Leave Travel Concession (LTC) to Jammu and Kashmir and North East by air is extended for another 2 years

JAMMU, June 17: The Union Ministry for Tourism today extended by another two years a proposal to grant Leave Travel Concession (LTC) to Jammu and Kashmir and North East by air. The package was due to expire today (18/6/2014). The extension in package by another two years will allow all categories of Central Government employees to travel to Jammu and Kashmir by air, using either Air India or private airlines by Economy class only, irrespective of their entitlement. The proposal would not only provide the Central Government employees an additional facility as an incentive but also give boost to tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, official sources said.

Reducing Delays in First Payment of Pension

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

18-June-2014 15:37 IST

Sub : Reducing Delays in First Payment of Pension – Submission of Undertaking along with Pension Papers – Issue of PPO on the Date of Retirement – Reg

The Government has observed that the first payment of pension after retirement gets delayed mainly due to two reasons. One, the delay in receipt of intimation by the pensioner that pension papers have reached the bank and two, delay on part of the pensioner in approaching the bank for submission of undertaking that he shall refund or make good any amount to which he is not entitled.

In a recent workshop with Pension Secretaries of State Governments, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions stated that the Government had decided that the required “Undertaking” may be obtained by the Head of Office from the retiring Government servant and forwarded to the pension disbursing bank along with the PensionPayment Order (PPO). The bank shall credit the pension to the account of the pensioner as soon as this Undertaking is received along with the pension documents. The pensioner would no longer be required to visit the bank to activate the first payment of pension.

This change in procedure has one additional advantage that the PPO can now be handed over in person to the retiring employee along with other retirement dues. Earlier the pensioner had to approach the bank to his copy of PPO.

With this change in rules and procedures, the pensioners would be saved considerable inconvenience and delay and his pension will commence as soon as he retires.

This and other reform initiatives were brought forth by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State in his meeting with the Pension Secretaries of State Governments held on June 12, 2014.

Victory for RR candidates

Madras High court dismissed the  WP no16041/2012 filed by the Tamilnadu circle administration against the CAT judgment in o.A 1072/2012) which was filed by sri A.V.Damadaran and 87 candidates .

 Let us hope Tamilnadu circle administration will honour judgment of the  Madras High court without going on further appeal. It is pertinent to note that the FNPO is always backing the case of RRR candidates in every stage 

SECRETARY POSTS ADDRESSED CIRCLE HEADS FOR EFFECTIVE SERVICES

Clarification regarding purchase of Air Tickets from Authorized Travel Agents for the purpose of LTC.

F.No. 31011/4/2014-Estt (A.IV) 

Government of India 

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions 

Department of Personnel and Training 

North Block, New Delhi-110 001 

Dated: 19th June, 2014 

OFFICE MEMORANDUM 

Subject: - Clarification regarding purchase of Air Tickets from Authorized Travel Agents for the purpose of LTC. 

The undersigned is directed to refer to the instructions issued from time to time on the above noted subject and say that the Government employees are required to book their air tickets directly from the airlines (Booking counters, website of airlines) or by utilizing the service of Authorized Travel Agents viz. 'M/s Balmer Lawrie & Company'. 'M/s Ashok Travels & Tour' and 'IRCTC' (to the extent IRCTC is authorized as per DoPT O.M. No.31011/6/2002-Estt.(A) dated 02.12.2009) while undertaking LTC journey(s). 

2. In a number of cases, it has been noticed that the aforesaid instructions are not being followed and as a result various Ministries/Departments continue to make references to DoPT seeking relaxation of the conditions for one reason or the other. The most common reasons given by the employees are unawareness of the rules and non-availability of Authorized Travel Agents viz. M/s Ashok Tmvels, M/s Balmer Lawrie & Company at places where the tickets have been booked from. Even in such cases, the option of booking directly from the airlines through their website is available. In no case is the booking of tickets through any other agency is permissible. 

3. All the Ministries/Departments of Government of India are advised to ensure that their employees are made aware of the above mentioned guidelines to avoid breach of any of the LTC rules. 

