Sunday, 4 December 2016

7th Pay Commission Anomaly Committee - Agenda Item relates to Disability Pension

7th Pay Commission Anomaly Committee - Agenda Item relates to Disability Pension

Agenda for 1st Anomaly Committee of 7th CPC is given below:

AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION IN THE ANOMALY COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD AT 11.00 A.M. ON 01.12.2016 UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF SECRETARY, DoPT)

The Agenda for discussion pertains to the issue of demand of Defence Forces Personnel for restoration of the percentage-based methodology for the calculation of Disability Pension to the Defence Forces Personnel. The 7th CPC has recommended a slab-based methodology for calculation of Disability Pension for them. As per their demand, while the 7th CPC has recommended slab-based system for calculation of Disability Pension for the Defence Forces Personnel, it has not made any recommendation for the civilians which continues to be percentage-based. Therefore, their contention is that the proposed slab-based Disability Pension system will lead to an anomaly between the Civilian side and the Defence Forces Personnel.

It has been decided to refer the matter for urgent consideration before the National Anomaly Committee.

2. The recommendations of the 7th CPC on this issue is contained in para no. 10.2.55 which is at Annexure-I.

3. The justification for the recommendation given by the 7th CPC in paras 10.2.49 to 10.2.51 are at Annexure-II, III & IV.

4. The representatives from the Defence Forces Personnel in a meeting held on 11.11.2016 have inter alia contended that:

a) That the 7th CPC-recommended slab-based Disability Pension System will, if implemented, lead to an anomaly between the civilian side and the Defence Forces Personnel because the civilian side will continue to be governed under a percentage- based system.

b) The basis of the 7th CPC recommendations for introduction of the slab-based system for the Defence Forces Personnel, viz. that the percentage of officers retiring with disability element has increased, is erroneous. According to their contention between 5th & 6th CPC, the number of retirement cases with disability element has, in fact, fallen as below:

Rank 5th CPC Regime Range (Slab Based) 6th CPC Regime Range (Percentage Based)
Lt. Col. 12% to 38% 7.5% to 21.2%
Col. 4.8% to 24.9% 3.3% to 23.3%
Brig. 4% to 17% 2.7% to 21.6%
Maj. Gen. 4% to 17.5% 0% to 16.5%
Lt. Gen. 10% to 50% 0% to 15.4%

c) 7th CPC has erroneously assumed that the slab-based system would benefit the lower ranks by narrowing down the gap between the maximum and the minimum. As per their conclusion, except for benefitting a miniscule number of Defence Forces Personnel who would get invalidated out in the lower ranks of service, the slab- based system would be detrimental to most ranks in all superannuation cases.

5. Point-wise inputs on the contention received from the D/o Ex-Servicemen Welfare at Annexure-V are briefly as under:

a) 7th Pay Commission has recommended slab-based system for disability element of disability pension for Defence Forces Pensioners. However, the 7th CPC has not made any recommendation for the civilians. The existing system of disability on percentage-based system would, therefore, continue in civil side. This has led to an anomalous situation.

b) A comparative statement indicating the percentage of retirees with disability during 5th CPC era when slab-system was prevalent vis-a-vis retirees with disability during 6th CPC when percentage system was placed, is as under:

Ranks Percentage of retirees with disability during 1996 to 2005 (5th CPC)
Percentage of retirees with disability during 2006 to 2015 (6th CPC)
Lt. Col/Equivalent 2.04%-18.3%
7.5%-21.2%
Colonel / Equivalent 1.56%-17.38%
3.3%-23.3%
Brigadier / Equivalent 2.08%-17.42%
2.7%-21.6%
Major
General / Equivalent
0.0%-11.27%
0.0%-l 6.5%
Lt. General/Equivalent 0.0%-21.88%
0.0%-15.4%

It could be seen from the data given by CGDA office that percentage of retirees for commissioned officers have increased in 6th CPC regime vis-a-vis 5th CPC.

c) Pre 2016 retirees 
The comparison between slab and percentage system of disability element for pre-1.1.2016 retiree pensioners have been made with reference to pay last drawn by migrating the same in 7th CPC pay structure and also by working out the disability element by linking the same with revised sendee pension under 7th CPC. The statements indicating rank wise, qualifying sendee wise status in both the said scenario are attached as Annexure- V('D' and 'C') respectively. The statement indicates that all commissioned officers are at disadvantage in case the slab recommended by 7th CPC is implemented. However, in case of JCO/ORs, lower ranks are getting benefited under slab rates.

