Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government recruits Dak Sevaks in the rural postal circles in the country;
(b) if so, the number of Dak Sevaks appointed during the last five years, State-wise;
(c) whether the Government implements reservation policy in the recruitment of Dak Sevaks; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS (SHRI DEVUSINH CHAUHAN)
(a) & (b) Yes Sir, Gramin Dak Sevaks are engaged in Postal Circles across the country. The details of state-wise number of Gramin Dak Sevaks engaged during the last five years, are at Annexure.
(c) & (d) Yes Sir, The Department gives adequate representation to Schedule Caste (SC), Schedule Tribe (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and Persons with Disability (PwD) while engaging the Gramin Dak Sevaks.
SPARSH outreach program on 13th and 14th December, 2022 in DPTI Auditorium, O/o the PCDA(P), Prayagraj
NOTIFICATION
SPARSH outreach program in DPTI auditorium, O/o PCDA(Pension), Prayagraj Min of Defence, Govt of India
It is for the information of Defence pensioners including Defence civilians residing in and around Prayagraj that a SPARSH outreach program will be held at DPTI auditorium, O/o PCDA(Pension), Prayagraj for redressal of SPARSH related grievances of Defence pensioners and their families. The outreach program would be conducted on 13th and 14th December, 2022. The outreach program would function daily from 1030 hrs to 1600 hrs. The Defence pensioners are requested to bring their updated bank passbook, PPOs issued by this office, Aadhar card, PAN card, previous correspondence, if any alongwith a photocopy of each document. Grievances redressal form would be made available at the venue only. No TA/DA will be reimbursed for attending the event.
Achieving Old Pension Scheme: National Convention on 21st Jan, 2023 – NJCA
National Joint Council of Action 4, Stats Entry Road New Delhi – 110055
No.NJCA/2022
Dated: December 12, 2022
The Presidents/General Secretaries, Ail Constituent Organizations and State Federations Fighting Against the NPS
Dear Comrades,
Sub: Strategy to achieve Old Pension Scheme
We are very thankful to ail of you for making first meeting of the Joint Forum called by the NJCA on 17th November, 2022.
As was decided in the aforementioned meeting of the NJCA, we will hold another meeting of the aforesaid forum in the first week of January 2023 we are calling a meeting on 7th January, 2023 at 10:30 hrs, at the same venue, i.e. JP. Chaubey Memorial Library, AIRF Office Premises, 4 State Entry Road, New Delhi. We are requesting ail of you to kindly make it convenient to attend the said meeting to discuss and decide future course of action.
Since in the said meeting it was also decided to hold a National Convention, we will be holding a ‘‘National Convention” on Old Pension Scheme in Pearey Lal Bhawan, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi, Delhi, on 21st January, 2023 to decide the plan of action and schedules for the future programmes.
We sincerely hope that, you will reserved the date for attending aforementioned National Convention.
Results of the recently held Himachal Pradesh Assembly have given lot of encouragement to the Government Employees and Teachers, therefore, this is the right time to bring all the forces at one platform fighting for achieving Old Pension Scheme.
Please contact them and invite them for the “National Convention”.
Recruitment of ex-servicemen in Government departments : Rajya Sabha QA
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF EX-SERVICEMEN WELFARE RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 526 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12th December, 2022
RECRUITMENT OF EX-SERVICEMEN IN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS
526 SHRI DIGVIJAYA SINGH: DR. AMEE YAJNIK: Will the Minister of Defence be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that there is a gap between the number of ex-servicemen appointedin Government departments and the number of posts reserved for them;
(b) if so, the details thereof including department-wise information regarding vacant seats;and
(c) the steps taken by Government to increase the representation of ex-servicemen in Government departments?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE (SHRI AJAY BHATT) IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. Reservation for Ex-Servicemen (ESM) is against direct recruitment vacancies only and numbers are worked out by the Cadre Controlling Authority at the time of initiating recruitment process. Vacancies so identified are given wide publicity. Those found successful in selection processare recruited against these vacancies.
The reservation Policy for ESM is being implemented through Cadre Controlling Ministries/ Departments/ Public Sector Undertakings.
The information received from 123 Cadre Controlling Ministries/Department/Public Sector Undertaking/Public Sector Banks and Central Armed Police Forces is Annexed.
(c): For the purpose of improving number of recruitments of ESMs, advisories have been issued, from time to time, to all concerned Departments/CPSUs/Banks/State Governments for conducting special drive to fill up vacancies reserved for ESM. Liasion Officers have also been appointed in various Departments/PSUs/Banks to ensure implementation of reservation policy for ESM. Laision Officers have been trained to conduct their work in better manner.
ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) & (b) OF RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 526 FOR ANSWER ON 12.12.2022 REGARDING “RECRUITMENT OF EX-SERVICEMEN IN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS”.
Status of Ex-Servicemen (ESM) Reservation in Central Govt Organisations
Information of Half-Year from 01st January 2022 to 30 June 2022
ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE
(a) to (f) The State Governments of Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand have informed the Central Government/Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) about their decision to restart Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for their State Government employees.
The State Government of Punjab on 18.11.2022 has issued notification regarding implementation of OPS to the government employees who are presently being covered under the National Pension System (NPS).
The State Governments of Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand, have sent proposals to the Central Government/PFRDA to return the accumulated corpus of subscribers under NPS to respective State Governments. No such proposal has been received from the State Government of Punjab.
In response to the proposals of the State Governments of Rajasthan Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand, PFRDA has informed the respective State Governments that there is no provision under Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 2013 read along with PFRDA (Exits and Withdrawals under the National Pension System) Regulations, 2015, and other relevant Regulations, as amended from time to time, vide which the funds, which are already deposited both in the form of Government contribution and Employees” contribution towards NPS, along with accruals, can be refunded and deposited back to the State Government.
There is no proposal under consideration of Government of India for restoration of old pension scheme.
Jeevan Pramaan Patra have been disbursed by the Government using the network of Postmen and Gramin Dak Sevaks
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF POSTS
LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 175 TO BE ANSWERED ON 7TH DECEMBER, 2022
JEEVAN PRAMAAN PATRA
175. SHRI RAJESHBHAI CHUDASAMA:
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:
(a) whether Jeevan Pramaan Patra have been disbursed by the Government using the network of Postmen and Gramin Dak Sevaks in the country, if so, the details including quantum thereof, State-wise; and
(b) whether the Government plans to use their network to offer more doorstep facilities in the future, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS (SHRI DEVUSINH CHAUHAN)
(a) Yes, Sir. Details in this regard are given in Annexure.
(b) Department is also providing doorstep banking facility to India Post Payments Bank customers, pension and other ‘Direct Benefit Transfer’ payments etc. under ‘Aadhar enabled Payment System’ along with Aadhar Enrolment facility for children upto 0-5 years age. Further, Department extended pick up facility through selected Post Offices to the retail customers who book their Registered and Speed Post articles on India Post Web Portal.
Reimbursement of rent / Payment of HRA to Board level and below Board level executives, Non-Unionised Supervisors and CVO of CPSEs during their temporary stay (upto a maximum period of six months) in Guest Houses run by CPSE/Central Government/ State Government/Autonomous Organizations etc.
F. No. W-02/0027/2022-DPE(WC)-GL-.XXIII/2022 Government of India Ministry of Finance Department of Public Enterprises Public Enterprises Bhawan,
Block No.14, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi – 110003.
Dated, the 02 December 2022
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject :– Reimbursement of rent / Payment of HRA to Board level and below Board level executives, Non-Unionised Supervisors and CVO of CPSEs during their temporary stay (upto a maximum period of six months) in Guest Houses run by CPSE/Central Government/ State Government/Autonomous Organizations etc.
The undersigned is directed to say that a reference has been received from CVC that some Board level and below Board level executives, Non-Unionised Supervisors and CVO of CPSEs are staying in Guest Houses run by CPSE/ Central Government/ State Government/ Autonomous Organizations etc. by paying the subsidized room rent charges and simultaneously claiming HRA.
2. The matter has been considered in this Department. It has been decided that Board level and below Board level executives, Non-Unionised Supervisors and CVO of CPSEs on their appointment/transfer/posting to a new station, necessitating change of residence, if they temporarily stay in State Bhavans/Guest Houses/Departmental Guest Houses run by CPSE/ Central Government/ State Government/Autonomous Organizations etc., may be reimbursed the amount of rent paid subject to the fulfilment of the following conditions :–
a) The official has applied for accommodation of his entitlement, but has not been allotted residential accommodation by the concerned CPSE.
b) The concerned Guest House should be located at the place of posting of the official.
c) The official must have stayed in Guest Houses run by CPSE/ Central Government/ State Government/Autonomous Organisation and submit rent receipts in support of payment of rent.
d) Reimbursement of rent shall be admissible upto a maximum period of six months.
e) No House Rent Allowance (HRA) shall be admissible during this period.
3. These orders shall be effective from the date of issue.
4. This issues with the approval of the Competent Authority.
5. All Administrative Ministries/Departments of the Government of India are requested to bring the above to the notice of CPSEs under their administrative control, for compliance.
