Benefits to Middle Class Tax Payers in the Budget 2015-16

Payments to the Beneficiaries Including Interest Payment on Deposit in Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme to be Fully Exempt

The Union Minister of Finance Shri Arun Jaitley in his Budget Speech in Lok Sabha today proposed rationalization of various tax exemptions and incentives to reduce tax disputes and improve tax administration. He said, with a view to encourage savings and to promote health care among individual tax payers, it is proposed to increase the limit of reduction of health insurance premium from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 and for senior citizen this limit is increase from Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000.

For senior citizen above the age of 80 years, not eligible to take health insurance, deduction is allowed for Rs 30,000 toward medical expenditure.  Deduction limit of Rs 60,000 on expenditure on account of specified diseases is enhanced to Rs 80,000 in the case of senior citizens.

Additional deduction of Rs 25,000 is allowed for differently-abled persons, increasing the limit from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000. It is also proposed to increase the limit of deduction from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.25 lakh in case of severe disability.

            The Finance Minister Shri Jaitley also proposed to provide that investment in Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme will be eligible for deduction under section 80C of the income-tax and any payment from the scheme shall not be liable to tax.

Limit on deduction on account of contribution to a pension fund and the new pension scheme is proposed to be increased from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.5 lakh.

            Additional deduction of Rs 50,000 will be allowed for contribution to the new pension scheme u/s 80 CCD increasing from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.5 lakh.

Details of tax deductions proposed are as follows:

·	Deduction u/s 80C	Rs 1,50,000
·	Deduction u/s 80CCD	Rs 50,000
·	Deduction on account of interest on house property loan (Self occupied property)	Rs 2,00,000
·	Deduction u/s 80D on health insurance premium	Rs 25,000
·	Exemption of transport allowance	Rs 19,200
	Total	Rs 4,44,200

Postal Network Spread Across the Country to be Used for Increasing Access to Formal Financial System

The Finance Minister, Shri Arun Jaitely presenting the Union Budget 2015-16, here today, said that the government is committed to increasing access of the people to the formal financial system. In this context, Government proposes to utilize the vast Postal network with nearly 1,54,000 points of presence spread across the villages of the country . The Minister hoped that the Postal Department will make its proposed Payments Bank venture successful so that it contributes further to the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana. 

Shri Jaitley said that to bring parity in regulation of Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) with other financial institutions in matters relating to recovery, it is proposed that NBFCs registered with RBI and having asset size of Rs. 500 crore and above will b considered for notifications as ‘Financial Institution’ In terms of the SARFAESI Act, 2002. 

Postal JCA (NFPE & FNPO) Dharna at RO, Vijayawada on 27-02-2015

Addendum to SB Order No.2/2015- "Sukanya Samridhi Account"

Rail Budget 2015: Highlights Presented by Sri Suresh Prabhu,Hon'ble Railway Minister

1. No increase in rail fares
2. Investment of Rs 8.50 lakh crore envisaged over the next five years 
3. 17,000 toilets to be replaced by bio-toilets; stress on 'clean Railways' 
4. Railways allots 67% more funds for passenger amenities 
5. Nationwide 24*7 helpline announced (24*7 helpline 138 will be effective from 1/3/2015; Toll free No. 182 for security complaints) 
6. Railways to raise finances via SPVs, partnerships 
7. Private agencies to be asked to set up waste-to-energy conversion plants 
8. Railways can play prime role in poverty elimination 
9. Chronic underinvestment has led to poor development of Railways 
10. Railways to go through transformation in five years; to increase track capacity by 10 per cent to 1.38 lakh km 
11. Rs 2000 crore for Coastal Connectivity Program; to commission 1,200 km fresh lines this year 
12. ISRO, RDSO, IIT Kanpur to help provide facilities for safety at unmanned level crossings 
13. 9 hi-speed corridors announced; work on Mumbai-Ahmedabad fast train feasibility study expedited 
14. SMS alert for arrival-departure services; reserved ticket booking window raised to 120 days 
15. Four-point goal: Improved customer experience, safer travel, better infra, financially self-sustainable 

