Thursday, March 31, 2011

Incomplete DPC proposals from the Ministries

The Department of Personnel and Training in its Office Memorandum No. 2201 119198-Estt(D) dated September 8, 1998 has prescribed a Model Calendar for DPCs in order to ensure that DPCs are convened in advance and approved. All Ministries/Departments were also requested for strict compliance of the instructions so as to achieve the desired objectives of timely convening of DPCs and selection of panels within the prescribed time-frame.

The Model Calendar for DPCs as laid down in DoPT's guidelines makes it obligatory on the part of Ministries and Departments to send DPC cases to the UPSC by 15th July (for financial year based vacancies) and 15th April (for calendar year based vacancies) of the year preceding the vacancy year.

Despite repeated communications to this effect, these instructions are not being followed by the Ministries/Departments in majority of cases. Delay in holding the DPCs not only affect the manpower planning in various Ministries and Departments but also impedes the career progression across the board and is the main reason for litigation before CAT and various High Courts.

The UPSC has recently brought this non-satisfactory position to the notice of this Department. The UPSC has since stopped accepting incomplete proposals w.e.f. 01.08.2010 and have introduced a new procedure under the 'Single Window System' whereby Ministries and Departments are now required to bring their proposals by hand which are scrutinized on the spot by the designated officer of the UPSC.

Accordingly, all the Ministries/Departments are requested to send their DPC proposal in future in accordance with the revised Checklist.

For more details on this topic download Office Memorandum No. 22011/3/2011-Estt(D) dated 24.03.2011

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Postal employees threaten to go on indefinite strike

Postal employees threaten to go on indefinite strike

Rourkela, Mar 29 (PTI) All India Postal Employees Union - postmen, MSE and group "D" staff- has threatened to go on an indefinite nationwide strike in support of their demands.

The union has been demanding appointment of staffs, implementation of proper pension scheme, opposing the idea of one delivery point and one post office system of the government, Union General Secretary M Krishnan told reporters here today.

The members of the union would launch a demonstration infront of the Dak Bhawan, New Delhi to apprise the demands, Krishnan said.

Meanwhile, he said the union would also submit its memorandum to the government.

"We have been demanding for years now but nobody is listening. The postal employees are worst sufferer in the present situation," he added.

"The staff strength has been reduced considerably while the work load has been increasing day by day.


Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Details of MACP anomaly Committee Meeting

The anomaly committee meeting in respect of Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme (MACPS ) was held on 15.03.2011.
The following is the gist of the minutes of the said meeting.

Grant of financial up-gradation in the promotional hierarchy instead of grade pay hierarchy under MACP Scheme

            The Staff Side pressed this demand on the ground that the ACP 1999 had become a service condition in respect of all those who were in service as on 31st August 2008. The MACP Scheme being less advantageous could not be imposed upon them. They stated that to resolve this anomaly, the first 2 ACPs may be continued in the promotional hierarchy to be granted after 12 and 24 years of service from the date of induction, the third ACP on completion of 30 years service may be in the grade pay hierarchy.
The official Side did not agree with this proposal. The Staff Side then pointed out that the introduction of MACP Scheme in grade pay hierarchy 10, 20, 30 years of service from the date of induction will result that certain cadres would be placed in the grade pay which are not sanctioned in the structure of the departments and therefore it can not be treated as career progression at all.   The official Side wanted the particulars of those cadres which are going to face this problem, so that they could consider how to overcome such anomalies. The Staff Side agreed to provide the necessary information and departments concerned may also be asked to provide such information.

Introduction of MACPS from 1.1.2006

The Staff Side also pressed for introducing MACP Scheme with effect from 1.1.2006 so that those who did not get any benefit under old ACP could at least get the MACP scheme benefit before their retirement during the period from 1.1.2006 to 31.8.2008. The Official Side stated that this item has been closed and concluded and can not be allowed to be opened / reviewed.
The Staff Side then stated that they would like to raise this issue in the meeting of National Anomaly Committee as the joint Committee on MACP Scheme is sub committee of the National Anomaly Committee. The Official Side stated that this may be raised as afresh item in the National Anomaly Committee.

Option choose either ACP or MACPS:

The Staff Side also wanted that the option to choose ACP or MACP should be given to the individual employees and not the Department. The Official Side also did not agree to reopen this issue which has been concluded in the last meeting.

