All about 7th Central Pay Commission for Central Government Employees. Dearness Allowance for Government Employees, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES NEWS - DOPT, DOPT Orders, Expected DA & more.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF EXPENDITURE CENTRAL PENSION ACCOUNTING OFFICE TRIKOOT, BHIKAJI CAMA PLACE, NEW DELHI 110066
CPAO/ Data Bank/ Life Certificate/ OM/2020‐ 21/360
dated: 11.01.2021
Office Memorandum
Subject : Submission of Life Certificate by NPS-AR pensioner through Jeevan Pramaan.
The Central Pension Accounting Office is Pension Disbursing Authority for National Pension system- Additional Relief (NPS–AR).
The NPS-AR pensioners are required to submit Life Certificate in the
month of November every year for continuation of the pension. Life
Certificates are sent to CPAO through the Bank Branches of the
pensioners, where the pensioners maintain their pension accounts.
2. A new interface (Aadhar based) for submission of Life Certificate
has been developed in Jeevan Pramaan for NPS-AR pensioners and this
interface is now live for submission of Digital Life Certificate (DLC]
through Jeevan Pramaan. Now NPS-AR pensioners can submit their Life
Certificate through Jeevan Pramaan. The Jeevan Pramaan User Manual for
uploading Digital Life Certificate is attaching herewith.
Huge relief to CAPF personnel to extend Disability Compensation –
Employees covered under NPS will get benefits under Rule 9 of Extra
Ordinary Pension (EOP)
Huge relief to CAPF personnel to extend Disability Compensation –
Employees covered under NPS will get benefits under Rule 9 of Extra
Ordinary Pension (EOP)
Sub: Calculation of monthly contribution towards cost of Pension payable during foreign service – Reg.
The undersigned is directed to invite reference to this Department’s OM No. 2/34/2008-Estt (Pay-II) dated 19th November, 2009 on the above subject and to say that according to this OM w.e.f. 01.01.2006, the pension contribution payable in respect of a Government employee during the active period of his foreign service shall be based on the existing basic pay (Pay in the Pay Band plus Grade Pay) of the post held by the Government servant at the time of proceeding on foreign service, and in case he receives Proforma promotion/ financial up-gradation while on foreign service, on the basic pay (Pay in the Pay Band plus Grade Pay) fixed on such promotion/ financial up-gradation.
2. Consequent upon implementation of the recommendations of the 7th CPC, the matter of issuing revised instructions on the above subject has been engaging the attention of the Government of India. The President is now pleased to decide that pension contribution payable in respect of a Government servant during the active period of his foreign service shall be based on the basic pay in the level (in Pay Matrix) of the post held by him/ her at the time of proceeding on foreign service; and in case of grant of Proforma promotion/financial up-gradation while on foreign service, the same shall be based on basic pay in the Level (in Pay Matrix) fixed on such Proforma promotion / financial up-gradation.
3. In respect of Government employees covered by the NPS, during the active period of foreign service w.e.f. 01.01.2016, it has been decided to fix the monthly Pension contribution @ 24% of basic pay in the level (in Pay Matrix) of the post held by him/her at the time of proceeding on foreign service plus DA admissible on such basic pay (i.e. employee’s contribution @ 10%, employer’s contribution @ 10% and contribution by employer for gratuity @ 4%). However, consequent to revision of Government’s contribution for NPS from 10 % to 14% w.e.f. 01.04.20 19 vide Department of Financial Services Notification dated 31.01.2019, the monthly Pension contribution for Government employees covered by the NPS w.e.f. 01.04.2019 will be 28% of basic pay in the level (in Pay Matrix) plus DA of the post held by him/her, which will include employee’s contribution @ 10%, employer’s contribution @ 14%, and contribution by employer for gratuity @ 4%. In case of grant of Proforma promotion/ financial up-gradation while on foreign service, the same shall be based on basic pay in the Level (in Pay Matrix) fixed on such Proforma promotion /financial up-gradation.
4. In respect of the employees covered under the Old Defined Benefit Pension Scheme, it has been decided to fix their rates of monthly contribution of pension during the active period of foreign service as 14% of basic pay in the level (in Pay Matrix) of the post held by him/her at the time of proceeding on foreign service plus DA admissible on such basic pay during foreign service w.e.f. 01.01.2016. The monthly contribution of pension during the active period of foreign service w.e.f. 01.04.2019 will be 18% of the basic pay in Pay Matrix of the post held by the officer at the time of proceeding on foreign service plus DA admissible on such basic pay.
In case of grant of Proforma promotion/ financial up-gradation while on foreign service, the same shall be based on basic pay in the Level (in Pay Matrix) fixed on such Proforma promotion/ financial up-gradation.
5. It has also been decided that these pension contributions would be in addition to the leave salary contributions for the period of foreign service, in respect of both NPS employees and the employees under Old Defined Benefit Pension Scheme.
6. In case of employees covered under NPS, during the period of active foreign service, the borrowing organisation shall make its part of contribution mandatorily to the NPS Account of the employee.
7. This OM will be effective from 01.01.2016. In respect of persons who are already on foreign service as on 01.01.2016, the pension contribution will be calculated at the above rates on the revised pay as per 7th CPC from the date which they opt to come over to the revised pay structure after implementation of 7th CPC recommendations, in their parent cadres. For the earlier period, the pension contributions will be as per extant orders i.e. the order in force during period prior to 01.01.20 16 from time to time.
8. The modalities! mechanism of payment of pension contribution during the active period of foreign service in respect of NPS subscribers will be issued separately.
9. In their application to the persons belonging to Indian Audit and Accounts Department, these orders are issued under Article 148(5) of the Constitution and after consultation with the Comptroller & Auditor General of India.
10. Hindi version will follow.
(Rajeev Bahree) Under Secretary to the Government of India
To All Ministries/ Department (As per standard list)
Relative Merit Points and procedure for compassionate appointments in the Department of Posts
Central Government Employees News
No.17-4/2018-SPG.II Government of India Ministry of Communications Department of Posts
Dak Bhavan, Parliament Street New Delhi-110001 Dated the 28th Sep 2020
To
1. All Chief Postmasters General / Postmasters General 2. Chief General Manager, BD Directorate / Parcel Directorate / PLI Directorate 3. Director, RAKNPA / GM, CEPT / Directors of all PTCs 4. Addl. Director General, Army Postal Service, New Delhi 5. All General Managers (Finance) / Directors Postal Accounts /DDAP
Sub: Scheme for compassionate appointment – Relative Merit Points and Procedure for selection.
Madam / Sir,
I am directed to refer to Department of Posts letter No.37-36/2004-
SPB-1/C dated 20.1.2010 on the above subject providing for Relative
Merit Points and procedure for compassionate appointments
in the Department of Posts. The matter has been reviewed keeping in
view the instructions issued by Department of Personnel and Training,
the changes in various factors for calculating Relative Merit Points and
the changes in financial status of the family of the deceased employees
consequent upon increase in the terminal benefits.
2. The Relative Merit Points (RMP) for assigning weightage to various
attributes of the applicants for compassionate appointment have been
reviewed. The revised RMP is based on 100 points of 10 variables with
provision of additional 15 maximum bonus points for the applicant if she
is the widow of the deceased employee/wife of an employee who has
retired on medical grounds. The revised RMP to be applied are as laid
down in Annexure 1.