Source:-The Economic Times

Highlets of the NJCM meeting with 7th CPC committee

The JCM Staff Side delegation met the Chairman, Seventh Central Pay Commission, 25/02/2015 at 11:00 hrs. The following issues were raised :-
i. Merger of DA with Pay and grant of Interim Relief :-
The JCM Staff Side insisted that the Pay Commission should consider Staff Side memorandum submitted in the month of June 2014 and recommend DA merger. The Chairman, 7th CPC replied that there is no communication from the Government of India to give interim report on DA merger demand. After discussion, the Chairman 7th CPC has decided to send D.O. letter to the Government today conveying the strong protest of Staff Side/JCM.
With regard to grant of Interim Relief, the Chairman heard the point of view of the Staff Side JCM that it is only “provisional payment in view of market situation and urged upon the Commission to send suo-moto recommendation to the Government.
ii. Allotment of time slots for explaining the case of Central Government Employees as well ‘ Departments like Railways, Postal, Defence (Civil side) etc.,
The Chairman suggested that small committees may be constituted by the Staff Side for meeting the Pay Commission for deliberations and enough time will be given. He also said that the Memorandums given by JCM, Federations/Unions/Associations have been gone into by the Pay Commission fully. He further said that VII CPC will meet the teams from each department and hear their proposals.
Responding to this, the JCM Staff Side has agreed to make out the proposal for the purpose of facilitating the Pay Commission to hear the views/submissions of the Federations/Unior/Associations. The deliberations may commence somewhere after 15th March, 2015. Staff Side JCM will prepare time schedule proposal and send to Pay Commission accordingly.

iii. Gramin Dak Sewaks – The case was explained. The Pay Commission was suggested that the copy of Supreme Court Judgment may be made available for examination.

Minutes of the meeting of the Standing Committee held on 7th May,2014.

CLICK HERE   to view minutes 

JCA dharna photo of Khamma division on 20.7.2015

Married Son is eligible for Compassionate appointment - Clarification

CLICK HERE   to view the clarification issued by Dept of Personnel and Training on the above subject matter.

Amendment to CCS (Leave) Rules, 1972 - Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Act, 1995

CLICK HERE  to view Dept of Personnel and Training OM dated 25.02.2015 on the above subject.

Notification for "Stamp Design Competition"

Department of Posts is holding a Stamp Design Competition. The theme of the competition is Women Empowerment.

To view in detail please  CLICK HERE

RESULTS OF POSTMASTER GRADE-I, AP CIRCLE

Notification on MTS - Andra Pradesh Circle

Posts of Multi Tasking Staff in various Postal/RMS Divisions and Administrative offices in Andhra Pradesh Postal Circle in the pay Band of Rs.5200-20200 (PB-1) + Grade Pay Rs.1800/- in accordance with MTS Recruitment Rules 2010 notified vide GOI Gazette order No.683 dated 20/12-2010 and subsequent amendment issued vide No. GSR 512(E)dated 28-6-2012 to MTS Recruitment Rules. Click below for full details. 

CLICK HERE FOR NOTIFICATION

EXEMPTION FROM PHYSICAL APPEARANCE FOR THE PURPOSE OF LIFE CERTIFICATE

CLICK HERE  for original order

Tax Benefits Account Schemes

7th Pay Commission has invited National Council JCM/Staff side for a meeting on 25.02.2015

MEENA AGRAWAL
SECRETARY

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

SEVENTH CENTRAL PAY COMMISSION

D.O. No. 7CPC/158/Meetings/2015

18th February, 2015

Dear

The Seventh Central Pay Commission has, from the time of its constitution, engaged with a variety of stakeholders on issues which it has been mandated to cover in accordance with its terms of reference. Based on the wide ranging interaction the Commission has had in the recent months, certain broad issues have emerged before the Commission. The Commission has also been seeking from individual Ministries/Departments their views on the issues posed, in relation to matters that are relevant to the Ministries.

The Commission has had the occasion to interact with the National Council and its constituents in May 2014. Before the Commission firms up its views on the major issues it is mandated to cover, a discussion with the National Council would be very useful.

