PFRDA pledges to contribute to PM-CARES Fund to help fight COVID-19 outbreak

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.

PIB

Indian Railways getting ready to provide medical support to National efforts in fighting COVID 19 in a big way

Ministry of Railways

• Indian Railways getting ready to provide medical support to National efforts in fighting COVID 19 in a big way

• Coaches being modified as Isolation coaches to be available for contingency; 5000 coaches being planned initially

• More than 6500 hospital beds of Railways to be made available as prescribed medical specifications

• Railways to supplement the efforts of Government in tackling COVID-19

MAR 2020

In In order to prevent the spread of COVID 19, Indian Railways is making an all out effort to supplement the health care efforts of Government of India. The spectrum of steps include modification of passenger coaches as isolation coaches, equipping the existing Railway Hospitals to meet the COVID needs, earmarking of hospital beds to meet the contingencies, recruitment of additional doctors & paramedics etc.

All these facilities will be made available as mandated by the Government of India to those in need.The preparations are being done across all the zones under the supervision GMs and Medical professionals of Indian Railways.

Indian Railways is planning to initially modify 5000 passenger coaches to meet the requirement of any possible exigency of keeping some corona patients in isolation as and when required by Government. These coaches would be equipped with basic facilities needed for isolation as per medical guidelines. In case need be, more coaches can be modified. Coaches are also going to be equipped with mosquito nets,charging points for mobiles & laptop, space for paramedics etc. These coaches would be prepared zone wise.

Railways has 125 hospitals in India and of that more than 70 are being planned to be kept ready to be for any contingency as and when required. Efforts are being made to designate dedicated COVID wards or floors in these hospitals. Approximately 6500 hospital beds are being made ready to meet the possible needs of patients.

Indian Railways has already given a go ahead to Zonal heads to explore the possibility of hiring doctors and paramedics from the market and also to re-employ retired railway doctors as a temporary measure to meet the increased requirement of medical supervision and assist the authorities in charge of COVID 19 control management in the region.

It may be noted that these efforts of Indian Railways have been mounted not only to supplement the efforts of the Government of India but also to contribute to the national efforts to fight the Corana Virus.

PIB

CPFC Directs to Ensure Credit of Pension to EPS Pensioners by 30th March

Ministry of Labour & Employment
CPFC Directs to Ensure Credit of Pension to EPS Pensioners by 30th March

26 MAR 2020

EPFO makes payment of pension to 65 lakh pensioners every month under the Employees pension Scheme, 1995.

Central Provident Fund Commissioner (CPFC) had directed to process pension payments in all 135 offices of EPFO in advance so that no inconvenience is caused to pensioners on account of nationwide lock down for containing Covid-19 outbreak.

EPFO officers and staff worked with dedication under most difficult circumstances but completed the processing of pension payments in all 135 offices and provided pensioner wise pension payment details for 65 lakh pensioners alongwith requisite cheques to all pension disbursing banks. Link nodal branches of all pension disbursing banks throughout India have been directed to ensure credit of pension in the accounts of pensioners by 30th March, 2020. Thus timely credit of pension at this hour of need has been ensured by all 135 field offices. EPFO is committed to serve its pensioners at all times.

PIB

Ordnance Factory Board earmarks 285 beds for COVID-19 isolation wards

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Defence

25-March, 2020

Ordnance Factory Board earmarks 285 beds for COVID-19 isolation wards

Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) has designated 285 beds for isolation wards in handling Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases. Forty beds have been earmarked in hospitals at Vehicle Factory Jabalpur, thirty beds each at Metal and Steel Factory Ishapore, Gun and Shell Factory Cossipore, Ammunition Factory Khadki, Ordnance Factory Kanpur, Ordnance Factory Khamaria, Ordnance Factory Ambajhari, 25 beds at Ordnance Factory Ambernath and twenty beds each at Heavy Vehicle Factory Avadi and Ordnance Factory Medak.

