No Limit for Cash Withdrawal from ATMs from 1st February – RBI Circular

No Limit for Cash Withdrawal from ATMs from 1st February – RBI Circular

Limits on Cash withdrawals from Bank Accounts and ATMs – Restoration of status quo ante

RESERVE BANK OF INDIA

www.rbi.org.in

RBI/2016-17/217

DCM (Plg) No. 2905/10.27.00/2016-17

January 30, 2017

The Chairman / Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer,

Public Sector Banks / Private Sector Banks / Foreign Banks,

Regional Rural Banks / Urban Co-operative Banks,

State Co-operative Banks / District Central Co-operative Banks

Dear Sir/Madam,

Limits on Cash withdrawals from Bank accounts and ATMs – Restoration of status quo ante

Please refer to our circular DCM (Plg) No.1226/10.27.00/2016-17 dated November 08, 2016 placing limits on Cash withdrawals from bank accounts and ATMs in the wake of withdrawal of Legal Tender Character of Specified Bank Notes (SBN) and subsequent circulars DCM (Plg) Nos.1256, 1274, 1317, 1437, 2142 and 2559 dated November 11, 14, 21, 28, December 30, 2016 and January 16, 2017 respectively, providing for relief and relaxations therefrom.

2. On a review of the pace of remonitisation, it has been decided to partially restore status quo ante as under:

Limits placed vide the circulars cited above on cash withdrawals from Current accounts/ Cash credit accounts/ Overdraft accounts stand withdrawn with immediate effect.

The limits on Savings Bank accounts will continue for the present and are under consideration for withdrawal in the near future.

Limits vide the circulars cited above placed on cash withdrawals from ATMs stand withdrawn from February 01, 2017. However, banks may, at their discretion, have their own operating limits as was the case before November 8, 2016, subject to 2 (ii) above.

3. Further, banks are urged to encourage their constituents to sustain the movement towards digitisation of payments and switching over of payments from cash mode to non-cash mode.

4. Please acknowledge receipt.

Yours faithfully,

(P Vijaya Kumar)

Chief General Manager

Source: www.rbi.org.in

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No Limit on Holding of Gold Jewellery or Ornaments by anybody provided it is acquired from explained sources of Income including inheritance.

No Limit on Holding of Gold Jewellery or Ornaments by anybody provided it is acquired from explained sources of Income including inheritance. 

Press Information Bureau 

Government of India

Ministry of Finance

01-December-2016 18:24 IST

Various points clarified with respect to gold jewellery and ornaments; No limit on holding of gold jewellery or ornaments by anybody provided it is acquired from explained sources of income including inheritance. 

In order to remove any doubt about the current position of Income Tax Law with respect to gold jewellery and ornaments, the following points are hereby categorically clarified: 

(a) There is no limit on holding of gold jewellery or ornaments by anybody provided it is acquired from explained sources of income including inheritance 

(b) Vide circular dated 11.5.1994, instructions have been issued in the matter of search and seizure of gold jewellery. 

(c) Jewellery and ornaments to the extent of 500 gms for married lady, 250 gms. for unmarried lady and 100 gm for male member will not be seized, even if prima facie, it does not seem to be matching with the income record of the assesse. 

(e) Officer conducting search has discretion not to seize even higher quantity of gold jewellery based on factors including family customs and traditions. 

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Employment for Disabled People - PIB

Employment for Disabled People - PIB

Press Information Bureau 

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

Employment for Disabled People 

The Department of Personnel & Training collects online data about the representation of persons with disabilities in the posts/services in Central Government Departments/Ministries. As per information received from 71 Ministries/Departments, there were 16,304 persons with disabilities in the Central Government Ministries/Departments as on 01.01.2014 and 20,570 persons with disabilities as on 01.01.2015 as per information received from 59 Ministries/Departments. By virtue of Entry 9 of State List of the Constitution of India, the respective States are required to implement the provisions relating to reservation for person with disabilities in their establishments. Therefore, data on official figures of employed disabled people in the States/ Union Territories are to be maintained by them.

The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities has requested States/Union Territories from time to time to implement Section 33 of Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 which mandates 3% reservation in vacancies for persons with disabilities in establishment. In the Conference of States/Union Territories Social Welfare Ministers/ Secretaries/Administrators in-charge of Disability affairs dealing with empowerment of persons with disabilities held on 02.06.2016, States/Union Territories were urged to draw a mechanism to have consolidated data on employment of persons with disabilities in the State establishments.

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500 and 1000 Rupees notes Scrapped - Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi

500 and 1000 Rupees notes Scrapped - Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi

Press Information Bureau 

Government of India

Prime Minister's Office

08-November-2016 21:36 IST

Historic announcements on ending corruption and black money by PM; Five hundred and one thousand rupee notes will no longer be legal tender from midnight tonight

In a historical move that will add record strength in the fight against corruption, black money, money laundering, terrorism and financing of terrorists as well as counterfeit notes, the Government of India has decided that the five hundred and one thousand rupee notes will no longer be legal tender from midnight, 8th November 2016. 

The Government has accepted the recommendations of the RBI to issue Two thousand rupee notes and new notes of Five hundred rupees will also be placed in circulation. 

Notes of one hundred, fifty, twenty, ten, five, two and one rupee will remain legal tender and will remain unaffected by the decision today. 

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi made these important announcements during a televised address to the nation on the evening of Tuesday 8th November 2016. He said that these decisions will fully protect the interests of honest and hard-working citizens of India and that those five hundred and one thousand rupee notes hoarded by anti-national and anti-social elements will become worthless pieces of paper. 

The Prime Minister said the steps taken by the Government would strengthen the hands of the common citizens in the fight against corruption, black money and counterfeit notes. 

Fully sensitive to some of the difficulties the common citizens may face in the coming days, the Prime Minister has announced a series of steps that will help overcome the potential problems. 