Accordingly, a meeting of the National Council with the 7th Central Pay Commission has been scheduled at 11.00 am on 25 February, 2015, in the Conference Room, 1st floor, B-14/A, Chatrapati Shivaji Bhawan, Qutub Institutional . – Area, New Delhi

Yours sincerely,

(Meena Agarwal)

Shri Shiv Gopal Mishra
Secretary
National Council (Staff Side)
Joint Consultative Machinery for
Central Government Employees
13-C, Ferozshah Road,
New Delhi – 110001
Source:http://ncjcmstaffside.com/com-shiva-gopal-mishra-secretary-staff-side-ncjcm-writes-director-jca-concerns-central-government-employees-original-file/

Forum’s plea for early implementation of seventh pay commission

M. Duraipandian, State general secretary of the Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers sought the implementation of the seventh pay commission at the earliest.

While talking to the newsmen here on Saturday, he said it was a prerequisite that the employees should be provided with interim relief along with 50 percent merger of dearness allowance in salaries prior to approving any pay commission.

But even after a long period, the pay commission that was announced earlier by the central government has not yet been implemented.

Besides, Gramin Dak Sevaks numbering 2,65,000 across India should be brought under the much awaited seventh pay commission.

He said they had been working for almost 30 years for a meagre payment.

Moreover, the new and existing pension scheme should be scrapped and replaced with the old pension scheme. Since the launch of the new pension scheme, fund managers had not been appointed and the employees had been raising their doubts whether they could be entitled to avail such monetary benefits after their service period.

March to Parliament

To draw the government’s attention to fulfil these demands, the confederation members would stage a demonstration in front all district headquarter offices on March 2 and as the next step the confederation would stage a massive march towards the parliament in New Delhi on April 28, he said.

If these demands were not met, the employees would go on indefinite strike, which would be announced in July, he added.

Source:http://www.thehindu.com

The Deparment Approved the Amendment Raising the Subscription from Rs40/- to Rs50/- from 1-04-2015

APPEAL BY SECRETARY (POSTS)

Revision of rates for various treatment procedures under CGHS.

F. No.S-11011/48/2014 – CGHS (HEC)

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare

Directorate General Central Govt. Health Scheme

(Hospital Empanelment Cell)

Nirman Bhavan, New Delhi,

Dated the February 18, 2015

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:- Revision of rates for various treatment procedures under CGHS.

With reference to the above mentioned subject the undersigned is directed to draw attention to O.M. No. S.11045/36/2012-CGHS (HEC) dated 1.10.2014 whereby CGHS package rates for various treatment procedures were notified by the Government empanelled hospitals under CGHS Delhi and NCR. This Directorate has been receiving representations from different stake holders regarding discrepancies in these notified rates. The matter was examined in this Directorate and now it has been decided with the approval of competent authority to revise the rates of following treatment procedures under CGHS.

Sr. No.	TREATMENT PROCEDURE	Revised Rates Non-NABH	Revised Rates NABH
Gynae & Obst
1	RVF Repair	18975	21821
2	USG for Obstetrics –Anomalies scan	770	887
Nephrology & Urology
1	Epididymectomy	15938	18750
2	Lithotripsy Extra corporeal shock wave	19550	22483
3	Ureteric Catheterization	8278	10950
4	Kidney transplant (Related)	200000	230000
5	Kidney transplant (Unrelated including immunosuppressant therapy)	300000	345000
General Surgery
1	Secondary suture of wounds	3400	4000
2	Haemorrhoidectomy	20720	24375
3	Stappler Haemorrhoidectomy	38000	43700
4	Varicose vein surgery; Trendelenburg operation with suturing or ligation.	10000	11500
5	Catheterization	425	500
6	Fissure in Ano-Fissurectomy	13800	15870
7	Laparoscopic Paraumbilical Hernia Repair	17500	20125
Ophthalmology
1	Pterygium Surgery	5500	6325
2	Conjunctival wound repair or exploration following blunt trauma	3300	3795
Imaging Investigations
1	CT-orbit and brain	1600	1840
2	Foramen magnum decompression for Chari Malformation	93750	107813
Cardiology
1	DVR	155422	178735

 Reimbursement to beneficiaries/empanelled hospitals shall be limited to ceiling rate or as per actual, whichever is lower. The other terms and conditions as regards to CGHS package rates remain unchanged.