Ignoring the placement of Artisans of Ministry of Defence from HS grade II to HS grade I for the purpose of MACP Scheme

The Staff Side pointed out that this restructuring by keeping 50% of Artisans in the HS grade I and placing 50% in the HS grade II was by way of placement and therefore it could not be treated as promotion. The Staff Side cited Supreme Court ruling to this effect. However the Official Side did not agree with this. The case of restructuring in IA & AD in 1984 and in organized accounts were also cited in which it was clearly stated that those who are in the higher grade would be treated as placement only those who are promoted later on against vacancies would be treated as promotion. The official Side view was that only in those cases where the entire cadre is placed in the higher pay scale it would not be treated as promotion. This matter will also have to be raised in the meeting of National Anomaly Committee.

Promotion in identical Grade Pay

The decision that the normal promotions are in the same grade pay, they cannot be ignored for purpose off MACP Scheme and the specific cases would be examined separately.

Employees appointed limited competitive examination from lower to higher post may treated as direct recruits in the higher post ignoring the service in the lower posts

The matter is still being considered with reference to old ACP scheme clarification.

Counting of old service in the new establishments for the purpose off MACP

Orders have been issued on 1.11.2010.

Benchmark for financial up gradation under MACP

Orders have been issued on 1.11.2010.
It was agreed that action taken statement would be finalized and circulated so that further discussion thereon can take place in the meeting of National Anomaly Committee.

Payment of Dearness Allowance to Railway employees in revised rates

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Monday, March 28, 2011

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VS flays Centre's move to 'privatise' pensions

VS flays Centre's move to 'privatise' pensions

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Following the introduction of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) Bill, 2011 in Lok Sabha, Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan today urged the Centre to back out from its move to "privatise" the pension scheme of central and state government employees.

The PFRDA Bill that was introduced in Parliament on Thursday was a move towards privatising pension, and if passed, pension for Central and State government employees would no longer have government guarantee, the Chief Minister said in a statement here.

The first UPA government had also tried to "privatise" the pension scheme, but the plan was dropped due to stiff resistance from the Leftist parties, the statement said. Achuthanandan said employees should come out with strong protest against the Centre's move. The Bill, introduced by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, provides for establishing a statutory regulatory body to be called the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), which will undertake promotional, developmental and regulatory functions in respect to pension funds.

According to the statement of objects and reasons of the Bill, foreign investment policy for pension sector intermediaries, including the pension funds and central record-keeping agency, would be determined and notified outside the proposed legislation under Foreign Exchange Management Act.

The Bill also contains provisions for empowering the PFRDA to regulate the National Pension system (NPS), as amended from time to time. Moreover, it authorises the PFRDA to levy fees for services rendered by it to meet its expenses.

The pension fund regulator can also impose penalties for any violation of the provisions of the legislation, rules, regulations, etc, once the Bill is passed.



Source: Express Buzz

Government staff stage stir over pension bill

Government staff stage stir over pension bill

CHENNAI: Work in the State and Central government offices in the city were hit for a couple of hours on Friday after staff staged a walkout against introduction of the Pension Fund Regulatory Development Authority (PFRDA) Bill in Parliament.

R Srinivasan, general secretary of Tamil Nadu government employee's association, said the move by the UPA government would put pensioners at the mercy of market forces. The bill, which came into existence based on the Bhattacharya panel recommendations during the BJP government's term, got a new lease of life on Thursday when it was reintroduced in Parliament after the botched attempt in 2004. Interestingly, the bill stated that foreign investment policy for the pension sector would be determined and notified outside the legislation under the Foreign Exchange Management Act.

Staff fear that with this, pension deduction would be handed over to fund managers who would invest in the share market and mutual funds. The government has given no guarantee on pension as per section 20 of the bill,said general secretary of the Central government employees confederation Tamil Nadu, Duraipandian ?