Further the details of 1,09,988 JCO/OR retirees have also been analyzed on actual basis as data for these pensioners were readily available. It could be seen from the outcome tabulated as Annexure-V('D'), that lower ranks of JCO/OR are getting benefited especially Sepoy, Naik & Naib Subedar. Out of 1,09,988 records of JCO/OR processed, 85,640 (77.86%) pensioners would get benefited under slab rates. It is also intimated to the Ministry that pension for all pre-1.7.2014 retirees have been revised under OROP orders. It has been observed/analyzed that the pension of JCO/OR pensioners who are drawing pension on OROP rates (pre-2006 retirees and post-2006 retirees who retired upto 2009-10), are getting benefitted under slab rates of disability pension.

Post 2016 retirees 
For post-1.1.2016 retirees, no comparison has been made as notification relating to pay entitlement are not yet finalized. However, based on the recommendations of 7th CPC, it could be visualized that future progression in new pay structure percentage-based system would definitely be beneficial for post-7th CPC retirees in all ranks.

6. The matter is placed before the National Anomaly Committee for consideration.
Annexure-'I'
Para No. 10.2.55 


The feature that stands out when the historical evolution of the regime relating to disability pension is studied is the shift from slab-based system to a percentage based disability pension regime consequent to the implementation of the 6th CPC's recommendations. This move has been contrary to the tenets of equity insofar as treatment of disability element between Officers and JCOs/ORs is concerned borne out by the fact that the ratio of maximum to minimum quantum of compensation for disability across the ranks is now disproportionately high at 8.6. The Commission is, therefore, of the considered view that the regime implemented post 6th CPC needs to be discontinued, and recommends a return to the slab-based system. The slab rates for disability element for 100 percent disability would be as follows:

Rank
Levels
Rates (in Rs. per month)
Service Officers
10 and above
27,000
Honorary Commissioned Officers
Subedar Major/Equivalent
6 to 9
17,000
Subedar/Equivalent
Naib Subedar/Equivalents
Havildar / Equivalents
5 and below
12,000
Naik/Equivalents
Sepoy Equivalents
Annexure-'II'
10.2.49: The notable facts about the disability payout regime are:
a) There was a gradual rationalization in the number of slabs from eight, prior to 3rd CPC to three after the 4th CPC.

b) The ratio of maximum to minimum quantum of compensation for disability across the ranks witnessed a decline from 4.85 prior to the 3rd CPC to 1.67 post 5th CPC. As a consequence of the implementation of the recommendations of the percentage based system based on the 6th CPC Report the ratio of the maximum to minimum was reversed and now stands at 8.60.

c) Implementation of the 6th CPC recommendations resulted in a substantial increase in tire disability element. For 100 percent disability, at the minimum level, i.e., for ORs, it went up from Rs. 1,550 to Rs. 3,138, i.e., a little over double and at highest level amongst officers from Rs. 2,600 to Rs. 27,000, i.e., by 10.38 times.

d) Disability pension consists of two elements viz., service element and disability element. While the service element was linked with the qualifying service, disability element was not. Therefore, for the same level of disability, the service officer invalided out and one who served on and retired in due course, got the same quantum of disability element.
Annexure-'III'
10.2.50 To examine the recent trends in disability cases, the Commission sought data and further clarifications with regard to all cases of pensioners with disability element. The total number of pensioners superannuating with disability element, each year, from 2007-08 to 2013-14, as provided by the Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA) is tabulated below:

Financial Year JCOs/ ORs Commissioned Officers Total Total JCO/OR Retirees Total Officer Retirees
2007-08
9,355
285
9,640
49396
2096
(18.9)
(13.6)
(18.7)
2008-09
6,908
318
7,226
50913
2118
(13.6)
(15.0)
(13.6)
2009-10
2,644
284
2,928
39133
1712
(6.8)
(16.6)
(7.2)
2010-11
1,840
316
2,156
38209
1678
(4.8)
(18.8)
(5.3)
2011-12
4,765
321
5086
48201
1626
(9.9)
(19.7)
(10.2)
2012-13
5,837
327
6,164
53446
1643
(10.9)
(19.9)
(11.2)
2013-14
4,037
318
4,355
55901
1606
(7.2)
(19.8)
(7.6)

Annexure-IV
10.2.51:- The following trends are discernible:
a. As a percentage of the total officer retirees, the number of officers retiring with disability has increased in 2013-14, as compared to 2007-08 (13.6 percent to 19.8 percent).
b. The percentage of JCOs/ORs retiring with disability is, on the other hand, decreasing (18.9 percent to 7.2 percent).
c. The percentage of officers retiring with disability is considerably higher than JCO/ORs retiring with disability.
ANNEXURE-V
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare
D(Pension/Policy)

Subject: 1st Anomaly Committee Meeting to be held on 1/12/2016 under the Chairmanship of Secretary(P) on calculation of Disability Pension for Defence Forces personnel as per the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission.

