One Rank One Pension – Central Government Ignores Week-long Protests

One Rank One Pension – Central Government Ignores Week-long Protests

“The protests that began in New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar last Monday, demanding immediate implementation of the OROP continues even as the government chooses to turn a blind eye towards it”
Ex-servicemen have been protesting now for a week at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, demanding the immediate implementation of the OROP scheme. Similar protests are also on at 20 important cities in the country to put pressure on the government to act.

The series of protests is jointly organized by 30 ex-servicemen welfare organizations, under the leadership of Chairman of IESM, Maj. Gen. Satbir Singh. Speaking to the media, Satbir Singh said, “Until now the Government has not tried to negotiate with us. If there are no results for the protests, we will shift our protests to Bihar.”

The protesters believe that the government will be more receptive to their demands if the protests affect the party’s chances of winning the state elections in Bihar.

BJP’s parliamentary election manifesto last year promised immediate implementation of the OROP if they come to power. After coming to power, assurances were given by the ministers including the prime minister himself.

Ex-servicemen expected a formal announcement to be made at the first year rally. But, not a word was uttered about this. The ex-servicemen did not lose hope.

On June 1, in his ‘Mann ki Baat’ radio show, the prime minister assured that he will implement the OROP scheme.

Media reports indicated that sufficient funds were allocated in the previous financial year and that steps are on to implement the scheme. Reports further added that the revised pension scheme is very similar to those of the MPs. But, one has to also accept the fact that the scheme is much closer to implementation than it ever was during the Congress regime.

Many wonder why the army-men have resorted to protests. A number of reasons are being given for the protests.

Excess of trust in Modi government is one of the reasons. Congress-led UPA government, which failed to implement the OROP scheme, suffered humiliating defeat in the elections. The second reason is that more than 30 lakh ex-servicemen and their families spread throughout the country believed in the promises made by the BJP in its election campaign.

The third reason – contradictory stands among the Ministries of Finance and Defence – is considered to be the most important. There are claims that the Ministry of Finance had asked the Defence Ministry to refer to the 7th Central Pay Commission. This is rumoured to be the stand of the bureaucrats.

There have been warnings that implementing the OROP scheme is an expensive task and changes will have to be made to the current pension structure for the Central Government employees and Pensioners. The message was subtly conveyed to the representatives of ex-servicemen by the defence ministry. This had greatly angered the delegates. Protests were launched amidst worries that OROP will be shelved again.
Even now, the ex-servicemen trust the Prime Minister Modi because he doesn’t believe the bureaucrats easily.

Source: 7thpaycommissionnews.in

Absorption of medically unfit staff of RPF/RPSF in alternative post- Regarding

Absorption of medically unfit staff of RPF/RPSF in alternative post- Regarding

RBE No. 61/2015
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)

No.E(NG)I-2015/RE-3/2

New Delhi, dated 12.06.2015

The General Managers (P)
All Zonal Railways & Production Units,
(As per standard list).

Sub:- Absorption of medically unfit staff of RPF/RPSF in alternative post- Regarding.

A question as to how the medically incapacitated staff of Railway Protection Force/Railway Protection Special Force may be absorbed in alternative jobs in other departments of the Zonal Railways has been under consideration of Railway Board.

2. Attention in this connection is invited to Board’s letter No. E(NG)I-88/RE-3/2 dated 18.01.1989 which provide that medically unfit RPF/RPSF staff may be first considered for absorption in ministerial post in their own department. The Committee constituted for considering such alternative appointments shall include an officer of the Personnel Department. In case no suitable posts to so accommodate them in RPF department are available, they may be considered for absorption in alternative posts in other departments of the railways within the framework of the provisions contained in Chapter XIII of the Indian Railway Establishment Manual Vol.I, Revised Edition 1989, First Reprint Edition-2009. Similarly, when staff of other departments are medically decategorised, they will also be considered for absorption against suitable posts in their own department at the outset and in case no posts are available therein then such staff will be considered against Ministerial posts in the RPF department, if such posts are available in that Department.

 

3. The matter has been considered by the Board. It is reiterated that the above instructions/procedure may be followed scrupulously in order to maintain the uniformity on all the Zonal Railways.

 

(This dispose of South Western Railway’s letter No.SWR/P.573/Med.Decatg/Vol.I dated 22.05.2014).

Receipt of this letter may be acknowledged.

