Exemption of Railway employees from New Pension Scheme/National Pension System (NPS)-reg
NFIR
National Federation of Indian Railwaymen
No. IV/NPS/PFRDA BILL/Part I
Dated : 24/10/2015
The Suresh Prabhu,
Hon’ble Minister for Railways
(Railway Board)
Rail Bhavan
New Delhi
Respected Sir,
Sub: Exemption of Railway employees from New Pension Scheme/National Pension System (NPS)-reg.
Ref: GS/NFIR’s letter No. IV/NPS/PFRDA BILL dated 26/08/2015 addressed to the Railway Board (MS).
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The Government of India had introduced New Pension Scheme (NPS) applicable to the Central Government employees appointed on or after 01/01/2004. Under the scheme, 10% of the Pay of each employee is deducted from his/her salary every month and equal amount is contributed by the employer and credited to the NPS Trust controlled by the PFRDA. However those who were appointed prior to 01/01/2004 have been covered under “Liberalized Pension Scheme” and their pensionary benefits like Pension, Family Pension etc., are guaranteed by the Government. While the New Pension Scheme now being re-named as “National Pension System” is not applicable to Defence Forces, the same had unfortunately been made applicable for Railway employees with effect from 01/01/2004.
2. The duties, responsibilities, risk involved, remoteness, arduous and hazardous conditions of railway employee are akin to that of Army Personnel and therefore NFIR has been urging upon the Government as well the Railway Ministry to exempt Railway employees from New Pension Scheme. The Federation was compelled to take strike ballot on pending demands, among them “Abolition of New Pension Scheme” was one of the most important issues. Responding to the demands, the Railway Board (CRB, MS, FC) had held separate meeting with the Federations on 7’th February 2014, wherein the justification for exempting railway employees from New Pension Scheme was discussed, consequently the Railway Ministry had agreed to approach the Government. Hon’ble MR Shri Mallikarjun Kharge had sent communication to the Finance Minister on 29th March, 2014 explaining case and justifying that the Railways deserves to be exempted from NPS. Unfortunately, there has been no positive decision from the Government till now.
3. In this context, NFIR also brings to your kind notice that the JCM (Staff Side) as well the Federations have decided to launch industrial action as the Government has not responded to the charter of demands of Central Government employees. During the meeting with you on 6th August,20l5, we have also mentioned some of the issues continued unresolved when CRB and Member Staff were present.
Railway Board (CRB, NPS & FC) held another meeting with the Federations on lst October 2015 on eight short listed demands which include “Exemption of Railway Employees from New Pension Scheme”. After discussions, the Railway Board has agreed to pursue the case with the Government again. In this connection, NFIR has earlier sent a communication with full details to the Railway Board (MS) vide letter No. IV/NPS/PFRDA BILL dated 26/08/2015 (copy enclosed) to facilitate Railway Ministry to prevail upon the Government to grant exemption to Railway from NPS. Federation is confident that the Railway Ministry is taking necessary action on the inputs given by the NFIR for presenting the case before you.
4. It is, however, shocking to note that a notice has been issued by the National Pension System Trust (NPS Trust) to all the subscribers under NPS that the Trust will start recovering fee/charge @ 0.01% of the AUM on daily accrual basis to meet its expenditure w.e.f. 1st November 2015. (Copy of Notice dated 19/10/2015 is also enclosed) This provocative and arbitrary decision has generated deep sense of disappointment and anger among railway employees”
In view of the above, NFIR invites your kind attention to the communication dated 29th March 2014 of your predecessor (Shri Mallikarjun Kharge) to the Finance Minister and in-puts given by the Federation vide letter dated 26/08/2015 for taking special initiative at the level of Government for exempting Railway employees from “New Pension Scheme” (NPS) as a special case.
Mobile Number is mandatory for Group Insurance of All India Services on E-payment
F.No. 11024/56/2012.AIS-II
Government of India.
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training
North Block, New Delhi – 110001
Dated:21/10/2015
To
All the Chief Secretaries of State/UT Government,
Subject: Review of payment of Group Insurance of All India Services on E-payment.
Sir,
In continuation of this Department’s letter No, 11024/56/2012-A1S-11 dated 09/09/2015,it is to state that to facilitate E-payment of Group insurance to the beneficiary under All India Services (Group Insurance) Rule, 1981, Mobile Number of the beneficiary has become one of the mandatory column .for registering while processing the bill through Public Financial Management System (PFMS) for facilitating E-payment of the Group Insurance.
2. Therefore, in addition to the bank details of beneficiary as called for in the aforesaid letter of this Department, all the State /Union Territory Governments, Ministries/Departments etc are requested to provide the Mobile Number of the beneficiary along with bank details (duly attested on separate sheet) while sending the claim of Group Insurance of retired All India Services to the respective cadre controlling authorities for settlement.
Your faithfully,
(Rajiv Jain)
Under Secretary to the Government of India
J&K (Relaxation of upper age limit for recruitment to Central Civil Services & Post) Amendment Rules, 2015
[TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE OF INDIA, EXTRAORDINARY,
PART-II, SECTION 3, SUB-SECTION (i) ]
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
(Department of Personnel and Training)
New Delhi, dated the 23rd October, 2015
NOTIFICATION
G. S .R……………(E).— In exercise of the powers conferred by the proviso to article 309 and clause (5) of article 148 of the Constitution and after consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India in relation to the persons serving in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department, the President hereby makes the following rules further to amend the Residents of the State of Jammu and Kashmir (Relaxation of Upper Age Limit for Recruitment to Central Civil Services and posts) Rules, 1997, namely:-
1. (1) These rules may be called the Residents of the State of Jammu and Kashmir (Relaxation of Upper Age Limit for Recruitment to Central Civil Services and posts) Amendment Rules, 2015.