4. This issues with the approval of Joint Secretary(E).

sd/- 

(B.Bandyopadhyay) 

Under Secretary to the Govt. of India

Central Government is planning to raise the Income Tax exemption slab to Rs. 5 Lakhs

According to information from the Finance Ministry, the Government is giving serious thoughts about raising the income tax exemption slab from the current Rs. 2 lakhs to Rs. 5 lakhs. The information adds that Modi is planning to make the raising of income tax exemption slab from Rs. 2 lakhs to Rs. 5 lakhs as one of the achievements of his Government’s tenure. The Finance Ministry has, it seems, sought a report regarding this from the Income Tax department. A number of other financial incentives are also likely to be announced by the Modi Government.

The Government has also planned to raise the tax exemption on housing loans. According to sources from the Finance Ministry, there are also plans to increase the tax exemption on medical insurance premium.

The reports add that Modi is trying to impress as many people as possible with the very first budget that his government is going to present. The demand for raising income tax exemption level to Rs. 5 lakhs has been a long-standing one. Economists and experts suggest that the slab be fixed in accordance to the current price and inflation levels.

The long-standing demand of the middle and salaried classes, to raise the income tax exemption slab to Rs. 5 lakhs from 2 lakhs, is being seriously considered by the government led by Prime Minister Modi.

Based on sources from New Delhi, the first budget of the newly formed Government is likely to be presented on the 11th of July. These sources say that the Finance Ministry has sought a report from the Income tax department. The sources also add that the Government is also planning to increase exemptions granted to housing loans and medical insurance premium. If all these suggestions get implemented, then it would come as a huge relief to the salaried and middle-class folks. Previously, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley was considering raising the income tax exemption slab to Rs. 3 lakhs.

Five days a week working in administrative offices of the Central Government

Shiva Gopal Mishra
Secretary

Ph.: 23382286
National Council (Staff Side)
Joint Consultative Machinery
Central Government Employees
13-C, Ferozshah Road, New Delhi – 110001
E Mail : nc.jcm.np@gmail.com

No.NC/JCM/2014

Dated: June 12, 2014

The Cabinet Secretary
And
Chairman National Council(JCM),
Government of India, North Block, New Delhi
Resp. Sir,
Reg.: Five days a week working in administrative offices of the Central Government
After taking over of new Central Government led by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, there is whispering about reverting back to six days a week in place of the prevalent five days week working in the administrative offices of the Central Government.
In this connection, it would be worthwhile to mention here that five days a week working was introduced way back in the year 1985 after prolonged deliberations at National CounciI(JCM)’s level when Late Shri Rajiv Gandhi was Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, taking into account various aspects, including energy saving in the form of electricity in these offices. This was, however, done keeping in mind the total number of working hours per week as per the provisions of HOER, which, of course, is statutory provision under the Act.
Staff Side, though hope that the new Central Government would not be inclined to change the existing system of five days a week working, which is beneficial for both the administration and the employees, nevertheless, if need be, this matter be discussed with the Staff Side threadbare.

Yours faithfully,
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)

Demand for 50% DA Merger presented to the new government

It looks as if this time all the Central Government Employees Federations are seriously committed to getting 50% Dearness Allowance added to their basic pay!

All the CG employees federations have strongly made this demand to the newly formed Government at the Centre. They have all explained the reasons and submitted the justification, why they have made this demand and have requested that it be implemented.

The demand was first put forth in the middle of last year. It was hoped that the demand would be implemented before the general elections. Everybody expected an announcement in this regard at the end of the last cabinet meeting that was held on February 28, 2014. The disappointment they felt wouldn’t be easy to forget.

In order to renew this demand and present it to the newly formed government, all the federations have presented memorandums. Mr. Shiva Gopal Mishra, Secretary of National Council JCM Staff Side, has sent a detailed letter to the Government explaining this demand.

One will have to wait and watch if the newly formed government, under the leadership of Modi, accepts this demand of more than 50 lakh employees.

Employees to get pension payment order on retirement day: Government

In order to check delay in disbursal of pension, the Centre has decided to give Pension Payment Order (PPO) to all central government employees at the time of retirement along with their other dues.

At present, the scheme for payment of pensions to central government civil pensioners through authorised banks, issued by the central pension accounting office provides for an undertaking to be submitted by the retiring government servant or pensioner to the pension disbursing bank before commencement of pension.

