(TO BE PUBLISHED IN PART I SECTION 1 OF GAZETTE OF INDIA) F.NO.5(3)-B(PD)/2023 Government of India Ministry of Finance Department of Economic Affairs (Budget Division)
New Delhi, the 10 April, 2023
RESOLUTION
It is announced for general information that during the year 2023-2024, accumulations at the credit of subscribers to the General Provident Fund and other similar funds shall carry interest at the rate of 7.1% (Seven point one percent) w.e.f. 1st April, 2023 to 30th June, 2023. This rate will be in force w.e.f. 1st April, 2023. The funds concerned are:
The General Provident Fund (Central Services).
The Contributory Provident Fund (India).
The All India Services Provident Fund.
The State Railway Provident Fund.
The General Provident Fund (Defence Services).
The Indian Ordnance Department Provident Fund.
The Indian Ordnance Factories Workmen’s Provident Fund.
The Indian Naval Dockyard Workmen’s Provident Fund. :
Renewal of Group Health Insurance for BSNL employees- high premium quoted by M/s Oriental Insurance Company Ltd
BSNL EMPLOYEES UNION (BSNLEU) NATIONAL FEDERATION OF TELECOM EMPLOYEES (NFTE-BSNL)
Date: 06.04.2023
To, Shri Arvind Vadnerkar, Director (HR), BSNL, Bharat Sanchar Bhawan, H.C. Mathur Lane, Janpath, New Delhi – 110 001
Sir,
Sub: – Renewal of Group Health Insurance for BSNL employees- high premium quoted by M/s Oriental Insurance Company Ltd.- reg.
We wish to draw your kind attention to the following, for favour of necessary intervention.
The MOU signed between BSNL and M/s Oriental Insurance Company Ltd. is expiring on 30-04-2023. It has to be renewed w.e.f 01-05-2023. In this connection, discussion is said to have taken place between the BSNL Management and M/s Oriental Insurance Company. Due to belated intimation, BSNLEU and NFTE BSNL could not participate in this discussion.
It is learnt that, in the discussion held yesterday, M/s Oriental Insurance Company Ltd. has quoted increased premium amount, for the renewal of the Group Health Insurance w.e.f 01-05-2023. The increase in premium, as proposed by Oriental Insurance Company Ltd. is hefty and is very steep. For example, the present premium of Rs.13,594 has been proposed to be increased to Rs.21,213. Similarly, the existing premium of Rs.21,876 is being proposed to be increased to Rs.44, 190. Likewise, all the existing premium rates are being steeply increased by Oriental Insurance Company Ltd. A copy of the table, showing the proposed increase in premium rates, is enclosed for your kind reference. Undoubtedly, this will impose undue burden on the employees.
Under these circumstances, we, both BSNLEU and NFTE BSNL, wish to request the Management not to sign any MOU in haste. We also suggest that, the possibility of signing MOU with some other insurance company, with lesser premium, may kindly be explored. We hope that, our suggestion would be viewed in the right perspective and necessary action would be taken by the Management.
DOPPW released Dearness Relief Order to Central Government Pensioners from Jan 2023
No. 42/04/2023-P&PW(D) Government of India Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare
8th Floor, B-Wing, Janpath Bhavan, Janpath, New Delhi – 110001 Date:- 06th April, 2023
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Sub: Grant of Dearness Relief to Central Government pensioners/family pensioners – Revised rate effective from 01.01.2023.
The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department’s OM No. 42/07/2022- P&PW(D) dated 08.10.2022 on the subject mentioned above and to state that the President is pleased to decide that the Dearness Relief admissible to Central Government Pensioners/Family Pensioners shall be enhanced from the existing rate of 38% to 42% of the basic pension/family pension (including additional pension/family pension) w.e.f 01.01.2023.
2. These rates of DR will be applicable to the following categories:-
(i) Civilian Central Government Pensioners/Family Pensioners including Central Govt. absorbee pensioners in PSU/Autonomous Bodies in respect of whom orders have been issued vide this Department’s OM No. 4/34/2002-P&PW(D)Vol.II dated 23.06.2017 for restoration of full pension after expiry of commutation period of 15 years.
(ii) The Armed Forces Pensioners/Family Pensioners and Civilian Pensioners/Family Pensioners paid out of the Defence Service Estimates.