(2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.
2. In the Residents of the State of Jammu and Kashmir (Relaxation of Upper Age Limit for Recruitment to Central Civil Services and posts) Rules, 1997, in rule 1, in sub-rule (3), for the figures “2015”, the figures “2017” shall be substituted.
[F.No.15012/1/2014-Estt(D)]
(Devesh Chaturvedi)
Joint Secretary to the Government of India
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
DEPARTMENT OF EXPENDITURE
CENTRAL PENSION ACCOUNTING OFFICE
TRIKOOT-II, BHIKAJI CAMA PLACE,
NEW DELHI-110066
PHONES:26174596, 26174456, 26174438
CPAO/IT &Tech/Scheme Booklet/2015-16/1666
16.10.2015
Office Memorandum
Subject:-Modification in the format of Life Certificate —Issue of Acknowledgement to Pensioners.
Attention is invited to this office OM No.CPAO/Tech/Simplification/2012-13/325 dated-18.02.2013 directing the banks to allow pensioners/family pensioners to submit the life certificates as well as other certificates to any branch of the bank through which their pension are being disbursed. In this context, several instances of stoppage of payment of pensions have been reported citing non-receipt of life certificate even though the pensioners had submitted their life certificates to the bank, due to misplacement of the life certificate at the bank branches concerned. Instances of some pension paying banks not accepting life certificates given to them by pensioners and directing pensioners to submit the life certificate to CPPC have also been reported causing great inconvenience to pensioners, which results- in either stoppage of payment of pension or delay in payment of pension.
In this context, to alleviate the hardship faced by the pensioners, RBI has also instructed all the Agency Banks handling government pension payment, vide Notification No.RBI/2014-15/ 587 DGBA. GAD No. H-5013/ 45.01.001/2014-15 dated-07.05.2015 that on receipt of life certificate submitted in physical form, banks to issue duly signed acknowledgement to the pensioners and to enter the same in their CBS immediately and issue a system generated receipt to serve the twin purpose of acknowledgement to the pensioners as well as real- time updation of records.
To facilitate the bank authorities, CPAO has prescribed a modified format of life certificate providing therewith acknowledgement of the receipt of the life certificate vide Correction Slip No.24 to the Scheme for Payment of Pensions to Central Government Civil Pensioners by Authorized Banks. The acknowledgement is a part of the format of Life Certificate, which can be detached and given to the pensioner by the receiving bank. The format (Annexure) has been circulated to all concerned and the same has been made available on CPAO’s website.www.cpao.nic.in” at the link “For Banks”? Guidelines for Master data.
The Chairmen/Chief Executive Directors of Authorised Banks are requested to ensure that their paying branches follow the above instructions scrupulously without fail.
This issues with the approval of Competent Authority
Record Note of the 5th Meeting of National Anomaly Committee held on 29th May 2015 and 9th June, 2015
No.11/1/2015 JCA,
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, P.G and Pensions
Department of Personnel and Training
Establishment (JCA-I) Section
North Block, New Delhi
Dated the 19th October, 2015
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Record Note of the 5th Meeting of National Anomaly Committee (NAC) held on 29th May 2015 and 9th June, 2013.
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The undersigned is directed to forward herewith a copy of the Record Note/Minutes of Anomaly Committee Meetings held on 29th May, 2015 and 9th June 2015 under the Chairmanship of Joint Secretary for information and necessary action.
Encl: As above.
(G. Srinivasan)
Deputy Secretary (JCA)
RECORD NOTE OF THE 5th NATIONAL ANOMALY COMMITTEE (NAC) MEETING HELD ON 29th MAY, 2015 *****
As per the request of Staff Side to discuss the pending anomalies arising out of 6th CPC, a meeting was held on 29.5.2015, in the Conference Room.72, North Block, New Delhi with the representatives of the Staff Side under the Chairpersonship of Ms. Mamta Kundra, Joint Secretary (Establishment), DoPT. A list of participants who attended the meeting is annexed.
2. At the outset, Shri Ashok Kumar, Director, Central Pay Commission (CPC), welcomed the representatives of the Staff Side and Official Side and expressed his firm belief and conviction that all the issues/demands can be resolved through the consultative processes. He invited Leader and Secretary Staff Side for their opening remarks on the items.
3. Staff Side have requested that all anomalies /issues of 6th CPC may be resolved /settled before the 7th CPC gives its report and there should not be any communication gap between Official Side and Staff Side. The Staff Side expressed its dissatisfaction over infrequent convening of meetings. Secretary, Staff Side also suggested that the next/early date for the meeting also be fixed. They drew attention to the Minutes of the meeting dated 17th & 27th July, 2012 on the MACP issues and wanted to know about the outcome / finality of the issues discussed and whether these are accepted partially or otherwise. Further, as per 6th CPC recommendations, various issues to be decided by the different Ministries / Departments are pending with DoPT/DoE for last several years. Staff Side expressed its anguish on non-resolution of issues and their reference to 7th CPC. They asked for a Status Report in this regard.
The items were then taken up for discussions.
