INCOME TAX

For Salaried Class: Income Tax exemption limit for individual tax payers enhanced from Rs.1,60,000 to Rs.1,80,000.
Senior Citizen from 2.4 Lakhs to 2.5 Lakhs.
Qualifying age for senior citizens lowered to 60 from 65;
Senior citizen above 80 year to get Rs.5,00,000 IT exemption
Salary earners with income up to Rs 5 lakh need not file returns.
A big relief from tax filing process for the salaried class, Finance Minister today proposed to exempt them from filing tax returns unless they have other sources of income.
This order, which will come into effect from June 1, 2011.

Discontinuation of conducting examination in APS Units/Centres.

 Government of India

Ministry of Communications & IT

Department of Posts

No. A-34020/11/2011-DE 

                                                                                                       Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg,

                                                                                            New Delhi – 110001

                                                                                         dated 15/2/2011

Subject : Discontinuation of conducting examination in APS Units/Centres.

Sir,
I am directed to say that system of all Departmental Examinations is being revised.
In this connection, Competent Authority has decided that the following Examinations hitherto being conducted in the APS units are discontinued.
i) Examination for promotion to Postman cadre;
ii) Examination for promotion to PAs/SAs (LGO);
iii) Examination for promotion to Inspector Posts;
Candidates working in APS who wish to attend the above mentioned Examinations will have to appear at the nearest possible Postal Centres.
                                                                                                              Yours faithfully

                                                                     Sd/-                                                                                   (L. Mohan Rao)

Assistant Director General (DE)

CONFEDERATION CIRCULAR No.4/2011 Issues discussed at the National Anomaly Committee on 15.02.2011

CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL GOVT. EMPLOYEES & WORKERS.
A-2/95,Manishinath Bhawan,Rajouri Garden, New Delhi-110 027
Website:www.confederationhq.blogspot.com. Email:Confederation06@Yahoo.co.in
Tel: 011-2510 5324: Mobile: 98110 48303

Dated: 25.02.2011

Dear Comrade,

As indicated in our circular letter No.3, we give hereunder the decisions taken on each of the items discussed at the National Anomaly Committee meeting held on 15th Feb. 2011.

Item No.11.
The Staff side has agreed to specify the items of allowance which requires to be given effect to from 1.1.2006.
Item No.12. & 13. Revision of Transport allowance:
The Staff side is to give a comparative statement indicating the rate of Transport allowance given to various categories to substantiate their demand for having a uniform rate for all Govt. officials.
Item No.14. Risk and Patient Care allowance to be doubled.
The Government will bring about the Insurance scheme in consultation with the Staff Side within six months. If the scheme is not implemented by that time, these allowances will be doubled.
Item No. 20. Quantification of daily allowance in case not able to present the billThe Department of Expenditure will examine the issue further in the light of the discussion and will convey their final decision in the
next neeting.
Item No. 28.Assigning grade pay in PB 3 for Accounts officers.
This will be discussed with the Staff Side separately.
Item No. 31.Child Care leave:
Revised orders have been issued. The demand of the Staff Side that the discretionary powers to grant or otherwise or restrict the number of days presently given to the authorities must be dispensed with will be discussed at the next meeting of the Committee.
Item No. 37.Waiver of recovery of higher DA drawing between 1.1.2006 and1.08.2008. Not agreed to.
Item No. 38 and 39.
Anomaly in fixation of Grade Pay and Pay Bands: will be further discussed at the next meeting.
Item No. 40.Grant of Notional increment for those who retire in June. Not accepted.
Item No.41.Grant of promotional increment for those promoted in the same PB and Grade Pay. The Official side stated that to decide whether the two grades have  distinct functions is the prerogative of the concerned
Ministry/Department. If they so decide, the promotional increment would be granted. But in that case, the same will be treated as a promotion and will count as such for the purpose of MACP.
Item No. 42. MACP issue.The same will be discussed in the sub committee once again.
Item No.43. Anomaly in HAG scale of pay:
Not discussed being a Group A issue. But the issue has been reported
to have been settled and orders issued.
Item No. 44. Anomaly in Library Information Assistant:
Will be further discussed at the next meeting
Item No. 45.
Anomaly in fixation of pension for those in receipt of stagnation increment/ In the light of the court judgment, the item will be discussed further in the next meeting.
Item No. 46.& 49 & 51
Parity for Stenographers in the filed and Central Sectt.
The demand for grant of grade pay of Rs. 4600 for those in the pay scale of 6500-10,500 has already been settled and orders issues. The question of Grant of Grade pay of Rs. 5400 after completion of three years for those in the pay scale of 7500-12000 will be examined if not already extended.
Item No. 48. Restoration of commutation value of pension after 12 years.
Not agreed upon. The Staff side has asked for the basis on which the demand has been rejected.
Item No. 50/ Disparity in the pay scale of official language staff.
The Staff side has agreed to provide a copy of the Court order in the matter.
Item No. 52 and 53. Andaman Nicobar Items:
The Official side will report in the next meeting of the development on these issues.

Issue of Pensioner CGHS cards to Central Govt. Servants before Retirement-Fresh Guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and family Welfare

CLICK HERE FOR SEE DETAILS/ORDER

MOST RETROGRADE ORDER FROM DEPARTMENT OF POSTS 9797 POST OFFICES IN URBAN AREAS ARE TO BE CLOSED / MERGED OR RELOCATED

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

ePOST OFFICE

CLICK HERE FOR SEE DETAILS

A HISTORIC MARCH TO THE PARLIAMENT ON FEB 23

Central trade unions and independent federations conducted a historic march to Parliament on Feb 23. Lakhs of employees and workers, women in large number participated in the rally and raised slogans against the wrong policies of the government. As a result of the rally, Delhi came to a near stand still. The Central trade unions which gave the call for the rally include AITUC, CITU, INTUC ,HMS and others.

