The Central Vigilance Commission had vide its circular No. 98/VGL/60 dated 15.04.1999 and 02.11.2001 and Circular No. 17/4/08 dated 01.05.2008 issued instructions to the organizations under its advisory jurisdiction regarding rotation of officials working in sensitive posts. As per the instructions, the organizations were to identify the sensitive posts and effect rotational transfers on these posts every 2 or 3 years to avoid development of vested interest by the people working on these posts.
The property of corrupt public servant is confiscated under the provisions of Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance, 1944 and Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. However, to make the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 self contained and comprehensive the Government is considering incorporating the provisions for confiscation/forfeiture of property of corrupt public servants in the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
On 8th June, 2011, the media had reported that the Hon’ble Supreme Court has sought amendment to the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. These observations were reportedly made by the Supreme Court while dismissing an appeal filed by an Assistant Commissioner, Central Excise, against his conviction. However, the formal order passed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court on 8.6.2011 in the case, i.e. Criminal Appeal No. 945 of 2006 (Sat Paul vs. State of West Bengal & Anr.) does not contain any such observations.
A Committee headed by the Chairman, CBDT has been constituted to examine ways to strengthen laws to curb generation of black money in India, its illegal transfer abroad and its recovery. The Committee shall examine the existing legal and administrative framework to deal with the menace of generation of black money through illegal means including inter-alia (i) declaring wealth generated illegally as national asset; (ii) enacting/amending laws to confiscate and recover such assets; and (iii) providing for exemplary punishment against its perpetrators. The Committee is required to consult all stakeholders and submit its report within a period of six months.
As per information provided by the CBI, it has not unearthed any case wherein benami properties of more than Rs.100 Crore have been unearthed against any officer in any case.
This information was given by Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and the Prime Minister’s Office, Shri V. Naraynasamy in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.
No. 1/2/07-P&PW(E)
Govt. Of India
Ministry of Personnel, P.G. & Pensions
Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare
Lok Nayak Bhawan,
Khan Market, New Delhi,
2nd September, 2011
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Grant of family pension to dependent parents of a deceased Government employee.
The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department’s O.M,No. 45 /86/97-P&PW(A)-Part I, dated 27.10.1997, whereby the definition of family for the purpose of grant of family pension was extended to include, inter alia, “parents who were wholly dependent on the Government servant when he/ she was alive provided the deceased employee had left behind neither a widow nor a child”.
2. It has been observed that Ministries/ Departments have been interpreting this to mean that parents are eligible for family pension when the deceased employee is survived by them only. In case the deceased employee is survived by a widow and/ or one or more children, the parents are not considered eligible to receive family pension subsequent to such widow and/or children becoming ineligible to receive family pension or ceasing to survive.
3. It is hereby clarified that in case the deceased government servant is not survived by a widow/widower or a child, the dependent parents become directly eligible to receive family pension. In cases where a deceased Government servant is survived by a widow/widower or a child, and the position changes subsequently because of death or re-marriage of the spouse and/or death or ineligibility of child/children, including a disabled child, the dependent parents become eligible for family pension However.in terms of this Department’s OM. No. 38/37/08-P&PW(A) dated 02.09.08, a childless widow, subject to dependency criteria, is entitled to the family pension even after her re-marriage. In such an event, the parents of the deceased employee become entitled to the family pension only after the childless widow dies or when her independent income from all other sources becomes equal to or higher than that prescribed for dependency criterion under the Rules.
4. This issues with the concurrence of Ministry of Finance,Department of Expenditure vide. U.O. No.248/EV/2011, dated 2nd September, 2009.
Pension improvement is an ongoing process. Considerable improvements have been made in the pensions of armed forces personnel.
A Committee was set up under the Chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary to look into the issue of ‘One Rank One Pension and other related matters’. After considering all aspects of the matter, the Committee did not find it feasible to recommend One Rank One Pension. However, keeping in mind the spirit of the demand, several other recommendations to substantially improve pensionary benefits of Personnel Below Officer Rank (PBOR) and Commissioned Officers were made, which have been accepted by the Government and orders in implementation of all the recommendations have been issued. These are available at www.pcdapension.nic.in. Implementation of these orders has not only significantly reduced the gap between the past and the current pensioners but has also considerably improved the pension of ex-servicemen including disabled ex-servicemen.
As per yearly statement of booking of Defence Pension Expenditure during year 2009-10 & 2010-11, the entire amount allotted for Defence Pension Expenditure has been booked in full and no amount is lying unspent.
This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Shri MM Pallam Raju in a written reply to Shri Jyoti Mirdha and others in Lok Sabha today.
