7th Pay Commission: Higher allowances from January

7th Pay Commission: Higher allowances from January

New Delhi: The central government employees to get their higher allowances under the 7th Pay Commission recommendations from January next, the top Finance Ministry sources told today.

When asked whether the arrears would be paid too, they said, “Higher allowances will be paid with retrospective effect from August 2016 but the central government employees unions demanded for implementation of the allowances with retrospective effect from January 2016.”

“The central government employees unions wanted that House Rent Allowance (HRA) be fixed at range 10, 20 and 30 per cent of the basic linked to the classification of the town of posting when the Pay commission recommended 24%, 16% and 8% respectively of new pay matrix, the union also asked to enhance children education allowance of Rs 3,000 and hostel subsidy of Rs 10,000 with tax exempt.” the sources said.

The union also demanded inclusion of post-graduate and professional courses in children education allowance and to hike the ‘Fixed Medical Allowance’ to Rs 2,000 with Dearness Allowance Indexation,” they added.

The unions put their demands before the Committee on Allowances headed by Finance Secretary Ashok Lavasa, which met last Thursday.

The Union Cabinet cleared the recommendations of 7th Pay Commission in respect of the hike in basic pay and pension on June 29 but decision on its suggestions relating to allowances has been referred to the Committee on allowances as the pay commission had recommended abolition of 51 allowances and subsuming 37 others out of 196 allowances. So, there was resentment among employees over suggestions to scrap some allowances.

Fearing a jump in footfalls to deposit or withdraw cash following the demonetisation of Rs 500 and 1,000 banknotes, the Finance Ministry is likely to scale down the the higher allowances proposal.

“As people continue to suffer after demonetisation from November 9 on account of cash crunch, the Finance Minister Arun Jaitley compels to keep in abeyance the higher allowances till things normalize and it is likely to implement from January next,” Finance Ministry sources revealed.

Until acceptance of higher allowances, the allowances are now paid according to the 6th Pay Commission recommendations.

TST

Guidelines on treatment of effect of penalties on promotion - role of Departmental Promotion Committee

Guidelines on treatment of effect of penalties on promotion - role of Departmental Promotion Committee.

No .22011/4/2007-Estt. (D)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public and Training
(Department of Personnel and Training)

North Block, New Delhi - 110 011

November 21, 2016

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Sub: Guidelines on treatment of effect of penalties on promotion - role of Departmental Promotion Committee

The Department of Personnel & Training vide its OM of even number dated 28.4.2014 issued instructions on the above subject. Paragraph 7(d), 7(f) and 7(g) of the said OM provides as follows:

7(d) If the official under consideration is covered under any of the three condition mentioned in paragraph 2 of OM dated 14.9.1992, the DPC will assess the suitability of Government servant along with other eligible candidates without taking into consideration the disciplinary case / criminal prosecution pending. The assessment of the DPC including 'unfit' for promotion and the grading awarded are kept in a sealed cover. [Paragraph 2.1 of DoPT OM dated 14.9.1992]

7(f) If any penalty is imposed on the Government servant as a result of the disciplinary proceedings or if he / she is found guilty in the criminal prosecution against him / her, the findings of the sealed cover / covers shall not be acted upon. His / her case for promotion may be considered by the next DPC in the normal course and having regard to the penalty imposed on him / her [paragraph 3.1 of DoPT OM dated 14.9.1992].

7(g) In assessing the suitability of the officer on whom a penalty has been imposed, the DPC will take into account the circumstances leading to the imposition of the penalty and decide whether in the light of general service record of the officer and the fact of imposition of penalty, the officer should be considered for promotion. The DPC, after due consideration, has authority to assess the officer as 'unfit' for promotion. However, where the DPC considers that despite the penalty the officer is suitable for promotion, the officer will be actually promoted only after the currency of the penalty is over [paragraph 13 of DoPT OM dated 10.4.19891.

2. Questions have been raised by the Ministries and Departments asking whether this is applicable in the case of 'Censure' also. In this regard, it is reiterated that paragraphs 7(d), 7(f) and 7(g) cited above are applicable in all the recognized penalties under CCS (CCA) Rules including the minor penalty of Censure as well for which no currency has been prescribed, it would mean that as per para 7(g), if the DPC considers the officer fit for promotion notwithstanding the award of censure, he / she can be promoted without referring to the currency of penalty.