The undersigned is directed to refer to Department of Personnel & Training OM No. 11/2/2016-JCA(Pt) dated 15th November 2016 on the above subject.

2. Point-wise inputs for the agenda note on the issues raised by the representatives from the Defence Force Personnel raised in the meeting held on 11.11.2016 are as under:

(a) 7th Pay Commission has recommended slab based system for disability element of disability pension for Defence Forces Pensioners. However the 7th CPC has not made any recommendation for the civilians. The existing system of disability on percentage based system would therefore continue in civil side. This has led to an anomalous situation.

(b) A comparative statement indicating the percentage of retirees with disability during 5th CPC era when slab system was prevalent vis-a-vis retirees with disability during 6th CPC when percentage system was placed , is as under:

Ranks Percentage of retirees with disability during 1996 to 2005(5th CPC) Range of retirees with disability during 2006 to 2015(6th CPC)
Lt. Col/ Equivaqlent
2.04%-18.3%
7.5%-21.2%
Colonel/ Equivalent
1.56%-17.38%
3.3%-23.3%
Brigadier/ Equivalent
2.08%-17.42%
2.7%-21.6%
Major General/ Equivalent
0.0%-11.27%
0.0%-16.5%
Lt. General/ Equivalent
0.0%-21.88%
0.0%-15.4%

It could be seen from the data given by CGDA office that percentage of retirees for commissioned officers have increased in 6th CPC regime vis-a-vis 5th CPC.

(c) Pre 2016 retirees 
The comparison between slab and percentage system of disability element for pre- 1.1.2016 retiree pensioners have been made with reference to pay last drawn by migrating the same in 7th CPC pay structure and also by working out the disability element by linking the same with revised service pension under- 7th CPC. The statements indicating rank wise, qualifying service wise status in both the said scenario are attached as Annexure - B & C respectively. The statement indicates that all commissioned officers are at disadvantage in case the slab recommended by Seventh CPC is implemented. However in case of JCO/ORs, lower ranks are getting benefitted under slab rates.

Further the details of 1,09,988 JCO/OR retirees have also been analysed-on actual basis as data for these pensioners were readily available. It could be seen from the outcome tabulated as Annexure - D, that lower ranks of JCO/OR are getting benefitted especially Sepoy, Naik & Naib Subedar. Out of 1,09,988 records of JCO/OR processed, 85,640 (77.86/0) pensioners would get benefitted under slab rates. It is also intimated to the Ministry that pension for all pre-1.7.2014 retirees have been revised under OROP orders. It has been observed/ analysed that the pension of JCO/OR pensioners who are drawing pension on OROP rates (pre-2006 retirees and post- 2006 retirees who retiree upto 2009-10), are getting benefited under slab rates of disability pension.
Post 2016 retirees


For post-1.1.2016 retirees, no comparison has been made as notification relating to pay entitlements are not yet finalized. However, based on the recommendations of 7th CPC, it could be visualized that future progression in new pay structure percentage based system would definitely be beneficial for post-7th CPC retirees in all ranks.
(Manoj Sinha)
Under Secretary (Pen/Policy)
Shri D K Sengupta
Deputy Secretary
DoPT, North Block, New Delhi
MoD ID 3840/D(Pen/Pol)/2016 dated 22 November 2016
7th CPC grievances, disability Pension, 7th CPC, 7th Pay Commission Anomaly Committee, 7th Pay Commission ================ 7th pay commission, 7th pay commission latest news, autonomous bodies, Implementation of 7th CPC, 7CPC
Finance Ministry clarification on  the Applicability of recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission in respect of Autonomous/Statutory Bodies

Department of Expenditure issued a communication regarding Applicability of recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission in respect of Autonomous/Statutory Bodies

F. No. 1/1/2016-E.III (A) (eFTS-298581/2016)

Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure
North Block, New Delhi
 Dated 17th November 2016

Subject: Applicability of the revised pay scales based on the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission in respect of employees of Quasi-Government Organizations, Autonomous Organizations, Statutory Bodies set-up by and funded/controlled by the Central Government-regarding.