"It has been found that the first payment of pension after retirement gets delayed mainly due to two reasons. One, the delay in receipt of intimation by the pensioner that pension papers have reached the bank and two, delay on part of the pensioner in approaching the bank for submission of undertaking," the Ministry of Personnel said.

The pensioner would no longer be required to visit the bank to activate the first payment of pension, it said in a recent order.

"Therefore, after ascertaining that the bank's copy has been dispatched by the central pension accounting office, the pensioner's copy of the Pension Payment Order (PPO) may be handed over to him at the time of retirement along with other retirement dues. This should be feasible in all cases where the government servant had submitted pension papers within the time-limits," the Personnel Ministry said.

An employee posted at a location away from the office of the Head of Office or who for any other reasons feels that it would be more convenient to him to obtain his copy of PPO from the bank, may inform the Head of Office of his option in writing while submitting his pension papers, it said.

The Ministry of Personnel has asked Office of Controller General of Accounts to instruct all Pay and Accounts Offices and all pension disbursing banks to follow its directives.

There are about 30 lakh Central government pensioners.

The Ministry has also issued a proforma of an undertaking to be filled by a pensioner and submitted to pension disbursing bank agreeing "to refund or make good any amount to which he is not entitled to".

Removal of minimum period for 15 days – Child Care Leave orders

No.13018/6/2013-Estt.(L)

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension

[Department of Personnel & Training]

New Delhi, the 5th June, 2014

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject : Child Care Leave (CCL) in respect of Central Government Employees as a result of Sixth Central Pay Commission recommendations - Clarification - regarding.

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department's O.M. No.13018/2/2008-Estt.(L) dated 11/09/2008 regarding introduction of Child Care Leave(CCL) in respect of Central Government employees.

Subsequently, clarifications have been issued vide OMs dated 29.9.2008, 18.11.2008, 02.12.2008 and dated 07.09.2010. Child Care Leave at present is allowed for a minimum period of 15 days. References have been received from various quarters seeking a review of this stipulation.

2. The matter has been considered in consultation with Department of Expenditure, and it has been decided to remove the requirement of minimum period of 15 days’ CCL. There is no change as regards other conditions of this leave.

3. These orders take effect from the date of issue of this Office Memorandum.

4. Hindi version will follow.

sd/-

S.G. Mulchandaney)

Under Secretary to the Government of India

Five days' week likely to continue in central offices

NEW DELHI: With Prime Minister Narendra Modi setting a hectic pace for his ministers, babudom is abuzz with talk of a possible review of working hours for central government offices as well.

Though department of personnel and training (DoPT) officials on Wednesday said no formal proposal for longer working hours or a return to six-day week had been moved, they felt that given that most ministers were keeping longer hours and also working on Saturdays, senior bureaucrats and other staff may be asked to put in longer hours to assist them.

A DoPT official said debate about the desirability of restructuring the working hours may start if the political leadership so desires.

Political sources, however, said no proposal to extend either working hours or switch to a six-day week has even been mooted so far. It was former PM Rajiv Gandhi who started the five-day week. However, bureaucrats have been making frantic calls to their contacts in DoPT to confirm if reports of a possible corporatization of government departments, complete with longer working hours, were indeed true.

Interestingly, Gujarat government office timings stretch from 10.30 am to 6.10 pm, with the second and fourth Saturdays being off, along with Sundays.

With Modi having given clear directions to his ministers to show results that will set apart the NDA government from the "lacklustre and non-performing" UPA regime, the ministers are already clocking longer hours, setting a time-bound agenda for delivery.

This has made it imperative for secretaries, joint secretaries and their staff to remain in office to assist the minister. Central government offices at present have 40 working hours per week, with Saturday and Sunday being off days.

Revision of flat rates of licence fee for the Central Government Residential Accommodation

CLICK HERE    to view Department of Posts (Establishment Division/PA Section) Letter No.24-01/2013-PAP dated 8th May, 2014. 

NDA Govt. may implement performance-based incentives for govt employees

New Delhi: Following its mantra of maximum governance and minimum government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi may implement performance-based incentives schemes for central government employees.

