7th Pay Commission likely to submit its final report on November 20 – Times of India
The 7th Central Pay Commission is likely to submit its final report to finance ministry on November 20 which is due for implementation from January 1, 2016.
More than 48 lakh serving central government employees and 54 lakh pensioners will be impacted by the 7th CPC which is likely to recommend an average hike of 15%, said a source.
The 900-page report is believed to have made suggestions on parity of 36 organized Group A services with the IAS which has so far largely dominated in superior positions in the central government.
The pay panel was constituted in February 2014 and was asked to submit its report within 18 months. However, in August the government gave the panel four months extension to submit its report by December.
Its recommendation will guide how the salary and various allowances of central staff will be revised besides improving their service condition. The report would also impact all the public sector employees and central autonomous bodies which generally make corrections as per the hikes given to the central staff.
Even before the report was finalized there was intense lobbying seen where all the 36 organised Group A services petitioned the commission seeking parity with the IAS and determination of central postings based on merit.
The IAS officers too had sent their individual dissention notes to department of personnel and training and the cabinet secretariat besides the pay panel demanding that their edge and superiority be maintained.
One of the demands of the Group A services is to change the composition of the Civil Services Board which is responsible for central staffing. As of now this is dominated by IAS officers and has no representation from any other service. The pay panel may recommend changes that would ensure level playing field for all officers of Group A services.
7th CPC to submit its report shortly – karnatakacoc
Comrades
The Confederation and NJCA had given call for holding protest meetings from 2ndNovember 2015 to 6th November 2015 and also Observance of All India protest day on 19th November 2015 in respect of following demands.
Charter of Demands
1.Effect wage revision of Central Government employees from 1.12014 accepting the memorandum of the staff side JCM; ensure 5-year wage revision in future; grant interim relief and merger of 100% of DA. Ensure submission of the 7th CPC report with the stipulated time frame of 18 months; include Grameen Dak Sewaks within the ambit of the 7th CPC. Settle all anomalies of the 6th CPC.
2.No privatisation, PPP or FDI in Railways and Defence Establishments and no corporatisation of postal services;
3.No Ban on recruitment/creation of post.
4.Scrap PFRDA Act and re-introduce the defined benefit statutory pension scheme.
5.No outsourcing; contractorisation, privatization of governmental functions; withdraw the proposed move to close down the Printing Presses; the publication, form store and stationery departments and Medical Stores Depots; regularise the existing daily rated/casual and contract workers and absorption of trained apprentices;
6.Revive the JCM functioning at all levels as an effective negotiating forum for settlement of the demands of the CGEs.
7.Remove the arbitrary ceiling on compassionate appointments.
8.No labour reforms which are inimical to the interest of the workers.
9.Remove the Bonus ceiling;
10.Ensure five promotions in the service career.
There is a possibility of 7th CPC to submit its report on 20th November 2015 or 23rd November 2015 , but the report will not be to your expectations, The minimum wage taking into prices published by the Government of India shall come to Rs 26,000/-, considering the existing retail prices the minimum wages works out to Rs 28,000/- and fitment formula shall works out to 4.00 , but the minimum wage may be around Rs 21,000/ against the justified demand of Rs 28,000/- the fitment formula may be from 2.86 to 3.15 , also many other important demands of five promotion policy, Increment rate increase, retirement issues, pension issues etc.
We have to wait and watch the 7th CPC report will the 7th CPC accept the staff side demands or not.
We should not let down our struggle path I once again request one and all to participate in the All India protest day on 19th November 2015 at all places including the districts and send me the photos of protest meeting to publish on COC Karnataka website and this will send information to the Central Government on our demands.
Retiring officers to write note on their achievements
In another new initiative “Anubhav”, inspired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions has advised officers retiring within a period of six months to leave behind a note or write-up on their achievements as well as outstanding work done by them which could have, according to them, contributed to efficient functioning of the government or any innovation introduced by them which could have led to improvement in work culture.
Disclosing this here today, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that “Anubhav” will serve as a platform for retiring employees to showcase achievements made by them during their service tenure. While the retiring employees can look back with satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment, the written account left by them could serve as a vital database for future improvement, he added.