Functioning of Central Govt Office – Operation to prevent the COVID-19

Setting up of Isolation ward and corresponding number of beds in OFB hospitals. This has been done by Chairman OFB as per Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) instructions in the Cabinet Secretary’s meeting yesterday. The OFB is also trying to produce personal protection equipment and face masks as per pilot order quantity placed by HLL Lifecare Limited (HLL), a PSU under MoHFW.

Source: PIB

Reservation in Appointment on Compassionate Ground

A compassionate appointment will fill 5 percent of the direct recruitment vacancies in Group ‘ C ‘ post in a year

A person chosen on compassionate grounds for appointment is to be balanced against the correct category in the reservation roster, viz. A SC / ST / OBC / General nominee will hold the position assigned to the respective group in the roster.

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Reservation in Appointment on Compassionate Ground

12 MAR 2020

As per extant instructions, upto a maximum of 5% of direct recruitment vacancies arising in a year in Group ‘C’ posts can be filled up by compassionate appointment. There is no fixed quota of posts to be filled up annually on compassionate grounds, as compassionate appointments are to be made by the administrative Ministries / Departments as per the general policy guidelines laid by the Department of Personnel and Training subject to availability of vacancies, number of applicants seeking compassionate appointment etc.

Check: Latest MACP orders from DoPT

A person selected for appointment on compassionate grounds is to be adjusted in the reservation roster against the appropriate category, viz. a candidate belonging to SC/ ST/ OBC/ General category would occupy the position allocated to the respective category, in the roster.

This information was provided 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 written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

PIB

New Public & Private Companies Registration for EPFO & ESIC now on MCA portal

Ministry of Labour & Employment

Registration of New Public & Private Limited Companies for EPFO & ESIC now on MCA Portal

06 MAR 2020

As part of the ongoing efforts to improve India’s ranking in the Doing Business Report 2021, The Ministry of Labour & Employment has completed the reform to “Integrate process of registration for GST, EPFO, ESIC and Profession Tax for Maharashtra with company incorporation” in tandem with the MCA.

The reform has been completed by making the registration of new Public, Private Limited Companies and One Person Company for ESIC and EPFO mandatory through the Spice+ and AGILE-PRO eforms of MCA w.e.f., 15-02-2020. Registration for ESIC and EPFO for new companies as above has been stopped on Shram Suvidha Portal from 15.02.2020. A message to this effect is displayed on the Shram Suvidha Portal and the website of Ministry of Labour and Employment www.labour.gov.in as follows:

Also check: EPFO – Revised Transfer Claim Form 13

Registration for EPFO & ESIC for new Public& Private Limited Companies and One Person Company has been stopped on Shram Suvidha Portal from 15.02.2020.

With effect from 15.02.2020, new Public& Private Limited Companies and One Person Company shall get registration number for EPFO & ESIC on MCA portal (www.mca.gov.in) through Spice + and AGILE-PRO eforms) only at the time of incorporation.

However, the above new companies will have to comply with the provisions of EPF & MP Act, 1952, and ESI Act, 1948 when they cross the threshold limit of employment under the respective Acts.

PIB

Premature Retirement Fundamental Rules FR 56(j) - PIB

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

Premature Retirement

04 MAR 2020

As on 27.02.2020, based on the updated/ reconciled information/ data provided by various Ministries/ Departments/ Cadre Controlling Authorities (CCAs) on the Probity Portal operated by Department of Personnel and Training, provisions of the Fundamental Rules FR 56(j) similar rules have been invoked against 163 Group ‘A’ officers, (including All India Services officers) and 157 Group ‘B’ officers during the period July, 2014 to January, 2020.

As per the provisions under FR 56(j), Rule 48 of Central Civil Services (CCS) (Pensions) Rules, 1972, and Rule 16(3) (Amended) of All India Services (Death-cum-Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958, Government has the absolute right to retire Government officials prematurely on the ground of lack of integrity or ineffectiveness, in public interest.

Also check: Periodic review of Central Government Employees under Rule 48 of CCS (Pension) Rules,1972

This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North- Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, DrJitendra Singh in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

PIB

LIC Policies - Life Insurance Corporation of India

LIC Policies - Life Insurance Corporation of India

Ministry of Finance

LIC Policies

10 FEB 2020

The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) Corporation works actively to provide a bouquet of life insurance products to meet the needs of different social strata. This was stated in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today by Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, the Union Minister of State for Finance & Corporate Affairs.