Persons holding old notes of five hundred or one thousand rupees can deposit these notes in bank or post offices from 10th November onwards till 30th December, the Prime Minister announced. There are also some limits placed on the withdrawals from ATMs and bank for the very short run. 

Shri Modi stated that on humanitarian grounds notes of five hundred and one thousand rupees will be accepted at government hospitals, pharmacies in government hospitals (with prescription of a doctor), booking counters for railway tickets, government buses, airline ticket counters, petrol, diesel and gas stations of PSU oil companies, consumer cooperative stores authorized by the state or central government, milk booths authorized by state government and crematoria, burial grounds. 

Shri Modi emphasized that there is no restriction on any kind of non-cash payments by cheques, demand drafts, debit or credit cards and electronic fund transfer. 

In his address the Prime Minister shared the insight into how the magnitude of cash in circulation is linked to inflation and how the inflation situation is worsened due to the cash deployed through corrupt means. The Prime Minister added that it adversely affects the poor and the neo-middle class people. He cited the example of the problems being faced by the honest citizens while buying houses. 

A time-tested commitment to eradicate black money 

The Prime Minister has time and again said that the Government is committed to ensure that the menace of black money is overcome. Over the past two and a half years of the NDA Government, he has walked the talk and led by example. 

The very first decision of the Prime Minister led NDA government was the formation of a SIT on black money. 

A law was passed in 2015 on disclosure of foreign bank accounts. In August 2016 strict rules were put in place to curtail benami transactions. During the same period a scheme to declare black money was introduced. 

The efforts have borne fruit. Over the past two and a half years, more than Rs. 1.25 lakh crore of black money has been brought into the open. 

Raising the issue of black money at the world stage 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has time and again raised the issue of black money at the global forum, including at important multilateral summits and in bilateral meetings with leaders. 

Record growth in last two and a half years 

The Prime Minister said that the efforts of the Government have led to India emerging as a bright spot in the global economy. India is a preferred destination for investment and India is also an easier place to do business in. Leading financial agencies have shared their optimism about India’s growth as well. 

Combined with this, Indian enterprise and innovation has received a fillip due to the ‘Make in India’, ‘Start up India’ and ‘Stand up India’ initiatives that seek to celebrate enterprise, innovation and research in India. 

The historic announcements made by the Prime Minister will add value to the already thriving efforts of the Central Government. 

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Dental Doctors seek Enhancement in the Age of Superannuation

Press Information Bureau 

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

13-September-2016 18:43 IST

Dental doctors seek enhancement in the age of superannuation 

Senior Dental Doctors and Specialists working in Government of India today approached the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh and sought his intervention against alleged discrimination towards them in the matter of age of superannuation.

A delegation led by Dr H. P. Singh, President, Central Government Dental Doctors’ Association handed over a memorandum to Dr Jitendra Singh in which it has been pointed out that whereas the Central Government, vide its order dated 31.05.2016, raised the superannuation age of Non-teaching Specialists sub-cadre, public health sub-cadre, GDMO sub-cadre of CHS to 65 years, the same rule somehow, did not become applicable to Dental Doctors working in Central Government. This has led to feeling of discrimination and grievance among the Central Government Dental Doctors, they said.

The memorandum also sought to note that out of 34 sanctioned posts of Dental Doctors all over India under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, at present only 24 posts are filled and occupied. In other words, this means that the grievance pertaining to the enhancement of retirement age to 65 years in order to make at par with the other doctors of Central Health Services is confined only to 24 doctors who happen to be from Dental Specialty working under the Central Government.

The delegation underlined that they had represented their grievance to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and were now approaching Dr Jitendra Singh.

Dr Jitendra Singh gave a patient hearing to the members of delegation and said that he would take up their grievance with the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

Besides President Dr. H.P. Singh, other prominent members of the delegation included Dr. Gautam Khatak, Dr. D. Kabi, Dr. Rahul Minotra, Dr. M. Vasu, Dr. Meenakshi Panda and Dr. Nishtha Ramawat.

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Brief of the second meeting of the Committee on Allowances held today under the chairmanship of Secretary, Finance(Expenditure)

Shiva Gopal Mishra

Secretary

National council (staff Side)

Joint Consulative Machinery for Central Government Employees

13-C, Ferozshah Road, New Delhi-110001

E-Mail : nc.jcm.np@gmail.com

No.NC/JCM/2016 Dated: September 1, 2016

All Constituents of

National Council(JCM)

Dear Comrades!

Sub: Brief of the second meeting of the Committee on Allowances held today under the chairmanship of Secretary, Finance(Expenditure), Government of India

To obtain the views of the National Council(Staff Side)(JCM) on the recommendations of 7th CPC relating to Allowances, the second meeting of the Committee on Allowances held today under the chairmanship of Secretary, Finance(Expenditure), Government of India, with the National Council(Staff Side) JCM.

From the Official Side, Secretary(Defence), Home, DoP&T, Postal, Chairman Railway Board, J.S.(Estt.), J.S.(Pers.) and J.S.(IC), and from Staff Side(JCM), all the Standing Committee Members were present in the meeting.

At the outset, Secretary(Staff Side)(JCM) as well as Leader(Staff Side)(JCM) and other Standing Committee Member of the NC/JCM(Staff Side) expressed their anguish for non-formation of High Level Committee as was agreed to by the Group of Ministers(Government of India) for settling the issue of Minimum Wage and Multiplying Factor.

The Secretary, Finance(Expenditure) told that, the committee constituted under the chairmanship of Addl. Secretary(Exp.) with J.S.(Pers.), JS(Estt.) and JS(Imp.) as Members has been made only for this purpose. Let us believe that, after the meeting, report of the said committee would be sent to the Government of India for its acceptance.

The Secretary, Finance(Expenditure) asked the Staff Side(JCM) to give their viewpoint in a Note on the Common Demands to implement these, and the Departmental grievances to their respective departments, and after that, a meeting will again be called.

