Over 2.70 lakhs Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDSs) may rest assured for their post retirement financial security with absolutely no expenditure or investment on their part. The Department of Posts, Government of India will deposit Rs. 200 per GDS per month involving an annual expenditure of about Rs. 70 crores to provide for the financial security of the GDSs and their spouses after retirement from the service at the age of 65.
The issue of securing the retired life of GDSs had been engaging the attention of the Government of India for quite some time. This finally came to fruition today with the launch of Service Discharge Benefit Scheme (SDBS) by Shri Sachin Pilot, the Union Minister of State for Communications & IT at Gurgaon.
The new social security scheme has been designed to benefit the GDSs working mainly in rural, remote and far-flung areas across the country. This Scheme will be operationalised utilizing the platform of the NPS-Lite of the New Pension Scheme of Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). Some modifications in the NPS-Lite Scheme have been made under the SDBS to suit the needs of GDSs.
The contributions deposited on a monthly basis by the Government on behalf of each GDS will constantly grow through investments in different schemes/securities by the Pension Fund Managers (PFM) appointed by PFRDA. 40 per cent of the accumulations at the time of normal exit at 65 years of age of GDS will be invested to purchase an Annuity which will ensure that the Ex. GDS or his/her spouse gets an monthly Annuity throughout their life. The GDS as a beneficiary will receive the balance 60 per cent of the accumulations in lump sum to meet his or her financial requirements as per their choice.
The GDSs are backbone of the Postal Department and are responsible for running the rural network of post offices. The Department of Posts has been committed to the welfare of such important constituent of postal human resources. The Service Discharge Benefit Scheme launched in Gurgaon today will go a long way in providing financial and social security to GDSs after retirement. Shri Sachin Pilot said this while launching the scheme by giving away the PRAN (Permanent Retirement Account Number) cards to selected GDSs. Shri Pilot said that the post offices are extremely important for providing communication in remote and far-flung areas. But most importantly post offices have adapted themselves to the changing needs of the time and have emerged as a hub for financial and retailing services in rural and remote areas. Being a Government network, the post offices command trust of the local communities and as such their vast network capital is now being increasingly leveraged to provide a large number of social security and other G2C services, said Shri Pilot on the occasion.
Smt. Radhika Doraiswamy, Secretary, Department of Posts said that it has been an increasing concern to put in place the new Scheme which had come in lieu of the existing Severance Amount Scheme. The new Scheme is a result of recommendations of Narayana Murthy Committee. The existing GDSs have the option to join the new Scheme or continue under the Severance Amount Scheme as per their choice. The new Scheme is, however, mandatory for the GDS engaged on or after January 01, 2011, said Secretary (Posts). Of 2.73 lakhs GDSs, 1.53 lakhs have already opted for the SDBS and 1.35 lakhs have already received their PRAN Cards. Smt. Doraiswamy observed that it is expected that most of 2.73 GDSs will soon opt for the new Scheme which is more comprehensive than the existing one. She highlighted that the most important aspect of the Scheme is that it does not involve any expenditure on the part of GDS and provides for their financial security after retirement.
Other salient features of the Scheme are:
(a) All regularly engaged GDSs are eligible to join except those who are left with three years or less than 3 years of service as on 1.1.2011.
(b) Only Government shall contribute @ Rs.200 per month for each GDS enrolled under the Scheme. GDS is not required to make matching contribution.
(c) The Severance Amount Scheme @ Rs. 1500 for each completed year of service, shall continue to exist for those GDSs, not opting to join SDBS.
(d) Enrollment under SDBS shall be done by Central Record Keeping Agency (CRA): National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL).
(e) Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) is the Nodal Agency for SDBS.
(i) On permanent absorption in regular departmental posts, the accumulations under SDBS shall be transferred to the GDS beneficiary’s Permanent Retirement Account under New Pension System.
(f) (i) The GDS can exit at any point of time after attaining the age of 58 years. He can withdraw 20 per cent of the accumulation and has to invest 80 per cent of the accumulation for purchase of life annuity.
(ii) At the time of the discharge from the service, at the age of 65 Years, the GDS would be required to invest a minimum of 40 per cent of the accumulation to purchase a Life Annuity and the remaining 60 per cent of accumulation can be withdrawn in lump sum for meeting his/her financial requirements as per his/her own discretion.
(iii) However, there shall be no restriction on purchase of life annuity exceeding 40 per cent of the accumulation.
(g) The Cost of management shall be borne by the Government.
Government of India
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Department of Health & Family Welfare
Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi 110 108
No: S.11011/7/99-CGHS (P)
Dated, the 27th April, 2011
O F F I C E Â Â Â Â M E M O R A N D U M
Subject: Medical Facilities for inpatient treatment and post-operative follow-up treatment to CGHS Beneficiaries in Non-CGHS areas.
The undersigned is directed to invite attention to the Office Memorandum of even number dated 30th September, 1999, issued by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare on the above subject and to state that keeping in view the difficulties being faced by the pensioner CGHS beneficiaries residing in non-CGHS covered areas, it has now been decided to liberalise the CGHS Rules with regard to pensioner CGHS beneficiaries and serving employees, as below, to
enable them to avail medical facilities for in-patient treatment and post-operative follow-up treatment:
a) (i) CGHS pensioner beneficiaries (and their dependant and eligible family members), who are holding a valid CGHS Card and are residing in a non-CGHS areas shall be eligible to obtain treatment from Government hospitals (Central Government / State Government / Local self Government / hospitals recognised under Central Services (Medical Attendance) Rules, 1944 / hospitals and clinics empanelled under Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) and submit the medical reimbursement claim to the Additional Director / Joint Director of CGHS of the CMO in charge of CGHS Wellness Centre, where the CGHS is registered.
(ii) In case of non-emergency treatment from hospitals approved under Central Services (Medical Attendance) Rules, 1944 and Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), it is necessary to obtain prior approval from CMO in charge of concerned Wellness Centre where the CGHS card is registered.
(iii) In case of medical emergency, treatment may be obtained from any hospital and medical claim shall be submitted to Additional Director / Joint Director, CGHS of the
concerned city through CMO in charge of the Wellness Centre, where the CGHS card is registered.