NFPE and Confederation of central Government employees and workers participated in the rally and mobilized large number of employees.
Especially comrades from the nearby circles UP, Haryana, Punjab Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and other circles participated in huge numbers. The rally demanded immediate action to control price rise, strict enforcement of labour laws, concrete measures for protection of employment, social security measures for the unorganized workers not to disinvest and privatize public sector under takings and abolition of contract labour system.
The rally culminated near the parliament street police station where a massive meeting was held .
Confederation of Central Government Employees was represented in the dias by Com S.K.Vyas President . Those who addressed the meeting include Sri. G. Sanjeeva Reddy, M.P.(Congress) and President INTUC, Com. Gurudas Das Gupta, M.P. (CPI) and General Secretary AITUC, Com.Tapan Sen MP(CPM) and General Secretary CITU, Com. Umraomal Prohit HMS, and other leaders .
We can say that this was the biggest ever rally conducted by Trade Unions in Delhi.

Modernisation of Post Offices

This information was given by the Minister of State for Communications & Information Technology, Shri Sachin Pilot in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today. 

Bottom of Form

 CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS/PIB NEWS

Govt. considering increase of enhancement of Pension Under EPS, 1995

The Central Government constituted an Expert Committee for review of the Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995. The Expert Committee considered the various demands of pensioners including enhancement of pension under the Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995. The Expert Committee has submitted its report to the Central Government on 05.08.2010 and recommendations are presently under examination/consideration of the Central Board of Trustees of the Employees Provident Fund Organization.This information was given by Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, Minister for Labour And Employment in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today. CLICK HERE FOR PIB NEWS

Health Insurance scheme for Central employees and pensioners to be introduced.

As stated earlier, the health insurance plan is under processing. 
The Central Government is contemplating introduction of a health insurance scheme for the central government employees and pensioners on pan – India basis, in consultation with other concerned Ministries/Departments. However, no time frame can be given at this stage for its introduction.This information was given by Minister of Health & Family Welfare Sh. Ghulam Nabi Azad in written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha yesterday.CLICK HERE FOR PIB NEWS

Filling up of GDS Posts – No Need to refer HOC Recent guidelines

Government of India

Ministry of Communications & IT

Department of Posts

(GDS Section)

Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg,

New Delhi – 110001

No. 17-103/2007-GDS Dated – 17.02.2011

To,

All Chief Postmasters General

All Postmasters General

Subject: - Filling up of GDS posts in Branch Post Offices – review of guidelines regarding

Sir/Madam,

I am directed to invite attention to Directorate letters No. even dated 14^th Jul 2009 and 29^th Dec 2010 on the subject cited above.

2. Para 2 (ii) of this Directorate letter dated 14^th July 2009 provided that the vacant posts of GDs in branch offices with two or more hands may be filled up on the basis of triennial review already carried out and in case the prescribed workload and financial parameters as prescribed for opening of a branch office are not fulfilled but the posts are required to be filled up for operational reasons then the approval of the Chief PMG will be required with concurrence of circle IFA. It was also provided in Para 2(i) of the said communication, that GDS vacant posts in BOs with a single establishment be filled up straight away and the permission was granted to the concerned Divisional head.

3. The above provisions were further reviewed and modified. It was prescribed vide this Directorate letter dated 29 Dec 2010 that the vacant posts of GD BPM may be filled up by adjusting the surplus GDS fulfilling the prescribed qualification and other prescribed conditions failing which action may be taken in advance to fill the vacant post of GDs BPM on a regular basis following the prescribed procedure and following other conditions prescribed under letter dated 4 Jul 2009.

4. Despite issue of above instructions, it has been brought to the notice of this office, that, the Posts of Branch Postmasters are not being filled up immediately, and they are allowed to be managed by additional charge or kept under combined duties, affecting the quality of service. The issue has been considered and competent Authority has decided that the vacant post of GDs BPMs, in Branch offices (irrespective of the number borne on establishment) be filled up by Head of the Division without reference to HOC immediately after its falling vacant initiating action in advance by adopting the following methods: -

(i)  By appointment of surplus identified GDs fulfilling the conditions; failing which

(ii) By combination of the duties of GDS in the same BO, provide the combined work load does not exceed five hours: failing which

(iii) By recruitment of outsiders by observing the selection process.

However, the approval of the Head of the Circle shall continue to be obtained for filling up of other categories of GDS which are not justified by workload/financial parameter, but the post is to be filled dup for operational reasons.

4. These orders shall come into effect from the date of issue of the order. This issues with the approval of competent authority.

Yours faithfully,

(Surender Kumar)

Assistant Director General (GDS/PCC

CIVIL SERVANTS TO GET INCENTIVES ON PERFORMANCE

New Delhi: Six weeks or so from now, civil servants in Central ministries and departments that signed on to the Results Framework Document (RFD), initiated by the Cabinet Secretariat, will, for the first time, begin receiving performance-related incentives, government sources indicated. These annual performance-related incentives will, of course, depend on whether the concerned civil servants have scored well over 70 per cent in the evaluation scheme, and there could be as much as 40 per cent increase of the basic pay for the top scorers, it is learnt. However, the payments will not require any additional financial allocations as they will come out of the savings made by the ministry or department itself.

  When the scheme starts rolling later this year, it will be 22 years after the Fourth Pay Commission first made such a promise. The reason why it was not possible to implement this before, government sources said, was because there was no way to measure performance before the RFD scheme was designed. The RFD initially met with a great deal of resistance from the civil service as it would entail listing goals, then working towards achieving them and at the end of the year quantifying how those goals had been achieved through a weighted system evolved by the ministry or department concerned. Finally, the secretary of that department will have to justify the evaluation before a panel of experts before it is finalised.

    Interestingly, when the government launches the scheme in the coming financial year, officials of some key ministries will be excluded from the possible benefits, because they have not as yet signed on to the RFD. These include the Prime Minister's Office, the Ministries of Finance, Home, Defence and External Affairs, among others. Government sources said they hoped that once the incentives began to be paid, these ministries and departments too would sign up.

