Employment News Weekly Report – 2030 Women Constables requires in RPF/RPSF – Last Date 1.3.2016

Employment News published an another list of vacancies including 2030 vacancies in South Central Railway. SCR invited applications from women candidates for the posts of Constable in RPF/RPSF. Application from candidates will be accepted through ONLINE MODE only.

Railway Protection force: 1827 posts

Railway Protection Special Force: 203 posts

Date and Time of closing :17.30 hrs of 01.03.2016

Applicants are advised to check the official website of South Central Railway or RPF Online Registration website.

The centralised Employment Notification issued on 30th December 2015(Click to view the Employment Notice)

Click here for Official Online Registration webpage

1. SOUTH CENTRAL RAILWAY

Name of Post –Women Constables in RPF/RPSF

No. of Vacancies – 2030

Last Date – 01.03.2016

2. DIRECTORATE GENERAL, CRPF

Name of Posts – Assistant Sub-Inspector (Steno)

No. of Vacancies -229

Last Date – 01.03.2016

3. ATOMIC MINERALS DIRECTORATE FOR EXPLORATION AND RESEARCH

Name of Posts – Technical Officer –C, Scientific Assistant- B, Draughtsman B-1, etc

No. of Vacancies – 146

Last Date- 22.02.2016

4. INTELLIGENCE BUREAU

Name of Post –Personal Assistant

No. of Vacancies -69

Last Date: – 20.02.2016

5. BANARAS HINDU UNIVERSITY

Name of Posts – Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor

No. of Vacancies –60

Last Date – 10.02.2016

Authority: www.employmentnews.gov.in

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7th CPC Recommendations on Gazetted and Restricted Holidays – Dopt expects comments from NC JCM Staff Side

F. No.12/23/2015-JCA-2

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions

Department of Personnel and Training

Establishment (JCA – 2) Section

North Block, New Delhi,

Date January 22, 2016

Shri Shiv Gopal Mishra

Secretary

National Council (Staff Side)

Joint Consultative Machinery for Central

Government Employees

13-C, Ferozshah Road, New Delhi 110 001

Subject: Recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commission – Comments – regarding

Sir

Please find attached the extracts of para-9.2.19 on the above Report on Gazetted and Restricted Holidays. The Commission has expressed opinion that the present system is working well and has recommended status-quo.

2. It is requested that your comments in this matter may please be provided to this Department, preferably, by 05.02.2016, so that a view can be taken.

Yours faithfully

Sd/-

(G.Srinivasan)

Deputy Secretary to Government of India

Encl: As above

Source: Confederation

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Instructions for processing foreign visits of officers of the Government of India for approval of Screening Committee of Secretaries (SCoS)

No. 4(4)/E.Coord/2015

Government of India

Ministry of Finance

Department of Expenditure

North Block, New Delhi.

Dated 25th January, 2016.

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Instructions for processing foreign visits of officers of the Government of India for approval of Screening Committee of Secretaries (SCoS).

This Department has been receiving references seeking clarification on certain issues with reference to this Department’s OM of even number dated 05-01-2016 on the above subject. Accordingly the following clarification is issued:-

a)  Approval of SCoS is not required in case of foreign visits of upto Joint Secretary level officers as part of foreign training component, Mid-Career Training Programme (MCTP) or any other training, irrespective of number of members and days”.

b) The provision of seeking approval of Cabinet Secretary for condoning delay in submission of proposals sent less than 15 days before the date of departure of delegation has been done away with.

c) Calculation of number of foreign visits in respect of any officer will be with reference to calendar year.

Sd/-

(N. Radhakrishnan)

Director (E. Coord)

Source: www.finmin.nic.in

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Expected DA January 2016 - AICPIN for the month of December 2015

No. 5/1/2015- CPI 

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA 

MINISTRY OF LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT 

LABOUR BUREAU

`CLEREMONT’, SHIMLA-171004

DATED: 29th January, 2016

Press Release

Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) – December, 2015

The All-India CPI-IW for December, 2015 decreased by I point and pegged at 269 (two hundred and sixty nine). On 1-month percentage change, it decreased by (-) 0.37 per cent between November and December, 2015 which was static between the same two months a year ago.

The maximum downward pressure to the change in current index came from Food group contributing (-) 1.36 percentage points to the total change. At item level, Arhar Dal, Masur Dal, Moong Dal, Onion, Potato, Tomato, Peas and other Green Vegetables & Fruit items, Petrol, etc. are responsible for the fall in index. However, this decrease was checked by Rice, Wheat, Wheat Atta, Fish Fresh, Eggs (Hen), Poultry (Chicken), Goat Meat, Milk (Buffalo), ESI Contribution, Rail Fare, Barber Charges, Flower/Flower Garlands, etc., putting downward pressure on the index.

The year-on-year inflation measured by monthly CPI-IW stood at 6.32 per cent for December, 2015 as compared to 6.72 per cent for the previous month and 5.86 per cent during the corresponding month of the previous year. Similarly, the Food inflation stood at 7.94 per cent against 7.86 per cent of the previous month and 5.73 per cent during the corresponding month of the previous year.

At centre level, Ludhiana reported the maximum decrease of 7 points followed by Ahmedabad and Rourkela (6 points each), Tripura, Varanasi, Lucknow and Kodarma (5points each). Among others, 4 points decrease was observed in 9 centres, 3 points in 4 centres, 2 points in 11 centres and 1 point in 12 centres. On the contrary, Quilon recorded a highest increase of 7 points followed by Warangal (4 points), and Rangapara-Tezpur, Chhindwara and Mundakkayam (3 points each). Among others, 2 points increase was observed in 5 centres and 1 point in 9 centres. Rest of the 16 centres’ indices remained stationary.

The indices of 37 centres are above All-India Index and other 40 centres’ indices are below national average. The index of Jabalpur centre remained at par with All-India Index.

The next issue of CPI-IW for the month of January, 2016 will be released on Monday, 29th February, 2016. The same will also be available on the office website www.labourbureaunew.gov.in.