Source: Express Buzz

CGHS

Clarification regarding validity of Individual Plastic Cards at all CGHS wellness Centres in the country

Form for Conversion of GPF Advance into withdrawal

APPLICATION FORM FOR CONVERSION OF GPF ADVANCE INTO A FINAL WITHDRAWAL
Click this link to Download application form
Form to Convert GPF Advance into Withdrawal

LTC admissibility when fare is less than LTC-80 fare

Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance had earlier vide its Office Memorandum No: 7(1)/E.Coord/2008 dated 4.12.2008 restricted the Air Travel on LTC to Air India's LTC fare only with effect from 1.1.2008.
Now, based the references for admissibility of LTC claims of Government officials in cases where the air fare paid for travel by Air India happens to less than LTC-80 class of Air India, Department of Expenditure clarifies that reimbursement of air fare lower than the LTC 80 aire fare of Air India will also be admissible for journeys performed by Air India under LTC as the intention is to ensure that the LTC claim should not be in any case, exceed LTC-80 fare of India.

Do Govt Employees need Health Insurance ?

“Why should I go for a Health Insurance if I am a Government Employee?  I am already covered by either CGHS or Medical Attendance Rules.”  This may be your thought process when you start reading this article.
But the reality is in case of an unfortunate event like you or your family members had to be admitted in a good hospital for a medical treatment, the present health schemes such as CGHS or Medical Attendance Rules might not cover the entire medical expenditure as these schemes have a cap in the form of package or schedule rates.  And the net result is you will not be reimbursed with what you had actually paid to Hospital.  Will health Insurance schemes could come in handy at these kind of situations ?
Answer for this question may not be affirmative if you had asked this question last year.  Because till last year Government norms for claiming medical reimbursement and Health Insurance claim simultaneously was bit stringent as the total of reimbursement from the government and the health insurance claim shall not exceed the package rate prescribed by the Government.  In other words there was no additional benefit in taking a health insurance policy if you are a government employee.
However, this year this condition has been relaxed.  We can claim medical reimbursement from Government as well the hospitalization expenses from the Insurance Company, provided the total claim should not exceed the actual expenditure.
Click here to go through this earlier article on GConnect about Govt orders on claiming medical reimbursement as well as insurance claim
Be an early bird:
Also most people tend to think that Health Insurance is something that they need to think about only when they grow old.
However, the fact is Health insurance premium tends to increase with age – more the age, higher the premium. So insure at a young age.  So that your insurance gets fixed at a low cost and by the time you grow old and the money become dearer, your insurance premium cost will be almost negligible.
Stay insured:
The other truth is that health insurance protects you in case you become seriously ill or meet with an accident. A sudden accident, loss of health or natural disaster can happen to anyone. Such situations can drastically alter a person’s life, causing loss of income and inability to pay bills.  So, it makes sense to stay insured
Cost of Health Insurance:
A health insurance policy not only covers the cost of financial losses when disaster strikes, but also helps you tide over emergency medical bills due to hospitalization. If you think your health insurance premium is expensive, just wait till you receive a medical bill.
Even if someone is down with jaundice or malaria and requires hospitalization for a couple of days, his hospital bill could range from anywhere between Rs 15,000 and 25,000 depending on the hospital. And in these days of rising health care costs, imagine a chronic diabetic who needs insulin injections everyday, some one who needs frequent dialysis/chemotherapy or someone who needs continuous medication to keep living.
While taking a survey of the Health Insurance premium cost, we just found that at a cost ranging from Rs. 100 to Rs 200 per member per month, a family consists of 4 members viz., husband in the age of 40, wife in the age of 36 and two kids in the age of 12 and 7, could be covered with the health insurance benefits of Rs.2 lakhs per year.  The following is the chart containing premium cost per year for a sum assured amount of Rs.2 lakhs for the family consists of 4 members as narrated above.
health-insurance-1
Please note that this is not a campaign to the insurance companies mentioned in the chart.  There may be other insurance companies which could offer good rates than the premium cost mentioned in this chart. This is just an indication to emphasize that insurance premium costs are affordable.  Readers are advised to verify the health insurance schemes offered by various companies before choosing the right one that suits them.

What are the other benefits of taking a Health Insurance policy?