All-India Consumer Price Index Numbers for Industrial Workers on Base 2001=100 for the Month of July 2011
All India Consumer Price Index Number for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) on base 2001=100 for the month of July, 2011 increased by 4 points and stood at 193 (one hundred & ninety three) .
During July, 2011, the index recorded maximum increase of 18 points in Bhilai centre, 15 points in Bokaro centre, 14 points in Haldia centre, 12 points in Jamshedpur centre, 8 points in 2 centres, 7 points in 6 centres, 6 points in 5 centres, 5 points in 11 centres, 4 points in 12 centres, 3 points in 17 centres, 2 points in 6 centres and 1 point in 10 centres. The index decreased by 2 points in Salem centre, 1 point each in Munkakkayam and Quilon centres, while in the remaining 2 centres the index remained stationary.
The maximum increase of 18 points in Bhilai centre is mainly on account of Housing Index and increase in the prices of Rice, Onion, Vegetable & Fruit items, Cooking Gas etc. The increase of 15 points in Bokaro centre is due to Housing Index and increase in the prices of Rice, Wheat, Mustard Oil, Vegetable & Fruit items, Firewood, Electricity Charges Soft Coke, Clothing items, Cinema Charges, etc. The increase of 14 points in Haldia centre is due to Housing Index and increase in the prices of Vegetable items, Cooking Gas, etc. The increase of 12 points in Jamshedpur centre is due to Housing Index and increase in the prices of Rice, Vegetable items, Cooking Gas, Soft Coke etc. The increase of 8 points in Monger Jamalpur and Surat centres is due to Housing Index and increase in the prices of Arhar Dal, Groundnut Oil, Onion, Vegetable & Fruit items, Cooking Gas, Firewood, Soft Coke, etc. The decrease of 2 points in Salem centre is the outcome of decrease in the prices of Rice, Arhar Dal, Poultry, Onion, Vegetable items, etc. The decrease of 1 point each in Munkakayam and Quilon centres is due to decrease in the prices of Rice, Coconut Oil, Onion, Vegetable and Fruit items, etc.
The indices in respect of the six major centres are as follows :
The All-India (General) point to point rate of inflation for the month of July, 2011 is 8.43% as compared to 8.62% in June, 2011. Inflation based on Food Index is 6.25% in July, 2011 as compared to 6.91% in June, 2011.
The CPI-IW for August, 2011 will be released on the last working day of the next month, i.e. 30th September, 2011.
The facility of Free Monthly Season Ticket (MST) is available for boy and girl students, for travel n 2nd class of all passenger/local trains between stations serving places of their residence and school/college/Madrasa. In case of boys, this facility is available upto class 12th while in case of girls, it is available upto the level of Graduation which also includes professional/vocational courses such as B. Tech., B.Sc. (Engineering), M.B.B.S. etc.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri K. H. Muniyappa in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Department of Posts has won the Today’s Traveller Award for Best Customer Service Organisation for the year 2011. The award was presented by Shri Subodh Kant Sahai, Union Minister of Tourism here on 23rd August 2011.
The award citation says “Department of Posts has done a commendable job in reaching every citizen of India with its path-breaking innovations. There has been a major transformation in Department of Posts’ manpower development, whereby both the front and back office staff and the entire personnel make sincere efforts to understand and address customer’s needs, respond to their inquiries/complaints and provide efficient and reliable services with a good degree of enthusiasm.”
Government vide order read above, have introduced Paternity Leave to a male Government Servant for 10 days each for two children at the time of delivery of his wife.
The following instructions are issued for the guidance of the leave sanctioning authorities:
(i) Paternity leave will be granted for a period of 10 days during the confinement of his wife for child birth ie upto l0 days before or upto 3 months from the date of delivery of the child, subject to the production of a certificate from the medical practitioner stating the exact date of delivery.
(ii) During such period of 10 days he shall be paid leave salary as admissible under rule 92, Part I, Kerala Service Rules.
(iii) It will be allowed to combine with other kinds of leave except leave without allowance under Appendix XII A/B/C, Kerala Service Rules.
(iv) This leave shall not be debited against the leave account but the leave details should be entered in the Service Book of the employee and also in the register of special leave referred to in the Government decision below Rule 106, Part-I, Kerala Service Rules.
(v) If Paternity Leave is not availed of within the period specified in Sub rule (i) such leave shall be treated as lapsed.
These orders shall have retrospective effect from 26/2/2011.
Necessary amendments to Kerala Service Rules will be issued separately.
Pay Revision 2009 -Secretariat Service – Post of Gunman and Security Guard in the office of the Chief Secretary – Special Allowance – sanctioned- Orders issued
Government are pleased to sanction special allowance @ Rs 150 p.m to the Gunman in the office of the Chief Secretary and to enhance the rate of existing special allowance of Rs.80 to Rs.150 p.m to the Security Guard working in the office of the Chief Secretary, with effect from 01.08.2011.
