The policy of ‘One Rank One Pension (OROP)’ for the Armed Forces has been adopted by the Government to address the pension disparities. The modalities for implementation were discussed with various stakeholders and are presently under consideration of the Government. It will be implemented once the modalities are approved by the Government.
This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Rao Inderjit Singh in a written reply to Shri Vivek Gupta in Rajya Sabha today.
Source : PIB
Yoga is one of the subjects along with physical and health education and is also included as part of physical activity in all the schools affiliated to Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) across the country. Yoga is also included as one of the units under physical education curriculum at the senior secondary level. Moreover, University Grants Commission(UGC) has informed that Yoga has been included in the modules on the health, nutrition, fitness and general well being in all courses at Under graduate and Post graduate level while framing the revised XII Plan guidelines on the scheme of development of sports infrastructure and equipment in universities and Colleges. Education is a concurrent subject and State Governments administer the schools in their jurisdiction as well as develop and prescribe their own curriculum.
This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of AYUSH, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik in a written reply to an unstarred question in the Rajya Sabha.
Source : PIB
No. 25014/1/2014-AIS-II
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension
(Department of Personnel and Training)
North Block, New Delhi
Dated: 28/07/2015.
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Clarification on simplification of procedure for payment of pension and other benefits to AIS officers retiring from Govt of India/State Govt: exercise of option regarding.
******
The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department’s Order No. 25014/2/2002-AIS-II dated 11th April, 2007 wherein measures for simplification of payment of pension and other retirement benefits to All India Services officers retiring/retired from Government of India/State Government have been revised and the Government of India had taken over the entire pension liability of all the All India Service officers. Besides, all retiring All India Service officers either from the Central Government or State Government uniformly have the option either from the Central Government or State Government uniformly have the option of drawl of their pension through Government of India or through the State Government. However, in the aforesaid order dated 11th April, 2007, the issue of revocation of their earlier option for drawl of pension exercised by the All India Service pensioners was silent.
(2) Accordingly, keeping in view the aging factor and to ease and comfort in a retired life, the issue of exercising option for drawing pension either from Government of India or State Government was revisited in this Department in consultation with the Central Pension Accounting Office, Department of Expenditure and Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare and has decided that he option exercised by the pensioner for drawl of pension/family pension either from the Government of India or State Government in reference to this Department’s Order dated 11th April, 2007 would continue as “zero option” (option exercised at the time of retirement would constitute as zero option).
(3) Thereafter, the retired officer can further make two options for which the first option would be permitted without obtaining the permission of Central Government and the second option would require permission of the Central Government. No further option shall be considered after the second option is permitted by the Central Government. The first option shall be applied by the pensioner to the Drawing Disbursing Authority of her/his pension in the prescribed format (Annexure-1).
(4) The proposal for revocation of earlier options which required permission of the Central Government shall be applied to the concerned Cadre Controlling Authority of All India Services in the prescribed format (Annexure-II) and such proposal shall be processed in consultation with the Chief Controller (Pension), Central Pension Accounting Office (Department of Expenditure), New Delhi for according approval of the Secretary of the concerned Cadre Controlling Authority.
(5) It is to state that every time a change in option is made, it shall be notified to the Central Pension Accounts Office (Department of Expenditure) for carrying out necessary updation in its data base.
(6) The revised format for exercising zero option for drawl of pension in respect of retiring/retired members of All India Services is annexed as Annexure-III.
(Rajiv Jain)
Under Secretary to the Government of India
Minutes of the separate meeting held by AM(Staff) with Federation (NFIR) on 15.07.2015 on the left over PNM/NFIR items concerning Pay Commission Directorate.
The following officers and representatives of Federation(NFIR) attended the meeting:
Official Side
S/Shri/Ms.
