Family pension to freedom fighters

Family pension to freedom fighters

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF  HOME AFFAIRS
RAJYA SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1502
ANSWERED ON-15.03.2017

Family pension to freedom fighters

1502 . Shri R. Vaithilingam
(a) whether it is a fact that the Centre is giving family pension to the freedom fighters;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether Government is considering to revise and increase family pension; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI HANSRAJ GANGARAM AHIR)

(a) to (d): Yes Sir. The Centre is giving family pension to the eligible dependents of the freedom fighter pensioners under Swatantrata Sainik Samman Pension Scheme, 1980, administered by Ministry of Home Affairs. As per the provisions of this Scheme, after death of the freedom fighter pensioner, his/her spouse(widow/widower) and after death of spouse, his/her unmarried & un-employed daughters (up to maximum of three such daughters at any point of time) and thereafter, mother or father of the freedom fighter pensioner are granted dependent family pension.

The freedom fighter pension/family pension has already been revised and increased recently by the Central Government with effect from 15.08.2016. The amount of pension being given under this scheme to different categories of freedom fighters and their dependents are as at Annexure. Dearness Allowance/Relief as given to the Central Government Employees/pensioners has been made applicable to the freedom fighter pensioners also.

Annexure

Monthly Amount of Pension provided under Swatantrata Sainik Samman Pension Scheme, 1980

Sl.No	Category of freedom fighters	Amount of pension before the enhancement on 15.08.2016 including Dearness Relief (Per Month)	Present amount of pension after the enhancement with effect from 15.08.2016(Per Month)
1.	Ex-Andaman Political Prisoners/spouses	Rs.24,775/-	Rs.30,000/-
2.	Freedom fighters who suffered outside British India/spouses	Rs.23,085/-	Rs.28,000/-
3.	Other Freedom Fighters/ spouses including INA	Rs.21,395/-	Rs.26,000/-
4.	Dependent parents/eligible daughters (maximum 3 daughters at any point of time)	Rs.3,380/-(dependent parents)Rs.5,070/-(daughters)	50% of the sum that would have been admissible to the Freedom Fighter, i.e., in the range of Rs.13,000/- to Rs.15,000/-

Source: RAJYA SABHA Q&A

Initial Pay Fixation of re-employed ex-servicemen who held post below Commissioned Officer rank in Defence Forces, retired before attaining the age of 55 years and have been appointed on re-employment basis in civilian posts

Initial Pay Fixation of re-employed ex-servicemen who held post below Commissioned Officer rank in Defence Forces, retired before attaining the age of 55 years and have been appointed on re-employment basis in civilian posts

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
RAILWAY BOARD

No.E(G) 2013/EM 1-5

New Delhi, dated 21st March, 2017

The General Secretary
National Federation of Indian Railwaymen
3, Chelmsford Road
New Delhi.

Sir,

Sub: Initial Pay Fixation of re-employed ex-servicemen who held post below Commissioned Officer rank in Defence Forces, retired before attaining the age of 55 years and have been appointed on re-employment basis in civilian posts - regarding.

The undersigned is directed to refer to NFIR's letter No.II/35/Part XIII dated 23.11.2016 on the above subject and to state that with the reference to Board's letter of even number dated 7-12-2016 addressed to DOP&T pursuant to the discussion in the separate meeting on the issue held on 27-09-2016, DOP&T vide their OM No.1213833/2016-Estt(Pay-II) dated 21/2/2017 (copy enclosed) have clarified that the pay of non-commissioned ex-servicemen (PBOR) who retire from the Defence Forces before attaining the age of 55 years is to be fixed as per the entry pay in the revised pay structure of the re-employed post applicable in the Direct Recruits appointed on or after 1.1.2006 without any protection of last pay drawn, in accordance with prevailing guidelines vide para 4 of OM dated 31.07.1986 as amended vide OM dated 05.04.2010 which provide for methodology of pay fixation on re-employment.

Yours faithfully,
for Secretary/Railway Board

DA:As above.

Signed Copy

7th CPC: Strike call by nurses federation over pay hike - RAJYA SABHA

7th CPC: Strike call by nurses federation over pay hike - RAJYA SABHA

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
RAJYA SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-4434
ANSWERED ON-11.04.2017

Strike call by nurses federation over pay hike

4434 . Shri Dilipbhai Pandya
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that All India Nursing Federation has been demanding for revision of their pay scales and a hike in allowances, if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether Government has taken any decision on their demands; and

(c) the steps being taken by Government to appease the unions of nurses and persuade them to call off their strike?


ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND  FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI FAGGAN SINGH KULASTE)

(a) & (b): Yes. Like other Federations/Union, All India Nursing Federation (AIGNF) is demanding better pay and allowances to the Nursing Personnel. Their demands on various allowances such as Nursing allowance, Uniform & Washing allowance, Special Area Allowance etc. payable to Nurses and inclusion in the risk matrix as allowed by 7th CPC to various categories of Government servants has been referred to the Committee on Allowances comprising Finance Secretary & Secretary( Expenditure) as Chairman and Secretaries of Home Affairs, Defence, Health & Family Welfare, Personnel & Training, Posts and Chairman, Railway Board as Members.

(c): Consultations/persuasion always made with the representatives of the Union/Federation to avoid strike.

Source: RAJYA SABHA

CONFEDERATION MASS DHARNA IN FRONT OF FINANCE MINISTER'S OFFICE

CONFEDERATION MASS DHARNA IN FRONT OF FINANCE MINISTER'S OFFICE

CIRCULAR DATED - 13.04.2017

URGENT / IMPORTANT

CONFEDERATION NATIONAL SECRETARIAT DECIDED TO INTENSIFY THE STRUGGLE
MASS DHARNA IN FRONT OF FINANCE MINISTER’S OFFICE
NORTH BLOCK, NEW DELHI
ON 23.05.2017 (TUESDAY 12 AM TO 04 PM)

NATIONWIDE DEMONSTRATION AT ALL IMPORTANT CENTRES ON SAME DAY

MORE THAN 2000 CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AND PENSIONERS WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE PROTEST DHARNA.

Demanding Honouring of assurance given by Group of Ministers including Finance Minister, settle the charter of demands submitted by Confederation, increase minimum pay and fitment formula, payment of revised allowances including HRA w.e.f 01.01.2016, implementation of option - I pension parity recommended by 7th CPC, Scrap New Contributory Pension Scheme and bring all employees appointed after 01.01.2004 under the purview of CCS (Pension) Rules 1972, Grant Civil Servant Status and revise the wages and allowances of Gramin Dak Sevaks, regularise all casual and contract workers, Revise pension of autonomous body pensioners and grant dearness relief due from 01.07.2016, withdraw "Very good" bench mark condition for MACP etc.

2nd PHASE OF AGITATION
HUMAN CHAIN OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES & PENSIONERS
IN FRONT OF MAJOR CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES AT ALL IMPORTANT CENTRES THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY DURING LUNCH HOUR ON 22.06.2017 (THURSDAY)

All affiliated organisations and COCs are requested to mobilise maximum number of employees & pensioners in the above two programmes. Detailed circular will be issued shortly.

Source: Confederation

Meeting of NC JCM Standing Committee will be held on 3.5.207

Meeting of the Standing Committee of National Council (JCM) - reg

MEETING NOTICE

F.No.3/3/2016-JCA (Pt)
Government Of India
Ministry of Personnel, PG & Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training
Establishment (JCA-2) Section

North Block, New Delhi
Dated: 11th April, 2017

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Meeting Of the Standing Committee of National Council (JCM) - reg

The undersigned is directed to say that the meeting of Standing Committee has been scheduled to be held on 3/5/2017 (Wednesday) under the Chairmanship of Secretary (P) to discuss the agenda item received from Secretary, Staff Side (NC-JCM), at 3.00p.m, in Room No. 119, South Block, New Delhi.

2. Kindly make it convenient to attend the meeting.

All Members of National Council (JCM) for the Standing Committee Members (As per list attached).
Copy for information to:
1. Secretary, Staff Side, National Council (JCM), 13- C, Ferozeshah Road, New Delhi.
2. General Secretary, AIRF, 4 State Entry Road, New Delhi
3. General Secretary, NFIR, 3 Chelmsford Road, New Delhi

Source: ncjcmstaffside.com

Re-Fixation of Pay in terms of CCS (RP) Rules, 2008 - Date of next increment in revised Pay Structure under Rule 10 of the CCS (RP) Rules - 2008

Re-Fixation of Pay in terms of CCS (RP) Rules, 2008 - Date of next increment in revised Pay Structure under Rule 10 of the CCS (RP) Rules - 2008

OFFICE OF THE PRINCIPAL CONTROLLER OF ACCOUNTS (FYS)
10-A, S.K.BOSE ROAD, KOLKATA - 700 011
PART II OFFICE ORDER NO:576

Dated: 06-04-2017

Sub: Re-Fixation of Pay in terms of CCS (RP) Rules, 2008 - Date of next increment in revised Pay Structure under Rule 10 of the CCS (RP) Rules - 2008.