This has helped LIC to retain its market share of 70.52 percent in the premium for the first year and 75.64 percent in policy terms as of 31.12.2019 (provisional figures) making it a dominant player. The Words Assurance, Endowment, Whole Life, Money Back, Children Specific, Women Specific, Micro Insurance, Unit-Linked and Pension policies are part of the product line, inter-alia.

Check: Latest news for central govt employees today

To give more details, the Minister of State reported that LIC had recruited 1,14,114 agents and 4,374 development officers during the current financial year up to 31.12.2019. This recruitment drive coupled with the Corporation's creative marketing strategies and a growth rate of 17.81 per cent of policies sold until 31.12.2019 is expected to enable LIC to cross three crore thresholds during the current fiscal year.

Shri Thakur said that LIC is constantly striving to deliver attractive products / features including the provision of higher surrender value; extension of the recovery period from two years to five years; option to take advantage of death in instalments and option to take advantage of maturity in installments (Settlement Option) etc.

Inputs from PIB

360 Degree evaluation of Civil Servants - Latest Central Government Employees News

360 Degree evaluation of Civil Servants

Latest Central Government Employees News

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

06 FEB 2020

A system of 360 degree appraisal involving a Multi-Source Feedback from various stakeholders including from seniors, peers and juniors etc. has been introduced in the process of empanelment of officers for holding senior level positions in the Government of India. Apart from Multi-Source Feedback, the empanelment process takes into account the overall service record, vigilance status and suitability of the officers concerned.

The candidates who have been appointed as Joint Secretary under lateral recruitment policy have signed a Contract Agreement with Government. As per this Agreement, the performance of Joint Secretary appointed under lateral recruitment policy will be evaluated annually.

This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North- Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, DrJitendra Singh in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

PIB

Defence - Reservation in Sainik School - 27% reservation for OBCs

Defence - Reservation in Sainik School - 27% reservation for OBCs

Ministry of Defence

Reservation in Sainik School

FEB 2020

At present, there are 31 Sainik Schools functioning in the country. State wise details of Sainik Schools in the country is as under:

Read this: Central government servant representation on their service matters - CGA

S. No.	Name of School	State
1	Sainik School Korukonda	Andhra Pradesh
2	Sainik School Kalikiri	Andhra Pradesh
3	Sainik School East Siang	Arunachal Pradesh
4	Sainik School Goalpara	Assam
5	Sainik School Nalanda	Bihar
6	Sainik School Gopalganj	Bihar
7	Sainik School Ambikapur	Chhattisgarh
8	Sainik School Balachadi	Gujarat
9	Sainik School Kunjpura	Haryana
10	Sainik School Rewari	Haryana
11	Sainik School SujanpurTira	Himachal Pradesh
12	Sainik School Nagrota	Jammu & Kashmir
13	Sainik School Tilaiya	Jharkhand
14	Sainik School Bijapur	Karnataka
15	Sainik School Kodagu	Karnataka
16	Sainik School Kazhakootam	Kerala
17	Sainik School Rewa	Madhya Pradesh
18	Sainik School Satara	Maharashtra
19	Sainik School Chandrapur	Maharashtra
20	Sainik School Imphal	Manipur
21	Sainik School Chhingchhip	Mizoram
22	Sainik School Punglwa	Nagaland
23	Sainik School Bhubaneswar	Odisha
24	Sainik School Kapurthala	Punjab
25	Sainik School Chittorgarh	Rajasthan
26	Sainik School Jhunjhunu	Rajasthan
27	Sainik School Amaravathi Nagar	Tamil Nadu
28	Sainik School Ghorakhal	Uttarakhand
29	Sainik School Mainpuri	Uttar Pradesh
30	Sainik School Jhansi	Uttar Pradesh
31	Sainik School Purulia	West Bengal

Admission to Sainik School is strictly merit based through a competitive exam and medical fitness. As per Sainik School Society Rules and Regulations 1997, seats for admission in Sainik Schools are reserved for candidates belonging to SC, ST and Defence categories. It has been decided on 10th January, 2020 to have 27% reservation for OBCs in admissions to align with the formulations of the M/o Human Resources Development on the matter of admissions.