M. Akhtar, AM(Staff)
Neera Khuntia, EDPC-II
K. Shankar,DE(P&A)
Debashis Mallik, DE(IR)
NFIR
S/Shri
Guman Singh, President
M. Raghavaiah, Genl. Secy.
R.P. Bhatnagar
B.C. Sharma
P.S. Suriyaprakasam
18/2004: Revision of special allowance to the Accounts staff for passing Appendix II and III examination with effect from 1.1.96.
&
9/2012: Qualification pay to Accounts staff on passing Appendix III (IREM) Examination – Rectification of anomaly.
Official side stated that a reference has been made to Ministry of Finance on 08.01.2015 for their advice as to whether the date of qualification pay in respect of Appendix III qualified staff could also be revised on the lines it has been done for the Appendix II qualified staff.
Federation, however, insisted that there was no need to make a reference to Ministry of Finance on this issue and a decision could have been taken in-house. After detailed deliberation, it was agreed to put up the file de-novo to the Board with reference to the Federation’s demand for in-house decision.
1/2011: Grant of Financial Upgradation under MACPS to the staff who are in the same Grade Pay for more than 20 Years.
This issue on MACPS is included in the list of items for discussions with Board (MS & FC).
The meeting of the Federations with Board (MS & FC) was held on 19.05.2015. However, the meeting remained inconclusive due to paucity of time and a fresh date is to be fixed. Federation requested to convene meeting at the earliest as number of MACPS issues are continued unresolved.
5/2011: Categories exempted from the period of officiating – Revision of Daily Officiating Allowance.
It was advised to the Federation that the matter is under examination and has been sent to associate finance. Federation demanded that this be finalised within 15 days’ time, which was agreed to.
9/2011: Application of Safety Related Retirement Scheme (LARSGESS) to the Loco Pilots drafted to work as Crew Controllers.
This was discussed in Fast Track Committee. A reply has been sent to the Federations vide letter No.E(P&A)I/2011/FE-4/2 dated 15.06.2015. Federation has since replied which will be examined and will be put up to MS. Federation has reiterated that there is no post designated as “Crew Controller”, while Loco Pilots are drafted to perform the duties of Crew Controller. Federation also invited Board’s attention to its letter dated 09th January, 1998 according to which, all posts of Crew Controllers were merged with Loco Pilot category, thus became part of Loco Pilot cadre. In view of this position, the Federation requested that its demand should be accepted.
16/2011: Abolition of Pay Scale and Introduction of upgraded Pay Scale with revised designation – Senior Section Engineers (Drawing) – Clarification on entry Grade Pay.
&
16/2013: Non-grant of benefit under MACP Scheme to the Stock Verifiers working in Zonal Railways/Production Units.
&
17/2013: Grant of financial upgradation under MACP Scheme – Wrongful clarification issued by the Railway Board.
These issues on MACPS are included in the list of items for discussions with Board (MS & FC).
The meeting of the Federations with Board (MS & FC) was held on 19.05.2015. However, the meeting remained inconclusive due to paucity of time and a fresh date is to be fixed. Federation while appreciating the response of Official side, have explained the case of non-grant of MACP to Stock Verifiers and contended that the post of Stock Verifier is not a promotional post and it is only placement in the same Grade Pay and hence the MACP should be allowed. Federation also cited Board’s letter dated 07th June, 2001 wherein speaking orders were passed by the CRB clearly mentioning that the posting of Accounts Assistant as Stock Verifier is not promotion. Official Side obtained the copy of Board’s letter from the Federation for re-examining the case.
22/2011: Grant of Transport Allowance to the employees availing the facility of Workmen Trains.
It was advised to the Federation that as per information received from South CentralRailway, the Workmen Train is being run exclusively for the Railway employees and hence Transport Allowance cannot be granted. Federation requested that a reply be given to them which was agreed to.
1-B/2012: VIth CPC Recommendation – Allowances to staff.
The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare informed on 22.09.2014 that they have referred the proposal for doubling of the rates of Special Allowance admissible to Nurses working in Operation Theaters/ICU to Deptt. of Expenditure for their concurrence. The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare have been requested to expedite their decision in the matter on 03.02.2015.
