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.
Data Entry Operator (DEO): Pay Level-4(Rs. 25,500-81,100) and Level-5 (Rs. 29,200-92,300).
Data Entry Operator, Grade ‘A’: Pay Level-4 (Rs. 25,500-81,100)
Vacancies
Tentative vacancies: There are approx. 4500 vacancies. However, firm vacancies will be determined in due course. Updated vacancies, if any, along with Post-wise & category-wise vacancies will be made available on the website of the Commission (https://ssc.nic.in> Candidate’s Corner> Tentative Vacancy) in due course. Candidates may note that State-wise/ Zone-wise vacancies are not collected by the Commission
Age Limit (As on 01-01-2022):
Age limit for the posts is 18-27 years as on 01-01-2022 i.e. Candidates born not before 02-01-1995 and not later than 01-01-2004 are eligible to apply
Permissible relaxation in upper age limit for different categories (Ref the attached PDF )
Payment of DA Arrears and restoration of commuted value of Pension: NCJCM Meeting
Shiva Gopal Mishra Secretary
National Council (Staff Side) Joint Consultative Machinery for Central Government Employees 13-C, Ferozshah Road, New Delhi – 110001
No.NC/JCM/2022/DA
Dated: December 5, 2022
All Constituents of the NC/JCM Dear Comrades,
Sub: Brief of the meeting held with the Spl. Secty.(Pers.), Deptt. of Exp., Govt. of India
A meeting was held today with the Special Secretary(Pers.), Deptt. of Exp., Government of India, on Agenda Item No.27/SC/22(D/o Exp.) of the Standing Committee of the NC/JCM regarding payment of the arrears of Dearness Allowance.
After prolonged discussions it has been agreed by the DoE that they will examine the issue once again and will consult the MoF on the subject.
Staff Side also discussed the issue of commutation of pension as per our agenda item. Staff Side demanded that, restoration of full pension after deduction of commuted value of the pension should be done after completion of 12 years instead of 15 years. It has been informed by the Ministry of Pension that the case been sent to the DoE after the last meeting of the Standing Committee of National Council(JCM). Special Secretary, (Pers.), Deptt. of Exp.. agreed to examine the issue and do the needful.
In the said meeting, apart from the undersigned, Leader Staff Side was also present.
DOPPW’s Nationwide Campaign for Submission of Digital Life Certificates by Pensioners successfully completed all over the country
Till 30th November, 2022, a total of 30.34 lakh central government pensioners has been used DLC successfully, in which 2.82 lakh DLC has been created through Face authentication
The Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Government of India this year has launched a nation-wide campaign for promotion of Digital Life Certificate for Central Government pensioners. The objective of this Nation-wide campaign is to promote the use of Face Authentication technology and DLC thereby ensuring transparency and Ease of Usage. All the registered Pensioners’ Associations, Pension Disbursing Banks, Ministries of Government of India and CGHS Centers had been directed to promote the Digital Life Certificate/Face Authentication Technique for giving Life Certificate by organizing special camps for ‘Ease of Living’ of pensioners.
Due to increasing awareness, the popularity of Face authentication is gaining popularity and has been able to provide a huge relief especially to the aged and infirm elderly population. Till 30th November, 2022, a total of 30.34 lakh central government pensioners has been used DLC successfully, in which 2.82 lakh DLC has been created through Face authentication.
To promote the campaign, State Bank of India and in certain cities the Punjab National Bank joined hands with the Department and provided the Camp venues in different cities. Different officials of DoPPW have been nominated at different cities to oversee the progress of the Campaign. During 1-30 November, 2022, special awareness camps have been organized in different cities all over India from Srinagar in the North to Nagercoil (Kanyakumari District) in the South and from Guwahati in the East to Ahmedabad in the West. Specific cities covered in this Campaign are Delhi (Hauzkhas, Pankha Road, Chanakyapuri, Jangpura) , Noida, Chandigarh, Mohali, Srinagar (J&K), Nagpur, Pune (Maharashtra), Allahabad, Jammu, Jalandhar, Gwalior (MP), Thrissur (Kerala), Madurai, Nagercoil, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Guwahati (Assam), Hyderabad, Ambernath , Mumbai, Bhubaneshwar , Balasore, Cuttack (Orissa), Thiruvanthapuram, Jaipur, Chennai, Karaikal , Puducherry , Dehradun, Jagadari (Haryana), Hoogly, Howrah, Kolkata, Ranchi, Bangalore, Gulbarga, Mysuru. The nation-wide campaign was conducted by the officials of DoPPW with the help of State Bank of India (SBI) & Punjab National Bank (PNB), who sponsored the campaign sites. The campaign saw the active participation of registered Central Government Pensioner Associations, the representatives of IPPB, UIDAI, NIC as well as CGDA in every city.