This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Shripad Naik in a written reply to Shri Margani Bharatin Lok Sabha today.

Also read: Pay Rules / Regulations 2017 for Army / Navy / Air force officers, MNS, JCOs / OR & Equivalent for revision of option to come over to revised pay structure

PIB

Introduction of Paternity Leave System

Ministry of Labour & Employment

Introduction of Paternity Leave System

05 FEB 2020

The Government is not planning to introduce any paternity leave system to men employed by organizations / companies in private sector.

Also check: PATERNITY LEAVE FOR CHILD ADOPTION/CHILD ADOPTION LEAVE

This information was given by Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Minister of State (I/C) for Labour and Employment in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

PIB

MoD – Defence Budget 2020 – 2021 – Defence Pension 2020

MoD – Defence Budget 2020 – 2021 – Defence Pension 2020

The Union budget for the 2020-21 financial year, presented to Parliament on February 01, 2020 by Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, envisaged a total outlay of Rs 30,42,230 crore. Rs 3,37,553 crore (excluding Defence Pension) has been allocated for Defence. A amount of Rs 1,33,825 crore was provided for Defence Pension in Budget Estimates 2020-21.

There is an increase in total Defence allocations (Rs 4,71,378 crore) of Rs 40,367.21 crore including Defence Pension over the 2019-20 fiscal year. Total defence budget accounts for 15.49 per cent of total central government spending for the 2020-21 fiscal year.

The allocation of Rs 4,71,378 crore reflects a 9.37 per cent increase over Budget Estimates (Rs 4,31,010,79 crore) for the 2019-20 financial year.

Of the Rs 3,37,553 crore allocated for the 2020-21 financial year, Rs 2,18,998 crore is for revenue (Net) expenditure and Rs 1,18,555 crore is for capital expenditure for Defence Services and Ministry of Defense organizations / departments. The total of Rs 1,18,555 crore allocated for capital spending includes expenditure related to modernisation.

Input from PIB

Facility of Life Certificate by banks from the doorstep of the pensioners

DoPPW - All Pension Disbursing Banks send SMS / Emails to all their pensioners every year on 24 October, 1 November, 15 November and 25 November, informing them to apply their annual Life Certificates by 30 November

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

Facility of Life Certificate by banks from the doorstep of the pensioners

30 JAN 2020

The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW), has taken a landmark step to make life easier for senior citizens to submit their Annual Life Certificate for continued pension. The Department vide its circular no. 12/4/2020-P&PW(C)- 6300, dated 17.01.2020 has issued directions to all the Pension Disbursing Banks to send SMSs/Emails to all their pensioners on 24th October, 1st November, 15th November and 25th November every year reminding them to submit their Annual Life Certificates by 30th November.
The Department for stricter monitoring in order to ensure that no pensioners are left out, directed all Pension Disbursing Banks to make an exception list as on 1st December every year of those pensioners who fail to submit their Life Certificate and issue another SMS/Email to them for submitting the Life Certificate. The bank in addition will also ask such pensioners through SMS/Email as to whether they are interested in submission of Life Certificate through a chargeable doorstep service, the charge not exceeding Rs.60/-.

The Central Pension Processing Cells (CPPC) of the Pension Disbursing Banks shall now be duty bound to submit a report to DoPPW in the month of January, February & March respectively, indicating the total number of pensioners who have not given their Life Certificate along with a breakup of the Certificates submitted physically and through Digital means.

Also check this : One notional increase for retired employees on 30 June after the completion of 1 year

The above is a landmark step from the side of the Central Government showing due care for pensioners. This step is in addition to the order issued recently dated 18.07.2019 vide which all pensioners age 80 years and above have been given an exclusive window to submit their Life Certificate w.e.f. 1st October every year instead of 1st November every year.