All the Financial Advisors of various Ministries/Departments under the Central Government are aware that the recommendations of the Central Pay Commissions are not directly applicable in case of employees of Quasi-Government Organizations, Autonomous Organizations, Statutory Bodies set-up by and funded/controlled by the Central Government. Therefore, once the recommendations of the Central Pay Commissions are accepted and implemented by the Central Government in respect of Central Government employees, separate orders are issued by the Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure, regarding extension of the orders applicable to the Central Government employees to the employees of Quasi-Government Organizations, Autonomous Organizations, Statutory Bodies set-up by and funded [controlled by the Central Government, based on the stipulations and conditions laid down therein. This was the practice adopted at the time of the 4th, 5th & 6th Pay Commissions. A reference is made to this Ministry's OM No. 7/23/2008~E-IIIA dated 30.9.2008 issued at the time of 6th Central Pay Commission.

2. No orders have so far been issued by the Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure in regard to applicability of the orders issued by the Government regarding revised pay scales based on the 7th Central Pay Commission in respect of the employees of Quasi-Government Organizations, Autonomous Organizations, Statutory Bodies set-up by and funded/controlled by the Central Government. The matter is under consideration. As and when a decision is taken regarding applicability of the revised pay scales based on the 7th Central Pay Commission, as accepted by the Government in respect of the Central Government employees, in case of such employees, appropriate orders will be issued for its applicability in respect of employees of Quasi-Government Organizations, Autonomous Organizations, Statutory Bodies set-up by and funded/controlled by the Central Government. Till such time, revised pay scales shall not be extended in respect of such employees.

3. This issues with the approval of Finance Secretary.


(Ashok Kumar)
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India

Brief of the 1st meeting of the National Anomaly Committee

Brief of the 1st meeting of the National Anomaly Committee

Sub: Brief of the 1st meeting of the National Anomaly Committee

The first meeting of the National Anomaly Committee was held today under the Chairmanship of Secretary(P), Government of India, to discuss the issue of calculation of Disability Pension for Defence Forces Personnel as per recommendations of the 7th CPC, which was attended by the Member Staff Railway Board and the Secretaries from other departments of the Government of India.

 AIRF was represented by the undersigned and Com. J.R. Bhosale, Treasurer AIRF while Army personnel were represented by the officials of all the three wings of the defence. At the outset, I urged upon the Secretary (DoP&T), to frame the definition of the "Anomaly", which has been already demanded by the Staff Side, NC/JCM.

This is in respect of report of the VII CPC, which has granted slab system on Disability Pension for the Defence Personnel, which was far short of the existing disability pension for the army officers. We explained the life of the army personnel and their cases of disability in the enemies’ action.

After threadbare discussions we urged upon the Official Side to see that there is no drop in the disability pension for any of the categories of the army personnel and paramilitary forces, rather they should be well compensated for their best they are giving for defending our motherland.

Source: AIRF

1st meeting of the National Anomaly Committee

1st meeting of the National Anomaly Committee

The 1st meeting of the National Anomaly Committee was held on 01.12.2016 on the anomaly of calculation of the disability pension for Defence Forces Personnel as per the recommendations of the 7th CPC. The representative of the Armed Forces made a presentation in the meeting demanding that the recommendations of the 7th CPC to grand disability pension on a slab system if implemented will lead to an anomaly between the civilian side and the Defence Forces Personnel because the civilian side will continue to be governed under a percentage based system. After studying the presentation, the Staff Side of NC-JCM has suggested that the slab system will be beneficial to the lower Rank personnel and hence both the slab system and percentage system may be accepted by the Govt. on an optional basis, alternatively the slab amount recommended by 7th CPC can be increased to avoid the anomalous situation. Secretary (P) informed that the issue would be further studied in consultation with CGDA.

Source: Confederation

Friday, 2 December 2016

AICPIN for October 2016

AICPIN for October 2016 : All-India Average Consumer Price Index Numbers for Industrial Workers (Base 2001=100)


Item General Index
Jan-16 269
Feb-16 267
Mar-16 268
Apr-16 271
May-16 275
Jun-16 277
Jul-16 280
Aug-16 278
Sep-16 277
Oct-16 278
Nov-16
Dec-16
Average

Encouraging usage of Debit Cards among Government employees

Encouraging usage of Debit Cards among Government employees

F.No.25(30)/E.Coord/2016
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure

New Delhi, December 2016

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Encouraging usage of Debit Cards among Government employees

In the recent years advancements in banking technology, progress in mobile banking and innovative technologies to facilitate digital payments have enabled large number of small denomination transactions to be handled smoothly in electronic mode. The Government of India has taken policy decisions encouraging cashless/electronic transactions.

2. In its endeavour on moving towards electronic payments, Central Government Ministries/Departments have been crediting the salary and other payments for the majority of its employees electronically, direct into the designated bank accounts of the employees. Given the progress made in banking technology, it is assumed that each employee would be in possession of a Debit/ATM card linked to his/her bank account. Ensuring and encouraging government employees to maximise the usage of Debit cards for personal related transactions instead of cash would go a long way serving with the employees serving as 'ambassadors' for the digital push and also motivate, encourage the general public in taking up the cause.