3. Periodicity of CRC meeting: In respect of all applications for
compassionate appointments received from January to December of a
calendar year, the CRC meeting will be held by all circles once in a
year, between January to March of the next calendar year.
4. Cut-Off Date: Date of death or date of retirement on medical
grounds will be considered as cut off date for the purpose of assessing
the indigent condition of the applicant under RMPS for compassionate
appointment.
5. Circle specific vacancy: The vacancies to be utilised by a Circle
for compassionate appointment in a year should not be more than 5% of
the vacancies in Direct Recruitment Quota in Group C Posts in a year.
6. Place of Posting: As far as administratively feasible, applicant
appointed on compassionate grounds will be posted at a place as per
preference indicated or near his /her home town or in same division in
which the applicant is residing, subject to availability of vacancies.
8. Date of effect of these guidelines: These revised guidelines will
come into effect from 1st October 2020. Cases recommended by previous
CRC to be considered by subsequent CRC will be considered based on these
revised point system. All cases closed so far will not be reopened.
9, Instructions issued by DoPT from time to time related to
compassionate appointment will continue to be guiding factor while
deciding the cases.
10. This issues with the approval of Secretary (Posts).
New Relative Merit Point System (RMPS) for consideration of cases for Compassionate appointments
100 Point Criterion with 10 variables
(i) Basic family pension/ pension/ monthly amount received under NPS (Max 20 Points)
SN
Slabs
Points
01
Up to 9000/-
20
02
9001/- to 12000/-
18
03
12001/- to 15000/-
16
04
15001/- to 18000/-
14
05
18001/- to 21000
12
06
21001/- to 24000/-
10
07
24001/- to 27000/-
08
08
27001/- to 30000/-
06
09
30001/- to 33000/-
04
10
33001/- to 36000/-
02
11
Above 36000/-
00
Note: To be verified from service records and certified by the Divisional/ Regional/ Circle Authorities.
(ii) Lump sum amount received by the family on death/
retirement on medical grounds of the Government servant (DCRG, CGEGIS,
GPF/Lump sum amount received under NPS & Leave Encashment) – (Max 10
Points)
SN
Slabs
Points
01
Up to 300000/-
10
02
300001/- to 400000/-
09
03
400001/- to 500000/-
08
04
500001/- to 600000/-
07
05
600001/- to 700000/-
06
06
700001/- to 800000/-
05
07
800001/- to 900000/-
04
08
900001 to 1000000
03
09
1000001/- to 1100000/-
02
10
1100001/- to 1200000/-
01
11
Above 1200000/-
00
Note: To be verified from service records and certified by the Divisional/ Regional/ Circle Authorities.
(iii) Monthly income of earning member of family and income from property (Max 05 Points)
SN
Slabs
Points
01
No income
05
02
7500/- or less
04
03
7501/- to 10500/-
03
04
10501/- to 13500/-
02
05
13501/- to 16500/-
01
06
16501/- and above
00
Note: To be verified from the documents (like, bank
statement, ITR, certificate from Revenue Authorities) and affidavit
produced by the applicant and verified by the Divisional/ Regional/
Circle Authorities.
(iv) Immovable/ Movable Property including fixed deposit/
bank deposits /investments etc but excluding the Lump sum amount as
mentioned in (ii) above – (Max 05 Points)
SN
Slabs
Points
01
Nil/-
05
02
Up to 500000/-
04
03
500001/- to 1000000/-
03
04
1000001/- to 2000000/-
02
05
2000001/- to 3000000/-
01
06
Above 3000000/-
00
Note: To be verified from the documents/ affidavit/
certificate from Revenue/ Municipal Authorities/ concerned departments
etc produced bythe applicant and verified by the Divisional/ Regional/ Circle Authorities.
(v) No. of dependents (Max 08 Points)
SN
No. of Dependents
Points
01
2 and above
08
02
01
04
03
00
00
Note: To be verified from service records and certified by the Divisional/ Regional/ Circle Authorities .
(vi) No. of Unmarried Daughters (Max 08 Points)
SN
No. of unmarried daughters
Point
01
2 and above
08
02
01
04
03
00
00
Note: To be verified from the
documents/affidavit/certificate issued by Revenue/ Municipal Authorities
produced by the applicant and verified by the Divisional/ Regional/
Circle Authorities.
(vii) No. of Minor Children (Max 08 Points)
SN
No. of minor children
Point
01
2 and above
08
02
01
04
03
00
00
Note: To be verified from service records and certified by the Divisional/ Regional/ Circle Authorities.
(viii) Left over Service (Max 14 Points)
SN
Left over service
Points
01
Over 25 Years
14
02
Over 20 years & up to 25 Years
12
03
Over 15 years & up to 20 years
10
04
Over 10 years & up to 15 years
08
05
Over 05 years & up to 10 years
06
06
over 02 years & up to 05 years
04
07
Less than 02 years
02
Note: To be verified from service records and certified by the Divisional/ Regional/ Circle Authorities.
(ix) Points for immediate relief (Max 12 Points)
SN
Age of cases
Points
01
less than 03 years old
12
02
03 years to less than 06 years
08
03
06 years to less than 09 years
06
04
09 years to less than 12 years
04
05
12 years to less than 15 years
02
06
15 years and above
00
Note: To be verified from service records and
certified by the Divisional/ Regional/ Circle Authorities. Age of the
case will be worked out from the date of death of employee/ retirement
on medical grounds. In case a minor applies for compassionate
appointment after becoming major, the period of the case will be counted
from the date on which he became a major.
f the dependent family member (other than the applicant) of the deceased’s PWD
06
03
If
the dependent family member of the deceased is suffering from AIDS,
Cancer, Kidney failure, heart attack, liver cirrhosis, Organ
transplantation of liver/ heart/ kidney , Alzheimer
03
Note: The disability as defined by DoP&T for
reservation for persons with D1sabilites from time to time for
appointment in Central Government will be ensured. Related certificates
to be obtained accordingly.
(B) Bonus Points
Bonus Points to Widow/Wife: In addition to the
points allotted under RMP, 15 Bonus points will be allotted to applicant
if she is the widow of the deceased employee/ wife of an employee who
has retired on medical grounds.
National Pension System (NPS) was introduced for Central Government employees
by a Notification of Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic
Affairs) dated 22nd December, 2003. NPS is mandatory for all new
recruits to the Central Government service from 1st January, 2004
(except the armed forces). However, in some specific court cases, like
WP(C) No. 3834/2013 titled Permanand Yadav Vs. Union of India and WP(C)
No. 2810/2016 viz.Rajendra Singh Vs. Union of India, where the selection
of candidates had been made before 01.01.2004 but their actual
appointment in the Government service could be made on or after
01.01.2004 due to various reasons, on the direction of the Hon’ble High
Court of Delhi, the benefit of Old Pension Scheme was allowed to the
petitioners.
After considering all the relevant aspects and to extend the benefit
to similarly placed Government servants in order to reduce further
litigation, the Government has decided, vide an Office Memorandum No.
57/04/2019-P&PW(B) dated 17th February, 2020 of the Department of
Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare, that in all cases where the results
for recruitment were declared before 01.01.2004 against vacancies
occurring on or before 31.12.2003, the candidates declared successful
for recruitment shall be eligible for coverage under the Central Civil
Services (Pension) Rules, 1972. Accordingly, such Government servants
who were declared successful for recruitment in the results declared on
or before 31.12.2003 against vacancies occurring before 01.01.2004 and
covered under the National Pension System on joining service on or after
01.01.2004, may be given a one – time option to be covered under the
Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972.