PIB

Cabinet approves Extension of Article 340 to examine the issue of sub-categorization within Other Backward Classes in the Central List

Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment

Cabinet approves Extension, of tenure of the Commission constituted under Article 340 of the constitution to examine the issue of sub-categorization within Other Backward Classes in the Central List

22 JAN 2020

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the extension of the term of the Commission to examine the issue of Sub-categorization of Other Backward Classes, by six months that is up to 31.7.2020.

The Cabinet has also approved addition of following Term of Reference to the existing Terms of Reference of the “Commission” –

“iv. to study the various Entries in the “Central List of OBCs and recommend correction of any repetitions, ambiguities, inconsistencies and errors of spelling or transcription.”

Impact:

The Communities in the existing list of OBCs which have not been able to get any major benefit of the scheme of reservation for OBCs for appointment in Central Government posts & for admission in Central Government Educational Institutions are expected to be benefitted upon implementation of the recommendations of the Commission. The Commission is likely to make recommendations for benefit of such marginalized communities in the Central List of OBCs.

Financial Implications:

The expenditure involved are related to the establishment and administration costs of the Commission, which would continue to be borne by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Benefits:

All persons belonging to the castes/communities which are included in the Central List of SEBCs but which have not been able to get any major benefit of the existing scheme of reservation for OBCs in Central Government posts & for admission in Central Government Educational Institutions would be benefitted.

Implementation strategy and targets:

Orders for extension of the term of the Commission and addition in its Terms of Reference will be notified in the Gazette ‘in the form of an Order made by the President, after receipt of the approval of the Hon’ble President to the same.

Background:

The Commission was constituted under article 340 of the Constitution with the approval of President on 2nd October, 2017. The Commission, headed by Justice (Retd.) Smt. G. Rohini commenced functioning on 11th October, 2017 and has since interacted with all the Stats /UTs which have subcategorized OBCs, and the State Backward Classes Commissions. The Commission has come to the view that it would require some more time to submit, its report since the repetitions, ambiguities, inconsistencies and errors of spelling or transcription etc appearing in the existing Central List of OBCs need to be cleared. Hence the Commission has sought extension of its term by six, that is upto 31st July 2020 and also addition in its existing Terms of Reference.

PIB

Year End Review 2019 Ministry of Home Affairs - MHA

Ministry of Home Affairs

Year End Review 2019 Ministry of Home Affairs

Highlights of Major Decisions / Initiatives of MHA

(Separate Press Releases issued on each topic listed below)

26 DEC 2019

Important Bills Passed by Parliament

1. Jammu and Kashmir - Abrogation of Article 370 and 35A ; The Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Act, 2019; The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Act, 2019
2. National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Act, 2019
3. Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act, 2019
4. Special Protection Group (Amendment) Bill, 2019 – aims to increase operational efficiency of SPG in ensuring the security of the Prime Minister of India.
5. Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019 – focus on granting Indian Citizenship to persons belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities on ground of religious persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Marathon deliberations held by Union Home Minister with various stakeholders from North East and their concerns against the CAB 2019 addressed in the final Amendment Act.
6. Arms (Amendment) Bill, 2019 – enhances the punishment for existing offences like illegal manufacture, sale, transfer and illegal acquiring, possessing or carrying prohibited arms or prohibited ammunition; illicit trafficking of firearms; celebratory gunfire endangering human life. Arms licenses to be issued for 5 years in electronic form, which would prevent forgery. The Amendment would reduce possession of illegal firearms and commission of criminal offences by limiting 2 licenses per person. Ownership of arms by retired and serving personnel of armed forces and sportspersons remains unaffected by the Amendment. Further, Ancestral guns may be retained in a Deactivated State.
7. Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2019 - to make the constitution of NHRC and SHRCs broader and more inclusive.
8. Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (Merger of Union Territories) Bill, 2019 - Administrative efficiency, better service delivery and effective implementation of Central and State Government Schemes to be the focus.

Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh

1. Abrogation of Article 370 and 35A

• Historic step to remove Article 370 and 35A of Constitution of India
• Brought JK & Ladakh at par with other States and UTs
• All provisions of Constitution of India, without any modifications or exceptions, to now apply to JK & Ladakh
• Laws of Union Government wrt education, empowerment of SC, ST, Minorities etc to be applicable to JK & Ladakh
• Boost to local economy and employment opportunities by increasing investment; Reservation to EWS of society in jobs & educational institutions to apply in JK & Ladakh
• Betterment of socio-economic infrastructure in JK & Ladakh The Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Act, 2019

2. Jammu and Kashmir reorganised into

• Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir with legislature, and
• Union Territory of Ladakh without Legislature
• Formally came into force on 31st October, 2019
• Maps of newly formed UTs of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh released
• 1st Winter-grade Diesel outlet for Ladakh inaugurated by Union Home Minister; move to boost tourism in extreme weather conditions

3. The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Act, 2019
3% reservation in services and educational institutions extended to people living near the International Border (IB) in J&K, in line with reservation given to people living near the Line of Control (LoC)
4. Amarnath Yatra

• 3,42,883 yatris had safe and secure Darshan
• Higher by nearly 20%, as compared to 2018

5. Cabinet approved Inclusion of 5,300 Displaced Persons families of J&K in the Rehabilitation Package for Displaced Families of PoJK and Chhamb, under the PM’s Development Package 2015 for Jammu & Kashmir
6. Government Employees of UTs of J&K and Ladakh to get all 7th Central Pay Commission Allowances from 31st October 2019 - allowances worth around Rs. 4800 crores approved for Government employees.

Kartarpur Sahib Corridor

1. Union Cabinet passed a resolution on 22nd November 2018 to celebrate the historic occasion of 550th Birth Anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Devji in a grand and befitting manner, throughout the country and across the globe
2. India signed the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor Agreement with Pakistan on 24th October, 2019
3. Indian pilgrims of all faiths to undertake year-round Visa-free travel to Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib through Kartarpur Sahib Corridor – a long standing demand of followers of Guru Nanak Dev ji
4. State of art Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) developed (estd. project cost – Rs. 400 crore), having modern public amenities and security features; architecture reflecting cultural heritage of Punjab
5. 54 Immigrations counters at PTB for facilitating travel of over 5000 pilgrims per day
6. 4.19 km long, 4-lane highway worth Rs. 120.05 crores built, in record time of 6 months, on Indian side for giving accessibility for pilgrims to the PTB
7. Special Trains run from across the country to facilitate pilgrims to visit Sultanpur Lodhi, the place where Guru Nanak Devji attained enlightenment and developed as Heritage Town
8. 300ft. Monumental National Flag at PTB
9. Online portal (prakashpurb550.mha.gov.in) created to facilitate registration of pilgrims and provide other important information including Do’s & Dont’s and FAQs

Strict Action on Terror and Insurgency

1. National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Act, 2019

• NIA empowered with extra territorial jurisdiction for investigation of terrorism related offences taking place outside India, in which Indian property/citizens are victims
• The mandate of NIA is expanded by inclusion of new offences viz. explosive substances, human trafficking, manufacturing/sale of prohibited arms and cyber terrorism, to its Schedule

2. Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act, 2019

• Central Government empowered to designate individual as terrorist
• NIA empowered to seize/forfeit property representing proceeds of terrorism in cases investigated by NIA
• After recent amendment, 4 Individuals viz., Maulana Masood Azhar, Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, Zaki ur Rehman Lakhvi and Dawood Ibrahim proscribed as Terrorists
• Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) banned for another five years under sub-sections of UAPA, 1967

3. Cyber Crime Control

• National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in) launched as a citizen centric initiative to facilitate public for reporting of all types of Cyber Crimes without visiting Police Station
• The complaints reported on this portal are accessible online to the law enforcement agencies of respective States/UTs for taking appropriate action as per law
• 12th India Security Summit on ‘Towards New National Cyber Security Strategy’ held in New Delhi

4. Review Meeting on Left Wing Extremism (LWE)

• Incidents of LWE violence down from 2258 in 2009 to 833 in 2018
• Number of deaths dropped from 1005 in 2009 to 240 in 2018
• Districts affected by naxal violence reduced from 96 in 2010 to 60 in 2018

5. Smart Fencing - Union Home Minister launched BOLD-QIT (Border Electronically Dominated QRT Interception Technique) under Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) on Indo-Bangladesh border in Dhubri district of Assam, as an effective deterrence against illegal infiltration. Two pilot projects covering about 71 Kms on Indo-Pakistan Border (10 Kms) and Indo-Bangladesh Border (61 Kms) of Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) have been completed.