Sd/-

(SHYAM SINGH NEGI)

DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL

Source: http://labourbureau.nic.in/

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Members of Empowered Committee for processing the Report of the 7th Pay Commission

Members of Empowered Committee for processing the Report of the 7th Pay Commission

Constitution of Empowered Committee of Secretaries for processing the Report of the Seventh Central Pay Commission – Finance Ministry Orders on 27.1.2016

No.1-4/2015-E.III(A)

Government of India

Ministry of Finance

Department of Expenditure

New Delhi, dated the 27th January, 2016

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Constitution of Empowered Committee of Secretaries for processing the Report of the Seventh Central Pay Commission

It has been decided with the approval of the Cabinet to set up an Empowered Committee of Secretaries to process the recommendations of the Seventh Central Pay Commission.

The Committee will have the following members :

1. Cabinet Secretary                                                          Chairman

2. Finance Secretary/Secretary (Expenditure)                 Member

3. Secretary, Department of Personnel & Training               Member

4. Secretary, Department of Pension & PW                     Member

5. Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs                           Member

6. Secretary, Ministry of Defence                                   Member

7. Secretary, Department of Revenue                             Member

8. Secretary, Department of Post                                   Member

9. Secretary, Department of Health                                   Member

10.Secretary, Department of Science & Technology               Member

11.Chairman, Railway Board                                             Member

12.Deputy Comptroller & Auditor General                           Member

13.Secretary (Security), Cabinet Secretariat                 Member

2. The Committee may co-opt any other Secretary, whenever found necessary.

3. The Empowered Committee will function as a Screening Committee to screen the recommendations of the Commission after taking into account the views of the concerned stakeholders, viz, the Ministries/Departments, Staff Associations and the JCM, so as to firm up the final conclusions for approval of the Cabinet.

4. The Implementation Cell created in the Department of Expenditure shall function as Secretariat for the Empowered Committee of Secretaries.

5. The final recommendations of the Empowered Committee of Secretaries will be submitted for approval of the Cabinet.

Sd/-

(Annie George Mathew)

Joint Secretary to the Government of India

Source: www.persmin.gov.in

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Immovable Property Return the year 2015 (as on 31.12.2015) – Dopt Instructions

No. 26/2/2015-CS.I (PR)

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions,

Department of Personnel & Training

2nd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhawan,

Khan Market, New Delhi.

Dated 27th January, 2016

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Immovable Property Return the year 2015 (as on 31.12.2015)

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department’s Office Memorandums of even number dated 21.12.2015 and 18.01.2016 on the subject cited above (available at persmin.nic.in -> DOPT -> Central Secretairat -> CSS -> Property Return).

2. A large number of CSS Officers have not yet submitted the Immovable Property Return for the year 2015 on 31.12.2015). As already informed, IPR should be submitted by all CSS officers through the Web Based Cadre Management System which is hosted at cscms.nic.in. However, as large number of officers are accessing the system, it has become slow making it difficult to submit the return online. As the system is web based, officers may try filing IPR beyond office hours when the system is less congested. If it is still not possible to file the return online for any reason, they should file the return in paper format to their offices by the stipulated date i.e. 31.01.2016. They may subsequently file the same through cscms.nic.in.

Sd/-

(V.Srinivasaragavan)

Under Secretary to the Government of India

Source: www.persmin.gov.in

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Notifying of Recruitment Rules within ten weeks time period after the same are approved by the Union Public Service Commission – regarding.

No. AB.14017/61/2008-Estt. (RR)

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions

Department of Personnel and Training

New Delhi

Dated: the 27th January, 2016

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:- Notifying of Recruitment Rules within ten weeks time period after the same are approved by the Union Public Service Commission – regarding.

Attention is invited to Para No. 5.2 of this Department’s O.M. No.AB.14017/48/2010-Estt.(RR) dated 31st December, 2010 on framing/amendment/relaxation of Recruitment Rules wherein it has been stipulated that the Recruitment Rules or amendment(s) thereto as finally approved by the Union Public Service Commission are required to be notified within a period of 10 weeks from the date of receipt of their advice letter. This time limit should be strictly adhered to.

2. The Commission has, however, brought to the notice of this Department that even after the lapse of 10 weeks time, the Recruitment Rules pertaining to a number of posts which were advised upon by the Commission are yet to be notified.

3. Ministries/Departments are, therefore, requested to initiate action for notifying the Recruitment Rules as soon as the same are approved by the Commission so that the prescribed time limit of 10 weeks is adhered to.

Sd/-

(Gayatri Mishra)

Director (E-1)

Source: www.persmin.gov.in

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Payment of Dearness Allowance to AIS officers.

Government of Jammu & Kashmir

Civil Secretariat, Finance Department.

Government Order No.23 - F of 2016

Dated: 27 /01/2016.

Subject:- Payment of Dearness Allowance to AIS officers.

In order to facilitate calculation of leave salary and gratuity of an AIS officer at the admissible rates of Dearness Allowance, it is hereby ordered, that salary for the month in which he/she reaches the age of superannuation, shall be drawn at such rate of Dearness Allowance as would be applicable to Central Government employees on that date.

By order of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir.

Sd/-

(Navin K. Choudhary), IAS,

Commissioner / Secretary to Government

Finance Department

No. A/ 15 ( 2011 )-5 9

Dated:27/01/2016 

Source:www.jakfinance.nic.in

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Rajasthan Civil Services (Medical Attendance) Rules, 2013, Appendix- l: List of 'Approved Hospitals'

GOVERNMENT OF RAJASTHAN 

FINANCE DEPARTMENT 

(RULES DIVISION) 

No. F. 6 (2) FD (Rules) / 2013 Pt-ll 

Jaipur, dated:27 Jan 2016

ORDER 

Sub: Rajasthan Civil Services (Medical Attendance) Rules, 2013, Appendix- l: List of 'Approved Hospitals' 

In exercise of the powers conferred under rule 4 of the Rajasthan Civil Services 

(Medical Attendance) Rules, 2013 and as per the decision of the Health Benefit 

Empowered Committee (HBEC), the State Government hereby:- 

(1) Includes the following hospitals as 'Approved Hospital" as defined in rule 3(5) of Rajasthan Civil Services (Medical Attendance) Rules, 2013, in the Appendix-I in Multispecialty category:-

(i) Shree Siddhi Vinayak Hospital, Bhilwara

(ii) Arihant Hospital and Research Sansthan, Bhilwara 

(iii) Guru Kripa Hospitals, Sikar

(iv) Sh. K.M. Memorial Jain Heart and General Hospital, Sikar

(v) Rungta Hospital, Jaipur 

2. Extends the empanelment of following Hospitals:-

(i) Narayana Multispecialty Hospital, Jaipur in Multispecialty category

(ii) Dr. Virendra Laser Phaco Surgery Centre Pvt. Ltd., Jaipur in Ophthalmology category

(iii) K.C. Memorial Eye Hospital, Jaipur in Ophthalmology category 

Note:

(1) The hospital shall be bound not to charge, from the State Government employees, more than the rates as may be fixed by the State Government from time to time for approved private hospitals for various treatments, investigations and implants. 