The immediate benefit of taking up a Health Insurance policy is the Tax benefit that you can enjoy under section 80 D of the Income Tax Act.
Do not worry if you do not have adequate money to pay for sudden hospitalization or surgery. Your health insurance policy offers a cashless hospitalization facility. This facility is a great help since one doesn’t have to run around in the middle of the night to collect cash for paying up large deposits prior to admission.
If a person gets hospitalized all his medical expenses 30 days prior to hospitalization and 60 days post hospitalization will be covered. This includes nursing expenses, diagnostic and medical expenses, surgery, anesthesia cost, doctor’s expense, specialist fees, scanning, x-ray, ambulance expense, oxygen, operation theatre expenses, and cost of surgical appliances, room expenditure, day care expense and similar expenses.
There are few treatments which due to technological advancement are done as an outpatient, that is, you need not have prolonged hospitalization. These treatments are also covered under health insurance.
Reduced Health Insurance Cost over the period if no claim now:
If you are a non-claimant don’t think that your money is wasted. In fact, a Health Insurance policy is most advantageous to you when you do not claim for the first few years and stay insured continuously. You will not only enjoy the Income tax benefits under Section 80D of the IT Act, but also your sum insured gets increased without paying any extra premium by way of cumulative bonus. Or you can keep the sum assured constant and start paying lesser premium.

Modified Check list for reimbursement of Medical Claims

CENTRAL GOVERNMENT HEALTH SCHEME
MODIFIED CHECK LIST FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF MEDICAL CLAIMS
MEDICAL 2004 FORM FOR REIMBUREMENT OF MEDICAL CLAIMS OF CGHS BENEFICIARIES.
Click the link below to download the form
Download MODIFIED CHECK LIST FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF MEDICAL CLAIMS

Application form for Pensioner’s CGHS Card

Application form to enroll Central Government Pensioners for Central Government Health Scheme
Click the following link to download the form
Download Application form for Pensioner's CGHS Card

Govt proposes New Health Insurance Scheme in lieu of CGHS

With an effort to introduce Central Government Employees & Pensioners Health Insurance Scheme (CGEPHIS) recommended by Sixth Central Pay Commission, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, invites Expressions of Interest from Insurers and Health Insurance consultants for the proposed scheme.
As per the document known as Expression of Interest published the CGHS website in this regard, Government of India proposes to provide inpatient health care services to the following personnel of the Central Government .
Beneficiaries
  • All personnel of the Central Government including All India Service officers, serving, newly recruited, retired and retiring and others who are covered under the existing CGHS(Central Government Health Services)  and under CS (MA) [Central Services (Medical Attendance) Rules] Rules shall be offered Health Insurance Scheme  on voluntary or on compulsorily basis . This could be:
  • CGEPHIS shall be compulsory to new Central Government Employees who would be joining service after the introduction of the health Insurance Scheme.
  • CGEPHIS shall be compulsory to new Central Government retirees who would be retiring from the service after the introduction of the Insurance Scheme.
  • CGEPHIS would be available on voluntary basis for the existing Central Government Employees and pensioners serving in CGHS area/ covered by CGHS. In this case such serving Central Government Employees and Central Government existing Pensioners shall have to opt out of CGHS scheme. They will also have the option of choosing both CGHS and Insurance policy. In such case the total premium has to be born by the beneficiary.
  • CGEPHIS would also be available on voluntary basis for the existing serving employees and pensioners in non-CGHS areas not covered by CGHS. In this case such serving Central Government Employees and existing Pensioners (who have opted for CGHS facility) shall have to opt out of CGHS scheme. They will also have the option of choosing both CGHS and Insurance policy. In such case the total premium has to be born by the beneficiary.
The proposals relating to sum assured/policy limits, family size, age limit, Insurance coverage are as follows
Sums Insured / Policy Limits
The scheme shall provide coverage for meeting all expenses relating to hospitalization of beneficiary members up to Rs. 500,000/- per family per year subject to stated limits on cashless basis through smart cards. The benefit shall be available to each and every member of the family on floater basis i.e. the total reimbursement of Rs. 5 .00 lac can be availed by one individual or all members of the family. The document also says the Government has proposed to restrict the benefit in respect of Domiciliary hospitalization and Maternity to Rs.50,000/- for each admission
Family Size / Age Limit
  • Serving Employees: Self, spouse, two dependent children and dependent parents (New born shall be considered insured from day one).
  • Retired Employees: Self, spouse and one dependent child.
  • Additional dependent family member can be covered under the scheme by paying the fixed percentage of premium per additional dependent family member. The premium shall be borne by the beneficiary.
  • All beneficiaries shall be insured till survival.
  • The definition of dependent shall be as per guidelines issued by Central Government.
Insurance Coverage
In addition to the coverage afforded under a standard medical insurance policy, the following shall also be covered under CGEPHIS:
  • Pre-existing diseases
  • Maternity benefit
  • Day-one Coverage for all diseases
  • New-born babies
  • Pre and Post hospitalization cover of 30 days and 60 days respectively
  • Domiciliary Hospitalization
Download the documentation for expression of interest called for by Health Ministry