(iii) All India Service Pensioners/Family Pensioners.
(iv) Railway Pensioners/Family Pensioners.
(v) Pensioners who are in receipt of provisional pension.
(vi) The Burma Civilian Pensioners/Family Pensioners and Pensioners/families of displaced Government Pensioners from Burma/ Pakistan, in respect of whom orders have been issued vide this Department’s OM No. 23/3/2008-P&PW(B) dated 11.09.2017.
3. The payment of Dearness Relief involving a fraction of a rupee shall be rounded off to the next higher rupee.
4. Other provisions governing grant of DR in respect of employed family pensioners and re-employed Central Government Pensioners will be regulated in accordance with the provisions contained in Rule 52 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021 and this Department’s OM No. 45/73/97-P&PW (G) dated 2.7.1999 as amended from time to time. The provisions relating to regulation of DR where a pensioner is in receipt of more than one pension will remain unchanged.
5. In the case of retired Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, necessary orders will be issued by the Department of Justice separately.
6. It will be the responsibility of the pension disbursing authorities, including the nationalized banks, etc. to calculate the quantum of DR payable in each individual case.
7. The offices of Accountant General and authorised Pension Disbursing Banks are requested to arrange payment of Dearness Relief to Pensioners/Family Pensioners on the basis of these instructions without waiting for any further instructions from the Comptroller and Auditor General of India and the Reserve Bank of India in view of letter No. 528-TA, II/34-80-II dated 23/04/1981 of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India addressed to all Accountant Generals and Reserve Bank of India Circular No. GANB No. 2958/GA-64 (ii) (CGL)/81 dated the 21′ May, 1981 addressed to State Bank of India and its subsidiaries and all Nationalised Banks.
8. In so far as the persons serving in Indian Audit and Accounts Department are concerned, these orders are issued in consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, as mandated under Article 148(5) of the Constitution of India.
9. This issues in accordance with the Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure’s OM No. 1/1/2023-E.II(B) dated 03.04.2023.
Hindi version will follow.
(Rajendra Kumar Dutta) Under Secretary to the Government of India
I. All Ministries/Departments of the Government of India (as per standard distribution list). 2. Chief Secretaries and AGs of States/UTs. 3. CMDs/CPPCs of all authorised Pension Disbursing Banks 4. C&AG of India, UPSC, etc. as per standard endorsement list. 5. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for Information.
What is the Dearness Relief Percentage from Jan 2023?
The Dearness Relief Percentage from Jan 2023 is 42%
What is the latest dearness relief for pensioners?
The Dearness Relief admissible to Central Government Pensioners/Family Pensioners shall be enhanced from the existing rate of 38% to 42% of the basic pension/family pension (including additional pension/family pension) w.e.f 01.01.2023
Government Forms Committee to Review National Pension System for Employees
No.1(4)/E-V/2023 Government of India Ministry of Finance Department of Expenditure
North Block, New Delhi, 6th April, 2023
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Setting up of a Committee to review the Pension System for Government Employees.
The undersigned is directed to invite attention to the announcement made by the Finance Minister in Lok Sabha on 24.3.2023 to, inter-alia, set up a Committee under the Finance Secretary to look into the issue of pensions under the National Pension System in respect of Government employees and evolve an approach which addresses the needs of the employees while maintaining fiscal prudence to protect the common citizens.
2. Accordingly, it has been decided to set up a Committee as under:
i.
Finance Secretary & Secretary (Expenditure)
Chairman
ii
Secretary, Department of Personnel & Training Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Member
iii
Special Secretary (Pers), Department of Expenditure Ministry of Finance
Member
iv
Chairman, Pension Fund Regulatory & Development Authority (PFRDA)
Member
3. The Terms of Reference of the Committee shall be as under:
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
4. The Committee may also co-opt any officer of the Central Government as part of its deliberations, whenever such a need is felt by the Committee.
5. The Committee shall devise its own procedure and mechanism, including consultation with States etc., to arrive at its recommendations.