(2) The Order will be effective upto 5 years from the date of issue.

By order of the Governor, 

Sd/-

(Siddharth Mahajan) 

Special Secretary, Finance (Budget) 

Source:www.finance.rajasthan.gov.in

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7th CPC Recommendations : Upgradation of GP 4200, 4600 and 4800 for the Employees of the Supreme Court

7th CPC Recommendations : Upgradation of GP 4200, 4600 and 4800 for the Employees of the Supreme Court

Officers and Employees of the Supreme Court : Upgradation of Pay in Selected Posts in Existing GP 2800

Upgradation of pay has been sought for the group of posts in the present pay scale with GP 2800 to GP 4200. These include Junior Court Assistant, Chauffer, Special Process Server, Restorer Gr. I /Library Attendant Gr. I/Gestetner Operator Gr. I.

Analysis and Recommendations : The Commission has noted the recommendations made by the Committee of Judges in this regard. The Committee of Judges after examination of demands made has pointed out that in view of basic qualification, nature of duties and degree of efficiency, integrity and confidentiality the post of Junior Court Assistant can be considered for an upgradation in pay.

The Commission further notes that the educational qualifications for direct recruitment to the post of Junior Court Assistant is a degree from a recognised University and knowledge of computer operations with a stipulated typing speed in computers. The information furnished to the Commission with respect to the Recruitment Rules of various posts also indicates that in all other posts carrying a GP 2800 the educational qualifications is lower than graduation and therefore equating Junior Court Assistants with these posts would not be correct. In view of the foregoing the Commission is in agreement with the views of the Committee of Judges. Accordingly, the Commission recommends upgradation in the pay for the post of Junior Court Assistant to GP 4200 from the existing GP 2800.

Upgradation of Pay in Selected Posts in Existing GP 4200

For the group of posts covering Court Assistant, Personal Assistant, Accountant, Cashier, the Association requested pay parity with the holders of analogous/equivalent posts in the High Court of Delhi, who are drawing pay with GP 4600.

Analysis and Recommendations : The Commission has noted the recommendations made by the Committee of Judges in this regard. The Committee of Judges, after examination of demands made, agrees with the recommendation of upgradation in pay to conform to the pay of the holders of analogous posts in the High Court of Delhi.

The Commission recognises that the Supreme Court is at the apex of the hierarchy of Courts in India and hence its personnel should not be disadvantageously placed vis-à-vis the High Court of Delhi.

Accordingly, the Commission recommends upgradation for the post of Court Assistant, Personal Assistant, Accountant and Cashier to GP 4600 from the existing GP 4200.

Upgradation of Pay in Selected Posts in Existing GP 4600

Upgradation of pay has been sought for pay of the group of posts in the present GP 4600 to GP 4800. These include posts of Private Secretary to Additional Registrar, Sr. Personal Assistant, Senior Court Assistant, Court Associate, Editor of Paper books, Assistant Librarian, Proof Reader, Assistant Accounts Officer (Concurrent Audit) and Building Supervisor. The justification for upgradation is that the holders of analogous posts in the High Court of Delhi are in GP 4800.

Analysis and Recommendations : The Commission has been informed that the Committee of Judges, after examination of demands made, have endorsed the upgradation in pay to conform with the pay of the holders of analogous posts in the High Court of Delhi.

The Commission recognises that the Supreme Court is at the apex of the hierarchy of Courts in India and hence its personnel should not be disadvantageously placed vis-à-vis the High Court of Delhi. Accordingly, the Commission recommends upgradation in the pay for the post of Private Secretary to Additional Registrar, Sr. Personal Assistant, Senior Court Assistant, Court Associate, Editor of Paper Books, Assistant Librarian, Proof Reader, Assistant Accounts Officer (Concurrent Audit) and Building Supervisor to GP 4800 from the existing GP 4600. However on completion of four years approved service further non-functional upgrade to GP 5400 (PB-2) is also recommended for these posts.

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AIRF to Conduct Secret Ballot proposing Indefinite Strike against 7th CPC Report

AIRF to Conduct Secret Ballot proposing Indefinite Strike against 7th CPC Report

AIRF will conduct a secret ballot on February 11 and 12 to decide the date and future course of action (on strike) – Shiv Gopal Mishra, AIRF General Secretary

All-India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF) threatened to go ‘Indefinite Strike’ against the Seventh Pay Commission report.

“We will conduct a secret ballot on February 11 and 12 to decide the date and future course of action (on strike),” AIRF General Secretary Shiv Gopal Mishra said here today.

He said if railway employees will cast their votes in favour of launching indefinite strike then we will go for it and accordingly a date would be announced.

Mishra said their demands also include review of new pension scheme and filling up of large number of vacant posts in the railways.

Mishra differed with the Seventh Pay Commission reports and said “the minimum wage should be increased from Rs 18,000 per month to Rs 26,000.”

According to the Seventh Pay Commission recommendations, there would be an additional burden of Rs 32,000 crore on railways and Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has described it as “unbearable”.

Mishra also said, there were about 2.5 lakh posts including those of loco pilots, assistant station masters and track men lying vacant in railways.

On new pension scheme, he said, “it should be reviewed as there are many anomalies in it. We want the guaranteed pension scheme should be implemented.”