The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) is slated to give a detailed presentation on Performance-Related Incentive Scheme (PRIS), which was recommended by Sixth Pay Commission and accepted by the UPA government, to the prime minister soon, officials said. PRIS could not be implemented by the UPA government which had given its “in-principle” approval.

DoPT is likely to outline the salient features of the scheme aimed at improving governance in its presentation to Modi. “The detailed guidelines will be put in place after prime minister gives his go-ahead to it,” a senior DoPT official said.

As per the draft guidelines framed during UPA’s tenure, performance-related incentive will be payable taking into account the performance of the organisation and employees during the period under consideration. There are about 50 lakh central government employees.

“PRIS may prove to be a big game changer for improving governance and delivering maximum output. The prime minister may incorporate some new features,” the official said.

Revised format for OBC Caste Certificate

No.36036/2/2013- Estt.(Res.)

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

Department of Personnel & Training

North Block, New Delhi

Dated: 30th May. 2014

To,

The Chief Secretaries of all the State Governments/Union Territories

Subject: Revision of format for OBC Caste Certificate

Madam/Sir,

The Government of India had issued instructions on 8th September, 1993 vide DoPT OM. No. 36012/22/93-Estt.(SCT) providing for reservation to Other Backward Classes in the services and posts under the Government of India. The format of the Caste Certificate was prescribed vide Annexure A of the O.M. No. 36012/22/93-Estt.(SCT) dated 15th November 1993. In the said format, the then Ministry of Welfare’s Resolution No. 12011/68/93-BCC(C) dated 10th September 1993 was mentioned, which contained the list of castes and communities treated as OBC’s till that time. Since then, a large number of castes and communities have been added to the Central List of OBCs through various resolutions of the Ministry of Social Jusiice and Empowerment. The details of the resolutions subsequent to the Resolution dated 10th September 1993 do not find mention in the existing format. The said format also prescribes that the certificate issuing authority should certify that the candidate does not belong to the persons/sections (Creamy Layer) mentioned in Column 3 of the Schedule to the aforesaid OM. dated 8.9.1993.

2. Representations have been received in this Department wherein candidates belonging to OBC Communities have reportedly faced difficulty in getting the benefits of reservation. This is because of the fact that in the caste certificate issued by the concerned district authorities, although the name of the caste/community is mentioned in the certificate, the specific resolution by which the said caste/community has been included in the Central Listof OBCs is not indicated.

3. Keeping in view such problems faced by the candidates, this issue was examined in consultation with the National Commission for Backward Classes and it has been decided to revise the existing format of OBC Caste Certificate. A copy of the revised format is enclosed(Anuexure). All the certificate issuing authorities are requested to invariably mention the details of the Resolution (Number and Date) by which the castec/community of the candidate has been included in the Central List of OBCs and also to ensure that he/she does not belong to the persons/sections (Creamy Layer) mentioned in Column 3 of the Schedule to the aforesaid O.M. dated 8.9.1993 as amended from time to time.

4. I am to request that the revised format of the Certificate may please be brought to the notice of authorities under the State Governments/Union Territories who are empowered to issue the Caste Certificate.

Yours faithfully,

sd/-

(Sandeep Mukherjee)

Under Secretary to the Government of India

Annexure

FORM OF CERTIFICATE TO BE PRODUCED BY OTHER BACKWARD CLASSES 

APPLYING FOR APPOINTMENT TO POSTS UNDER THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

This is to certify that Shri/Smt./Kurnari_______________son/daughter of _______________________of village/town in District/Division __________________________in the State/Union Territory____________________belongs to the __________________community which is recognised as a backward class under the Government of India, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment’s Resolution No. _________________dated____________________*. Shri/Smt./Kumari ____ ______________ and/or his/her family ordinarily reside(s) in the ____________________________ District/Division of the__________________________ State/Union Territory. This is also to certify that he/she does not belong to the persons/sections (Creamy Layer) mentioned in Column 3 of the Schedule to the Government of India, Department of Personnel & Training O.M. No. 36012/22/93 - Estt.(SCT)dated 8.9.1993.**

District Magistrate

Deputy Commissioner etc.

Dated:

Seal

* - The authority issuing the certificate may have to mention the details of Resolution of

 Government of India, in which the caste of the candidate is mentioned as OBC.