6. Department of Expenditure (Personnel Division) will provide Secretarial assistance to the Committee.
(Annie G. Mathew) Special Secretary to the Government of India
To: 1. Finance Secretary & Secretary (Expenditure) 2. Secretary, Department of Personnel & Training 3. Chairman, Pension Fund Regulatory & Development Authority (PFRDA)
Copy to: 1. PS to the Finance Minister 2. PS to the Minister of State for Finance(Shri Pankaj Chaudhary) 3. PS to the Minister of State for Finance (Dr. Bhagwat Kishanrao Karad) 4. Secretary, Department of Financial Services 5. Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs 6. Additional Secretary (Budget), Department of Economic Affairs
Copy for Information to: 1. Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister 2. Cabinet Secretary 3. Chief Secretaries of State Governments
Timelines for completion of APAR to Railway Employees for 2022-23
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS RAILWAY BOARD
File No. PC-VII/2023/HRMS/3
New Delhi, Dated : 03/04/2023
The General Managers, All Indian Railways/PUs/TIs (As per standard mailing list)
Sub: Timelines for completion of APAR for the year 2022-2023.
In order to ensure timely completion of e-APAR in respect of non-gazetted employees of Indian Railways, it has been decided by the competent authority that the following timelines may be followed:
S. No.
Activity
Target Date
1.
Finalisation of hierarchy and online generation of APAR form
15th May, 2023
2.
Submission of self-appraisal to reporting officer
15th June, 2023
3.
Submission of reporting officer to reviewing officer
15th July, 2023
4.
Forwarding report by reviewing officer to accepting authority
31st July, 2023
5.
Appraisal by accepting authority
15th August, 2023
6.
Communication of APAR to the officer report upon
31st August, 2023
7.
Submission of representation if any on APAR Completing the process relating to
15 days from the date of communication of APAR or 15th September, 2023 whichever is earlier.
8.
Completing the process relating to representation submitted by the official
15 days from the date of representation received or 30th September, 2023 whichever is earlier.
9.
End of entire process
30th September, 2023
2. All the field units are requested to give due publicity to the timelines amongst the employees as well as the CR cells to ensure that the APAR process is completed in a timely manner. It is also informed that no extension will be granted as done in the previous years-.to complete the process and if APARs are not completed within the timelines, the same will be treated as not written for the period. The dates indicated against each activity are the last dates and efforts shall be made to complete the process before the targeted dates.
PFRDA Salary and Allowances payable to, and other Terms and Conditions of Services of Chairperson and Whole Time Members Amendment Rules, 2023
MINISTRY OF FINANCE (Department of Financial Services) NOTIFICATION
New Delhi, the 22nd March, 2023
G.S.R. 209(E).—In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (a) of sub-section (2) of section 51, read with sub-section (3) of section 5 of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 2013 (23 of 2013), the Central Government hereby makes the following rules further to amend the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (Salary and Allowances Payable to, and Other Terms and Conditions of Service of, Chairperson and Whole-time Members) Amendment Rules, 2014, namely:-
1. (1) These rules may be called the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (Salary and Allowances Payable to, and Other Terms and Conditions of Service of, Chairperson and Whole-time Members) Amendment Rules, 2023.
(2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.
2. In the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (Salary and Allowances Payable to, and Other Terms and Conditions of Service of, Chairperson and Whole-time Members) Rules, 2014, in rule 3,
(i) for sub rule (1), the following sub rule shall be substituted namely: –
“(1) The chairperson of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority and every whole-time member thereof shall be appointed by the Central Government on the recommendation of the Financial Sector Regulatory Appointment Search Committee.”,
(ii) in sub rule (2), for the words “Selection Committee”, the words “Financial Sector Regulatory Appointment Search Committee” shall be substituted.
[F. No. 11/5/2014-PR] PANKAJ SHARMA, Jt. Secy.
Note: The principal rules were published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, vide notification number G.S.R. 597 (E) dated 20th August, 2014, subsequently amended vide notification numbers G.S.R. 987 (E) dated 2nd August, 2017, G.S.R. 07 (E) dated 2nd January, 2018 and G.S.R. 731 (E) dated 11th October, 2021.
NVS released JNVST Class 6 2023 admit card, here’s how to download
The JNVST released class 6 Admit Card 2023 today. Candidates who will appear for Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Selection Test can download the admit card through the official site of NVS at navodaya.gov.in.
The tests for admission to Class-VI in JNVs for the academic session 2023-24 are scheduled to be held on 29 April 2023, at 11.30 A.M across the country at various exam centres.