In order to make the proposed agitation a success, Mishra said a sustained awareness campaign will be launched from January 25 to February 10.

Source : AIRF

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Minimum Educational Qualification for Open Market Recruitment to the post of Physiotherapist in the Medical Department on the Railways.

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(RAILWAY BOARD)

RBE No.09/2016

No.E(NG)II/2012/RR-1/3.

New Delhi, Dated: 19/01/2016.

The General Manager (P),

All Zonal Railways/Production Units 

Chairmen, Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs).

Sub: Minimum educational qualification for open market recruitment to the post of Physiotherapist in the Medical Department on the railways.

Ref: Letter No. E(NG)II/2001/RR-1/45 dated 22/5/2015 (RBE No. 49/2015).

Attention is invited to instructions under reference prescribing interalia recruitment qualification for open market recruitment to the category of Physiotherapist, Grade-Il in Pay Band-1 of Rs.9300-34800 having Grade Pay of Rs.4200/- as under:-

2. The revision of qualification for the above category of post has been under consideration of this Ministry pursuant the issue raised by National Federation of Indian Railwaymen (NFIR) in the PNM meeting with Railway Board.

3. The matter has further been deliberated upon in consultation with Health Directorate of this Ministry and it has been decided that the qualification shall be modified as under:-

4. These instructions will be applicable from the date of issue. Wherever recruitment process for the post has been notified and date of acceptance of application is yet to be closed, suitable corrigendum be issued by the concerned recruiting agency.

5. Please acknowledge receipt.

Sd/-

(Neeraj Kumar)

Director Estt. (N)-II

Railway Board

Source: www.indianrailways.gov.in

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7th Pay Commission – Hike the Basic Minimum pay by 44% – Review the Salaries after every 5 years – Unions

The brewing discontent amongst the central government employees is threatening to create a storm and disrupt the implementation process. The unions are asking around 44% hike on the basic minimum pay and review the salaries every 5 years.

7th Pay Commission – Hike the Basic Minimum pay by 44% – The unions had staged a 3-day agitation earlier in January, and even threatened to strike work for longer period.

Implementing the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission (7th CPC) is not going to be a cakewalk for the government.

The brewing discontent amongst the central government employees is threatening to create a storm and disrupt the implementation process. The unions are asking around 44 percent hike on the basic minimum pay suggested by the 7th Central Pay Commission.

The 7th CPC had recommended the minimum pay at Rs 18,000 and the maximum pay at Rs 250,000, but the employee unions wants the minimum pay to be hikes from Rs 18,000 per month to Rs 26,000–a rise of around 44.4 percent.

The unions also said that the pay panel has recommended the lowest hike in basic pay since independence.

The unions argue that pay scales vary from states to states. They also want the minimum pay to be applied across all the states in the country.

The Central government employees’ unions have not only demanded to increase the minimum pay of central government employees, but also want government to review the salaries of central government employees after every 5 years instead of the current 10 years.

The previous 6th Central Pay Commission had recommended a 20 percent hike, which the government had doubled while implementing it in 2008. However, the present government is on the look out for a way to somehow influence negatively, the already employee negative 7th cpc recommendations.

The unions have upped the ante on salary hike since the government set up empowered committee of secretaries headed by Cabinet Secretary earlier in January to process the recommendations of the 7th CPC.

The unions had staged a 3-day agitation earlier in January, and even threatened to strike work for longer period.

Source: Zee News

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BSNL Clarification Regarding Employees Pension Scheme

BHARAT SANCHAR NIGAM LIMITED

(A Govt. of India Enterprise)

NO.500-85/CA-II/BSNL/EPF/2011/Vol.VI

Dated 19.01.2016

To,

The IFAs,

All Circles

BSNL

Sub.: Various Gazette Notifications issued by EPFO from Time to Time

This office has been receiving queries regarding Employees Pension Scheme.

In this regard, it is informed that EPFO vide its letter no. Actuarial / 18(2)2008/ Vol.III/7738 dated 29.08.2014 (copy enclosed) has already clarified that henceforth, EPS will apply only to EPF members whose pay at the time of becoming PF member is not more than Rs.15000/- per month on or after 01.09.2014. The entire employer and employee contribution shall remain in the Provident Fund and no diversion to EPS shall be made for all new PF members on or after 01.09.2014 having salary more than Rs. 15000/- at the time of joining.

In this connection, it is mentioned that this office has already issued instructions to act in accordance with the Gazette Notifications issued by EPFO, from time to time, without waiting for endorsement from the Corporate Office as the non compliance of the EPF guidelines attract penal provisions.

It is further mentioned that suitable action may be taken by the circles for rectification of any erroneous deduction made and deposited with EPFO under the EPS head for the employees covered under the above mentioned letter of EPFO dated 29.08.2014.

All BSNL units are hereby requested to kindly take necessary action in accordance with the instructions issued by EPFO.

Encl: As above

(V.M.Gupta)

Dy. General Manager (CA-III)

EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND ORGANISATION

(Ministry of Labour & Employment, Govt. of India)

Head Office

Bhavishya Nidhi Bhawan, 14, Bhikaiji Came Place, New Delhi – 110 066.

No. Actuarial/18(2)2008/Vol.III/7738

Dated: 29.08.2014

To

All Addl. Central P.F. Commissioners (Zones)

All Regional P.F.Commissioners (In-Charge of Region)

Sub: Gazette Notification providing for increase in wage ceiling under EPS 1995 from Rs. 6500 to Rs.10000/- which shall come into force on and from the 1st day of Sept 2014.

Sir.

This is in continuation of this office circular No Actuary/l 8(2)2008/ Vol.111/5905 dated 23.07.2014 wherein it was informed that the Employees’ Pension Scheme 1995 is being amended to increase the wage ceiling from Rs.6500/- per month to Rs. 15,000/- per month in the Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995.

2. The proposed amendments have since been noti red vide Gazette Notification No. GSR 609 (E) which shall come into force on and from the 1st day of September, 2014 (Copy of notification enclosed).