7/2012: Payment of Allowance to the Running Staff working Duronto Express Trains.
Official Side advised that the matter is still in process in consultation with the Coaching Directorate. Federation stated that they brought this item three years back and requested for a separate meeting with MT for quick redressal which was agreed to.
22/2012: Grant of Incentive to the Accounts Stock Verifiers who have been posted from the cadre of Junior Accounts Assistant on passing Appendix – IV- A (IREM) Examination.
The data furnished by Accounts Dte. was sent to Federation vide Board’s letter dated 02.02.2015. Reply in the matter has been received on 19.03.2015, which is under consideration.
However, the Federation stated that as the rule position is very clear that the incentive was granted in view of hazardous nature of duties being performed by the Stock Verifiers, incentive should be allowed. They also requested for a separate meeting with FC.
40/2012: Admissibility of House Rent Allowance in the event of non-acceptance or surrender of Railway residential accommodation.
As decided in the earlier meeting, a clarification after reviewing the matter is to be issued. Official Side stated that they propose to issue instructions in consultation with Civil Engineering Directorate. Federation stated that while they do not understand the need for a consultation with the Civil Engineering in this case, they requested the clarification be issued quickly. It was agreed to do so. The item to be closed thereafter.
56/2012: Counting of service of D-2 khalasis in CLW for extending benefits of financial upgradation under MACP Scheme – reg.
CLW’s letter dated 19.05.2014 given to Federation and it was agreed to hold a further discussion associating CPO/CLW.
58/2012: Grant of PCO Allowance to the Drawing staff (Jig & Tool) working in Parel Workshop/Western Railway.
In the last meeting it was explained to the Federation that PCO Allowance is intended to protect drop in emoluments in the case of staff transferred from Shop floor to PCO. The staff while working on Shop Floor, are entitled for Incentive Bonus which is not admissible to PCO. As such to compensate them for the loss of Incentive Bonus, PCO Allowance was introduced. However, it was agreed to call for remarks of Western Railway to ascertain the factual position in respect of the Drawing staff (Jig & Tool) working in Parel Workshop. A reference in the matter has been made to Railway vide Board’s letter dated 02.07.2014. The Railway was requested to expedite vide letter dated 15.12.2014. The Railway’s reply in the matter is awaited.
Since reply from Western Railway is still awaited, it was agreed to send a D.O reference to CPO/WR from AM(Staff).
8/2013: Committee to determine the quantum of pay element in Running Allowance –Withdrawal of Railway Board’s arbitrary decision.
&
8/2015: Denial of Allowance in lieu of kilometreage to the medically decategorized drivers drafted to perform duties of Power/Crew Controller – reg.
This issue is being discussed in the Committee constituted to deliberate on running staff issues.
15/2013: Rectification of MACPS anomalies – Stepping up of Pay of Senior incumbents at par with Juniors – item No.8 of the minutes of meeting held on 27/07/2012 at North Block, New Delhi.
Official side clarified that MACPS benefit is personal to the employees and as such the question of stepping up of pay does not arise.
Federation however, did not agree with the Official Side contention and pointed out that the DoP&T has already suggested to the Ministy of Railways to consider modification of Recruitment Rules for the purpose of solving the problem. Federation further stated that in the case of Drawing Staff, the Board have taken decision to treat those who joined in Grade Rs.6500-10500 (Vth CPC) as direct entrants for the limited purpose of MACPS. Federation urged that similar decision needs to be taken in the case of former CG-II/CG-I. Federation also stated that induction in Accounts Department is related with passing of
mandatory Appendix Examinations which are to be construed as direct recruitment to the pay scale/grade pay.
19/2014: Denial of revised V CPC pay scale-Injustice meted out to Midwives on Western Railway.
The matter has been re-examined and Federation have accordingly been advised vide Board’s letter dated 17.03.2015.