Item No.1: Review of MACP to Grade Pay of Rs.2000/- where there is no such grade pay in Railways & Item No.3: Treatment of employees selected under LDCE Scheme/GDCE Scheme.
4. Shri M. Raghaviah, Leader of the Staff Side raised Item No.1 regarding review of MACP to Grade Pay of Rs.2000/- where there is no such grade pay in Railways. He explained that there are 400 categories in the Railways and in 98 percent of the categories, there is no grade pay of Rs.2000/-; therefore, GP of Rs.2000/- does not exist. He said that it was the duty of the Government to resolve the issue before the 7thCPC submit its report. Staff Side requested to solve this serious anomaly as several employees are in disadvantageous position.
5. Staff Side also suggested for the option to continue ACP benefits in lieu of MACP and also requested for five regular promotions. Staff Side also mentioned that there is no cadre restructuring in the MoD.
6. Official Side discussed these issues in detail and impressed upon the Staff Side on the issue related to Item No.3 i.e. ‘treatment of employees for MACP selected under LDCE/GDCE scheme’ that DOPT has already issued a clarification in September, 2012 giving similar treatment of LDCE/ GDCE in MACP scheme as was available in the ACP Scheme. As regards Item No.1, it was reiterated that MACP envisages placement in grade pay structure in the revised pay bands and non-consideration of Grade Pay of Rs.2000/- would not be in the spirit of the scheme. Any change for Railways would have wider ramifications in Government of India. Staff side desired that this issue may be reviewed since there is a large number of railway staff suffering due to this anomaly otherwise they should be given option for opting MACP or ACP.
Official Side agreed to review this issue.
Item No.2 i.e. Granting of additional pay to Loco and Running Staff.
7. Staff Side raised this issue that since Loco and Traffic Running Staff are uncommon categories, the demand may be considered. The Official Side agreed that Ministry of Finance would revisit the issue; Ministry of Railways was advised to send a fresh proposal in detail after examination, indicating the financial implication involved in the proposal.
Item No.4 regarding Grant of Minimum Entry Pay meant for Direct Recruits to Promotees.
8. With regard to this item, Staff Side expressed its dissatisfaction and stated that the decision was taken in the meeting of NC(1CM) / Standing Committee meeting where it was agreed to implement the same. Now it is being stated that Finance Minister has not agreed as it was not in line with the spirit of JCM scheme. The Staff Side impressed upon the Official Side to take up the proposal again with Finance Minister. The Official Side reiterated its stand that with the new pay structure in position after 6th CPC recommendations, no changes are warranted in the matter. The Staff Side was also informed that stepping up of pay is however continued to be made on a case to case basis where brought to the notice of Finance Ministry. Staff Side insisted that matter should be referred to F.M. again with their earlier agreement.
Official Side informed that as per discussions held in the meeting, the matter will be put up once again to the Finance Minister for decision in the matter.
The meeting ended with the agreement that some more issues/anomalies would be discussed in the next meeting in continuation of this meeting.
RECORD NOTE OF THE 5th NATIONAL ANOMALY COMMITTEE (NAC) MEETING HELD ON 9TH JUNE, 2015
In continuation of meeting held on 29.05.2015, a meeting of the National Anomaly Committee (NAC) was held on 09.06.2015 at 3:00 PM under the Chairpersonship of Ms. Mamta Kundra, Joint Secretary (Establishment), Deptt. of Personnel & Training in Room No.72, North Block, New Delhi.
2. Shri Asholi Chalai, Director (JCA) welcomed the representatives of the Staff Side & Official Side and invited Leader and Secretary Staff Side for their opening remarks on the items.
3. Leader Staff Side requested for Action Taken Report as agreed upon in the earlier meeting and also enquired on the status of a full time Director, JCM.
4. Leader of Staff Side suggested that a decision regarding Pay fixation under Rule S-13 to the staff who are shouldering higher responsibilities may be taken early. They also questioned the need for the concerned Ministry to send their proposals to Finance Ministry for approvals, when the employees are promoted to same grade pay and when the competent authority could take a decision. The matter may be settled within the Ministry / Department as there has been abnormal delays for more than 2/3 years.
5(a). Leader Staff Side further mentioned that the Departmental Anomaly Committee decision at the Railway Ministries level for merger of Technician GP 2400/- with GP 2800/- allotment of Grade Pay 4600/- to Loco Pilots (Mail/Exp) and grant of additional allowance to all Running Staff. These proposals are pending with the Finance Ministry long.
5(b). He also mentioned that Railway Ministry’s proposal for allotment of GP 1800/- to those retired/died between 05.09.2008 and 15.12.2008 is pending with the Ministry of Finance. He said that these former staff are entitled for GP 1800/- as there was no scope for giving them training. He further stated that in this connection, Railway Ministry’s proposal may be connected.
The Official Side noted that suggestions of the Staff Side on the issues mentioned in para 5(a) and 5(b) of the Minutes and stated that the proposal of Ministry of Railways pending with the Ministry of Finance will be examined for appropriate course of action.
5(c). Secretary, Staff Side requested that the meeting of National Council (JCM) may be convened at the earliest so that the 10 point of demands, which have already been submitted to the Government may be discussed and resolved.
The Official Side agreed to consider this suggestion.
6. It was also submitted by the Staff Side that pay fixation of Defence personnel who are re-employed in various Ministries / Departments also needs to be finalised along with cadre restructuring proposals of Ministry of Defence and Postal employees.