Staff Side(JCM) strongly demanded that, date of effect of Allowance should be 01.01.2016. The Staff Side(JCM) explained its position as well about its demand that, House Rent Allowance should be 10%, 20% and 30% and Transport Allowance must be rationalized and exempted from the Income Tax, Children Education Allowance should be Rs.3,000 and Hostel Subsidy should be Rs.10,000 and these should also be exempted from the Income Tax.

Staff Side demanded that, Post Graduate and Professional Courses should also be covered in Children Education Allowance. The issue of Special Duty Allowance was also raised for N.E. Region by the Standing Committee Members of JCM(Staff Side). Fixed Medical Allowance should be Rs.2,000 with Dearness Allowance Indexation, Over Time Allowance must be given, Small Family Allowance should be continued and Dress Allowance needs to be reviewed. Various Departmental Allowances, which have been abolished, should be allowed to continue, like Breakdown Allowance in the Railways and Fixed Conveyance Allowance to Postal Department employees. All the Standing Committee Members raised various issues related to Allowances.

Comradely yours,

Sd/-

(Shiva Gopal Mishra)

Secretary(Staff Side)

NC/JCM & Convener

Source: http://ncjcmstaffside.com/

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Issues Arisen Consequent upon 7th CPC Recommendations and Government Decisions

NFIR

National Federation Of Indian Railwaymen

3, CHELMSFORD ROAD, NEW DELHI – 110 055

Affiliated to:

Indian Ntional Trade Union Congress (INTUC)

International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF)

No.IV/NFIR/7(Imp)2016/MoF

Dated:31-08-2016

The General Secretaries of

Affiliated Unions of NFIR

Dear Brother,

Sub: Issues arisen consequent upon 7th CPC Recommendations and Government decisions – reg.

The affiliates are aware that the Indefinite Strike action from 11-07-2016 on charter of demands mainly “Minimum wage and multiplying factor” was deferred on official commitment given by the Government through Finance Ministry’s statement of 6th July, 2016 for constituting High Level Committee to examine the issues.

A committee under the Chairmanship of Additional Secretary (Expenditure) with joint Secretary (Pers), Joint Secretary (Estt),Joint Secretary (Imp) as its members will deal the issues raised through a memorandum of JCM (Staff side), Submitted to the Empowered Committee, among them the major issues are “upward revision of Minimum wage as well Multiplying Factor”.

The 1st introductory meeting chaired by Addl, secretary (Exp) was held on 30th August, 2016 at North Block, New Delhi attended by myself, S/Shri Shiva Gopal Mishra & M.S.Raja. In the preamble. We tried to impress upon the Addl. secretary (Exp) the need for revision of minimum wage and Multiplying factor formula on the basis of facts and merits already presented by JCM (Staff Side). After brief discussion. it was agreed that another meeting of the Committee will be fixed to be held in consultation with the JCM (Staff Side).

we also met Cabinet Secretary, Government of India thereafter and conveyed our disappointment over the delay in sorting out important issues. The Cabinet Secretary has stated that orders have since been issued by the Government for payment of Gratuity to the employees governed by the NPS. He said that the Government has also issued orders revising the salary calculation limit to Rs.7000/- for payment of Bonus/PLB w.e.f. 2014. The cabinet Secretary has also assured to positively consider remaining pending issues.

The affiliates may please note that a meeting between the Standing committee of JCM (Staff Side) and the committee chaired by Finance Secretary (Expenditure) will take place on 1st September, 2016 at North Block, New Delhi. In the said meeting the issues pertaining to the negative recommendations of 7th CPC on allowances and advances will be dealt.

Yours fraternally

Sd/-

(Dr.M.Raghavaiah)

General Secretary

Source: NFIR

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2nd SEPTEMBER 2016 -ALL INDIA GENERAL STRIKE MAKE IT A GRAND SUCCESS

2nd SEPTEMBER 2016 -ALL INDIA GENERAL STRIKE MAKE IT A GRAND SUCCESS

The Joint platform of Central Trade Unions (CTUs) of the Country along with Independent National Federations of employees of different industries and services including Confederation of Central Govt. Employees and Workers, have decided to organize All India General Strike on 2nd September 2016, against the anti-people, anti-workers policies and authoritarian attitude of the NDA Government. Intensive campaign and preparation to make the general strike a resounding historical success is going on in full swing throughout the country. The attitude of the NDA Government is profoundly negative and hugely challenging to the working class including Central Govt. employees. The issues in the Charter of demands submitted by the Trade Unions to the Govt. relate to basic interest of the country’s economy and also issues concerning the livelihood of the working people of both organized and unorganized sectors.

Govt. has not taken any meaningful step to curb price rise of essential commodities and to generate employment except making tall baseless claims. Govt. is mysteriously silent on the question of retrieving the black money stashed abroad and recovering lakhs of crores of rupees of bad debts of public sector banks. Whole range of social security measures are under severe attacks including the pension of post – 2004 entrants in Central Govt. Services. Govt. has launched atrocious attack of drastic cut in interest on small savings deposits. Totally ignoring the united opposition of the working class, the Govt. has been moving fast to demolish existing labour laws thereby empowering the employers with unfettered rights to “hire and fire” and stripping the workers and trade union of all their rights and protection provided in laws. Alongwith the peasantry and agri- labourers are also under severe attack. Attack on public sector has been pushed to unprecedented height with Govt. announcing mega strategic sale and also allowing unlimited FDI in strategic sectors like Railways, Defence and financial Sector as complimentary to the move of privatization and Public Private partnership etc. The anti-worker and authoritarian attitude of the Government is also nakedely reflected in their refusal to implement the consensus recommendations of 43rd, 44th and 45th Indian Labour Conference for formulations of minimum wages, equal wage and benefits of regular workers to the Contract workers.