(M.K.Meena)
Deputy Director Estt. (N)
Railway Board

Source: AIRF

AIRF: Bibek Debroy committee report created panic amongst Railwaymen and passengers

AIRF: Bibek Debroy committee report created panic amongst Railwaymen and passengers

“Bibek Debroy panel has already submitted it’s report to Chairman Railway Board on 12.06.2015. This report has already created panic amongst Railwaymen and passengers. AIRF has already taken decision to oppose this report and decided to observe protest week staring on 23rd of June and ending with Black day on 30.06.2015.

AIRF to observe Black Day on 30th of June, 2015

PRESS RELEASE

New Delhi-12th June 2015

Dr. Bibek Debroy Committee Report is a clear roadmap for privatization of Indian Railways. This was stated here by Shri Shiva Gopal Mishra, General Secretary of All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF).

Shri Mishra further stated that the suggestions given by the Committee will endanger the Railway Safety and It will also increase financial burden on Indian Railways. The Report is quite unworkable and will be against 95 percent of Rail users of this country, who travels in general & sleeper classes.

Shri Mishra further hoped that keeping in mind its wider ramifications particularly on the comman man , government may not implement it.

Shri Shiva Gopal Mishra further mentioned that AIRF has decided to organize 23rd June to 30th June , 2015 as campaign week. AIRF has also given Clarion call to organize Black Day on 30th June 2015 throughout Indian Railway by wearing black badge and organizing Mass Meetings in the Ist phase of its agitation. In 2nd phase Rail users will also be involved and the movement will be made “Jan Andolan”.

Source: AIRF

Ramzan Ifter – Muslim Railway employees may be allowed to leave office early – Railway Board order

Ramzan Ifter – Muslim Railway employees may be allowed to leave office early – Railway Board order

Relief for Muslim Employees observing fast during Ramzan month & traveling long distances for IFTAR

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)

No.2015/G/35/1

Dated : 15.06.2015

CIRCULAR

During the Holy month of Ramzan, the time of Iftar coincides with setting of the sun, which takes place quite early.

It has, therefore, been decided that those Muslim Railway employees who observe fast and are required to tavel a long distance to their residence for Iftar, may be allowed to leave office early wherever feasible.

sd/-
(P.S.Meena)
Director (General Admn.)
Railway Board

To,
All Officers/branches in Railway Board’s Office.
Click to view the order

Source: NFIR

Bank Employees Announce Strike on 24.6.2015

Bank Employees Announce Strike on 24.6.2015

The Public Sector Bank Employees Union has proposed a one-day strike on the 24th of this month, demanding the fulfillment of their various demands. The All India Bank Employees Union has expressed its support for the strike.

Since State Bank of India and all its other associate banks, including the State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur, the State Bank of Travancore, and the State Bank of Hyderabad, come under the Public Sector Bank Employees Union, the one-day strike is very likely to cripple money transactions on the day of the protests.

Demands:

• De-link Associate Banks from SBI
• Do not curb trade union right of representation
• Vacate attacks on trade union in SBBJ
• Extend compassionate appointment scheme as per Government guidelines.
• Increase quantum of staff housing loan.
• Recruitment of sub staff and part time employees
• Resolve pending demands
• Do not impose SBI service condition and career progression in Associate Banks

Source: cgemployeesnews.in

One time permission for change over from CPF to GPF Scheme for teaching and non-teaching staff of KVS

One time permission for change over from CPF to GPF Scheme for teaching and non-teaching staff of KVS

KENDRIYA VIDVAlAYA SANGATHAN
18-INSTITUTIONAL AREA,
SHAHEED JEET SINGH MARG,
NEW DELHI -110016

F.No. 110125/2015/KVS/CPF to GPF /GR.KVS/928

Dated: 15/6/15

Shri M. Krishnan,
Secretary General,
Confederation of Central Govt. Employees & Workers,

1st Floor, North Avenue, P.O. Building ,
New Delhi – 110001.

Subject: Conversion from CPF to GPF.