7(a). Secretary, Staff Side showed concern that inspite of repeated assurances, the anomalies raised by the Staff Side could not be resolved. If these anomalies are not resolved before 7th CPC, the employees will be at a great loss.
7(b). He also mentioned that many proposals from Ministry of Railways for merger of Technician GP 2400/- with GP 2800/- to many railway employees is pending with Ministry of Finance and this issue needs to be resolved at the earliest.
The Official Side noted that the issue of merger of grade pay of technician in Railways was already included in para 5(a) and 5(b) of the Minutes. The specific reference from Ministry of Railways will be examined and readdressed.
7(c). It was also submitted by the Staff Side that pay fixation of Defence Personnel who are re-employed in various Ministries/Departments also needs to be finalised along with cadre restructuring proposals of Ministry of Defence and Postal employees.
7(d). The Staff Side Members of Ministry of Defence raised the following issues:-
(i) a proposal for granting ACP benefits to the Labourers of Defence Establishment by granting a one time relaxation of Trade Test, since as confirmed by the Department of Expenditure, the post of unskilled and semi skilled has been merged w.e.f. 01.01.2006, the MOD proposal may be approved.
(ii) MoD proposal for granting 3% increment benefit on promotion of Master craftsman to Charge main in the same GP of Rs. 4200 may be approved.
(iii) MoD proposal for grant of bunching of increment benefits in the pre-revised pay scale of Master craftsman, pending with DoPT may be approved.
(iv) MoD’s proposal for grant of MACP in GP Rs. 4600/- to those Master Craftsman whose pay scale was upgraded w.e.f. 01.01.2006 be approved.
The Official Side informed that these were not part of the agenda for the meetings held on 29thMay and 9th June, 2015 and therefore would be examined separately.
8. Staff side insisted that matter should be referred to F.M. again with their earlier agreement.
Official Side informed that as per discussions held in the meeting, the matter will be put up once again to the Finance Minister for decision in the matter.
9. The discussion held Item-wise were as under:-
Items 1 & 8: Anomaly in the Pay Band/Grade Pay of gazetted officer in pre-revised pay scale of Rs.6500-10500. Maintaining horizontal relativity between the Sections Officers of Central Sectt. and the Income-tax Officers, Superintendents of Post Offices, Superintendents of Central Excise and Customs Deptts.
Staff Side raised issue that the Gr.B Officers in the offices outside the Secretariat in the prerevised pay scale of Rs.6500-10500 have initially granted the PB-2 with GP of Rs.4200/- subsequently revised to PB-2 with GP of Rs.4600/- without any higher pay scale on completion of 4 years as in the case of Gazetted Officer of CSS/CSSS. The pre-revised pay scales of Assistant Accounts Officer and Section Officers have been merged and granted pay scale of 7500-12000 with GP of Rs.4800/- without providing the higher pay scale of Rs.8000-10500 (PB-3 GP of Rs.5400/-) after completing of 4 years. The parity between the Secretariat Staff and outside Secretariat Services may be resolved.
JS (Pers), Deptt. of Expenditure clarified that there is a specific recommendation of 6 th CPC pertaining to Central Secretariat Staff of SOs & PS in Para-3.1.9 of its report and for those relating to staff outside CSS in Para-3.1.14. There is two tier pay structure recommended by 6th CPC in case of SOs /PS of CSS/CSSS respectively, but the same was not recommended in respect of staff outside the Secretariat.
In the case of SOs and AAOs in the IA & AD and other organised Accounts cadres, the 6 th CPC has specifically recommended the GP of Rs.4800/- for both the posts of SOs and AAOs/Audit Officers. However, the Commission did not recommend for granting GP of Rs.5400/- after completion of 4 years.
Superintendent of Post Offices, Income Tax Officers and the Superintendents of Customs & Excise were all in the pay scale of Rs.7500-12000 as on 01.01.2006, and, hence PB-3 is not applicable to them.
It was agreed that this group does not fall within the ambit of JCM being Group ‘B’ and may be delinked.
Item No.2: Anomaly in the pay scale of Data Processing Assistants Grade —A.
Staff Side said that there is disparity between the pay scale of Data Processing Assistants Grade-A and the Assistant of CSS/Steno Grade ‘C’ of CSSS, the Staff Side demands to extend the benefits which are available to CSS/CSSS with GP of Rs.4600/- to Data Processing Assistants Grade-A as well.
Official Side maintained that Data Processing Assistants Grade-A were in the pre-revised pay scale of Rs.5500-9000 and not in the pre-revised pay scale of 6500-10500 and therefore granting of GP of Rs.4600/- is not applicable.
Item No.3:- PB-2 with Grade Pay of Rs. 4200J- for Lab Technicians.
The Staff Side demanded for grant of Grade Pay of Rs.4200/- for Lab Technicians working in Ordinance Factory Hospitals against the GP of Rs.2800/-. In this regard, it was clarified that the issue of grant of Grade Pay of Rs.4200/- to Lab Technicians working in Ordinance Factory Hospitals, had already been agreed to from 01-01-2006, subject to the condition that those who were given this Grade Pay, possessed the qualifications as per the Recruitment Rules of 2005.
Item Nos. 4 & 7:- Upgradation of Pay Band and Grade Pay of LDC, UDCs and Stenographers Grill in Subordinate Offices & Maintaining the horizontal parity as recommended by the 6th Central Pay Commission.