(Naresh Kumar) Under Secretary
To All Administrative Ministries/Departments of the Government of India
Lag in adoption of new technology by BSNL: Rajya Sabha QA
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS
RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 386
TO BE ANSWERED ON 9th DECEMBER, 2022
LAG IN ADOPTION OF NEW TECHNOLOGY BY BSNL
386. DR. V SIVADASAN
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:
(a) the starting dates on which 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G services were respectively launched in the country;
(b) the dates from which 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G services were offered by the BSNL;
(c) whether Government is cognizant of the lag in updating BSNL in terms of the adoption of new technology; and
(d) if so, the steps taken to address the same?
ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS (SHRI DEVUSINH CHAUHAN)
(a) 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G services were launched in the country in the year 1995, 2009, 2012 and 2022 respectively.
(b) to (d) 2G and 3G services of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) are available in the country from October, 2002 and February, 2009 respectively. BSNL is providing 4G services since 23.01.2018 on limited scale.
The Union Cabinet on 23.10.2019 approved allotment of spectrum for 4G services to BSNL through capital infusion. In line with Atma-nirbhar initiative of the Government, BSNL was directed to deploy Indian 4G stack. BSNL floated the Expression of Interest (EOI) on 1st Jan, 2021 for the Proof of Concept (PoC). The PoC has been completed with few pending points. 5G Non Standalone Access (NSA) upgrade has also been kept as a deferred feature in BSNL’s EOI. Thereafter, BSNL has floated the tender in October 2022 for its requirement of 1 lakh 4G sites.
The Union Cabinet in its meeting held on 27.07.2022 has approved a revival package for BSNL/MTNL amounting to Rs. 1.64 lakhs crores. It focusses on infusing fresh capital for upgrading BSNL services, allocating spectrum, de-stressing balance sheet and augmenting its fibre network by merging Bharat Broadband Nigam Limited (BBNL) with BSNL. Further, the Government has reserved spectrum for BSNL for providing 5G services.
(a) whether DoP&PW had sent a reference/note to Department of Expenditure (DoE) during August, 2022 for concurrence/comments of DoE for issuing general executive orders providing coverage of Central Government servants under Old Pension Scheme who were appointed on or after 01/01/2004 on the basis of advertisements for recruitment prior to 01/01/2004;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether DoE has sent back the reference with some queries in October, 2022;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) the details of response furnished by DoP&PW to DoE against the queries; and
(f) effort being made to obtain concurrence in timebound manner and to expedite general orders?
ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH)
(a) to (f): After dismissal of some of SLPs / Review Petitions by Hon’ble Supreme Court filed by Union of India against the orders of Hon’ble High Court of Delhi allowing benefit of old pension scheme to those Government servants whose selection process was completed after 01.01.2004, a reference was made to Department of Expenditure in August, 2022 on the question of issue of general order in this regard. Department of Expenditure furnished their comments in October, 2022 on the reference made in August, 2022 by this Department.
There is no decision to issue general instructions in this regard.
National Pension System (NPS) was introduced for Central Government employees by a Notification of Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs) dated 22nd December, 2003. NPS is mandatory for all new recruits to the Central Government service from 1st January, 2004 (except the armed forces).
In view of the specific provisions of the Notification dated 22.12.2003, the date of advertisement for the vacancies is not considered relevant for determining the eligibility for coverage under the Old Pension Scheme or the National Pension System.
LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 59 TO BE ANSWERED ON 07.12.2022
RULES FOR NPS EMPLOYEES
59. SHRI S. VENKATESAN:
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Rules have been notified for New Pension Scheme (NPS) Employees and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the rules notified for NPS employees including for gratuity by DoPT have not yet been adopted by Railways even after one year; and
(c) if so, the time by which the same is likely to be notified?
ANSWER MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)
(a): No, Sir.
(b): Yes, Sir.
(c): Action for adoption of Central Civil Services (Implementation of National Pension System) Rules, 2021 and Central Civil Services (Payment of Gratuity under National Pension System) Rules, 2021 was initiated and the same were under deliberation in consultation with different Directorates of this Ministry.
However, in the meantime, based on the recommendations of Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice to explore the feasibility of integrating pensioners of Railways within the jurisdiction of the DoP&PW by making it a single entity in the matters related to pension and pensioners’ welfare, DoP&PW constituted a committee comprising the representatives of Ministry of Railways and DoP&PW for examining the feasibility and for suggesting the modalities of application of the CCS(Pension) Rules, 2021, the CCS(Commutation of Pension) Rules, 1981, the CCS(Extraordinary Pension) Rules, 1939, the CCS (Implementation of NPS) Rules, 2021 and CCS(Payment of Gratuity under NPS) Rules, 2021 to the Railway servants/pensioners/family pensioners.
Further, action on adoption of the notifications will be taken based on the final decision taken on the recommendations of the committee.