   The RFD's objective is to improve governance, increase efficiency, transparency and accountability — especially the last two, given the spate of financial scandals in the government recently — and the Performance Management Division of the Cabinet Secretariat will write to all ministries and departments to list three potential areas of corruption in the schemes they implement or areas they work in, as well as identify the discretionary powers that are enjoyed by the Minister or secretary concerned.

Smita Gupta   The Hindu 21^st February: 2011

Postmaster Cadre in Postal Wing-Eligibility of officials deputed to Army Postal Service(APS).

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS/ORDER

Department Declared Result of the Departmental Competitive Examination for Promotion to the cadre of Postal Service Group 'B' 2009 held on 3rd & 4th May 2010

CLICK HERE FOR RESULTS

MARCH TO PARLIAMENT WILL BE MILE STONE IN TRADE UNION UNITY

After United Trade Union actions by Central Trade Unions and particularly 7th September strike the decision of Central Trade Unions to March to Parliament on 23rd February will further strengthen Trade Union Movement and will be a mile stone in trade union unity. The March to Parliament will create history when trade unions from different colours sheds and ideologies will march together to highlight the common demands of (i) Curb on price rise (ii) increase in employment (iii) Effective implementation of labour laws for workers of unorganized sector (iv) Stop disinvestment of public sector. More than five lakhs workers from throughout the country is likely to reach Delhi to join the protest march on above demands.
The workers particularly from unorganized sector are most suffering lots because neither Central Government nor State Government are caring for them. They are not being paid minimum wages, no dearness relief, no working hours, no service security, no ESI, no P.F. The labour laws are likely fairly tales for them. The worst effected people in the country due to price rise are working class and particularly who are daily wage earners. The unity forged by Central Trade Unions for these common problems is really commendable. Confederation and NFPE has taken the lead and we hoe the others should follow the suite. ALL THE LEADERS ORGANIZE EDUCATE  TO THE MEMBERS AND START TO DELHI CHALO PARLIAMENT . ON 23-02-2011.RALLY WILL START FROM RAM LILA GROUND.      It has been informed by the Secretary General of Confederation of Central Government Employees & Workers, New Delhi that the Central Government employees should reach Jantar Mantar, New Delhi on 23-02-2011 before 10AM, as that will be the starting point of the rally for Central Government employees.

RECRUITMENT RULES GROUP 'C' POSTS IN PAY BAND 1 WITH GRADE PAY OF RS. 1800 (PRE-REVISED GROUP D POSTS).

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS/DOPT ORDER

Annual Reports regarding Representation of SCs. STs, OBCs and Persons with Disabilities in the Central Government Services as on 1.1.2011

 Annual Reports regarding Representation of SCs. STs, OBCs and Persons with Disabilities in the Central Government Services as on CLICK HERE FOR DOPT ORDER

Postmaster Cadre Creation - Clarifications by Department of Posts

Clarification regarding recruitment rules in case of  Introduction of Postmaster Grade I, II & III and senior Postmaster (Gazetted Cadre) in Postal Wing. A number of Postal circles have sought clarifications relating to the postmaster Cadre and other connected issue. The points are clarified as under. 1. Promotion to LSG cadre was being ordered at Circle office level by holding DPC and allotment was being made to divisions/..CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS/ORDER

Will the Retirement age of central government employees go up from 60 to 62 ? Rumors spreading.

As we heard every time before the budget session of parliament, this time also a rumor about raising the retirement age of central government employees from 60 to 62 is spreading here and there among the central government employees. May be the officers at the verge of retirement be happy about this rumor. Otherwise there is no reason to be happy about this rumor.. As India is having 51% of people below the age of 25 years , it is not a good news to millions of jobless people. Sources close to the trade union movements and Federations told that there is no such proposal with the government since none of the workers federations have demanded it.

In 2009, The Manmohan Singh government was serious in weighing the pros and cons of increasing the retirement age for government employees from 60 to 62 years.That time it was believed that the finance ministry had prepared a detailed note on the issue and sent it to the prime minister’s office (PMO) But the government shelved the idea, largely because of fears that a higher retirement age would adversely impact employment generation and create resentment in the bureaucracy because of blocked promotional avenues. At that time, it was the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) that was asked by the PMO to study the issue and prepare a report.
The BJP led National Democratic Alliance government had raised the retirement age from 58 to 60, in 1998, a move that benefitted 90,000 government servants and 50,000 defence personnel. At the time, the logic was: the retirement of 140,000 employees would have cost Rs 5,200 crore whereas paying salaries cost only Rs 1,493 crore.
Incase if the decision is finally taken, it will only be the third time the government will have raised the retirement age. Jawaharlal Nehru was the first prime minister to have increased the age of superannuation from 55 to 58 following the 1962 war with China. The Atal Bihari Vajpayee government did it a second time in 1998.
source - http://www.vinmoney.com/ 

RTI REPLY BY DOPT ON GRADE PAY OF LDCs/UDCs

FOR DETAILS CLICK HERE

Feedback on the 3rd meeting of the National Anomaly Committee

All India Railwaymen’s Federation General Secretary Mr.Shiva Gopal Mishra has published about the outcome of the National Anomaly Committee Meeting in his website. We have reproduced full text of the contents for your information here…
Feedback on the 3rd meeting of the National Anomaly Committee 3rd meeting of the National Anomaly Committee was held yesterday, i.e. on 15th February, 2011 under the chairmanship of Secretary(P), DoPT(Government of India), wherein the following deliberations were made.
Though we know that no substantial relief has been given, but we hope for some outcome in the meetings likely to be held in future.

Two issues which are very important from our point of view – one is increment from January for those who falls between February and June was virtually rejected by the Ministry of Finance(Expenditure) but yesterday we again raised this issue, and after prolonged discussions, the Secretary, DoP&T had agreed to review the matter. An indication has also been given that if Staff Side agrees for one time exemption, then the issue can be resolved.


