against employees guilty of deliberate malpractices, particularly in collusion with travel agents etc.
4. All the Ministries/Departments of Government of India are requested to bring the contents of this O.M. to the notice of all concerned.
(Surya Narayan Jha)
Under Secretary to the Government of India
Prevention of Sexual Harassment of working women at workplace – Seniority of the Chairperson of the Complaint Committee – regarding
F. No. 11013/2/2014-Estt.A-III
Government of India Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Department of Personnel & Training Establishment Division
North Block, New Delhi – 110001
Dated July 11th, 2016
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Prevention of Sexual Harassment of working women at workplace – Seniority of the Chairperson of the Complaint Committee – regarding.
The undersigned is directed to say that many references for clarification on the rank of the Chairperson of the Complaints Committee vis a vis the employees against whom the allegations have been made in accordance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace [Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal] Act, 2013 has been examined. The draft instructions are attached. Before the instructions in the Draft U.M. are finalised, all stakeholders, Ministries / Departments are requested to offer their comments / views, if any, in this regard latest by 25th July, 2016 at the e-mail address [email protected]
Recommendations of the High Power Committee to review the duty hours of running and other safety related categories of staff
RBE No. 66/2016
Government of India
Ministry of Railways
(Railway Board)
No.2016/E(LL)/HPC/6
New Delhi
Dt. 16.06.2016
The General Manager(P)
All Indian Railways & PUs
Sub:- Recommendations of the High Power Committee to review the duty hours of running and other safety related categories of staff – Job Analysis
The High Power Committee, constituted to review the duty hours of running and other safety related categories of staff, had recommended to lay down a time schedule for carrying out the job analysis and taking decision thereupon.
The above recommendation has been duly considered by the Board and it was decided that the job analysis may be carried out and concluded in time bound manner as per existing provision.
Railways may take appropriate action accordingly.
This issues with the concurrence of Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways.
BPMS submits memorandum to Prime Minister against Central Government Cabinet decision on the 7th Pay Commission
Bharatiya Pratiraksha Mazdoor Sangh
To,
The Prime Minister
Govt. Of India,
South Block, Raisina Hills
New Delhi – 110 011
Through: proper Channel
Subject: Submission of Memorandum against Central Government Cabinet decision on the 7th CPC
Hon’ble sir,
Through this memorandum we the members of this union who are central Government Employees and believe in the ideology of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh reflect our disappointment, grief, sorrow and anger due to non-settlement of long pending demands related to the recommendations of 7th CPC.
It is a matter of great concern that all the recommendations which are against the lower rung of central Government Employees have been accepted in toto on 29th June, 2016 by the Central Cabinet. though we had got opportunity through out federation Bharatiya Pratiraksha Mazdoor Sangh, GENC & BMS to reflect out concerns before the Hon’ble Finance Minister, Defence Minster & MoS for DOP&T over the issues of enhancement in Minimum Pay Rs.24000/- from Rs.18000/- Multiplying Factor for fitment 3.42 from 2.57, rate of increment 5% from 3%, merging of some of the pay scales/grade pay of Group “C”, resolving the issue of MACP, scrapping of NPS etc. and the Hon’ble Ministers had assured to take care of the issues but it appears that they have reneged.
Government employees are further disappointed on the communication received through press release published in press Information Bureau (release ID 146885) dated 06.07.2016 that the issues related to the pay scales and other recommendations of 7th CPC would be considered by a High Level Committee that will further delay in the implementation.
Hence, on the call of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, Government Employees National Confederation and Bharatiya Pratiraksha Mazdoor Sangh, this union has observed agitation programme in this Defence Establishment from 30.06.2016 to 08.07.2016 to invite the attention of Govt of India towards the discontentment prevailing amongst the central Government employees including Defence civilians.
Earlier, we have also observed the demand week from 01.03.2016 to 05.03.2016 and from 13.06.2016 to 18.06.2016 on the retrograde recommendations of 7th CPC but no fruitful result has come till date.
In such circumstances, you are requested to intervence into the matter personally so that demands mentioned hereinabove may be accepted by Govt of India and all financial benefits of the 7th CPC may be granted forthwith.