(G. Jayanthi)
Director
Tel. no. 2309 2479

DoPT Order 2016

Recommendations of the High Power Committee to review the duty hours of running staff - Decisions thereof on Breach of Rest Allowance

Recommendations of the High Power Committee to review the duty hours of running staff - Decisions thereof on Breach of Rest Allowance.

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)

RBE No. 135/2016

No. 2014/E(P&A)II/HPC Report

New Delhi, dated 18.11.2016

The General Managers(P)/CAOs,
All Indian Railways
and Production Units etc.

Sub: Recommendations of the High Power Committee to review the duty hours of running staff - Decisions thereof on Breach of Rest Allowance.

The High Power Committee, constituted to review the duty hours of running staff and other safety related categories made its recommendations on various aspects related to working hours of these categories. The recommendations have been duly considered by the Board and the following decisions relating to Beach of Rest Allowance have been made:

(i) The provisions contained in Rule 10 regarding Breach of Rest Allowance in the "The Rules for the Payments of Running and other Allowances to the Running Staff on Railways, 1981" are reiterated. Breach of rest whether at Headquarters or at outstation should be permitted only in emergent situations like accidents, natural calamities and national emergencies subject to operational exigencies.

(ii) There should be no Breach of Rest Allowance for breach of rest at Outstaions. It will, however, continue to be admissible for breach of rest at Headquarters.

(iii) There should be no Breach of Rest Allowance for breach in periodical rest. However, if need does arise for curtailment of periodical rest, it should be permitted only if the running staff has availed a complete night in bed during the periodical rest.

(iv) The present rates for payment of Breach of Rest Allowance will continue.

(v) Cases of breach of rest should be regularly monitored at a sufficiently high level in divisional offices and zonal offices.

2. This issues with the conncurrence of the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways.

3. Please acknowledge receipt.

(Salim Md. Ahmed)
Dy.Director/Estt. (P&A)II,
Railway Board

Authority: http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/

Bank Employees demands Overtime Allowance for Extra Work and Working on Holiday - BEFI

Bank Employees demands Overtime Allowance for Extra Work and Working on Holiday - BEFI

Overtime Allowance for Extra-Work

BEFI
BANK EMPLOYEES FEDERATION OF INDIA
NARESH PAUL CENTRE
53, Radha Bazar Lane, (1st Floor), Kolkata – 700 001
e-mail:pradipbefi@yahoo.co.in Website: www.befi.in
(Ph):033- 2225-4414/2236-5108 (M) 94331 44271 Fax: 033-2236-5109/2242- 0690

11th November 2016

By Fax: 022-22184222
The Chief Executive
Indian Banks’ Association
World Trade Center Complex, Centre - 1, 6th Floor
Cuffe Parade
Mumbai - 400 005

Overtime Allowance for Extra-Work

You are aware of RBI directive to Banks on working beyond scheduled business hours on 10th and 11th as also to keep the Banks open on 12th (Second Saturday) and 13th (Sunday) of this month with a view to facilitating customers, as also those having no Bank account, deposit/exchange //500// and //1000// Rupee Notes since demonetized. Accordingly, all the Banks have issued necessary instructions to the employees for working extra-hours on two working days and on two holidays as aforesaid. However, while so issuing instruction to their respective employees, most of the Banks have not issued any direction to the respecting paying authorities for payment of appropriate Overtime Allowance to the employees concerned, as provided for in the Bipartite Settlement, for such extra-work and/or working on holidays.

Notwithstanding our serious reservations about the justification of the present demonetization and/or the manner and authority for making the announcement, etc., we cannot and have not been oblivious to the untold inconveniences the general public have been put to because of such shock announcement. To mitigate at least a little of the harassment they have been forced to endure because of the whims of the authorities that be, we have suitably advised our members, and have also called upon the Bankmen beyond our fold, to exert as much as possible to help

the constituents deposit and other sections of the public (non - Account holders) exchange the demonetized currencies in their passion.

Simultaneously, interests of the employees being the topmost priority of our agenda, we wish to ensure that they are not put to unnecessary inconvenience in realizing their legitimate dues, in respect of the extra work and/or working on holidays, from their respective employer-Banks.