We also raised the issue of MACP Scheme, particularly abolition of GP Rs.2000. The Jt. Secretary(Estt.) stated that we would hold another round of discussions before finalizing the issues related to MACP Scheme.


During my opening remarks, though it was out of agenda, I raised the issue of early finalization of items of Departmental Anomaly Committee which are pending with the MoF(Exp). I stated that the Departmental Anomaly Committee of Railways had sent unanimous recommendations on various items to MoF(Exp.). More than nine months have passed and these issues are still pending with the MoF and the Railwaymen are feeling lot of frustration and therefore these need immediate redressal.


Though orders for Cadre Restructuring have been issued by the DoP&T vide O.M.No.35034/9/2010-Estt.(D) dated 10th February, 2011, we raised the issue that Matching Savings is not possible in the case of Railways. The President/AIRF and Secretary, NC/JCM(Staff Side) also emphasized on the issue and stated that in the Safety Categories, Railways cannot give Matching Savings. Therefore, for Cadre Restructuring, Matching Savings should not be insisted upon. It has been agreed by the Jt.Secretary(Pers.) that if reference comes from the Railways, that would be considered favorable.


Apart from the above issues, we also discussed agenda items which were not discussed so far in the National Anomaly Committee.


Item No.11: Grant revised allowances w.e.f. 1.1.2006 – Staff Side will give list of allowances. Thereafter, it will be discussed.


Item No.12 & 13: Transport Allowance –

Staff Side will supply details. Thereafter, it will be examined.


Item No.14: Revision of existing allowances which are to be withdrawn and replaced by new schemes –


If Insurance Scheme is not finalized within six months in consultation with the Staff Side, Risk Allowance and Patient Care Allowance will be doubled.


Item No.20: Daily Allowance on tour:


Orders have been issued for Geological Survey of India and Ground Water Board.


Item No.28: – Grant of GP Rs.5400 in PB-2 for Astt. Accounts/Audit Officers –


Will be taken-up separately with the Jt. Secretary(Pers.) and Estt.


Item No.29 and 30: Revision of Base Index for DA and Benchmark in AICPIN Scheme for grant of DA/DR w.e.f. 1.1.2006 on CPC VI level pay/pension restructuring –


Staff Side will give list which will be examined by the Jt. Secretary(Pers.)


Item No.31: Child Care Leave in respect of Central Government Women Employees as a result of Sixth Pay Commission report


– It will be looked into for Defence Employees.


Item No.37: Waiver of recovery of higher DA/DR drawn during the period from 1.1.2006 to 31.8.2006 –


Not Agreed.


Item No.38: Anomaly in fixing grade pay –=


Deferred.


Item No.39: Anomaly due to not applying uniformly the multiplication factor of 1.86 in fixing the minimum pay in all the revised pay bands applying different –


Unresolved.


Item No.40: Grant of notional increment as may be due on the first day of July following the superannuation/death in service for computation of emoluments/average emoluments for pensioner benefits –


Not Anomaly.


Item No.41: Fixation of pay on promotion to a post carrying the same grade pay –


Staff Side stated that the issue of Additional Allowance to the Running Staff has been raised. Where it has been emphasized that since DA has already been given on Additional Allowance, other benefits should also be given on Additional Allowance to give proper relief to the Running Staff. For other categories, e.g. ASM to SM in the same grade pay or MCM to JE in the same grade pay since their responsibility increases, therefore, in all fairness, and increment must be given while fixing pay. Official Side asked the Railways to submit the list, so that decision can be taken. Staff Side mentioned that since this issue belongs to Railways only, therefore, powers should be delegated to the Railways as has been done earlier. Official Side mentioned that since the issue has already under reference to National Anomaly Committee, Railways will be asked to submit the list. Thereafter, decision will be taken at an earliest.


Item No.43: Anomaly in the pay scale/pay band and grade pay of Library Information Assistants –


Already finalized.


Item No.44 : Before the 6th Pay Commission, there were 3 HAG scales of pay –


Under review.


Item No.45: Anomaly in pension of those in receipt of stagnation increments in pre-revised pay scales –


Official Side agreed to consider the cases where someone had stagnated beyond one year in the pre-revised scale.


Item No. 46 and 49 – Disparity in pay scales and status of officers in stenographers cadre and Anomalies in the matter of pay scales of stenographers –


Will be examined.


Item No.50: Anomalies in the pay scales of official language staff –


Since the issue of Rajbhasha Staff has been sent to Ministry of Finance(Exp.) Official Side agreed to send its approval at an earliest.


Item No.51: Assigning higher grade pay of Rs.4600 to Administrative Officer Gr.III and Private Secretary in Subordinate Offices –
Resolved.
source-http://www.airfindia.com/

CONFEDERATION CIRCULAR No 3 ON NATIONAL ANOMALY COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON 15-02-2011

CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL

GOVT. EMPLOYEES & WORKERS.

A-2/95,Manishinath Bhawan,

Rajouri Garden,New Delhi-110 027

CONF/3/2011

Dated: 16.02.2011

Dear Comrade,

                The third meeting of the National Anomaly Committee was  held on 15/02/2011. The following items were taken up for discussion.  No final decision on any item could be arrived at.  It was more or less an exercise to understand the points of view of both sides on these items. We shall in our next communication indicate the outcome of discussion on each item.

                Item Nos. 11, 12&13, 14, 20, 28,29&30, 31,37, 38,39, 40, 41, 43, 44, 45, 46, 49, 50 and 51.

