Railway employees also demand One Rank One Pension

Railway employees also demand One Rank One Pension

New Delhi,: Now, Railway employees too have raised the demand for One Rank One Pension, saying that they should not be ignored as like the defence personnel they also have dedicated their services to the nation.

The issue of OROP for railway employees was discussed in the Seventh Pay Commission and we will raise the issue again, Shiv Gopal Mishra, General Secretary of All-India Railwaymen’s Federation told PTI.
Currently there are 13.26 lakh employees working in the Railways.

“Railwaymen are performing dedicated service for the nation. Railway is the lifeline of the country. Employees are working round the clock across the country,” Mishra said.

He, however, said servicemen in defence forces should get OROP but the same principle should also be applicable to Railways.

“Our brothers in defence should get it as soon as possible. But at the same time we should also not be ignored,” AIRF leader said.

Expressing disappointment over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Red Fort speech, Mishra said “PM should have offered something concrete on the OROP issue. Though there were expectations for an announcement on the issue, nothing happened.”

PM, in his Independence day speech, said in-principle the government has accepted the demand for OROP but it is a long pending issues, and discussions are underway and in the last stages.

Taking on lawmakers, he said, “MPs are increasing their salaries whenever they want to increase. They even get full pension irrespective of their term or attendance.

PTI

Government to incur additional expenses due to 7th Pay Commission

Government to incur additional expenses due to 7th Pay Commission :

Pay and Allowances of Central Government employees will increase one lakh crore in the current financial year and also projected to increase further due to recommendations of 7th Pay Commission.

“Salary is a big question for even profit-minded private concerns. It is therefore not surprising that the employees of service-oriented Central Government departments are so obsessed about their pays and allowances. For a few central and state government organizations that rake in huge profits, salaries and allowances to their employees is no big issue.”

A report on the spending habits of the middle class was presented in the Parliament yesterday. According to the report presented by the Minister of Finance, Arun Jaitley, “the salary given to Central Government employees in the current financial year will exceed Rs.1 lakh crore.” The amount is expected to rise further after the implementation of the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission. This could lead to a financial crunch.

According to estimates, there could be an increase of 9.56 percent in the salary allocation for Central Government employees, to Rs.1 lakh 619 crores. In the Financial Year 2016-17, after the implementations of the 7th Pay Commission’s recommendations, it is very likely to increase to 15.79 percent and touch Rs.1.16 lakh crores. During the Financial Year 2017-18, it will further rise to Rs.1.28 lakh crores. Funds for pensioners will increase to Rs.88,521 crores this financial year. During the Financial Year 2016-17, it is expected to be 1.02 lakh crores. By the Financial Year 2017-18, it would be Rs.1.12 lakh crores.

7th Pay Commission is expected to submit its final report including the revised pay and pension structure for Central Government employees and pensioners to the Central Government on in the last week of September.
If everything goes as planned, the 7th Pay Commission recommendations will come into effect from 01.01.2016 onwards.

Meanwhile, there is no doubt in the fact that employees are extremely curious to find out how much their salaries would increase if the new Pay Commission recommendations are implemented.

Source: http://www.cgstaffnews.in/

Issue of Identity Cards to Central Government pensioners – Pensioners Portal Orders on 12.8.2015

Issue of Identity Cards to Central Government pensioners – Pensioners Portal Orders on 12.8.2015

Issue of Pensioners Identity Card to pensioners

G.I., Dept. of P & PW, O.M.No. 41/21/2000-P&PW(D), dated 12-8-2015

Subject : Issue of Pensioners’ Identity Card to pensioners.

The undersigned is directed to say that the instructions were issued by this Department vide O.M. No.41/21/2000-P&PW(D) dated 16/11/2000 for issue of Identity Cards to Central Government pensioners. These instructions were reiterated/clarified vide this Department’s OMs of even number dated 30.4.2013 and 25.7.2013. It has been observed that various Departments/Offices are either not issuing pensioners Identity Card to the retired employees or the Identity Cards are not in the format prescribed vide this Department’s OM dated 25.7.2013.

2. The matter has been reviewed in this Department. It has been decided that apart from the details already prescribed, the Pensioners Identity Card should include the Aadhaar Number of the pensioner (if available). Accordingly, a revised format for the pensioners Identity Card is enclosed (Annexure-I and Annexure-11).

3. Further, the following specifications are laid down for the pensioners Identity Card to be issued by the Departments/Offices from which the pensioner retired:

(i) The Pensioners Identity card should be in the prescribed format.