NEW PENSION SCHEME (NPS) – Clarification from Confederation
ONE MORE CLARIFICATION REGARDING NJCA’s STAND ON NEW PENSION SCHEME (NPS)
QUERY — Just like the issues of Salary hike, Fitment formula or parity of Pension, the issue of NPS is common to all Central Govt. Departments. In spite of that, this issue appears to be less highlighted. I represent a unit where 80% of the employees belong to NPS and all of us are aware of the pros & cons of the scheme and we are really concerned about our future
Com. S. Das, Circle Secretary, AIPAEA (NFPE), Postal Accounts, Assam Circle, Guwahati.
REPLY —– Thanks for your concern. The problem of NPS employees are well taken care of by the NJCA. Please see the Press Statement issued by NJCA on 6th July 2016 after taking the decision to defer the strike which is published in confederation website. The last paragraph reads as follows——- “The NJCA particularly notes that the Govt. has set up a separate committee for reviewing the New Pension Scheme, which has been a matter of concern to all employees and workers who are recruited to Govt. services after 01.01.2004.” Please also see the para -12 of the Press Communique issued by the Govt. through Press Information Bureau immediately after the Cabinet decision on 29th June 2016 which reads as ——— “Para-12— The Cabinet also decided to constitute a separate committee to suggest measures for streamlining the implementation of New Pension System (NPS)”. Cabinet decision is taken as it is one of the important demand of the Charter of demands of NJCA submitted to Govt. NJCA shall take follow up action on this particular demand as all of us are very much concerned about this important demand. This demand is directly linked to the policy of the NDA Govt. as all of you are aware that it is the previous NDA Govt. which took a Cabinet decision in 2003 to implement New Contributory Pension Scheme to Central Govt. Employees from 01.01.2004.
Deferring of the Indefinite Strike – Detail clarification from Confederation
M. Krishnan, Secretary General, Confederation of C. G. Employees & Workers
Dear Comrades,
We are in receipt of messages and emails from our grass root leaders and workers conveying their concerns over the decision of NJCA to defer the indefinite strike. Comments are circulated in other social medias like whats app etc. also. As it is not practically possible to reply to all the queries and comments, to put the record straight, we are clarifying below the common points raised by most of our comrades and well-wishers. We sincerely thank all those leaders, comrades and well-wishers, who have conveyed (and still conveying) their views, opinions, criticisms and concerns to the confederation CHQ.
1. CONVEYING THE DEFERMENT OF THE STRIKE EVEN BEFORE THE NJCA FORMALLY ANNOUNCED IT:
NJCA has taken serious note of this incident and shall take precautionary measures in future.
2. WHETHER IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CABINET DECISION ON 7TH CPC RECOMMENDATIONS WILL BE DELAYED FURTHER FOR FOUR MONTHS
The question of keeping in abeyance the implementation of the Cabinet decision on 29th June 2016 regarding 7th CPC recommendations, till the High Level Committee submits its report to Govt, was discussed in the NJCA meeting. It is decided that NJCA should not demand it, as the employees may be put to hardship, especially those who are in the verge of retirement. Com Shiv Gopal Misra, Convenor, NJCA has confirmed from the Finance Ministry that Govt notification on 7th CPC recommendations is under process and it will be issued shortly, payment may be made from August salary.
3. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EMPOWERED COMMITTEE CONSTITUTED EARLIER AND THE NEW HIGH LEVEL COMMITTEE?
The new High Level Committee is the product of the discussion held by Group of Ministers including Home Minister, Finance Minister and Railway Minister with NJCA leaders after announcement of the Cabinet decision, in the wake of an impending indefinite strike. Govt is compelled to appoint the new Committee, as the decision taken by the Govt on the proposals submitted by the Empowered Committee headed by Cabinet Secretary (details of proposals of ECoS is not known to staff side) is not acceptable to the NJCA. Hence the new Committee shall be to reconsider the decision of the Govt. especially regarding minimum wage and fitment formula. Inspite of the assurance of the Groups of Ministers that the Committee is being constituted to reconsider the Govt. decision, if the Govt. again reject our demand, the NJCA have to reconsider its stand and deferred strike shall be revived.
4. POSITION REGARDING ALLOWANCES
All allowances including HRA, transport allowance, fixed medical allowance to pensioners etc. are referred to a committee headed by Finance Secretary. Committee shall submit its report within four months. Pending final decision based on the report of the Committee, all existing allowances to be paid as per the existing rates in existing pay structure. Govt. may try to deny arrears of revised rate of allowances by implementing it from prospective date as in the past. This issue will be further discussed by the NJCA with the proposed Committee.