Federation contended that in terms of Railway Board’s letter dated 30th January 2001, the pay scale of 4000-6000 was replaced with 4500-7000 now GP 2800/-. The Mid-Wives are therefore, required to be placed in 4500-7000 (5th CPC/GP 2800/-) with retrospective effect. Federation also stated that the number of mid-wives on Western Railway is single digit only.
However, it was agreed to call for details from Western Railway and to re-examine the matter.
1/2015: Career progression of Track Maintainers in Railways – implementation of the report of the Joint Committee – reg.
Official Side stated that the restructuring orders issued in the year 2012 and 2014 are yet to be fully implemented on all the zones. As such, further review will be feasible only after full implementation of the earlier orders.
Federation however, insisted that the Joint Committe Report should be implemented duly adopting the ratio 10:20:20:50 in GP 2800, 2400, 1900 & 1800 respectively. Federation also insisted that the career growth orders of Track Maintainer should be given effect with retrospective effect.
2/2015: Coverage of Track Maintainers GP 1900/- & 2400/- and Station Master category under LARSGESS.
In respect to the demand for Track Maintainers (Gangmen) is under examination in consultation with Establishment Dte.
The scheme has been envisaged only for those specified frontline safety categories, whose physical fitness and reflexes get impaired with advancing age on accounts of their specially arduous and unique nature of duties and thereby causing a potential threat to safety of train operations. The category of Station Master has not been found to eligible for consideration under the Scheme keeping in view of their nature of duties. Federation however, did not subscribe with the views expressed by the Official Side with regard to Station Master category.
Federation contended that the nature of duties of Station Master category are such that over a period of time their reflexes will get deteriorated leading to safety hazards to self as well to the travelling public. Hence, the Federation wanted that the issue be reviewed further.
10/2015: Payment of Diet Allowance to Staff Attending Break – down duties.
It was advised by the Official Side that the fixation of the rates for food has been delegated to the General Managers of the Zonal Railways. In case it is felt that the rates are on on the lower side on any Zonal Railway, the matter may be taken up with the Zonal Railway concerned.
The Federation, however, requested to reiterate the existing orders which was agreed to. The Item may be closed thereafter.
11/2015: Denial of payment of HRA, Transport Allowance etc., to trainees appointed on compassionate ground in Grade Pay 1900/- in artisan category etcreg.
Reply has been sent to Federation on 10.07.2015. Federation invited the attention of Railway Board to the DoP&T guidelines circulated under OM dated 03rd April 2012 which clearly clarify that a person appointed as ‘Trainee’ enjoys the status of a Government servant from initial day and will be allowed all the allowances and benefits allowed to a Government servant, irrespective of Grade Pay and wanted the Railway Board to comply with the said OM of DoP&T. After discussion it was agreed to examine.
15/2015: Grant of financial upgradation under MACPS to SSE – Drawing (formerly diploma holder tracers) appointed against D.R. quota vacancies as Assistant Draftsman (presently JE-Drawing with GP 4200 in PB-2) – reg.
It was explained to the Federation that the reference by S.C. Rly. Vide their letter dated 20.10.2014 has been examined and it has been noted that the promotions of the concerned staff belonging to Tracers cadre who were initially allowed promotions against the 50% direcct recruitment in Asst. Draftsman cadre were subsequently preponed and have been allowed promotions w.e.f 01.01.1984 in terms of para-VI of Board’s restructuring instructions dt. 25.06.1985. It is further stated that the post of Asstt. Draftsman was next higher functional post for Tracers Category. In terms of point 31 of Board’s instructions/clarifications dt. 19.02.2002, where placement in higher grade involves assumption of higher duties and responsibilities then such upgradation will be viewed as promotions/ upgradation and, therefore, has to be reckoned for the purpose of ACP/MACP Scheme.
Federation however, has not agreed with the stand taken by the Official Side as above and contended that serving Diploma Holders were inducted as Assistant Draftsman against Direct Recruitment quota vacancies as per Railway Board’s orders vide letter No. E(NG)III/79/RC-1/49 dated 21/04/1980. Hence their induction should be treated as appointment for the purpose of MACPS. Federation also contended that denying the MACP benefit on the pretext that the staff got restructuring benefit is not correct in view of the fact that they were placed in the higher pay scale on their empanelment against Direct Recruitment quota vacancies as per Board’s orders.