Child Care Leave- Condition of No EL at credit deleted

It is announced by DOPT that it has been receiving requests to review the decision to allow Child Care Leave (CCL) only if the employee has no E.L. at her credit.
DOPT's O.M. No.13018/2/2008-Estt.(L) dated 11/09/2008 regarding introduction of Child Care Leave in respect of Central Government employees and subsequent clarifications were reviewed, it has now been decided in consultation with Department of Expenditure, to delete the condition that CCL can be availed only if the employee concerned has no Earned Leave at her credit, subject to the following conditions:-
  • CCL may not be granted in more than 3 spells in a calendar year.
  • CCL may not be granted for less than 15 days.
  • CCL should not ordinarily be granted during the probation period except in case of certain extreme situations where the leave sanctioning authority is fully satisfied about the need of Child Care Leave to the probationer. It may also be ensured that the period for which this leave is sanctioned during probation is minimal.
It is reiterated in the present OM that the leave is to be treated like Earned Leave and sanctioned as such.
Further, this OM takes effect from 1.9.2008. Earned Leave, if any, availed by women employees before availing CCL subsequent to the issue of the OM 13018/2/2008-Estt. (L) dated 18- 1 1-2008 may be adjusted against CCL, if so requested by the employee.
For more details download DOPT Office Memorandum No. 13018 /1/2010-Estt. (Leave)

More clarifications on Child Care Leave

Child care leave was introduced by Govt to all women employees in Office Memorandum No: 13018/2/2008-Estt.(L) dt 29.09.08 consequent on implementation of Sixth Pay Commission report.
Government also issued various clarifications on Child care leave. Those are
Child Care Clarification – Office Memorandum No: 13018/2//2008-Estt (L) dt 18.11.2008. Click here to download
Child Care Clarification – 2 Office Memorandum No: 13018/2//2008-Estt (L) dt 02.12.2008. Click here to download
Child Care Clarification – 3 Office Memorandum No: 13018/1//2010-Estt (L) dt 07.09.2010. Click here to download
Now following clarifications based on doubts raised from various quarters have been issued by DOPT.

1. Whether Earned Leave availed for any purpose can be converted into Child Care Leave? How should applications where the purpose of availing leave has been indicated as 'Urgent Work' but the applicant claims to have utilized the leave for taking care of the needs of the child, be treated?

Ans: Child Care Leave is sanctioned to women employees having minor children, for rearing or for looking after their needs like examination, sickness etc. Hence Earned Leave availed specifically for this purpose only should be converted.

2. Whether all Earned Leave availed irrespective of number of days i.e.less than 15 days, and number of spells can be converted? In cases where the CCL spills over to the next year (for example 30 days CCL from 27thDecember), whether the Leave should be treated as one spell or two spells'?

Ans: No. As the instructions contained in the OM dated 7.9.2010 has been given retrospective effect, all the conditions specified in the OM would have to be fulfilled for conversion of the Earned Leave into Child Care Leave. In cases where the leave spills over to the next year, it may be treated as one spell against the year in which the leave commences.

3. Whether those who have availcd Child care leave for more than 3 spells with less than 15 days can avail further Child Care Leave for the remaining period of the current year?

Ans: No. As per the OM of even number dated 7.9.2010, Child Care Leave can not be granted in more than 3 spells. Hence CCL may not be allowed for more than 3 times irrespective of the number of day or times Child Care Leave has been availed earlier. Past cases may not be reopened.