2. The revised rates shall come into force from the date of issue and shall be in force till further orders and are applicable in all CGHS cities.

3. This issues with concurrence of Integrated Finance Division of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare vide diary no.C-2289 dated 13/02/2015.

Sd/-

(Dr. (Mrs. Sharda Verma)

Director CGHS

Guidelines for PIOs/First Appellate Authorities for supply of Information and disposal of first appeal respectively - reiteration of

CLICK HERE  to view Original orders

Five ways to make the workplace stress-free

Rising levels of stress are a common concern for employees in every industry sector. ET looks at ways organisations can make the workplace stress-free.

Have the basics in place

Getting the basics in place is the most crucial way in which an organisation can keep the workplace stress-free. This includes, "making sure job designs, workplace design and workflows are correct", that employees are not being burdened with too much work or unrealistic deadlines and that company environmental conditions are not contributing to workplace stress, says Swapnil Kamat, founder, CEO and chief trainer at Work Better.

Improve communication

"This includes clearly defining employees' roles and responsibilities, giving employees the opportunity to participate in decisions that affect their jobs and sharing information with employees to reduce uncertainty," says Kamat. Agrees Deodutta Kurane, group president, human capital, YES Bank: "Relaxed conversations go a long way in keeping morale high."

Stress-proof the workplace

"When we treat our employees fairly, they spend less time on who is getting an unfair share or looking for another job," says Kurane. The organisational traits for low-stress work and increased productivity include: Recognition of employees for good work; opportunities for career development and a culture that values the individual worker.

Balance work and life

Employees have commitments within and outside the organisation. Juggling these can be stressful. Organisations must explore ways to support employees to improve their work-life balance. "Flexible working arrangements can help them to balance their commitments, reducing the pressure," says Kamat.

Chart a career path

Career development plans let employees sit down with their managers and design a plan to achieve their goals. "The plan may include training, education and taking on further responsibilities. When employees know where their career is going, they tend to be more committed," says Kamat. It is also important to acknowledge when employees perform well in their role, says Kurane.

Source:-The Economic Times

Travelling Allowance in respect of Attendant / Escort for accompanying a Government Servant with Disabilities on travel during tour / training

To view Department of Expenditure OM No.19030/3/2013-E.IV dated 17/02/2015 please CLICK HERE.

Discontinuation of MO videsh Service

CLICK HERE to view Directorate Order

Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme for the Central Government Civilian Employees-Instructions regarding.

                                                      No.35034/3/2008-Estt. (D)
                        Government of India Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
                                             (Department of Personnel and Training)
                                                       North Block, New Delhi
                                                                                                                             the 18th February, 2015

                                                     OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:-MODIFIED ASSURED CAREER PROGRESSION SCHEME FOR THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES-instructions regarding,

This Department on the recommendation of Sixth Central Pay Commission in Para 6.1.15 of its report and in supersession of previous Assured Career Progression Scheme, vide O.M. No. 35034/3/2008-Estt.(D) dated 19.05.2009 introduced the Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme (MACPS) for the Central Government Civilian Employees which is operational w.e.f. 01.09.2008. MACP Scheme envisages the three financial upgradations at intervals of 10, 20 and 30 years of continuous regular service to all regularly appointed Group "A", "B", and "C" Central Government Civilian Employees.

2. As per para 6 of DOPT's O.M. No. 35034/3/2008-Estt.(D) dated 19.05.2009, the Screening Committee would follow a time-schedule and meet twice in a financial year - preferably in the first week of January and first week of July of a year for advance processing of the cases maturing in that half. Accordingly, cases maturing during the first-half (AprilSeptember) of a particular financial year would be taken up for consideration by the Screening Committee meeting in the first week of January. Similarly, the Screening Committee meeting in the first week of July of any financial year would process the cases that would be maturing during the second-half (October-March) of the same financial year.

3. It has come to notice of this Department that the benefits of MACPS are not being granted as per the schedule/provisions in the MACP Scheme leading to dissatisfaction and grievances among the employees. Therefore, Ministrie/Departments are advised to ensure strict compliance to the time limits indicated in MACPS for grant of benefits under this scheme as and when the employees become eligible for such benefits.