3. Accordingly, with effect from the 1st day of September, 2014, the pensionable salary for all cases of exit/death on or after 01.09.2014, for calculating pension shall be the average monthly pay drawn during the contributory period of service in the span of 60 months preceding the date of death/exit from the membership of the Employees” Pension Fund. The pensionable salary shall be calculated on pro-rata basis separately for the period up to 31.08.2014 up to wage ceiling of R.6,500/- per month and for the subsequent period upto the wage ceiling of Rs.15,000 per month. Similarly. the Withdrawal Benefit shall be based on the weighted wages at different wage ceilings. As already informed necessary amendments in the applicable on software are being carried out and the necessary software shall be released by I.S. Division at the earliest.

4. Accordingly, requisite steps may be taken so hat full details of wages for 60 months are available to settle the pension claims in accordance with the proposed modification. In this regard, Form 10-C & Form 10 D are also being redesigned to incorporate the above changes and shall be circulated soon. However in the meantime wage details be obtained by attaching additional sheet or giving details of 60 months of wages along with Form 10-D in respect of all members having date of exit from EPS 1995.

5. The members having date of exit from EPS, 1995 on account of superannuation/option date for commencement of early pension etc. prior to 01.09.2014 shall get Pensionary benefits on the basis of the existing pensionable salary calculations ie by taking 12 months average.

6. Further, with effect from 01.09.2014, wherever employer & employees have opted to contribute on salary exceeding Rs.6,500/- per month such employer & employees will have to exercise a fresh option to contribute on salary exceeding Rs.15,000/- per month subject to the condition that such member would have to contribute the Government’s share of contribution @ 1.16% on the salary exceeding Rs.15,000/- per month from his/her share of contribution. The fresh Option is to be exercised within a period of 6 months. It is essential to know with certainty the employee who are currently permitted to contribute to EPS on higher wages, so that fresh options can be called for. Accordingly, you may immediately flag all such cases of contribution on salary exceeding Rs.6,500/- per month and obtain fresh options in a time bound manner. It may be made known to the existing optees that if the fresh option is not exercised it shall be deemed that the employee has not Opted in allowing contribution over age ceiling and the contributions to Employees Pension Fund made above the wage ceiling in respect of the member shall be diverted to the Provident Fund account of the memer along with interest as declared under the Employees’ Provident Fund Scheme from time to time.

7. Furthermore, with effect from 01.09.2014 the provisions for contribution on higher salary has been deleted and as such no new options can be allowed to any member of EPS, 1995 on and after 01.09.2014.

8. As EPS will henceforth apply only to EPF members whose pay at the time of becoming PF member is not more than Rs. l5,000/- per month on or after 01.09.2014 the entire employer and employee contribution shall remain in the Provident Fund and no diversion to EPS shall be made for all new PF members on or after 01.09.2014 having salary more than 15,000/- at the time of joining. This must be ensured as any negligence on this issue may lead to unwarranted litigations.

9. The above actions may be taken without any deviation and officer in charge shall be responsible for compliance of above directions under his jurisdiction.

(This issues with the approval of CPFC)

Yours faithfully,

Sd/-

(CHANDRAMAULI CHAKRABORTY)

REGIONAL E.F.COMMISSIONER-I (Pensions)

Click to view the Copy of the BSNL Clarification

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Additional benefit on death/disability of Government servant covered by New Pension System — clarification regarding.

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (BHARAT SARKAR)

MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (RAIL MANTRALAYA)

(RAILWAY BOARD)

No. 2012/F(E)III/1(1)/4

New Delhi, Dated: 13 .01.2016.

The GMs/FA&CA0s,

All Indian Railways/Production Units.

(As per mailing list)

Subject: Additional benefit on death/disability of Government Servant covered by New Pension System — clarification regarding.

Please refer to the instructions issued vide Board’s letters No. 2008/AC-II/21/19, dated 29.05.2009 , No. 2010/AC-II/21/18 dated 02.07.2013 and letter of even number dated 08.09.2014 on the above mentioned subject.

2. Now, one of the recognized Federations (NFIR) have raised the issue of non-compliance of the above instructions by Zonal Railways and reluctance on the part of Railways in providing additional relief.

3. It is reiterated. that the aforesaid instructions may be followed scrupulously and all pending cases be disposed of at the earliest.

Sd/-

(Sanjay Prashar)

Deputy Director Finance (Estt.)III,

Railway Board.

Source:www.indianrailways.gov.in

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EPFO may pay 9% interest on PF deposits for 2015-16

EPFO may pay 9% interest on PF deposits for 2015-16 

Retirement fund body EPFO may provide 9 per cent interest on PF deposits for this fiscal, which is higher compared to 8.75 per cent provided in previous two fiscals to its over five crore subscribers.

The Employees Provident Fund Organisation’s (EPFO) finance panel has recommended raising the interest rate on statutory savings of over 5 crore subscribers from 8.75% to 8.95% during the current fiscal.

“The income projection of Rs 34,844.42 crore for the current fiscal is expected to be revised upward. Thus the body can provide 9 per cent rate of interest on PF deposits for 2015-16,” an EPFO trustee and Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh Secretary P J Banasure told PTI.

The Employees Provident Fund Organisation’s (EPFO) Finance Audit and Investment committee (FAIC) recommended 8.95 per cent interest on PF deposits for the current fiscal in its meeting earlier this week.

Banasure, who is also a member of FAIC said:”If the EPFO provides 8.95 per cent interest rate on PF deposits for 2015-16, it will leave a surplus of Rs 91 crore as per income projections worked out in September last year. But the FAIC will meet again later this month to vet the latest income estimate which is likely to be revised upward.”

According to EPFO income projections worked out in September, providing 9 per cent interest on PF will result in a deficit of Rs 100 crore. “We are expecting that there will be a surplus of Rs 100 crore on providing 9 per cent rate of interest on PF deposits when EPFO will work out the latest estimates. FAIC can change its recommendation in the next meeting and suggest 9 per cent interest rate for 2015-16,” he said.

The proposal has to be endorsed by the Central Board of Trustees (CBT) before the Finance Ministry notifies it.

However, there has been indications from the Finance Ministry that it will slash interest rate on small savings like public provident fund in view of the rate cut by Reserve Bank of India.

