Sexual Harassment of Women at Work Place - Lok Sabha Q&A

Sexual Harassment of Women at Work Place -  Lok Sabha Q&A

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 1173

ANSWERED ON:09.02.2018

Sexual Harassment of Women at Work Place

SUSHMITA DEV

(a) whether the number of complaints of sexual harassment of women at work places has increased in the country over the years;
(b) if so, the details thereof indicating the number of complaints received by the National Commission for Women (NCW) during each of the last three years and the current year, State/UT-wise;
(c) whether the Government has also launched SHe-Box online complaint management system to register complaints related to sexual harassment of women at work place and if so, the number of complaints registered in the system during the said period along with the action taken thereon;
(d) whether the NCW has stressed for setting up of an Internal Complaint Committee in each and every Government department/institution/ autonomous body in the country and if so, the details along with the compliance status thereof;
(e) the details of laws presently in force under which the complaints regarding sexual harassment of women at work places could be registered in the country; and
(f) the other steps taken/being taken by the Government to ensure protection of women from sexual harassment at work places in the country?

Will the Minister of WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENTbe pleased to state:-

ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (DR. VIRENDRA KUMAR)

(a) & (b) The details of number of complaints registered under the category of Sexual Harassment at Workplace, State/UT wise during last three years and current year i.e. 2015,2016, 2017 and 2018 (upto 5.2.2018) is at Annexure-I.

(c) In order to ensure the effective implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, the Ministry has launched an online complaint management system titled Sexual Harassment electronic - Box (SHe-Box) for registering complaints related to sexual harassment at workplace of all women employees in the country, including government and private employees. So far, 107 complaints have been received through portal "SHe-box". All concerned authorities have been requested for appropriate resolution.

(d) & (e)The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 mandates all the workplace which include any department, organisation, undertaking, establishment, enterprise, institution, office, branch or unit which is established, owned, controlled or wholly or substantially financed by funds provided directly or indirectly by the appropriate Government or the local authority or a Government company or a corporation or a co-operative society having more than 10 workers to constitute Internal Complaint Committee (ICC) for receiving complaints of sexual harassment.The Act cast an obligation upon all the employers to constitute Internal Complaint Committee. Section 23 of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 casts responsibility on the appropriate Government to monitor the implementation of this Act.

(f) Ministry of Women and Child Development had issued advisories to all States/UTs Government to ensure effective implementation of the Act. The Ministries/Departments in Government of India have also been advised to ensure the compliance of the Act from time to time.Ministry of Corporate Affairs along with the industry bodies, Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Confederation of Indian Society, Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCI), and National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) have also been requested to ensure effective implementation of the Act amongst their members in private sectors.

Further, Department of Personnel and Training has notified the amendments to Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules 1964 and Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965 align with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013.

Ministry of Women and Child Development has formulated a Handbook on Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. The Institute of Secretariat Training and Management (ISTM) in consultation of Ministry of Women and Child Development has also prepared a training module for the training of Internal Complaint Committee constituted under Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
Apart from the above, the Ministry has empanelled Institutes/Organizations for imparting training programmes/workshops in different parts of the country under Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.

Source: Lok Sabha

CPF Pensioners - LOK SABHA Q&A

CPF Pensioners - LOK SABHA Q&A

 
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 2045
ANSWERED ON: 29.12.2017

CPF Pensioners

SUKHBIR SINGH JAUNPURIA

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-
(a) the details of existing pension rates of Contributory Provident Fund (CPF) pensioners in the country;
(b) whether the Government proposes to increase the CPF rates;
(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
(d) whether the Government has any information regarding the number of CPF pensioners as on 31st March, 2016, and if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

The Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance

(a) to (d) The Central Government employees who are covered by CPF Rules (India) 1962 and who retired on or after 01.01.1986 are not entitled to any monthly pension/ex-gratia amount. However, the Government employees under CPF who retired between 18.11.1960 and 31.12.1985 are entitled to monthly ex-gratia amount. Presently following ex-gratia payment is admissible to the CPF beneficiaries who had retired from service prior to 01.01.1986:

S.No	Group of Service to which CPF retirees belonged at the time of retirement	Enhanced amount of basic monthly ex-gratia
1	Group A Service	Rs. 3,000/-
2	Group B Service	Rs. 1,000/-
3	Group C Service	Rs. 750/-
4	Group D Service	Rs. 650/-
5	Widows and dependent children of the deceased CPF beneficiary	Rs. 645/-

Dearness ex-gratia equal to 50% of the amount of ex-gratia and Dearness Relief, as notified from time to time as per 5th Central Pay Commission series, on the sums of amount of ex-gratia and dearness ex-gratia is being paid to them. There is no proposal to increase the aforesaid rates.