Minutes of the DC/JCM (RAILWAYS) Meeting Held between Railway Board and Staff Side on 4th May & 29th June, 2010
Shri M. Raghavaiah has brought out the following issues for quick response from the Board as the workers are disappointed over the delay in resolving the same satisfactorily.
I. In CRC no substantial result in the last 18 months
CRC exercise should be undertaken on Fast Track.
II. Running Staff issues
Relating to revision of Kilometerage Rate, date of effect from 01-01-2006, Pay Fixation on posting against Stationery post, grant of Additional Allowance to all Running Staff, Restoration of ALK to the medically de-categorized Loco Pilots deployed to perform the duties of Crew Controllers should be redressed without further delay. In the separate meeting held between the Railway Board and NFIR on 24-06-2011, discussions were held at length on all these issues. The Federation has given rationale proposals justifying revision of Kilometerage Rates w.e.f 01-01-2006 onwards. All these issues should be sorted out very early.
III. There are 2.2 Lakh vacancies on Indian Railways
Staff are heavily overburdened. Immediate steps required.
IV. Quasi Administrative Staff
This is a long pending issue. While orders for introduction of “Substitutes Engagement Scheme” since issued, the Quasi Administrative Staff absorption continued unsettled inspite of separate discussions and encouraging response from Member Staff.
V. Duty hours of ECRCs
No action on the agreement arrived at in a separate meeting held with AM (Comml.) till date. Sanctity of Board’s orders (by an agreement with the Staff Side) to be retained and counter working hours to be limited to 6 hours per shift.
VI. Negotiated settlement of February, 2006 – Casual Labour attained temporary status.
Counting of entire service of Temporary Status Casual Labour for the purpose of
Pensionary benefits:-
Although Railway Board had agreed and proposal sent to DOP&T, the same has not been decided favourably. Railway Ministry should impress upon the DOP&T about complex working of Railways and re-consider the matter.
VII. With 51% DA, Running Staff Allowance /ALK needs to be hiked by 25%.
VIII. MACPS has created a lot of problems
There are aberrations noticed while granting Financial Upgradation under MACPS to staff which led to dissatisfaction. The fact that several changes had taken place in the cadres like abolition/ upgradation of grades during the previous years was not taken into account. NFIR had already addressed of letters to Railway Board through its letters to examine all these issues in depth for finding solution. NFIR specifically pointed out the injustice meted out to the former CG–II/ CG–I of Accounts Department in respect of grant of MACP. Those recruited as JAA later on got the advantage of MACPS while those incumbents recruited as CG–II/ CG–I initially are deprived of MACP. This needs to be reviewed for granting benefit to the staff, as the structural changes done replacing CG–I with JAA.
Needs separate discussions, particularly in the light of meeting held between the DOP&T and Staff Side on 15-03-2011. In the meantime, Zonal Railways may be advised not to withdraw the benefit extended to some categories (Drawing Office Staff, Pharmacists, etc.).
IX. In Health Directorate order dated 03-05-2011, the last sentence needs to be modified and revised orders issued, covering past cases relating to Type-II diabetes case of Running Staff, etc.
X. In LARSGESS Scheme, Compassionate Ground appointment policy should be applied.
XI. Pay Commission anomalies
Proposals on Seven core issues have been sent by Railway Ministry to MOF one year back. There has been no progress. This needs to be pursued. The Federation has also brought this matter to the notice of Hon’ble Ministers of State for Railways in the General Managers’ Conference held on 11-06-2011.
XII. Promotion to higher post with no Grade Pay Benefit
This anomaly is prevalent in Running Staff category. This needs to be rectified by allotting higher Grade Pay on promotion.
XIII. RELHS-97 Scheme needs to be an open-ended scheme.
XIV. Welfare activities are totally ignored due to shortage of funds. Quarters/Colonies are in a very bad shape. Immediate action required.
XV. On West Central Railway, Substitute Teachers put in 18 years continuous service are not screened done for regularization inspite of provision exists for absorption on completion of 3 years. These staff deserve to be regularized
XVI. Quantum of punishment in VIth CPC Pay – Board’s order needs review for meeting hardship to staff.
XVII. Anomaly arisen in the case of Senior Loco Inspectors should be resolved. The issue was discussed in the EDs Committee also.
XVIII. Action may be taken for implementation of Joint Committee Report on career growth of Trackmen category and package on working/service conditions.
XIX. Pass entitlement order be made applicable for RCP and Retired Staff also.
While concluding, Mr. M. Raghavaiah wished Member Staff, Shri V.N.Tripathi and family members a happy and prosperous retired life and assured NFIR’s continued affection in future days also.