The advertisements issued before the introduction of the National
Pension System may or may not have contained a clause regarding the
pension scheme applicable to the selected candidates. In its order dated
27.03.2019 in W.P.(C) 10306/2016 – Union of India & others versus
Dr. Narayan Rao Battu& another, Hon’ble High Court of Delhi observed
that since the new pension scheme was in effect and a policy decision
had already been taken to make the said scheme applicable to all
incumbents joining government service on or after 01.01.2004, the
Respondent, who was appointed on 25.02.2005, cannot claim the right to
be covered by the old pension scheme, merely because the vacancy against
which he was appointed was initially advertised at a time when the old
pension scheme was in force. Hon’ble Court also observed that once the
new pension scheme unambiguously and specifically provided that since
all incoming office bearers, whose date of appointment is on or after
01.01.2004, would be governed by the new pension scheme, no reference
can be made to either the date of vacancy, or the date of advertisement.
In view of the specific provisions of the Notification dated
22.12.2003, the date of advertisement for the vacancies or the date of
examination for selection against those vacancies is not considered
relevant for determining the eligibility for coverage under the Old
Pension Scheme or the National Pension System. There is no proposal to
revise the orders issued vide aforesaid Office Memorandum dated
17.02.2020.
This information was given by the Union Minister of State
(Independent Charge), Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS
PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr
Jitendra Singh in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
PFRDA PFRDA pledges to contribute to PM-CARES Fund to help fight COVID-19 outbreak
01 APR 2020
The pension sector regulator Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has pledged to
contribute a part of the employee’s salary to the Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency
Situations (PM CARES) Fund, instituted recently under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to
assist and provide relief measures to the citizens of the country following the global outbreak of novel
Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Alike other Government institutions, industry leaders, celebrities, individuals, PFRDA
employees have decided to contribute part of their salary and PFRDA is committed to assist the government in
its fight against the pandemic in India.
Shri Supratim Bandyopadhyay, Chairman PFRDA said “This is one of the most challenging period that our country
is facing today. At this moment what matters most is sharing the responsibility of fight against coronavirus
(COVID-19) in every way possible. The PFRDA is perceptive of the implications of this pandemic situation and
would like to contribute towards the fight of this crisis”.
About PFRDA
Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) is the statutory Authority established by an
enactment of the Parliament, to regulate, promote and ensure orderly growth of the National Pension System
(NPS) and pension schemes to which this Act applies. NPS was initially notified for
central government employees joining service on or after 1st Jan 2004 and subsequently adopted by almost all
State Governments for its employees. NPS was extended to all Indian citizens (resident/non-resident/overseas)
on a voluntary basis and to corporates for its employees.
As on 31st March 2020, the total number of subscribers under NPS and Atal Pension Yojana has crossed 3.45
crores and the Asset under Management (AUM) has grown to Rs 4,17,478 crores. More than 68 lakhs government
employees have been enrolled under NPS and 22 lakhs subscribers have subscribed to NPS in the private sector
with 7,568 entities registered as corporates. More than 2.11 crores subscribers are presently covered under
the GoI guaranteed pension scheme - Atal Pension Yojana.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (BHARAT SARKAR)
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (RAIL MANTRALAYA)
(RAILWAY BOARD)
RBE No.29/2020
No. F(E)HI/2005/PN1/35
New Delhi, Dated : 04.o3.2020
The GMs/ Principal Financial Advisors,
All Zonal Railways/ Production Units,
(As per mailing list)
Subject: Counting of service on joining new service in State Government / Central Government / Autonomous
Body for the benefit of gratuity in respect of Railway employees covered under National Pension System
(NPS).
A copy of Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DOP&PW’s) O.M. No. 7/5/2012-P&PW(F)/B
dated 12th February, 2020 is enclosed herewith for compliance and guidance. These instructions shall apply
mutatis mutandis on the Railways also. Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972 correspond to the Railway Services (Pension)
Rules, 1993.
The Railway Board’s instructions corresponding to the DOP&PW’s instructions referred to in their
aforesaid O.M. dated 12th February, 2020 are given under :-
S. No.
DOP & PW’s instructions
Railway Board’s
corresponding instructions.
1.
O.M. No. 38/41/06 -P&PW(A) dated 05.05.2009
Letter No. 2008/ AC-II/21/19 dated
29.05.2009.
2.
O.M. No.7/5/2012 -P&PW(F)/B dated 26.08.2016
Letter No. 2012/ F(E)III/1(1)/4
dated 05.09.2016.
(G. Priya Sudarsani)
Director, Finance (Estt.)
Railway Board.
D.A.: as above
No. F(E)III/2005/PN1/35
New Delhi, dated: 04 . 03.2020.
Copy to Deputy Comptroller and Auditor General of India (Railways), Room No. 224, Rail Bhawan, New Delhi.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (BHARAT SARKAR)
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (RAIL MANTRALAYA)
(RAILWAY BOARD)
No. D-43/12/2018-F(E)III
New Delhi, Dated : 03.03.2020
The GMs/ Principal Financial Advisors,
All Zonal Railways/ Production Units,
(As per mailing list)
Subject: Coverage under Railway Services (Pension) Rules, 1993, in place of National Pension System, of those Railway employees whose selection for appointment was finalized before 01.01.2004 but who joined Railway service on or after 01.01.2004.
A copy of Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DOP&PW’s) O.M. No. 57/04/2019-P&PW(B) dated 171 h February, 2020 is enclosed herewith for compliance and guidance. These instructions shall apply mutatis mutandis on the Railways also. Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972 correspond to the Railway Services (Pension) Rules, 1993. The Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance’s Notification No. 5n/2003-ECB &PR dated 22.12.2003, mentioned in the DOP&PW’s O.M. dated 17.02.2020, has been circulated on Railways vide this office’s letter No. F(E)III/2003/PN 1/24 dated 31.12.2003.
Similar to the amendments made in the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972 and other connected rules, as mentioned in para 1 of the DOP&PW’s O.M. dated 17.02.2020, the Railway Services (Pension) Rules, 1993 and other connected rules were also amended vide Notification No. F(E)III/ 2003/PN1/38 dated 30.12.2003.
Further, separate instructions with respect to para 9 of the DOP&PW’s O.M. dated 17.02.2020 will be issued by the Accounts Directorate for accountal of the corpus available in the NPS account of the railway servant.
Latest News on NPS: Old Pension Scheme for 2004 CG Employees
The Department of Pension and Pensioners ' Welfare released a significant order on 17 February 2020 on
extending the benefit to Central government employees whose appointment has been postponed after 31 December
2003.
Under this Order, a single right to be protected under CCS (Pension) Rules (1972) may be given to government
officers who have been deemed effective to obtain the results declared before or on 31.12.2003 against
vacancies that take place before 01.01.2004 for joints on or after 01.01.2004. The Central government
employees in question can exercise this option by 31.05.2020 at the earliest.