5. WE WOULD HAVE GOT A BETTER SETTLEMENT IF NJCA HAS GONE AHEAD WITH THE INDEFINITE STRIKE
All of us are aware that NJCA is not a monolithic, composite organization. It is a united forum of independent organisation. Each Federation has its own identity and individuality and take decision as per the direction of the managing bodies of each organization. Hence different views may emerge in the NJCA, but final decision is taken by consensus. If each organization stick on to its own stand and others to follow it, there is no question of consensus and NJCA will not exist.
With all its inherent weakness and limitations, the NJCA has successfully challenged the NDA Govt’s stand that there is no negotiation with the staff side on the 7th CPC recommendations. Govt. thought that once the Cabinet decision is announced unilaterally, followed by unleashing of well-orchestrated media propaganda that big bonanza is given for Central Govt. Employees, the NJCA will be forced to withdraw its indefinite strike decision. But the calculation of the Govt went wrong. NJCA took a firm stand that unless and until the retrograde recommendations especially minimum wage and fitment formula is modified, there is no question of withdrawing the strike. All the Federations are firm on this demand which ultimately compelled the Hon’ble Prime Minister to intervene. (NJCA has written to Hon’ble Prime Minister for intervention even before the Cabinet decision, but the Govt. ignored the NJCA’s appeal at that time). As per the direction of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Hon’ble Home Minister Sri Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Sri Arun Jaitly and Railway Minister Sri Suresh Prabhu discussed the main issues raised in the Charter of demands with NJCA leaders, and assured that Govt. will appoint a High Level Committee to reconsider the decision of the Govt., especially on minimum pay and fitment formula. This assurance was given with the approval of Hon’ble Prime Minster.
Inspite of it, the NJCA has not deferred the strike and insisted written confirmation of the assurance regarding constitution of High Level Committee. Again Hon’ble Home Minister Sri Rajnath Singh called the NJCA leaders and reiterated the earlier assurances and informed that the Finance Minister will issue a press statement confirming the assurance given to NJCA. Only after receipt of the copy of the press statement issued by the Finance Ministry, NJCA has deferred the strike till the finalization of the report of High Level Committee.
As the Hon’ble Prime Minister of our country has intervened and as three Cabinet Ministers of Govt. of India discussed the demands with NJCA leaders and gave assurance that the demands, especially minimum pay and fitment formula will be reconsidered, and as the Home Minister has again reiterated the assurances to NJCA leaders and Finance Minster has issued press statement confirming the constitution of High Level Committee, the NJCA felt that before embarking upon an indefinite strike which is the last weapon in the hands of the workers, we should give time to the Govt. to implement the Minister’s assurances given as per the direction of the Prime Minister and honour its commitment given to NJCA leaders. NJCA taking a stand that we don’t believe the Ministers and their assurance and shall go ahead with the strike, may not be taken in good spirit by the general public and the media. In case the Govt. backs out from its assurances, the NJCA has got every right to revive the deferred indefinite strike.
Com. Shiva Gopal Mishra, Convenor, NJCA has made it clear in the circular issued on 7th July 2016, which reads as follows: –
“Though there is positive assurance from the Govt. of India, but all of you will not take rest and assume counseling the cadre and ground staff that they should remain in full preparedness, because if there will not be SATISFACTORY OUTCOME, we will be having no alternative except to agitate the issues again.”
6. WHAT ABOUT PARITY IN PENSION? WILL IT BE IMPLEMENTED AS THERE IS A CLAUSE IN THE GOVT DECISION THAT THE PROPOSED COMMITTEE WILL EXAMINE THE FEASIBILITY OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE OPTION No I, ie PARITY IN PENSION TO PAST PENSIONERS
This issue was raised before the Group of Minister by Com. K. K. N. Kutty, who is also the Secretary General of NCCPA (National Co-ordination Committee of Pensioners Associations). It was pointed out to the Finance Minister that even though the Govt. has decided to accept 7th CPC recommendation to have two options to pensioners, it is qualified with the words “subject to feasibility.” The Finance Minister categorically assured the delegation that the Govt. has accepted the recommendations in toto and the Pension Department has only been asked to sort out the difficulties in implementation of the Option-No-I, if any.
7. WHAT ABOUT DEMANDS OF THE GRAMIN DAK SEVAKS, AS NJCA IS MORE CONCERNED WITH MINIMUM PAY FITMENT FORMULA ONLY
Any increase in the minimum pay and fitment formula for departmental employees (MTS, Postman & PA) will be extended to Gramin Dak Sevaks also proportionately as the GDS Pay Scales are decided based on the pay scales of corresponding category of departmental employees. So, the demand to increase minimum pay and fitment formula of MTS, Postman and PA is equally important for GDS also.