** - As amended from time to time.

Note:- The term “Ordinarily” used here will have the same meaning as in Section 20 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950. 

NFIR writes to Finance Minister to merge 50% of Dearness allowance with basic pay

NFIR

National Federation of Indian Railwaymen

3, Chelmsford Road, New Delhi-110 055

Affiliated to :

IndIan National Trade Union Congress (INTUC)

International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF)

No.1/5(A)/Pt.I 

Dated: 28/05/2014

Sh. Arun Jaitley

Hon’ble Minister for Finance,

Government of India,

North Block

New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub: Merger of Dearness Allowance with Pay-reg.

While enclosing copy of Federation’s letter No. 1/5(A) dated 27/09/2013, NFIR desires to bring to your kind notice, the following facts for consideration.

2. In the Standing Committee meeting held under the chairmanship of the Secretary DoP&T, on 7th May 2014, the agenda item pertaining to merger of D.A. with pay was discussed by the JCM/Staff Side representatives. There has, however, been no positive response from the Official Side on the issue probably the VII CPC has started working on the terms of reference.

3. Now that the D.A. has become 100% of pay w.e.f. 01/01/2014 and another installment of D.A. @ 6% of pay is likely to be granted by the Government w.e.f. 01/07/2014 as per the figures of Consumer Price Index, continuing D.A., without merger, is highly unjustified. In the past i.e. during the year 2004, the Government of India had merged 50% DA with pay for all purposes. Similar decision has, unfortunately, not been taken by the previous Government.

4. Seventh Central Pay Commission has already sent communications to JCM constituent organisations etc.. to submit Memorandums. At this juncture, it would be proper to convey to the Chairman, 7th CPC to consider the JCM (Staff Side) demand for merger of DA with pay with retrospective effect and send interim report to the Government for consideration.

NFIR, therefore, requests you to kindly consider our request and see that the Government makes reference to 7th CPC to consider DA merger with pay and to send its interim report to the Government for favourable consideration.

Thanking you.

Yours faithfully,

sd/-

(M.Raghavaiah)

General Secretary

Last date for submission of Memorandum to 7 th CPC Extended

As per the request of the JCM National Council Staff side, 7^th Central Pay Commission has granted extension of time upto 15.07.2014 (15^th July 2014) for submission of memorandum by individual organizations other than JCM staff side. The following is the revised time schedule (Last date).

1.      JCM National Council Staff side                          :           30.06.2014

2.      All other Federations/Unions/Associations      :           15.07.2014

JCM National Council Staff side will be submitting a common memorandum before 30.06.2014 on the common demands of the Central Government Employees.

7th CPC

7th Central Pay Commission invited Shri. D Theagarajan, Secretary General, FNPO for interaction on postal employees related issues on 29th May 2014 at 12 noon.

RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan hints at bank licence for India Post

The RBI governor, who is known for his  candid 

comments, suggested that the ‘Post Bank’ could

 be given a limited banking licence that will be 

able to raise deposits and offer payment and

remittance services.

NEW DELHI:  Reserve Bank of India governor Raghuram Rajan has backed the postal department's demand to set up a bank, even as the finance ministry has tried to block the move.

At the annual day lecture of the Competition Commission of India on Tuesday evening, the RBI governor, who is known for his candid comments, suggested that the 'Post Bank' could be given a limited banking licence that will be able to raise deposits and offer payment and remittance services. There will, however, be restrictions on investments and the entire amount would be have to be parked in government securities.

"...the proposed Post Bank could start as a payment bank, making use of post office outlets to raise deposits and make payments," Rajan said.

7th Pay Commission

All CWC members, Divisional/Branch secretaries, Members and viewers are requsted to send your views on 7th CPC before 29-5-2014 to send a report from our circle Union.

yours
SIVAJI VASIREDDY
Circle Secretary

Schedule of PA/SA Examination 2014

1. Jammu & Kashmir   - 18-05-2014   - From 10.00 AM to 12.00 Noon 
2. Punjab                   - 18-05-2014   - From 10.00 AM to 12.00 Noon 
3. Andhra Pradesh      - 25-05-2014   - From 02.00 PM to 04.00 PM  
4. West Bengal          - 25-05-2014   - From 02.00 PM to 04.00PM  
Candidates may download their hall permits from