(iv) Reimbursement shall be limited to the CGHS rates of the city where the card is
registered and as per the ceiling rates and ward entitlements or as per actuals, whichever is lower.
(v) CGHS pensioner beneficiaries / serving Central Government employees (and their dependant and eligible family members) and holding a valid CGHS Card and on a visit to non CGHS covered area may obtain treatment under emergency from Government hospitals (Central Government / State Government / Local self Government / hospitals recognised under Central Services (Medical Attendance) Rules, 1944 / hospitals and clinics empanelled under Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) and the medical claim shall be submitted to Additional Director / Joint Director, CGHS of the concerned city through CMO in charge of the Wellness Centre, where the CGHS card is registered, in case of pensioners , etc., and to the concerned Ministry / Department / office in case of serving employees.
(vi) Reimbursement shall be limited to the CGHS rates of the city nearest to the place, where treatment is obtained and as per the ceiling rates and ward entitlements or as per actuals, whichever may be less.
b) (i) CGHS pensioner beneficiaries (and their dependant and eligible family members) , who are holding a valid CGHS Card and residing in a non-CGHS areas shall be eligible to obtain post operative follow-up treatment from Government hospitals (Central Government / State Government / Local self Government / hospitals approved under Central Services (Medical Attendance) Rules, 1944 / hospitals and clinics empanelled under Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) in follow up cases of Renal Transplant surgery, Knee and Hip Joint Replacement, Cancer treatment , Neuro-surgery and cardiac surgery. However, prior permission is to be obtained from the CMO in charge of the concerned Wellness Centre, where the CGHS card is registered.
(ii) Permission shall be issued for 3 to 6 months at a time and may be extended based on medical requirement. Reimbursement for consultation, procedures and investigations shall be limited to CGHS rates of the city, where the card is registered and as per the ceiling rates and ward entitlements or as per actuals, whichever may be lower. OPD medicines shall be obtained from the concerned Wellness centre for a maximum period of 3 months at a time.
c) Wherever treatment is obtained from a hospitals approved under Central Services (Medical Attendance) Rules, 1944 / ECHS approved hospital, the beneficiaries (as in (a), (b) & (c) above) shall submit a certificate from the hospital that they have not charged more than the approved applicable hospitals approved under Central Services (Medical Attendance) Rules, 1944 / ECHS rates.
d) This Office Memorandum supersedes the earlier OM of even number dated 30th September 1999.
e) This arrangement is provisional and would be in place till such time the proposed Health Insurance Scheme for Central Government employees & pensioners is brought into effect.
f) These orders will come into effect from the date of issue.
Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan is hereby conveyed for the opening of new Kendriya Vidyalayas at the following locations from the academic year 2011-12
Chitrakoot Distt, Chitrakoot, Uttarpradesh
Banda Distt, Banda, Uttarpradesh
Tonk, Distt, Tonk, Rajasthan
Karim Nagar, District Karim Nagar, Andhra Pradesh
Bhunga, District Hoshiarpur, Punjab
These Vidyalayas will function from class I to V (one section in each class) from the academic year 2011-12 with consequential growth based on the feasibility.
No.F. 10/9/2008- IR
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel. PG & Pension
Department of Personnel & Training
……
North Block. New Delhi
Dated April 26.2011
Subject:- Payment of fee under the RTI Act by Indian Postal Order.
The undersigned is directed to say that the Right to Information (Regulation of Fee and Cost) Rules. 2005 provide that a person seeking Information under the RTI Act. 2005 can make payment of fee for obtaining Information by cash or demand draft or banker’s cheque or Indian Postal Order. It has been bought to the notice of this Department that some pubic authorities do not accept fee through the Indian Postal Orders.
2. As stated above, one of the approved modes of payment of fee under the Rules is through Indian Postal Order. Refusal to accept fee through the IPO may be treated as refusal to accept the application. It may result Into imposition of penalty by the Central Information Commission on the concerned Central Pubic Information Officer under Section 20 of the Act. All the pubic authorities should, therefore, ensure that payment of fee by IPO is not denied.
3. Contents of this OM may be brought to the notice of all concerned.
All India Consumer Price index Numbers for Industrial Workers on base 2001=100 for the Month of March, 2011
All India Consumer Price Index Number for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) on base 2001=100 for the month of March, 2011 remained stationary at 185 (one hundred and eighty five).
During March, 2011, the index recorded decrease of 4 points in Chennai centre, 3 points each in Warrangal, Tiruchirapally, Vadodara and Quilon centres, 2 points in 12 centres and 1 point in 17 centres. The index increased by 6 points in Srinagar centre, 5 points in Hubli Dharwar centre, 3 points each in Bhilai, Sholapur and Mysore centres, 2 points in 5 centres, 1 point in 13 centres, while in the remaining 21 centres the index remained stationary.
The maximum decrease of 4 points in Chennai centre is mainly on account of decrease in the prices of Rice, Onion, Garlic, Vegetable items, Flower/Flower Garlands, etc. The decrease of 3 points each in Warrangal, Tiruchirapally, Vadodara and Quilon centres is due to decrease in the prices of Rice, Arhar Dal, Onion, Garlic, Vegetable items, etc. The increase of 6 points in Srinagar centre is the outcome of increase in the prices of Rice, Poultry (Chicken), Vegetable & Fruit items, Bus Fare, Tailoring Charges, Utensils Copper, etc. The increase of 5 points in Hubli Dharwar centre is due to increase in the prices of Rice, Goat Meat, Fish Fresh, Milk, Tea (Readymade), Pan Leaf, etc. whereas, the increase of 3 points each in Bhilai, Sholapur and Mysore centres is due to increase in the prices of Rice, Wheat, Milk, Coffee Powder, Firewood, etc.
The indices in respect of the six major centres are as follows :
1. Ahmedabad – 177
2. Bangalore – 188
3. Chennai – 163
4. Delhi – 169
5. Kolkata – 178
6. Mumbai – 183
The All-India (General) point to point rate of inflation for the month of March, 2011 remained static at 8.82% in comparison with the level of February, 2011. Inflation based on Food Index is 8.29% in March, 2011 as compared to 7.65% in February, 2011.
