Indian Railways conceives to deploy "Drone" cameras in all its Zones/Divisions to enhance safety and efficiency in train operations

 Ministry of Railways

Indian Railways conceives to deploy "Drone" cameras in all its Zones/Divisions to enhance safety and efficiency in train operations.

It will help in various activities especially project monitoring and maintenance of tracks and other railway infrastructure.

West Central Railways has become the first Zonal Railway to procure "Drone" cameras in Indian Railways.

Indian Railways has decided to deploy "Drone" cameras (UAV/NETRA) for various railway activities especially project monitoring and maintenance of tracks and other railway infrastructure. It has been given directions to Zonal Railways to procure such cameras. This is in-line with Railways’ desire to use technology to enhance safety and efficiency in train operations.

"Drone" cameras shall be deployed to undertake monitoring activities of relief and rescue operation, project monitoring, progress of important works, conditions of track and inspection related activities. It shall also be used to assess preparedness of Non-Interlocking (NI) works, crowd management during fairs and melas, to identify scrap and also for aerial survey of station yards. It is going to be instrumental in providing real time inputs related to safety and maintenance of tracks and other railway infrastructure.

Under this initiative, West Central Railways with headquarter at Jabalpur (M.P) has become the first Zonal Railway to procure "Drone" cameras in Indian Railways. West Central Railways has already done a trial-run of those cameras last week on its all the three divisions in the following locations.

  Jabalpur Division - Narmada Bridge near Bhitoni
  Bhopal Division - (i) Nishatpura Yard; (ii) Third Line work between HBJ - Misrod.
  Kota Division - (i) Chambal Bridge near Kota; (ii) Dakania Talav Yard near Kota.

WCR further plans to use Drone for project monitoring in 3rd line work of Bina-Katni, Doubling work in Katni-Singrouli, Important Bridge inspections and Mansoon preparedness in deep cutting portions of Ghat Sections of Bhopal and Jabalpur Divisions. Earlier, demonstration of "Drone" camera was done for project monitoring of Railway Electrification work of Jabalpur Yard.

PIB

Promotion of SCs/STs

Promotion of SCs/STs

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2187
TO BE ANSWERED ON 01.01.2018

PROMOTION OF SCs/STs

2187. SHRI KAUSHAL KISHORE:
Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:

(a)the number of people from Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) category who have been provided employment in the ministry during the last three years and the current year; and
(b)the details of the directions issued regarding upgrading/promotion of SC/ST employees working in the Ministry?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

(SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)

(a): The details of number of people from Scheduled Caste/ Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) category who have been provided employment in different offices of the Ministry during the last three years and the current year are attached as Annexure-I. Details of appointment of SC/ST category people in Offices of the Directorate General of Labour Bureau, Employees' State Insurance Corporation, Employees’ Provident Fund Organization and Group-C posts in Chief Labour Commissioner (Central) are being collected and will be laid on the table of the House.

(b): Upgradations/Promotions are made as per Recruitment Rules and Instructions issued by the Department of Personnel & Training. No specific instructions have been issued by the Ministry.

---

ANNEXURE-I

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2187 FOR 01/01/2018 REGARDING PROMOTION OF SCs/STs.

Number of people from Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) category who have been provided employment in the Ministry during the last three years and the current year

* excluding CSS,CSSS and CSCS Cadres posts as these posts are filled-up through Department of Personnel and Training.

Source : LokSabha

Special Allowance to Nurses working in Operation Theater/Intensive Care Unit - revision of Allowances : NFIR

Special Allowance to Nurses working in Operation Theater/Intensive Care Unit - revision of Allowances : NFIR


No.I/5(g)/Part VI

Dated: 05/01/2018

The Secretary (E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub: Special Allowance to Nurses working in Operation Theater/Intensive Care Unit - revision of Allowances-reg.

Ref: (i) NFIR's PNM Item No.1-B/2012.

(ii) Railway Board's OM No. E(P&A)I-2009/SP-1/Gen1/1 dated 09/07/2010 and 08/10/2013.

(iii) NFIR's letter No.I/5(g) dated 08/11/2012 & no. I/5(g)/Pt.V dated 02/09/2013 and 13/01/2014.

(iv) Ministry of Health & Family Welfare letter no.Z.28015/2012013 - N dated 17th October 2013 copy endorsed to NFIR.

(v) Railway Board's letter No.E(P&A)I-2012/FE-4/1 dated 23/01/2014.

(vi) NFIR's letter No.I/5 (g)/Part V dated 21/10/2014, 20/10/2015, 30/05/2017 & letter No.I/5(g)/Part VI dated 20/09/2017.

(vii) O.M.No.Z.28015/52/2017-N dated 27th September,2017 issued by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare to all ministries/departments (Government of India).