To download the admit card, candidates can follow the steps given below.
A new page will open where the link for admit card will be available.
Click on the link and enter the required details.
Your admit card will be displayed on the screen.
Check the admit card and download the page.
Keep a hard copy of the same for further need.
The result of JNV Selection Test 2023 is expected to be announced by June 2023. Candidates can get the result from the admission portal. For more related details candidates can check the official site of NVS.
Development of web-based application for processing of cases related to Compassionate appointment (CRC cases
No.17-12/2022-SPG-II Government of India Ministry of Communications Department of Posts
Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg New Delhi – 110 001 Dated: 3rd April, 2023
To All Chief Postmasters General.
Subject: Development of web-based application for processing of cases related to Compassionate appointment (CRC cases) – regarding.
Madam/Sir,
I am directed to refer to this office letter of even number dated 20.01.2023 on the above mentioned subject wherein it was informed that Department is in process of development of web-based application for processing and handling of CRC cases and it was instructed that CRC for vacancy year 2022 will not be processed in manual environment.
2. In order to onboard in online environment, all pending cases to be considered during year 2023 need to be migrated to online system. Therefore, it has been decided that manual application from dependent family members of deceased employees will not be received by any field unit w.e.f. 05.04.2023.
3. Necessary instructions related to migration of pending cases will be issued shortly. As such, Circles should ensure that all cases are got completed in all aspects and received in Circle Office at the earliest.
4. Further, in terms of instructions contained in aforesaid letter dated 20.01.2023, all Circles should ensure that CRC cases till vacancy year 2021 (to be considered during year 2022) has been completed in manual environment.
Yours faithfully
(Sunil Kumar) Director (Staff)
Copy to: The GM, CEPT, Bengaluru — for uploading this letter on India Post website.
Circulation of Government Savings Promotion General (Amendment) Rules, 2023: DOP Order
SB Order No. 08/2023
F. No 113-03/2017-SB(Pt.1) Government of India Ministry of Communications Department of Posts (Financial Services Division)
Dak Bhawan, New Delhi -l10001 Dated: 03.04.2023
To All Head of Circles/Regions
Subiect Regarding circulation of Government Savings Promotion General (Amendment) Rules, 2023.
Sir/Madam.
The undersigned is directed to convey the decision of the Ministry of Finance (DEA) for amendment of 6 (l) of Government Savings Promotion General Rules, 2018. The copy of gazette notification G.S.R.238(E) dated 31.03.2023 issued by MOF(DEA) is enclosed.
2. Accordingly, the text of rule 6(l) of Government Savings Promotion General Rules, 2018 shall be substituted as below: –
“(l) In addition to the documents mentioned in sub-rule (2) of rule 5, an individual shall also submit to the Accounts Office, the following identity documents containing proof of identity and address for the purpose of opening an account, namely: –
(a) the Aadhaar Number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India:
Provided that :-
(a) where the Aadhaar Number has not been assigned to an individual. he shall furnish proof of application of enrollment for Aadhaar at the time of opening an account and the account holder shall furnish the Aadhaar number to the Account OIfice within a period of six months from the date of opening of account for linking the account with Aadhaar Number;
(b) if a depositor has already opened an account and has not submitted his Aadhaar number to the Account Office, he shall do so within a period of six months with effect from the 1st day of April, 2023, And in the event of failure of the depositor to submit the Aadhaar number within the specified period of six months, his account shall cease to be operational till the time he submits the Aadhaar Number to the Accounts Office;
(b) the permanent Account Number or Form 60 as defined in the Income Tax rules, 1962;
Provided that the individual who has not submitted the permanent Account Number at the time of opening of account shall submit the same to the Accounts office within a period of two months from the date of happening of any of the following events, whichever is the earliest, namely;-
(i) the balance at any point of time in the account exceeds fifty thousand rupees; or
(ii) the aggregate of all credits in the account in any financial year exceeds one lakh rupees; or
(iii) the aggregate of all withdrawals and transfers in a month from the account exceeds ten thousand rupees,
And in the event of the failure of the depositor to submit the Permanent Account Number within the specified period of two months, his account shall cease to be operational till the time he submits the Permanent Account Number to the Account Office;
(c) any other document as may be considered necessary by the Accounts Office including those related to the nature of business and financial status of the depositor.”