Staff Side demanded to upgrade Pay Band and granting of Grade Pay of Rs.2800 in PB-I to LDCs to maintain the relativity between Group ‘D’ and LDCs and Rs.4200/- for UDCs and Steno Grill in the Subordinate Offices on the line of GP of Rs.4200/- for Assistants/Steno Gr. Which was upgraded to GP of Rs.4600/-. They further submitted that when a benefit is given to one category of employees, the same may be given to other cadre/subordinate offices.
It was explained that there was a need of amending recruitment rules of Multi-Skilled Staff in the Government Offices who can perform variety of jobs. The 6th CPC recommended that to do away with Group ‘D’ posts, pay scales in the Govt, the same would stand upgraded to Group ‘C’ with suitable training. The entry level in the Government is only Group ‘C’ with 10 th class pass qualification. The grade pay of the post of LDC is still higher than that of the minimum entry level in Gr ‘C’ so there is no anomaly. In view of this recommendation of 6th CPC, the Demand of the Staff Side could not be accepted.
Item No.5 Grant of GP of Rs.4200/- to Senior Clerks of Delhi Milk Scheme.
The Staff Side demanded that the UDCs (10%) of Delhi Milk Scheme (redesignated as Senior Clerks) may be allotted the pay scale of Rs.5000-8000 with effect from 01-01-1996 and placed in the pay Band -2 with grade pay of 4200/- w.e.f. 01-01-2006.
Official Side explained that the matter has already been examined in Deptt of Expenditure on receipt of proposal from Ministry of Agriculture but it was not found feasible to accept as per recommendations of 6th CPC. The Sr. Clerks have meanwhile filed two OAs in CAT and the matter is subjudice.
Item No-6 Removal of anomaly in the case of Artisan staff of different Departments.
The Staff Side requested for allowing notional pay fixation in respect of Artisans of MMS of D/o Posts. The Fourth CPC pay scales for skilled Artisan Grade II was Rs.1200-1800 and Grade-I was Rs 1320-2040. Fifth CPC clubbed both the scales of pay of Artisans to one pay scale of Rs. 4000-6000. Since it was promoted post for Artisan Staff, they stated that both the scale of pay was not justified and needs to be rectified in r/o Artisans staff of Railway and Defence with Rs. 4000-6000 for Grade-II &Rs. 4500-7000 for Grade-I. Presently, pay scales to Artisans staff of MMS in D/O Post, numbering about 168 were discriminated and were placed in combined pay scales of Rs.4000-6000. Therefore, Staff Side requested for allowing notional pay fixation in respect of Artisans of MMS of Deptt. of Posts, in the pre-revised scale of Rs. 4500-7000 w.e.f. 01-01-1996.
It was stated by Official Side that if a post is upgraded as per the recommendations of 6th CPC, the fixation of pay in the applicable band will be done by multiplying the existing basic and is regulated by Note 2A of Rule-7 of the CCS (RP) Rules, 2008. Accordingly, where a post has been upgraded as a result of 6th CPC’s Recommendations, the fixation of pay drawn by the employees as on 01-1-2006 by a factor of 1.86 and the grade pay corresponding to the upgraded scale will be payable in addition. Therefore, it not possible to deviate from the provisions of CCS (RP) Rules, 2008. However, Deptt. Of Expenditure stated that there seems to be a requirement to revise the Recruitment Rules and therefore, Department of Post has been advised to look into the matter taking into account the RRs. Staff Side agreed on this and requested to convene a meeting with them as and when issue is settled.
Item No.9:- Pay Band and Grade Pay for Medical Assistant of Ordinance Factories.
Staff Side demanded the Medical Assistants of Ordinance Factories are getting a grade pay of Rs.1800/- only, where Dresser in Indian Railway Hospitals which have similar duties were placed in the Grade pay of Rs. 2000/- in the pay scale of Rs. 3200/-. They demanded that Medical Assistants may be placed in PB-1 (GP-2400) (old pay scale of Rs. 4000-6000). They may also be provided with uniform as per with Nurses and granted nursing allowance of Rs.3200/- pm and washing allowance of Rs.600/- pm.
Official Side mentioned that the proposal to enhance the GP of Rs.1900/- for Medical Assistants was sent to Ministry of Finance on 15.10.2014, but there was no case for review. Both the Staff Side and Official Side agreed that this matter may be sent to 7 thCPC for comparing various cadres.
Item No.10: Store Keeping Staff
Staff Side stated that there is no uniformity in the matter of designation and pay scales in Department of Defence in comparison with the Store staff working under the Indian Railways. The storekeeping staff, through CDRA submitted a Memorandum to the 6thCPC requesting to remove this disparity in comparison with those working under the Railways enclosing duties/responsibilities of both the Departments but the anomaly has not been rectified. Therefore, Staff Side have demanded to remove/rectify this anomaly in pay of Store staff working under MoD in comparison with Min of Railways.
Official Side informed that the matter stands referred to 7thCPC with the recommendation that the issue of parity in the pay structure of common categories of store keeping staff may be considered particularly in view of the fact that the educational qualification of the store keeping staff in Ministry of Defence has also been revised to Graduate in any discipline or Diploma in Engineering in any discipline or Diploma in Materials Management.
Item No.11: Children Education Allowance – Denial thereof.
Staff Side stated that Reimbursement of Children Education Allowance is admissible for two eldest children studying in schools affiliated to Board Education. This was stated to be contrary to the spirit and letters of the recommendation of the VI CPC. Therefore, Staff Side demanded that the allowance be made admissible to any two school going children and also that for the children studying in nursery primary and middle class level, affiliation to any Education Board may not be insisted upon.