Ministry of Personnel has, through a circular dated November 5, 2015, sought to reiterate and remind all the Ministries and Departments to follow up this initiative seriously. The Link to “Anubhav” Portal is available on the homepage of Department’s website at http://persmin.nic.in ? DoP&T ? Anubhav, he informed and added that initially this facility is available only to retiring Central Government employees including Central Secretariat Service (CSS) and Central Secretariat Stenographers Services (CSSS) officials.
Earlier, on the advice of Prime Minister, Dr. Jitendra Singh recalled that DoPT had also introduced a new practice of senior IAS officers who had put in nearly 25 to 30 years of service to revisit the place of their first posting as District Collectors or SDMs and furnish feedback about the change over the years as visualized by them. The DoPT and the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DAR&PG) are infact the Research & Development (R&D) organs of the government and not merely responsible for carrying out only transfers, promotions and empanelments. To this extent, he expressed satisfaction that during the last 17 months of the present government, a number of new reforms have been introduced with regard to recruitment in Services, Pension Department, IAS/Civil Services training and other areas.
Dr. Jitendra Singh complimented Union Secretary, DoPT, Shri Sanjay Kothari and Union Secretary, AR&PG, Shri Devendra Choudhary for their proactive approach which motivated the entire team of officers to carry forward the new initiatives.
Swachh Bharat Cess will come into effect from 15th November 2015, at the rate of 0.5% on all services, which are presently liable to service tax. This will translate into a tax of 50 paisa only on every one hundred rupees worth of taxable services. The proceeds from this cess will be used for financing and promoting Swachh Bharat initiatives.
Some doubts are being raised with respect to the levy of Swachh Bharat Cess, such as,-
(i) what would be Swachh Bharat Cess on services where service tax is being paid under the alternative rates of service tax?
(ii) what would be the value of taxable services for computation of Swachh Bharat Cess?
(iii) whether reverse charge mechanism would apply for the levy of Swachh Bharat Cess?
(iv) what would be the point of taxation for Swachh Bharat Cess ?
In this regard, it is clarified that answers to the above queries are in the provisions of sub-section (5) of Section 119 of the Finance Act, 2015 by which all the provisions of service tax as contained in Chapter V of the Finance Act, 1994 have been made applicable to Swachh Bharat Cess. It is, thus, very clear that all the provisions including those related to computation of taxable value, assessment, exemption, payment, penalty applicable to service tax would also apply in respect of Swachh Bharat Cess.
Service tax is presently levied at alternative rates in respect of service provided by air travel agents, life insurance service, service in relation to sale/purchase of foreign exchange including money changing and service by lottery distributors/selling agents, subject to fulfilment of conditions prescribed under the Service Tax Rules. Option has been provided for levy of Swachh Bharat Cess also at alternative rates in respect of the above mentioned services. The alternate rate of Swachh Bharat Cess would be:
Service Tax Liability (at the alternate rate) X 0.5/14.
As regards the taxable value for the levy of Swachh Bharat Cess, it would be the same on which service tax is levied. Swachh Bharat Cess would be calculated on abated value or value arrived at under the Service Tax (Determination of Value) Rules, 2006, as the case may be. For example, the effective Swachh Bharat Cess in respect of services provided in relation to serving of food or beverages by a restaurant, eating joint or a mess, having the facility of air–conditioning or central air-heating in any part of the establishment, would be 0.5% of 40% i.e 0.2%. The cumulative service tax and Swachh Bharat Cess liability would be 5.8% (14.5% of 40%) of the total amount charged.
Similarly, a person liable to pay service tax on reverse charge basis would be laible to pay Swachh Bharat Cess also on reverse charge basis. As regards Point of Taxation, since this levy has come for the first time and all services (except those services which are in the Negative List or are wholly exempt from service tax) are being taxed, it is a new levy, which was not in existence earlier. Rule 5 of Point of Taxation Rules would be applicable in this case. Therefore, in case where payment has been received and invoice is raised before the service becomes taxable, i.e., prior to 15th November, 2015, there is no lability of Swachh Bharat Cess. In case payment has been received before the service became taxable and invoice is raised within 14 days, i.e. upto 29th November, 2015, even then the service tax liability does not arise. Swachh Bharat Cess will be payable on services which are provided on or after 15th Nov, 2015, invoice in respect of which is issued on or after that date and payment is also received on or after that date. Swachh Bharat Cess will also be payable where service is provided on or after 15th Nov, 2015 but payment is received prior to that date and invoice in respect of such service is not issued by 29th Nov, 2015.