(viii) NFIR's letter No.I/5(g)/Part VI dated 16/10/2017.

(ix) Railway Board's letter No.E(P&A)I-2017/SP-1/MH-1 dated 27/12/2017.

Federation desires to invite attention of the Railway Board to the letters cited under reference relating to the NFIR's PNM agenda Item No.1-B/2012.

During NFIR's PNM meeting held with the Railway Board on 13/14-11-2017, the Official Side through Action Taken Statement on the agenda item conveyed that the advice of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in the matter was still awaited and reminders have also been sent on 26/04/2017 and 11/10/2017 to ascertain the date of enhancement of the Allowance to Rs. 360/-p.m. from Rs. 120/- p.m.

Federation is surprised to note that though the instructions have since been issued by the Board revising the rate of Special Allowance, renamed as Operation Theater Allowance to the Nursing Personnel working in the specialized areas in the Railway Hospitals under the Ministry of Railways to Rs.540/- p.m. w.e.f. 1st July 2017, vide Board's letter dated 27/12/2017, unfortunately the said letter does not mention NFIR's PNM agenda Item. There is, therefore necessity to issue amendment to Board’s letter dated 27/12/2017.

Further to above, Federation desires to mention that the question relating to enhancement of Special Allowance from Rs.120/- p.m. to Rs.360/-p.m. pursuant to implementation of 6th CPC recommendations, is still unanswered and payment not arranged with back date.

NFIR,therefore, requests the Railway Board to issue corrigendum to Board’s letter dated 27-12-2017 for enhancement of Operation Theater Allowance from Rs.120/-p.m to Rs.360/- p.m also with retrospective effect, duly citing NFIR's PNM agenda item.

Federation may be kept advised of the action taken in the matter.

Yours faithfully,

S/d,

(Dr.M.Raghavaiah)

General Secretary

Source : NFIR

Revision of Kilometrage rates and other Allowances of Running Staff: NFIR

Revision of Kilometrage rates and other Allowances of Running Staff: NFIR.

No.IV/RSAC/Conf./Part IX

Dated: 05/01/2018

The General Secretaries of
Zonal Unions of NFIR

Brother,
Sub: Revision of Kilometrage rates and other Allowances of Running Staff-reg.

The issue pertaining to revision of Kilometraeg Allowance rates and other related Allowance for Running Staff was discussed on 4th & 5th January, 2018 at Rail Bhavan under the chairmanship of Additional Member (Staff). The NFIR’s note highlighting the position from 01/01/2006 and necessity for upward revision of Kilometrage Allowance rate was discussed. After considering the points brought out by the Staff Side on 4th & 5th January 2018, the Railway Board will respond.

Further development on the subject will be conveyed to affiliates at the earliest.

Yours fraternally,

S/d,

(Dr. M. Raghavaiah)

General Secretary

Source : NFIR

CPF Pensioners - LOK SABHA Q&A

CPF Pensioners - LOK SABHA Q&A

 
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 2045
ANSWERED ON: 29.12.2017

CPF Pensioners

SUKHBIR SINGH JAUNPURIA

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-
(a) the details of existing pension rates of Contributory Provident Fund (CPF) pensioners in the country;
(b) whether the Government proposes to increase the CPF rates;
(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
(d) whether the Government has any information regarding the number of CPF pensioners as on 31st March, 2016, and if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

The Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance

(a) to (d) The Central Government employees who are covered by CPF Rules (India) 1962 and who retired on or after 01.01.1986 are not entitled to any monthly pension/ex-gratia amount. However, the Government employees under CPF who retired between 18.11.1960 and 31.12.1985 are entitled to monthly ex-gratia amount. Presently following ex-gratia payment is admissible to the CPF beneficiaries who had retired from service prior to 01.01.1986:

S.No	Group of Service to which CPF retirees belonged at the time of retirement	Enhanced amount of basic monthly ex-gratia
1	Group A Service	Rs. 3,000/-
2	Group B Service	Rs. 1,000/-
3	Group C Service	Rs. 750/-
4	Group D Service	Rs. 650/-
5	Widows and dependent children of the deceased CPF beneficiary	Rs. 645/-

Dearness ex-gratia equal to 50% of the amount of ex-gratia and Dearness Relief, as notified from time to time as per 5th Central Pay Commission series, on the sums of amount of ex-gratia and dearness ex-gratia is being paid to them. There is no proposal to increase the aforesaid rates.

Source: Lok Sabha Q&A

Revision of salaries and allowances of the employees of LIC

Revision of salaries and allowances of the employees of LIC

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 1862
ANSWERED ON: 29.12.2017

Revision of Pension by LIC

R. GOPALAKRISHNAN

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the salaries and allowances of the employees of the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) are revised periodically;

(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(c) whether the pension of the pensioners of LIC are also revised periodically accordingly and periodically as that of the Central Government employees;

(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and

(e) the steps/measures being taken by the Government to revise the pension of the LIC pensioners as and when the salaries of the serving employees of LIC are revised?

ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance

(a) to (e): Revision of scales of pay of the employees of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) is carried out periodically i.e. every five years. Pension of the pensioners of LIC has two components - Basic Pension and Dearness Relief. Dearness Relief gets revised every six months.

Source:Lok Sabha

8th CPC: Abolish the system of formation of Pay Commission in future?

Abolish the system of formation of Pay Commission in future?

Government is planning to abolish the system of formation of Pay Commission in future?

Central Government replied that there is no such proposal at present under consideration.

In Lok Sabha on 5th January 2018, A Hon'ble member asked some questions about the Pay Commission and DA Merger as follows…

• whether the National Anomaly Committee (NAC) under the 7th Central Pay Commission has submitted its interim report, if so, the details thereof;
• whether the Government is planning to abolish the system of formation of Pay Commission in future, if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
• whether the Government is considering to adjust the salaries of its employees and pensioners Dearness Allowance (DA) that crosses the 50 per cent mark, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
• whether the Department of Expenditure planning to take the responsibility to regularly monitor salaries and allowances of central government employees and recommend the changes if needed, if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor?

The Minister of State for Finance Shri P.Radhakrishnan replied that the National Anomaly Committee set up by the Department of Personnel & Training in August, 2016 following the decision of the Government on the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission has not yet met.

Raksha Mantri Issues Orders on Matter of Equivalence with Respect to Armed Forces and AFHQ CS Officers

Ministry of Defence

Raksha Mantri Issues Orders on Matter of Equivalence with Respect to Armed Forces and AFHQ CS Officers

Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman has issued the following orders with immediate effect:-

Ministry of Defence letter dated 18 October 2016 on the issue of equivalence between Armed Forces Officers and Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Services (AFHQ CS)Officers is withdrawn.
The cadre restructuring of AFHQ CS as approved by the Union Cabinet shall be duly implemented. Designations to be created in consequence of the additional posts sanctioned by the Cabinet will be done in consultation with Service HQs. Local designations assigned both Service and Civilian Officers in Service Headquarters/InterService Organisations (ISOs) is hereby withdrawn. Both Service and Civilian Officers will use their respective cadre designations only.

So far as the Channel of reporting/rendition of Annual Performance Appraisal Report (APAR) is concerned, status quo ante is hereby restored, i.e., the position which existed prior to the issue of MoD letter dated 18 October 2016 shall prevail.

This is for strict compliance by all concerned.

Source: PIB

DELHI HIGH COURT JUDGEMENT ON MACP IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI

Delhi HC Judgement on MACP

 
IMPORTANT - DELHI HIGH COURT JUDGEMENT ON MACP IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI

Reserved on: 06.07.2017
Pronounced on: 20.12.2017
W.P.(C) 9357/2016 HARI RAM & ANR ..... Petitioners

Through : Ms. Jyoti Singh, Sr. Advocate with
Sh. Padma Kumar S., Sh. Amandeep Joshi and Sh. Himanshu Gautam, Advocates.

versus

REGISTRAR GENERAL, DELHI HIGH COURT..... Respondent
Through : Sh. Sanjoy Ghose, Sh. Rhishabh
Jetley, Ms. Pratishtha Vij and Sh. Urvi Mohan,
Advocates

CORAM:
HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE S. RAVINDRA BHAT
HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE S.P.GARG

S. RAVINDRA BHAT, J.
1. Complaining of unjustified denial of third financial upgradation under the Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme (hereafter called "MACPS", for convenience), the writ petitioners approach this Court under Article 226 of the Constitution for appropriate directions.

2. Both the petitioners joined the establishment of the High Court initially in the cadre of Upper Division Clerk [UDC] (the first petitioner on 05.09.1998 and the second petitioner on 22.10.1984) from which they were promoted to the cadre of UDC (again on 05.09.1998 and 13.05.1999 respectively) and finally to the cadre of Reader (first petitioner on 09.10.2007 and second petitioner on 18.07.2008). The action impugned is the denial of their claim for a third financial upgradation. The petitioners challenge an order of the Screening Committee of the High Court which rejected their claim for third financial upgradation. In terms of the MACPS, an employee is entitled to assured career progression at 10 years' intervals - thus, the first financial up-gradation is after 10 years of service; the second after 20 years of service and the third, on completion of 30 years of service.