               

                During the discussion the Staff brought to the notice of the official side that the issues pertaining to the employees of Andaman  and Nicobar islands, which were taken out of the agenda on the plea that the same would be discussed separately by a Committee to be set up by the Andaman Administration have not been settled.  The NGO Association of A & N Islands have brought to the notice of the staff side that the A & N Administration has not taken any steps to resolve the problems even though similar issues pertaining  to the employees of Pondicherry and Delhi were settled.  The Official side has promised to take up the issue with the concerned in the Home Ministry to ensure that the issues are addressed expeditiously.

                The official side has in the Action Taken State has indicated their inability to concede the demand raised by the Staff Side on the following two issues.

(a)    Grant of increment in the case of employees whose increment falls between Feb and June. 2006.

(b)   Fixing the pay of the promotees on par with the Direct recruits.

Though these issues were not discussed, the Staff Side has said that a resolution to them are urgently needed . 

The official side has requested the Staff Side to indicate the items on which further discussions are needed; further details are required; and alternative suggestions could be made  within 10 days so that the next and final meeting of the Committee could be convened before 31^st March, 2011.  It was also decided that the sub-committee of the MACP related issued will meet once again and their report submitted to the NAC . 

With greetings,

Union Minister of Labour & Employment Mallikarjun Kharge Chairs 192nd meeting of the Central Board of Trustees, Employees Provident Fund

The 192nd meeting of the Central Board of Trustees, Employees Provident Fund was held under the Chairmanship of Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, Minister for Labour and Employment and Chairman, Central Board of Trustees (Employees’ Provident Fund), in New Delhi today. The meeting of the Central Board of Trustees, EPF, which was the ninth regular meeting of the present Board, adopted the Audited Annual Accounts the organisation for the year 2009-2010. The decision to resume investment in LIC Housing Finance LICHF, a subsidiary of the country’s largest insurance company Life Insurance Corporation was taken today at the meeting of the Central Board of Trustees, the apex decision-making body of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization. The Board reviewed its decision taken in the last meeting to not to make further investments in LIC HF Ltd. The Board decided that the investments may be continued in LIC HF Ltd. in view of the fact that LIC is a large public sector unit, and it has been confirmed by the Finance Ministry and the credit rating agencies, that its finances are sound.

The Board also discussed the letter from the Ministry of Finance regarding non-approval of 9.5% interest from 2010-11 recommended by the CBT on 15.09.2010. A letter has already been sent by the Labour Ministry to the Finance reiterating that the calculation made were correct, and that since no Government money was involved, and the Organisation has certified that there will be no over-withdrawal from the Interest Suspense Account ISA, the CBT stood by its decision of recommending 9.5% interest. The Minister of Labour & Employment Shri Mallikarjun Kharge has expressed confidence that the Finance Ministry will shortly give its concurrence to the proposal. "I hope that after we answered all clarifications, they (Finance Ministry) will approve it (9.5 per cent interest rate for 2010-11)," he said. Shri Kharge was speaking to reporters after the meeting of the Central Board of Trustees (CBT), Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). "As far as 9.5 per cent interest (2010-11) is concerned, the Finance Ministry had sought some clarifications. Those clarifications have been sent by the Labour Secretary Shri P. C. Chaturvedi to the Finance Ministry," he added.

The Board also deliberated on the investment pattern to be followed by EPFO in view of the letter from the Ministry of Finance received recently. After deliberations and detailed discussions, the CBT decided to act with proper prudence and responsibility to ensure that the capital invested by the members was safe. The members reiterated that safety of capital was more important than return on capital and therefore decided to continue with the present pattern of investment.

The Board also took note of the progress report of the ongoing Computerisation programme. These include:

(a) 116 offices have been computerized as on 15.02.2011. These offices have implemented the new application software to settle members’ claims etc. Remaining 4 offices would be completed by February 2011.

(b) 92.68% subscribers and 95.96% establishments would be served through the new application software by these offices throughout the country.

(c) For faster credit of refund to members’ bank accounts, CBS and NEFT facility has been introduced leading to improvement in services.

(d) SMS alerts have been made operational for sending status of refund. Members can now check their claim status online through our EPFO website.

(e) Process of transfer of PF account automated through NEFT dispensing the cheque mode transfer done earlier. This would speed up transfer of accounts electronically to benefit members.

The Board also approved the amendments to be made in the EPF Scheme, 1952, Employees Pension Scheme, 1995 and the EDLI Scheme, 1976 to enable filing of mandatory returns by the employers in electronic form since EPFO has provided for uploading facility in its computer system. This would improve the services and compliance functions in EPF offices. Secretary, Labour and Employment Shri P. C. Chaturvedi and Central Provident Fund Commissioner, Shri Samirendra Chatterjee were among those present in the Board Meeting.

INTERNATIONAL POSTAL NEWS

Birmingham could face postal chaos if plans to privatise Royal Mail go ahead. Jan 30, 2011. Richmond postal workers protest Royal Mail plans. Jan 30, 2011.
Cuba suspends postal services to U.S.. Jan 24, 2011.
Postal Service must realign its network to remain viable. Jan 23, 2011.
La Poste Draws Up 2011 Postal Charter. Jan 23, 2011.
Brits see red over Royal Mail postboxes. Jan 23, 2011.
Postal protest over privatization. Jan 21, 2011.
To Decentralize Mail Services: Postal Ministry Installs Cages. Jan 21, 2011.
U.S. Postal Service Streamlining Operations. Jan 19, 2011.
Success Story: Mailboxes and Postal Depot. Jan 20, 2011.
(LEAD) S. Korea to reset postal system in administrative reform. Jan 19, 2011.

National Anomaly Committee

No.18/7/2010-JCA

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

Department of Personnel & Training

(JCA Section)

North Block, New Delhi

Dated the 17th January, 2011

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: New Agenda item for discussion in the Meeting of the National Anomaly Committee.