No. 7/6/2011-CCSCSB
Government of India
Ministry of Personal Public Grievance & Pensions
Department of Personnel and Training
CENTRAL CIVIL SERVICES CULTURAL AND SPORTS BOARD
****
Room No.361, B Wing, 3rd Floor,
Lok Nayak Bhavan, New Delhi.
Dated the, 26th April, 2011
CIRCULAR
The Central Civil Services Cultural and sports Board is organizing a Summer Coaching Camp for children/dependents of Central Government servants in cricket during summer vacations. The details of the proposed coaching camp are as follows :
a) Age of Trainees : 8 years to 16 years.
b) Duration : 16th May 2011 to 15th June 2011.
c) Timings : (7 A.M to 11.00 A.M )
d) Charges ( Cash) : (Rs 250/- Per head,)
e) Venue : Vinay Marg Sports Complex, New Delhi
2. Application forms may be collected from Vinay Marg Sports Complex, Opp, Nehru Park, New Delhi from 01.05.2011 onwards and shall be deposited along with the requisite fee at same venue between 3 to 5 P.M. Last date of submission of application form along with requisite fee is 10.5.2011.
F. No. 11/2/2008-JCA
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel , Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training (JCA Section)
North Block, New Delhi
Dated the 21st April, 2011
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Minutes of the Third Meeting of the National Anomaly Committee held on 15th February, 2011.
The undersigned is directed to forward a copy of the minutes of the Third Meeting of the National Anomaly Committee held on I5th February 2011 in Room No. 119, North Block, New Delhi under the Chairpersonship of Secretary (Personnel) for information and necessary action.
(Dinesh Kabila)
Director (JCA)
MINUTES OF THE THIRD MEETING OF NATIONAL ANOMALY COMMITTEE HELD ON l5 FEBRUARY 2011
*************
The third meeting of the National Anomaly Committee (NAG) was held on 27th March 2010 in Conference Room No.119, North Block, New Delhi under the Chairpersonship of Secretary (Personnel). A list of participants is annexed.
2. The Chairperson welcomed the representatives of the Staff Side and Official Side. Referring to the healthy and fruitful discussions held during the earlier meetings of the NAC, she expected similar cooperation and mutual understanding so that the anomalies could be resolved to the satisfaction of all She referred to the 46’ Meeting of the National Council (JCM) and two meetings of the Joint Committee on Modified Assured Carrier Progression Scheme (MACPS) held in 2010 and stated that she expected the Staff Side to finalize the agenda of the Standing Committee of the National Council (JCM) as well so that a meeting of the same could also be convened early.
3. Thereafter, the Chairperson suggested that those agenda items may be taken up for discussion which had not yet been discussed in the earlier two meetings. She also referred to the special agenda item included on the directions of the Hon’ble High Court of Madras viz., pay of the drivers of the Department of Posts. The Chairperson informed that suitable action had already been taken with respect to agenda item No.31 relating to Child Care Leave. Regarding the MACPS, the Chairperson stated that most of the issues have been discussed with the Staff Side and clarifications issued thereon thereby resolving the same. She stated that as MACPS is only a fall back option in case of delay in promotions, all the cadre controlling authorities have also been directed to review the structure of the cadre in order to ensure timely promotions. She requested the Staff Side to forward a list of Frequently Asked Questions to the DoPT so that the misgivings! misunderstandings regarding the recommendations of the 6th CPC could be further removed. She once again welcomed everyone and reiterated the resolve of the Government to remove all the anomalies in a fair and just manner.
4. Secretary of the Staff Side Shri Umraomal Purohit thanked the Chairperson and gave a brief background of the Scheme of Joint Consultative Machinery and Compulsory Arbitration. He referred to the delays in holding the meetings especially at the departmental level and requested the Official Side to monitor the same. Thereafter, he referred to the undue delays in issuing of important orders I instructions and requested that such delays should be minimized so that the concerned employees do not suffer. He agreed to the suggestion of the Chairperson, that agenda items which had not been discussed at all may be taken up first. He urged the Official Side to devote more time and efforts to ensure that meetings of the National Council I Standing Committee and Anomaly Committee are held more frequently. He once again thanked the Chairperson and assured of full cooperation of the Staff Side in all matters.
5. Responding to the opening remarks of the Secretary, Staff Side, the Chairperson stated that comprehensive instructions have already been issued to all Ministries! Departments to ensure meetings of the Departmental Council are held as per the mandate of the JCM Scheme. The Chairperson further assured the Staff Side that the matter would be looked into and requested the Staff Side to forward the names of the Departments where either the Councils were not functioning or timely meetings of the same are not being held. Regarding the meeting of the Standing Committee of the National Council, the Chairperson stated that the same would be convened as soon as the agenda gets finalised. She added that she would take up the issue of holding the next meeting of the National Council with the Cabinet Secretary once the agenda is finalised.
6. The anomalies were subsequently taken up for discussion as per the agenda as follows:
Item No 11:Â Grant Revised Allowances with effect from 01.01.2006
The Staff Side stated that allowances formed part of wages. That being so allowances too should be revised with effect from the same date from which Revised Pay Scales have been implemented i.e. 01.01.2006. There seemed hardly any justification for granting revised allowances with effect from 1.9.2008 i.e. after a lapse of 32 months. The Official Side stated that the allowances, other than Dearness Allowance (DA), have been revised from 01.09.2008 on the basis of specific recommendation of the 61h CPC. It was reiterated that even after the 6th CPC similar practice was followed. Therefore, there was no anomaly as such. Staff Side contended that DA, also an allowance, has been implemented by the Government with effect from 1.1.2006 whereas the other allowances have been revised with effect from 1.9.2008 resulting in huge loss to the employees. The
Official Side maintained that in view of the specific recommendation of the 6thCPC, this could not be construed as an anomaly. The Staff Side stated there are certain statutory allowances which need to be revised w.e.f. 01.01.2006.
The Staff Side was asked to forward such a list of statutory allowances for further examination of the Department of Expenditure.