Thus, it may be seen that all issues relating to Swachh Bharat Cess are addressed in the Service Tax provisions itself by virtue of the applicability of Chapter V of the Finance Act, 1994 and the rules made thereunder.
One Rank One Pension issues can be taken up with the Judicial Committee
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today sought to assuage protesting military veterans against “diluted” notification of One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme saying any issue relating to it can be taken up with the judicial committee set up by government to make it “fool-proof.”
“I would like (to see) that the inputs, if any, are given to the committee,” Modi said while visiting military installations associated with the 1965 Indo-Pak war and interacting with the troops on the occasion of Diwali.
Several war veterans have returned their medals as part of their protest against “diluted” OROP.
He said his government was the first to have set up a committee along with the OROP notification to make the scheme “foolproof.”
Modi also said that he wanted to see his “dream” of OROP implementation in a meaningful manner.
For the second successive year, Modi celebrated Diwal with troops.
Modi paid surprise visits to three military installations close to the Indo-Pak border — the Dograi War Memorial in Khasa, Asal Uttar Memorial near Valtoha and Barki War Memorial in Ferozepur district in Punjab, and interacted with the troops.
Observance of All India protest day on 19th November 2015
NJCA
National Joint Council of Action
4, State Entry Road, New Delhi – 110055
No. NJCA/2015
November 10, 2015
All Members of NJCA
Sub:- Observance of All India protest day on 19th November 2015
Dear Comrade,
All of you may recall that the NJCA in its meeting held on 30th September 2015 in Delhi after considering the delay in submission of the report of the 7th CPC as also broadly taking stock the speculating and detail deliberations, unanimously decided to defer the proposed Indefinite General Strike of the Central Government Employees till next Budget Session and symmetrically it was also resolve to observe 19th November 2015 as Joint Nation wise protest day to all the country to press upon the Government of India to resolve the long pending legitimate demands of all the Government Employees.
All of you are therefore accordingly requested to take all necessary steps to jointly observe protest day on 19th November 2015. As per decision taken by the NJCA in the said meeting the member of the NJCA shall stage one day Dharna at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on the said day.
Charter of Demands
1. Effect wage revision of Central Government employees from 1.12014 accepting the memorandum of the staff side JCM; ensure 5-year wage revision in future; grant interim relief and merger of 100% of DA. Ensure submission of the 7th CPC report with the stipulated time frame of 18 months; include Grameen Dak Sewaks within the ambit of the 7th CPC. Settle all anomalies of the 6th CPC.
2. No privatisation, PPP or FDI in Railways and Defence Establishments and no corporatisation of postal services;
3. No Ban on recruitment/creation of post.
4. Scrap PFRDA Act and re-introduce the defined benefit statutory pension scheme.
5. No outsourcing; contractorisation, privatization of governmental functions; withdraw the proposed move to close down the Printing Presses; the publication, form store and stationery departments and Medical Stores Depots; regularise the existing daily rated/casual and contract workers and absorption of trained apprentices;
6. Revive the JCM functioning at all levels as an effective negotiating forum for settlement of the demands of the CGEs.
7. Remove the arbitrary ceiling on compassionate appointments.
8. No labour reforms which are inimical to the interest of the workers.
9. Remove the Bonus ceiling;
10. Ensure five promotions in the service career.
Report of the protest may be forwarded to this office accordingly.
With best wishes for Diwali, Chat, Bhai Duj and Guru Parv.
One Rank One Pension to the Defence Forces Personnel
12(1)/2014/D(Pen/Pol)-Part-II
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare
New Delhi Dated 7th Nov 2015
To
The Chief of the Army Staff
The Chief of the Naval Staff
The Chief of Air Staff
Subject: One Rank One Pension (OROP) to the Defence Forces Personnel
In view of the need of the Defence Forces to maintain physical fitness, efficiency and effectiveness, as per the extant Rules, Defence Service personnel retire at an early age compared to other wings in the Government. Sepoy in Army and equivalent rank in Navy & Air Force retire after 17/19 years of engagement/service and officers retire before attaining the age of 60 years i.e. the normal age of retirement in the Government. Considering these exceptional service conditions and in the interest of ever vigilant Defence Forces, the pensionary benefits of Ex-Servicemen have accordingly, over time, been fixed.