The Hon’ble High Court of Madras in its order dated 10.9.2009 in Writ Petition No.21367/2004 (grievances of Drivers and Artisans in the Postal Department with regard to anomaly in fixing pay since 4th Central Pay Commission followed by directorate dated15.12.2010 in Contempt Petition No.1371/2010 has directed that the matter may be referred to the National Anomaly Committee for its consideration and passing appropriate orders. Accordingly, Department of Posts has forwarded detailed Agenda Note on examination of the Claim of the cadre of Drivers deployed in Department of Posts for grant of pay scale equal to that of Postal Assistants working in the same Department in pursuance to direction of Hon’ble High Court of Madras.


’In view of the position mentioned above, Secretary (P) in her capacity as the Chairperson of the Anomaly Committee has approved inclusion of the matter in the Agenda of the National Anomaly Committee. It is likely that this issue will be discussed in the next meeting of the National Anomaly Committee to be held in near future. A copy of the Agenda Note forwarded by the Department of Posts is enclosed for information and perusal please.

(Dinesh Kapita)

Director (JCA)

AGENDA NOTE

ISSUE :
EXAMINATIN OF THE CLAIM OF THE CADRE OF DRIVERS DEPLOYED IN DEPARTMENT OF POSTS FOR PAY SCALE EQUAL TO THAT OF POSTAL ASSISTANTS WORKING IN THE SAME DEPARTMENT IN PURSUANCE TO DIRECTIONS OF HON’BLE HIGH COURT OF MADRAS IN JUDGEMENT DATED 10.09.2009 IN WP NO.21367/2004 FOLLOWED BY DIRECTIONS DATED 15.12.2010 IN CONTEMPT PETITION NO.1371/2010
GROUNDA :
1. Consequent upon implementation of 5th CPC recommendations, the cadre of Drivers deployed in Department of Posts in Mail Motor Services and other subordinate offices was placed in the scale of Rs.3050-4590. Their earlier scale as per 4th CPC recommendation was Rs.950-1500.


2. The Association representing the Drivers and Artisans submitted representation dated 20.08.2001 and 12.12.2001 to the Department of Posts that their cadre placed at the minimum of the pay scale equivalent to Postal Assistants in 1st CPC, 2nd CPC and 3rd CPC. Their argument was that in the 4th CPC they were given the minimum of Rs.950-1500 whereas the Postal Assistants cadre was given Rs.975-1660. While implementing the 5th Pay Commission recommendations, they were placed in the scale of Rs.3050-4590 whereas Postal Assistants were given the scale of Rs.4000-6000 and further stated that there is a genuine anomaly while fixing the scale of Drivers. They also represented that the Postman cadre, which was always kept below their pay scale; was given a jump and equated with their scale of pay the 5th Pay Commission recommendations. The other argument was that they have to possess Heavy Vehicle License and to do exchange of bags containing valuables, cash, etc. and represented to the Hon’ble Minister for Communications for bringing the parity with Postal Assistants. All these submissions were examined and the Association was informed that the Central Pay Commission submitted the recommendations on pay scale after taking into account the specific requirements for each category of posts in terms of educational qualification, skill required, arduous nature of work undertaken and based on the composite view of the matter & also that the Drivers are part of common cadres in Central Government the question of any isolated examination of their pay scale confining to Department of Posts alone did not arise. This communication was sent to the Association on 07.02.2002.


3. The Association filed an OA No.148/2003 before the Hon’ble Central Administrative Tribunal at Madras, which was dismissed observing that no sufficient material has been placed before them to record a specific finding as to whether there had been arbitrary, discriminatory and hostile discrimination made to the applicants in granting the pay scale. In no circumstances, the case of the Postal Assistants could be treated at par with Drivers.


4. Aggreved by the CAT order, the Association further filed Writ Petition No.21367/2004 in the Hon’ble High Court at Madrs. The Court after examining the affidavit filed by the Department observed in Para No.8 of their judgement that “it is an admitted case that upto the Third Pay Commission, the pay of Drivers was equal to that of Postal Assistants. In the Fifth Pay Commission, the difference in the pay scale of Postal Assistants and Drivers was Rs.950/-. The case of the petitioners is that, their duties are more arduous; they have to carry insured bags registered post, parcel, speed posts and letters bags from various post offices situated in remote villages and drive through ruddy roads to catch the trains. The only reason given for fixing a higher pay to Postal Assistants is that they possess 10th standard qualification and having knowledge in computer. Though learned counsel appearing for the respondents submitted that common categories are common to all Central Government Departments and their recruitment rules and pay scales are also similar, yet the pay scale of postal Assistants and Drivers are different. The Drivers working in the Delhi Judicial service are getting a higher scale of pay. When the Central Government has prescribed 10th Standard as the qualification for Postal Assistants, the same qualification should have been fixed for the Drivers also, especially when the Drivers were getting an equal pay till the Fourth Pay Commission. This shows that definitely there is discrimination in pay scales among Postal Assistants and Drivers, …………In this case admittedly the scale of pay of Postal Assistants and Drivers was the same till the Fourth Pay Commission and thereafter parity in pay had arisen. This shows that the decision of the Government in fixing the pay scales of Postal Assistants and Drivers are patently irrational, unjust and prejudicial to a section of employees. Therefore we consider it appropriate to set aside the order under challenge and dispose of the writ petition with a direction to the respondents to refer the matter to the Anomaly Committee for its consideration and passing appropriate orders within a period of three months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order and if necessary, to afford an opportunity of hearing to the petitioners. ………”


5. On receipt of this judgement, the Department sought extension of time for its examination till 30.06.2010. The Hon’ble High Court at Madras did not specifically direct for placing the matter before National Anomaly Committee. By the time of receipt of the Judgement, the Department had already constituted its Anomaly Committee for sorting out the anomalies that arose due to implementation of 6th Pay Commission recommendations pertaining to the Department. Since the parity had been sought with a cadre of Postal Assistants, which is exclusively specific to the Department, the Departmental Anomaly Committee (DAC) chose to examine this in its meetings held on 05.02.2010 and also on 16.04.2010 after giving an opportunity to the Association for presenting their case. The DAC observed that the parity sought is not falling under the ambit of definition of the term ‘anomaly’ defined by DOPT but recommended for taking u the case with Nodal Ministry for placing the Drivers on par with Postman Grade by giving Grade Pay of Rs.2000 outside the purview of Anomaly Committee.