Items No 12 & 13:Â Transport Allowance
The Staff Side raised the following issues with respect to the revision of the Transport Allowance (TA):
(i) Employees with higher pay who live near to offices have been given higher rates of TA in comparison to low paid employees who live at distant places.
(ii) Multiplication factor used for revision of TA of employees in various pay bands has not been applied uniformly.
(iii) CCA has now been subsumed in TA. Therefore, a portion of TA should be used as a component for the purpose of computing Overtime Allowance.
(iv) There are employees who remain on long tour duties as in the Audit Department or field duties on survey sites during a prolonged field season of more than 4-5 months. Since the CCA, which was earlier admissible to them, has been subsumed in the Transport Allowance, they are not getting any Transport Allowance while on tour for more than a month/ several months during which the field season lasts and they are, therefore, losing even that part of Transport Allowance which represents CCA. The Staff side therefore demanded that the condition that TA is not permissible to those who are absent for more than a month, be dispensed with.
The Official Side stated that after the 6th  CPC recommendations, the rate of TA for employees belonging to PB-I was further improved by the Government. The 6th CPC had recommended a uniform multiplication factor of 4 for revision of TA of all categories of employees. Thereafter, after consultation with the Staff Side, at the time of implementation of the recommendations of the 6th CPC, the Government increased the TA for employees in PB-I from Rs. 400 + DA to Rs 600 +DA for Al/A class cities and from Rs 300 + DA to Rs.400 +DA for other cities. Therefore, the multiplication factor used for revision of TA was actually skewed in favour of the low paid employees. Therefore, there was no justification for any further revision of the rates of TA and there was no anomaly in the matter. The Staff Side pointed out that in order to have a realistic picture, the multiplication factor in respect to the revised TA rates vis-a-vis the earlier TA rates plus CCA should be examined.
The Staff Side was asked to forward the required calculations to the Department of Expenditure for examination.
Regarding reckoning a portion of the TA for computation of the Overtime Allowance (OTA), the Official Side stated that the .6thCPC has in fact recommended for substitution of OTA with Performance Related Incentive Scheme (PRIS). Therefore, the whole issue was not relevant now.
The Staff Side was asked to forward specific details of the matter to the Department of Expenditure for examination.
With respect to employees loosing the part of TA representing CCA while on tour for more than 15 days, the Official Side stated that 6th CPC has given a specific recommendation to merge the CCA with TA and therefore, this could not be construed as an anomaly.
Item No 14: Revision of Existing Allowances
The Staff Side stated that there are certain allowances which are to be withdrawn and replaced by new schemes like Risk Insurance for Risk Allowance & Hospital Patient Care Allowance. These schemes had so far not been formulated. When formulated, these will have to be discussed in the JCM before these are implemented. The Staff Side demanded that till such time the alternative schemes are operationalised, the existing rates of these allowances may be doubled.
The Official Side stated that Department of Personnel & Training has held a series of interdepartmental meetings with various Ministries / Departments and General Insurers’ (Public Sector) Association of India (GIPSA). As per the advice of GIPSA, it was decided to have consultations with the LIC of India for providing health based insurance package identifiable as an insurance product by IRDA. The LIC of India has been contacted through the Department of Financial Services and the response from them is awaited. Therefore, the process is likely to take some more time. In case, the Government was not able to come up with an insurance product as recommended by the 6th CPC, the issue regarding doubling the existing rates could be taken up for examination.
The Staff Side further contended that it would not be easy to design an insurance product on the lines of the recommendations of the 6th CPC because of the variable nature of jobs being entrusted to the employees. For example. it may be possible that an employee who is working in a risk prone area may get transferred to some other area not involving risk and vice versa. Furthermore, the Staff Side felt that the amount of financial outgo involved in paying the premium to the insurance company would be much more than the additional expenditure on account of doubling the existing rate of risk allowance.
The Chairperson, while acknowledging the useful insight into the ground realities as presented by the Staff Side, also directed that there should be a clear cut time frame to finalize the Risk Insurance Scheme.
After discussion, it was decided that if the Official Side is not able to finalize an insurance scheme in consultation with the Staff Side within the next six months, the question of doubling the rates of risk allowance would be examined.
Item No 20:Â Daily Allowance on Tour
The Staff Side stated that it is not practical to get bills/receipts for fares charged by the Autorikshaws or bills for tea/snacks/meals from dhabas/ small restaurants/ roadside eateries etc. The travelling employees (at least some of them) have arrangements to cook their meats etc while on tour and have the facility to stay in places other than hotels where obtaining receipts for stay, etc.is not called for. The Staff Side, therefore, demanded that a fixed Daily allowance rate for stay, local travel, food etc. may also be prescribed.
The Official Side stated that such a dispensation is already in place and the employees have the option to claim for the pre-revised rates of D.A. without submitting any bills I receipts. The Staff Side contended that the pre-revised rates of D.A. are too inadequate to take care of the boarding and lodging requirements. Therefore, they demanded that there was a need to double the pre-revised rates for D.A. for claiming the same without production of any bills / receipts.
The Official Side agreed to examine the matter although this is not an anomaly.
Item No 28: Grant of grade pay of Rs.5400 in PB-2 for Asstt. Accounts/Audit Officers.
The Chairperson stated that as the matter pertains to Group B’ employees who are not covered under the JCM Scheme, this item does not fall within the purview of the NAC. She, however, directed Joint Secretary (Pers.), Department of Expenditure and Joint Secretary (Estt), Department of Personnel & Training to discuss this issue with the members of the Staff
Side.
ITEM FINALISED
Items No 29 & 30: Dearness Allowance
The Staff Side stated that at AICPI (IW) 1982= 100 base, the Government had sanctioned DA / DR at 74% of the 1.1.1996 level wages. (1.1.96 wages were on 306.33, average point). In the Government of India arrangement of DA / DR. decimal increases in percentage are not being considered. At 536 point the actual percentage is not 74% but more, namely 74.844 say 74.84 and at 74% the AICPI (IW) reaches 533.01 (306.33 X 0.74 = 533.01). Hence when 74% is included as salary on 31.12.2005, the start for the 1.1 .2006 salary structure should be only 533.01 and not 536. This when converted to 2001 = 100 base by the factor 4.63 we get 533.01 14.63=115 .1209 say 115.12. It was therefore.proposed that D.A increases be computed on the basis of AICP1 (IW) 115.12 and not 115.76.