In order to overcome the challenge of certain pensioners not being able to give DLC due to fading bio-metrics the Department of Pension engaged with MeiTY to develop a face-recognition technology system based on Aadhaar database whereby it is possible to give LC from any Android based smart phone. As per this facility, the identity of a person is established through face recognition techniqueand DLC gets generated. This breakthrough technology, launched in November 2021, reduced the dependence of pensioners on external bio-metric devices and made the process more accessible and affordable to masses by leveraging smartphone-based technology. This was a milestone achievement in ensuring ‘Ease of Living’ of the elderly. The Face Authentication Technology was launched in November 2021 after extensive pilot runs by by Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State (PP) of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
Based on the feedback received of the Face Authentication App developed for this purpose, NIC was quick to respond and incorporate the same. For example, the life certificate could be opened in the App after receiving an OTP and downloading the same. But because of feedback received from pensioners, the Life Certificate can be accessed immediately after entering the OTP. The State Bank of India officials at all locations came out in full strength to promote the campaign and their officials were seen enthusiastically participated even on holidays. Similarly, the participation by the Registered Pensioners’ Associations was exemplary and their representatives helped in spreading awareness about the Face Authentication technique of LC.
The campaign was widely appreciated by the pensioners residing in different parts of country. The campaign was widely covered by the newspapers and Doordarshan all over the country. During 1-30 November, 2022, Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare has disseminated 532 tweets from its Twitter account during the period. Beside this other stakeholder of this campaign have re-tweeted 605 tweets during the period. Five videos were uploaded by the Department on its YouTube page. Two videos in Hindi and English have been uploaded on the official youtube channel of the department – DOPPW_INDIA OFFICIAL explaining the process of submitting the Life Certificate through Face Authentication Technique in simple language.
Submission of Life Certificates is an important activity to be carried out by pensioners every year in the month of November (with special provision for pensioners aged 80 years and above to submit their Life Certificates in the month of October) to ensure continuity of their pension. In the traditional mode, pensioners had to present themselves before the Pension Disbursing Authority for physical submission of their Life Certificate which entailed waiting at the bank branches in queues for this purpose. This was found inconvenient for the old, ailing and infirm pensioners. Further, there was no mechanism for the pensioners to get a status regarding updation of their Life Certificates in the records of the Pension Disbursing Authority.
To enhance ‘Ease of Living’ of Central Government pensioners, Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare has been promoting Digital Life Certificate i.e. Jeevan Pramaan extensively. Initially submission of DLCs using biometrics was commenced. The Department roped in the 50 registered Pensioners’ Associations in different cities to promote DLCs. The Department further associated the Indian Post & Payment Bank (IPPB) to include DLC among one of the door-step services provided through the agency of its Gramin Dak Sevaks, numbering more than 1,90,000. Pension disbursing Banks were also asked to adopt the methodology of video based KYV method of Life Certification and a consortium of 12 Banks asked to provide door-step service for DLC. In order to prevent super senior pensioners aged 80 years and above, DoPPW issued orders permitting this age group to give their LC from October 1 itself in order to provide them an exclusive window and avoid rush at various pension disbursing bank branches. Indian Embassies/Consulates were advised to assist Pensioners living overseas who can now also give a DLC by receiving an OTP on their email.
2. Subsequently queries have been received from various field units regarding modalities to be followed while implementing the aforesaid orders. The queries have been examined in consultation with concerned directorates of Railway Board and clarified as under:-
S. No.Â
PointÂ
Clarification proposed to be issuedÂ
(i)
Modalities to be adopted while granting upgradationÂ
There is no change in the classification or functional responsibilities/duties performed with respect to the upgraded posts in Level-8 and Level-9. As such, the upgraded posts may be classified as Non selection and may be filled up on the basis of seniority, scrutiny of service records and Confidential Reports, without holding any written tests and / or viva voce. The extant instructions issued by Establishment Directorate in this regard may please be referred.Â
(ii)
Whether Vigilance/D&A clearance will be applicable on upgradation in Level-8Â
The extant practice being followed for promotion in level-7 in respect of Vigilance/D&A Clearance will be applicable for upgradation from Level-7 to Level-8 and Level-8 to Level-9 as per extant instructionsÂ
(iii)Â
Provision of ReservationÂ
Reservation will apply as per extant rules.