As regards, civil servant status the NJCA has raised this demand before the Govt and 7th CPC. Even though the 7th CPC Chairman, Retired Justice Ashok Kumar Mathur has informed the JCM staff side leaders he will not consider the GDS case as they are not included in the terms of reference of the Commission, the Chairman gave a very damaging recommendation to the Govt. that GDS are not Civil Servants but they are part – time employees and Extra-departmental agents. He further stated that all the GDS are having another main independent income from another source and GDS job is only a side-business. NJCA leaders have raised the issue of GDS before the Cabinet Secretary’s Committee and also before the Group of Ministers. We shall again raise the issue before the proposed high level committee also. Govt. has constituted a separate committee for GDS under the Chairmanship of Retired Postal Board Member Sri Kamalesh Chandra. NFPE, AIPEU-GDS and Confederation has submitted detailed memorandum before the Committee and Secretary General NFPE Com. R. N Parashar, General Secretary AIPEU-GDS Com, P. Panduranga Rao along with other leaders has given evidence before the GDS Committee demanding Civil Servant status. The GDS committee will submit its report before December 2016. Further NFPE and AIPEU-GDS has filed a case in the Supreme Court for grant of Civil Servant status. Supreme Court has transferred the case to Delhi High Court which in turn transferred it to Principal Bench of Central Administrative Tribunal, Delhi. The final argument of the case will take place on 25th July 2016. NJCA, Confederation, NFPE and AIPEU – GDS are jointly trying their level best to get justice to three lakhs Gramin Dak Sevaks of the Postal Department. If the GDS Committee report is against the GDS, then definitely NJCA and Confederation will be fully supporting the agitational programmes of NFPE & AIPEU-GDS including indefinite strike.
The main hurdle is the policy of the NDA Govt. as the Communication Minister of NDA Govt. has rejected our demand for grant of Civil Servant status to GDS.
M. KRISHNAN
Secretary General,
Confederation of Central Govt Employees & Workers
Unwanted queries are being pouring in this office; regarding payment of 7th CPC based salaries from current month or otherwise.
There should not be any doubt that salary for the month of July onward will be based on 7th CPC recommendations approved by the government on 29th June, 2016 with only change that, all the allowances, as admissible at present, will continue till report of various committees set up for different purposes are finalized. Gazette Notification for the same is expected today or early next week.
Please disseminate this information down the line, so that direct queries from AIRF Office should stop.
Strike is deferred, but the struggle shall continue – Confederation
Confederation Of Central Government Employees & Workers
DATED – 07.07.2016
Finally, the united struggle of 33 lakhs Central Government Employees under the banner of National Joint Council of Action (NJCA) comprising Railways, Defence and Confederation has compelled the totally negative and unwilling NDA Government to negotiate with the staff side leaders. Hon’ble Prime Minister has intervened and directed three Cabinet Minsters viz. Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitly and Railway Minister Shri Suresh Prabhu to hold discussion with the NJCA Leaders on 30th June 2016. After discussing the demands raised in the Charter of demands, the Ministers assured that a high level committee will be constituted to consider the demands raised by NJCA especially the demand for improving the minimum wage and fitment formula.
As no written communication or minutes regarding the assurances given by Group of Ministers is forthcoming, the NJCA met again and 6th July and decided to go ahead with the strike decision. Again Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh called the NJCA leaders for discussion on 6th July and reiterated the assurances already given on 30th June and stated that the Finance Minister will issue a press statement on 6th July itself confirming the assurances given by the Group of Ministers. It was further assured by the Minister that the proposed High level committee will submit its recommendations to Government within a time frame.
Accordingly, the Government issued the press statement and after detailed deliberations the NJCA unanimously decided to defer the indefinite strike till the committee finalizes its report. The press statement of the NJCA and the Government are attached.
(M. Krishnan)
Secretary General
Confederation
E-mail: [email protected]
M. Krishnan, Secretary General, Confederation of C. G. Employees & Workers
Report of the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) headed by Retired Supreme Court Justice, Ashok Kumar Mathur was submitted to Government on 19th November 2015 after 21 months. The Union Cabinet announced its decision to implement the recommendations on 29th June 2016. Through the press release circulated to media and the statement of Finance Minister, the Government made a calculated move to create an impression among the public that the Modi Government is magnanimous enough to extend big bonanza to the Central Government employees. Eventhough, immediately after submission of the 7th CPC report, the Joint Council of Action of Central Government Employees (NJCA) representing Railways, Defence and Confederation including Postal had submitted a memorandum to Government demanding modifications of the retrograde recommendations of the 7th CPC, the Government while announcing its decision, rejected all the demands raised by the staff side.