In the circumstances, we request your suitably advising your member Banks to issue appropriate instruction for payment of Overtime Allowance, in terms of the Bipartite Settlement, to the employees concerned, for the extra-work as aforesaid.

Your await your appropriate positive action at your earliest convenience.

Yours Sincerely,
sd/-
(PRADIP BUSWAS)
GENERAL SECRETARY

Source: www.befi.in
Text of PRESS HAND OUT dated 10.11.2016

7th CPC recommendation on Disability Pension of Ex-Servicemen

7th CPC recommendation on Disability Pension of Ex-Servicemen

Government vide Notification dated 30th September 2016 have issued detailed recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission relating to pensionary benefits of Defence Forces Personnel and the decisions taken thereon by the Government. The 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) recommended the following on disability pension :

The Commission is of the considered view that the regime implemented post VI CPC needs to be discontinued, and recommended a return to the slab based system. The slab rates for disability element for 100 percent disability would be as follows:

Rank	Levels	Rate per month (INR)
Service Officers	10 and above	27000
Honorary Commissioned Officers
Subedar  Major / Equivalents	6  to  9	17000
Subedar / Equivalents
Naib Subedar / Equivalents
Havildar / Equivalents	5  And  below	12000
Naik / Equivalents
Sepoy / Equivalents

The above recommendation has been accepted with the approval of the Cabinet and Resolution dated 30.09.2016 issued accordingly.

The 6th CPC dispensation of the calculation of disability element on percentage basis, however, continues for civil side which has resulted in an anomalous situation. The issue has accordingly been referred to the Anomaly Committee.

This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Shri Rajeev Shukla in Rajya Sabha today.

PIB

Reduction in Disability Pension for Soldiers

Reduction in Disability Pension for Soldiers

The 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) recommended the following on disability pension:

The Commission is of the considered view that the regime implemented post VI CPC needs to be discontinued, and recommended a return to the slab based system. The slab rates for disability element for 100 percent disability would be as follows:

Rank	Levels	Rate per month (INR)
Service Officers	10 and above	27000
Honorary Commissioned Officers
Subedar  Major / Equivalents	6  to  9	17000
Subedar / Equivalents
Naib Subedar / Equivalents
Havildar / Equivalents	5 and below	12000
Naik / Equivalents
Sepoy / Equivalents

The above recommendation has been accepted with the approval of the Cabinet and Resolution dated 30.09.2016 issued accordingly. The 6th CPC dispensation of the calculation of disability element on percentage basis, however, continues for civil side which has resulted in an anomalous situation. The issue has accordingly been referred to the Anomaly Committee.

This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Shri Neeraj Shekhar in Rajya Sabha today.

PIB

PM invites views from the people, on decision taken regarding currency notes of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000

PM invites views from the people, on decision taken regarding currency notes of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has invited views from the people, on the recent decision taken by the Union Government regarding currency notes of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000.

People can submit their views through a survey consisting of 10 questions, which is available through the Narendra Modi App. Sharing the link to this survey, the Prime Minister tweeted today that he wants a first-hand view from the people, regarding this decision.

The ten questions in the Survey are as follows:

1. Do you think that black money exists in India? a. Yes b. No

2. Do you think the evil of corruption and black money needs to be fought and eliminated? a. Yes b. No

3. Overall, what do you think about the Government's moves to tackle black money?

4. What do you think of the Modi Government's efforts against corruption so far? Scale of 1 to 5 - outstanding, very good, good, ok, useless

5. What do you think of the Modi Government's move of banning old Rs 500 & Rs 1000 notes? a. Great move in the right direction b. Good move c. Will make no difference

6. Do you think demonetisation will help in curbing black money, corruption & terrorism? a. It will have an immediate impact b. There will be impact in medium to long term c. Minimal impact d. Don't know

7. Demonetisation will bring real estate, higher education, healthcare in the common man's reach a. Completely Agree b. Partially Agree c. Can’t say

8. Did you mind the inconvenience faced in our fight to curb corruption, black money, terrorism and counterfeiting of currency? a. Not at all b. Somewhat, but it was worth it c. Yes

9. Do you believe some anti-corruption activists are now actually fighting in support of black money, corruption & terrorism? a. Yes b. No

10. Do you have any suggestions, ideas or insights you would like to share with PM Narendra Modi?
This survey is in sync with the Prime Minister's vision of participative governance and directly seeking the views of the people of India on key policy and execution matters.

