Committee on 7th CPC Allowances: Finance Ministry Press Note

Finance Ministry Press Note : Committee on 7th CPC Allowances

Press Information  Bureau
Ministry of Finance

28-April, 2017 16:38 IST

The Committee on Allowances headed by Shri Ashok Lavasa, Finance Secretary and Secretary (Expenditure) submitted its Report to the Union Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley yesterday; The Report will be now placed before the Empowered Committee of Secretaries (E-CoS) to firm-up the proposal for approval of the Cabinet.

The Committee on Allowances, constituted by the Ministry of Finance, Government of India to examine the 7th CPC recommendations on Allowances, submitted its Report to the Union Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley yesterday. The Committee was headed by Shri Ashok Lavasa, Finance Secretary and Secretary (Expenditure),M/o Finance, Government of India and had Secretaries of Home Affairs, Defence, Health & Family Welfare, Personnel & Training, Post and Chairman, Railway Board as its Members and Joint Secretary (Implementation Cell) as its Member Secretary.

The Committee was set-up in pursuance of the Union Cabinet decision on 29.06.2016 when approving the 7th CPC recommendations on pay, pensions and related issues were approved. The decision to set-up the Committee was taken in view of significant changes recommended by the 7th CPC in the allowances structure and a large number of representations received in this regard from various Staff Associations as well as the apprehensions conveyed by various Ministries / Departments. The 7th CPC had recommended that of a total of 196 Allowances, 52 be abolished altogether and 36 be abolished as separate identities by subsuming them in another allowance.

The Committee took note of all the representations received from various stakeholders on the 7th CPC recommendations on Allowances. Representations and demands for modifications were received in respect of 79 allowances which have been examined in detail by the Committee. In doing so, the Committee interacted with all the members of the Standing Committee of National Council (Staff Side), Joint Consultative Machinery (JCM) as well the representatives of various Staff Associations of Railways, Postal employees, Doctors, Nurses, and Department of Atomic Energy. It also interacted with the representatives of the Defence Forces, DGs of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) namely CRPF, CISF, BSF, ITBP, SSB, and Assam Rifles as also senior officers from IB and SPG to understand the viewpoint of their personnel.  As mentioned in the Report, the Committee held a total of 15 meetings and was assisted by a Group of Officers headed by Additional Secretary (D/o Expenditure) in examining the representations.

Based on such extensive stakeholder consultations and detailed examination, the Committee has suggested certain modifications in the 7th CPC recommendations so as to address the concerns of the stakeholders in the context of the rationale behind the recommendations of the 7th CPC as well as other administrative exigencies. Modifications have been suggested in some allowances which are applicable universally to all employees as well as certain other allowances which apply to specific employee categories such as Railway men, Postal employees, Scientists, Defence Forces personnel, Doctors and Nurses etc.

The Report, now being examined in the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, will be placed before the Empowered Committee of Secretaries (E-CoS) set-up to screen the 7th CPC recommendations and to firm-up the proposal for approval of the Cabinet. It may be recalled that while recommendations of the 7th CPC on pay and pension were implemented with the approval of Cabinet, allowances continue to be paid at old rates. After consideration by the E-CoS, the proposal for implementation of 7th CPC recommendations on Allowances after incorporating the modifications suggested by the Committee on Allowances in its Report shall be placed before the Cabinet for approval.

Source : PIB

Fixation of pay in case of employees who seek transfer to a lower post under FR 15(a)

Fixation of pay in case of employees who seek transfer to a lower post under FR 15(a)

Dated: 01/05/2017

No. I/2/Part IV
The Secretary (E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,
Sub: Fixation of pay in case of employees who seek transfer to a lower post under FR 15(a) - clarification regarding.

Ref: DoP&T's OM No. 12/1/2016-Estt (Pay I) dated 31st March, 2017.

Kind attention of Railway Board is invited to DoP&T's OM dated 31st March, 2017 (quoted under reference) on the subject pertaining to fixation of pay in the case of employees who seek transfer to a lower post under FR 15(a), copy enclosed.