Latest news on NPS to OPS
Amendment in CCS (Pension) Rules 1972 - Central Government Employees
No. 57/04/2019-P&PVW/(B)
Government of India
Department of Pension and PW
Lok Nayak Bhawan, Khan Market,
New Delhi, the 17 February, 2020
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Coverage under Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972, in place of National Pension
System, of those Central Government employees whose selection for appointment was finalized before 01.01.2004
but who joined Government service on or after 01.01.2004.
The undersigned is directed to say that consequent on introduction of National Pension System (NPS) vide Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs)
Notification No. 5/7/2003-ECB & PR dated 22.12.2003, all Government servants appointed on or after
01.01.2004 to the posts in the Central Government service (except armed forces) are mandatorily covered under
the said scheme. The Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972 and other connected rules were also amended
vide Notification dated 30.12.2003 and, after the said amendment, those rules are not applicable to the
Government servants appointed to Government service after 31.12.2003.
2. Representations have been received in this Department from the Government servants appointed on or after
1.1.2004 requesting for the benefit of the pension scheme under Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972 on the ground that their appointment was delayed
on account of administrative reasons or lapses. Similar references have been received from
Ministries/Departments seeking advice of this Department on the question whether the Government servants who
were appointed on or after 1.1.2004 could also be extended the benefit of pension scheme under CCS (Pension)
Rules, if their appointment was delayed beyond 31.12.2003 on account of administrative reasons and the delay
in appointment was beyond the control of the said Government servants.
3. From the representations of the Central
Government employees and the references received from Ministries /Departments, it has been
observed that in many of the cases referred to this Department, selection process (including written
examination, interview and declaration of result) for recruitment had been completed before 01.01.2004 but
the employee joined the Government service on or after 01.01.2004. A few illustrations where the selection
was finalized before 01.01.2004 but actual joining took place on or after 01.01.2004 are as under:
(i) The result for recruitment was declared before 01.01.2004 but the offer of appointment and actual joining
of the Government servant was delayed on account of police verification, medical examination etc.;
(ii) Some of the candidates selected through a common selection process were issued offers of appointments
and were also appointed before 01.01.2004 whereas the offers of appointment to other selected candidates were
issued on or after 1.1.2004 due to administrative reasons/constraints including pending Court/ CAT cases.
(iii) Candidates selected before 01.01.2004 through a common competitive examination were allocated to
different Departments/ organization. While recruitment process was completed by some Department(s) /
organizations on or before 31.12.2003 in respect of one or more candidates, the offers of appointment to the
candidates allocated to the other Departments / organization were issued on or after 01.01.2004.
(iv) Offers of appointment to selected candidates were made before 01.01.2004 with a direction to join on or
after 01.01.2004.
(v) Offers of appointment were issued to selected candidates before 01.01.2004, and many/ most candidates
joined service before 01.01.2004. However, some candidate(s) were allowed extension of joining time and they
joined service on or after 01.01.2004. However, their seniority was either unaffected or was depressed in the
same batch or to a subsequent batch, the result for which subsequent batch was declared before 01.01.2004.
(vi) The result for recruitment was declared before 01.01.2004 but one or more candidates were declared
disqualified on the grounds of medical fitness or verification of character and antecedents, caste or income
certificates. Subsequently, on review, they were found fit for appointment and were issued offers of
appointment on or after 01.01.2004.
In all the above illustrative cases, since the result for recruitment was declared before 01.01.2004, denial
of the benefit of pension under CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 to the affected Government servants is not
considered justified.
4. The matter has been examined in consultation with the Department of Personnel & Training, Department
of Expenditure and Department of Legal Affairs in the light of the various representations/references and
decisions of the Courts in this regard. It has been decided that in all cases where the results for
recruitment were declared before 01.01.2004 against vacancies occurring on or before 31.12.2003, the
candidates declared successful for recruitment shall be eligible for coverage under the CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972. Accordingly, such Government servants who were declared
successful for recruitment in the results declared on or before 31.12.2003 against vacancies occurring before
01.01.2004 and are covered under the National Pension System on joining service on or after 01.01.2004, may
be given a one-time option to be covered under the CCS(Pension) Rules, 1972. This option may
be exercised by the concerned Government servants latest by 31.05.2020.
5. Those Government servants who are eligible to exercise option in accordance with para-4 above, but who do
not exercise this option by the stipulated date, shall continue to be covered by the National Pension system
(NPS).
6. The option once exercised shall be final.
7. It is clarified, that the above option would be available to only those Government servants who were
declared successful for recruitment before 01.01.2004, against vacancies pertaining to the period prior to
that date. This option shall, however, not be available to the Government servants appointed on or after
01.01.2004 if they fall in any of the following categories:
(i) Government servants whose names were included in a panel of selected candidates before 01.01.2004 for
recruitment against vacancies occurring on or after 01.01.2004 and were, accordingly, recruited on or after
01.01.2004.
(ii) A Government servant whose name was included in a panel of selected candidates prepared before
01.01.2004 for vacancies arising before and after 01.01.2004 but was actually appointed after 31.12.2003
against a vacancy arising on or after 01.01.2004.
(iii) Government servants who were selected against vacancies pertaining to the period prior to 01.01.2004 on
the basis of an advertisement / notification issued before 01.01.2004 or a written examination / interview
held before 01.01.2004 but results for recruitment were declared on or after 01.01.2004.
(iv) Government servants who joined on or after 01.01.2004 after they were granted extension of joining time
on their own request and, in accordance with the instructions issued by the Department of Personnel &
Training, their seniority was depressed on account of such extension of joining time to a batch for which the
result for recruitment was declared on or after 01.01.2004.
8. The matter regarding coverage under the CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 based on the option exercised by the
Government servant shall be placed before the appointing authority for consideration in accordance with these
instructions. In case the Government servant fulfils the conditions for coverage under the CCS (Pension)
Rules, 1972, in accordance with these instructions, necessary order in this regard shall be issued latest by
30 September, 2020. The NPS account of such Government servants shall, consequently, be
closed w.e.f. 01st November, 2020.
9. The Government servants who exercise option to switch over to the pension scheme under CCS (Pension)
Rules, 1972, shall be required to subscribe to the General Provident Fund (GPF). Regarding accountal of the
corpus in the NPS account of the Government servant, Controller General of Accounts (CGA) has furnished the
following clarification vide letter No. 1(7)(2)/2010/cla./TA III/390 dated 14.11.2019:
i. Adjustment of Employees’ contribution in Accounts: Amount may be credited to individual’s
GPF account and the account may be recasted permitting up-to-date interest (Authority-FR-16 &Rule 11 of
GPF Rules).
ii. Adjustment of Government contribution under NPS in Accounts: To be accounted for as (-)
Dr. to object head 70 – Deduct Recoveries under Major Head 2071 - Pension and other Retirement benefit –
Minor Head 911- Deduct Recoveries of overpayment (GAR 35 and para 3.10 of List of Major and Minor Heads of
Accounts).
iii. Adjustment of increased value of subscription on account of appreciation of investments
- May be accounted for by crediting the amount to Govt. account under M.H. 0071- Contribution towards Pension
and Other Retirements Benefits 800- Other Receipts ( Note under the above Head in LMMHA).
10. All Ministries / Departments are requested to give wide publicity to these orders. The
cases of those Government servants who fulfil the conditions mentioned in this O.M. and who exercise option
to switch over to the pension scheme under CCS (Pension) Rules may be settled by the administrative
Ministries / Departments in accordance with these orders.