Source: Lok Sabha Q&A

Government says No Proposal to Revise Income Tax Rates this year

Government says No Proposal to Revise Income Tax Rates this year

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1355

TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 22ND DECEMBER, 2017
01, PAUSHA, 1939 (SAKA)

AMEND INCOME TAX RATES

1355. SHRI DEVENDRA SINGH BHOLE:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government proposes to amend the present rates of income tax so that more people may pay income tax;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the benefits likely to accrue to common man and the Government by this step; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE
(SHRI SHIV PRATAP SHUKLA)

(a) to (b) No Madam. Currently, there is no such proposal under consideration.
(c) The rates of income tax are prescribed through the Finance Act every year

Pension Scheme for Short Service Commission Officers

Pension Scheme for Short Service Commission Officers

 

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 4987

ANSWERED ON: 31.03.2017

Pension Scheme for SSC Officers

KRUPAL BALAJI TUMANE
BHAVANA GAWALI (PATIL)
HARIOM SINGH RATHORE

Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government proposes to start a pension scheme for the Short Service Commission (SSC) officers in the defence sector;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government proposes to sanction pension for the defence personnels serving less than fifteen years and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government has received any representation from the Military Service Pensioners Association in this regard and if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government in this regard; and

(e) whether the Government proposes to launch any other welfare schemes for the military personnels who had served for less than fifteen years and if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (DR. SUBHASH BHAMRE) IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

(a) & (b): At present, the Short Service Commissioned officers granted commission from other rank are entitled to pension on completion of 12 years of qualifying service. However, Short Service Commissioned officer who is granted commission from direct civil life is entitled to Terminal Gratuity only. There is no new proposal under consideration.

(c) Presently there is no such proposal.

(d) No, Madam.

(e) At present, there is no such proposal.

Source : Lok Sabha

Service/Retirement Benefits: Lok Sabha Q&A

Service/Retirement Benefits: Lok Sabha Q&A

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
(DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL & TRAINING)

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2229
(TO BE ANSWERED ON 15.03.2017)

SERVICE/RETIREMENT BENEFITS

2229. SHRI SULTAN AHMED:
Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has reviewed or proposed to review the service and retirement benefits of Government employees;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the changes made/proposed to be made in regard to deputation and early retirement policies?

ANSWER
Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office. (DR. JITENDRA SINGH)

(a) to (b): The service and retirement benefits are decided and reviewed as per the recommendations of the Central Pay Commission (CPC) and acceptance/rejection of the same by the Government thereon. The recommendations of Seventh CPC have been considered by the Government and necessary resolutions have already been published in the Gazette of India.

(c): Vide DoPT's O.M. No. 2/6/2016-Estt.Pay-II dated 17.02.2016, the Administrative Ministries/Departments and other borrowing organisations have been delegated powers to extend a deputation tenure upto seven years where absolutely necessary in public interest.This shall be subject to fulfilment of conditions prescribed in DoPT's O.M. No. 6/8/2009- Estt.(Pay-II) dated 17.06.2010.
The voluntary retirement policy of AIS officers have also been aligned with other Central Government employees vide this Ministry's Gazette Notification No.24012/04/2016.AIS-II(Pension) dated 27.02.2017.

Source: LOK SABHA

Enhancement of Maternity Leave - Lok Sabha Q&A

Enhancement of Maternity Leave - Lok Sabha Q&A

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 672
ANSWERED ON: 06.02.2017

Maternity Leave

SHASHI THAROOR
Will the Minister of

LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:-

(a)whether the Government proposes to extend the time span of the compulsory paid maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks in private organizations;
(b)if so, the details thereof;
(c)whether the Government also proposes to amend section 4 of the Maternity Benefits Act, 1961, to ensure that women employed in various public sector undertakings receive the same benefit; and
(d)if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
(SHRI BANDARU DATTATREYA)

(a) & (b): Yes, Madam. The Government has decided to enhance the paid maternity leave from existing 12 weeks to 26 weeks and an Amendment Bill in this regard was introduced in the Rajya Sabha. The Rajya Sabha has already passed the Bill on 11.08.2016. With regard to women workers covered under Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948, such enhancement has already been effected by amending the ESI (Central) Rules,1950.

(c) & (d): There is no proposal to amend Section 4 of the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961. The benefits under this Act are already applicable and available to women employed in various public sector undertakings.

