GUJARAT GOVERNMENT announces 10 % hike in state employees' DEARNESS ALLOWANCE( DA)

The Gujarat government on Thursday announced 10 per cent increase in dearness allowance (DA) for its employees. The increased DA, effective from July 1, 2010, will mean the state employees will get 45 per cent over and above their pay scales as against the current 35 per cent, an official release said.

The state government has claimed that with this increase, the pay package of the state employees will be at par with that of Central government employees. "While the increased amount of salary after the new DA will be paid in cash from October 1, the arrears for three months - July to September - will be deposited in the employees' provident fund," the release said.

The decision will, however, mean an additional burden of Rs 795.61 crore for the state government annually. Of this, Rs 589.26 crore will go in paying the increased DA to the state employees, while the rest will go to pensioners.

It is not known if the state government had sought permission of the State Election Commission before announcing the increased DA. The electoral code of conduct is effective in most parts of Gujarat, as polls for municipal corporations are scheduled on October 10, and panchayats and municipalities will go to polls on October 21.

It is also not known why the state government did not consider announcing the DA hike before the elections to municipal corporations, municipalities and panchayats were announced.

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Central Board of Direct Taxes extended the due date of filing of return of income in the state of Jammu and Kashmir

                                                              F.No.225/72/2010/ITA.II
                                                                  Government of India
                                                                 Department of Revenue
                                                             Central Board of Direct Taxes

                                                                                                        New Delhi, the 23rd September,2010

Order under Section 119 of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

ON consideration of the reports of disturbance of general life caused due to the law and order problem in the State of Jammu and Kashmir, the Central Board of Direct Taxes, in exercise of powers conferred under section 119 of the Income Tax, 1961, hereby extends the due date of filing of returns of income for the Assessment Year 2010-11 for all category of cases in the State of Jammu & Kashmir to 30th November 2010. Accordingly the date for obtaining and furnishing Tax Audit report u/s 44AB of the Income Tax Act is also extended to 30th November 2010.



                                                                                                                                                         s/d
                                                                                                                                           (Ajay Goyal)
                                                                                                                                       Director (ITA.II)


http://www.incometaxindia.gov.in/

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REIMBURSEMENT OF EDUCATION ALLOWANCE FOR DISABLED CHILDREN OF RAILWAY EMPLOYEES DOUBLED

                                                                                                                                 RBE No135/2010
                                                                                                                                      PC-VI -NO


                                                                       Government of India
                                                                       Ministry of Railways
                                                                          Railway Board

                                                                                                                 New Delhi,dated 14.9.2010

No E(W)2008 ED-2/5
The General Manager(p)
All Indian Raiways&PUs

Sub:Special allowance for child care for women with disabilities and education allowance for disabled children of railway employees recommendations of the VIth Central Pay Commission

1 In term of para 2 of Department of Personal&;Training(DOP&T)'s OM No 12011/04/2008-Estt(allowance) dated 11/9/2008 circulated on the Railways vide Board's letters of even number dated 13/10/2008 reimbursement of education allowance for disabled children of railway employees was granted at the double the normal rates prescribed i.e24,000/-per annum per child

2 The matter regarding admissibility of double the amount of the hostel subsidy for disabled children has been under consideration in consultation with DOP&T and it had been decided the hostel subsidy for disabled children of the railway employees shall be payable at the double rates i.e.6000/- per month per child subject to the condition as stipulated in DOP&T's OM No 12011/03/2008-Estt (Allowance) dated 02/09/2008 circulated on the railways vide board's letter no E(W)2008/ED-2/4 dated 01/10/2008

3 The issue with the concurrence of finance directorate of Ministry of Railways


                                                                                                                         (Debasis Mazumdar)
                                                                                                               Joint Director Estt.(Welfare)
                                                                                                                           Railway Board


VIEW THE ORIGINAL COPY

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Government announces bonus for non-gazetted employees

Government announces bonus for non-gazetted employees

New Delhi, Sep 22 (PTI) In a festival gift to non-gazetted central government employees, the Centre today announced a bonus of up to Rs 3,500 for 2009-10. All the central government employees in Group C and D and all gazetted employees in Group B who are not covered by any productivity linked bonus scheme will get bonus equivalent to 30 days emoluments, Finance Ministry said in an office memorandum.

The payment will also be admissible to the Central Police and para-military personnel and personnel of armed forces, it said. Only those employees who were in service on March 31, 2010 and have rendered at least six months of continuous service during the year 2009-2010 will be eligible for payment, it said.

Meanwhile, the Central Government also issued notification for enhancing the Dearness Allowance for its 88 lakh employees and pensioners by 10 percentage points. This comes as a follow up to the approval given last week by the union Cabinet to hike the DA from 35 per cent to 45 per cent of the basic salary of the central government employees with retrospective effect from July 1, 2010.

The increase in DA comes just a few days after the organised workforce was cheered by one percentage point increase in the interest rate on the provident fund to 9.5 per cent.

Source: PTI

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Finance Ministry published the calculation method of Non-Productivity Linked Bonus for Central Government Employees

Finance Ministry has explained the calculation method of Non-PLB for central government employees with an illustration through this Office Memorandum.

To illustrate, taking the calculation ceiling of Rs. 3500 (where actual average emoluments exceed Rs. 3500), Non-PLB (Ad-hoc Bonus) for thirty days would work out to Rs.3500×30/30.4=Rs.3453.95 (rounded off to Rs.3454/-).