According to the DoP&T OM dated 21st October 2009, 05th November 2012 & 31st March 2017, the method of pay fixation in respect of Government employee transferred to a lower post on his/her request shall be as under:-

"The pay of the Government employee holding a post on regular basis will be fixed in the revised pay structure at the stage equal to the pay drawn by him/her in the higher level of post held regularly. If no such stage is available, the pay will be fixed at the stage next below in the lower level with respect to the pay drawn by him/her in the higher level of posts held regularly and the difference in the pay may be granted as personal pay to be absorbed in future increments."

From the OMs issued by the DoP&T pursuant to the implementation of the 6th CPC pay structure as well 7th CPC pay matrices w.e.f. 01/01/2006 and 01/01/2016 respectively, the pay fixation on joining lower post shall be with reference to pay drawn in higher level of post.

On Zonal Railways etc., pay fixation to those who joined in lower Grade Pay/Pay Matrix at their request is not being allowed inspite of DoP&T's OMs cited above, (i.e. ensuring pay protection),It is also noticed that Railway Board have not issued corresponding instructions on the basis of DoP&T OM dated 31st March 2017 till now.

NFIR, therefore, urges upon the Railway Board to kindly consider the above facts and issue clarification on the lines of the OMs of DoP&T for granting pay fixation in those cases of employees who joined on transfer to a lower post at their request.

DA/As above

Yours faithfully,
S/d,
(Dr. M. Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source : NFIR

NFIR: Measures to improve Safety on Indian Railways

NFIR: Measures to improve Safety on Indian Railways

No. IV/1/Part III

Dated: 29/04/2017

The General Secretaries of
Zonal Unions of NFIR

Brother,

Sub: Measures to improve Safety on Indian Railways- reg.

Ref: Railway Board's letter No. 2017/E(LR)/Ref/RB/1 dated 30/01/2017.

Please furnish  the following information to the Federation immediately i.e. latest by 1st May 2017:-

• Total sanctioned strength of Supervisors in Safety categories in GP 4200 & 4600 in the Zone - figures may be given Grade Pay wise.
• Office Bearers of NFIR Unions who are in Safety/Supervisory posts (GP 4200 & 4600).
• Percentage of Office Bearers in Safety/Supervisory posts with reference to total sanctioned
• Percentage of Office Bearers in Safety Supervisory posts with reference to on roll strength
  (separately Grade Pay wise may be given).

Important to note that no names should be furnished as only figures are required for taking further action.

Yours fraternally,
S/d,
(Dr. M. Ragavaiah )
General Secretary

Source : NFIR

The Government is Committed for Job Security, Wage Security and Social Security of the Workers

The Government is Committed for Job Security, Wage Security and Social Security of the Workers

Shri BandaruDattatreya Launches "One IP- Two Dispensaries" and "Aadhaar Based Online Claim Submission" Schemes on International Labour Day

The Government is Committed for Job Security, Wage Security and Social Security of the Workers: Shri BandaruDattatreya

Minister of State (I/C) for Labour and Employment, Shri BandaruDattatreya launched two schemes "One IP- Two Dispensaries" and "Aadhaar based Online Claim Submission" on the occasion of International Labour Day today.

Under One IP- Two Dispensaries scheme ESIC has given an option to an Insured Person (IP) to choose two dispensaries, one for self and another for family through an employer. This will benefit all IPs, especially migrant workers who are working in other than home State, while their families are living in their native States. Because of non-availability of option of second dispensary, the dependent members of family are often deprived of medical benefits. By introducing the concept of 'One IP- Two Dispensaries', IP as well as their family members would now be able to get treatment from either of the dispensaries and in case of emergency from any ESI Institution.As of now, around 3 crores IPs are covered under ESIC and total number of beneficiaries i.e. IPs and their family members is over 12 crores.