Authority: www.Loksabha.nic.in

E-Payments in Government Offices

E-Payments in Government Offices

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 324
ANSWERED ON: 03.02.2017

E-Payments in Government Offices

K. GOPAL
A. ARUNMOZHITHEVAN
VIJAYSINH MOHITE PATIL

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-

(a). Whether the Government has asked its departments/offices of public sector firms and autonomous bodies to encourage their employees to use e-payments/debit cards for personal transactions to boost digital payment economy and if so, the details thereof;

(b)Whether the Government has instructed its departments/offices to stop cash payments to vendors and contractors for amounts above Rs.5000 and if so, the details thereof;

(c) Whether the Government has asked banks to promote digital banking in mission mode to boost digital economy and if so, the details thereof; and

(d).The steps taken/being taken by Government to promote e-payment in this regard?

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL)
(a). Yes, the Department of Expenditure has issued an advisory to all Ministries/Departments to encourage its employees to make use of Debit Cards for personal transactions instead of cash vide OM No. 25 (30)/E.Coord/2016 dated 1st December 2016. Given the progress made in banking technology, it is assumed that each employee would be in possession of a Debit/ATM card linked to his/her bank account. Ensuring and encouraging government employees to maximise the usage of Debit cards for personal related transactions instead of cash would go a long way serving with the employees serving as ‘ambassadors’ for the digital push and also motivate, encourage the general public in taking up the cause. All Ministries/Departments have been requested to encourage their employees to make use of Debit Cards for personal related transactions instead of cash. Ministries/Departments should liaise with their accredited banks and set up special camps to facilitate obtaining of and ensure that all its employees are in possession of Debit Cards. Ministries/Departments may also issue similar advisories to their attached/subordinate offices, PSUs, Autonomous Bodies etc.

(b). Yes, the Controller General of Accounts, Department of Expenditure has issued instructions to all Ministries/Departments vide OM. No. 3 (2) (1)/2016/ R&P Rules/Amendments/649 dated 5th December 2016. Rs. 10, 000/- was the earlier threshold limit beyond which all payments to suppliers, contractors etc.were made through e-payment mode. In order to attain the goal of complete digitization of Government payments the existing limit of Rs. 10, 000/- has been lowered to Rs. 5,000/- beyond which all Ministries/Departments shall make payment to suppliers, contractors etc. through e-payment mode only.
(c) & (d): The steps initiated by the Government to encourage digital banking in mission mode and the other measures taken to promote e-payment is provided in Annexure - I.

ANNEXURE - I

Incentives to promote digital transactions:
To further accelerate the process of cashless transaction, the Central Government has decided on a package of incentives and measures for promotion of digital and cashless economy in the country. These include:

(A) Petroleum:
Nearly 4.5 crore customers buy petrol or diesel at such petrol pumps per day. It is estimated that petrol/diesel worth Rs.1800 crore is sold per day to the customers, out of which nearly 20% was being paid through digital means. In the month of November 2016 it has increased to 40% and the cash transaction of Rs. 360 crore per day have got shifted to cashless transaction methods.

Incentive on digital payment:

•  The Central Government petroleum PSUs shall give incentive by offering a discount rate of 0.75% of the sale price to consumers on purchase of petrol/diesel, if payment is made through digital means.
• The incentive scheme has the potential of shifting at least 30% more customer to digital means which will further reduce the cash requirement of nearly Rs. 2 Lakh crore per year at the petrol pumps.

(B). Expand digital payment infrastructure in rural areas:
i. To expand digital payment infrastructure in rural areas, the Central Government through NABARD will extend financial support to eligible banks for deployment of 2 POS devices each in 1 Lakh villages with population of less than 10,000. These POS machines are intended to be deployed at primary cooperative societies/milk societies/agricultural input dealers to facilitate agri-related transactions through digital means. This will benefit farmers of 1 Lakh villages covering a total population of nearly 75 crore who will have facility to transact cashlessly in their village for their agri needs.

ii. The Central Government through NABARD will also support Rural regional Banks and Cooperative Banks to issue ‘RuPay Kisan Cards’ to 4.32 crore Kisan Card holders to enable them to make digital transactions at POS machines/Micro ATMs/ATMs.

(C). Railways:
i. Seasonal or Monthly Tickets: Nearly 80 Lakh passengers use seasonal or monthly ticket on suburban railways, largely in cash spending nearly Rs. 2,000 crore per year. As more and more passengers shift to digital means, the cash requirement may get reduced by Rs.1, 000 crore per year in near future.
Incentive on digital payment:

Railways through its suburban railway network shall provide incentive by way of discount upto 0.5% to customers for monthly or seasonal tickets from January 2017, if payment is made through digital means.
ii. Free Accidental Insurance: Nearly 14 Lakh railway passengers are buying tickets everyday, out of which 58% tickets are bought online through digital means. It is expected that another 20% passengers may shift to digital payment methods of buying railway tickets.