3. It is requested to circulate it to all concerned for information, guidance and necessary action. Same may also be placed on the notice board of all Post Offices in public area.
4. This is issued with the approval of the Competent Authority.
Yours Faithfully
(Devendra Sharma) Assistant Director (SB-II)
18 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA: EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(i)]
NOTIFICATION New Delhi, the 31st March, 2023
G.S.R.238(E) — In exercise of the powers conferred by section 15 of the Government Savings Promotion Act, 1873 (5 of 1873), the Central Government hereby makes the following rules to amend the Government Savings Promotion General Rules, 2018, namely:-
1. These rules may be called the Government Savings Promotion General (Amendment) Rules, 2023.
(2) They shall come into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
2. In the Government Savings Promotion General Rules, 2018, in rule 6, for sub-rule (1), the following sub-rule shall be substituted, namely:-
“(1) In addition to the documents mentioned in sub-rule (2) of rule 5, an individual shall also submit to the Accounts Office, the following identity documents containing proof of identity and address for the purpose of opening an account, namely:-
(a) the Aadhaar Number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India:
Provided that,-
(a) where the Aadhaar Number has not been assigned to an individual, he shall furnish proof of application of enrollment for Aadhaar at the time of opening an account and the account holder shall furnish the Aadhaar number to the Accounts Office within a period of six months from the date of opening of account for linking the account with Aadhaar Number;
(b) if a depositor has already opened an account and has not submitted his Aadhaar number to the Accounts Office, he shall do so within a period of six months with effect from the 1st day of April, 2023,
and in the event of failure of the depositor to submit the Aadhaar number within the specified period of six months, his account shall cease to be operational till the time he submits the Aadhaar Number to the Accounts Office;
(b) the Permanent Account Number or Form 60 as defined in the Income Tax Rules,1962:
Provided that the individual who has not submitted the Permanent Account Number at the time of opening an account shall submit the same to the Accounts Office within a period of two months from the date of happening of any of the following events, whichever is the earliest, namely:-
(i) the balance at any point of time in the account exceeds fifty thousand rupees; or
(ii) the aggregate of all credits in the account in any financial year exceeds one lakh rupees; or
(iii) the aggregate of all withdrawals and transfers in a month from the account exceeds ten thousand rupees,
and in the event of the failure of the depositor to submit the Permanent Account Number within the specified period of two months, his account shall cease to be operational till the time he submits the Permanent Account Number to the Accounts Office;
(c) any other document as may be considered necessary by the Accounts Office including those related to the nature of business and financial status of the depositor.”
[F. No. 1/3/2023-NS] ASHISH VACHHANI, Addl. Secy.
Note: The principal notification was published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, section 3, sub-section (i) vide notification number G.S.R.1003 (E), dated the 5th October, 2018.
Government of India introduced a new scheme “Mahila Samman Savings Certificate 2023”, this scheme can be opened for an individual girl or woman in whose name the account is held. On an application to the post office in the prescribed form, a Single Holder Type Account may be opened on or before 31.03.2025 by a woman for herself, or by the guardian on behalf of a minor girl.
MSSC Deposits
A minimum of one thousand rupees and any sum in multiples of one hundred rupees may be deposited in an account. Thereafter, no subsequent deposit shall be allowed in the account.
There shall be a maximum limit for deposit of Rs. Two lakh in an account or in all accounts under this scheme held by an account holder.
An individual may open any number of accounts in the scheme subject to the maximum limit for deposit Rs. 2 Lakh and a time gap of three months between the existing account and the opening of another account. For example, an account holder who opened an account on 05.04.2023 with an amount Rs. 50,000, can open another account on or after 05.07.2023 with balance amount Rs. 1.50 lakh or part thereof.
Interest Rate for Mahila Samman Savings Certificate
The rate of interest applicable to the deposits under this scheme is 7.5 per cent per annum. The interest shall be compounded on quarterly basis and credited to the account.
Post Office Savings Account interest shall be payable on an account opened or maintained, in contravention of this scheme.
Payment on Maturity
The account shall mature on completion of two years from the date of the account opening. Eligible Balance may be paid to the account holder on an application in Form-2 submitted to the post office concerned on maturity.
Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Calculator
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