Sir,
I am to refer to your letter no. KVS/2013-2015 dated 29.04.2015 addressed to the Secretary, MHRD on the captioned subject and to inform you that the matter regarding one time permission for change over from CPF to GPF Scheme for teaching and non-teaching staff of KVS was considered by MHRD in consultation with Department of Expenditure. The Ministry of HRD vide their letter No. F.3-14/2012-UT-2 dated 7th April, 2015 has informed that the Department of Expenditure after examining the proposal has inter-alia observed as under:

“The employees of Kendirya Vidyalaya Sasngathan who were in service as on 1.1.1986 and decided to opt for CPF made a conscious decision knowing well that the option once exercised is final. Grant of one more option to such CPF subscribers in KVS could have repercussion elsewhere with such an option having to be extended to all other CPF beneficiaries as well whose number is quite substantial.

In view of the above position, the proposal for grant of one time permission for changing from CPF to GPF cum Pension Scheme for teaching and non-teaching staff of KVS is not agreed to.”
Hence, it is not possible to accept your request accordingly.

Yours faithfully,

(Govind Kumar)
Finance Officer

Source: Confederation

Yoga Day 21.6.2015 (Sunday) : No Compulsory Attendance for CG Employees

Yoga Day 21.6.2015 (Sunday) : No Compulsory Attendance for CG Employees

Celebration of International Yoga Day on 21st June, 2015 : Last year, on October 2, which is a national holiday, all the Central Government employees were made to come to work in order to participate in the Swachh Bharat campaign, launched by Modi.

But this time, invitation issued for only higher officials to participate in the function of Mass Yoga Demonstration at New Delhi on 21.6.2015 (Sunday).

Minister for AYUSH Shripad Naik said that there were some opposition by some bodies or individuals on two issues – ‘surya namaskar’ and pronouncing ‘Om’ during the beginning of the event.

We have not made it compulsory. Those who want to say om can do it. Those who do not want to, if they want to take the name of their own god, they can take that. There is no compulsion,”.

Mandatory Yoga Training for all officers/Staff of Indian Railways including RPF personnel

Mandatory Yoga Training for all officers/Staff of Indian Railways including RPF personnel

G.I., Min. of Railways, Railway Board, O.M.No.E(MPP)2015/3/10, dated 15.06.2015

Sub: Mandatory Yoga Training for all officers/Staff of Indian Railways including RPF personnel

Zonal Railways may kindly refer to Board’s letter No.E(MPP)/2000/19/1/Meditation dated 23.11.2001 (RBE No.231/2001), vide which Yogo training was introduced for trainees in the Railway Training Centres’. These instructions were reiterated and were made permanent vide Board’s letter No.E(MPP)2009/19/1/pt.(Meditation) dated 13.11.2003 (RBE No.194/2003).

It has been established that Yoga/Meditation courses help in improving levels of concentration, alertness and reduction in stress and hence with a view to provide greater thrust, it has been decided to cover all officers and staff including RPF personnel in the progromme, for general well being of employees. Further, in Budget 2015-16, it was emphasized that training in Yoga will be imported to the staff especially from RPF.
In the light of foregoing, Board has decided to include mandatory Yoga Training progrommes in all the Centralized Training Institutes and Non-Gazetted Training Centres including RPF Training Centres. Accordingly, all the training progrommes whether Initial, Refresher, Promotionol or structured training progrommes would provide for slots for Yoga Training as per details specified below:



Accordingly, all Training Centers are advised to arrange these training progrommes. In case necessary, tie up may be mode with certified/Professional Yoga Centres/Trainers on payment basis as may be decided by the concerned General Managers of Zonal Railwoys, PUs and Heads of CTIs etc., in consultation with their Associate Finance under the Zonal Railways/CTIs budgetary powers. Necessary tie up as mentioned above may be finalized within 2 months and training on Yoga in terms of the aforesaid directions may be started immediately thereafter. There would be no exemption from attendance in this progromme unless there are adequate reasons to be accepted by Head of Training Institution personally.

As regards the batch size, the minimum batch size should be 20, however, where more numbers are proposed to be covered in a batch, the some should be decided in consultation with the trainer. In so for as RPF personnel are concerned, RPF Directorate hove already issued instructions vide their letter No.2013/Sec(E)/TRG(POL)-1/1 dated 19.3.2015. These instructions are subsumed and would form part of the aforesoid instructions for RPF personnel.

These instructions supersede all previous instructions on the subject of Yoga Training including the ceiling limit fixed for payment of remuneration to Yoga Instructors/Trainers, hired for the purpose.

As regards the number of officers/staff who are being imported Yoga Training, monthly statement showing total number of officers/staff and RPF personnel trained per month will have to be sent to the Board on a continuing basis on the training progrommes begin.