(ii) The Identity Card should be of the standard size of 8.5 cm x 5.5 cm.

(iii) The Pensioners Identity Card should be printed (and not hand written) on good quality paper of 125 GSM or equivalent.

(iv) The Identity Card would be got laminated by the Department/Office before handing it over to the pensioner.

4. All Departments in the Government of India are requested to issue suitable instructions to the Offices under their control to invariably issue Identity Card to the pensioners in accordance with the instructions issued by this Department.

Authority: http://pensionersportal.gov.in/

Click to view the order

OROP – PM reiterated that the demand had been accepted by the Government “in-principle” and he was hopeful of a positive outcome

OROP - PM reiterated that the demand had been accepted by the Government “in-principle” and he was hopeful of a positive outcome

“On the long-standing demand from ex-serviceman for One-Rank, One-Pension, the Prime Minister reiterated that the demand had been accepted by the Government “in-principle.” He said the modalities were being worked out with stakeholders, and he was hopeful of a positive outcome”.

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Prime Minister’s Office

15-August-2015 10:39 IST

PM’s address to the nation on 69th Independence Day

PM: The termite of corruption will be rooted out by “Team India.” Government’s initiatives have eliminated corruption in various sectors

PM emphasizes on farmers’ welfare, raising agricultural productivity

PM: OROP accepted “in-principle”, modalities being worked out

PM: Start-Up India, Stand-Up India

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today highlighted the resolve of 125 crore Indians, as “Team India”, to root out corruption, and to make India a developed nation by 2022 – the 75th anniversary of independence.

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of India’s 69th Independence Day, the Prime Minister gave a broad overview of the achievements of Team India, over the last 15 months. He said that the unity, simplicity and brotherhood of 125 crore Indians, is the strength of this nation, and casteism and communalism have no place in our society.

The Prime Minister explained how various initiatives of his Government have resulted in removing corruption from different aspects of governance. In this context, he highlighted the auctions of coal, spectrum and FM radio licenses. He mentioned the PAHAL scheme for direct transfer of LPG subsidy, which has resulted in savings of Rs. 15,000 crore. He said the introduction of “neem-coated urea” has helped to end diversion of subsidized urea to non-agricultural purposes. He acknowledged that the common man still faces problems because of corruption. The Prime Minister described corruption as a termite, which needs bitter medicine, with possible side-effects, to cure. Through the various initiatives of the Government, the Prime Minister highlighted how each had contributed to the elimination of middlemen. He said that in the last year, the CBI had registered 1800 cases against corruption, as against 800 in the year before that.

The Prime Minister said important steps had been taken in the drive against black money, and the outflow of unaccounted income to foreign destinations had been checked.

The Prime Minister stressed on the need for farmers’ welfare, and declared that the Ministry of Agriculture would be renamed as the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. He said that his Government was focusing on raising farm productivity, and providing electricity and irrigation to farmers. He said the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana had been launched with an outlay of Rs. 50,000 crore.

The Prime Minister recalled some of the resolves he had made in his Independence Day address last year. He said the promise of toilets in all schools had been almost fulfilled, with the cooperation of States. He said financial inclusion had received a big boost with the opening of 17 crore bank accounts through the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana. He said the Rs. 20,000 crore deposited in the Jan Dhan accounts reflected the “richness of India’s poor” (गरीबों की अमीरी).

The Prime Minister also spoke of the welfare schemes launched by the Union Government, including Atal Pension Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Yojana, and the schemes launched for labour welfare.

Describing children as the greatest brand ambassadors for “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan,” the Prime Minister said this vision had generated great interest for the people of India.

The Prime Minister announced the “Start-Up India” initiative, which would encourage entrepreneurship among the youth of India. He said each of the 1.25 lakh bank branches, should encourage at least one Dalit or Adivasi entrepreneur, and at least one woman entrepreneur. “Start-Up India, Stand-Up India,” the Prime Minister said.

On the long-standing demand from ex-serviceman for One-Rank, One-Pension, the Prime Minister reiterated that the demand had been accepted by the Government “in-principle.” He said the modalities were being worked out with stakeholders, and he was hopeful of a positive outcome.

The Prime Minister reiterated his Government’s resolve to make India a developed nation by 2022, with a house and access to basic services like electricity, to all. He said the Government had resolved to connect with electricity, all the 18,500 villages which still remain without power, within the next 1000 days. He also reiterated his vision for the development of eastern India.