Under Aadhaar based Online Claim Submission scheme all EPF Members who have activated their UAN and seeded their KYC (Aadhaar) with EPFO will be able to apply for PF final settlement (form19), Pension withdrawal benefit (Form10-C) and PF part withdrawal (Form31) from the their UAN Interface directly. The three forms collectively form more than 80% of EPFO's claim workload.Members can complete the whole process online and they neither need to interact with the employer nor with the EPFO field office to submit online claim.They are not required to give any supporting document while preferring online PF part withdrawal case. Member's applying online will be taken as his self- declaration for preferring the advance claim.

Launching the schemes Shri BandaruDattatreya said that the Government has recognised the importance of labour and the contribution of workers and is dedicated to their welfare. It is ensuring job security, wage security and social security to them.The Minister of State (I/C) for Labour and Employment said that the Government is trying to provide social security to the workers of unorganised sector also. He said that in the recently launched scheme 'SPREE' by ESIC the new accounts of 77 lakh individuals and 66 thousand establishments have been opened and EPFO has also added around 50 lakhs new accounts in its recently launch scheme. 34 million registrations have already been done on National Career Service (NCS) Portal.

Earlier, Smt. M. Sathiyavathy, Secretary, Labour and Employment said that the ministry has undertaken many steps for the welfare of workers. The Ministry is also rationalising the labour laws for the ease of business. She said that upgradation of skill is necessary for the job opportunity.

PIB

FINMIN ORDER: Committee to examine and evaluate the demands/requests - Ministry of Railways

FINMIN ORDER: Committee to examine and evaluate the demands/requests - Ministry of Railways

Committee to examine and evaluate the demands/requests received from various Public Representatives/Organisations for the creation of new Zones and Divisions - Ministry of Railways (FINMIN ORDER)

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
(MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS)
(RAILWAY BOARD)

New Delhi, dated 17,04.2017

No,ERB-1/2017/23/19

ORDER

Ministry of Railways (Railway Board) have decided to constitute a Committee to examine and evaluate the demands/requests received from various Public Representatives/Organisations for the creation of new Zones and Divisions. The Committee will consist of the following:-

• Executive Director(E&R), Railway Board Convenor
• Executive Director/Finance(X)-I, Railway Board Member
• Executive Director(Planning), Railway Board Member
• Executive Director/TT(F), Railway Board Member
• Executive Director(L&A)-I, Railway Board Member
• Executive Director/E(N), Railway Board .Member

1. The Terms of reference of the Committee will be as under:

(i) To Analyze the requests/demands received from various public representatives/organisations, since 2014, for the creation of. new zones and divisions on Indian Railways, from the following angles:

• Operational feasibility
• Financial implications
• Administrative issues
• Staff matters & Industrial Relation issues
• Infrastructure availability & other requirements

(ii) On the basis of above analysis, examine the feasibility of creation of the proposed zones/divisions and accordingly reorganization of existing zones /divisions.

(iii) The Committee may consult Zonal Railways in this regard.

(iv) The views of Federations/Unions may also be obtained for proposals which are found to be feasible.

3. The Committee should submit its Interim Report by 28.4.2017 and a detailed Report within a period of three months from the date of constitution of the

4. The Headquarters of the Committee will be at New Delhi.

5. E&R Branch of Railway Board will be the Nodal Branch for functioning of the committee. Therefore, all related works/issues including Para1. Questions, RTI cases, their execution and other formalities with regard to the Committee, should be dealt with by E&R Branch.

6. The Convenor and Members of the committee will draw TA/DA as per extant Rules.

S/d,
(M.M.Rai)
Deputy Secretary (Estt.)
Railway Board

Signed Copy

Dearness Relief Order for PSU / Autonomous body from 1.1.2017

Dearness Relief Order for PSU / Autonomous body from 1.1.2017

F.No. 42/15/2016-P&PW(G)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare

 

3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhavan,
Khan Market, New Delhi – 110003
Date:27th April, 2017

 

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

 

Subject :- Grant of Dearness Relief to Central Government Employees who had drawn lump sum amount on absorption in a PSU/Autonomous body and are in receipt of 1/3rd restored commuted portion of pension. – Revised rate effective from 1.1.2017.