Fixation carried out as per CGDA New Delhi letter No.Admin 14/14162/6th CPC/Corr/Urgent-XVII dated 19-02-2014 regarding rounding off the amount of increment to next multiple of 10 for the year 2006, 2007 & 2008.

Asst. Controller of Accounts (Fys)
For P.C.Of A (Fys) Kolkata

Signed Copy

Aadhaar Seeding Application launched by Shri Bandaru Dattatreya

Aadhaar Seeding Application launched by Shri Bandaru Dattatreya

Minimum assured amount on death in service and loyalty cum life benefit to EDLI members on superannuation recommended to Government

Employee Enrolment Campaign enrolls about 5 million workers in EPFO upto 31st March, 2017
The Central Board (EPF) under the chairmanship of Union Minster of State for Labour and Employment (Independent Charge) Shri Bandaru Dattatreya held its 217th special meeting in New Delhi.

In pursuance to the policy of the Government for optimum use of information technology for efficient service delivery and widening the reach of EPF benefits, Hon'ble Minister of Labour & Employment, Sh. Bandaru Dattatreya launched Aadhaar Seeding Application. The EPFO has developed this Aadhaar seeding application with support of the Common Service Centers (CSC) and CDAC. The CSCs are ICT enabled front end service delivery points at the village level for delivery of Government and private services. With the implementation of Aadhaar Seeding Application, now Provident Fund member or pensioner can walk in any of the field offices of EPFO or CSC outlets with UAN & Aadhaar and seed the Aadhaar with the UAN.
The Board has recommended a proposal of extending minimum assured benefit of Rs.2,50,000/- (Rs. Two lakh fifty thousand) on death of EDLI member. Provisions have also been recommended in EDLI Scheme for Loyalty cum life benefit to members on superannuation on completion of 58/60 years of age/total and permanent disablement with minimum 20 years of contributory service as a pilot project for two years. Thereafter the scheme will be reviewed.

Central Board also took note of the fact that EPFO has enrolled 49,39,929 workers during 01.01.2017 to 31.03.2017.

PIB

Compulsory Retirement

Compulsory Retirement

One IAS officer Shri M.N. Vijaykumar, IAS (KN:81) has been imposed the penalty of compulsory retirement vide order dated 27.04.15.The penalty of Compulsory Retirement was imposed on Shri M.N. Vijaykumar, IAS (KN:81) on completion of departmental proceeding against the officer as per provisions of AIS (D&A) Rule, 1969.

Further, this department in exercise of the powers conferred under sub-rule 3 of Rule 16 of the All India Services (Death-Cum-Retirement benefits) Rules 1958, has prematurely retired, in public interest, one IAS officer namely Shri K. Narasimha (AGMUT : 1991).

With regard to IPS, the Ministry of Home Affairs has informed that penalty of compulsory retirement has not been imposed on any IPS Officer in last one year. However, the Ministry of Home Affairs, in exercise of the powers conferred under sub-rule 3 of Rule 16 of the All India Services (Death-Cum-Retirement benefits) Rules, 1958, in public interest has prematurely retired two IPS officers, namely, Shri Mayank Sheel Chohan, IPS (AGMUT:1998) and Shri Raj Kumar Dewangan, IPS (CH:1992) vide order dated 05.01.2017.
This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply to question by Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh in the Lok Sabha today.

PIB

GPF Rules

GPF Rules

With effect from 7th March 2017, Government has simplified and liberalised the conditions for taking advance from the fund by the subscribers for education, illness, purchase of consumer durables. Conditions and procedures for withdrawal from the fund for the purpose of education, illness, housing, purchase of motor vehicles etc. have also been liberalised. No documentary proof is required to be submitted now for advance and withdrawal applications. A simple declaration by the subscriber is sufficient. A time limit for sanction and payment of advance/withdrawal has also been fixed.