Questioning the practice of “interviews” for recruitments even at relatively junior levels, the Prime Minister called upon concerned departments to end this practice at the earliest, and to promote merit by recruiting only through transparent, online processes.

Grant of Transport Allowance to Railway employees on the basis of revised classification of cities/towns/localities – AIRF

Grant of Transport Allowance to Railway employees on the basis of revised classification of cities/towns/localities – AIRF

All India Railwaymen’s Federation
4, State Entry Road, New Delhi – 110055

No.AIRF/97(li)

Dated: August 10, 2015

The Secretary(E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub: Grant of Transport Allowance to Railway employees on the basis of revised classification of cities/towns/localities

Ref.: MoF, Deptt. of Exp.’s letter No.21(2)/2015-E.II(B) dated 06.08.2015

Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure(Government of India) vide above cited letter(photocopy enclosed for ready reference) has communicated revised classification of cities, towns and localities for the purpose of grant of Transport Allowance at higher rates to the Central Government Employees.

The Board are, therefore, requested to implement the orders of the Ministry of Finance in the Railways also, so that Railway employees can also avail this benefit from April 2015.

An early action in the matter shall be highly appreciated.

Yours faithfully,
sd/-
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
General Secretary

Source: AIRF

Astronomical Expectations on OROP Once Again!

Astronomical Expectations on OROP Once Again!

“Ever since news has surfaced that official announcement on the One Rank One Pension scheme will be made on August 15, expectations have started to soar again.”

There is a general feeling that time has come for the implementation of the One Rank One Pension scheme, which has been a long-time dream for more than 30 lakh ex-servicemen all over the country. But the readers might remember that expectations ran high once before too – on May 25, 2015. Everybody thought that Modi would make the announcement on the occasion of the first year celebrations of his coming to power at the centre. After attending the huge rally at Mathura, Modi uttered not even a word about OROP.

But, according to various sources, it looks as if the Government is giving serious thoughts about implementing the policy this time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi may announce implementation of very long delayed One Rank One Pension scheme on August 15 when India celebrates its 69th Independence Day.

It is worth noting that for more than 50 Days, the UFESM has been spiritedly conducting a relay fast protest at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. The retired armed forces personnel are preparing to take their agitations to the next level. They are planning to campaign against the BJP in the Bihar poll. If Modi fails to make any announcement on Independence Day, their protest is sure to take a new turn. But, media reports claim that it wouldn’t come to that.

After meeting the Minister of Finance yesterday, Lt General (retd) Raj Kadyan, who heads the Indian Ex-servicemen Movement, said that he has faith in the serious attempts being made by the current government. “After patiently hearing our demands, the Finance Minister said that we wouldn’t have to wait for months, but only for a few more days,” he said. There is a general belief that the minister had hinted at August 15.

Yesterday, a discussion was held with the ex-servicemen association at the Prime Minister’s Office. No landmark decisions were made, but the members had reportedly said that the Prime Minister will announce a positive decision on August 15.

In other words, nearly three-million ex-servicemen and war widows in the country are hopeful that the Prime Minister’s address to the nation on Independence Day will have some definite answers on the question of OROP.

Source: www.cgstaffnews.in

7th Pay Commission likely to abolish gazetted holidays

7th Pay Commission likely to abolish gazetted holidays

New Delhi: The Seventh Pay Commission is expected to reward the central government by its recommendation on abolishing 18 days gazetted holidays and to provide three days national holidays to central government employees to reform the work culture in central government offices.

Pay commission sources said the number of holidays should come down to improve work culture.
The sources also added, “A survey has revealed that India has the highest number of gazetted holidays per year and close on her heels are her Asian neighbours like Philippines, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia. We need to cut down on holidays to facilitate more work culture.”

The sources argued that the government offices worked only for 196 days in India in a year. Besides, whenever there was election, the government servants were pressed into election work. This affected the routine government business, sources contended.

Earlier, the sixth central pay commission recommended that central government offices should remain closed only on three national holidays (Republic Day, Independence Day and Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti) and all other gazetted holidays should be abolished and the number of restricted holidays (optional) depending on one’s religious persuasion should be increased from two to eight days.

The Seventh Central Pay Commission is also likely to make suggestion for flexible work hours for women and employees with disabilities.

Flexible working gives them greater choice over when and where they work, allowing them to better manage their work-life balance

“As flexi working hours will allow women central government employees to strike a balance between her professional and family responsibility, maintain healthy lifestyles and contribute to parenting well, it is recommended for the same and urge upon the government to work out the modalities in this direction,” the pay panel source said.