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department’s OM No. 42/15/2016-P&PW(G) dated 16th December,2016 and the OM No. 42/15/2016-P&PW(G) dated 07.04.2017 and to say that the President is pleased to decide that the Dearness Relief (DR) to the Central Government employees who had drawn lump sum amount on absorption in a PSU/Autonomous body and are in receipt of 1/3rd restored
commuted portion of pension shall be enhanced from the existing rate of 132% to 136% w.e.f. 01.01.2017.

2.These employees will be entitled to the payment of DR @ 136% w.e.f. 01.01.2017 on full pension i.e. the revised pension which the absorbed employee would have received had he not drawn lump sum payment on absorption and Dearness Pension subject to fulfilment of the conditions laid down in para 5 of the OM.
dated 14.07.98 as amended from time to time. In this connection, instructions contained in this Department’s OM No.4/29/99-P&PW (D) dated. 12.7.2000 refers.

3.Payment of DR involving a fraction of a rupee shall be rounded off to the next higher rupee.

4.Other provisions governing grant of DR in respect of employed family pensioners and re-employed Central Government Pensioners will be regulated in accordance with the provisions contained in this Department’s OM No. 45/73/97-P&PW (G) dated 2.7.1999 as amended vide this Department’s OM No. F.No. 38/88/2008-P&PW(G) dated 9th July, 2009. The provisions relating to regulation of DR where a pensioner is in receipt of more than one pension will remain unchanged.

5.It will be the responsibility of the pension disbursing authorities, including the nationalized banks, etc. to calculate the quantum of DR payable in each individual case.

6.The offices of Accountant General and authorised Pension Disbursing Banks are requested to arrange payment of relief to pensioners etc. on the basis of these instructions without waiting for any further instructions from the Comptroller and Auditor General of India and the Reserve Bank of India in view of letter No. 528-TA, II/34-80-II dated 23/04/1981 of the Comptroller and Auditor
General of India addressed to all Accountant Generals and Reserve Bank of India Circular No. GANB No. 2958/GA-64 (ii) (CGL)/81 dated the 21st May, 1981 addressed to State Bank of India and its subsidiaries and all Nationalised Banks.

7.In their application to the pensioners/family pensioners belonging to Indian Audit and Accounts Department, these orders issue after consultation with the C&AG.

8.This issues in pursuance of Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure vide their OM No. 1/3/2008-E.II(B) dated 07th April, 2017.

9.Hindi version will follow.

sd/-
(Charanjit Taneja)
Under Secretary to the Government of India

Order Copy

AICPIN for the month of March 2017

AICPIN for the month of March 2017

No. 5/1/2017-CPI
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT
LABOUR BUREAU

`CLEREMONT’, SHIMLA-171004
DATED: 28th April, 2017

Press Release

Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) – March, 2017

The All-India CPI-IW for March, 2017 increased by 1 point and pegged at 275 (two hundred and seventy five). On 1-month percentage change, it increased by (+) 0.36 per cent between February, 2017 and March, 2017 when compared with the increase of (+) 0.37 per cent between the same two months a year ago.

The maximum upward pressure to the change in current index came from Food group contributing (+) 0.58 percentage points to the total change. At item level, Rice, Goat Meat, Milk, Pure Ghee, Onion, Brinjal, Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, French Beans, Peas, Tomato, Banana, Apple, Sugar, Cooking Gas, Medicine (Allopathic), Bus Fare, Toilet Soap, Tooth Paste, Tailoring Charges, etc. are responsible for the increase in index. However, this increase was checked by Wheat, Arhar Dal, Gram Dal, Black Gram, Masur Dal, Urd Dal, Besan, Mustard Oil, Chillies Dry, Gourd, Lady’s Finger, Potato, Tea (Readymade), Flower/Flower Garlands, etc., putting downward pressure on the index.