Official Side stated that reimbursement of CEA is a welfare measure extended by the Govt. of India to its employees children studying in recognised schools. Government has taken a considerate view under National Population Policy and RTE. Therefore, this issue is not an anomaly.
Item No.12: Note on Master Craftsman in MMS under Department of Posts for discussion in the Fast Track Committee.
Staff Side raised demand that the Charge Hand cadre in Department of Posts should have been placed identical with the Technical Supervisors instead of Artisan Grade-1 for the reasons that the Charge hand is the promotional cadre for Artisan Grade-1 who practically supervises that work of all other Artisans Grade-I, II, III. The knowledge and technical know how required for the Charge hand is very high because of the new technology entered is servicing the modern motor vehicles. Therefore, Staff Side stated that there should be absolute parity with the same cadre of Railways and Defence departments.
It was decided that matter may be sent to 7 th CPC as it should be examined on cadre to cadre basis.
7th Pay Commission, One Rank One Pension will not impact fiscal deficit: Jayant Sinha
Implementation of One Rank One Pension (OROP) and increase in salary bill due to 7th Pay Commission will not strain government’s fiscal position, Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha today said.
“I think we are in a very good shape as far as fiscal management is concerned. That was appreciated by all economists,” he said while interacting with reporters after a meeting of economists which was chaired by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley at NITI Aayog.
He made it clear that the government’s fiscal position is strong enough to bear the impact of OROP and implementation of 7th Pay Commission.
OROP is likely to result in an outgo of Rs 8,000-10,000 crore this fiscal. The 7th Pay Commission report in December is expected to recommend a hike in salary of central government employees.
The pre-Budget meeting discussed various issues, including agriculture productivity, job creation and fiscal expenditure.
“We had some of India’s most eminent economists and commentators there. Obviously, it is very early in the cycle to start the consultation. But we felt that if there were good ideas, we could incorporate them even in this fiscal year. Obviously, for the preparation of the current budget, we could begin the work on that right now,” he said.
“It was very good interaction and we look forward to incorporating much of this for this fiscal year as well as coming fiscal.”
There were several topics that came up, Sinha said, adding that “one very important topic that we spent time on is agriculture and what we could do to increase productivity in agriculture”.
The meeting also dwelt at length on fiscal expenditure and how to ensure fiscal expenditure, particularly public investment, could be as productive as possible.
“Third major area that we spoke about is obviously the financial sector… more credit for agriculture, MSMEs and what could we do further to strengthen our banks. The final area that we also spent time on is how to ensure we are able to create more jobs for young people, whether it is in the manufacturing sector or the service sector,” he said
NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Arvind Panagariya, Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian and Reserve Bank Deputy Governor Urjit Patel were present.
Besides, the meeting was attended by Finance Secretary Ratan P Watal, Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das, Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia and Financial Services Secretary Anjuly Chib Duggal.
Economists such as Subir Gokarn, Director of Research at the Brookings Institution India, Ajit Ranade, Chief Economist, Aditya Birla Group, and Rajiv Lall, Vice-Chairman IDFC Ltd, also participated.
7th Pay Commission – Advantages to Government or Employees ?
The Central Government employees are scheduled to get salary hikes on the basis of the recommendations by January 1, 2016. According to sources, the house rent allowance too would see an increase by 20 per cent. But the most significant recommendation is that 5 to 6 per cent of the annual increment would be performance-based. There is also likely to be a provision of retiring under-performing employees by the age of 55 or 30 years of service, whichever is more.
The Finance ministry has already opened its stand saying, the Seventh Pay Commission will be mindful of the fiscal concerns of the government while giving its report on new pay scales and remunerations for central government employees and pensioners.
So the question which arises in everybody’s mind is, for whom the 7th Pay Commission is for? Is it for the Central Government employees or for the Government? For Whose benefit is it working?
For example there is a rumour floating around that the CGHS facility is going to take its last breath after 7th CPC. The Seventh Pay commission is planning to propose health insurance scheme to replace Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) at highly subsidized rates.
The pay panel will ask the central government to urge the insurance industry to come up with feasible health insurance solution for the central government employees and pensioners. The IRDA, the insurance regulatory body of India, will be compelled to ask the health insurance companies to offer a basic insurance to every central government employee and pensioner, regardless of age or medical condition and will not be allowed to make a profit of this basic insurance.
Health insurance would be available for central government employees and pensioners till death, the insured employees and pensioners will have to pay 50% of the premium from their salaries and pensions and the remaining 50% premium may be paid by the central government.
The CGHS is financed mainly through the Centre’s tax revenues. Though beneficiaries do contribute a share of their wages towards premium, ranging from Rs 600 to Rs 6,000 a year depending on their pay scale, this accounts for just about 5 per cent of the total expenditure. The government shells out the remaining 95 per cent.
However, now the Government is looking for ways to end the CGHS in its current form and to move to an insurance based health scheme to cut costs.
Recently, the CG Employee’s Welfare Ministry released an announcement which has created confusion and fury among the CG employees.
In the announcement it has been said that the senior officials have to analyse the service record and decide whether employees who have completed thirty years of service or reached their 50th year should continue their service or be advised to leave service after three months notice.
Does it take a management to learn that an official or an employee is unfit to continue in service when he has reached his 50th year? Does it take thirty years of continuous service to assess the efficiency of an employee?