                          NON – PRODUCTIVITY LINKED BONUS (AD-HOC BONUS)

                                                             No.7/24/2007/E III (A)
                                                               Government of India
                                                                Ministry of Finance
                                                         Department of Expenditure
                                                                  E III (A) Branch

                                                                                               New Delhi, the 22nd September, 2010.

                                                     OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: – Grant of Non-Productivity Linked Bonus (ad-hoc bonus) to Central Government Employees for the year 2009-10.

                                                                        *****

The undersigned is directed to convey the sanction of the President to the grant of Non-Productivity Linked Bonus (Ad-hoc Bonus) equivalent to 30 days emoluments for the accounting year 2009-10 to the Central Government employees in Group `C’ and ‘D’ and all non-gazetted employees in Group `B’, who are not covered by any Productivity Linked Bonus Scheme. The calculation ceiling of Rs. 3500/- will remain unchanged. The payment will also be admissible to the Central Police and Para-military Personnel and Personnel of Armed Forces. The orders will be deemed to be extended to the employees of Union Territory Administration which follow the Central Government pattern of emoluments and are not covered by any other bonus or ex-gratia scheme.

2. The benefit will be admissible subject to the following terms and conditions:

(i) Only those employees who were in service on 31.3.2010 and have rendered at least six months of continuous service during the year 2009-10 will be eligible for payment under these orders. Pro-rata payment will be admissible to the eligible employees for period of continuous service during the year from six months to a full year, the eligibility period being taken in terms of number of months of service (rounded off to the nearest number of months).

(ii) The quantum of Non-PLB (ad-hoc bonus) will be worked out on the basis of average emoluments/calculation ceiling whichever is lower. To calculate Non-PLB (Ad-hoc bonus) for one day, the average emoluments in a year will be divided by 30.4(average number of days in a month). This will thereafter be multiplied by the number of days of bonus granted. To illustrate, taking the calculation ceiling of Rs. 3500 (where actual average emoluments exceed Rs. 3500), Non-PLB (Ad-hoc Bonus) for thirty days would work out to Rs.3500×30/30.4=Rs.3453.95 (rounded off to Rs.3454/-).

(iii) The casual labour who have worked in offices following a 6 days week for at least 240 days for each year for 3 years or more(206 days in each year for 3 years or more in the case of offices observing 5 days week), will be eligible for this Non-PLB (Ad-hoc Bonus) Payment. The amount of Non-PLB (ad-hoc bonus) payable. will be (Rs.1200×30/30.4 i.e.Rs.1184.21 (rounded off to Rs.1184/-). In cases where the actual emoluments fall below Rs.1200/- p.m., the amount will be calculated on actual monthly emoluments.

(iv) All payments under these orders will be rounded off to the nearest rupee.

(v) The clarificatory orders issued vide this Ministry’s OM No.F.14(1O) – E.Coord/88 dated 4.10.1988, as amended from time to time, would hold good.

3. The expenditure on this account will be debitable to the respective Heads to which the pay and allowances of these employees are debited.

4. The expenditure incurred on account of Non-PLB (Ad-hoc Bonus) is to be met from within the sanctioned budget provision of concerned Ministries/Departments for the current year.

5. In so far as the persons serving in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department are concerned, these orders are issued in consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.

                                                                                                                            (RENU JAIN)
                                                                                                                                 Director


view the original www.finmin.nic.in

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RATE OF MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTION AND INSURANCE COVER UNDER CGEGIS-1980

                                                                        No.7(1)/EV/2008
                                                                      Government of India
                                                                       Ministry of Finance
                                                                 Department of Expenditure

                                                                                             New Delhi, Dated 10th September, 2010

                                                                    Office Memorandum

Subject: Rate of monthly subscription and insurance cover under CGEGIS-1980 for erstwhile Group ‘D’ employees placed in PB-1, Grade Pay Rs.1800/- and classified as Group ‘C’

The undersigned is directed to invite the attention of all Ministries/Departments of the Central Government to this Ministry’s O.M. No.F.7(5)-EV/89 dated 15th May, 1989 updating the Central Government Employees Group Insurance Scheme, 1980.

2. The 6th Central Pay Commission in para 4.9.4. of its report has recommended that the rate of monthly subscription and the amount of insurance cover under the Central Government Employees Group Insurance Scheme (CGEGIS) should be enhanced 6 times. The Commission has also recommended up-gradation of Group D in the Government with all existing Group D employees being upgraded and placed in the entry grade of Group C. Accordingly, no separate slab for Group D has been recommended.

3. In view of the recommendations of 6th CPC, Department of Personnel & Training vide notification dated 9/4/2009 has classified the posts carrying the Grade Pay of 1800/- as Group C.
4. Therefore, it has been decided to enhance the monthly subscription towards CGEGIS and insurance coverage to the erstwhile Group ‘D’ employees placed in PB-1 with Grade Pay of 1800 and classified as Group ‘C’, @ ‘30/- per month from 1st January of the next calendar year i.e. January, 2011.


                                                                                                                                       (Manoj Sahay)
                                                                                                                                            Director

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

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Payment of Dearness Allowance to Centrel Government employees - Revised rates effective from 1st july

                                                               No. 1(6)/2010-E-II(B)
                                                                 Government of India
                                                                  Ministry of Finance
                                                           Department of Expenditure

                                                                                                       New Delhi,the 22nd September,2010

                                                        OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Payment of Dearness Allowance to Centrel Government employees - Revised rates effective from 1-7-2010.