The year-on-year inflation measured by monthly CPI-IW stood at 2.61 per cent for March, 2017 as compared to 2.62 per cent for the previous month and 5.51 per cent during the corresponding month of the previous year. Similarly, the Food inflation remained static at 1.71 per cent and it was 6.16 per cent during the corresponding month of the previous year.

At centre level, Godavarikhani reported the maximum increase of 5 points followed by Mercara, Tripura, Rourkela, Faridabad and Madurai (4 points each). Among others, 3 points decrease was observed in 5 centres, 2 points in 16 centres and 1 point in 21 centres. On the contrary, Bokaro, Chennai and Varanasi recorded maximum decrease of 3 points each. Among others, 2 points decrease was observed in 4 centres and 1 point in 7 centres. Rest of the 16 centres’ indices remained stationary.

The indices of 32 centres are above .All-India Index and other 41 centres’ indices are below national average. The index of Amritsar, Jabalpur, Jalandhar , Vishakhapathnam and Coonoor centres remained at par with A11-India Index.

The next issue of CPI-IW for the month of April, 2017 will be released on Wednesday. 31st May, 2017. The same will also be available on the office website www.labourbureaunew.gov.in

S/d,
(SHYAM SINGH NEGI)
DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL

Signed Copy

Safeguarding the career prospect of Group A, Gr. B and Gr. C officers in all Central Govt. Departments by granting timely promotions

Safeguarding the career prospect of Group A, Gr. B and Gr. C officers in all Central Govt. Departments by granting timely promotions

CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT GAZETTED OFFICERS’ ORGANISATIONS

Confederation/Corres/2016-17/16

Dated: 20.03.2017

To
Dr.Jitendra Singh,
Honourable Minister of State (Independent Charge),
PMO & Development of North Eastern Region,
Government of India
New Delhi.

Respected Sir,

Sub: Safeguarding the career prospect of Group A, Gr. B and Gr. C officers in all Central Govt. Departments by granting timely promotions – request regarding.

Kindly refer to the burgeoning impasse created in all Central Govt. Departments in respect of promotions in Gr. A, Gr. B and Gr. C cadres following the DoPT OM dated 30.09.2016 on reservation.

The process of holding DPC meetings for promotion from Gr. B to Gr. A cadres in all Departments was aborted by the UPSC immediately after the OM.No 36012/11/2016-Estt(Res) Government of India, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension Department of Personnel and Training dated 30.09.2016, in connection with the pending SLP/Contempt Petition in the case of Jarnail Sngh vs Lachhmi Narain Gupta in the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, was issued. The UPSC categorically refused to hold any DPC to any grade having reservation element, unless the said OM is further clarified by DoPT to its satisfaction. It is learnt that the UPSC had sought clarification from DoPT immediately after the issuance of the said OM, and that no clarification has so far been issued by the DoPT.

As the UPSC is considered as the nodal agency for accepting various Instructions/OMs/Circulars issued by the Govt. of India time to time in relation to promotion and holds DPCs accordingly, the refusal of UPSC to hold DPC of any grade having reservation element unless the said OM is further clarified by DoPT has barred all cadre-controlling authorities in all Departments to hold DPCs for promotion in various Gr. B and Gr. C cadres As a result, all regular promotions into Group A, Group B and Group C cadres all over the country have been stalled

As a matter of fact, as the cut-off date for counting of mandatory residency period in all cadres is fixed on 1st of April by the DoPT, the seniority and due career prospect of many officers/officials across various Departments would suffer irreparably if the normal promotion is not accorded to them on or before 31.03.2017. And if it happens, these unfortunate officers will lose at least one year for all consecutive promotions in their career for no fault of themselves.

As per our understanding of the subject, until the DoPT issues clarification of the OM dated 30.09.2016 and help the UPSC to decide the future course of action in respect of promotions in Gr. B to Gr. A cadres in various Departments, neither the vacancy position at various levels in Departments would improve nor the career prospects of officers/officials would be protected.