The neo-liberal economic policies pursued by the Govt. has landed the entire national economy in distress and decline affecting the working people the most.

Central Govt. Employees worst affected:

The policy offensives of the Govt. like downsizing, outsourcing, contractorisation, corporatization and privatization has affected the Central Govt. departments and employees in a worst manner. Ban on creation of new posts and non-filling up of about six lakhs vacant posts had increased the work load of the existing employees and adversely affected the efficiency of the services. The New Pension Scheme (NPS) implemented with affect from 01.01.2004, is nothing but a “No Pension Scheme”, as it is fully dependent on the vagaries of share market forces. The Govt. is not ready to grant civil servant status to Gramin Dak Sevaks and to regularize the services of causal, contingent and contract workers. The 5% ceiling on compassionate appointment is not yet removed. The bonus ceiling enhancement from Rs.3500/- to Rs. 7000/- is not made applicable to Central Govt. Employees. Govt. is not ready to modify the 7th CPC recommendations, which is worst ever made by any pay commissions. The assurance given to the staff side regarding enhancement minimum pay and fitment formula is yet to be implemented. All other retrograde recommendations like reduction in the percentage of HRA, abolition of 52 allowances etc. are yet to be modified. Overall the attitude of the Modi Govt. is totally negative towards the Central Govt. employees and pensioners.

The National Secretariat is of the firm opinion that unless the policy of the Govt. is changed, more attacks are likely to come on the Central Govt. employees and working class. To change the policy the united struggle of entire working class is required. It is in this background the Confederation of Central Govt. employees and workers has decided to join the General Strike along with other sections of the working class of our country.

The Confederation National Secretariat calls upon the entirety of Central Govt. employees to make intensive campaign and preparation for making the 2nd September 2016 strike a grand success. Along with the 12 Point charter of demands of the working class, the Confederation has decided to submit the demands pertaining to the Central Govt. employees also as Part-B of the Charter of demands to the Govt. The Chater of demands (Part A and B) is furnished below:

2016 September 2nd General Strike 12 Point Charter of Demands of Joint Platform of Central Trade Unions submitted to government:

PART – A

1. Urgent measures for containing price rise through universalization of public distribution system and banning speculative trade in commodity market.

2. Containing unemployment through concrete measures for employment generation.

3. Strict enforcement of all basic labour laws without any exception or exemption and stringent punitive measures for violation of labour laws.

4. Universal social security cover for all workers.

5. Minimum wage of not less than 18000/- per month with provisions of indexation (for unskilled worker).

6. Assured enhanced pension not less than 3000 p.m for the entire working population (including unorganized sector workers).

7. Stoppage of disinvestment in Central/state public sector undertakings.

8. Stoppage of contractorisation in permanent/perennial work and payment of same wage and benefits for contract workers as that of regular workers for the same and similar work.

9. Removal of all ceilings on payment and eligibility of bonus, provident fund and increase in quantum of gratuity.

10.Compulsory registration of trade unions within a period of 45 days from the date of submitting application and immediate ratification of ILO conventions C-87 and C-98.

11.No FDI in Railways, Defence and other strategic sectors.

12.No unilateral amendment to labour laws.

PART – B

Demand of the Central Govt. Employees

1. Avoid delay in implementing the assurances given by Group of Ministers to NJCA on 30thJune 2016, especially increase in minimum pay a fitment formula. Implement the assurance in a time bound manner.

2. Settle issues raised by the NJCA, regarding modifications of the 7th CPC recommendations, submitted to Cabinet Secretary on 10th December 2015.

3. Scrap PFRDA Act and New Pension System (NPS) and grant Pension/Family Pension to all Central Government employees under CCS (Pension) Rules 1972.

4. No privatization, outsourcing, contractorisation of Government functions.

5. (i) Treat Gramin Dak Sevaks as Civil Servants and extend all benefits on pay, pension and allownaces of departmental employees.

(ii) Regularise casual, contract, contingent and daily rated workers and grant equal pay and other benefits.

6. Fill up all vacant posts by special recruitment. Lift ban on creation of new posts.

7. Remove ceiling on compassionate appointments.

8. Extend benefit of Bonus Act amendment 2015 on enhancement of payment ceiling to the Adhoc bonus/PLB of Central Govt. employees with effect from the financial years 2014-15. Ensure payment of revised bonus before Pooja holidays.

9. Revive JCM functioning at all levels.

All affiliated organisations and C-O-Cs are requested to plan phased campaign programme during the month of August 2016 by conducting squad work, general body meetings, conventions, and printing and circulating notices, pamphlets and posters. Each affiliated organization should issue their own separate circulars and instructions to all their units endorsing the decision of the Confederation National Secretariat.

(M. Krishnan)

Secretary General

Confederation

Mob: -09447068125, 09968898009

E-mail: mkrishnan6854@gmail.com

Source:http://confederationhq.blogspot.in

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Government may Relax ‘Creamy Layer’ norms for OBC Reservation

Government may Relax ‘Creamy Layer’ norms for OBC Reservation

The Social Justice Ministry is working on a proposal to raise the annual income ceiling of OBCs to Rs 8 lakh, according to official sources.

With a large number of vacancies in government jobs meant for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) remaining unfilled for want of candidates, the government is mulling relaxing the ‘creamy layer’ criterion by raising the income ceiling to Rs 8 lakh annually.

Almost 27 per cent of seats in government jobs and educational institutions are reserved for OBCs provided the annual income of the family is up to Rs 6 lakh and those who earn above that are referred to as the ‘creamy layer’ and are not eligible for reservation. Raising the ceiling would result in a larger pool of candidates eligible for government jobs and seats in educational institutions.