3. All Ministries/Departments are requested to encourage their employees to make use of Debit Cards for personal related transactions instead of cash Ministries/Departments should liaise with their accredited banks and set up special camps to facilitate obtaining of and ensure that all its employees are in possession of Debit Cards. Ministries/Departments may also issue similar advisories to their attached/subordinate offices, PSI's, Autonomous Bodies etc.

sd/-
(H.Atheli)
Director
Authority: www.finmin.nic.in

NFIR writes to 7th CPC Implementation Cell regarding specific allowances

NFIR writes to 7th CPC Implementation Cell regarding specific allowances

NFIR
National Federation of Indian Railwaymen
3,CHELMSFORD ROAD, NEW DELHI - 110 055


No.IV/NFIR/7 CPC (IMPL)/Allowances/2016


Dated: 29/11/2016
The Joint Secretary (Implementation Cell) 7th CPC,
Room No. 214, Ashoka Hotel,  Chanakyapuri
New Delhi-110021

Dear Sir,
Sub: 6th Meeting of Committee on Allowances constituted to examine the recommendations of 7th CPC on Allowances-reg.

In the meeting held on 28th November, 2016 in Room No. 169-D (Fresco), 1st Floor, North Block, New Delhi, the General Secretary, NFIR Shri M. Raghavaiah has at the outset invited attention of the Chairman to the Meeting held on 1st September, 2016 wherein it was suggested by the Chairman that the Federations may send their list containing department specific Allowances to the concerned Administrative ministries. He said that the NFIR has accordingly given the list to the Railway Board as well as to the Chairman, Railway Board on 08th & 09th September, 2016 respectively. He further requested that the Pay Commission’s recommendation vide Para 8.2.25 that any Allowance not mentioned and hence not reported to the Commission shall cease to exist, should be rejected by the Government out right as in the Railways, there are specific Allowances which have been sanctioned in the System’s interest.

The General Secretary/NFIR M. Raghavaiah has explained in the meeting, the views of the Federation on Railways specific allowances as below:

(i) PCO Allowance (Serial No. 11 of the chart relating to specific Allowances - Ministry of Railways).
The PCO Allowance is unique for Workshops/Productions Units in Railways as the staff in PCO are being deprived of incentive bonus and for compensating the said loss, PCO Allowance has been granted and continued since decades. The 7th Central Pay Commission’s recommendation for reducing the percentage of PCO Allowance is unjustified and it would therefore be necessary to allow 7.5 & 15% of 7th CPC Basic Pay as PCO Allowance for eligible staff in GP 4600 & 4200 respectively.

(ii) Shoe Allowance for Track Maintainers (Serial No. 17 of the chart relating to specific Allowances - Ministry of Railways)

The nature of duties of Track Maintainers is such, that the uniform presently provided will not last beyond three months due to field working conditions, exposure to dust, heat, rain, winds etc. It would therefore be necessary to grant Rs. 10,000/- towards Dress Allowance for Track Maintainers (subsuming Shoe Allowance). Similarly, Running Staff in Railways should also be granted not less than Rs. 10,000/- towards Dress Allowance.

(iii) ASV Allowance (Serial No. 19 of the chart relating to specific Allowances - Ministry of Railways).
The Account Stock Verifiers of Railways are expected to conduct Stock Verification of Stores, materials etc., at various remote places on Indian Railways throughout the year (covering over 66,000 kms). Considering the peculiar nature of duties, outdoor work and unlimited duty hours away from their headquarters stations, these staff have been granted ASV Allowance to motivate them and volunteer for the post of Stock Verifier. The Railway Board Chairman in his speaking order vide No. PC-VI/2001/R/I dated 07/06/2001 had mentioned the difficult nature of duties being performed by the staff and for the said purpose this Allowance has been granted. Hence this Allowance needs to be retained and enhanced further.

(iv) Breakdown Allowance (Serial No. 20 of the chart relating to specific Allowances - Ministry of Railways).

In the interest of Railways, the Breakdown Allowance has to be retained and enhanced substantively as the staff nominated are expected to report within 45 minutes of the siren/hooster given and proceed to the site of accident/tracks breaches, sites where OHE wires snapped for restoring the services.

(v) Coal Pilot Allowance (Serial No. 21 of the chart relating to specific Allowances - Ministry of Railways).

This Allowance needs to be continued considering the fact that the staff are directly connected with movement of coal from collieries and perform duties in all weather conditions. It is requested to enhance the Allowance suitably.