Then what is the need for a probation period? After serving the Government for 30 years or till his 50th year, if somebody is asked to quit just like that, giving some damn reason when he is old, appears rather inhumane.
Unlike in the private sector, the pay hike in government is a once-in-10-years-affair. The Government need not and should not compare the Government employees with the private sector. The private sector works on profit mode, but the government organisations work in the service mode.
The NJCA at the Meeting of the Confederation held at Hyderabad on 09th October 2015 while endorsing the decision of the National Joint Council of Action (Railway, Defence & Confederation) to organize massive protest dharna at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi on 19th November 2015 and also Nationwide Protest Demonstration in front of all works spot & offices, has decided to further intensify the protest action against the negative attitude of the Government for the Unwarranted intervention of the Finance Ministry in the independent functioning of the Pay Commission by issuing a statement asking the 7th CPC to factor into its report the fiscal concern of the government and thereby to pressurize the commission not to recommend wage rise on the basis of a sound and scientific formulation and Causing engineered delay by the Government in the submission of 7th CPC report by granting four months extension upto 31st December 2015, even when the Pay Commission was ready to submit its report within the stipulated time i.e. 28th August 2015.
Submission of certificates by retiring Armed Forces Personnel along with pension papers
OFFICE OF THE PR.CONTROLLER OF DEFENCE ACCOUNTS (PENSIONS)
DRAUPADI GHAT, ALLAHABAD – 211 014
PCDA(P) Circular No.546
Dated:-10.09.2015
Sub: Simplification of pension payment procedure-submission of certificates by retiring Armed Forces Personnel along with pension papers.
A Copy of Government of India, Ministry of Defence letter No.3(01)/2015-D(Pen/Pol) dated 25th Aug 2015 on the above subject is forwarded herewith for information and necessary action, which is self-explanatory.
2. As per provisions contained in above Government letter dated 25th Aug 2015, it has been found that the first payment of pension after retirement gets delayed mainly due to two reasons i.e. (i) due to delay in receipt of intimation by the pensioner that pension papers have reached the PDAs and (ii) due to delay on the part of the pensioner in approaching the bank for submission of undertaking/non-re-employment/re-employment certificate. In order to simplify the pension payment procedure, it has been decided that required undertaking/status of non-re-employment/re-employment after retirement may be obtained by the Services HQrs/Record Offices from the retiring Armed Forces Officer and Personnel along with other documents before his retirement.
3. The undertaking/certificate shall be forwarded to the pension disbursing agencies along with Pension Payment Order by the Pension Sanctioning Authorities concerned in the case of Commissioned Officers and Record Offices concerned in the case of PBORs following the usual procedure. In case of pensioner drawing pension from agencies other OFFICE OF THE PR. CONTROLLER OF DEFENCE ACCOUNTS (PENSIONS) DRAUPADI GHAT, ALLAHABAD- 211014 than bank viz Defence Pension Disbursing Office/Treasury Office etc. a copy of cancelled cheque obtained from retiring personnel shall also be forwarded by the Record Office along with pension payment order to the pension disbursing agencies to ensure payment of pension into the pensioners’ account.
4. In view of the above, all PDAs are hereby authorized to credit the Pensionary Awards notified in favour of the pensioner into his/her bank account as and when due if said undertaking/ certificate is received along with the pension documents. The pensioner would no longer be required to visit the pension disbursing agency to activate the first payment of pension. The pensioners will be required to be called to the paying Bank Branches/DPDOs only if the undertaking/documents submitted by Service HQrs in the case of ICOs (through PSA)/Record Office in the case of PBORs were incomplete. Submission of Certificates prescribed for continuation of monthly pension/payment of dearness relief, shall be followed as hitherto fore.
5. Further, Aadhaar Card number based biometric verification system for pensioners as an additional option for submission of life certificate by the pensioners has been introduced by the Government since Nov 2014. All the pension disbursing agencies are hereby requested to accept e-life certificate of the pensioners as annual life certificate which pensioner can submit online to his pension disbursing agency by registering themselves on www.jeevanpraman.gov.in
This circular has been uploaded on this office website www.pcdapension.nic.in.
Court Orders against DoP&PW Government of India Instructions on service matters
No.38/70/14-P & PW(A)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Pension and P.W
3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhawan,
Khan Market, New Delhi.
Dated the 7th October, 2015
Office Memorandum
Sub:- Court Orders against DoP&PW Government of India Instructions on service matters- Consultation with Ministry of Law and DoP&PW on the question of filing appeals before implementation of Court’s orders.
The undersigned is directed to say that it has come to the notice of this Department that in some cases where the Courts have passed orders against the Government of India, the administrative Ministry/Department has not consulted this Department on the question of filing appeal against such orders, before implementation of such orders.
2. Instructions have been issued from time to time that whenever there is any Court order against the Government of India instructions on service matters, the administrative Ministry/Department/Office shall consult the Department of Legal Affairs, Department of Personnel & Trg. and the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare on the question of filing appeal against such an order before the time limit, if any, prescribed in such order or before the time limit for filing appeal under the rules.
3. It is therefore, reiterated that in all cases where any policy issue relating to pension matters is involved, the Department of Pension & PW should invariably be consulted before taking a decision on the question of implementation or otherwise of any order of a Court. No such order shall be implemented by the concerned Departments/Ministries without first referring the matter to this Department for advice.