                                                                 ***********

The undersigned is directed to refer to this ministry’s Office Memorandum No.1(3)/2009-E-II(B) dated 26th March.2010 on the subject mentioned above and to say that the president is pleased to decide that the Dearness Allowance payable to central government employees shall be enhanced from the existing rate of 35% to 45% with effect from 1st July 2010.

2 . The provisions contained in paras 3, 4 and 5 of this Office Memorandum No.1(3)/2008 29th August,2008 shall continue to be applicable while regulating Dearness Allowance under these orders

3. The additional instalment of Dearness Allowance payable under these orders shall be paid in cash ro all Central Government employees.

4. These orders shall also apply to the civilian employees paid from the Defence Services Estimates and expenditure will be chargeable to the relevant head of the Defence Services Estimates.In regard to Armed Forces Personnel and railway employees separate orders will be issued by the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Railways, respectively.

5. In so far the persons serving in the Indian Audit an Accounts Department are concerned, these orders issue after consultation with the Comptroller and Auditot General of India.


                                                                                                                                                s/d
                                                                                                                                 (Anil Sharma)
                                                                                     Under Secretary to the Government of India
 www.finmin.nic.in

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BONUS FOR CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES

                                                                No.7/22/2008-E-III(A)
                                                                   Ministry of Finance
                                                             Department of Expenditure
                                                                     (E.III-A Branch)

                                                                                                    New Delhi,The 22nd September,2010

Subject: Grant of Non-Productivity linked Bonus (ad-hoc Bonus) to Central Government employees for the year 2009-2010-Extension of orders to Autonomous Bodies

Orders have been issued vide this Ministry’s Office Memorandum No.7/24/2007 E-III(A) dated 22-09-2009 authorizing 30 days emoluments as Non-PLB (as-hoc bonus) for the accounting year 2009-2010 to the central government employees not covered by the productivity Linked Bonus Schemes. The undersigned is directed to say that it has now been decided that the Non-PLB (Ad-hoc) bonus so admissible subject to the terms and conditions laid down in the aforesaid orders, may be extended to the employees of autonomous bodies, partly or fully funded by the Central Government which (i)follow the pattern of emoluments identical to that of the Central Government and(ii) do not have any bonus or ex-gratia or incentive scheme in operation

2. In case of doubt as to the operation of these orders the clarificatory orders,circulated vide this Ministry,s OM No.14(10) E-Coord/88 dated 4-10-88,as amended fromtime to time,may be kept in view,mutatis mutandis.

3. Any request for funding by the Government to meet the liability on account of Non-PLB (Ad-hoc Bonus ) in respect of various organizations would not be considered by the Ministries cicerned, having regard to the stipulation of aforesaid OM dated 22.09.2010 that the expenditure on Non-PLB (Ad-hoc Bonus) should be met from within the existing budgetary provisions of the respective organizations. While the Autonomous Bodies not funded by the Central Government may also adopt these orders in respect of their employees,no liability for funding will in any case lie on the Central Government on this account.


                                                                                                                                   (Renu Jain)
                                                                                                                                      Director

Government Order

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CADRE RE-STRUCTURING IN POSTAL DEPT & RMS

The draft proposal of cadre re-structuring is furnished below for the information of our Circle Secretaries / Divisional Secretaries, Branch Secretaries/Members. Kindly go through the proposal, which is subject to modification and send your views within fortnight. Further FNPO is of the firm opinion that the MACP scheme and the Cadre re-structuring promotion shall run concurrently.


The following points will be worked out on receipt of your views.

1. Methodology : (a) Strength and weakness of the present set up in our organization.


(b) Financial and other implications.


(c) Impact on the existing staff.


2. Customer Orientation : (a) Service (b) Relations (c) efficiency.


3. Technological changes : (4) Future possibilities

POSTAL

PA Cadre

At present the total staff strength in Gr. C cadre as follows:

Entry level 48194


TBOP 26567


BCR 11499


86260 (approximately)

and the supervisory posts are as follows.

LSG 6900


HSG II 1622


HSG I 1622

FNPO propose, the promotional opportunity to be raised as follows.

LSG (6900 X 3) = 20700 in PB II with grade pay 4800


HSG II 1622 X 3 = 4866 in PB II with grade pay 5400


HSG I 1622 X 3 = 4866 in PB II with grade pay 6600.

We have 42 divisions throughout nation one group B Post per division may be sanctioned for general line officials, the method of selection of Group B and pay structure will be discussed latter. In regard to LSG/HSG II and HSG I, should made based on seniority cum fitness.

Postmen

At present the total staff strength in Postmen Cadre is 50200 (approximately) including Stg. PM, mail overseer, cash overseer Head Postmen, Overseers Postmen etc.

Postmen (Entry) 27922 (app)


TBOP 12990


BCR 3125


Others (Stg. PM, MO, CO,


HPM, OPM etc. 6163


50200


Mail Guard


HMG 228


MG 1096

FNPO suggests the following promotional avenue for cadre re-structure.

Sr. Postman Grade III 7500 Posts (15%)


Sr. Postman Grade II 3000 Posts (6%)


Sr. Postman Grade I 3000 Posts (6%)


Sr. PM Gr. III in PB II with grade pay 4200


Sr. PM Gr. II in PB II with grade pay 4600


Sr. PM Gr. I in PB II with grade pay 4800

In the case of nominculture of Mail Guards it is prosed as

Sr. MG I 78


Sr. MG II 78


Sr. MG III 195

Group D (Multi Task Staff)

At present the total Group D strength in Postal 17700 (approximately) and 14000 in RMS wing.