2. It has now been decided to implement “One Rank One Pension” (OROP) for the Ex-Servicemen with effect from 1.07.2014. OROP implies that uniform pension be paid to the Defence Forces Personnel retiring in the same rank with the same length of service, regardless of their date of retirement, which, implies bridging the gap between the rates of pension of current and past pensioners at periodic intervals.
3. Salient features of the OROP are as follows:
i To begin with, pension of the past pensioners would be re-fixed on the basis of pension of retirees of calendar year 2013 and the benefit will be effective with effect from 1.7.2014.
ii. Pension will be re-fixed for all pensioners on the basis of the average of minimum and maximum pension of personnel retired in 2013 in the same rank and with the same length of service.
iii. Pension for those drawing above the average shall be protected.
iv. Arrears will be paid in four equal half yearly instalments. However, all the family pensioners including those in receipt of Special/Liberalized family pension and Gallantry award winners shall be paid arrears in one instalment.
v. In future, the pension would be re-fixed every 5 years.
4. Personnel who opt to get discharged henceforth on their own request under Rule 13(3)1(i)(b),13(3)1(iv) or Rule 16B of the Army Rule 1954 or equivalent Navy or Air Force Rules will not be entitled to the benefits of OROP. It will be effective prospectively.
5. The Govt. has decided to appoint a Judicial Committee to look into anomalies, if any, arising out of implementation of OROP. The Judicial Committee will submit its report in six months.
6. Detailed instructions relating to implementation of OROP along with tables indicating revised pension for each rank and each category, shall be issued separately for updation of pension and payment of arrears directly by Pension Disbursing Agencies.
7. This issues with concurrence of Finance Division of this Ministry vide their ID No. MoD (Fin/Pension) ID No.PC to10(11)/2012/Fin/Pen dated 07 November 2015.
8. Hindi version will follow.
(K. Damayanthi)
Joint Secretary to the Govt. of India
Subject :- Revision of pension of pre-2006 Central Civil Pensioners and providing better service to pensioners.
Consequent upon the implementation of 6th CPC, revision of pensions of Pre-2006 pensioners were made suo-moto by banks as per ready reckoner provided by Deptt. of Pensions & Pension Ers Welfare w.e.f. 01.01.2006. For regularizing these revisions and updating the records of Pension Sanctioning Authority, Pay & Accounts Office and Central Pension Accounting Office; Pension Payment Orders (SSA) were to be issued through proper channel i.e. Head of Office –> PAO –> CPAO –> Bank. But considerable number of pension cases are still pending for revision by Government for want of certain information like last pay drawn, scale of pay, qualifying service, date of birth, date of death, current pension account number, contact number etc. which are not readily available either with Pension Sanctioning Authority or with the Banks.
As the recommendations of the 7th CPC are due very shortly, it is imperative to settle all these pending cases before so that while implementing the recommendations of 7th CPC, pension may be revised expeditiously.
In this context, it is presumed that the Central Civil Pensioners’ Associations remain in touch with pensioners and they may facilitate in pursuing the pensioners to provide their latest addresses, telephone numbers, e-mail le while submitting their Life Certificates (Format of Life Certificate enclosed) to the bank in the month of November, 2015 so that the pensioners may be contacted to get the required information.
In view of the above, Secretaries of all Central Civil Pensioners’ Associations are requested to extend their support in making contact with pensioners and pursue them to provide the necessary information while submitting Life Certificates to enable us to serve them better.
The Government today issued the notification regarding implementation of ‘One Rank One Pension’ in respect of Defence Forces personnel.
Defence Forces of India have a rich history and tradition of bravery and gallantry. Defence forces have not only defend our borders with exemplary courage and valour but have also performed with fearless attitude and empathy in natural calamities and other trying circumstances. Government of India recognizes and respects their contribution.
The issue of One Rank One Pension was a long standing demand. Defence Forces had been demanding it for almost four decades but the issue could not be resolved. However, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had made a commitment to implement it for the welfare of the ex-servicemen. Accordingly the Government had announced modalities for implementation of OROP on 05.09.2015. The Government Order by Ministry of Defence, which could not be issued due to model code of conduct, has been issued today.
Salient features of the OROP as stated in the Order are as follows:
I. To begin with, pension of the past pensioners would be re-fixed on the basis of pension of retirees of calendar year 2013 and the benefit will be effective with effect from 1.7.2014.