11. These orders issue with the concurrence of Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure, vide their
I.D. Note No. 1(7) EV/2019 dated 08.01.2020.
12. In their application to the employees of Indian Audit and Accounts Department, these orders are issued
after consultation with Comptroller and Auditor General of India, as mandated under Article 148(5) of the
Constitution.
13. Hindi version will follow.
(Ruchir Mittal)
Deputy Secretary to the Government of India
NPS - Grant of Additional Benefits on death / disability of Government Servants covered under National Pension System
EAST COAST RAILWAY
Grant of Additional Benefits on death/disability of Government Servants covered under National Pension System
(NPS) - Railway Board RBE No. 08/2020 No. D-43/4/2018- F(E)III
dated 20.01.2020.
RBE No. 08/2020
Government of India
Ministry of Railways
(Railway Board)
No. D-43/4/2018-F(E)III
New Delhi, Dated 20.01.2020
The General Managers/ Principal Financial Advisory,
All Zonal Railways/ Production Units
Sub:- Grant of Additional Benefits on death / disability of Government Servants covered under
National Pension System (NPS) - reg
Attention is invited to Board’s letter No. 2008/AC-II/21/19 dated 29.05.2009 vide which instructions were
issued providing for additional relief on death/disability of Government servants covered by New Defined
Contribution Pension System (NPS). Instructions issued vide letter ibid will be applicable to those
Government Servants who joined Government Service on or after 01.01.2004 and will take effect from the same
date i.e. 01.01.2004. Further, attention is invited to the letter No. 2016/F(E)III/1(1)/3 dated 27.05.2016
vide which Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (Exits and Withdrawals under NPS) Regulation,
2015 notified vide Gazette notification dated 11.05.2015 was adopted and circulated on Railways. It is
prescribed in these regulations that if the subscriber or the family members of the deceased subscriber, upon
his death, avails the option of additional relief on seek transfer of the entire accumulated pension wealth
of subscriber to itself.
2. References were received in this office seeking clarification whether the rule allowing option for drawl
of pension/ family pension, instead of NPS corpus, is also applicable retrospectively for the cases where
corpus of NPS has already been paid to the deceased employee’s legal heirs before issue of board’s letter No.
2008/AC-II/21/19 dated 29.05.2009. If the date of application of additional benefit is retrospective, whether
it is from the date the employee deceased or from the date of issue of Board’s letter dated 29.05.2009. Also,
whether the arrears of pension/family pension is to be paid (upon surrender of NPS Corpus) or not, and the
amount is likely to be huge which would impact the Railway Finances. Clarification was, also, sought whether
the interest on the corpus is to be charged from the date of payment of corpus amount till the date of is
surrender and if so, at what rate.
3. The above issue has been examined in consultation with Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare
(DOP&PW), the nodal Department of pensioner matters. DOP&PW has clarified that Railway servant/
family member in the case of death of railway servant of his discharge from service on account of
invalidation/ disability, is entitled to pension/ family pension under old pension scheme under Railway
Services (Pension) Rules, 1993, if the Railway servant/ Family wants to. DOP&PW have, further, clarified
that the entire accumulated pension funds under NPS may be recovered from him/family with interest for the
period from the date of receipt of entire accumulated pension wealth to the subscriber under NPS to the date
of refund to the Government at the rate and manner applicable to GPF deposits from time to time.
4. The aforesaid clarification may be kept in view while dealing with cases covered under National Pension
System (NPS).
sd/-
(G. Priya Sudarsani)
Director, Finance (Estt.)
Railway Board
Second National Judicial Pay Commission has filed the subject of Pay, Pension and Allowances, in Supreme Court on 29.01.2020.
Ministry of Labour & Employment Second National Judicial Pay Commission submits its Report
06 FEB 2020
The Second National Judicial Pay Commission
has filed the main part of the Report in 4 volumes covering the subject
of Pay, Pension and Allowances, in the Registry of the Supreme Court on
29.01.2020. The Commission has been constituted pursuant to the Order
of the Supreme Court in All India Judges Association case and the
Government of India, Ministry of Law & Justice issued a Notification
dated 16.11.2017 in this regard. Shri Justice P.V. Reddi, former Judge
of the Supreme Court is the Chairman, Shri Justice R. Basant, former
Judge of Kerala High Court is the Member and Shri Vinay Kumar Gupta,
District Judge of Delhi Higher Judicial Service is the Member-Secretary
of the Commission.
The Interim Report was submitted by the Commission in 2018.
The salient recommendations are:
PAY: The Commission having considered various alternative methodologies has recommended the adoption of Pay Matrix
which has been drawn up by applying the multiplier of 2.81 to the
existing pay, commensurate with the percentage of increase of pay of
High Court Judges. @ 3% cumulative has been applied.
As
per the revised pay structure evolved by the Commission, the Junior
Civil Judge / First Class Magistrate whose staring pay is Rs.27,700/-
will now get Rs.77,840/-. The next higher post of Senior Civil Judge
starts with the pay of Rs.1,11,000/- and that of the District Judge
Rs.1,44,840/-. The highest pay which a District Judge (STS) will get, is
Rs.2,24,100/-.
The percentage of Selection Grade and Super Time Scale District Judges proposed to be increased by 10% and 5% respectively.
The
revised pay and pension will be effective from 01.01.2016. Arrears will
be paid during the Calendar year 2020 after adjusting the interim
relief.
PENSION:
Pension at 50% of last drawn pay worked out on the basis of proposed
revised pay scales is recommended w. e. f. 1-1-2016. The family pension
will be 30% of the last drawn pay. Additional quantum of pension will
commence on completing the age of 75 years (instead of 80 years) and
percentages at various stages thereafter are increased. The existing
ceiling of retirement gratuity and death gratuity will be increased by
25% when the DA reaches 50%.
Nodal officers will be nominated by the District Judges to assist the pensioners / family pensioners.
Recommendation has been made to discontinue the New Pension Scheme (NPS)
which is being applied to those entering service during or after 2004.
The old pension system, which is more beneficial, will be revived.
ALLOWANCES:
The existing allowances have been suitably increased and certain new
features have been added. However, the CCA is proposed to be
discontinued.
Recommendations are made to improve the
medical facilities and to simplify the reimbursement procedure. Medical
facilities will be granted to pensioners and family pensioners also.
Certain
new allowances viz. children education allowance, home orderly
allowances, transport allowance in lieu of pool car facility, have been
proposed. HRA proposed to be increased uniformly in all States. Steps to ensure proper maintenance of official quarters recommended.
The recommendations made by the Commission are applicable to the Judicial officers throughout the country.
Supreme Court will have to issue directions regarding the implementation of recommendations after hearing the stakeholders.
13 lakhs Central Government Employees participated in the nationwide one day strike on 8th January 2020
PRESS STATEMENT
Dated 8th January, 2020
About thirteen (13) lakhs Central Govt. Employees participated in the nationwide one day strike on 8th January 2020 as per
the call given by Confederation of Central Government Employees & Workers. The main demand of the strike is “Scrap
New Contributory Pension Scheme (NPS) & Restore
Old defined Pension Scheme (OPS)”. The strike is also to express the anger and protest of the Central Government employees and Pensioners against the neo-liberal
policies being implemented by the Central Government in the Central Government services, as a result of which the job
security, wage structure, social security and the trade union rights of the employees are in danger. None of the 10 points
Charter of Demands submitted to the Government by Confederation are settled.