Postal

Gr. D (entry) 6492


TBOP 3600


BCR 991


RMS


Entry 5188


TBOP 4374


BCR 1882

That is exclusive of the posts, packer, Mail peon, LB, drafty, Sweeper, Peon, Farash, Waterman,Chowkidar etc.

FNPO suggests the following promotion for MTS (Gr. D)

Postal

Sr. MTS Grade III 1800


Sr. MTS Grade II 750


Sr. MTS Grade I 750


RMS


Sr. MTS Grade III 1800


Sr. MTS Grade II 750


Sr. MTS Grade I 750


Sr. MTS Gr. III in PB II with grade pay 2800


Sr. MTS Gr. II in PB II with grade pay 4200


Sr. MTS Gr. I in PB II with grade pay 4600

P.O. & RMS Accountant

Present staff position in this cadre, ie Accountants including APM (Accounts) and AHRO approximately 4686.

FNPO suggests the following

Accountant / LSG : 816 in PB II with grade pay 4800 (Each HPO)


Sr. Accountant II/HSG II : 280 in PB II with grade pay 5400 6%


Sr. Accountant Grade I/HSG I : 280 in PB II with grade pay 6600 6%

And 22 posts i.e. one for each Circle in the status of Group B, the mode of selection and pay structure will be discussed latter.

SBCO

As on date, the staff strength may be 4100 FNPO suggests that all the Head Post offices should have

one post of LSG, therefore it is suggested as follows.

LSG 816 posts in PB II with G.P. 4800


HSG II 48 posts in PB II with G.P. 5400 6%


HSG I 48 posts in PB II with G.P. 6600 6%

And 22 post in Group B cadre i.e. one post per circle the mode of selection and pay structure will be discussed letter.

System Administrator/Marketing Executive

This cadre now existing due to computerization/modernization/B.D. Activities Norms were not fixed so far. Therefore FNPO suggests that, throughout the country there are 155035 post offices are existing for monitoring computerization and other network activities, at least 10% of the P.O. strength may be identified as the staff strength of this cadre i.e. 15,000 (posts).

At entry level, in PB II with G.P. 4200


15% as LSG in PB II with G.P. 4800


6% as HSG II in PB III with G.P. 5400


6% as HSG I in PB III with G.P. 6600

MMS

Present staff position i.e. working strength approximately 1271.

15% as Grade III Driver 195 posts in PB II with G.P. 4200


6% as Grade II Driver 75 posts in PB II with G.P. 4600


6% as Grade I Driver 75 posts in PB II with G.P. 4800

Artisans

The staff strength is 500 approximately.

15% as Grade III mechanic 75 posts in PB II with G.P. 4200


6% as Grade III mechanic 30 posts in PB II with G.P. 4600


6% as Grade III mechanic 30 posts in PB II with G.P. 4800

RMS

The RMS Gr. C strength i.e. Sorting Assistants is 170000 the details are as follows.

Entry 7599

TBOP 5544

BCR 3311

Total 16454 (approximately)

And the supervisory posts are

LSG 1053


HSG II 415


HSG I 415

FNPO suggest, the following,

i.e. LSG 1053 X 3 = 3159 in PB II with G.P. 4800


HSG II 415 X 3 = 1245 in PB II with G,P. 5400


HSG I 415 X 3 = 1245 in PB III with G.P. 6600

We have 68 divisions throughout nation, one Group B post may be sanctioned for general line officials, pay structure and method of selection will be discussed later. In regard to LSG, HSG II and HSG I, should be made based on seniority cum fitness.

Circle office (Administrative offices)

Present Staff position as follows.

Group C 2500 (approximately)

15% of total staff may be upgraded as LSG With G.P. 4800 in PB II


6% of total staff may be upgraded on HSG II With GP 5400 in PB II


6% of total staff may be upgraded on HSG I With GP 6600 in PB III

22 Group B post may be sanction on the basis one post per circle selection and pay structure will be discussed later.

Gr. D 1500 (approximately)

15% Gr. MTS Gr. III with G.P. 2800 in PB II.


6% Gr. MTS Gr II with GP 4200 in PB II


6% Gr. MTS Gr II with GP 4600 in PB II

Federation of National Postal Organisation

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NEED FOR COMBINED CADRE RESTRUCTURING OF GROUP A, B AND C ON THE RAILWAYS...

NEED FOR COMBINED CADRE RESTRUCTURING OF GROUP A, B AND C ON THE RAILWAYS IS MACPS A SUBSTITUTE FOR CAREER PLANNING?

Promotion without improved status is like ‘Crumbs without the Soup’

IRTSA has been continuously seeking Career Planning of Technical Supervisors on Railways for the last nearly 45 years – ever since its inception. While some relief was provided over the years through the Cadre Restructuring in 1979, 1984, 1993 and 2003 – when a varying % age of posts were upgraded in different cadres. This did help in reducing the stagnation in lower pay scales, to a certain extent. But neither there was uniformity in the revised %age between various cadres nor did it bear any relativity with the duties and responsibilities or the increase thereof over the years.

But the worst part of it is that the entire exercise was separately done for the various Groups of Posts in Group A, B, C and D – thus taking away the basic thrust for simultaneous Career Planning. As such, IRTSA recently conducted a special Seminar on “Career Planning of Technocrats on Railways” and also submitted Memoranda to the Railway Board on the issue. But while the response of MM was positive on the issue, AMS felt that the MACPS (Modified Assured Career progression Scheme) will provide the requisite Financial Upgrading – ignoring all together that MACPS did not provide for improvement in status & power – which were equally important for effective Management.