The Social Justice Ministry is working on a proposal to raise the annual income ceiling of OBCs to Rs 8 lakh, according to official sources. A Cabinet note is likely to be moved in this regard soon, they said. When contacted National Comission for Backward Classes (NCBC) Member Ashok Saini told media that the panel had recommended more than doubling the income ceiling to Rs 15 lakh.

“Even two decades after reservation (was introduced), out of 27 per allocated quota, it has been seen that only 12-15 per get utilised. As per our analysis, the major reason behind this is the ceiling on annual income,” Saini said.

As per Mandal Comission report, in 1980 OBCs constituted 52 per cent of India’s population. The panel’s report was based on the 1931 census. The National Sample Survey Organisation had in 2006 pegged the OBC population at 41 per cent.

Source:Indian Express

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Central Secretariat Employees Seek Pay Parity - PIB

Press Information Bureau 

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

Central Secretariat employees seek pay parity

A delegation of the Central Secretariat Stenographers' Service (CSSS) Association, called on the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh here today and sought his intervention for parity in pay fixation and related issues. 

The delegation led by Shri Raj Kishore Singh submitted a memorandum listing details of their long pending issues and suggesting options to resolve the same. According to the memorandum, while applying Rule 8 of CCS (RP) Rules 2008, the pay of direct recruits and new entrants is fixed at higher stage, when compared to the existing employees who were promoted in the same grade. This leads to discrimination in the fixation of pay of Personal Assistants of one category vis-à-vis the other category. 

The memorandum also stated that the issue has been lingering on in the National Anomaly Committee for the last four years, but it has not been addressed. It pleaded that the mechanism of grant of “stepping up” to certain employees should be provided only in exceptional cases and not resorted to as a routine matter to sort out discrepancies which may affect a large number of employees. 

Members of the delegation suggested that their issue can be addressed by incorporating a new provision in the Rules wherein if a promotee’s pay is getting fixed at a stage lower than that of a direct recruit, then the pay of the promotee should be fixed at the same stage as that of a direct recruit / new entrant. The other option suggested by them was to amend the CCS (RP) Rules so as to appropriately fix the pay in the Pay Band for a particular post carrying a specific Grade Pay. 

Dr Jitendra Singh gave a sympathetic hearing to the members of delegation and assured them that DoPT will try to sort out their issue to the maximum extent possible. 

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Committee to Review Representation for Compulsory Retirement

Press Information Bureau 

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

04-August-2016 15:38 IST

Committee to Review Representation for Compulsory Retirement 

Review of performance is a continuous process under FR 56(j), Rule 48 of CCS (Pension) Rules and the AIS Rules. Recently, all cadre authorities have been asked to constitute Representation Committees in case of receipt of representation from any Government servant, whom the Appointing Authority has decided to retire. Two members of the Committee are nominated by the Cabinet Secretariat and the third member will be nominated by the Cadre Authority. 

This was stated by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply to a question by Shri A. K. Selvaraj in the Rajya Sabha yesterday. 

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OBC Candidates declared ineligible in UPSC Exam

Press Information Bureau 

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

04-August-2016 15:41 IST

OBC Candidates declared ineligible in UPSC Exam 

The National Commission for Backward Classes has requested not to compare pay scales of posts held by the parents of candidates who are employed in PSUs, Banks, Insurance Organizations, Universities, Under etc., Subordinate Judiciary and under Private employment, State Governments Organizations etc. for determining the Non Creamy Layer Status of OBC candidates recommended by the UPSC on the basis of Civil Services Examination – 2015 as salary income cannot be clubbed with the income from other sources. In case of recommendation of name of a candidate by UPSC for service allocation, the candidate is considered for allocation to one of those services by the Government for which he has indicated his preference subject to fulfillment of other conditions like Medical fitness, eligibility for availing reservation etc. as per Civil Services Examination Rules and extant instructions on the subject. Keeping in view the extant instructions the claim of candidates as OBC (non creamy layer) to avail benefit of Reservation under OBC Category were considered by the Government and candidates found eligible have been allocated to various services. 

This was stated by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply to a question by Dr. T. Subbarami Reddy & Smt. Ambika Soni in the Rajya Sabha today. 

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Interest Free Loans to IIT Students

Press Information Bureau 

Government of India

Ministry of Human Resource Development

04-August-2016 17:05 IST

Interest Free Loans to IIT Students 

It has been decided to provide interest subvention on the education loans, for all students admitted for undergraduate and the 5-year integrated degree programmes in IITs, covering the period of the study plus one year of moratorium under the Vidyalaxmi Scheme, subject to the following guidelines: 

(i) The facility shall be made available to all the students whose household income does not exceed Rs. 9 lakh per annum. 

(ii) The education loan, for this purpose, shall cover only the tuition fee payable by the student as per his eligibility. The portion of the tuition fee paid by the student from his own sources at the time of securing admission could be reimbursed from the overall loan. 

(iii) The terms of the loan shall be in accordance with the broad contours of the Educational loan Scheme of the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) for pursuing Technical/Professional Education studies in India. 

(iv) The term of the loans sanctioned under this dispensation shall be 10 years. 

(v) There shall be no collateral for sanction of the loan except the personal guarantee of the student (applicant) and the parent/guardian (co-applicant). 

(vi) The subvention of interest (on equated basis) shall be applicable for a maximum period of 5 years (which may include a one year moratorium). 

(vii) After the expiry of the above period, the interest on the outstanding loan amount shall be paid by the student, in accordance with the provisions of the existing educational loan scheme of the Banks and as may be amended from time to time. 

(viii) This facility is applicable only to the loans taken by the students who secured admission into the undergraduate courses of IITs (including the integrated courses) starting from the academic year 2016-17. 

(ix) The interest subvention is subject to the satisfactory performance of the student in the institution. 

(x) Payment of the interest subvention shall be from the internal accruals of the IIT. 