The Official Side stated that as per the recommendations of the 6th CPC, the base should be 116 However, this was re-calculated by the Department of Expenditure and it was found that the base works out to be 115.76 on the basis of average index of 536. Therefore, there was no anomaly in the matter.
The Staff Side again stated that the average index of 536 corresponded to the 74.84 % of DA whereas the actual DA granted was only 74% as the decimal points are ignored. Therefore, if the base is taken as 536, then the decimal points ignored i.e. 0.84 % of DA is lost forever. However, the Official Side stated that the fraction which was ignored earlier was taken into account while calculating the next DA installment. Further fixation of the base has been done in the manner followed after previous Pay Commissions and there was no anomaly. Therefore, there was no question of any loss to the employees because of this. The Staff Side would give detailed calculations in the matter to the Department of Expenditure for examination.
item No 31:Â Child Care Leave
The Official Side stated that the matter had since been resolved. The condition regarding exhaustion of earned leaves before being. eligible for CCL had since been removed vide DOP&T’s OM dated 7th September 2010.
The Staff Side drew the attention of the Chairperson towards the fact that women industrial employees of the Ministry of Defence were still to be granted the benefit of CCL. Similarly, the benefit of half pay leave encashment was yet to be granted to the industrial employees of the Ministry of Defence. The Chairperson directed the representative of the Ministry of Defence to look into the matter urgently. The Staff Side further suggested that the discretionary powers given to the authorities to reject/ restrict the CCL may also be reviewed.
ITEM FINALISED
Item No 37:Â Waiver of recovery of higher DA / DR drawn during the period from 01 .01 .2006 to 31 .08.2008
The Official Side stated that the arrears of pay from 01.01.2006 to 31 08.2008, consequent to the recommendations of the 6th CPC, had since been disbursed. Therefore, the issue was no longer relevant. Accordingly, it was decided to treat this item as closed.
ITEM FINALISED
Item No 38:Â Anomaly in fixation of Grade Pay
The Staff Side stated that the general recommendation of the 6th CPC was that the grade pay wilt be 40% of the maximum of the pre-revised pay scales. However, at the time of implementation of the recommendations of the 6th CPC, Government has given more than 40°k as grade pay to certain categories of the employees in PB-3 and PB-4. Therefore, it was an anomaly and demanded that everyone should be given grade pay of at least 50% of the maximum of the pre revised pay scales.
The Official Side stated that the 61h CPC itself recommended grade ,pay in excess of 40% of the maximum of the pre-revised pay scales in respect of certain employees. Further, in Para 2.2.21 the report of the 6th CPC, it has been clearly stated that in some cases, the amount of the grade pay has been adjusted so as to maintain a clear differential between successive grades pay. Thereafter, the government implemented the recommendations of the 6th CPC with certain conscious modifications in the Grade Pay in some cases. Moreover, the erstwhile Group D employees have also been granted grade pay exceeding 40% of the maximum of the pre-revised pay scales. Therefore, there is no anomaly in the matter.
It was decided that the Staff Side would revisit the issue and revert on whether they wish to pursue the matter.
Item No 39: Anomaly due to not applying uniformly the multiplication factor of 1.86 In fixing the minimum pay in all the revised pay bands applying different
It was noted that this item is similar to the agenda item number 38 i.e. anomaly in fixation of grade pay. It was decided that the Staff Side would revisit the issue and revert on the matter.
Special Agenda Item- Pay of the Drivers in the Department of Posts.
The backdrop of this agenda item was presented to the Committee. The associations representing drivers and artisans in the Department of Posts had approached the Hon’ble Central Administrative Tribunal at Madras contending that their cadre was placed at the minimum of the pay scale equivalent that of Postal Assistants in 1st CPC, 2nd CPC and 3rd CPC. Their argument was that in the 4th CPC they were given the minimum of Rs.950-1500 whereas the Postal Assistants cadre was given Rs.975-1660. While implementing the 5’ Pay Commission recommendations, they were placed in the scale of Rs.3050-4590 whereas Postal Assistants were given the scale of Rs.4000-6000 and further stated that there was a genuine anomaly while fixing the scale of Drivers. They also represented that the Postman cadre, which was always kept below their pay scale, was given a jump and equated with their scale by the 5th Pay Commission recommendations. However, the Original Application was dismissed by Hon’ble CAT observing that no sufficient material has been placed before them to record a specific finding as to whether there had been arbitrary, discriminatory and hostile discrimination made to the applicants in granting the pay scale. In no circumstances, the case of the Postal Assistants could be treated at par with Drivers.
Aggrieved by the CAT order, the Association further filed Writ Petition No.21367/2004 in the Hon’ble High Court at Madras Hon’ble High Court, Madras disposed of the petition stating that, “we consider it appropriate to set aside the order under challenge and dispose of the writ petition with a direction to the respondents to refer the matter to the Anomaly Committee for its consideration and passing appropriate orders within a period of three months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order and if necessary, to afford an opportunity of hearing to the petitioners
Accordingly, as per the directions of the Hon’ble High Court, this matter has been included as one of the agenda items of NAC and has therefore been taken up for discussion in this meeting.
The Staff Side felt the NAC was not the appropriate forum to discuss the issue since as per the negotiation mechanism under NAC, the Committee was not mandated to pass orders on judgments pronounced by the Courts. The Official Side stated that Drivers belong to a common category of employees to whom pay scales were granted as per the recommendations of the 6th CPC. Accordingly, the Department of Posts was called upon to present the facts on these lines before the Hon’ble Court.
Item No 40: Grant of Notional Increment
The Official Side stated that retirement on a date immediately prior to the date of next increment was taking place even before 01.01.2006. There was no provision to grant a notional increment in such cases. As there was no change from the earlier position, this item could not be construed as an anomaly.