There has been no upgrading or Cadre Restructuring of the Apex Grade of Group ‘C’ (Rs.840-1040 / Rs.2375-3500 / Rs.7450-11500) ever on the Railways – (either in 1979, 1984, 1993 or 2003). Consequently there is extreme stagnancy & resultant frustration amongst the incumbents of the Apex Grade ‘C’ – especially amongst the Technical Supervisors on the Railways.

There has been substantial increase in the duties and responsibilities over the years of the Technical Supervisors (JEs, SEs & SSEs) ¬due to modernisation and advancement of technology on the Railways – but this has not been recognised or remunerated in any manner whatsoever – especially in the case of Senior Section Engineers.

Only about 2 to 3% of Technical Supervisors – (entering with Diploma or Degree in Engineering) - reach Group ‘B’ level and only a small fraction thereof reach Group ‘A’ level – due to very meager number of Posts in Group ‘A’, ‘B’ vis-à-vis Group ‘C’ and non-implementation of DOPs orders regarding Classification of Posts – issued after the last 4 Pay Commissions on the Railways. Large majority of Technical Supervisors (with Diploma in Engineering at JE level and with Graduation in Engineering at SE/SSE level) do not get any promotion except in a very few cases and that too at the fag end of their careers. Even after acquiring long years of experience and expertise they remain and mostly retire in the Supervisory cadre itself.

In the new scenario of modern liberalized economy; and the management requirements thereof, it is imperative that Combined “Cadre Restructuring” of posts in Group ‘A’, ‘B’ & ‘C’ may be considered to upgrade adequate number of Group ‘C’ posts to Group ‘A’, ‘B’ – to fully meet with the job requirements of the posts of Technical Supervisors on Railways. Most of the employees in other cadres get 3 or 4 promotions or even more in their service in Railways - except the JEs & SE/SSEs. It is pertinent that JEs with Diploma in Engineering and one & a half year of training as well as SE/SSEs with Graduate in Engineering and one year of on the job training - are getting stagnated in the Apex Group ‘C‘ scale without any further avenue of promotion except in rare 2 to 3% cases. JEs who enter in the Grade Pay of Rs.4200 get only one promotion to the Grade Pay of Rs.4600. SE/SSE with Graduate in Engineering qualification enter in the Grade Pay of Rs.4600 - remain stagnant in the entry grade itself.

The JEs & SE/SSEs rot at the Grade Pay of Rs.4600 throughout their career since there are very meager number of posts in Group-B.

In the Technical Departments of Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical, Signal & Telecommunications and Stores, only 4274 Group-B posts are available for 5,72,191 Group-C employees, i.e. just 0.74% posts are available in Group-B. After abolition & Up-gradation of Group-D to Group–C the availability of Group-B posts will further dip to very meager i.e. just 0.47%.

In spite of higher nature of duties and responsibilities on account of requirements of Safety & modernisation, Railways have the lowest %age of Gazetted posts in Group A & B vis-à-vis Group C & D - in comparison to all other Departments of Central Government (as cited in the highlights of Power Point Presentation – reproduced in this issue).

With the huge investments and fast coming-up of new projects, more number of posts in the Group-A & B are essentially required, so that decision making and accountability can be broadened in the administrative hierarchy.

Sixth Central Pay Commission in its recommendations and thereafter the Government has made the right decision of abolishing the Group-D posts and upgrading them as Group-C. But similar functional and career improvements (made at the bottom level) have not been carried over to the middle tier in the apex Group-C and Group-B.

Large number of Posts have been upgaraded over the years in Group ‘A’ & ‘B’ to ensure the career planning of the Officers in those cadres but no such upgrading had been allowed in case of Apex Scale of Technical Supervisors – to improve their career prospects or in view of the increase in their duties & responsibilities due to modernisation on the Railways.

All these are not only the root cause of frustration amongst the Technical Supervisors on the Railways - these are also an impediment in effective execution of administrative polices & plans due to lack of executive powers of the Technical Supervisors who are the ‘On-the-Spot Managers. This is bound to have an adverse impact on the efficiency and safety on the Railways, as has been mentioned variedly by all the Railway Accident Inquiry Committees and Railway Reforms Committee.

Combined cadre strength of Technical Departments including all posts in Group - ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ on Indian Railways, should therefore be Restructured – so as to be comparable with - if not higher than - the All India Average % age of Group ‘A’, ‘B’ & ‘C’ of Central Government employees in other Departments – as cited and fully justified elaborately by IRTSA in its Memorandum to the Railway Board.

Source: 90 paisa

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Anomalies in pension of majors removed - Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT)

                                                Anomalies in pension of majors removed
                                               Those who retired before 2006 to benefit
                                                                      Vijay Mohan
                                                             Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 14

Holding that the pension shall not be less than 50 per cent of the minimum pay within the pay-band, the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) today allowed a petition filed by majors and equivalents that would now entitle them to enhanced pension.

With the removal of existing anomalies that had resulted in majors, who retired prior to 2006, getting pension lower than even junior commissioned officers, they would now be paid an additional basic pension of about Rs 5,000 per month, besides consequential benefits. The order affects a substantial number of officers of the three services who had retired in the rank of major prior to 2006.

After the implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission (SPC), the pension of majors was fixed at Rs 14,100 per month. This was less than what JCOs, four ranks below their grade, have been getting (Rs 16,145).