The 7th CPC recommended only Rs.18000/- as minimum pay by arbitrarily modifying and manipulating Dr. Aykroyd’s Need based minimum wage formula on untenable premises and incorrect data. The main demand of the NJCA is to re-compute the minimum wage on the basis of actual commodity prices as on 01.07.2015 and factor Dr. Aykroyd formula stipulated percentage for housing, social obligations and children’s education etc. and to revise the fitment formula and all pay scales on the basis of the so determined minimum wage. The methodology adopted by 7th CPC is irrational, imaginary and even absurd.
The Government’s claim that big increase is given to the employees is totally false. In para 4.2.9 of the report, the 7th CPC has given a table depicting the percentage of increase provided by the successive pay commissions appointed after independence. According to the table, the 2nd CPC has made a paltry increase of 14.2.% (1960), the 3rd CPC gave a rise of 20.6% (1973), the 4th CPC 27.6% (1986), the 5th CPC 31% (1996) and 6th CPC 54% (2006) whereas the average increase granted by 7th CPC is only 14.29% (2016), while the percentage increase had been in ascending order all along, the 7th CPC has sought to reverse that trend. The megre increase recommended and accepted by the Government without any change is the worst ever any pay commission has recommended since 1960. In 1960 five days historic strike of entire Central Government employees took lace demanding modifications of 2nd CPC recommendations.
Another claim of the Government is that it has accepted the recommendations of the 7th CPC to increase the existing salary by 2.57 times !!!. This is a totally misleading propaganda. The existing basic pay of a lowest level employee of the Central Government called Multi-Tasking staff (MTS) is 7000 plus 125% Dearness Allowance as on 01.01.2016. Thus the total salary as on 1st January 2016 is 7000 + 8750 DA = 15750. The Minimum pay recommended by 7th CPC is 18000 i.e; the actual increase in salary is Rs. 2250/- only at the lowest level. The fitment factor of 2.57 is worked out excluding the 125% DA an employee is getting at present. As the next wage revision takes place only after ten years in 2026, the above increase of 2250/- in the salary is megre.
In the past, every time, either before or immediately after the appointment of pay commissions, the employees are granted DA merger, Last time, before appointment of 6th CPC, Government has granted merger of 50% DA in 2004 and the merged DA is treated as Pay for all purposes. This time no DA merger is granted. Suppose, as in the past, the Government has accepted the demand for merger of 50% DA as on 01.01.2011 when DA crossed 50%, the total salary of an employee at the lowest level as on 01.01.2016 will become Rs.18395/- (7000 + 50% DA 3500 = 10500 + remaining 75% DA as on 01.01.2016 Rs.7875 = 18395). Thus it can be seen that even if no pay commission is appointed by Government, simply by granting DA merger alone the lowest level salary will become more than 18000/- which is recommended by 7th CPC after 21 months study and spending crores of rupees for its functioning.
The Government’s press release further claim that the ratio between lowest and highest salary (compression ratio) is 1:3.12. The highest level employees are Cabinet Secretary and Secretaries of various departments. The recommended salary of the Cabinet Secretary is 2,50000. Government deliberately avoided comparison between salary of lowest employee and highest level employee, instead compared with middle level Class-I officer only. Actual ratio between the lowest and highest salary come to 1:14 (18000:2,50000). No other pay commission has recommended such a huge margin.
Other retrograde recommendations of the 7th CPC are as follows:
1. House Rent Allowance (HRA) rate reduced from 30%, 20% and 10% to 24%, 16% and 8%
2. 52 existing allowances are to be abolished.
3. All interest-free advances including Festival advance, are to be abolished. Only interest bearing advances to be retained.
4. Salary for the second year of Child care leave granted to women employees should be reduced to 80%.
5. For Three Time bound promotions (Assured Carreer Progression) passing examination and other conditions made mandatory.