ITEM FINALISED
Item No 41: Fixation of pay on promotion to a post carrying the same grade pay.
The Staff Side stated that there are certain feeder and promotion posts which carry the same grade pay and these have not been merged on functional considerations. The promotion of an employee from the feeder post to the promotion post is however not being treated as promotion and no pay fixation is being done. Therefore, the Staff Side proposed that in such cases also one increment in the feeder post may be allowed and the Grade pay of the next post may be granted.
The Official Side stated that as per the recommendations of the 6th CPC some of the re-revised pay scales have been merged in order to de-layer certain levels in the Govt. Thus, posts in the pay scales of Rs.5000-8000/- and Rs.5500- 9000/- have been merged and no promotions can take place between the pay scales of Rs .5000-8000/ and Rs. 5500-9000/- (pre-revised). Similarly, posts which were in the pay scales of Rs.6500-10,500/- (and have been given the grade pay of Rs.4600/) and Rs.7450-11500/- stand merged and no promotions are permissible between these merged grades. The Official Side further stated that the question of grant of one increment in the lower (feeder) post could be considered if the concerned Department justifies it on functional requirement
However, in that case, it will be treated as promotion for the purpose of MACP.
The Staff Side. also raised the issue of pay of the running staff in the Ministry of Railways and stated that a special allowance of Rs 500/- plus DA has been granted to the running staff. However, other benefits like TA, HRA, pensionary benefits etc., are not admissible on this special allowance. The Staff Side demanded that whenever a person is promoted in the same grade pay but with higher responsibilities, grant of Rs 500/- plus DA is not adequate to compensate him/her for the higher responsibilities. Therefore, there is a need to treat the special allowance as pay for all purposes. The representative of the Department of Expenditure stated that this issue will be re-examined on receipt of certain information as called for from Ministry of Railways.
Item No 43: Before the 6th pay commission1 there were 3 HAG scales of pay.
The Official Side informed that officers of the grade of Additional Secretary and equivalent (whether serving or retired) are not covered by JCM. Hence, the instant item was outside the ambit of the NAC and therefore not admitted for discussions. However, the Staff Side was informed that orders for replacing the pre-revised pay scale of Rs.22400-24500/- had already been issued.
ITEM NOT FOR NATIONAL ANOMALY COMMITTEE
Item No 44: Anomaly in the pay scale/ pay band and grade pay of Library Information Assistants.
The Official Side stated that through a specific and conscious recommendation of Sixth Pay Commission, the pay scales of Trained Graduate Teachers (TGTs) have been upgraded and placed in PB-II with grade pay of Rs.4600/-, In this context, the Pay Commission has also clarified that on account of conscious up gradation, no other cadre can demand or can be granted higher pay scales. Therefore, Library Information Assistants cannot claim parity with TGTs.
The Staff Side stated that the School Librarians have also been placed in PB-li with the grade pay of Rs.4600/- at par with the TGTs although there is no specific recommendation of the 6th CPC in this regard. The Library Information Assistants, who have the same qualifications as that of school librarians, have however been placed in PB-Il with grade pay of Rs.4200/-. Thus, there is an anomaly with respect to grade pay of the Library Information Assistants.
The Official Side stated that the factual position was not known to them and therefore the Staff Side was called upon to apprise the Official Side of such instances specifically.
Item No 45: Anomaly in pension of those in receipt of stagnation increments in pre-revised pay scale.
The Official Side stated that this issue is somewhat related to the issue of granting one time increment to employees having their date of next increment between February 2006 to June 2006 under agenda item 5 (V). Accordingly, it was decided that the matter may be clubbed with agenda item 5(V) and the Staff Side was asked to confirm that their request for grant of an increment in the pre revised scale would not have repercussions on any other category and not lead to any further demands.
Items No 46 & 49: Pay scales of Stenographers Cadre
The Official Side stated that in para 3.1.14 of the 6th CPC’s Report a specific recommendation for PS/Sr. PS in non-secretariat organizations has been made and the same has been accepted and notified by the Government. Further, posts that were existing in the pre-revised pay scale of Rs.6500-10500 before 1.1.2006, including that of PS in field offices, have been upgraded to the pre revised scale of Rs.7450-11500 w.e.f. 1.1.2006 vide Department of Expenditure’s O.M. No.1/1/2008-IC dated 13.11.2009. Therefore, suitable action has already been taken in the matter. The Staff Side while agreeing with the Official Side stated they would check the position and revert back to the Official Side in case they feel that there were still any problems / difficulties in the matter.
Item No 50: pay Scales of Official Language Staff.
The representative of the Department of Expenditure stated that orders were issued in November, 2008 regarding parity in the pay scales of OL posts in field offices and CSOLS and the matter has already been clarified by them on various references received in this regard from several administrative Ministries / Departments.
The Staff Side requested that the reference forwarded in this matter by the Ministry of Railways may be examined by the Department of Expenditure on a priority basis. This was agreed to by the Official Side.
The Staff Side also mentioned that the parity in the pay scales in field and HQ is still to be granted in many offices including Ministry of Railways. The Official Side requested the Staff Side to convey the names of such offices so that they could be called upon to take similar action in the matter.
Item No 51: Assigning higher grade pay of Rs.4600/- to Administrative Officer Gr.II and Private Secretary in subordinate offices.
The Official Side indicated that the matter has already been resolved as posts that were existing in the pre-revised pay scale of Rs.6500-10500 before 1.1.2006, including that of AOs and PSs in field offices, have been upgraded to the pre-revised scale of Rs.7450-11500 w.e.f. 1.1.2006 vide Department of expenditure’s O.M. No.1/1/2008-IC dated 13.11.2009.
ITEM FINALISED
7. In the end, the Chairperson thanked the members of the Staff Side for their cooperation and for a healthy and constructive discussion. The Staff Side  requested for early action to resolve the anomaly in respect of the increment of employees falling between February 2006 and June 2006. The Staff Side also suggested that the next meeting of the Joint Committee on MACPS may be held early which was agreed by the Official Side. The Chairperson requested the Staff Side to prioritise the issues to be discussed in the next meeting. The meeting ended with a vote of thanks to the Chair.