However a Central Sector Scheme to provide interest subsidy on educational loan (CSSIS) is presently operational which provides full interest subsidy during the period of moratorium (course period + one year) on loans taken by students belonging to EWS from Scheduled banks under the Model Educational loan Scheme of the IBA for pursuing any of the approved courses of studies in technical & professional streams, from recognized institutes in India. 

This information was given by the Minister of State (HRD), Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey yesterday in a written reply to a Rajya Sabha question. 

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Cabinet Approves Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 60 Lakh Youth to be Trained Afresh

Cabinet Approves Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 60 Lakh Youth to be Trained Afresh 

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) with an outlay of Rs.12000 crore to impart skilling to one crore people over the next four years (2016-2020). PMKVY will impart fresh training to 60 lakh youths and certify skills of 40 lakh persons acquired non-formally under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). The target allocation between fresh trainings and RPL will be flexible and interchangeable depending on functional and operational requirements. 

The Scheme, completely aligned to the Common Norms as notified earlier, would move to a grant based model where the training and assessment cost would be directly reimbursed to training providers and assessment bodies in accordance with the Common Norms. 

Financial support to trainees will be given in the form of travel allowance, boarding and lodging costs. Post placement support would be given directly to the beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Disbursement of training cost to training partners will be linked to Aadhaar and biometrics for better transparency and targeting. Skill training would be done based on industry led standards aligned to the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF). 

In view of the recommendations of the sub group of Chief Ministers on Skill Development regarding the need to address the unique skill requirements of different States, State Governments would be involved through a project based approach under the PMKVY 2016-20 with 25% of the total training targets, both financial and physical, being allocated under this stream of the Scheme. The financial amount/budget for achieving 25% of the total training targets of next phase of PMKVY would be directly allocated to the States. 

Mobilisation, monitoring and post training placement of trainees will be done through Rozgar Melas (placement camps) and Kaushal Shivirs (mobilization camps). There will be special focus on placement of trainees with incentives/disincentives linked to placement as envisaged in the Common Norms. A project based approach for Non formal training for traditional jobs is also proposed. PMKVY will, in addition to catering to domestic skill needs, also focus on skill training aligned to international standards for overseas employment in Gulf countries, Europe and other overseas destinations. There will be scholarship for student undergoing training in high end job roles under the Scheme. 

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Indefinite Strike from July 11 – NJCA not yet Decided in Today's Meeting

Indefinite Strike from July 11 – NJCA not yet Decided in Today's Meeting

DATED – 06.07.2016

The National Joint Council of Action (NJCA) met at the Staff Side office, JCM, New Delhi today at 11:30 AM as scheduled. During the discussions, the Convener received an invitation from the Honourable Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh. The following members of the NJCA met the Home Minister in a delegation.

1. Dr. M. Raghavaiah (NFIR), 2. Shiv Gopal Misra (AIRF), 3. Rakhal Dasgupta (AIRF), 4. Guman Singh (NFIR), 5. K. K. N. Kutty (Confederation), 6. C. Srikumar (AIDEF), 7. M. Krishnan (Confederation), 8. Ashok Singh (INDWF), 9. R. Srinivasan (INDWF), 10. M. S. Raja (Confederation), 11. J. R. Bhosale (AIRF), 12. Bhatnagar (NFIR), 13. R. N. Parashar (NFPE), 14. Giriraj Singh (NFPE), 15. Satish Chander (FNPO), 16. Shiv Kumar (FNPO), 17. N. Kannaiah (AIRF).

The issues in the Charter of demands were discussed with special reference to the 7th CPC related demands. The delegation brought to the notice of the Honourable Home Minister that the NJCA has not received a communication from the Government over the assurances held out on 30th June, 2016, when the NJCA delegation met the Honourable Home Minister, Finance Minister and the Railway Ministers. On 30th June 2016, the Government had assured to refer the revision of Minimum wage and fitment formula to a Committee. The Finance Minister has also clarified that the Government has taken the decision to implement the recommendation of the 7th CPC to bring about parity between the past and present pensioners. They added that such a communication in confirmation of the assurances will enable them to take a decision over the strike action which is to commence from 11th July, 2016.

The Honourable Home Minister assured the delegation that the Government will honour the assurances held out to the NJCA leaders on 30th June, 2016 and accordingly the Honourable Finance Minister, Shri Arun Jaitly will issue a Press Statement today, with copy to NJCA.

After receipt of the copy of the Press Communique issued by the Honourable Finance Minister, the NJCA will take a final decision.

M. KRISHNAN

Secretary General

Confederation

Source:http://confederationhq.blogspot.in/

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FM suggested out on the Issue of Minimum Pay and Multiplication Factor may be Referred to a Committee

FM suggested out on the Issue of Minimum Pay and Multiplication Factor may be Referred to a Committee

“On 30.06.2016, the NJCA was informed to meet Finance Minister and some ministers at Home Minister residence. Accordingly, few NJCA members met the ministers at 09.30 p.m. The views of NJCA and the disappointment of Central Government employees placed before them. Then Finance minister suggested out on the issue of minimum pay and multiplication factor may be referred to a committee. But NJCA leaders said that if any official meeting is convened or official communication issued, it may be placed before the NJCA and consider to meet and discuss otherwise, we do not agree and continue with our Strike proposal.”

CONTINUATION OF STRIKE ON 11.07.2016

INTUC 

INDIAN NATIONAL DEFENCE WORKERS FEDERATION

R. Srinivasan 

General Secretary

INDWF/Circular/025/2016

Date 05.07.2016

To

All Affiliated Unions of INDWF,

Office Bearers & Working Committee members of INDWF

Dear Colleague,

INDWF vide its circular No.24 Dt 28.06.2016 communicated to all our affiliated unions to continue the momentum generated, to hold demonstrations, rallies etc in all work places every day from 4th July, 2016 to 10th July, 2016 to intensify the Indefinite Strike w.e.f.11.07.2016 from 0600 Hrs as per the decision of NJCA.