6. New Pension Scheme (NPS) shall continue, recommended only some cosmetic changes.
7. Contractorisation and casual labour System shall be continued.
8. Outsourcing of Government functions to continue.
9. Employment of retired personnel to be legalized and panel of experienced retired personnel should be kept ready.
10. Filling up of vacancies – commission pointed out that there are six lakhs unfilled vacancies in Central Government services, but no recommendations for filling up the vacancies in a time bound manner by special recruitment.
11. Regularisation of Gramin Dak Sevaks of Postal department – rejected.
12. Increase in minimum pension percentage, Fixed medical Allowance to Pensioners and increment rate – rejected.
Inspite of several round of country wide agitational programmes conducted by NJCA including massive Parliament March, the NDA Government refused to negotiate the demands with the staff side, but declared unilateral implementation of the recommendations without any modifications. The resentment, anger and protest of the entire Central Government employees increased day-by-day and the NJCA decided to go ahead with indefinite strike from 11th July 2016 and preperations and campaigning for making the strike a thundering success went on in full swing. Modi Government understood that if it still refuse to discuss with the NJCA then from 11th July 6 AM onwards the entire Central Government establishments including Railways, Defence, Postal and other departments. will come to standstill marking the commencement of the biggest strike action of the Central Government employees.
It is in this background the Hon’ble Prime Minister directed three Cabinet Ministers including Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitly and Railway Minister Shri. Suresh Prabhu to hold discussion with the NJCA leaders on 30th January 2016. Major demands in the Charter of demands were discussed with particular reference to Improvement in Minimum wage and fitment formula. Issues relating to parity in pension was also discussed. Finally the Ministers assured that a high level committee will be appointed to consider the issues raised by the NJCA.
As no written minutes or communications is forthcoming from the Government regarding the 30th June discussion and assurances, the NJCA decided to go ahead with the strike. Country wide demonstrations were held daily in front of all offices and at all important centres. On 6th July 2016 when the NJCA meeting was in progress, Hon’ble Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh again invited the NCA Leaers for discussion. The Minister reiterated the earlier assurances and told that Finance Minister will issue a press statement making the Government stand clear on the demands.
Accordingly, the Government issued a press statement on 6th July 2016 in which it is stated that – “The Ministers assured the Union leaders that the issues raised by them would be considered by a High Level Committee.”
Thus, the unite struggle of the entire Central Government Employees compelled the unwilling NDA Government to accept the reality that modification in the 7th CPC recommendations is a must and before arriving at a final conclusion the staff side should be given a fair chance to present and discuss the case with the Government. It was assured that the proposed High Level Committee to be appointed by the Government shall complete its task within a time frame.
Advancement in the wages and service conditions of Central Government Employees can be achieved only through the united struggle of all Central Government employees for which the unity built up under the banner of NJCA is to be maintained and strengthened. Further the neo-liberal policy offensives of the NDA Government in the Central Government Employees Sector including privatisation, outsourcing, downsizing, contractorisation, corporatization, winding up of departments, New Pension Scheme etc. can only be resisted and reverted by building up united movement of the entire employees. Eventhough the strike is deferred, the Central Government employees shall continue its united struggle against the anti-people and anti-labour policies of the NDA Government. We should self-critically analyze the strength and weakness of the NJCA and shall arrive at proper conclusion for taking corrective measures, if necessary, and also for further unity and advancement. The final outcome of the united struggle is, no doubt, one step forward.
NJCA Defers Strike on the face of Government Assuring Consideration of Staff Side Views
NJCA UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVES TO DEFER THE INDEFINITE STRIKE
After the meeting with the Home Minister today by the NJCA and further developments leading to issue of a Press Release by the Government of India assuring consideration of the issues raised by the Staff Side relating to the pay scales and other recommendations of the Pay Commission by a High Level Committee, the NJCA has decided to defer the Indefinite Strike in the background of meetings with the Ministers and the assurance by the Government of India.
The Press Release by the Government today is reproduced below:
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
06-July-2016 20:50 IST
Government assures Representatives of Unions representing employees of the Central Government that the issues raised by them relating to the pay scales and other recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission would be considered by a High Level Committee.
Representatives of Unions representing employees of the Central Government had met the Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh, the Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley and the Minister for Railways Sh. Suresh Prabhu in the evening of 30th June, 2016.
They had requested that certain issues raised by them in relation to the pay scales and other recommendations of the Pay Commission be allowed to be raised before a Committee of Secretaries looking into different aspects of grievances of employees in relation to the Pay Commission recommendations.
The Ministers assured the Union leaders that the issues raised by them would be considered by a High Level Committee.