(vi) Flying Squad Allowance (Serial No. 22 of the chart relating to specific Allowances - Ministry of Railways).

The recommendation of Pay Commission for abolition of this Allowance is irrational and illogical. The Ticket Checking Staff in Flying Squads are playing very crucial role in preventing Ticketless travel, unauthorized entry of anti-social elements and also levy penalty on Ticket Fare for realization of dues to the Railways. This Allowances needs to be retained and improved further.

(vii) Handicapped Allowance (Serial No. 23 of the chart relating to specific Allowances - Ministry of Railways).

Abolition of Handicapped Allowance in the case of physically challenged, orthopedically challenged and staff suffering from spinal deformity is an unjustified recommendation by the Pay Commission. The Federation further cites the decision of the Apex Court allowing the Allowance in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 107 of 2011 - decided on 12/12/2013. It would therefore, be necessary to retain the Allowance and enhance the same further.

(viii) Operation Theatre Allowance (Serial No. 24 of the chart relating to specific Allowances - Ministry of Railways).

This Allowance needs to be continued for motivating the staff Nurses to perform duties in ICU/Operation Theatres. The Railway Ministry had in fact agreed with NFIR's demand and accordingly proposal was sent to the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare/Ministry of Finance. The Abolition of Allowance recommended by the Pay Commission needs to be rejected for retaining and improving the Allowance.

(ix) Night Patrolling Allowance (Serial No. 25 of the chart relating to specific Allowances - Ministry of Railways).

In view of duties and responsibilities of Patrolmen as placed below, the Night Patrolling Allowance should be retained and substantially improved.

(a) Walk to and fro over the beat in accordance with the chart pertaining to his "patrol- section" looking out for subsidence, slips, signs of erosion, trees blown across the track during storms or any other causes likely to endanger the safety of line. Bridges and their approaches should be especially watched.

(b) Apprehend damage to line when

(i) the flood exceeds danger level at any of the bridges
(ii) when there is damage to the protection work or on approaches even before danger level is reached.
(iii) the water on one side of the embankment is at a much higher level than on the other side.
(iv) when any obstruction such as a fallen tree is blocking the water-way of a bridge.
(v) the track shows signs of a settlement

(c) Take immediate steps in accordance with Para 1011 to stop trains when any portion of the line is likely to be rendered unsafe due to abnormal rain or flood or any other cause.

(d) When no danger is apprehended, stand on the cess on the left hand side facing the train and exhibit his number place, turning the light of his lamp on to it, so that the number can be seen from the passing train. He should also blow the whistle, when the engine and the brake-van of the train pass him.

(e) Obtain the signature of the Station Master/ Block Hut-in-charge on duty at the Station/Block Hut concerned for his arrival and departure and exchange patrol books with adjacent patrolmen.

(f) Exchange the reports as to the conditions on their beats with adjacent patrol men and stationary watchmen on the way.

(g) Heed instructions from drivers who may report a condition of danger at a kilometrage and proceed to the place indicated and take necessary measures.

It is of supreme importance that patrolmen and watchmen thoroughly understand what they have to do in the event of emergency. In the event of an emergency the patrolmen should devote their whole time and energy to the protection of the line and summoning of assistance. Having protected the line and summoned assistance, they should resume their patrolling.

(x) Rajdhani Allowance (Serial No. 27 of the chart relating to specific Allowances - Ministry of Railways).

The 7th CPC recommendation for abolition of the Allowance is not in the interest of Railways, as the Train Superintendent of Rajdhani Express Train Performs duties as Captain of the train controlling on-board staff of all departments and monitoring punctuality, Safety & Security of passengers as well their comforts. As these staff perform duties as incharge of the entire train, the Allowance has been granted for motivating them to opt for the post. Hence the 7th CPC recommendation for abolition should be rejected and Allowance be further improved.

(xi) Track Maintainers Risk & Hardship Allowance (Serial No. 5 of the chart of common issues relating to specific Allowances - Ministry of Railways).

The recommendation of 7th CPC for Risk & Hardship Allowance based on the Cell R3H2 (Rs. 2700/- p.m.) may be accepted and the recommended Allowance be granted. The Track Maintainers presently paid Special Level Crossing Gate Allowance for manning level crossing gates also should be paid this Allowance mentioned in Cell R3H2 (Rs. 2700/- p.m.).

(xii) Daily Officiating Allowance (Serial No. 6 of the chart of common issues relating to specific Allowances - Ministry of Railways).