4. In order to avoid any delay in processing of such matters, admisitrative Ministry/Department can consult this Department for any advice by personlly visiting to this Department from 11.00 A.M. to P.M on every Wednesday.
N F RAILWAY PENSIONERS’ ASSOCIATION
Head Office : Pension Bhavan , Rest Camp, Pandu,Guwahati – 781012
Registered No. 1464 ( Under Societies Act XXI of 1960 )
STANDING MEMBER,SCOVA
Identified by Ministry of Pension , Govt of India
Affiliated to Bharat Pensioner Samaj, New Delhi
Phone No.: 0361-2674535, Rly Phone: 23869, Email: [email protected]
No. NFRPA/BPS/2015
Date: 16-10-2015
To
The Secretary General
BPS,New Delhi
Sub : Brief of 27th SCOVA Meeting
The 27th meeting of SCOVA was held at Vigyan Bhawan on 13th Oct,15 at 11 hrs. The meeting was Chaired by Dr. Jitendra Singh , the Uninon Minister of State(IndependentCharge) for DoNER,Public Grievances & Pension, Atomic Energy and Space . Mr. Harjit Singh ,Joint Secretary ,(P&PW) submitted his welcome address to the house . After that all the Delegates attended the meeting introduced themselves, while as per programme Introductory remarks were placed by Secretary(P&PW).Later Hon’ble MOS(PP), Chairman SCOVA, addressed the meeting. He said that retired employees should become torch bearers of Start-up-India, Stand-up India initiative. Addressing the meeting, he called upon the pensioners to involve their vast experience and resources to assume the role of job creators. He said that the pendency without reason has to be taken care of completely. Sri Devendra Choudhury, Secretary DOP&PW beside others stated that department of P&PW has set a deadline of one months time during which backlog of 2200 pending pension grievances will be settled. He referred several welfare projects of GOI. It is reported that 19 Pensioners Association registered themselves under the initiative Sankalp.After his deliberation discussion was held on ATR on the points raised in the 26th Meeting of SCOVA and on Fresh Agenda items. The brief of the discussions appended below.
ATR of the 26th Meeting of SCOVA:
Item 1. Sl. No.1 of ATR, Status of issue revised PPO : On item (a),(b) and (c) no comments from the representatives of the Pensioners Association. However, on Ministry of Railways , the figure shown is confusing and promptly brought to the notice of the Chairman by the representative of NFRPA. He questioned when it is recorded in 6th CPC report that the total numbers of railway pensioners prior to 2006 was more than 10 lacs how the total revised cases of railway pensioners can be 1,10,543. No positive reply was there from official side. As regards the problems of dispatch of revised PPO to the pensioners address for not having the present address,the suggestion of NFRPA to handover the PPO to the pensioners through PDA had been taken into consideration.
Item 2 Sl.No. 3 of ATR Health Insurance : No comments
Item 3 Sl.No. 5 of ATR : Special Family Pension : Concerned Defence Pensioners Association raised some queries and questioned which have been discussed and noted.
Iem 4 ,5,6 : Nothing specific discussed, except some grievances on Medical issues.
Item 7 Sl.No.9 of ATR : On the benefit of Rs. 4600 GP. It is stated that the concerned file is still pending with Department of Expenditure. On being urged to fix a time line by the representative of NFRPA,Guwahati,Assam, it is stated that within 10 days the file will be returned with comments to concerned Department.
Item 8 to 16 issues related to BSNL,Ministry of Health, DOP&PW etc have breen dicussed by the concerned reprentatives of the Pensioners Associations.
On Fresh Agenda of 27th Meeting.
1. On issue of acknowledgement to pensioners submitting life Certificate : CPAO formulated a format of Life Certificate which had been supplied to the Delegates and stated that the format will also be available in the wwebsite of CPAO.
2. Extension of the benefits of OM dated 28.01.13 less than 33 years : Stated that the matter is subjudiced.
3. On health issues (27.3,27.4) : On CGHS facilities various discussion were held . On RELHS issue NFRPA has proposed to include SMART CARD issue in the agenda which have not been taken. NFRPA representative raised the issue of SMART CARD. But the representative of official side of Railways failed to give any suitable reply.
4. On illegal recovery of pension vis a vis reduction of pension : The matter has been refered to DoPT on 07.06.15. DoPT informed on 30.06.15 that the matter is under consideration especially on the issues of impermissible-ness of recovery based on the letter of OM dated 06.02.14 and recent SC Judgments. It is stated that order may be issued for implementation of the guide lines prescribed by Hon’ble SC. On being insisted by the representatives of NFRPA, it is stated that before 27th Oct,15 the order will be issued. NFRPA also requested to review the issue of reduction of pension in fixing the Minimum Pension which has been done in misinterpreting the contents of the 6th CPC Resolutions and OM No. dated 1.9.2008 and 28.1.13respectively, wherein it is categorically stated that minimum pension in no case should be less than 50 % of the minimum pay of the pre-revised scale of the corresponding scale from which pensioner had retired.
5. On implementation of circular of P&PW(A) No. dt 30.7.15 it is directed that revision of pension in respect of all the pending cases must be completed by concerned Dept. by 16.10.15
6. On facility for online railway booking : NFRPA representative requested to extend the facility to Pass holders also so that the Retired Rly Pensioners can also avail this facility.
S.M.Kanjilal
General Secretary(A)
SCOVA Member from NFRPA &
Managing Committee Member BPS