The Prime Minister has sought answers on very pointed and direct aspects of the decision of 500 and 1000 rupee notes ceasing to be legal tender. He has also sought feedback from the people on how to make the implementation stronger.

The Prime Minister's core beliefs of direct engagement with people are yet again on full display in the survey.

PIB

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

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

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 174
ANSWERED ON: 16.11.2016

Incentives to High Performing Employees

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

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

ANSWER

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

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

PDF/WORD (Hindi) PDF/WORD

Withdrawal of Legal Tender Character of existing Rs.500/- and Rs.1000/- Specified Bank Notes (SBNs) - Cash withdrawal for purpose of celebration of wedding

Withdrawal of Legal Tender Character of existing Rs.500/- and Rs.1000/- Specified Bank Notes (SBNs) - Cash withdrawal for purpose of celebration of wedding

RBI/2016-17/145
DCM (Plg) No.1320/10.27.00/2016-17

November 21, 2016

The Chairman / Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer,
Public Sector Banks / Private Sector Banks/ Private Sector Banks/ Foreign Banks
Regional Rural Banks / Urban Co- operative Banks / State Co-operative Banks

Dear Sir,
Withdrawal of Legal Tender Character of existing Rs. 500/- and Rs. 1000/- Specified Bank Notes (SBNs) - Cash withdrawal for purpose of celebration of wedding

Please refer to our Circular No. DCM (Plg) No.1226/10.27.00/2016-17 dated November 08, 2016 on the captioned subject.

2. With a view to enable members of the public to perform and celebrate weddings of their wards it has been decided to allow higher limits of cash withdrawals from their bank deposit accounts to meet wedding related expenses. Yet, banks should encourage families to incur wedding expenses through non-cash means viz. cheques /drafts, credit/debit cards, prepaid cards, mobile transfers, internet banking channels, NEFT/RTGS, etc. Therefore, members of the public should be advised, while granting cash withdrawals, to use cash to meet expenses which have to be met only through cash mode. Cash withdrawals shall be subject to the following conditions:

i. A maximum of Rs.250000/- is allowed to be withdrawn from the bank deposit accounts till December 30, 2016 out of the balances at credit in the account as at close of business on November 08, 2016.

ii. Withdrawals are permitted only from accounts which are fully KYC compliant.

iii. The amounts can be withdrawn only if the date of marriage is on or before December 30, 2016.

iv. Withdrawals can be made by either of the parents or the person getting married. (Only one of them will be permitted to withdraw).

v. Since the amount proposed to be withdrawn is meant to be used for cash disbursements, it has to be established that the persons for whom the payment is proposed to be made do not have a bank account.

vi. The application for withdrawal shall be accompanied by following documents:

• An application as per Annex
• Evidence of the wedding, including the invitation card, copies of receipts for advance payments already made, such as Marriage hall booking, advance payments to caterers, etc.
• A detailed list of persons to whom the cash withdrawn is proposed to be paid, together with a declaration from such persons that they do not have a bank account. The list should indicate the purpose for which the proposed payments are being made

3. Banks shall keep a proper record of the evidence and produce them for verification by the authorities in case of need. The scheme will be reviewed based on authenticity/ bona fide use thereof.

Yours faithfully,
(P Vijaya Kumar)
Chief General Manager

Encl: As above

Authority: www.rbi.org.in
Click to view and download the Application Form

Central government starts paying salaries in cash to Group C employees

Central government starts paying salaries in cash to Group C employees

Group C employees of all government departments are given salaries - amounting to Rs. 10,000 for the month of November in advance

New Delhi: As rush in banks and ATMs due to demonetisation continues, Government employees belonging to Group C on Monday started receiving Rs. 10,000 in cash as advance of their salary for the month of November.

At least 1,000 Group-C employees working in the home ministry were also given Rs. 10,000 each as their salary advance.

Government employees of Group-C of all ministries, departments and associate organisations are given the salary advance in cash, a senior home ministry official said. In the home ministry, those who availed the facility got the cash in the denomination of Rs. 2,000 and Rs. 100. Four make-shift counters have been installed in the home ministry.

The facility is also offered in the adjoining finance ministry in the North Block. There has been heavy rush and long queues in banks and ATMs ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on 8 November that Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 500 notes would no longer be legal tender.

PTI