II. Pension will be re-fixed for all pensioners on the basis of the average of minimum and maximum pension of personnel retiring in 2013 in the same rank and with the same length of service.
III. Pension for those drawing above the average shall be protected.
IV. Arrears will be paid in four equal half yearly instalments. However, all the family pensioners, including those in receipt of Special/Liberalized family pensioners, and Gallantry award winners shall be paid arrears in one instalment.
V. In future, the pension would be re-fixed every 5 years.
4. Personnel who opt to get discharged henceforth on their own request under Rule 13(3)1(i)(b),13(3)1(iv) or Rule 16B of the Army Rule 1954 or equivalent Navy or Air Force Rules will not be entitled to the benefits of OROP. It will be effective prospectively.
5. The Govt. has decided to appoint a Judicial Committee to look into anomalies, if any, arising out of implementation of OROP. The Judicial Committee will submit its report in six months.
6. Detailed instructions along with tables indicating revised pension for each rank and each category, shall be issued separately for updation of pension and payment of arrears directly by Pension Disbursing Agencies.
The previous Government had made a budget announcement to implement the OROP and made a provision of Rs 500 Crore. The present Government undertook the task earnestly and realized that the actual additional annual expenditure would be eight to ten thousand crore at present and will increase further in future. Notwithstanding the financial constraints, true to its commitment the present Government has issued the Government order to implement the OROP in true spirit.
Minutes of the 27th SCOVA meeting held on 13th October, 2015 under the Chairmanship of Hon’ble MOS (PP)
F. No. 42/07/2015-P&PW(G)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare
3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhavan, Khan Market,
New Delhi- 110003
Date:- 05th Nov,2015
To
All the Pensioners Associations included in SCOVA vide Resolution dated 25.08.2015
Subject : Minutes of the 27th SCOVA meeting held on 13th October, 2015 under the Chairmanship of Hon’ble MOS (PP)
Please find enclosed herewith a copy of minutes of the 27th meeting of Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies(SCOVA) held on 13th October, 2015 under the Chairmanship of Hon’ble MOS(PP) at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi for your king perusal and necessary action.
Encl: as above
(Sujasha Choudhury)
Deputy Secretary to the Government of India
Minutes of the 27th meeting of Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) held on 13.10.2015 under the Chairmanship of Hon’ble MOS (PP) at Vigyan Bhawan Annexe, New Delhi.
List of Participants is at Annexure-I
At the outset Joint Secretary (Pension) welcomed Hon’ble MOS (PP), Secretary, Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare, representatives of Pensioners Associations and the participating officers of various Ministries/Departments. She especially welcomed the new members of the SCOVA after its reconstitution. It was stated that the SCOVA under the able leadership of the Hon’ble Minister, continues to strive for the welfare of pensioners.
2. Secretary (P&PW), also welcomed the Hon’ble MOS (PP), Chairman, SCOVA, the pensioners associations and the various Departments. He said that there were a number of issues of the pensioners pending for want of decision. He expressed that this was not acceptable and so he directed to conduct a meeting at department level on second Tuesday of the every month to expedite the disposal of issue raised in SCOVA. He observed that CPAO has shown remarkable progress in the revision of PPOs of pre-2006 pensioners. He stated that the problems being faced in completing the exercise of revision of PPOs arise out of non availability of information about pensioners with the PPO revising authorities. He urged the Pensioners Associations to help in getting this information so that there is zero pendency in the next one month. He stressed that more efforts need to be made to resolve grievances of pensioners, which arise mainly out of wrong fixation of pension, recovery of excess payment of pension and pending revision of PPOs. Regarding “Online Pension and Payment Tracking System-Bhavishya”, he said that lot of work had been put in by the Department. Presently it has been implemented in the main Secretariat of 83 Ministries/Departments and 9 Attached Offices.. He urged the Departments and DoPPW to realize that the grievances of the pensioners today would be their grievances tomorrow and hence these needed to be sorted out.