The anomaly in pension fixation arose because the minimum of the entire pay-band (PB-3) was taken into account while fixing the pension instead of considering the minimum of the pay-band applicable to majors. PB-3 (Rs 15,600-39,100) includes officers of the ranks of lieutenant to major and equivalents in other services. The minimum scale of major post-SPC is Rs 23,810.

The petitioners had contended that the existing basic pay, inclusive of grade pay and military service pay, worked out to be Rs 36,410, hence their pension at the stipulated 50 per cent of basic worked out to be Rs 18,205 per month, to which they were entitled.

In December, 2004, all majors with 13-year experience and having requisite qualifications were promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel (time scale) and the policy has continued since then. Following the implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission, all 35 categories of services were merged into four pay bands in which lieutenant colonels were initially placed in pay band-3, but later moved to pay band-4.

The pension of lieutenant colonel is fixed at Rs 25,700 whereas that of majors who retired before 2006 is Rs 14,100, creating a huge difference of Rs 11,600, the petitioners claimed. Prior to the Sixth Pay Commission, the difference was just Rs 950.

In fact, the Department of Pensions (DoP) had raised the issue of incorrect interpretation of pension fixation rules of pre-2006 majors with the Department of Expenditure (DoE) and that it needed to be corrected. Despite the fact that the ministers of finance as well as personnel were in favour of the correction, the bureaucracy in the Ministry of Finance put a spanner in the work. The case was taken up time and again by the DoP, but was always rejected by the DoE.



Source: Tribuneindia

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Fixation of Pay in merged grades for working on ad-hoc basis on ex-cadre posts in Construction Organisations

                                                          GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
                                                           MINSTRY OF RAILWAYS
                                                                 RAILWAY BOARD

                                                                                                                                   S.No.PC-VI/225
                                                                                                                   No. PC-VI/2009/I/RSRP/6

RBE No.133/2010
New Delhi, dated 14.09.2010

The General Managers,
All Indian Railways,
(As per mailing list).

Sub: Fixation of Pay in merged grades for working on ad-hoc basis on ex-cadre posts in Construction Organisations.

As per Rule (7) of RS(RP) Rules,2008, initial pay of a Railway servant shall be fxed separately (i) in respect of his substantive pay in the permanent post on which the employee holds a lien and (ii) in respect of his pay in the Officiating post held by him.

2. As per note 5 below Rule 7 of RSRP Rules, 2008, Where a Railway servant is holding a permanent post and is officiating in a higher post on a regular basis and the scales applicable to these two posts are merged into one scale, the pay shall be fixed under this sub-rule with reference to the officiating post only and the pay so fixed shall be treated as substantive pay”.

3. Clarifications are being sought by the zonal railways regarding fixation of pay of staff working in Construction Organisation on ex-cadre posts on ad-hoc basis in merged grades. The matter has been examined and it is clarified that in the case of staff working in Construction Organisation on ex-cadre posts on ad-hoc basis, their pay in the 6th CPC pay structure is to be fixed separately for cadre post and ex-cadre post as provided in Rule 7(1) of RSRP, 2008. Note 5 below Rule 7 is not applicable in their case.

4. This issues in consultation with Establishment Directorate and with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways.

5. This disposes of CAO (Const. & MTP), Southern Railway’s letter No.P-5241/I/P/CN dated 12.08.2009 and Southern Railway’s letter No.P(R)524 dated 31.0.2009.


                                                                                                                                     (U.K.Tiwari)
                                                                                                 Deputy Director Pay Commission-VI
                                                                                                                                 Railway Board.

www.indianrailways.gov.in

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Workmen or unions must be heard in labour disputes: SC

In labour disputes, the aggrieved workmen/unions should be compulsorily heard by the courts, before any order is passed, as otherwise, it would be violation of the "principles of natural justice," the Supreme Court has ruled.

"Labour statutes are meant for the benefit of the workmen. Hence, ordinarily in all cases under labour statutes the workmen, or at least some of them in a representative capacity, or the trade-union representing the workmen concerned must be made a party," a bench of Justices Markandeya Katju and Asok Kumar Ganguly observed.

The apex court passed the ruling while directing the Employees State Insurance (ESI) Court in Travancore to implead (hear) certain workmen who had been refused medical insurance benefits by the Fertilizers Chemicals Travancore Ltd to decide the eligibility of the workmen under the scheme.
Source: PTI

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LEAVE TRAVEL CONCESSION – AIR TRAVEL

                                                                   No. 19024/1/2009-E.IV
                                                                      Government of India
                                                                       Ministry of Finance
                                                                 Department of Expenditure
                                                                                 *****
                                                                                                                                    New Delhi,
                                                                                                               dated the 16th September, 2010

                                                                      Office Memorandum

Subject: Guidelines on Air Travel on Tours / LTC.

This Department is receiving repeated references seeking clarifications with regard to purchase of Air tickets through authorized agents and relaxation for travel by Airlines other than Indian Airlines. The following guidelines may be noted for compliance:

1. On Official Tours :

(i) For travel by Airlines other than Air India because of operational or other reasons or on account of non-availability of Air India flights, individual cases for relaxation to be referred to M/o Civil Aviation, as stated in this Ministry’s OM No. 19024/1/2009-E.IV dated 13.07.09.

(ii) Air Tickets may be purchased directly from Airlines (at Booking counters/Website of Airlines) or by utilizing the services of Authorized Travel Agents viz. M/s Balmer Lawrie & Company, M/s Ashok Travels & Tours.

2. LTC :

(i) Travel by Air India only.