6. International Drug Syndicate busted - largest seizure of contraband drugs by NCB in India - 20 Kgs of Cocaine, worth Rs. 100 crores, seized.

PIB

Cabinet approves Atal Bhujal Yojana

Cabinet
Cabinet approves Atal Bhujal Yojana

24 DEC 2019

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for the implementation of the Atal Bhujal Yojana (ATAL JAL), a Central Sector Scheme with a total outlay of Rs.6000 crore to be implemented over a period of 5 years (2020-21 to 2024-25).

Also check: World Bank approves Rs. 6,000 crore Atal Bhujal Yojana

The scheme aims to improve ground water management through community participation in identified priority areas in seven States, viz. Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Implementation of the scheme is expected to benefit nearly 8350 Gram Panchayats in 78 districts in these States. ATAL JAL will promote panchayat led ground water management and behavioural change with primary focus on demand side management
Out of the total outlay of Rs. 6000 crore, 50% shall be in the form of World Bank loan, and be repaid by the Central Government. The remaining 50% shall be through Central Assistance from regular budgetary support. The entire World Bank's loan component and Central Assistance shall be passed on to the States as Grants.

ATAL JAL has two major components:

A. Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building Component for strengthening institutional arrangements for sustainable ground water management in the States including improving monitoring networks, capacity building, strengthening of Water User Associations, etc.

B. Incentive Component for incentivising the States for achievements in improved groundwater management practices namely, data dissemination, preparation of water security plans, implementation of management interventions through convergence of ongoing schemes, adopting demand side management practices etc.

ATAL JAL will result in:

• Institutional strengthening for improving ground water monitoring networks and capacity building of stakeholders at different levels which will enhance ground water data storage, exchange, analysis and dissemination.
• Improved and realistic water budgeting based on an improved database and preparation of community-led Water Security Plans at Panchayat level
• Implementation of Water Security Plans through convergence of various ongoing/ new schemes of the Government of India and State Governments to facilitate judicious and effective utilization of funds for sustainable ground water management.
• Efficient use of available ground water resources with emphasis on demand side measures such as micro-irrigation, crop diversification, electricity feeder separation etc.

Impact:

• Source sustainability for Jal Jeevan Mission in the project area with active participation of local communities.
• Will contribute towards the goal of doubling the farmers' income.
• Will promote participatory ground water management.
• Improved water use efficiency on a mass scale and improved cropping pattern;
• Promotion of efficient and equitable use of ground water resources and behavioral change at the community level;

Background:
Ground water contributes to nearly 65% of total irrigated area of the country and nearly 85% of the rural drinking water supply. The limited ground water resources in the country are under threat due to the increasing demands of growing population, urbanization and industrialization. Intensive, and unregulated ground water pumping in many areas has caused rapid and widespread decline in ground water levels as well as reduction in the sustainability of ground water abstraction structures. The problem of reduction in ground water availability is further compounded by deteriorating ground water quality in some parts of the country. The increasing stress on ground water due to over- exploitation, contamination and associated environmental impacts threaten to endanger the food security of the nation, unless necessary preventive / remedial measures are taken on priority.
The Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti has taken a pioneering initiative for ensuring long term sustainability of ground water resources in the country through the Atal Bhujal Yojana (ATAL JAL) by adopting a mix of 'top down' and 'bottom up' approaches in identified ground water stressed blocks in seven states, representing a range of geomorphic, climatic and hydrogeologic and cultural settings. ATAL JAL has been designed with the principal objective of strengthening the institutional framework for participatory ground water management and bringing about behavioral changes at the community level for sustainable ground water resource management. The scheme envisages undertaking this through various interventions, including awareness programmes, capacity building, convergence of ongoing/ new schemes and improved agricultural practices etc.