The EPFO provides rate of interest from the earning on investments of formal sector workers’ funds without any assistance from the government.

Source:www.economictimes.indiatimes.com

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Age Relaxation to the Residents of the State of Jammu & Kashmir in Railways

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(RAILWAY BOARD)

RBE No.1/2016

No.E(NG)-II/95/RR-1/26

New Delhi, dt.: 6/01/2016

The General Manager (P),

All Zonal Railways/Production Units, CORE/Allahabad,

MTP/Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai,

CAO (R), DMW/Patiala, COFMOW/New Delhi,

Director General, RDSO/Lucknow, RSC/Vadodra,

Director, IRISE/Secundrabad, IRICEN/Pune, IRIEEN/Nasik & IRIM&EE/Jamalpur, Chairmen, RRBs/RRCs.

Sub: Age relaxation to the residents of the State of Jammu & Kashmir.

Kindly refer to this Ministry’s letter of even number dated 08.6.2012 (RBE No.70/2012) forwarding therewith a copy of the notification No. 15012/6/2011-Estt.(D) dated 30.12.2011 issued by Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions (Department of Personnel & Training) extending the currency of relaxation of age limit limit in favour of the residents of State of Jammu & Kashmir for appointment to Central Civil Services and posts, recruitment to which are made to UPSC/SSC or otherwise by the Central Government up to 31/12/2013.

Department of Personnel & Training have issued a further notifications No. 15012/1/2014-Estt(D) dated 30/9/2014 and 23/10/2015 and accordingly the relaxation of age limit in favour of the residents of the State of Jammu & Kashmir for appointment to Central Civil Services and posts, recruitment to which are made through UPSC or SSC or otherwise by the Central Government stands extended up to 31/12/2017.

Please acknowledge receipt.

Sd/-

(Neeril Kumar)

Director Estt.(N)-II

Railway Board.

Source: www.indianrailways.gov.in

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7th CPC – Implementation may be Deferred – “Recommendations Biggest Headache for Finance Ministry” – Jayant Sinha

Implementation of 7th CPC pay panel award likely to be deferred

The announcement of a deferral is expected to be part of Jaitley's Budget speech on February 29

With a massive financial resource crunch estimated for 2016-17, the government is planning to defer the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission award.

Last week, the Union Cabinet approved the formation of an empowered committee of secretaries to work out ways for staggering the award through more than one financial year, instead of letting the Rs 1,02,100-crore bill from the implementation of the award come up at one go.

Read our full coverage on Union Budget 2016

A top-ranked official said one of the options for the empowered committee was to defer the increase in allowances for central government employees, while letting the rise in pay for all scales to go through. According to finance ministry figures, the ratio of allowances to pay for these 4.7 million employees is 1:1.4. For instance, the Budget estimates in 2015-16 pegged the salary bill for all central government employees at Rs 60,731 crore, whereas the tab for allowances is Rs 84,437.4 crore.

The step would allow Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to keep the Budget numbers for this financial year and the next close to the targeted 3.9 per cent and 3.5 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) that he has committed himself to. For instance, even if the annual expenditure for 2016-17 were kept at about Rs 18 lakh crore (almost unchanged from Rs 17,77,477 crore in 2015-16), the Pay Commission recommendations would add another 5.5 per cent to it.

Given the sluggish pace of GDP growth and the almost negative deflator, the aggregate Budget numbers would otherwise be impossible to sustain on the back of the current trend in growth of tax receipts - just 50 per cent of the Budget estimates after the first eight months of the year, according to Controller General of Accounts data. The assumptions being worked on in North Block are that these might not change dramatically in the next financial year, too.

The announcement of a deferral is expected to be part of Jaitley's Budget speech on February 29. The formation of an empowered committee for the pay panel recommendations, again a first for the central government, is meant to bring all stakeholders on board in the exercise.

The official explained ministry-wise consultations with the department of expenditure in the finance ministry, in the run up to the Budget, were mostly over. Those discussions had proceeded on the assumptions that the Pay Commission recommendations would be implemented. It was now necessary to bring the secretaries of key departments on board about the need for a drastic cut-back on those estimates.

The status quo on allowances would also allow the government to ignore the demand made by various staff associations to raise the minimum level of salary for employees. The Pay Commission has suggested that the minimum should be Rs 18,000 per month; the unions have demanded that it should be raised to a band of Rs 19,000 to Rs 21,000 a month. Such a change would have created a ripple effect. About 70 per cent of the government employees are bunched in the non-executive ranks; the starting salary for them tops about Rs 42,000 a month, show calculations by the Commission. Even a modest increase in pay for them would cascade the bill for the government by another Rs 50,000 crore annually. The award of the Commission is slated to take effect from January 1 this year.

A key element in the plan to defer some elements of the 7th Pay Commission recommendations will be the railway ministry. Government managers reckon the powerful unions of the Indian Railways need to be brought on board for this plan to be successful. The higher wage bill for the Suresh Prabhu-led ministry works out to Rs 28,450 crore a year, only a shade less than the yearly loss it makes on its passenger services at present. No formal communications have been sent out to the railway unions by the committee. "It will follow once the empowered committee has decided to take a call on which allowances to clip," said the official.

In a recent television interview, Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha had said the Pay Commission recommendations were the biggest headache for his ministry, struggling to keep the aggregate expenditure of the Union government under control.

Source:www.business-standard.com

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Admissibility of Travelling Allowance (TA) and other expenditure incurred while on training by the Government Servants on probation.

No.T-25014/1/2016-TRG (ISTM Section) 

Government of India 

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions 

Department of Personnel and Training 

(Training Division)

Old JNU Campus, Block IV,

New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi – 110 067

Dated: 21st January, 2016

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Admissibility of Travelling Allowance (TA) and other expenditure incurred while on training by the Government Servants on probation.

Institute of Secretariat Training and Management (ISTM) is conducting Foundation Training Course of newly recruited. Assistant Section Officers (DR) and Stenographers (DR). ISTM has received number of references from various Ministries and Departments, requesting for clarification, whether the expenditure incurred by trainee Assistants, now re-designated as Assistant Section Officers, for their boarding, lodging etc. while undergoing Foundation Training, under the aegis of ISTM can be reimbursed to them. Representations have also been received from Assistant Section Officers, through their administrative Ministries in this regard.