This issues with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate of Ministry of Railways.

Click to view the original order

Authority: www.indianrailways.gov.in

7CPC Fitment Formula and Minimum Wage Calculations – Karnataka COC

7th Pay Commission Fitment Formula and Minimum Wage Calculations – Karnataka COC

Shri.P.S.Prasad General Secretary of COC Karnataka expressed his views about the calculation of fitment formula and computation of minimum wage of 7th CPC on its blog. He hinted in this article that most of the pay commissions have accpeted 70% of the staff side demand. Especially NC JCM Staff Side demands to fix minimum wage at Rs.26000. We reproduced the complete article and given below for your information…

Minimum Wage and Fitment Formula.
The Staff Side (JCM) has calculated minimum wage as on 1st Jan 2014 as per the Dr. Aykroyd formula as Rs 26,000/- taking into following prices.



The 7th CPC also would adopt Dr. Aykroyd formula for the computation of the minimum wage and thereafter the fitment formula is calculated.

Fitment formula = Minimum wage / Rs 7000
The Staff Side (JCM) has calculated the fitment formula of 3.72 that is Rs 26000/ Rs 7000 as on 1st Jan 2014.

The 7th CPC has hinted that the date of effect of the 7th CPC shall be from 1st Jan 2016. In this context the minimum wage and fitment formula, should be as follows.
The increase in prices between 1st Jan 2014 to 1st July 2015 is 18% as the DA as on 1st Jan 2014 was 100% and likely DA as on 1st July 2015 is 118%, In actual terms the retail prices have increased by over 25%. Even considering the 18% hike in prices from 1st Jan 2014 to 1st July 2015 and adding 7 % likely hike in prices for the period 1st July 2015 to Jan 2016 it works out to 25% hike in minimum wage.

Minimum wage calculated by the Staff Side (JCM) using Dr. Aykroyd formula as on 1st Jan 2014 was Rs 26,000/-

Adding 25% hike in prices between 1st Jan 2014 to 1st Jan 2016, the minimum wage should be Rs 32,000/- and accordingly the fitment formula should work out to 4.5 times.

If we calculate the minimum wage as on 1/1/2016 using the Dr. Aykroyd formula taking into account the current retail prices in Bangalore. It works out Rs 27,000/- and fitment formula as 3.85.

There are many rumors on the fitment formula and minimum wage, actually the 7th CPC has made only a draft and they will calculate the actual fitment formula and minimum wage only next month taking into the account the prices as on 1st July 2015 and adding weight age for the period 1st July 2015 to Jan 2016 and work out the fitment formula and minimum wage.

If any fitment formula less than 3.85 and minimum wage of Rs 27,000/- it will be denial of right wages for CG employees.

During the 6th CPC the Staff Side (JCM) has calculated minimum wage as on 1st Jan 2006 as per the Dr. Aykroyd formula as Rs 10,000/-, where as the 6th CPC had provide the minimum wage as Rs 7000/- and the 6th CPC had fixed fitment formula of 1.86. Most of the pay commissions have accepted 70% of the staff side demand. We sincerely hope this 7th Central Pay Commission will also calculate the right wages and fitment formula for the Central Government Employees.

Source: www.karnatakacoc.blogspot.in

Implementation of OROP likely by the year-end

Implementation of OROP likely by the year-end

“A series of statements and assurances from various ministers and higher officials had increased the expectations and worsened the situation.”

Sources say that the much anticipated and much-delayed One Rank One Pension scheme will come into effect before the end of this year, ahead of the Bihar elections.

For a very long time now, army personnel have been demanding that the OROP scheme be implemented. They have now stepped up their demand now. Relay fast protests were held in 20 cities, including New Delhi, yesterday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured a number of times before that he is committed to introducing the scheme. But, the ex-servicemen have openly asked why the government is hesitating to implement the scheme and have warned that they would campaign against the BJP in the upcoming state elections in Bihar at the end of the year.

Following the warning, the Government has stepped up its activities implementing the OROP scheme. It has come to our knowledge that the scheme would be implemented as soon as the government lists out the beneficiaries who are going to benefit from the revised pension scale.

Information sources claim that since a mega-coalition has already been formed to counter the BJP in Bihar, the fear of alienating the ex-servicemen has rattled the BJP-government at the centre.