There is no proposal under consideration of Government to increase/link the rate of interest on GPF at parity with that of EPF. The interest rates on EPF are decided on the recommendations of the Central Board of Trustee (EPF) taking into account the yearly income from the investment made by EPFO. The GPF interest rate is presently fixed at par with that of PPF interest rate.

This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply to question by Dr. Sunil Baliram Gaikwad, Kunwar Haribansh Singh, Shri T. Radhakrishnan, Shri Gajanan Kirtikar and Shri Bidyut Baran Mahato in the Lok Sabha today.

PIB

Non-payment of Over Time Allowance to the staffworking on Track Machines on South East Central Railway.

Non-payment of Over Time Allowance to the staffworking on Track Machines on South East Central Railway.

NFIR
National Federation of Indian Railwaymen

No. I/8/Part I

Dated: 10/04/2017

The Secretary (E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,
Sub: Non-payment of Over Time Allowance to the staffworking on Track Machines on South East Central Railway-reg.

Ref: (i) CPO, SEC Rly's letter No. P-HQ/RUL/118/2/6234 dated 24/25-02-2015 & P- HQ/RUL/118/2/767 dated 15/05/2015.
(ii) Railway Board's letter No. E(LL)/98/HER/9 dated 09/04/2015.
(iii) NFIR's letter No. i/8 Part I dated 06/06/2016.
(iv) Railway Board's letter No. 98/E (LL)HER/9 dated 24/03/2017.

Federation is disappointed to note the contents of Railway Board's letter dated 24/03/2017 wherein Board has clarified to the GM (PyS.E.C. Railway that the principle of averaging for payment of OT Allowance to the Track Machine Staff to be given effect from 1010712013, the date of issuance of Board's letter.

Federation is constrained to state that the Board has completely ignored the rule position contained in letter dated 06/07/2000,10/07/2013 & 16/06/2016 and issued wrong clarification. Federation also feels sad to convey that mere copy has been endorsed to NFIR, without mentioning NFIR's reference to Railway Board.
So far as clarification issued by Board is concerned, the Federation does not agree with the same in the light of the following facts/merits.

i) The Railway Board vide letter No. E(LL)98-HER/9 dated 0610712000 had introduced duty roster in respect of Staff working on Track Machines and laid down rostered hours of work for three weeks at a stretch followed by rest for a continuous period of one week at the Headquarters in consultation with the Ministry of labour. These instructions further stipulated that the individuals shall not be employed for more than 12 hours on any day and in respect of Overtime payment, the staff will be governed by the extant instructions under HOER i.e. principle of averaging.

ii) Subsequently Railway Board vide letters dated 09/09/2009 & 30/10/2012 had conveyed continuance of three weeks' roster at a stretch followed by continuous rest of one week at the Headquarters (valid upto September, 2015).

iii) On raising the issue relating to non-payment of Overtime to the Track Machine staff working on Zones by the NFIR at Board's level, Railway Board vide letter dated 10/07/2013 had again issued instructions that the Track Machine Staff when deployed for 3 weeks continuously followed by one week rest, the payment of overtime be regulated by the principle of averaging on four weekly basis whenever working hours exceed 192 hours and keeping in view the provisions of Board's letter dated 11/06/1974.

iv) Railway Board vide letter dated 1610612016 has again reiterated for  implementation of instructions envisaged in Board's letter dated 6/7/2000.

v) It needs to be appreciated that Board's instructions dated 06/07/2000 have neither been modified nor superseded. Therefore, payment of Overtime to the staff working on Track Machines is required to be regulated in terms of Board's instructions dated 06/07/2000 from that date and not from the date of issue of Board's letter dated 10/07/2013.

The facts mentioned above clearly establish the entitlement of overtime payment with effect from 06/07/2000 and not prospectively. Accordingly, the Track Machine Staff of South East Central Railway who have been denied Overtime payment from August 2010 by the Zonal Railway due to mis- interpretation of Rules are rightly entitled from August,2010.

NFIR therefore, requests the Railway Board to review its clarification dated 24/03/2017 and, issue fresh clarification to the Zonal Railways in general and South East Central Railway in particular for implementing instructions dated 06/07/2000 and allowing overtime payment retrospectively. A copy of the instructions issued may be endorsed to the Federation.

Source: NFIR