6. The proposal sent by Department of Posts to Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance through Department of Personnel & Training for placing the Drivers on par with Postman Grade by giving Grade pay of Rs.2000 did not find favour with by Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure. This was also conveyed to the Association. The Association filed a Contempt Petition in the Hon’ble High Court of Chennai alleging that there was a wanton disobedience in implementation of the order of the Hon’ble High Court. The Department filed a detailed affidavit rebutting their contentions raised in the Contempt directing the Additional Solicitor General in High Court for writing to the concerned Ministry for convening the meeting National Anomaly Committee for examination of the issue raised by the Association for bringing parity with the cadre of Postal Assistants in the Department of Posts.


7. Therefore, the agenda before the National Anomaly Committee is for examination of the issue of providing Grade Pay of Rs.2400 to the Drivers deployed in Department of Posts at the initial entry on par with Postal Assistants.

ACCURACY OF PENSION PAYMENTS IN BANKS

Following large scale computerization and extensive use of sophisticated software in Core Banking Solutions and various complicated calculations, certain simple arithmetic calculations are not taken care off.
For example, the pension payment regulations stipulate that the reduction in the pension should be done only from the date of credit of the commuted amount to the pensioner’s account and not from the first day of the month. But in practice, none of the banks follow this procedure.
Suppose, if a pensioner is sanctioned a monthly pension of Rs.10,000 and he is paid a commuted value of Rs.5,00,000 on the 15th of Jan 2011 with a monthly commutation of Rs.5000 (i.e. 50% of his monthly pension) he should be paid full pension from 01.01.2011 to 14.01.2011 and reduced pension from 15.01.2011 to 31.01.2011 for that month. But in practice, the banks does not follow this regulations, they simply pay the reduced pension for the whole month.
Look at the monetary loss to the pensioner for that month:-
Full pension for 14 days (10000/31) x14 .. .. Rs.4,517.00
Reduced pension for 17 days (5000/31) x17 .. .. Rs.2,742.00
Total pension to be paid for the month .. .. Rs.7,259.00
If reduced pension is paid for the whole month .. Rs.5,000.00
Therefore total loss to the pensioner for that month .. Rs.2,259.00
The pensioner loses a sum of Rs.2,259 in Jan 2011 pension. This is a manually induced error ignoring the laid down procedure. This is happening in all banks. Neither the pensioner nor the banks is aware of this error. The correct procedure is simple and it is to be followed during the first payment of pension and commutation. I don’t think any advanced software programmed is used for this purpose by any banks. Recently we have come across this error in a number of pension payments of a leading bank with a most advanced centralized pension payment system.
SOURCE EX SERVICEMAN

Finmin likely to ok 9.5% interest on PF deposits: Official

The Central Board of Trustees of the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) also decided not to invest in stock markets.After a two-hour meeting of the CBT, Labour and Employment Minister Mallikarjun Kharge expressed hope the finance ministry will shortly give its concurrence to the proposal.          
  CLICK HERE FOR PTI NEWS-

Non-relieving of CSS officers under transfer on Rotational Transfer or on Promotion — reg.

This has reference to the notification NO.1/8/09-CS.I (P) dated 17.9.2010 amending Rule 19 of CSS Rules 2009 prescribing the time limit of 45 days within which CSS officers under transfer, either on Rotational Transfer or on promotion, must be relieved of their duties in their present Ministries/Departments. It was also laid down in the CSS (Amendment) Rules 2010 that if an officer is not relieved within forty-five days or such further period as referred to in sub-rule (1). the officer shall be ‘deemed’ to have been relieved by the cadre-unit in which he is working and thereafter the officer shall not be entitled to draw any salary and allowances for the period of such overstay from the cadre unit from where the cadre officer was transferred.CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS/ DOPT ORDER

Tax exemption on gratuity

The government has hiked the limits of gratuity payment from Rs 3.5 lakhs to Rs 10 lakhs. This enhanced limit is applicable to employees who retire, become incapacitated before retirement, expire or whose services were terminated on or after May 24, 2010. 

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS/ ET NEWS

All you wanted to know about EPF and PPF

1. What is the difference between EPF and PPF?

Where Employees Provident Fund (EPF) serves all salaried employees, the Public Provident Fund (PPF) serves everyone - the employed, the unemployed, even children and housewives.

The access to the fund is also quite easy as any post office and some State Bank of India branches can help you open the fund. The purpose of a provident fund is to provide individuals some form of savings for their retirement years. Naturally, the EPF and PPF are for long-term savings.

2. What kind of income can one expect from PPF?

The returns from the fund are in the form of interest paid. The interest rate currently is 8 per cent compounded annually.The interest, however, is not paid out but is compounded (like a bank recurring deposit) till the maturity or withdrawal.With the current levels of inflation, real and stated, the returns from the PPF fund could be low. This is a typical asset-class mismatch.

3. Is there any capital appreciation?

Being a typical debt investment, there is no capital appreciation for the investment.

4. What is the risk involved with this investment?

There is hardly any risk for the capital or the returns from the PPF deposit.The risk, however, is with inflation, which could possibly reduce the value of the returns in the long-term, and the other disadvantage is the long lock-in period of 15 years.

5. How about liquidity of the investment?

PPF gives very little liquidity, too. The fund, as mentioned earlier, is for a minimum of 15 years. This can be extended for a further period of 5 years each, indefinitely.

The liquidity is in the form of withdrawals, which can be made from the fund from 7-year onwards. The withdrawal value is, however, limited to a maximum of 50 per cent of the average of the last 3 years' fund values.

After 7 years, one withdrawal can be made every year, based on the same condition.