NO. 11/1/2010-JCA
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training
(JCA Section)
North Block, New Delhi
Dated the 20th April, 2011
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Summary record of discussions held during the third meeting of the Joint Committee on MACPS held on 15th March, 2011 under the Chairpersonship of the Joint Secretary (Estt.) DOPT.
The undersigned is directed to enclose herewith summary record of discussions held during the Third Meeting of the Joint Committee on MACPS held under the Chairpersonship of the Joint Secretary (Establishment), DOPT on 15th March, 2011 for information and further
necessary action.
(Dinesh Kapila)
Director (JCA)
SUMMARY RECORD OF DISCUSSIONS HELD DURING THE THIRD MEETING OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON MACP’S HELD UNDER THE CHAIRPERSONSHIP OF THE JOINT SECRETARY (ESTABLISHMENT), DOP&T ON 15th MARCH 2011
1. The third meeting of the Joint Committee constituted to examine the anomalies pertaining to the MACP scheme was held under the Chairmanship of Joint Secretary (Estt.) Department of Personnel & Training on 15th March, 2011. All the members of the Committee were present in the meeting.
2. The Chairperson welcomed the representatives of the Official Side and the Staff Side and stated that with respected item numbers 13, 21, 27, 28, 32, 38, 44, 50 & 58, suitable instructions had been issued vide this Department’s O.M. dated the 1st November, 2010. She also informed that as per the decision taken in the second meeting of the Joint Committee, vide this Department’s O.M. dated 10th February, 2011, all concerned have been advised to review the cadre structure in a time bound manner with a view to mitigate the problem of stagnation
3. Thereafter, the agenda items which were still pending were taken up for discussion.
Item numbers 1,3,8, 9 & 29-Grant of financial upgradation in the promotional hierarchy instead of Grade Pay hierarchy under the MACPS.
The Staff Side reiterated their demand that the financial upgradations under the MACP Scheme should be granted in the promotional hierarchy of posts instead of the Grade Pay hierarchy. The Staff Side stated that the erstwhile ACP Scheme was implemented on the recommendations of the 5th CPC and, as such, has become a part of the service conditions of the employees. The Staff Side, therefore, contended that the Government cannot impose the MACP Scheme thereby altering the service conditions to the detriment of the employees.
The Official Side stated that the 6th CPC recommended two financial upgradations in the Grade Pay hierarchy after 12 and 24 years. However, the Government improved upon the recommendations of the 6th CPC and has implemented MACPS with three financial up gradations in the Grade pay hierarchy after 10, 20 & 30 years. Referring to earlier discussions held in the matter, the Official Side stated that the Government was willing to consider revision in para 13 of the MACP Scheme to the effect that organizations I cadres shall have the option to choose either the ACP scheme or MACP Scheme. However, the Staff Side pointed that such a dispensation will not be practical and hence there is a need to explore other alternatives to solve the issue. After discussion, it was agreed that there is no need to change the basic structure of MACP Scheme. However, there is a need to separately examine those cases where MACP Scheme is less advantageous than the ACP Scheme. Accordingly, it was decided that the Official Side will write to the Ministry of Railways, Defence, Urban Development, Home and the Department of Posts to forward information in respect of the specific categories of employees where the MACPS is less advantageous than the erstwhile ACP Scheme The Official Side also requested the Staff Side to collect and forward such information to the Department of Personnel 8 Training for further necessary action. I’n this connection, the Staff Side specifically pointed out the case of Technician category wherein under ACP (w.e.f 1.10.199) the staff got upgradation to Rs.4500- 7000 (V CPC) on completion of 24 years whereas under MACPS they get the same benefit, i.e. Grade Pay of Rs.2800 afler 30 years.
Item Nos. 2,7,20 8 48-Date of Effect of MACP Scheme
The Staff Side stated that many employees who retired between 1.1,2006 and 31st August, 2008, have been deprived of the benefits of MACP Scheme and therefore, demanded that the MACP Scheme may be made effective from 1.1.2006. The Official Side stated that the matter was discussed and finalized in the second meeting of the Joint Committee and therefore, there was no reason to reopen the matter. After discussions, it was decided that the matter may be treated as finalised so far as the Joint Committee on MACP IS concerned and if required, the Staff Side may raise this issue in the next meeting of the National Anomaly Committee.
Item Nos. 57 – Grant of ACP benefit to Artisan Staff of the Ministry of Defence
The Staff Side stated that consequent upon the recommendations of the Fast Track Committee, the highly skilled Artisan Staff of the Ministry of Defence was bifurcated in two categories, i.e., Highly Skilled -II (with Grade Pay of Rs.2400/-)and Highly Skilled-I (With Grade Pay of Rs.2800/-). The Staff Side contended that this bifurcation, in the first instance, may be treated as placement and not as promotion for the purpose of MACP. The Official Side stated that as per the extant instructions of the Department of Personnel 8 Training, where the whole of a cadre is placed in a higher scale, such placement is not treated as promotion. However, when only a part of a cadre is placed in a higher scale, then such placement is treated as promotion for all purposes including MACPS. The Official Side further stated that even under the erstwhile ACP Scheme similar practice was followed and there is no reason to deviate from that.
The Staff Side cited a Supreme Court judgment in the case of Union of India Vs V.K. Sirotia reported in 1999 Supreme Court cases (L&S) 938 that where certain percentage of post are granted higher pay scales to seniors in the cadre will be treated as placement and not promotion. The Staff Side also cited the Manual of instructions for restructuring of cadres in 1.A & A.D (para 3.2.8) wherein it has been stated that the Screening Committee in combined Audit & Accounts Offices besides selecting persons for transfer to audit offices will also decide on their placement (& not promotion) against the higher scale posts.
After prolonged discussions, it was decided that the matter would be re-examined by the Department of Personnel & Training in consultation with the Department of Expenditure.
Item Nos. 12,30 & 49 – Treatment of employees selected under LDCE Scheme / GDCE Scheme.