Incentive on digital payment:
All railway passengers buying online ticket shall be given free accidental insurance cover upto Rs. 10 Lakh. Nearly 11 Lakh passengers per day will be covered under the accidental insurance scheme.
iii. Paid Services: For paid services e.g. catering, accommodation, retiring rooms etc. being offered by railways through its affiliated entities/corporations to passengers, it will provide a discount of 5% for payment of these services through digital means. All the passengers travelling on railways availing these services may avail the benefit.

(D). General Insurance Policies:
Incentive on digital payment:
Public Sector Insurance Companies will provide incentive by way of discount or credit upto 10% of the premium in general insurance policies and 8% in new life policies of Life Insurance Corporation sold through the customer portals, in case payment is made through digital means.

(E). MDR Charges
The Central Government Departments and Central Public Sector Undertakings will ensure that transaction fee/MDR charges associated with payment through digital means shall not be passed on to the consumers and all such expenses shall be borne by them. State Governments are being advised that the State Governments and its organizations should also consider to absorb the transaction fee/MDR charges related to digital payment to them and consumer should not be asked to bear it.

(F). Ceiling on monthly rental for POS
i. Public Sector banks are being advised that merchant should not be required to pay more than Rs. 100 per month as monthly rental for POS terminals/Micro ATMs/mobile POS from the merchants to bring small merchants on board the digital payment ecosystem.
ii. Neary 6.5 Lakh machines by Public Sector banks have been issued to merchants who will be benefitted by the lower rentals and promote digital transactions. With lower rentals, more merchants will install such machines and promote digital transactions.

(G). Waiver of Service Tax
No Service Tax will be charged on digital transaction charges/MDR for transactions upto Rs. 2000 per transaction.

(H). Digital Payment Incentives for Toll payments
For the payment of toll at Toll Plazas on National Highways using RFID card/Fast Tags, a discount of 10% will be available to users in year 2016-17.
Major initiatives taken for promoting digital/cashless payments so far include the following:

(A). Rationalizing MDR/Transaction Fees:

i. To encourage digital payments by citizens, Government departments have been advised to absorb transaction fees/MDR associated with such transactions to ensure that no extra burden is put on those choosing to make payments by cashless means.

ii. For purchase of fuel and petroleum products, consumers are not required to pay any transaction charge/fee for payment using Debit Card/digital means at CPSU fuel stations.

iii. Discoms and State Governments have been persuaded to facilitate payment of electricity charges by consumers through digital means without any convenience fee/charge to consumers.

iv. Merchant Discount Rate on Debit Card has been waived till 31/12/2016 in public interest. This is expected to encourage small merchants to deploy infrastructure (POS terminals) to accept digital payments.

v. Customers are not required to pay Service Charges on purchase of railway tickets through cards at railway ticketing counters for a limited period.

(B). Strengthening Acceptance Infrastructure:

i. Digital payments being accepted by over 70 Central Government departments through various electronic modes viz., netbanking, debit/credit cards, prepaid cards, Interbank Mobile Payment Service (IMPS) recording more than 1.4 crore transactions worth Rs. 3250 crores.

ii. Mobile Banking through interoperable ATMs has been launched; 81,000 ATMs of 12 Banks are already live and another 15,000 machines are expected to go live shortly.

iii. All major 45 archaeological sites having maximum footfalls/tourists have started accepting digital payments covering more than 80% of the visitors.

iv. To popularise digital payments, the acceptance infrastructure is substantially expanded by increasing deployment of POS/mobile POS machines from 14 Lakh to 25 Lakh by March 2017. A separate Task Force is closely monitoring the progress in this regard.

v. To expedite card less and pin less banking RBI has notified mandatory Aadhar Enablement of all new Point of Sale terminals.

vi. 5.5 Lakh Fair Price Shops are being equipped with micro-ATMs/POS for undertaking digital payment transactions.

vii. Electronic Toll collection system has been implemented in all Toll Plazas along with the facility to pay by credit/debit/prepaid cards. It shall be expanded to cover more lanes and wider network for distribution of Tags.

viii. For the benefit of commuters, standardized interoperable National Common Mobility card is being developed.

ix. 1000 ATMs installed in Post Offices have been permitted to be interoperable with the banks.

x. State Mission Directors of 33 identified smart cities have been issued advisories to provide for adequate deployment of digital payment infrastructure while designing smart cities.