(Mukta Goel)
Director(E-I)
Tele. No. 23092479 

Importance of following the due process in disciplinary proceedings-regarding.

mportance of following the due process in disciplinary proceedings - regarding: DoPT Order

F. No.11012/3/2015-Estt.A-III

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

Department of Personnel & Training

North Block, New Delhi

Dated February 18, 2015

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Importance of following the due process in disciplinary proceedings - regarding

This Department has been emphasising the necessity of conforming with the procedures prescribed in the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules, 1965 [CCS(CCA) Rules, 1965] while dealing with the disciplinary proceedings conducted in Ministries/ Departments. Many a times the Hon'ble Administrative Tribunals and Courts have held the proceedings non-est for non-conformity of the procedure, without even going into the merits of the case. This issue was highlighted recently in the judgement of the Hon'ble Supreme Court in the B. V. Gopinath case in SLP No. 6348/2011.

2. Procedural lapses have also been noticed in a few cases referred to this Department for advice. Two areas where procedural lapses are frequently noticed are: (i) not following the procedure prescribed in Rule 14(18) of CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965 while conducting the disciplinary inquiry; and (ii) not following the procedures laid down in Rule 9 of CCS(Pension) Rules, 1972 in the case of proceedings against retired Government servants.

3. Rule 14(18) of CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965, provides that, "the inquiring authority may, after the Government servant closes his case, and shall, if the Government servant has not examined himself, generally question him on the circumstances appearing against him in the evidence for the purpose of enabling the Government servant to explain any circumstances appearing in the evidence against him.". This is a formal action required to be taken by the inquiry officer before closing the inquiry. It has been seen that many a times this is not formally recorded and the inquiry gets vitiated. It is imperative that the inquiry is conducted strictly in accordance with the procedures prescribed.

4. Attention is also invited to Rule 9 of the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972, while lays down that the departmental proceedings, if instituted while the Government servant was in service, whether before his/her retirement or during his re-employment, shall, after his/her final retirement, be deemed to be proceedings under the rule and shall be continued and concluded by the authority which

commenced them, in the same manner as if the Government servant had continued in service. This rule also stipulates that where the departmental proceeding is instituted by an authority subordinate to the President, that authority shall submit a report recording its findings to the President.

5. All Ministries / Departments are requested to please bring to the attention of all concerned the necessity of conforming to the procedures prescribed for conducting departmental proceedings.

6. In this regard, attention is also invited to the ISTM publication 'Handbook for Inquiry Officers & Disciplinary Authorities, 2013', which can be used as a reference guide in such matters. The Handbook may be accessed under 'Publications/Reports' on this Department's website: http://persrnin.nic.in/DOPT.asp.

(J.A. Vaidyanathan)

Director (E)

Source: www.persmin.nic.in

Lokpal nod mandatory to probe corrupt officers?

The Centre is considering changes in anti-corruption legislations to make it mandatory for CBI or any other investigating agency to seek prior approval from the Lokpal to probe corruption charges against government servants, a move apparently aimed at shielding the corrupt. 

The government, however, said this was being done to ensure efficient and transparent working of the employees. 

Notwithstanding anything contained in Section 197 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, or Section 6A of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, or Section 19 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, the Lokpal shall have the power to grant sanction for prosecution, according to the provisions of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act. 

This mean CBI or any other investigating agency need to take permission from the Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas or similar bodies in the states before probing corruption charges, officials said. 

The 6A clause of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DPSE) Act, which governs CBI, says no inquiry or probe can be conducted into any offence alleged to have been committed under the Prevention of Corruption Act, except with prior approval of the central government. Similar provisions exist in the CrPC and PC Act. 

The Supreme Court had, in March last year, held as "invalid and unconstitutional" the legal provision which makes sanction of competent authority mandatory for CBI to probe a corruption case against an officer of Joint Secretary-rank or above, saying it has the propensity of shielding the corrupt. 

When contacted, Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Jitendra Singh said this was being done to ensure efficient and transparent working of the employees. 

"The government does not want to discriminate against any employee at any level. We want to make a cordial atmosphere to ensure efficient and transparent working of the employees," Singh told PTI.

Source:-The Economic Times