In Postal department about four and half lakhs employees participated in the strike all over the country. 1,55,000 Post
Offices and about 400 RMS offices remained closed. Gramin Dak Sevaks of rural post offices also went on strike. Delivery
work also affected as Postmen joined the strike.
In Income Tax Department the strike is total in all the States. Work of all Income Tax Offices came to a standstill.
Employees of Audit & Accounts department, Civil Accounts, Atomic Energy, Geological Survey of India, Customs and Central
Excise, Survey of India, Botanical Survey of India, Postal Accounts, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Printing and
Stationery, Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), AGMARK, Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Medical Stores Depots, Film
Division of India, Indian Council for Medical Research, Indian Council for Agricultural Research, Central Food Processing
Laboratory, Census Department, National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO), Defence Accounts, Rehabilitation Department,
Central Public Works Department (CPWD), Canteen Employees, Institute of Physics, LNCPE, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute of
Medical Sciences, Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), Passport Department, Zoological survey of India, Patent
Office, Central Drug Laboratory, NADMO, National Library, Marketing Inspection, Commercial Intelligence, Homeopathy
Department, Archeological Survey of India and various other autonomous and Scientific Research Institutions participated in
the nationwide strike.
Strike is near total in Kerala, West Bengal, Tamilnadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Odisha, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh,
Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, Assam, North Eastern States including Tripura. 70 to 80% participation in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya
Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan. 60 to 70% strike in Uttarakhand, Bihar, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Gujrat and J &
K.
Solidarity demonstrations and dharnas are conducted by Central Government Pensioners Organizastions in various states.
National Secretariat of the Confederation thanked and congratulated the Central Government employees for their massive
participation and for making the one day nationwide strike a resounding success.
M.Krishnan
Secretary General
Confederation
Email: mkrishnan6854@gmail.com
Year End Review 2019 : Ministry of Labour and Employment
More than 39 Lakhs Beneficiaries Enrolled In PM-SYM and more than 20,000 in NPS - Traders
1,52,778 establishments covering 1,21,65,587 Employees Benefitted under PMRPY
30 DEC 2019
Ministry of Labour and Employment has taken a number of initiatives for bringing transparency and accountability through
reforms and enforcement of Labour Laws, with the objective of strengthening the safety, security, health, social security
for every worker and bringing ease of compliance for running an establishment to catalyze creation of employment
opportunities. These initiatives include governance reforms through use of e-governance measures and legislative reforms by
simplifying, amalgamating and rationalizing the existing labour laws into 4 labour codes. Two mega pension schemes were
launched during the year for old age protection and social security of unorganized workers.
LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES: LABOUR LAW REFORMS
Labour Codes: As per the recommendations of the 2nd National Commission on Labour, Ministry has taken steps for
codification of existing Central labour laws into 4 Codes by simplifying, amalgamating and rationalizing the relevant
provisions of the Central Labour laws. At present, the Ministry has been working on to simplify, amalgamate &
rationalize the provisions of the existing Central labour laws into 4 Labour Codes. (I) Labour Code on Wages: The Code on Wages, 2019 subsumes 4 existing Laws, viz. the Minimum Wages Act, 1948; the
Payment of Wages Act, 1936; the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965; and the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976. It has been passed by both
Houses of the Parliament and assented to by the President on 08.08.2019. (II) Labour Code on Industrial Relations: The draft Labour Code on Industrial Relations subsumes the existing Laws
viz. The Trade Union Act, 1926; The Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946; The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.
The Code has been introduced in the Lok Sabha on 28.11.2019. (III) Labour Code on Social Security & Welfare: The draft Code on Social Security subsumes 09 Labour Acts like:
The Employees’ Compensation Act, 1923, The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, The Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, The Unorganized
Workers’ Social Security Act, 2008 etc.
The Code has been introduced in Lok Sabha on December 11, 2019. (IV) Labour Code on Occupational Safety, Health & Working Conditions: The Occupational Safety, Health &
Working Conditions Code, 2019 subsumes the 13 Labour Acts like: The Factories Act, 1948, The Plantation Labour Act, 1951,
The Mines Act, 1952, The Building and Other Constructions Workers’ (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act,
1996 etc.
The Occupational Safety Health & Working Conditions Code, 2019 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 23.07.2019. Presently,
the Code has been referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour for examination.
GOVERNANCE REFORMS THROUGH TECHNOLOGY
Shram Suvidha Portal:
The Ministry of Labour & Employment has developed a unified Web Portal ‘Shram Suvidha Portal’, to bring transparency and
accountability in enforcement of labour laws and ease complexity of compliance.
Allotment of unique Labour Identification Number (LIN) to Units after registration to facilitate online inspection
& compliance was started on the Portal with its launch on 16.10.2014 itself. Unique Labour Identification Number (LIN)
has been allotted to 27,81,065 units as on 08.11.2019. Transparent Labour Inspection Scheme in Central Sphere was started on the Portal with its launch on 16.10.2014
itself. Since the launch of the Labour Inspection Scheme, 5,24,189 inspection reports across the four Central Labour
Enforcement Agencies have been uploaded on Shram Suvidha Portal.
ONLINE RETURN - Unified Online Annual Returns have been made mandatory in respect of eight (8) Central Labour Acts,
namely, the Payment of Wages Act, 1936, the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, the Payment of Bonus
Act, 1965, the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970, the Inter-State
Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979, and the Building and Other Construction
Workers (Regulation of Employment and Condition of Service) (BOCW) Act, 1996. These Returns which were half yearly/annually
earlier, now need to be filed by all employers annually only and are to be filed online. 1,08,711 online returns have been
filed on the Shram Suvidha Portal as on 08.11.2019 Since launch of the Online Annual Return.
31,047 online returns have been filed on the Shram Suvidha Portal till November 08, 2019 under Mines Act, 1952 (Coal Mines
Regulations, Metallurgical Mines Regulations and Oil Mines Regulations).
Unified monthly Electronic Challan-cum-Return (ECR) for EPFO and ESIC has been made operational.
COMMON REGISTRATION: Common Registration form for EPFO and ESIC has been made operational. 1,27,544 units have been
registered with EPFO & 1,07,681 units have been registered with ESIC as on November 08, 2019.
Common Registration under three Central Acts namely the Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment
and Condition of Service) Act, 1996, the Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and conditions of Service)
Act, 1979 and the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970 is being provided online on Shram Suvidha Portal.
6052 registrations have been issued using this facility as on 08.11.2019.
Licenses under two Central Acts, namely, the, Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of
Service) Act, 1979 and the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970 have been made online. 20,316 licenses have
been issued using this facility as on 08.11.2019.
State Integration
Integration of States with Shram Suvidha Portal is under way. As on date, Haryana, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya
Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Delhi are being integrated with the Portal. Data is being shared and LIN is
being allotted to the establishments covered by the state labour enforcement agencies.
Start Up India
Facility for exemption from Labour Inspections under six (6) Central Labour Acts is being provided to the Start-ups which
submit self certified declarations through Shram Suvidha Portal.
State/UT Governments have been advised to regulate the inspections for the Start-Ups, wherever applicable and extend the
self-certification compliance regime from 3 years to 5 years. 27 States/UTs have taken action on the advisory dated
12.01.2016 /06.04.2017 issued by this Ministry for self-certification and to regulate inspection under the four (4) labour
laws viz. the Building & Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996, the
Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979,the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972
and the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970 for the start-ups wherever applicable.