(C). Digital Payments in Govt Departments:

i. To enable all Central Government Departments to accept digital payments without passing associated charges to citizens a separate head of expenditure has been approved.

ii. A Non-Tax Receipt Portal (bharatkosh.gov.in) has been created to enable users/citizens to make non-tax payments for as many as 237 categories of payments such as spectrum charges, RTI application fee, purchase of forms and magazines etc. online without going to banks or Government Offices.

iii. All Government organizations, Public Sector Undertakings, Authorities have been advised to review rules and regulations to support digital payments, adopt cashless payment solutions and activate payment facility through the pay.gov platform if they do not have such facility.

iv. Salary disbursal in all Central Government departments is being done through PFMS and the platform is also used for disbursal of other funds/payments.

(D). Rationalization of USSD charges
To enable mobile banking on feature phones, USSD charges have been rationalized and reduced from Rs. 1.50 per SMS to Rs. 0.50; an application for mobile phone payments (*99#) in four languages has been developed and the service providers have completely waived the charges for limited time.

(E). Rolling out of UPI
To facilitate mobile banking on smart phones, NPCI has rolled out Unified Payment Interface (UPI) application and 27 banks have already released the application to their customers.

(F). Strengthening Business Correspondents Network

i. More than 1,10,000 Business Correspondents (BCs) have been engaged by the Banks and Corporates in the country. These BCs are providing services at the door steps of the people in rural as well as in remote areas.

ii. In a major fillip to rural banking 1,25,000 Gramin Dak Sewaks of Post Offices to work as Business Correspondents of Banks.

iii. All geographical areas across the country have been mapped with Banks/Bank Mitras and dark/grey spots identified. Possibility of providing connectivity through VSAT and other means is being explored on priority.

iv. For ease of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), long pending issue of incentive compatible payments to Business Correspondents settled.

Besides above, the Hon’ble Prime Minister has also announced certain incentives on 31st December 2016. The proposals have also been announced in the Union Budget by the Hon’ble Finance Minister.
Source: Loksabha.nic.in

Incentives to High Performing Railways Employees: Lok Sabha Q&A

Incentives to High Performing Railways Employees: Lok Sabha Q&A

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 174
ANSWERED ON: 16.11.2016

Incentives to High Performing Employees

T. RADHAKRISHNAN
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Indian Railways proposes to offer incentives to high performing employees;
(b) if so, the aims and objectives of the said proposal along with the criteria/ modalities fixed by the Government in this regard;
(c) the measures taken by the Government to avoid discrimination while incentives are given to the best eligible employees;
(d) the time by which the decision is likely to be taken in this regard; and
(e) the other steps taken to improve efficiency and motivation level of the Railway employees?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

(a) There is no such proposal at present.
(b) to (d): Do not arise.
(e)  There is a system to prepare Annual Performance Appraisal Report (APAR), wherein the employees are evaluated and such evaluation is used while deciding promotions etc. Further, to improve efficiency and motivation levels, Productivity Linked Bonus is also given to non-gazetted Railway Employees excluding RPF/RPSF personnel who instead are given ad-hoc bonus.

PDF/WORD (Hindi) PDF/WORD

Complaints against Seventh Central Pay Commission: Lok Sabha Q&A

Complaints against Seventh Central Pay Commission: Lok Sabha Q&A

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 586
ANSWERED ON: 18.11.2016

Complaints against Seventh Central Pay Commission

ANTO ANTONY

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government has received complaints against the implementation of Seventh Central Pay Commission''s recommendations especially from the Armed Forces and Nurses;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the response of the Government thereon; and
(c) whether the Government has any plan to review the said recommendations pertain to Armed Forces and Nurses and if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE
(SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL)

(a) to (c): Representations have been received from various quarters some of which pertain to Armed Forces and Nurses. While approving the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission on pay, pension and other related issues, the Government has set up various Committees to examine and address some of the issues arising out of implementation of Commission’s recommendations. Based on the recommendations of these Committees on these issues, appropriate decisions will be taken by the Government.