This Allowance needs to be continued as the system cannot afford to keep the safety and operational posts unmanned even for a single day. The system of granting of Daily Officiating Allowance has been in vogue in terms of Rule 1427 of the Indian Railways Establishment Code Vol.II. Railways being an operational system, working round the clock, this concept of payment of Daily Officiating Allowance has been working satisfactorily. It would therefore be necessary to retain and enhance the rates of Daily Officiating Allowance.

The General Secretary, NFIR M. Raghavaiah has also brought to the notice of the Chairman of the Meeting that in Railways Special Allowance for announcing duties has been in vogue. He cited an example of Station Master performing announcing duties in addition to his designated duties of Train Operations etc. Such Allowances are required to be retained and revised upwardly.

The General Secretary, NFIR also mentioned that Train Controllers Allowance recommended by the 7th CPC be accepted. He further suggested to consider grant/improvement of Special Allowances in the case of following categories in Railways:

(a) Loco Pilots,
(b) Assistant Loco Pilots,
(c) Guards,
(d) Training Allowance be revised to 30% of 7th CPC Pay
(e) In Railways, Cycle Allowance may be retained and revised.

Concluding his views, M. Raghavaiah expressed confidence that the Committee Chaired by Finance Secretary would favourbly recommend the proposals made by the Federation as placed above.

He also requested that the above points may be made part of the minutes of the meeting held on 28/11/2016

Yours faithfully,
(Dr. M. Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source: NFIR

Thursday, 1 December 2016

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 Breach 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 Outstations. 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 concurrence of the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways.

3. Please acknowledge receipt.


(Salim Md. Ahmed)
Dy. Director/ Estt. (P&A)II,
Railway Board.
Source: www.indianrailways.gov.in
[http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/establishment/E(P%26A)/2016/E(P%26A)II_21112016.pdf]

January Salary Of Central Employees To Follow Higher Allowances: Finance Ministry

January Salary Of Central Employees To Follow Higher Allowances: Finance Ministry

Report says that a top official of the finance ministry today told on condition of anonymity that Central government employees salaries for January will be in line with the higher allowances.

When asked whether the arrears would be paid too, he said, "This depends on the cabinet. If the cabinet gives the nod higher allowances with retrospective effect from August 2016, the arrears will be paid."

"The government faces severe attack for cash crunch because of demonetisation. But the situation will return to normalcy after the deadline of December 30 for deposit of invalid Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes."

He added, "It's better if delayed till sufficient cash is available with the banks."

The government in June approved the 7th Pay Commission recommendations for its employees with higher basic pay, which has been paid with arrears, effective from January 1, 2016 but the hike in allowances other than dearness allowance referred to the ‘Committee on Allowances’ headed by the Finance Secretary Ashok Lavasa for examination as as the pay commission had recommended of abolishing 51 allowances and subsuming 37 others out of 196 allowances.

Until acceptance of higher allowances, existing allowances are to be paid according to the 6th Pay Commission recommendations, says an earlier official statement issued by the finance ministry.
However, the committee on allowances head Finance Secretary Ashok Lavasa said recently, "We are ready to submit our report, when the Finance Minister Arun Jaitley calls up."

Source: tkbsen.in

Revised Income Tax Exemption Calculator for Interest paid on Housing Loan Income or Loss or House Property Calculation under Section 24 of the Income Tax Act


Revised Income Tax Exemption Calculator for Interest paid on Housing Loan  Income or Loss or House Property Calculation under Section 24 of the Income Tax Act.

After enactment of Finance Act 2014, maximum housing loan interest amount (Interest on house property) which can be deducted from the income of a tax payer under Section 24 of the Income Tax Act in respect of self occupied house, is Rs. 2 Lakhs (Rs. 2,00,000).

Also there is no limit specified for deduction of home loan interest amount from income in the case of House property being rented out.

How to calculate Income / loss on House Property (Deduction of Home Loan Interest from Total Income) ?

In the case of Self Occupied House Property:

Actual annual value of Interest paid on Home loan or Rs. 2,00,000 whichever is maximum

In the case of House Property rented out:
  1. Actual annual value of Interest paid on Home loan
  2. Add annual rental value of the house property
  3. Less House property Tax paid
  4. Less Rebate 30% of the Annual Value of Rent as Repairs and Maintenance
Section 80EE reintroduced in Finance Act 2016
As per Finance Act 2016, the tax payer is entitled to claim additional deduction of Rs. 50,000 under Section 80 EE if you are a first time home buyern interest. This deduction is over and above the Rs 2 lakhs limit under section 24 of the income tax act. Read more about deduction of Rs 2 lakhs on interest on home loan here.

Section 80EE was introduced effective 2013-14 and was available for 2 years, FY 2013-14 and FY 2014-15 only (assessment year 2014-15 and 2015-16). However, this section has been reintroduced effective FY 2016-17 (assessment year 2017-18).