“Flexible working can also provide central government employees with disabilities with a ‘bridge’ into retirement. Many of surveys show that often the complete loss of professional work account of disability can leave employees with disabilities feeling depressed and unmotivated, even to the point of affecting mental health. Flexible working time can help employees with disabilities delay retirement without giving up too much of their hard-earned freedom.” said an official.

TST

3.37 lakh women employees in central government

3.37 lakh women employees in central government

New Delhi: Over three lakh women employees are working in various central government departments across the country, Lok Sabha was informed today.

Replying to a question, Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh said there are various historical and social reasons for women employees being lesser in number.

“Estimated women employment in major central government offices as on March 31, 2011 is 3.37 lakh,” he said in a written reply.

There are about 48 lakh central government employees.

“There are various historical and social reasons for the women employees being lesser in number,” the Minister said.

In reply to another question, Singh said there was no proposal under the consideration of the government to provide 33 per cent reservation to women in central government offices.

PTI

Central Government employees working in the State of Kerala will get August 2015 Salary on 18th August 2015 on account of Onam

Central Government employees working in the State of Kerala will get August 2015 Salary on 18th August 2015 on account of Onam

Department of Expenditure has issued an OM for the Disbursement of salary/wages to the Central Government Employees in the State of Kerala for the month of August, 2015 on account of ONAM festival on 18th August 2015.

No.3(2)/2012/TA/443
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure
Controller General of Accounts

Lok Nayak Bhawan
Khan Market, New Delhi

 Dated: 10.08.2015

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Disbursement of salary/wages to the Central Government Employees in the State of Kerala for the month of August, 2015 on account of ONAM festival.

In view of the ‘ONAM’ festival this Government has decided that the salary of all Central Government employees in the State of Kerala for the month of August, 2015 may be drawn and disbursed by the Central Government offices (including Defence, Posts, Railways & Telecommunications) on  18th August, 2015.

2. The pension of all Central Government pensioners in the State of Kerala for the month of August, 2015 is to be disbursed by Banks/ PAOs of Civil Ministries/ Departments including Railways, Defence & Telecommunications on 18th August, 2015.

3. The wages for August, 2015 of the industrial employees of Central Government serving in the State of Kerala may also be disbursed in advance on 18th August, 2015.

4. The salary/wages so disbursed are to be treated as advance payments and will be subject to adjustment after the full month’s salary/ wages of each employee is determined. The adjustment, if any, will be made without exception from the salary/ wages as the case maybe from the month of September, 2015.

5. The concerned Ministries/Departments are requested to bring these instructions to the notice of their offices located in the State of Kerala for necessary action immediately.

(T.C.A. Kalyani)

Joint Controller General of Accounts

Download Finance Ministry OM No.3(2)/2012/TA/443 dated 10.08.2015

FM speaks on Implementation of 7th Pay Commission report in Parliament

FM speaks on Implementation of 7th Pay Commission report in Parliament

FM speaks on Implementation of 7th Pay Commission report in Parliament and tables Medium Term Expenditure Frame Work Statement – Central Government Employees Salary Expenditure to cross Rs. 1 lakh Crore.

Central government’s salary expenditure will exceed Rs 1 lakh crore in the current fiscal and is projected to increase further with the recommendations of 7th Pay Commission, posing risk to public finances, Finance Ministry said today.

According to the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework Statement tabled in Parliament, the salary outgo of central government employees will go up by 9.56 per cent to Rs 1,00,619 crore in current fiscal.
The pace will increase further in 2016-17 at 15.79 per cent to Rs 1.16 lakh crore with the likely implementation of the 7th Pay Commission award, said the statement tabled by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in Parliament.

The outgo towards salary will further rise in 2017-18 to over Rs 1.28 lakh crore.

“The award of VII Central Pay Commission (CPC) and its impact on government finances poses a risk,” said the statement.

It also raised concerns about the rising pension bill of government employees saying it will rise to Rs 88,521 crore in current fiscal. It has been pegged at over Rs 1.02 lakh crore in 2016-17, and over Rs 1.12 lakh crore in 2017-18.

“Like in salaries, higher than normative growth has been provided for the projection of outlay on pensions during 2016-17. For the second year of the projection (2017-18), a normative growth has been assumed. Award of VII CPC and its impact on Government finances poses a risk,” it added.

The recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission, which was set up by in February 2014, is likely to be implemented from January 1, next year.

Source: The Economic Times