2. The matter has been examined in consultation with the IFD(MHA) with reference to the Supplementary Rules 164 and instructions issued by the Government from time to time under the aforesaid Rules, which govern claims of Travelling Allowances while on training by probationers. The rule position is clarified as under:-

(i) No Travelling Allowance may be allowed for the onward journey for joining the training institute;

(ii) No Travelling Allowance may be allowed to the probationers while they are taken for outstation for training activity;

(iii) Probationers have to pay boarding /lodging /transport charges, if any, from their pocket.

(iv) No daily allowance may be admissible.

(v) One side TA may be allowed to the participants while reporting for duty in the allocated Ministry/Department on completion of the Training Programme from an outstation Institute, which are located at Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Shimla and Jaipur, where such training is being conducted by ISTM at present, or any other State Training Institute, which may be identified later, outside NCR.

3. All Ministries/Departments of Government of India are, therefore, advised to decide the claims made by Assistant Section Offices in respect of reimbursement of expenditure by them for boarding/lodging and other transport charges during the period of their Foundation Training conducted by ISTM, in accordance with the provisions contained at para (2) of this O.M. In case, any reimbursement has already been made, the same may be recovered immediately.

4. This issues with the concurrence with the IFD(MHA), vide their Dy. No. 299/Fin.II/15, dated 31.12.2015.

Sd/-

(O.P. Chawla)

Under Secretary to the Government of India

Source:http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02trn/TA0001.pdf

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General Budget 2016-17 – Suggestions by AIRF to Finance Minister

A.I.R.F.

All India Railwaymen’s Federation

4, State Entry Road,

New Delhi – 110055

No.AIRF/60

Dated: January 13, 2016

Hon’ble Finance Minister,

Ministry of Finance,

(Government of India),

New Delhi

Respected Sir,

Sub: Suggestions for the General Budget 2016-17:

All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF), representing more 1.3 million Railwaymen, wish to submit the following significant suggestions for consideration in the ensuing General Budget 2016-17:-

Provision of Rs.35,000 crore for implementation of VII CPC Report in the Railways – Indian Railways is broadly functioning as social entity; serving the vast spectrum of the society, majority of whom belongs to lower income group. Railways, is therefore, facing financial crunch on account of little flexibility in freight and fare. To implement report of the VII CPC Indian Railways require Rs.35,000 crore during the coming financial year 2016-17. Keeping in view total scenario and financial health of the Indian Railways as also the aspirations of the people of this country to modernize the Railways, provision of at least Rs.35,000 crore should be made for implementation of VII CPC report for the Railwaymen.

Exemption of the Railwaymen from the purview of National Pension System(NPS) – Successive Hon’ble Minister for Railways, accepting the established fact that the Indian Railways is the second line of defence of this country, and the Railwaymen have always proved their worth during all wars, may be 1962, 1965 and 1971, have already recommended for exemption of the Railwaymen from the purview of National Pension System(NPS). Since Railways is an operational department, Railwaymen have to work round-the-clock throughout the year and also have to stay away from their families for long period time while performing duties in the areas where adequate facilities are not available. Railwaymen have to work throughout the year in all weather conditions and their duties are of such complex and critical as well as hazardous in nature and they have to sacrifice their lives, while performing duties, in large number every year, as already accepted by the High Power Committee constituted by the Ministry of Railways under the Chairmanship of Dr. Anil Kakodkar. Therefore, Railwaymen deserve exemption from the purview of National Pension System(NPS), irrespective of their date of appointment on par with armed forces. It would also be pertinent to point out here that, the Indian Railways is the only government department which is shouldering total burden of payment of Pension/Family from its own resources.

Raising the limit of exemption from Income Tax deduction – Despite several announcements, one of the major issues in the election manifesto, limit of exemption from Income Tax, could not be raised during the last General Budget(2015-16) as per aspiration of the people of this country. It would not be out of context to submit that, value of the Rupees has substantially devaluated over the years, as a result of which, Dearness Allowance, which is paid to compensate this devaluation of money, has already crossed 119% w.e.f. 1st July, 2015 and is further likely to be increased during this year. This largely justifies that, limit of exemption from Income Tax deduction should be raised to at least 5 lakh per annum. AIRF, therefore, urges that, this aspect needs to be considered in the ensuing General Budget.

Provision of adequate allocation of funds for Education and Healthcare – Education and medical facilities in the market have become quite costly, as such gradually going out of reach of the common man because of business type educational institutes and private hospitals. Public Education System and medical facilities have drastically deteriorated over the year due to paucity of funds being allocated under these heads. This is also creating huge imbalance in the Indian Society. There is, therefore, urgent need of augmenting education and healthcare for the common man of this country, for which allotment of funds under these heads needs to be raised to 6% and 4% respectively of the GDP.

Allotment of funds for Skilled India Mission of the Hon’ble Prime Minister – A number of railway stations are proposed to be developed for skill development of the youth, as already announced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, for which, substantial fund would be required. Since this is a National Mission and the Indian Railways is not in a position to bear this burden due to financial crunch, adequate fund needs to be allotted for this purpose in the ensuing General Budget.

Budgetary support for modernization and augmentation of Indian Railways – Indian Railways is the cheapest and most convenient mode of transport for common man of this country and is virtually lifeline of the nation. To fulfill the aspirations of the rail users, services of the Indian Railways need to be augmented to run this organization more safely and efficiently. It may be appreciated that the Indian Railways is a government organization. As such, Dividend and Lease Charges need not be recovered from the Railways, rather budgetary support, which has drastically declined over the year, should be increased adequately for modernization and augmentation of the Indian Railways. It has been observed that, Service Charges are also being taken on many materials and components manufactured or purchased by the Railways. Being government organization, Service Charges must not be taken from the Indian Railways.