Who can avail this Deduction?
  • This is the 1st house you have purchased
  • Value of this house is Rs 50 lakhs or less
  • Loan taken for this house is Rs 35 lakhs or less
  • Loan has been sanctioned by a Financial Institution or a Housing Finance Company
  • Loan has been sanctioned between 01.04.2016 to 31.03.2017
  • As on the date of sanction of loan no other house is owned by you

Submission of Pre-budget Views of Central Government employees for consideration and inclusion in the Central Budget for the year 2017-18

Submission of Pre-budget Views of Central Government employees for consideration and inclusion in the Central Budget for the year 2017-18 - Request - Regarding

REF: CONFDN/BUDGET/2016-17
DATED  -12-2016
To,
Shri. Arun Jaitley,
Hon'ble Finance Minister,
Government of India,
North Block, New Delhi - 110001

Sub: Submission of Pre-budget Views of Central Government employees for consideration and inclusion in the Central Budget for the year 2017-18 - Request - Regarding.

Respected Sir,
Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers is the umbrella organization comprising of various Unions/Associations/Federations of the Central Government employees. Central Government employees are the important segment of the society and contributing for the growth of this country through effective implementation of the policies of the Government of India. Hence, the views of this segment of important stakeholders, I submit, may also be heard and considered. With this request, this organization is bringing the following views for consideration by your good self, as a part of the pre-budget exercise to finalize the budget for the year 2017-18.

Issues of the Central Government employees:

1. New Pension Scheme: Lakhs of employees who joined the Central Government Departments on or after 01-04-2004 are vulnerable to the market fluctuations due to the NPS. It has been pleaded several times to scrap this NPS or grant guarantee of minimum pension at the rate of 50% of last pay drawn. It is requested to concede this request in this budget by making required amendments.

2. Income Tax: It is submitted that Government employees are the most tax compliant segment of the society. At the same time they are the hard hit with heavy tax burden. For many years it is requested to raise the tax exemption limit. It is requested to consider increasing the tax exemption limit for employees to Rs. 5,00,000/-. It is also requested not to include the compensatory allowances in the taxable income.

3. Interest concession on loans and advances: Nationalized Banks are extending housing loans, personal loans for their employees at a lesser rate than the market rate. This facility may also be extended to the Central Government employees.

4. Education loans to the Children of the Central Government employees: In the present set up no bank is giving education loans for pursuing higher studies without keeping immovable property as collateral security. One has to cross many hassles for obtaining education loan for his ward. It is requested that education loan for the ward of a Central Government employee should be hassle free and without any guarantee or collateral security except the employee himself/herself. The total loan should cover the entire fee and living expenses without any restrictions.

5. Minimum Wage & Fitment formula: The minimum wage of Rs.18000/- recommended by 7th CPC is needed to be revised to Rs.26000/- to confirm to the realistic and accepted norms of the wage determination. Accordingly the fitment factor should also be proportionately changed.

6. Curtailment of litigation: Presently due to the policy of DOP&T the Central Government employees are forced to engage in avoidable litigation in the Courts of Law, even on those similar Service matters, which were decided by the Highest Court of the Land. This is resulting in lot of expenditure of Government employees. The judgments of the Courts should be applied to all the similarly placed employees without forcing them to file cases on the very matter.

7. Compassionate appointments: The eligible wards of the employees who died in harness should be given employment by removing the present artificial ceiling of 5% on such employment.

8. Housing needs of the employees working in N.E and Assam Circles: The employees working in these States are facing hardship due to lack of housing facilities. Hence, it is requested to construct more General Pool Resident staff quarters for all the Central Government employees working in N.E. and Assam regions.

9. It is also requested that cash less and Hassle free Medical facilities to serving and retired employees for in-patient and out-patient may also be favourably considered.

General Issues:

Central Trade Unions in their Memorandum dated 19-11-2016 has brought several issues like price raise, strengthening the Public Distribution System, safeguarding the Public Sector, Foreign Direct Investment, employment generation, Same Pay for Same Work, Social Security for unorganized workers, Labour Law Reforms, regularization of Contract and Casual Labour, which has a bearing on the lives of the common masses, employees and workers. This Federation completely endorses their viewpoint on these important issues and requests you to kindly initiate necessary corrective steps in this Budget.

It is earnestly requested to seriously consider the above suggestions for inclusion in the Budget for the year 2017-18, which will go a long way in fulfilling the long pending aspirations of the Central Government employees.

Thanking you,
Yours Sincerely,
(M. Krishnan)
Secretary General
Mob:09447068125
E- mail: mkrishnan6854@gmail.com

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