(ii) In Economy class only, irrespective of entitlement.

(iii) LTC-80 ticket of Air India only to be purchased.

(iv) Air Tickets may be purchased directly from Airlines (at Booking counters / Website of Airlines) or by utilizing the services of Authorized Travel Agents viz. M/s Balmer Lawrie & Company, M/s Ashok Travels & Tours and IRCTC (to the extent IRCTC is authorized as per DoP&T OM No. 31011/6/2002-Estt.(A) dt. 02.12.09).

3. LTC for J&K :

(i) Relaxation to travel by Private Airlines to visit J&K while availing LTC is available to all the categories of Govt. employees, including those entitled to travel by Air [DoPT OMs No. 31011/2/2003-Esst.(A-IV) dated 18.06.10 and 05.08.10 refer].

(ii) For purchase of Air tickets, however, the procedure as given under para 2 (iv) above should be followed.

4. All Ministries/Departments of Govt. of India are requested to strictly adhere to these instructions.

                                                                                                                                                        Sd/                                                                                                                                          (Karan Singh)
                                                                                                      Under Secretary to the Govt. of India


Click the link to get OM... www.finmin.nic.in

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EPFO raises PF interest rate to 9.5%

EPFO raises PF interest rate to 9.5%

In what may be a windfall for crores of employees in public and private sector, the Provident Fund Trustees on Wednesday decided to give a higher interest rate of 9.5 percent for 2010-11 on their retirement savings.


The steep one percentage points increase has taken the interest on PF deposits of 4.71 crore organised sector workers to a five-year high from the current level of 8.5 percent.

The decision to raise the interest rate was taken by the Central Board of Trustees (CBT), the highest policy making body of the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).

Although the decision to provide 9.5 percent interest rate would result in a deficit of about Rs 1,600 crore, the same would be made good by a surplus of Rs 1,731 crore in the interest suspense account of the EPFO.

The recommendation of the CBT, headed by Labour Minister Mallikarjun Kharge, will be forwarded to the Finance Ministry.

The Finance Ministry, which notifies the provident fund interest rate, usually accepts the recommendation of the CBT

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Cabinet approves 10% hike in DA for central govt employees

Cabinet approves 10% hike in DA for central govt employees

Ahead of the festive season, the central government on Thursday raised Dearness Allowance by 10 percentage points to 45 per cent of basic pay, benefiting about 88 lakh employees and pensioners.


The decision to provide higher DA to employees will cost the exchequer an additional Rs 9,303.2 crore per annum, an official spokesperson said after a meeting of the Union Cabinet, where it was decided to raise the allowance.

The new DA will be paid to central government employees and pensioners with effect from 1st July, 2010, and the burden during the current fiscal has been estimated at Rs 6,202.1 crore.

"Increase in DA is in accordance with the formula based on the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission," the spokesperson added.

The existing rate of DA, which is paid as percentage of basic pay to compensate employees for the rising cost of living, is 35 per cent.

The increase in DA comes ahead of the Dussehra and Diwali festivals in October and November, respectively.

The decision will benefit about 50 lakh central government employees and about 38 lakh pensioners

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Dearness Allowance announcement likely today

Dearness Allowance announcement likely today after the cabinet meeting...

The much awaited official announcement of the additional Dearness Allowance for Central Government Employees and Pensioners is expected to be announced today after the cabinet meeting.

Sources said that cabinet to be announced today, the additional enhanced Dearness Allowance effective from July, 2010 is 10% and the total of 45%.

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Departmental proceedings against Government Servants Consultation with the Union Public Service Commission for advice

MOST IMMEDIATE

                                                         NO. 39011/12/2010-Estt.(B)
                                                               Government of India
                                     Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
                                               (Department of Personnel & Training)

                                                                         North Block, New Delhi, the 14th September, 2010


                                                      OFFICE MEMORANDUM


Subject:- Departmental proceedings against Government Servants Consultation with the Union Public Service Commission for advice.

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department’s O.M. of even no. dated 10th May, 2010 on the subject mentioned above forwarding the updated Proforma (copy enclosed) for forwarding the disciplinary cases to UPSC wherein all Ministries/ Departments have been requested to ensure that the complete and timely reference on disciplinary matters (under Article 320(c) of the Constitution of India read with Regulation 5 of the UPSC (Exemption from Consultation) Regulations, 1958 is made to the UPSC allowing sufficient time to the Commission to give its advice.

2. This Department had set up a Committee of Experts under the chairmanship of Shri P.C.Hota, former Chairman, UPSC to suggest measures to expedite the process involved in disciplinary/vigilance proceedings. In its Report, the above Expert Committee has observed that at present in as many as 40% cases of disciplinary inquiries referred to the UPSC for advice, the case records are deficient in terms of requisite information wanted by the UPSC as per the proforma prescribed and therefore returned by the UPSC to the Department/ Ministry for rectification of the deficiencies which causes avoidable delay in the Department/Ministry getting timely advice from the UPSC. In order to ensure prompt disposal of disciplinary inquiries by Departments / Ministries, the Expert Committee has recommended that before the case records in a Disciplinary Inquiry are sent to the UPSC for advice, the Joint Secretary/Director/Deputy Secretary in charge of the matter in the concerned Department/Ministry must give a certificate in writing that the case records are being sent to the UPSC for advice after complying with all items in the standard “Proforma” by the Department/Ministry. The expert Committee has suggested that if the certificate of Joint Secretary/Director/Deputy Secretary is found to be defective, as all items in the standard proforma have not been complied with before furnishing the certificate and the certificate has been issued in a slip-shod manner, the concerned Joint Secretary/ Director/Deputy Secretary of the Department/Ministry should be held responsible.