3. Thereafter, Hon’ble MOS (PP), Chairman, SCOVA, welcomed all participants to the meeting. He said that presently the number of pensioners is more than the number of employees in service. The pensioners in themselves have become a distinguished class on account of a large pool of experience. As the average life span has increased, they may be called as retired but not tired. Therefore, the possibilities to be explored for their utilization in a constructive manner. He called for pre-retirement counseling of the retiring persons so that their experience can be utilized in best manner and they can be served in a better way. Through the Prime Minister’s initiative `Anubhav’, we are now learning from pensioners. It is to be seen how we can help pensioners in their further skilling and how best we can utilize the elderly human resource of India for the benefit of the society and their own well-being. He said the possibility of utilizing pensioners in decision making processes could be explored. He also stated that Hon’ble Prime Minister has announced “Startup India, Standup India” initiative from the ramparts of the Red Fort in his Independence Day speech this year. Our pensioners can be a guiding force for “Startup India, Standup India” and can become torch bearers of this initiative. The energy of the youth could be coupled with the experience of the pensioners for remarkable results. He appreciated that during the last 6 months grievances have been reduced substantially and suggested that efforts should be made that such grievances which are pending for no reason should be redressed quickly. He desired that the mobile portal for grievance redressal may be launched as early as possible. He stated that health related issues of pensioners should be resolved quickly, and reimbursement of medical expenses, should be quicker and easier. He complemented the department for implementing `Bhavishya’ as a single window system for sanction and payment of pension dues.
4. Thereafter, the Action Taken Report of 26th SCOVA meeting and Fresh Agenda items of 27tn SCOVA meeting were taken up for discussion.
5. Discussion on ATR of 26th SCOVA meeting:
i) SI.No of ATR: Status of issue of revised PPOs to pre-2006 pensioners.
CPAO intimated that as on date 9697 PPOs are yet to be revised. CGA took a meeting on 07.10.2015 in this connection. CPAO has been mapping the pendency location wise. One of the associations expressed their reservations about the `Nil’ pendency shown in the ATR by Department of Ex-servicemen Welfare. However, the association expressed its inability to provide the details of pending PPOs as the association did not maintain data in this regard. Secretary(Pension) directed that representatives of CGDA, Department of Financial Services and Department of Ex-servicemen Welfare be asked to present in the meeting scheduled to be held on 27.10.2015 for revision of pension.
One of the Railway pensioners’ association suggested that perception for non-revision of PPO is partly due to the fact that many of the revised PRO are being sent at the addresses where pensioners no longer reside. The association suggested that the revised PRO be sent to pension disbursing bank who can send it to the pensioners. Department of Telecom informed that the remaining PPOs pertain to BSNL about which they do not have sufficient information.Now, they are taking help from Banks to get that information to reach out to remaining pensioners.
it. Secretary(Pension) requested all the Ministries/Department s to issue revised authorities for all pending cases before the next SCOVA meeting so that this item could be closed finally.
(Action:- CPAO, Department of Posts, Department of Telecom, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Railways)
(ii) Health Insurance Scheme for pensioners including those residing at non-CGHS areas.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed that after consultation with the concerned Departments such as NITI Ayog, Department of Expenditure, Department of Financial Services and the Insurance Companies, a scheme for Health Insurance for employees and pensioners has been prepared. An EFC Memo in this regard would be circulated to the concerned Department shortly.
One of the Associations suggested that the Medical Insurance Scheme may be extended to CGHS beneficiaries also, so that they could get medical benefits under Insurance Scheme over and above the reimbursement under CGHS.
(Action: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare)
(iii) Special Family Pension for the Widows of Disabled War Veterans medically invalided out of service.
It was once again clarified that the matter pertained only to widows of disabled war veterans who have been invalided out of service and not to widows of the all disabled war veterans. It was decided that Department of Ex- Servicemen Welfare will have a relook and take a decision at an appropriate level in consultation with CGDA at the earliest.
(Action: Department of Ex-servicemen Welfare and CGDA)
(iv) (a) Arbitrary orders dated 01/08/1996 and 01/09/1996 issued by Ministry of Health and Director of CGHS may be withdrawn and the benefit of CGHS facilities be allowed to the pensioners of Department of Post and Department of Telecom.
(b) Medical facilities for existing P&T pensioners.
One of the Pensioners’ Association stated that with the dismissal of the SLPs by the Hon’ble Supreme Court on 22-8-2014, the issue has attained finality, and therefore withdrawal of OMs cited above must be expedited to pave the way for extension of CGHS facility to P&T Pensioners.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed that a proposal regarding extension of CGHS facility to all P&T pensioners at par with other Government pensioners has been forwarded for approval of Department of Expenditure. Department of Expenditure was advised to expedite their decision in this regard.