Source: http://164.100.47.190/loksabhaquestions/annex/10/AU586.pdf

MACP, GPF & CGHS for KVS Employees & Teaching Staff

MACP Scheme, CPF to GPF Compensation & CGHS Facility for Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan Employee & Teaching Staff: Lok Sabha Q&A

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 685
ANSWERED ON 26.11.2014

IMPLEMENTATION OF MACP SCHEME FOR KVS

685 . Raj Dr. Udit
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) Scheme is not being implemented for the teaching Staff, Vice Principals and Principals of KVS while the non-teaching staff and Group-A officials are getting this benefit and if so, the reasons therefor;
(b) whether CGHS facility is not provided to teaching staff in KVS while the officers deputed in KVS HQ and Regional offices and other staff are availing this facility and if so, the details thereof, if not, the reasons therefor; and
(c) whether the benefits of conversion from CPF to GPF compensation Scheme is not provided to KVS employees and if so, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SHRI UPENDRA KUSHWAHA)

(a) The Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme for the Central Government civilian employees has been introduced vide Department of Personnel & Training O.M. No.35034/3/ 2008-Estt.(D) dated 19th May, 2009 as amended from time to time. The extension of Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) to the employees is subject to the conditions that:-

i) The earlier ACP Scheme was also implemented/adopted by the said Autonomous/Statutory Body.
ii) The proposal to adopt MACP Scheme has been approved by the Governing Body/Board of Directors.
iii) The Administrative Ministry/Financial Adviser of the Ministry has concurred with the proposal.
iv) The financial implications of adoption of MACP Scheme has been taken into account by the Organisation / Body and the additional financial implication can be met by it within the existing Budget Grants.

As the teaching staff of KVS, including Principals had not accepted the earlier ACP Scheme introduced in the year 1999, they would not be entitled for the benefits of MACP scheme.

(b) Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has extended the CGHS facility to the employees of KVS(HQ) and non-teaching staff of KVS Regional Office, Delhi. Besides this, CGHS facilities have also been extended by the DGHS to the teaching staff as well as non-teaching staff of Regional Offices and Kendriya Vidyalayas, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai and Bangalore.

The matter was taken up with Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in October, 2012 to extend the CGHS facility to the employees serving in Kendriya Vidyalayas/KVS in all other stations across the country and to its pensioners wherever CGHS facilities are available. However, DGHS in December, 2012 had conveyed that CGHS is already facing acute shortage of human resources and it would not be possible to extend CGHS coverage to new cities as well as new establishments.

(c) After the implementation of the Fourth Pay Commission Report, the Govt. of India vide O.M. dated 01.05.1987 provided an opportunity to the government employees to switch over from CPF to GPF-cum-Pension Scheme. For the KVS employees this option was available till 31.01.1989.

Salient Features of each of the Scheme under Shramev Jayate Programme: Lok Sabha Q&A

Salient Features of each of the Scheme under Shramev Jayate Programme: Lok Sabha Q&A

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 178
ANSWERED ON 24.11.2014

SHRAMEV JAYATE PROGRAMME

178 . Scindia Shri Jyotiraditya Madhavrao, Galla Shri Jayadev
Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:-
(a)whether the Government has recently launched a number of schemes under Shramev Jayate Programme;
(b)if so, the details thereof along with the salient features of each of the schemes under the programme;
(c)the reaction of the labour trade unions to such schemes/programmes;
(d)whether the said initiative includes any scheme for skilled labour; and
(e)if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI BANDARU DATTATREYA)

(a): Yes, Madam.
(b): The details of the schemes launched and their salient features are as per Annexure.
(c): No such reaction has been received.
(d) & (e): Apprentice Protsahan Yojana and Recognition of Prior Learning for Construction Workers aim at preparing skilled work force and upskilling the existing workforce. Details are given in Annexure.

Annexure

Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Shramev Jayate Karyakram

SHRAM SUVIDHA PORTAL IN CENTRAL SPHERE FOR EASE OF COMPLIANCE AND SELF-CERTIFICATION

To create a conducive environment for industrial development
To be operative in 4 central organizations : Chief Labour Commissioner, Directorate General of Mines Safety, Employee Provident Fund Organization and Employees’ State Insurance Corporation
Allotment of Unique Labour Identification Number (LIN) to 6-7 lakh Units
Online registration of Units
Filing of self-certified and simplified Single Online Return by the industry for 16 labour laws
Timely redressal of grievances through the portal
Complete database at one place to add to informed policy process

TRANSPARENT LABOUR INSPECTION SCHEME IN CENTRAL SPHERE FOR RANDOM SELECTION OF UNITS FOR INSPECTION

A computerized list of inspections to be generated randomly based on pre-determined objective criteria
Serious matters to be covered under the mandatory inspection list
Complaints based inspections to be determined centrally after examination based on data and evidence
Mandatory uploading of Inspection Reports within 72 hours
Check on the arbitrariness in compliance mechanism

PORTABILITY THROUGH UNIVERSAL ACCOUNT NUMBER (UAN) FOR EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND

Digitization of complete database of more than 4 crore EPF subsribers and allotment of UAN to each of them
UAN is being seeded with Bank account and Aadhar Card and other KYC details for financial inclusion
Portability of the Social Security Benefits through UAN to the labour of organized sector across jobs and geographic areas
EPF account of employee to be updated monthly and at the same time he will be informed though SMS
Direct access to their EPF accounts and will also enable them to consolidate all their previous accounts

EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF REVAMPED REASHTIYA SWASTHYA SIMA YOJNA (RSBY) FOR THE LABOUR IN UNORGANIZED SECTOR

93% of workers in unorganized sector RSBY revamped to ensure enhanced quality and access to services
Strengthened grievance redressal mechanism
Improved IT architecture for better access of services and monitoring of outcomes for beneficiaries
Linking the enrollment for the RSBY scheme with opening/seeding of Bank Account and allotment/seeding of Aadhar Card for financial inclusion
Wellness check for preventive care introduced for the first time
Constructive workers and beneficiary across different welfare cess are covered
Introduction of convergence of social security schemes namely Aam Admi Bima Yojna and National Old Age Pension Scheme on RSBY smart card through improved IT framework

APPRENTICE PROTSAHAN YOJANA
A vision to have more than 20 lakh apprentice in next few years against present number of 2.9 lakh

A major initiative to revamp the Apprenticeship Scheme in India after extensive consultation with industry and states


Four components of this initiative are:
Making the legal framework friendly to both, industry and youth. The necessary Bill amending the The Apprentices Act, 1961 was placed and passed in Lok Sabha on 14.8.2014
Enhancing the rate of stipend and indexing it to minimum wages of semi skilled workers. Notification issued
Apprentice Protsahan Yojana to support mainly manufacturing units and other establishments by reimbursing 50% of the stipend paid to apprentices during first two years of their training
Basic training curricula being restructured on scientific principles to make it more effective, and MSMEs to be supported financially by permitting this component in government funded SDI scheme
The Apprentice Protsahan Yojana will support one lakh apprentices during the period up to March 2017

RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL)

Construction sector is third biggest employer after agriculture and manufacturing. Contributes more than 10% of the jobs in India
It employs about 4.2 crore workers and contributes 6.67% of GDP
86% of workers have no skills and productivity level is low
A national Scheme “Recognition of Prior Learning of Construction Workers” being launched by Ministry of Labour & Employment after extensive consultation with industry by utilizing the cess funds collected from construction projects
Construction sites to be designated as Testing Centres
Skill gaps if any, to be made up by giving gap training of about 15 days
Wage compensation for attending training classes and assessment
NCVT certification

TRAINING ON MODERN CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES WITH CERTIFICATION BY NCVT IN CONSULTATION WITH CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES

With the initiatives like 100 smart cities. Housing for all by 2011, construction sector is set to grow at rapid rate
It is estimated that about 8.3 crores persons would be employed in the sector by year 2022
New projects demand workforce trained in modern construction technologies to meet the international norms in construction
Several new courses introduced
 

VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION CENTRES FOR HANDICAPPED
According to Census 2011, there were 2.68 crore Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) out of which 1.7 crore are unemployed
Vocational rehabilitation support to PwDs through 21 Vocational Rehabilitation Centres for Handicapped (VRCs) across the country
Focus on honing the strength of individual PwDs to make them employable through capacity building and last mile orientation
Knowledge Partnership MOU between MoLW and TATA SONS to incorporate best practices and policy interventions for enhancing diversity and inclusiveness in India’s workforce
Major efforts are on for widening and deepening association with industry in order to increase the impact and enlarge footprint of VRCs. Some of the institutions that have partnered with VRCs include National Handicap Finance Development Corporation, National Trust, PSUs like ONGC, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, Yum Foods, Bank of America, Sarthak, etc
Some of these centres are also being developed as Model Career Centres for PwDs
 

NATIONAL BRAND AMBASSADORS OF VACATIONAL TRAINNING
Only 10% of our workforce has got formal or informal technical training. Only one fourth of this is formally trained
In South Korea, Japan, Germany, the percentage of workforce having received skills training is 96,80 and 75 respectively
We need to rapidly expand certificate level vocational training if we have to succeed in our mission of ‘Make in India’. Also we need to attract youth to vocational training
Vocational training has given excellent technicians, mechanics, entrepreneurs and professional leaders. Manufacturing sector is reservoir of this success
We are showcasing and felicitating such successful ITI graduates as National Brand Ambassadors of Vocational Training