3. The MACPS had its precursor in Assured Career Progression Scheme (ACP), formulated by the Central Government and brought into force with effect from 09.08.1999. The ACP guaranteed career progression after completion of 12 years of service. The precondition for the applicability of ACP and MACPS is that the concerned officer or employee should not have been promoted. As corollary, in the event of promotion, the concerned career progression benefit at the appropriate stage was to be denied. For instance, if an individual is promoted before the completion of 10 years, she or he cannot avail the ACP/MACPS benefit upon completion of 10 years and would instead have to wait for the completion of 20 years for the second upgradation, provided she/he is not promoted a second time in the career. Initially, upon the publication of the ACP, several queries were urged and doubts sought to be allowed, through an Office Memorandum containing clarifications to Frequently Asked Questions. The first of these - applicable to the ACP was published on 01.02.2000. The second was made applicable after the MACPS was brought into force, i.e. 01.09.2008 (through the OM dated 19.05.2009).

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IPPB FAQs: Deputation of DoP staff to India Post Payments Bank

IPPB FAQs:  Deputation of DoP staff to India Post Payments Bank

FAQs on deputation of DoP staff to India Post Payments Bank (IPPB)
Sl.No.	Frequently Asked Question	Response/Clarification
1.	What is IPPB ? What are its Objectives? How it will operate?	(i) India Post Payments Bank Limited ("IPPB") was incorporated as a company on August 17, 2016 under The Companies Act, 2013, with 100% equity from the Department of Posts (DoP), Ministry of Communications, Govt. Of India and as a payments banking company under Section 22 (1) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.(ii) IPPB is visualized as a vehicle of financial inclusion that would complement the existing banking, financial services and payments network in the country to improve overall efficiency, accessibility and convenience in delivery of banking services including Direct Benefits Transfer and social security payments. IPPB, as an organization, is designed to leverage the field network of the Department of Posts and is required to carry out its sales and operations through the workforce of the DoP. IPPB will be responsible for designing the products and services, defining the technology and service delivery platforms, undertaking marketing and third-party tie-ups, setting and monitoring the service quality standards, handling customer grievances, managing the risks of the banking operations, and dealing with statutory and regulatory compliances, etc.
2.	Why IPPB is looking for positions on deputation/ foreign service/ engagement for DoP?	Requirement of positions on deputation/ Foreign Service from DoP to IPPB is based on IPPB’s business requirements, as success of IPPB hinges significantly on its ability to leverage field-level resources of DoP. In this context, it is imperative, especially in the initial stages, that the persons who are acting on behalf of IPPB at the field level, have a strong understanding of DoP as an organization.
3.	Which authority has approved the policy of deputation?	Board of Directors of IPPB approved the policy of deputation of regular employees from DoP to IPPB, which is also agreed by Postal Services Board.
4.	What is the period of deputation? What is the job profile of posts offered ? What are the employment terms and conditions / service rules?	Details are available in the Notification released by IPPB.
5.	Will there be any relaxation provided in the eligibility criteria?	No relaxation will be provided in the eligibility criteria on age, experience and education. Kindly ensure that you fill the correct information. In case, any incorrect information is provided, your application is liable to be cancelled.
6.	Can any details of submitted application be modified/ removed/ added	No. Any changes to the application cannot be made after submission of the application.
7.	Whether ASPs can apply for Scale- II ?	All regularly appointed ASPs, if they fulfill the eligibility criteria can apply for scale –II position.
8.	Whether all PAs will be eligible for deputation?	All regular PAs who fulfill the eligibility criteria can apply for scale-I position, irrespective of their present place of posting .
9.	Whether officials working in LSG /HSG- II /HSG-I/ Post Master cadre can apply for deputation?	All LSG PAs/ HSG-II/Postmaster cadre officials who fulfill eligibility criteria can apply for Scale I.
10.	Is the experience of CBS/Sanchay Post mandatory to apply for Scale I?	As per Section C of notification at least two years hands on experience is mandatory in POSB CBS/ Sanchay Post operations.
11.	Whether all GDS will be eligible for deputation?	All regularly appointed GDS candidates meeting eligibility criteria will be eligible.
12.	Whether DoP official working in deputation in IPPB is allowed to appear in DoP departmental exams for promotion?	Yes, subject to fulfilment of eligibility criteria of that particular exam.
13.	Whether reservation is applicable in the selection?	Being the deputation posts, rules of reservation are not applicable.
14.	Will any model question papers be made available?	To be notified in due course of time.
15.	Where can I download the Admit card for the examination	Admit card can be downloaded after the date of examination is announced from www.indiapost.gov.in
16.	When will the results be available for the exams	Results will be published on www.indiapost.gov.in in due course of time.

Note: The Last date for registration of application has been extended to 15.01.2018

Sd/-

Abhishek Jain
ADG (PBI)
Dated 05.01.2018

Source: India Post