The Staff Side demanded that employees selected under the LDCE Scheme / GDCE Scheme should be treated as a direct recruit and their earlier promotions and services rendered should be ignored for the purpose of MACPS as was being done in the ACP Scheme. The Official Side informed that treatment of such cases would generaly be same in MACP as was in the ACP Scheme. Ministry of Railways would be advised to examine the matter accordingly.
Item Nos.11.15.22.39.47 & 51- Promotion in the identical Grade Pay
The Staff Side raised the issue of promotions in the identical grade pay and demanded that in such cases the benefit of one increment should be granted at the time of promotion. ‘The Official Side stated that if regular promotion is to the same grade pay, then MACP would also be granted to the same grade pay. On the issue of whether one increment is to be allowed in such cases, a reference has been received in the Department of Expenditure from Ministry of Railways. Further action in the matter would be taken consequent upon receipt of certain information from Ministry of Railways as called for by the Department of Expenditure.
4. After discussion on the agenda items, the Staff Side stated that in many instances the provisions of the MACP Scheme were being misinterpreted by various Ministries/ Departments thereby causing financial loss to the employees. The Official Side stated that many Ministries/ Departments had sought various clarifications regarding the provisions of the MACP Scheme which has been given. In addition, many clarificatory Office Memoranda have also been issued by the Department of Personnel & Training to allay the misgivings misunderstandings regarding the Scheme. However, if certain misgiving misunderstandings were still continuing, the respective Ministries/ Departments may be advised to refer the matter to the Department of Personnel & Training for resolution of the same.
5. In the end, it was decided that the recommendations of the Joint Committee on MACP Scheme along with the action taken report may be discussed in the next -meeting of the National Anomaly Committee.
6. The meeting ended with a vote of thanks to the Chair.
F.No. 141 1/2010-JCA2
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
(Department of Personnel 86 Training)
North Block, New Delhi
Dated the 18th April, 2011
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Revision of Stitching Charges.
The undersigned is directed to say that based on a demand raised by the Staff Side, in National Council (JCM), the question of revising the Stitching Charges of Uniforms, supplied to Common Categories of employees (Multi-Tasking Staff – erstwhile Group ‘D’ posts of Peon, Daftry, Jamadar, Junior Gestetner Operator, Frash, Chowkidar, Safaiwala, Mali etc. and Staff Car Drivers, Dispatch Riders etc.) in the Central Secretariat and its Attached and Subordinate Offices, has been examined in consultation with the Ministry of Finance. Consequently, it has been decided to enhance the rates of stitching charges, with effect from 1st April, 2011 thereby modifying the earlier instructions issued vide this Ministry’s O.M. No. 14/3/2006-JCA dated 28th September, 2006.
2. The revised rates of stitching charges, with effect from 1st April, 2011, will be as under:-
Winter
(1)
Buttoned-up-coat and pant
Rs.750 /-
(2)
Over Coat for Staff Car Drivers
Rs.600 /-
(3)
Ladies half-coat
Rs.600 /-
Summer
(4)
Pant (Terricot)
Rs.135 /-
(5)
Bush Shirt (Polyvastra)
Rs. 60 /-
(6)
Blouse
Rs.45 /-
(7)
Petticoat
Rs.30 /-
(8)
Salwar Kameez
Rs.90 /-
Protective clothing [for Mails / Bhisties]
(9)
Pyjama
Rs.24 /-
(10)
Short (Half-Pant)
Rs.60 /-
(11)
Shirt (Cotton)
Rs.45 /-
3. It may please be noted that the reimbursement of Stitching charges at the prescribed format should be done only after the stitched uniforms are produced and are duly stamped, with indelible ink, at an appropriate place on the wrong side of the stitched dress, for identification. A proper record and procedure should be evolved to ensure that the employees produce the stitched uniforms within a reasonable period (say one month) after the cloth is supplied to them.
4. This issues with the concurrence of Department of Expenditure vide ID No. 5(1)/E.I1(A)/2009 dated 08.04.201 1.
Fin-(C)- B(7)-2/2006
Government of Himachal Pradesh
Finance (Regulations) Department
Dated Shimla-171002, the 16th April, 2011
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subiect: Grant of Dearness Allowance to the emplovees of the State Government w.e.f. 01.01.2011
In continuation of this Department’s OM of even number dated the 27th January, 2011, the Governor, Himachal Pradesh, is pleased to enhance Dearness Allowance from the existing rate of 45% to 51% with effect from 01.01.2011 in respect of the employees of the State Government.
2. This additional Dearness Allowance of 6% (6 percent) shall be paid in cash with the salary of April, 2011 payable in the month of May, 2011 and the arrears accrued from 01.01.2011 to 31.03.2011 shall be credited to the GPF account of the employees. The interest on this account shall accrue w.eJ. 01.05.2011.
3. Other terms and conditions as contained in OM of even number dated 26th August, 2009 shall continue to be applicable. 4. The amount of “Adjustable Emoluments” if any, as mentioned in OM No. Fin(PR)-B(7)-1/2009 dated 09.09.2009 and 12.10.2009 shall be adjusted against the DA arrears and the net amount shall be credited in the GPF account of the
employees.
5. These orders will be applicable to employees covered by HP Civil Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2009 and Work charged employees working in Government departments. These orders will also apply to All India Services Officers, HP Judicial Services Officers and State Government employees covered by UGC Pay Scales.
6. The payment on account of Dearness Allowance involving fraction of 50 paise and above may be rounded off to the next higher rupee and the fraction of less than 50 paise may be ignored.
7. As far as the PSUs/ Universities/ Autonomous Bodies/ Boards etc. are concerned, the managements of these PSUs/ Universities Autonomous Bodies/ Boards etc. would take an appropriate decision in this regard, considering the availability of resources in their organizations.
8 In case of Government employees who have retired or who have closed GPF accounts and employees who are governed under Contribution Pension Scheme, the arrears on account of release of additional instalment of DA w.e.f. 01.01.2011 may be paid in cash.
Please see these orders on www.himachal.nic.in/finance/
BY ORDER
AJAY TYAGI
Principal Secretary (Finance) to the
Government of Himachal Pradesh