3. In view of the above, it is reiterated that all Ministries/Departments may ensure that all the requisite details in the proforma are properly filled up and sent with the relevant documents required to be sent to the UPSC so that there does not arise occasion for the UPSC to make a back reference to the Ministries/Department for the deficiencies found by the Commission in the papers sent to them. While forwarding the case records to the UPSC, a certificate shall be appended duly signed by the concerned Joint Secretary that the case records are being sent to the UPSC for advice after complying with all the items as applicable in the proforma by the Ministry /Department concerned. In future, if the UPSC has to return the documents in this regard for correct filling up and forwarding of the requisite documents stated in the proforma, the Commission may address the letter to the Secretary in the Ministry/Department. In case it is found that the Proforma had been forwarded to the UPSC in a casual manner, the Secretary in the Ministry I Department may issue a written warning to the Joint Secretary / Director /Deputy Secretary concerned to be more careful in future. A second time default by the same officers shall invite minor penalty proceedings against them.




                                                                                                                                                  s/d
                                                                                                                                   Rakesh Moza
                                                                                       Under Secretary to the Government of India



http://persmin.nic.in/

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Stepping up of pay Senior Direct recruitees with Junior Direct recruited officials appointed on or after 1.1.2006

National Federation of Postal Employees Secretary General Mr.M.Krishanan has written in his website regarding the issue of stepping up of pay Senior Direct recruitees with Junior Direct recruited officials appointed on or after 1.1.2006. We reproduce the content of the post and given with the Office Memorandum links for your information.

Stepping up of pay Senior Direct recruitees with Junior Direct recruited officials appointed on or after 1.1.2006

The Department of Posts vide its letter No. 1-9/2010-PCC (Pt) dt. 14.09.2010 has provided stepping up of pay of senior direct recruited official with that of junior direct recruited official.

(i) Direct recruits like Postman, PA who are appointed prior to 1.1.2006 and gets lesser pay than Direct recruits, they are entitled to step up their pay with that of junior.

(ii) This is not applicable to compare promotees with Direct recruitees.

The Department’s order has partially sorted out the issue. The main issue that minimum pay in the cadre applicable for direct recruits be applied for promotes also is still pending in JCM National Council level.

Let us hope for that also.

Office Memorandum - Page 1
Office Memorandum -2

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Safety related retirement scheme covering safety categories with grade pay of Rupees 1800/-.

                              NATIONAL FEDERATION OF INDIAN RAILWAYMEN
                                                               NEW DELHI
Copy of RB’s letter No. E(P&A) I-2010/RT-2 (131/2010) Dtd. 11-9-2010 is
reproduced below for information.

  Date : 11-9-2010
                                                                                                                 ( M Raghavaiah )
                                                                                                                 General Secretary
Subject: safety related retirement scheme covering safety
categories with grade pay of Rupees 1800/-.

Please refer to board’s letter No. E(P & A) I – 2001/RT-2 (KW)
dated 02.01.2004 regarding introduction of safety related retirement
scheme (SRRS) for drivers and gang men.

2. It has now been decided to extend the benefit of scheme to other
safety categories of staff with a grade pay of Rs. 1800.- PM . The
qualifying service has been reduced from 33 years to 20 years and the
eligibility age group from 55 – 57 years to 50 – 57 years for seeking
retirement under the scheme in the case of safety categories with grade
pay of Rs. 1800. The list of safety categories covered under the scheme is
enclosed as Annexure.

2.1 It has also been decided to modify the nomenclature of the scheme as
Liberalized Active Retirement Scheme for guaranteed Employment for
Safety Staff (LARSGESS) with grade pay of Rs. 1800. However, the
employment under the scheme would be guaranteed only to those found
eligible/suitable and finally selected as per procedure.

3. The condition of qualifying service (i.e. 33 years and age group (i.e.
55 – 57) for drivers will remain unchanged.

4. It is also reiterated that the retirement of the employee be considered
only if the word is found suitable in all respects. Retirement of the
employee and appointment of the ward should take place simultaneously.

5. The other terms and conditions of the scheme will remain unchanged.
Kulkarni/NFIR/11-9-2010

6. This issues with the concurrence of the finance directorate of the
ministry of railways.

7. Kindly acknowledge the receipt.

8. Hindi version will follow.


                                                                                                                                    Sd
                                                                                                                      (Dharam Pal)
                                                                                            Deputy Director Estt(P & A) II.
                                                                                                                Railway Board.
ANNEXURE to Railway Board’s letter No. E(P & A) I – 010/RT – 2. Dated
11.09.2010.
Safety Categories with grade pay of Rs. 1800.
A. Operating Department
* Pointsman
* Shuntman
* Leverman
* Gateman
* Traffic Porters

B. Civil Engeering Department
* Gateman
* Trolley man
* Key man

C. Signal and telecommunication Department.
* Khalasi/Khalasi Helper re-designated as helper Grade II &
Grade I atched to ESM/MSM/TCM/WTM

D. Mechanical and Electrical Department.
* Khalasi/Khalasi Helper re-designated as helper Grade II &
Grade I assisting Loco fitter / C&W fitters in Diesel Sheds
(Openline & workshop) EMU / Elec. Sheds (Open line &
workshops) and Train lighting & AC. Fitters (Open line &
Workshops)
* Crane Jamadar & Crane Khalas

SOURCE;NFIR

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