Social Security Schemes
Government of India has launched two pension schemes for old age protection and social security of Unorganised Workers in
2019.
Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM), a voluntary and contributory pension scheme, was launched in February,
2019 for the benefit of unorganized workers. It is central sector scheme open to unorganised workers, whose monthly income
is Rs.15000/- or below and who has an Aadhar number as well as savings bank / jan-dhan account. The minimum age for joining
the scheme is 18 years and the maximum is 40 years. Under the scheme, minimum assured monthly pension of Rs.3000/- will be
provided to the beneficiaries from the age of 60 years onwards. Enrolment to the Scheme is done through the Common Service
Centres, with its network of 3.50 lakh Centres across the country. In addition eligible persons can also self-enroll through
visiting the portal www.maandhan.in. Under the scheme, the subscriber is required to pay the prescribed monthly contribution
amount and the Central Government provides equal contribution. Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) is the Pension Fund
Manager and shall be responsible for pension pay-out. Total number of 39,00,525 beneficiaries under PM-SYM have been
enrolled as on 10.12.2019.
National Pension Scheme for Traders, Shopkeepers and Self-Employed Persons has been launched on 12.09.2019. It is a
voluntary and contributory pension scheme. Enrolment to the Scheme is done through the Common Service Centres, with its
network of 3.50 lakh Centres across the country. In addition eligible persons can also self-enroll through visiting the
portal www.maandhan.in. The traders in the age group of 18-40 years with an annual turnover, not exceeding Rs.1.5 crore and
who are not a member of EPFO /ESIC/ NPS/ PM-SYM or an income tax payer, can join the scheme. Under the scheme, 50% monthly
contribution is payable by the beneficiary and equal matching contribution is paid by the Central Government. Subscribers,
after attaining the age of 60 years, are eligible for a monthly minimum assured pension of Rs.3,000/-. Total number of
20,000 beneficiaries under NPS-Traders have been enrolled as on 10.122019. Pension Week was also celebrated in all the States/UTs w.e.f. 30th November to 06th December, 2019 in coordination
with Common Service Centres, to increase the enrolments under both the Schemes, i.e. PM-SYM and NPS-Traders. A Central level
function was inaugurated on 30.11.2019 by Minister for Labour and Employment launching the Pension Week/Pension Saptah. All
the State Governments/UT Governments were requested for popularizing and bringing more awareness about the scheme. The
progress of the Scheme is being reviewed regularly in the Ministry for taking initiatives under Mission Mode.
Major Steps Taken In EPFO
Three new apps to improve service delivery of subscribers were launched by Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Minister of State
(I/C) for Labour and Employment on EPFO Foundation Day. The details of three important digital initiatives of EPFO are as
under:
Online Facility for UAN generation by worker: Now any workers can obtain Universal Account Number (UAN) directly
on EPFO website which enrolls them for PF, Pension and Life Insurance benefits and a worker need not depend on his employer
alone for UAN. This is in the direction of ease of living and ensuring universal social security.
EPS Pensioner’s PPO in DigiLocker website / Application (APP) EPFO integrates with DigiLocker of NeGD to create
depository of electronic PPOs which is accessible to individual pensioners. This is a move towards paperless system and ease
of living for pensioners.
e-Inspections: Digital interface of EPFO with employers: The E-Inspection Form would be available in user login
of employers not filing ECR which enables employer to inform either closure of business or unpaid dues with proposal for
payment. It will nudge employers for compliant behavior and prevent undue harassment of non-willful defaulters and eliminate
inspector raj.
Central Board of Trustees, EPF recommends crediting of 8.65% rate of interest on Accumulations in the EPF Member’s
Account for the year 2018-19:
In 224th meeting of the Central Board of Trustees, EPF under the chairmanship of Union Minister of State for Labour and
Employment (I/C) Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, the Central Board recommended crediting of 8.65 % rate of interest on the EPF
accumulations in the EPF member’s account for the year 2018-19.
New Initiatives taken in Central Board of Trustees (CBT) meeting held on 21 August 2019: 1. Amendment in Employees’ pension Scheme 1995:
In a major decision, the Central Board of Trustees (CBT) EPF in a meeting held at Hyderabad on 21 August 2019, approved the
proposal to recommend for amendment in Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS) 1995 for restoration of commuted value of pension to
the Pensioners after 15 years of drawing commutation which will benefit approx. 6.3 lakhs pensioners. This was a long
pending demand of the pensioner
2. Launch of Revamped EPFIGMS 2.0 Version:
The Chairman CBT also launched the revamped EPFIGMS 2.0 version which will benefit more than 5 crores subscribers and lakhs
of employers by speedy and smooth resolution of grievances. Selection of ETF Manufacturers: The Board approved the decision to choose the Exchange Traded Fund (ETF)
manufacturers through public bidding by 30/10/2019, extension of the term of the present ETF manufacturers (SBI MF and UTI
MF) till then and also to authorized the Finance Investment & Audit Committee (FIAC) to conduct the exercise of choosing
ETF manufacturers. Allocation of investment in Nifty 50 and Sensex: The Board approved the proposal that the fund allocation between
Nifty 50 and Sensex ETFs be divided evenly, i.e. in the ratio of 50% to 50%. Appointment of a Consultant in addition to M/s. CRISIL Ltd: The Board approved the nomination of members from
employer’s and employee side in a Committee constituted to select and appoint a separate Agency/Consultant in addition to
M/s. CRISIL limited, inter-alia to review the working of the Portfolio Managers (PMs), assist the investment Committee in
redemption of ETFs, etc.
Appointment of Portfolio Managers for managing funds of Central Board, EPF: The Central Board approved Request for
Proposal (RFP) document for appointment of Portfolio Managers and recommendation of the FIAC on appointment of Portfolio
Managers.
Exercise of early redemption options available in DHFL Bonds: The Board approved for early redemption option in DHFL
bonds recommended by FIAC.
Major Steps Taken In ESIC
Rate reduction in ESI Contribution- The ESI Corporation has reduced rates of ESI Contribution being paid by employees
and employers covered under ESI Scheme from 6.5 % (Employees’ share 1.75% & Employers’ share 4.75%) to 4% (Employees’
share 0.75% & Employers’ share 3.25%) with effect from 01.07.2019. This reduction of contribution rates, will ensures
financial relief to employers and employees. However, the healthcare benefits under the ESI scheme will remain the same. The
decision will benefit 36 million workers and 1.28 million employers.
Health Passbook for ESI Beneficiaries - ESIC has introduced a Health Passbook for ESI Beneficiaries in Phased manner.
This Health Passbook serves as a user-friendly mechanism for beneficiary identification, recording of clinical finding and
consultation advice by the Insurance Medical Practitioner(s). Salient feature of Health Passbook is as under: -
Separate Passbook with Unique Health ID, QR code and photograph of Insured Persons and his/her family members.
Serves for beneficiaries identification & recording of clinical findings and consultation advice by ESI Doctors/
IMPs.
Passbook would be issued by the ESIC Branch Offices in a phased manner.