In view of the above, we are constrained to seek the intervention of the Hon. Minister in directing the DOPT to clarify the issues raised by the UPSC so that the promotions of Officers/Officials who serve the Government of India do not suffer unjustifiably.

We do trust that the Honourable Minister will render justice to those who serve the Government of India

Thanking You,

Yours Sincerely,
S/d,
(S. Mohan)
Secretary General

Signed Copy

EPF members now required to submit self-declaration for advance in case of illness of members/ dependents

EPF members now required to submit self-declaration for advance in case of illness of members/ dependents

Press Information bureau
Ministry of Labour & Employment

28-April, 2017 12:51 IST

EPF members now required to submit self-declaration for advance in case of illness of members/ dependents

EPF members will now only be required to submit a self-declaration for the advance in case of illness of members/ dependents. Differently abled members will also get advance on the basis of self-declaration. A member will no longer be required to submit any medical certificate or any other certificate or document or proforma whatsoever to avail advances under paragraph 68-J or under paragraph 68-N of EPF Scheme 1952.

Ministry of Labour & Employment has amended Paragraph 68-J and Paragraph 68-N of Employees’ Provident Fund Scheme, 1952 and It will come into force from the date of its publication in the official Gazette. According to it, a member would only be required to submit a self-declaration, which has already been included in the composite claim form, to avail advance under the EPF Scheme in case of illness of members/ dependent and also in case of differently abled members.

This is in continuation of initiatives taken by EPFO as part of next phase of its e-governance reforms with a view to make the services of EPFO available to its stakeholder in an efficient and transparent manner. An administrative order was issued on 20.02.2017 in the matter of Introduction of Composite Claim Forms (Aadhar and Non-Aadhar ) to replace existing Claim Forms No. 19, 10C & 31 and Forms No. 19 (UAN), 10C(UAN) & 31 (UAN). EPFO has since implemented Universal Account Number (UAN) for its subscribers. It is now possible for subscribers, who have seeded their UAN with Aadhar Number and Bank account details, to submit claim forms directly to EPFO without the attestation of employers.

Source:PIB news

Payment of Dearness Allowance to Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) effective 01.01.2017 onwards

Payment of Dearness Allowance to Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) effective 01.01.2017 onwards

No. 144/2016-PAP
Government of India
Ministry of Communication
Department of Posts (Establishment Divislon)/P.A.P. Section
Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg, New Delhi – 110001

Dated : 27.04.2017

To,
All Chief Postmaster General
All G.Ms. (PAF)/Directors of Accounts (Posts),

Subject: Payment of Dearness Allowance to Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) effective 01.01.2017 onwards-reg.

Consequent upon grant of another instalment of Dearness Allowance with effect from 1″ January, 2017 to the Central Government Employees vide Government of India, Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure’s O.M. No. 1/3/2008-E-II (B) dated 07.04 2017, duly endorsed vide this Department’s letter No. 8-02/2011-PAP dated 12.04.2017, the Gramin Dak Sevaks (GM) have also become entitled to the payment of Dearness Allowances on basic TRCA at the same rates as applicable to Central Government Employees with effect from 01.01.2017. It has, therefore, been decided that the Dearness Allowance payable to the Gramin Dak Sevaks shall be enhanced from the existing rate of 132% to 135% on the basic Time Related Continuity Allowance, with effect from the 1″ January, 2017.

The Dearness Allowance payable under this order shall be paid in cash to all Gramin Dak Sevaks.
The expenditure on this account shall be debited to the Head “Salaries” under the relevant head of account and should be met from the sanctioned grant.

This issues with the concurrence of Integrated Finance Wing vide their Diary No14/FA/2017/CS dated 27/04/2017.

S/d,
(K.V. Vijayakumar) ,
Assistant Director Ge erai (Estt.)

Signed Copy