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CGHS – Medical benefits to dependent parents of Central Government Employees

CGHS – Medical benefits to dependent parents of Central Government Employees

CGHS

Medical benefits to dependent parents of Central Government Employees

 13 DEC 2019

For availing of medical facilities under Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), parents are deemed to be dependent on the Central Government employee if they are normally residing with the employee and their monthly income from all sources including pension/ family pension does not exceed Rs. 9,000 plus the amount of Dearness Relief thereon. This condition of dependency is applicable to Pensioners of State Government(s) as well.

Also check: CGHS medical facilities reimbursement to Central Government pensioners

Regarding any scheme for providing medical facility to the dependent parents of employees of private sector, The Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Act, 1948 read with ESI (Central) Rule, 1950 provides for medical benefits to the dependent parents of the Insured person i.e. an employee who works in a factory/ establishment having 10 or more workers & registered under the said Act and drawing salary less than Rs. 21,000 per month (Rs. 25,000 in case of persons with disability). Income limit for dependency of parents from all sources is Rs. 9,000 per month. The ESI Act is not applicable to Central Government employees and their dependents.

The Minister of State (Health and Family Welfare), Sh Ashwini Kumar Choubey stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha here today.

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Penal Provisions for Violation of Reservation in Promotion

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

Penal Provisions for Violation of Reservation in Promotion

12 DEC 2019

The Central Government officers/ officials are governed by Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964 and Central Civil Services (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules, 1965 which have adequate provision to deal with the officers/ officials who violate the policy guidelines issued by the Central Government. The Government has issued guidelines from time to time to all Ministries/ Departments to strictly observe the reservation policy and other orders relating to representation of reserved categories. Instructions provide that cases of negligence or lapse in the matter of following reservation and other orders relating to the reserved category should be viewed seriously and be brought to the notice of appropriate authorities and suitable action be taken promptly. As per the guidelines dated 04.01.2013, all Ministries/ Departments are required to appoint/ nominate Liaison officers at least of the rank of Deputy Secretary and setting up of special Reservation Cell for enforcement of orders of reservation in posts and services of the Central Government.

Also check: 10% reservation would be provided for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in Central Government posts and services

The DoPT monitors the progress in filling up of backlog vacancies for SCs, STs and OBCs with ten Ministries/ Departments, having more than 90% of the employees in Central Government. Out of these Ministries/ Departments, six Ministries/ Departments have informed that as on 01.01.2018, 7782 backlog vacancies for SCs, 6903 backlog vacancies for STs and 10859 backlog vacancies for OBCs remained unfilled. Besides the above six, three more Ministries/ Departments have informed that as on 01.01.2019, 1713 backlog vacancies for SCs, 2530 backlog vacancies for STs and 1773 backlog vacancies for STs remained unfilled.

This information was provided 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 written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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Voluntary Retirement Scheme for Employees

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Voluntary Retirement Scheme for Employees

12 DEC 2019

Presently, there is no proposal in the Government to reduce the retirement age of Government employees below 60 years.

There is no such proposal of Golden Voluntary Retirement Scheme under consideration of the Government.

Also check: VOLUNTARY RETIREMENT SCHEME FOR CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES

This information was provided 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 written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana

Ministry of Labour & Employment

Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana

09 DEC 2019

Under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), 20.84 crore loan accounts totalling an amount of Rs 10.24 lac crore have been sanctioned upto 01.11.2019. As per the findings of  the PMMY survey conducted by Labour Bureau, an attached office of the Ministry of Labour & Employment, around 5 crore persons (3.1 crore self-employed and 1.95 crore  hired workers) were working in establishments for which MUDRA  loans were availed between April, 2015 to March, 2018. The findings of the survey reveal that these loans enabled beneficiaries to sustain the economic activities they were engaged in.

This information was given by Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Minister of State (I/C) for Labour and Employment in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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