After the Cabinet meeting of Government of India held on 29.06.2016 approved the 7th CPC recommendations without any change in the Empowered committee’s recommendations which has disappointed the Central government employees as a whole. The Cabinet further considered appointing committees for the following issues to a committee to decide within a period of 4 months.

1.)The commission examined a total of 196 existing Allowances and by way of rationalisation, recommended abolition of 51 Allowances and subsuming of 37 allowances. Given the significant changes in the existing provisions for allowances which may have wide ranging implications the cabinet decided to constitute a committee headed by Finance Secretary for further examination of the recommendations of 7th CPC on allowances. The committee will submit its report within 4 months in a time bound manner. Till a final decision, all existing allowances will continue to be paid at the existing rates.

2) Cabinet decided to constitute two separate committees.

a) To suggest measures for streamlining the implementation of National Pension System (NPS).

b) To look into anomalies like to arise out of implementation of the commission’s report.

Main features of the adverse recommendations of VII CPC and cabinet approval.

Minimum pay increased from Rs.7000/- to Rs.18000/- only against Rs.26000/- increase of total pay on revision is 7000 + 125% of DA Rs.8750 =Rs.15750/-. Total minimum pay Rs.18000 —Rs.15750 = increase only Rs.2750/-. Out of Rs.2750/- 10% Pay towards NPS = Rs.1800 – balance Rs.950/- Total increase amounts only Rs.950/- for next 10 years. No increase in allowances, All interest free advances abolished. This has caused very serious discontentment among Central Government employees.

* CCL — 1st year 100% salary 2nd year only 80% salary

*Meagre increase in minimum pay.

*Fitment Factor is 2.57 to apply for pay revision.

* CGIES (insurance) no change.

* Rate of annual increment retained at 3%.

After the approval of VII CPC report by Government of India on 29.6.2016, the NJCA met on 30.06.2016 at Delhi and unanimously decided to continue the Indefinite Strike w.e.f.11.07.2016.

On 30.06.2016, the NJCA was informed to meet Finance Minister and some ministers at Home Minister residence. Accordingly, few NJCA members met the ministers at 09.30 p.m. The views of NJCA and the disappointment of Central Government employees placed before them. Then Finance minister suggested out on the issue of minimum pay and multiplication factor may be referred to a committee. But NJCA leaders said that if any official meeting is convened or official communication issued, it may be placed before the NJCA and consider to meet and discuss otherwise, we do not agree and continue with our Strike proposal.

Then the NJCA met on 01.07.2016 again the above views were adopted and decided to meet on 06.07.2016 awaiting for any official communication from the Government of India.

Hence, it is intimated to all our affiliated unions, the attitude of Government of India without holding any discussions and not willing to settle the demands through mutual discussions and deciding unilaterally ignoring the National Council JCM is considered a highly objectionable and not agreeable. Thus, NJCA decided to proceed with our decision to commence Indefinite Strike w.e.f.11.07.2016 from 6.00 a.m. onwards.

Any progress before 10.07.2016 takes place, it will be accordingly intimated but till such time you have to proceed with all action for the success through Indefinite Strike.

Yours Sincerely,

Sd/-

(R.SRINIVASAN) 

General Secretary

Source: INDWF

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11th JULY INDEFINITE STRIKE – NJCA WRITES TO HON’BLE PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA FOR INTERVENTION

11th JULY INDEFINITE STRIKE – NJCA WRITES TO HON’BLE PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA FOR INTERVENTION

Ph.: 23382286

National Council (Staff Side)

Joint Consultative Machinery

for Central Government Employees

13-C, Ferozshah Road, New Delhi – 110001

EMail: nc.jcm.np@gmail.com

NO.NC/JCM/2016/CS/PM

Dated: 14.06.2016

Hon’ble Prime Minister of India,

152, South Block,

Raisina Hill,

New Delhi-110011

Respected Sir,

Sub: Non-settlement of our demands – Decision to go on “Indefinite Strike” commencing from 11.07.2016 – Request for your intervention and support

I write this on behalf of the apex level body of all the Central Government Employees Organizations who are participating in the Negotiating Forum; called the Joint Consultative Machinery. The JCM as a Negotiating Forum was conceived and implemented in 1966 after the prolonged discussions with the Staff Associations and the Federations in the Central Services in the wake of first industrial action in 1960. The idea of setting up the JCM was in realization of the absence of a platform to discuss, deliberate and settle the demands/issues/grievances/problems of the Civil Servants. Up to 1995-96 the JCM, which has a three level negotiating platform was functioning well, meetings were regular. However, after the promulgation of the new recognition Rules in 1993, the meetings at the Ministry level became few and far between and at the national level, the deterioration stepped in a little latter. The National Council, which was to meet thrice in a year did not  meet even once in a year. The last meeting of the National Council was held on 15.05.2010 The organizations participating in the JCM were demanding the meeting to be held, but the pleas were ignored by the successive Cabinet Secretaries. The Charter of Demands (copy enclosed), in pursuance of which the strike is decided to be organized, has arisen due to long neglect of the grievances of the employees/workers.

When the 7th CPC was set up in February, 2014, no announcement for Interim Relief or DA Merger was made by the then government, which had all along been the practice whenever the government had set-up the Pay Commissions earlier. We fully co-operated with the Commission, submitted a memorandum detailing the issues and explained the reasoning behind each demand. The 7th CPC submitted report on 19.11.2015 to the government. In our communication dated 10.12.2015 (copy enclosed), we sought improvement/amendment over the recommendations of the 7th CPC and explained our demands both in writing and orally before the Empowering Committee. Most of the meetings were monologues except perhaps the last one. What we have understood, is that, the Empowering Committee might not come forward to make any major changes. A fruitful meeting is supposed to be a dialogue where both parties at the negotiating table exchange their understanding, views and difficulties and reach a mutually acceptable position. In 1998, when the then Cabinet Secretary decided not to have such a dialogue with the Staff Side and unalterably issued the Government Notification on the 5th CPC recommendations, the then government did set up a committee of Group of Ministers. The GoM held discussions on all issues and averted the strike action. The 1998 situation establishes, without an iota of doubt, that, the Staff Side has always taken reasonable stand on all the issues and paved way for settlement.