Implementation of “Own Your House Scheme” for the Railwaymen – Indian Railways is employing more than 13 lakh employees who work round-the-clock in all weathers throughout the year. Only a marginal number of railway staff is provided with railway quarters while others have to starve badly for residential accommodation or are forced to reside as tenant. Former Hon’ble Minister for Railways, considering this apathy of the railwaymen, had made announcement in the Rail Budget regarding “Own Your House Scheme”, which has not seen light of the day due to paucity of funds. AIRF, therefore, urges that, necessary funds be allotted for this purpose, which will not only help in providing accommodation to needy railwaymen, but also in rapid growth in construction industry and boost the GDP of the country.

Refund of Pension Charges born by the Indian Railways – Indian Railways is the only government organization which takes care of entire Pension/Family Pension and Retirement benefits to the Railway employees, whereas for the whole lot of government employees, Government of India owns responsibility. At present, Indian Railways is disbursing around Rs.28,000 in the form of retirement benefits, including Pension/Family Pension to their employees and their dependents. It would be appreciated, if this money should be refunded to Indian Railways to improve economic health, and by this way there will be at least some provision for improvement in the safety standard and passenger care of the Indian Railways.

Refund of subsidy – Indian Railways is spending around Rs.26,000 crore for the subsidized fare, being given to the passengers. It is cross subsidy from freight to passengers. It would be in all appropriateness if this amount should be refunded to Indian Railways, so that it could take various important projects pending since years.

AIRF earnestly hope that its aforementioned suggestions would be given due consideration while preparing ensuing General Budget 2016-17 by the government.

With kind Regards!

Yours faithfully,

Sd/-

(Shiva Gopal Mishra)

General Secretary

Source: AIRF

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Early Closure of Govt Offices in connection with Republic Day Parade

No.16/1/2016-JCA 2

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel Public Grievances and Pensions

(Department of Personnel and Training)

North Block, New Delhi, Dated the 20th January, 2016

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Early Closure of Offices in connection with Republic Day Parade and Beating Retreat Ceremony during 2016.

In connection with arrangements for the Republic Day Parade and Beating Retreat Ceremony, 2016, it has been decided that the Government offices located in the buildings indicated in Annexure-A would be closed on 23.1.2016 ( Saturday) at 1300 hours and at 13:00 hours on 25th January, 2016 (Monday). Buildings indicated in Annexure-B would be closed for at Home function on 26.1.2016 till 1930 hours. Buildings indicated in Annexure-C would be closed on 29.1.2016 at 12:00 Noon and Buildings indicated in Annexure —D would be closed on 28.1.2016 at 1600 hours till 1930 hours for Beating Retreat Ceremony.

2. Hindi version will follow.

Sd/-

(G.Srinivasan)

Deputy Secretary (JCA)

Source: www.persmin.gov.in

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CAT Reserves Judgment in Full Pension on Superannuation after 10 years of Service by Pre 2006 Pensioners

CAT Reserves Judgment in Full Pension on Superannuation after 10 years of Service by Pre 2006 Pensioners

Details of arguments in CAT Delhi on 13-1-2016

Our Review Application to cover full pension after 10 years on superannuation or absorption in PSUs/Autonomous Bodies was taken up by the CAT Bench on 13th afternoon.

The GOI Advocate made the following points which were duly countered by our Advocate:

(i) Since the verdict dated 21-4-2015 was based on OA 1165/2011 as the lead case, which did not seek pro-rata pension after 10 years on superannuation or absorption in PSUs/Autonomous Bodies, this issue cannot be raised now. Also, as per Apex court verdicts, if a verdict is silent on any particular prayer, it is relevant rulings for which the Bench said that this should be done within 2 days beyond which they would not wait.

Our Advocate effectively countered this contention by pointing out that:

* Although OA 1165 initially did not cover this plea of full pension after 10 years on superannuation/absorption in PSUs, the other two OAs filed subsequently, specifically covered this aspect. And since all the 3 OAs were clubbed together in the verdict dated 21-4-2015 for a common verdict, this prayer cannot be ignored;

* Notwithstanding this, it was brought to the notice of the Bench that as early as in 2013 (much before the verdict dated 21-4-2015) while filing our Rejoinder, it was specifically sought to amend our prayer in OA 1165/2011 to include this aspect also. Since GOI did not object to it at that time, the same is deemed to have been amended and this issue cannot be raised now.

* In any case, since all 3 OAs were clubbed together in a common verdict and this aspect was missed, it is well within the right of the Applicants to seek a Review of the order.

(ii) GOI Advocate mentioned that since this aspect was not raised in OA 655/2010 as mentioned in the verdict dated 1-11-2011, while seeking modified parity, this aspect cannot be raised now.

Our Advocate countered this by pointing out that:

* While considering the Writ of S 30 Pensioners Association seeking full parity with post 1-1-2006 pensioners, Delhi High Court remanded the case back to CAT with the direction to ignore paras 1-11 of verdict dated 1-11-2011 in our case (which formed the basis of adverse verdict in S 30 case also) and consider the matter afresh. As a result, the Full Bench allowed their plea of full parity in pension between pre and post 2006 pensioners, subject to the condition that the pension of a pre 2006 retiree from the higher grade cannot get a lower pension than the maximum pension of lower grade post 2005 retiree. He placed on record a copy of this verdict. Hence the reference of GOI to CAT verdict dated1-11-2011 was no longer relevant.

* The fact remains that the issue of denial of full pension after 20 years on VR and 10 years on superannuation/absorption in PSUs etc is covered by the same common instructions which have been quashed by Full Bench of the Tribunal and which decision has been upheld upto the highest level of Supreme Court while dismissing Curative Petition against CAT verdict dated 1-11-2011 in OA 655/2010. Consequently, discrimination between VR pensioners getting the benefit but not pensioners after superannuation/absorption on par with post 2005 retirees cannot be justified.

(iii) GOI Advocate again mentioned that they are going to file a Writ against earlier verdict dated 21-4-2015, to which the Bench reiterated that unless a stay is granted it does not matter. (Incidentally, as indicated in my mail of 6-1-2016, we have already filed a Caveat in Delhi High Court on 8-1-2016 to forestall any ex-parte stay in the matter).

The Bench has since reserved the verdict which we hope to be out very soon.

Regards,

Pratap Narayan

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