(Action: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and Department of Expenditure)
(v) Anomaly in fixation of pension to DoT employees absorbed in BSNL, who retired between 1.10.2000 and 31.7.2001.
It was informed that a proposal was sent by DOT to DoPPW on 24.04.2015 and a formulation was suggested by DoPPW on 26.06.2015.The case was thereafter referred to Department of Expenditure. Department of Expenditure sought some clarification/information on 17.09.2015 which are being obtained by DoT from concerned Departments/Agencies. DoT was asked to finalise their proposal by 31.10.2015
(Action: D/o Telecom & DoPPW)
(vi) Merger of 78.2% IDA with basic pension benefit to the absorbed BSNL Pensioners.
Department of Telecom informed that a draft Cabinet Note was circulated on 16,06.2015 and comments of DoPPW were conveyed to DOT on 06.07.2015. Comments/Views from other Ministries/Departments have also been received. However, some queries have been raised by Department of Expenditure and the information/inputs on same are being collected for furnishing the same to Department of Expenditure. DoT were asked to send the reply to Department of Expenditure by 31.10.2015.
(Action: Div Telecom & D/o Expenditure)
(vii) Extension of benefit of upgraded Grade Pay to pre-2006 retirees of S-12 grade. Department of Expenditure informed that they are examining the matter and a response would be sent to DoPPW in a week’s time.
(Action: D/o Expenditure & DoPPW)
(viii) Extension of benefit of OM dt. 28.1.2013 w.e.f 1.1.2006 instead of 24.9.2012.
It was informed that orders of Hontie Supreme Court’s have been complied with vide DoPPW OM No. 38/37/08-P&PW(A) dated 30.07.2015. It was informed that the proposal for revision of disability pension under FOP Rules has been referred to Ministry of Finance separately, as the formula for disability pension is different from that of normal pension.
(Action: D/o P&PW)
(ix) Stepping up of Disability Element on the basis of Fitment Tables.
In this regard, Government’s letter dated 10.04.2015 has been issued. Hence the item was closed.
(x) Extension Counter of CGHS Wellness Centre at Srinagar and Upgradation of facilities at CGHS Wellness Centre at Jammu including Construction of CGHS Hospital on the plot of land allotted by J&K Govt. at Jammu.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed that the request for opening of dispensary in Srinagar has been regretted as the CGHS resources are fully committed as of now. Secretary(Pension) stated that he would take up the matter again with Secretary (Health).Regarding computerization of Wellness Centre at Jammu, the payment has been made to BSNL for installing 4 Mbps lease line and approval has been conveyed to start CGHS application in Jammu using their existing Broad Band connectivity. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed that there are 2 doctors posted at CGHS Wellness Centre, Jammu, one on deputation from J&K Health Department and other is a retiree from J&K Health Department.
(Action: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare)
(xi) Extension of CGHS facilities to retired BSNL employees -Issue of follow up order by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare & fixation of rates of contribution & ward entitlement by DoT.
The Department of Telecom informed that the matter was being examined and a proposal in this regard is being submitted for approval of competent authority to take up the case further with Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Department of Telecom was asked to finalise their proposal quickly and send it to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare by 31.10.2015
(Action : Ministry Health and Family Welfare, Department of Telecom)
(xii) Simultaneous issue of orders for the release of Dearness Relief (DR).
Members were informed of the revised procedure for issue of DR orders. In the revised procedure after the receipt of minutes of the Cabinet meeting from Ministry of Finance, approval of CAG is sought for and the DR orders are issued with the approval of Secretary(Pension). The process takes 2-3 days in issue of DR orders. The item was closed.
(xiii) Co-authorisation of Family Pension of Permanently disable children/dependent parents and permanently disabled siblings.
In this regard, Government’s letter dated 15.05.2015 has been issued. Therefore, the matter was closed.
(xiv) Non-adherence of extant rules with regard to submission of life certificate.
The action taken by the Government was informed to the Pensioners Associations and it was decided to close the matter.
(xv) Provision of CGHS facility for life time to dependent disabled/mentally retarded children of Central Government employees/pensioners.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed that the benefit of CGHS facility cannot be extended to married daughter if disability arises after marriage However, if the disability occurred before marriage; family pension is allowed to disabled married daughter. The item was closed.