The one and only recommendation made by the 7th CPC was to provide some relief to the past old pensioners. The Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare has unfortunately recommended to the Cabinet Secretary that, even that recommendation must be rejected on the specious plea that the requisite relevant records might not be available.

These developments have caused anguish, anxiety and anger amongst the workers. It is now more than six months that the Commission submitted its report. If the government comes forward to hold a meaningful discussion with the leaders of the NJCA, a mutually acceptable settlement can be brought about and the impending strike, slated to commence from 11.07.2016, can ultimately be avoided.

We seek your co-operation, supports and intervention in the matter

Yours faithfully,

Sd/-

(Shiva Gopal Mishra) 

Secretary(Staff Side),

NC/JCM

Source : National Council (Staff Side)

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NJCA Invites to BPMS to participate in Indefinite Strike from 11.7.2016

NJCA Invites to BPMS to participate in Indefinite Strike from 11.7.2016

INVITING BPMS FOR STRIKE

‘National Joint Council of Action

4, State Entry Road, New Delhi — 110055

No.NJC/2016/7th CPC

June 7, 2016

The General Secretary,

Bhartiya Partiraksha Mazdoor Sangh,

2, Naveen Market, Kanpur

Dear Brother,

I hope you must have received the NJCA circular dated 4.6.2016 communicating the decision of the NJCA to go on indefinite strike from 11th July 2016 and to serve strike notice on 9th June 2016 in support of the 11 charter of Demands on CPC related issues. I am confident that you will appreciate the present situation under which the central government employees are very such agitated and your Federation will join the indefinite strike. Awaiting from a favourble communication from you end.

With greetings,

Yours fraternally,

Sd/-

(Shiva Gopal Mishra)

Convener

Source: INDWF

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International Yoga Day can be declared public holiday: AYUSH Ministry

International Yoga Day can be declared public holiday: AYUSH ministry

New Delhi: The AYUSH ministry may request the Union government to declare the International Yoga Day (IYD), which falls on June 21, as a public holiday if such a demand comes, Ayush minister Shripad Naik said on Wednesday.

Speaking ahead of the second IYD celebrations, he said that his ministry would consider such a demand and request Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the interest of promoting a practice with multiple benefits to the masses.

“It is not needed, nobody has demanded that. Last year, also no such demand came. But if the demand comes, I will request the Prime Minister to do so.

“Yoga’s time is early morning. It will go on around 8 am. There is no need of a holiday but if there is a demand for that, we will request the government,” Naik said during the National Health Editors’ Conference on the theme – ‘Yoga for Holistic Health – Recent Researches’ in Delhi.

June 21 this year falls on Tuesday while last year, it fell on a Sunday.

He also dismissed the controversy related to chanting of Om during the event and said it has not been made compulsory.

“There is always some opposition whenever some good work is done. There is no opposition this year to it. We have not made it compulsory. Without OM, yoga cannot be complete. We have made those people who are opposing understand this and it seems they have understood,” he said.

A fresh controversy had broke out recently over the UGC’s directive asking universities and colleges to follow Ayush ministry’s yoga protocol that begins with chanting of ‘Om’ and some Sanskrit sholakas during Yoga Day celebrations on June 21.

Both the government and BJP, however had insisted that last year’s protocol has been maintained and no changes have been made. “There is no compulsion to chant ‘Om’,” the Ministry had earlier said.

Asked about the controversy which had erupted over performing of ‘Suryanamaskar asana, the minister said that this particular ‘asana’ had not been kept last year and this year, it will not be performed.

“The Surya namashkar asana, last year also we had not taken it. It’s a complex exercise. It is difficult to do in 45 minutes and for people who are new to the exercise.

Therefore we have not kept this one,” Naik said. Ayush Ministry officials said that yoga has been added in the physical activity sessions in various schools for class six to tenth but it has not been made compulsory.

Naik said that a circular has also been issued by the HRD Minister to all the schools to include yoga and while many schools have adopted it, for others, “work is in progress”.

“HRD minister has sent circular to schools. Work is in progress. All schools have started adopting,” Naik said.

Asked about the total budget of the Ministry for this year’s celebrations, Ministry secretary Ajit Sharan said that every ministry is spending its own money and Ayush Ministry is not supporting anybody in terms of funds for celebrating this.

“Although if all is taken collectively, it may be hundreds of crores. But from the AYUSH Ministry side, the sum is around Rs 15 crore,” he said.

Naik said that most of the modern day health problems are because of faulty life-style and yoga is an “efficacious” means to overcome these disorders.

Source : http://www.deccanchronicle.com/

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Prime Minister Approves Retirement Age of Doctors of Central Health Services to 65 years

Press Information Bureau 

Government of India

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Prime Minister Approves Retirement Age of Doctors of Central Health Services to 65 years 

Will empower the Government to strengthen the healthcare sector in the country: J P Nadda 

The Prime Minister today approved the proposal of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for enhancing the age of superannuation of all doctors of the Central Health Service to 65 years with effect from 31st May 2016. 

This will enable the Government to retain experienced doctors for a longer period, and to provide better services in its public health facilities, particularly to the poorest, who are entirely dependent on public facilities. 

Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Shri J P Nadda stated that this step will empower the Government to strengthen the healthcare sector in the country. It will help in providing additional doctors in the health pool of the country, he added. This will strengthen the efforts of the Ministry in conceptualising and rolling out various people-oriented schemes which l need the services of doctors in implementing them, Shri Nadda stated. 

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