Insured Persons of ESIC from newly implemented area to get treatment under Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya
Yojana (PMJAY): ESIC has decided to provide cashless medical care services to entitled Insured Persons and
Beneficiaries under Ayushman Bharat package rates in newly implemented area of 102 designated Districts through PMJAY
empanelled hospitals up to a maximum limit of Rs.5.00 lakh, beyond which individual case will be channelled to ESIC for
seeking approval for further expenditure on ESI beneficiaries. Similarly, PMJAY beneficiaries may get in-house medical
treatment services as per Ayushman Bharat approved packages from underutilized ESI Hospitals.
ESIC - Chinta Se Mukti app launched - The Corporation has also launched the ESIC “Chinta Se Mukti” app
available on the UMANG platform to facilitate stakeholders to view contribution details, eligibility for benefits, claim
status, etc. in their Mobile Handset.
Extending medical benefits to Non-IPs - The Corporation has extended its medical services to Non-Insured Persons
(General Public) in its under-utilized hospitals. Now, Non-IPs can avail medical services from underutilized ESIC Hospital,
at Alwar (Rajasthan), Bihta (Bihar), Gulbarga (Karnataka), Bareilly Varanasi, Sarojani Nagar (Lucknow) & Jajmau (Kanpur)
on a nominal charge of Rs.10/- for OPD Consultation and at 25% of CGHS package rates for IPD.
Unified Website - In order to maintain the corporate identity of ESIC and to have a repository of common information,
and also to have uniformity in design and content, a Unified Website www.esic.nic.in has been launched. All the Regional
Offices/Sub-Regional Offices, ESIC Hospitals and ESIC Medical Institutions & Hospitals have been made part of this
single unified website.
ESIC- contributing excellence in sports - ESIC had recruited 135 meritorious sports persons including Shri Pramod
Bhagat, ace para-shuttler from all across India during the year 2016. Shri Pramod Bhagat, an ESIC employee at Regional
Office, Bhubaneswar has received prestigious Arjuna Award for the current year on 29th Aug., 2019. Shri Pramod Bhagat has
many tournaments to his credit including five international titles in six tournaments he participated. He won a gold medal
in the men’s singles SL3 category at the BWF Para-Badminton World Championships in Basel. Bhagat said he is now focusing to
clinch a gold medal in the Olympics.
Strengthening of Medical Infrastructure - In order to provide in-house quality medical services in the major ESIC
Hospitals, of late, ESIC has procured state-of-the-art medical equipments viz. MRI, CT Scan etc. for ICU, Secondary &
Super Speciality care.
National Career Service Project-(NCS) - The Ministry is implementing the National Career Service (NCS) Project as a
Mission Mode Project for transformation of the National Employment Service to provide a variety of employment related
services like career counselling, vocational guidance, information on skill development courses, apprenticeship, internships
etc. The services under NCS are available online and can be accessed directly, through Career Centres, Common Service
Centres, post offices, mobile devices, cyber cafes etc. The various stakeholders on the NCS platform include job-seekers,
industries, employers, employment exchanges (career centres), training providers, educational institutions and placement
organizations.
The progress of NCS Portal is given below:
NATIONAL CAREER SERVICE
Sl. No.
Parameters
Number as on 31st October, 2019
1
Active Jobseekers Registered
1.01 crore
2
Active Employers Registered
25184
3
Total Vacancies Mobilized
58.50 lakh
With the increased focus of Government on Career Counselling, the Ministry proposes to create a network of Career
Counsellors where the Career Centres will become the hub of Career Counselling in their area. Under the process, 5645 Active
Career Counsellors from various States/UTs have got registered at NCS Portal.
The NCS Project also envisaged setting up of Model Career Centres (MCCs) to be established in collaboration with States and
other institutions to deliver employment services. Approval for 146 MCCs has been accorded (including 07 MCCs on non-funding
basis). These model centres can be replicated by the States from their own resources. The Government now, keeping in view of
the importance of the employment as a thrust area in Government Schemes, and to provide employment related services to
maximum job seekers and other stakeholders has decided to establish 100 more Model Career Centres (MCCs) thereby extending
the geographical coverage of the scheme increasing number of Government funded MCCs to 200 during 14th Finance commission
(2017-2020).
Proposals were received from different States. On the recommendations of the Appraisal Committee, Government has approved
171 (including 07 on non-funding basis) Model Career Centres. Further 37 more model career centers have been recommend by
the Inter Ministerial Appraisal Committee in the meeting held on November 20, 2019.
National Career Service Centres for Differently Abled (NCSC-DAs): 21 National Career Service Centres for Differently
Abled (NCSC-DAs) are functioning in the country under the administrative control of Directorate General of Employment, M/O
Labour & Employment. These Centres evaluate residual capacities of Persons with Disabilities, provide Vocational
Training, and extend Vocational Rehabilitation assistances etc. to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). The Services of NCSC-
DAs are open to Persons with Disabilities irrespective of the gender and education in the category of Locomotor, Visual
& Hearing impaired, Mild Mental Retardation and Leprosy Cured.
6644 Candidates have been rehabilitated upto October 31, 2019 by NCSC-Das. National Career Service Centre Centres (NCSCs) for SC/STs; Directorate General of Employment is implementing the
scheme for “Welfare of SC/ST job seekers through Coaching, Vocational Guidance and Training and Introduction of new courses
in existing National Career Service Centre Centres (NCSCs) for SC/STs and Establishment of new NCSCs in the States not
covered so far” Under the scheme, National Career Service Centre Centres (NCSCs) for SC/STs has been set up by Govt. of
India, Ministry of Labour& Employment, DGE to enhance the employability of SC/ST job seekers through coaching/training.
So far 25 National Career Service Centre Centres for SCs/STs have been set up.
67761 candidates have been provided guidance and counselling services, 5621 students were trained in typing and shorthand
and 1050 candidates were trained in computer skills by NCSC-SC/STs upto October 31, 2019.
Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana (PMRPY) - Under the scheme, Government of India is paying Employer’s full
contribution i.e. 12% towards EPF and EPS both (as admissible from time to time) for a period of three years to the new
employees through EPFO.
This scheme has a dual benefit, where, on the one hand, the employer is incentivised for increasing the employment base of
workers in the establishment, and on the other hand, a large number of workers will find jobs in such establishments. A
direct benefit is that these workers will have access to social security benefits of the organized sector. All the
beneficiaries under this scheme are Aadhaar Seeded.
152778 Establishments covering 12165587 Beneficiaries have benefitted till November 25, 2019 under Pradhan Mantri Rojgar
Protsahan Yojana (PMRPY).
BRIEF OF WORKERS EDUCATION SCHEME
The Dattopant Thengadi National Board for Workers Education & Development (renaming of CBWE), an autonomous
body under the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India conducts the Workers Education
Programmes of varied nature and duration in the country through its 50 Regional and 7 Sub-Regional
Directorates spread Kashmir to Kannyakumari and Leh and laddakh for all categories without making any
distinction on the basis of male and female in Organised, Unorganised and Rural Sectors. The DTNBWED
training programmes aim at creating desired awareness among the workers in general and unorganized/ rural
workers in particular about their rights and entitlements under various welfare schemes of the Central / State
government etc.
The Board has organized 1625 training programme organized sector workers, 1120 programme conducted for unorganized and
150 for rural workers.
PIB
Year End Review 2019, Ministry of Labour and Employment, PMSYM, PMRPY, EPFO, ESIC, Pension, EPF, Employees pension Scheme,
Central Government Employees News,