18/2015: Arbitrary discontinuance of Nursing Allowance to ANOs working in Railway Hospitals – reg.
It was explained that Nursing Allowance is linked to the nature of duties. As per the Duties and Responsibilities of ANOs, they perform overall supervision of nursing services and are not involved in nursing activities. Therefore, a clarification was issued vide Board’s letter dated 13.05.2014 that they are not eligible for Nursing Allowance. However, the matter is under further examination in consultation with Health Directorate. Federation contended that the Nursing Personnel irrespective of their status/grade pay are entitled for Nursing Allowance in terms of Government’s decision (Ministry of Health & Family Welfare OM No. Z.28015/71/2008-N dated 19th November 2008) and hence the Nursing Allowance should be restored and arrears paid to the ANOs.
19/2015: Allotment of revised pay structure for Official Language Staff on Indian Railways – reg.
The conditions laid down in Board’s letter dated 13.09.2012 have been stipulated by Ministry of Finance while according approval for change of pay structure of CSOLS staff.
As per these stipulations, revision was to have prospective effect and was linked to change in Recruitment Rules on lines of those in CSOLS and involves phasing out of grade of Rajbhasha Sahayak Gr.II.
As regard to placement of Rajbhasha Adhikari in PB-3, GP 5400 it is stated that Recruitment Rules of Rajbhasha Adhikari are different than those of Asstt. Director in CSOLS. Further, there is no decision of the Govt. to make any change in the pay structure of Asstt. Directors of CSOLS.
Federation stated that it will examine the Official Side clarification and comeback for discussion.
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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD )
RBE.No.87/2015
No. E(P&A)II-98/HW-6 Vol.III
New Delhi, dated : 31.7.2015.
The General Managers/CAOs.
All Indian Railways &
Productions Units etc
Sub: Grant of Hospital Patient Care Allowance (HPCA) & Patient Care Allowance (PCA) to Group ‘C’ & ‘D’ (non-ministerial) Railway employees working in Railway Hospitals & Health Units/Clinics .
————–
Hospital Patient Care Allowance / Patient Care Allowance was introduced on the Railways in terrns of Board’s Letter no. E(P&A)II-98/HW-6 dt.0901.2008 further, the rates of HPCA/PCA were revised as per Board’s letter No.E(P&A)II-2013/AL-3 dt 20.02.2013
2. The issue of inclusion of left out categories of staff for the grant of HPCA/PCA has been under consideration in this Ministry pursuant to demands raised from various quarters including both the recognised Federatons for quite some time and it has now been decided that HPCA/PCA may be made admissible to the following two categories of Group ‘C” (non-ministerial) railway employees working in railway hospitals and health units/clinics with effect from the date of issue of this letter :
(i) Dental Hygienists
(ii) Physiotherapists / Occupational Therapists.
3. Other term and condistions would remain the same as per Board’s letter no. E(P&A)II-98/HW-6 dt. 09.01.2008 and Boards letter No. E(P&A) II-2013/AL-3 dt. 20.02.2013
4. This issue with the concurrence of Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways.
5. Please acknowledge receipt.
(K.Shankar)
Director / E (P&A)
Railway Board
There is no plan to privatise Railways. However, private participation for building/ strengthening rail infrastructure is permissible. As per the sectoral guidelines for Domestic/ Foreign Direct Investment issued in November, 2014, private participation is permissible in suburban corridor projects through Public Private Participation, high speed train projects, dedicated freight lines, rolling stock manufacturing and maintenance facilities, railway electrification, signaling system, freight terminals/ logistics parks, passenger terminals, railway technical training institutes, testing facilities, concessioning of standalone passenger corridors, non- conventional sources of energy, mechanized laundry, bio toilets, technological solutions for level crossings and to improve safety.