6. What happens in the case of the death of the account holder?

In case of death of the account holder before the maturity of the account, the fund will be paid to the nominee/ legal heir.

7. How is PPF treated for tax?

This is where the PPF scores very high. Currently, The PPF comes under the Exempt- Exempt- Exempt category. This means that the amount invested gets tax benefits, the interest is not taxed and this applies for the final maturity amount as well. The investment gets benefits under Section 80C of the IT Act. The investment, however, is limited to a maximum of Rs 70,000 per year per person. This limit of Rs 70,000 includes the deposits made in the name of any dependent children.

8. Are there any other specific benefits that I need to know?

Some other unique benefits from the fund are:

1. There is no wealth tax on the value of the fund.

2. In case of insolvency, the money in the fund will not be attached to the assets. So, only this investment is truly ours, come what may. (Except for education in a philosophical sense).

This feature can be very useful particularly for business people in high-risk industries / businesses. The fund cannot help anyone if there is tax evasion though.

9. How does it score on convenience?

The fund scores high on convenience. As a savings tool, it is incomparable in terms of the flexibility of payment and quantum. You can make up to 12 contributions per year.

Each contribution can be as low as Rs 100 subject to a minimum of only Rs 500 per year.

There has to be at least one contribution per year. In case no payment is done for a whole year, there is a charge of Rs 50 when the next investment is made.

The objective is to make savings as comfortable and convenient for the minimum possible investment.

A minor disadvantage is that the fund is yet to go online. So, we have to carry our passbook and also face a queue to make the payment every time.

In conclusion:

PPF is a typical savings tool but one has to invest for the long term. This means there is an asset-class mismatch.

But, on the convenience side, the fund scores pretty high for the flexibility that it offers.

There are additional unique advantages in the form of wealth tax and insolvency benefits from the Public Provident Fund.

On the flip side, the long-term (minimum 15 years) of the plan is a limitation.

Post Bank and Postal ATM from India Post to be introduced soon

Department of Posts is going to introduce Banking service through Post Offices. All post offices will also work as  Post Banks. ATMs will also be introduced along with Postal Banks.

Department of post is going to launch post bank and prepaid card scheme very shortly all the regional heads of all circles have been directed to personally identify and expedite the manner of installation of ATM,s in Head post offices. RBI approval and License is awaited. As part of core banking process all existing accounts are now updated in computers. The circle heads are frequently stressed to complete the signature scanning of all A/c holders as early as possible. A centralized server possibly at Ghaziabad is proposed to be constituted  which will automatically extract data from all HO & SO as when the counter clerk enters a transaction. The role Of SBCO will be minimized. The preservation of records at all Hos  will be considerably reduced. Under Prepaid card scheme which is to be launched in collaboration with banks,. all expenses are to be borne by banks. Cards will be issued to customers who have Savings account only and later expanded to other customers. With help of card one can withdraw money in POs/ Any ATM/make purchase in any merchant outlets. A minimum charge will be levied for each operation. Minim um load is Rs 1000 maximum reload to card is Rs50000. Maximum withdrawal is 10000 per day and only four times can a card be used in a single given day.

MEETING OF DEPARTMENTAL PROMOTION COMMITTEE (DPCS) / SELECTION COMMITTEES-FURNISHING OF CERTIFICATES BY THE CHAIRPERSON/MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEES.

No.35-1/2011-SPB.II

Government of India

Ministry of Communications & IT

Department of Posts

                                                                     Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg

                                                          New Delhi, Dated the 07-Feb, 2011.

To

            All Chief Postmaster General

            All Postmaster General

            All Postal Training Centres

            CGM,PLI Directorate, Chanakayapuri Post Office Complex , New Delhi.

Sub:     Meeting of Departmental Promotion Committee (DPCs)/Selection        Committees-Furnishing of certificates by the Chairperson/Members of    the       Committees.

Sir/Madam

            I am directed to say that under Rule 26(a) of Appendix No. 37 of Postal Manual Volume-IV, a certificate has been prescribed to be furnished by the Supervising officer on conclusion of the examination in the last paper, inter-alia certifying that no relation of either the Supervisory Officer or any of the Invigilators took the examination in that Centre.

2.         Department of Personnel & Training (DOPT) vide its O.M. No. 22011/8/87-Estt. (D) dated 03.06.1989, while referring to Supreme Court/ High Court rulings that participation in the deliberations of Selection Committees/DPCs by such members whose near relatives are being considered by the Committees is against the principles of natural justice, has instructed that a certificate may be obtained from DPC Chairman/Members to the effect that none of his/her close relatives are being considered by the Committee , sufficiently in advance before commencement of the Committee meeting ,so that the appointing authority can alternate arrangements if necessary.(Copy enclosed)

3.         Subsequently, DOPT vide its O.M. No. 22012/1/97-Estt. (D), dated 23.5.2001 directed that while sending the Agenda Papers of the DPC to the Chairperson and to the Members of the DPC, each one of them may specifically be asked to furnish the information to the Appointing Authority sufficiently in advance stating that none of his/her close relative is being considered by the DPC and that he/she (Chairperson/Members) is otherwise also not interested in nay particular candidate. Members of the DPC are also required to endorse a copy of such certificate to the Chairperson of the DPC in advance. In the event of the Chairperson/Members not being in a position to participate in the meeting this would facilitate making alternate arrangement (as the case may be) in time by nominating officers of equivalent ranks to function as the Chairperson/Members of the DPC , if permissible according to the provisions of the relevant Recruitment Rules (Copy enclosed) .

4.         In view of the above , Recruiting Authorities/Appointing Authorities in the Circles are requested to obtain a Certificate in the manner prescribed by the DOP&T from all members of Selection Committees/Departmental Promotion Committee on their nomination to the Committee/DPC well before beginning the actual recruitment process.

                                                                              Sd/-

                                                                             (D.K. Chanda)

                                                                             Section Officer (SPB.II)