6. Discussion on Fresh Agenda Points for the 27th SCOVA meeting.
(27.1): Modification to the format of Life Certificate- Issue of acknowledgment to Pensioners submitting life certificate.
CPAO intimated that the Correction Slip in respect of issue of acknowledgement to pensioners was issued on 12.10.2015. It is available on the CPAO website. Hence the item was closed. The alacrity with which the format of life certificate was amended was highly appreciated.
(27.2): Extension of the benefits of DoPPW OM No. 38/37108-P&PW(A) dated 28.01.2013 read with OM dated 30.07.2015 to pre-2006 pensioners with less than 33 years of service.
It was informed that the matter was under examination in the wake of orders dated 26 08.2015 of Hon’ble Supreme Court in a Review Petition filled by the Government in the case of M.O.Inasu.
(Action: DoPPW)
(27.3): Opening/Extension/Repair of Dispensaries at following stations
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed that opening/extension of more CGHS Wellness Centres in Dehradun, Panchkula, and Mohali is not possible at present since CGHS resources are fully committed. However, considering the number of CGHS card holders in Chandigarh, which is much more than the prescribed norms, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare agreed that they would re-examine the case for additional dispensary/staff at Chandigarh.In respect of the Wellness Centre at Ambarnath, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed that funds for major repair and renovation of Wellness Centre at Ambarnath have been sanctioned by General Manager, Ordnance Factory, Ambarnath. The renovation work for CGHS Wellness Centre in Ambarnath, Maharashtra, is in progress since April, 2015.
(Action:- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare)
(27.4): Issues relating to CGHS Dispensary at Dehradun, Uttarakhand
(a) Regular appointment of Group C & D employees of CGHS Dehradun be made.
(b) Opening of Ayurvedic/Homeopathic and Sidda dispensary at CGHS Dehradun.
(c) Posting/Appointment of Regional Director at CGHS Dehradun in Uttarakhand.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare representative intimated the following:
(a) The process to appoint regular staff has now been initiated.
(b) There are only 85 AYUSH dispensaries in CGHS. The feasibility of opening one at Dehradun would be examined.
(c) There is no post of Regional Director under CGHS, even at Chandigarh. However, there is post of Additional Director, CGHS at Dehradun and has been filled up by a regular incumbent. The question of delegating powers for sanctioning Medical Reimbursement Claims to Addl. Director, Dehradun would be examined.
(Action:- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare)
(27.5) Supreme Court judgment in CA No. 11527 of 2014 (Arising out of SLP No.- 11684 of 2012)
DoPT informed that there are legal and financial aspects involved and the matter is being examined. DoPT was advised to expedite the decision in this respect.
(Action: DoPT/DoPPW)
(27.6) Implementation of circular No. 38137/08-P&PW(A) dated 30.07.2015
CPAO informed that the revised consolidated authority has been issued by CPA() in respect of more than 21,000 cases/ However, in other cases, the SSAs are being issued on the basis of revised authority received from PAOs. CRAG was asked to complete the process by 31.10.2015. Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Railways’ were also requested to expedite the revision process. The item was accordingly dosed.
(27.7) Facility of online Railway booking for physically challenged persons for availing concessions.
Ministry of Railways intimated that orders have been issued to enable online booking for disabled persons. However, a Pensioner Association suggested that for disabled war veterans, Railways should accept the Photo ID card issued by the Ministry of Defence. Secretary(P&PW) asked Ministry of Railways to look into the matter. Therefore the item may be treated as closed.
7. Towards the end, one of the pensioners associations, pointed out the need, ease and the usefulness to ‘digitalize’ the PRO within a specific time-frame. it would be very easy for any pensioners to get his PRO copy downloaded from the web site of the concerned PSA. Besides, updating the PPO poses no problem and can be done on real-time basis. It will also facilitate the update, consequent to the acceptance of the 7th CPC Report. There is a need of empowering the various associations based on their competence in an appropriate manner so that they can interact with the PSA and PDA in the capacity of an extended establishment of DoPPW. ATR of the previous meeting can be forwarded along with the notification for the next meeting to facilitate the participant to come fully prepared, to which the Secretary answered in the affirmative.
The meeting ended with a vote of thanks to the Chair.