FLEXI MOU
Presently, a total of 123 NCVT courses designed and developed by Mentor Councils having representation from industry, academia, Champion ITI and DGE&T mentors and expert courses/trade are conducted at about 11, 500 it is New policy of Flexi MOU has been launched in July 2014 to ensure that, in addition, customized courses with NCVT certification are available to meet the need of local industry
Under this MoU, any industry can conduct NCVT certified training programme in partnership with ITI or other vocational training provider to meet specific skill requirement of the company
Industry to ensure minimum 80% employment
Several leading industry players such as Flipkart, Raymonds, Labournet, GIPCL, Cadilla have signed MOUs and many other are under finalization


SKILL AWARDEES

The Ministry of labour conducts competitions to foster the healthy spirit of competitiveness among the trainee Craftsmen/Apprentices

All India Skill Competition for Craftsmen among trainees admitted under Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS), is conducted once in a year

All India Competition for Apprentices among trainees admitted under Apprenticeship Training Scheme (ATS) is conducted twice every year

First ever initiative to recognize the awardees at National Level and release of first ever souvenir containing the list of winners of different segments in latest All India Competition for Craftsmen, held in January, 2014 and All India Competition for Apprentices held in May, 2014

Source: loksabha.nic.in
Annexure:http://164.100.47.132/Annexture_New/lsq16/3/au178.htm

Coverage under Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)

Coverage under Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO): Lok Sabha Q&A

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 154
ANSWERED ON   24.11.2014

    COVERAGE UNDER EPFO

154 . Mahadik Shri Dhananjay Bhimrao, Gavit Dr. Heena Vijaykumar
Patil Shri Vijaysinh Mohite, Satav Shri Rajeev Shankarrao, Sule Smt. Supriya Sadanand

Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:-

(a)whether a large number of workers from the construction sector as well as contract employees are not covered under the Employees` Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO);



(b)if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(c)whether workers from these sectors were unable to retrieve their savings with EPFO due to frequent job changes; and if so, the quantum of amount lying with EPFO as inoperative;

(d)whether the EPFO has constituted any committee to bring in more workers including workers from these sectors and if so, whether the committee has submitted its reports; and

(e)if so, the action taken thereon along with various other steps taken by the Government for the benefit of workers under EPFO?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI BANDARU DATTATREYA)

(a) & (b): The Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 is applicable to 187 categories of industries and classes of establishments where 20 or more persons are working. Government has notified a Schedule Head - “Building & Construction Industry” vide GSR No. 1069 dated 11.10.1980.

There is no distinction between regular and contract workers under the Act. The workers whether regular or contractual working in the covered establishments are enrolled as EPF members.

(c): There are instances came to the notice of EPFO where the workers of these sectors face difficulties while retrieving their savings with EPFO due to frequent job changes. As per the unaudited Annual Account of the Organization for the year 2013-14, Rs. 27,448.54 Crore is lying in Inoperative Account.

(d) & (e): The Central Board of Trustees, EPF decided in their 204th meeting held on 26.08.2014 to constitute two non-statutory Sub-Committees, one for Construction Workers and the other for the Contract Workers with the terms of reference that these sub-committees will suggest mechanism to the Central Board so that coverage of both construction and contract workers can be increased. These sub-committees were constituted on 15.10.2014. The sub-committees met separately on 31.10.2014 and made some recommendations which are to be placed before the next meeting of the Central Board for consideration. Besides, EPFO have taken the following steps for benefits of workers:-

i. The process of allotting Universal Account Number has already started which will result in portability of the accounts.

ii. For transfer of accumulations on job/location change, provision for online transfer of accumulations has been put in place.

iii. Provision has been made in the Official website which will help the members to access their PF accounts online.

Source: Lok Sabha

Demands from the Central Indian Administrative Service Officers Association for the Seventh Pay Commission: Government reply in Lok Sabha

Demands from the Central Indian Administrative Service Officers Association for the Seventh Pay Commission: Government reply in Lok Sabha

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 2347

ANSWERED ON 25.07.2014

DEMAND OF OFFICERS ASSOCIATION

2347 . Shri NARASIMHAM THOTA

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government has received a comprehensive and united representation of demands from the Central Indian Administrative Service Officers Association for the Seventh Pay Commission;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has agreed to consider the demand of the Central Indian Administrative Service Officers Association; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)

(a) to (d) : The 7th Central Pay Commission would independently devise its own procedure for consideration of the matters included in its Terms of Reference. If the 7th Central Pay Commission invites memoranda from various Service Associations, then such memoranda are to be sent directly to them for their consideration. Any action in the Central Government shall commence only after the report of the Commission is received.

#7th CPC Demands, #7th CPC, #LOK SABHA Q&A, #Minister of FINANCE, #Central Indian Administrative Service Officers, #7th CPC News, #7CPC, #Seventh Pay Commission