(iv)Â
While determining the number of posts for the purpose of upgradation, the entire cadre strength of a category has to be taken into consideration or not.Â
Yes, while determining the number of posts for upgradation, the permanent regular cadre strength of that particular category in Level-7 (excluding surplus & supernumerary posts) has to be taken into consideration.
As regards, counting of temporary posts for the purpose of determining the cadre strength, only those temporary posts which are in operation for at least three years may also be taken into account. This will be subject to certification that these posts are meant for regular activities which will continue and not for any sporadic requirements.
These orders will not be applicable to ex-cadre work- charged posts which will continue to be based on worth. of charge.Â
(v)
The procedure to be adopted for future direct recruitment.Â
Since all the posts in three grades remain in Group ‘C’ and there is no change in designation, for the purpose of calculation of -vacancies for Direct Recruitment, the vacancies occurring in all three grades i.e. Level-7, Level-8, Level-9 (non-functional) will be taken altogether. However, Direct Recruitment will only be made in the grade of Level-7.Â
(vi)Â
Whether any minimum services required for upgradation to Level-8 which is being materialised w.e.f. 01.12.2022.Â
Minimum residency period as per extant rules as prescribed for promotion to non selection posts would be applicable for up gradation to Level-8. Further probationers will not be eligible for the benefit of up gradation.Â
(vii)
Whether any rounding off post is to be adopted while upgrading the number of post.Â
Only the whole number may be taken for the purpose of granting upgradation.
To illustrate further, if the cadre is of 675 posts, while granting the upgradation to 50% post the number comes to 337.5 posts. In this case the number of 337.5 may not be rounded off to 338 but the whole number of 337 may be taken into consideration for operating in the upgraded in the Level-8 and remaining 338 posts will be operated in Level-7.Â
(viii)
Whether rounding off has to be adopted while deciding the matching saving.Â
While calculating the matching savings, number of posts equivalent to the money value required, are required to be surrendered.
To illustrate further, in case the number of posts is required to be surrendered is coming in fractions (for example 7.2), if it is decided to surrender only 7 posts, the equivalent money value can not be arrived at. Hence, the figure may be rounded off to 8 and the surplus value generated against surrender-of 8 posts may be transferred to the vacancy bank for future utilization.
The illustration issued along with RBE No. 155/2022 stands modified to this extent.Â
(ix)
If number of posts equivalent to the money value are not available for surrender, whether upgradation can be granted
In this scenario, upgradation may be granted to the posts which are available for surrender. For granting the benefit of upgradation to the remaining posts, point 4(iv)(Annexure-II) under RBE No. 155/2022 may be referred to.Â
(x)Â
Inclusion of SSE Drawing/Design etc. in Civil and Electrical in the list.Â
It has already been mentioned in the letter RBE No. 155/2022 that certain categories exist in certain Railways only. Hence the identically placed categories under the broad designation of SSE such as SSE(Drawing/Design) etc. in Level-7 under Engineering Departments are part of the upgradation as per RBE No. 155/2022.Â
(xi)Â
Inclusion of Commercial Inspectors and Sr. Wagon Movement Inspectors working in Level-7.
It has already been specified in the letter RBE No. 155/2022 that certain designations exist in certain Railways only. Since, categories of Commercial Supdt. and Traffic Inspector in Level-7 has already been granted the benefit, identically placed categories of Traffic/Commercial departments in Level-7 are part of the upgradation as per RBE No. 155/2022.Â
(xii)
Whether upgradation to Level-8 and further to Level-9 (non-functional) in terms of Board’s instructions RBE No. 155/2022 are to be reckoned for the purpose of MACPS.Â
Yes. As every financial upgradation has to be counted and offset against the financial upgradation under MACPS in terms of extant instructions for regulation of MACPS.Â
2. This issues in consultation with Estt.(NG) and E(SCT) Directorate of Railway Board and with the approval of Competent Authority.