Apart from private participation for building/ strengthening rail infrastructure, no plan has been chalked out for mobilisation of private funds for Railways. For development of Railway projects, Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with Life Insurance Corporation of India for 1.5 lakh crore to be made available over a period of five years.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Source : PIB
To ensure productive engagement of teachers in teaching in schools, Section 27 of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009 stipulates that no teacher shall be deployed for any non-educational purposes other than the decennial population census, disaster relief duties or duties relating to elections to the local authority or the State Legislatures or Parliament, as the case may be. The school management committees have been assigned the duty under the RTE Act to monitor the working of the schools.
To provide academic support to teachers, State Governments/UTs administrations are financially supported by the Central Government to provide on-site academic support to teachers as well as to develop robust monitoring mechanisms through Block Resource Centres and Cluster Resource Centres, under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan.
School Education, being primarily in the domain of State Governments/UTs, mechanism of monitoring attendance of school teachers is the responsibility of States/UTs. The Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) has commissioned studies through an independent agency in 2007 and 2013 on teachers’ attendance, and these have revealed that average teachers’ attendance has improved from 81.7% in 2006-07 to 84.8% in 2012-13 at primary level, and from 80.5% in 2006-07 to 83.1% in 2012-13 at upper primary level.
The National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has developed Performance Indicators for Elementary Education (PINDICS) to track teacher performance and attendance in Government schools. PINDICS have been shared with State Governments/UTs to assess teacher’s performance.
This information was given by the Union Human Resource Development Minister, Smt. Smriti Irani in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha question.
Source : PIB
In a major boost to the Police Training Institutes and Police Trainers, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India has instituted Award of “Union Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Police Training” and “Award of Union Home Minister’s Trophy to the best Training Institutions”.
The medal and trophy will be awarded every year on Republic Day in the States/UTs and Raising Day or Anniversary of the Central Armed Police Forces/Central Police Organisations. The inaugural year’s Medals and Trophies under this Scheme will be awarded on the occasion of 26th January, 2016.
As per the scheme, each year a total of 167 (114 for States & UTs and 53 for Central Armed Police Forces) Medals will be awarded to Trainers of Police Training Institutes of States and Central Armed Police Forces. Each State will have its quota of medal as per its sanctioned strength. Along with a medal, the trainer will be rewarded with a cash prize of Rs.25,000/- and a certificate/scroll signed by Union Home Minster. Number of Medals will be reviewed every 3 years or whenever there is a major change in the strength of the force.
The objective of institution of the Union Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Police Training is to recognize the importance of training and the trainers in police organizations and make training a respectable assignment and to promote the quality of training in police training institutes in the country.
Besides, there will be six Trophies for Police Training Institutions in the country, three for the CAPFs/CPOs training institutions and three for the States/UTs Police training institutions.
There will be three categories of the Trophy viz. Best Training Institute for the training for Gazetted Officers, Best Training Institute for the training for Non-Gazetted officers and Best Training Institute for the training for Other Ranks (Constables).
A running Trophy will be presented to the winning Institution in each category as a token of encouragement along with a cash prize of Rs. 25 lakh as Grant in Aid. The head of the Trophy winning Institution of all categories will be awarded Union Home Minister’s Disc.
Government of India
Ministry of Railways
Railway Board
No.E(P&A)I-2013/FE-4/3
New Delhi dated 29-07-2015
The General Secretary
NFIR
3,Chelmsford Road
New Delhi
Sir,
Sub: National Holiday Allowance – Upward revision of rates -reg.
The undersigned is direct to refer to letter No. I/5(g)/Part V dated 03.07.2015 on the above demand cited subject and to state that VII CPC is examining the isue in respect of rate of NHA along with rates of other allowance. As such, it is perhaps notan appropriate time to consider any kind of revision or deviation from the existing rates NHA. In the circumstance the final report/recommendations of VII CPC may be awaited. The PNM Item No.5/2013 may be closed.
For Secretary Railway Board
Source: NFIR