4. Whether LTC can be availed during Child Care Leave?

Ans: LTC cannot be availed during Child Care Lcave as Child Care Leave is granted for the specific purpose of taking care of a minor child for rearing or for looking after any other needs of the child during examination, sickness etc.
For more details read this Office Memorandum No. 13018/1/2010-Estt. (Leave) dated 30.12.2010

6CPC for Autonomous Bodies

Now some great news for the employees of autonomous bodies, quasi-government organisations and statutory bodies. The government of India has decided to extend the benefit of Sixth Pay Commission recommendations to employees of autonomous bodies, quasi-government organisations and statutory bodies.  “As per the news, the benefit would be extended to employees of all such organisations whose basic pay and emoluments are similar to those payable to central government employees.
What about those employees whose pay scales are NOT identical to those of the central government employees? In those cases when the pay scales are not identical, the department or bodies would constitute a “separate group of officers”. The financial advisor of the respective department would be involved in the group as the representative of the finance ministry.
When will this be implemented?
No certainity about that. The final recommendation of the group would be taken by the finance ministry or the ministry of personnel and training for implementation. The accepted pay level would, however, be in no case more than those prescribed for the central government employees of similar level.
“It has now been decided that the orders may be extended to the employees of autonomous organisations whose pattern of emolument structure as pay scale and allowances are identical to those of central government employees,” an office memorandum of the finance ministry said.
Dearness allowance, housing rent allowance and city compensatory allowance are the main parameters on which the similarity of the two scales would be decided.
Autonomous organisations and other such bodies would have to provide for 10% of the additional expense on account of pay revision through additional revenue generation, another 10% from savings and the rest 80% would be provided by the Centre.

Need for extending Child Care Leave to Male Employees

Shri.Mohanan Narayanan is the author of this article.  He works as an Office Superintendent in a subordinate office under Ministry of Textiles in Mumbai.
We all know Government vide its office Memorandum No.13018/2/2008-Estt (L) dated the 11th September 2008 (click here to get the order)has introduced the Child Care Leave to the women central government employees. Women employees having minor children (below 18 years)  are entitled to get Child Care Lave (CCL) for a maximum period of two years ( i.e. 730 days ) during their entire service for taking care of two eldest surviving children. C.C.L can also be availed for third year as leave not due without production of medical certificate. As clarified by the Government subsequently, the C.C.L can be availed in three occasions in a year and the minimum quantum of leave availed should not be less than 15 days. This is a good initiative to protect the interest of working women employees of Government of India.
This scheme brought cheerfulness among young and middle aged women employees, but at the same time male employees who are equally struggling for taking care of their children in certain situations have been let down. 
In the changed scenario, both the husband and wife are equally responsible for managing children including health, education and overall growth of their children.  If both husband and wife are working, then the responsibility of husband in overall management family may be more or less same to than of wife.
It is not possible to list all the situations where a male employee’s contingencies should be given equal footing as far as child care is concerned.  Some of them are
  • Spouse is employed in a private organization, where there is a limitation in availing leave, concession etc.
  • A widower or a husband who got separated and happened to be living with his children.
  • Spouse is unable to take care of children due to her ill-health.
  • Spouse is unable to manage the children especially the grown up in studies, due to lack of required knowledge , education, managing power etc.
It is pertinent to mention here that the male government servant with less than two surviving children are entitled to get Paternity Leave for a period of 15 days during the confinement of his wife i.e. up to 15 days before or up to six month from the date of delivery of child . Similarly, the male employees should also get CCL to look after their children.
In a nutshell, the responsibility of male government servant in taking care of their children in studies, health etc. is in no way lesser than that of his spouse, but as far as Child Care Leave is concerned he gets unequal treatment from the Government.  He certainly deserves for grant of CCL at par with the female employees.

RTI reply of DOPT on the grade pay of ACP Inspectors of C.Ex

While grant of grade pay of Rs.5400 to Inspectors of Customs and Central Excise who have completed 4 years after receiving ACP is impeded by misinterpretation, another issue has come to lime light now in which even the very basic aspect of pay fixation in the event of ACP after 1.1.2006 has been done wrongly by Pay and Accounts authorities by misquoting the Resolution dated 29.08.08 of Ministry of Finance (Department of Expenditure) .
The condition No: 7 of Annexure-I to Original ACP order dated 9.8.99, which is in force, clearly says, “Financial upgradation as per ACP scheme shall be granted to the next higher grade in accordance with the existing hierarchy in a cadre/category of posts without creating new posts for the purpose”. So, the Inspectors who were in the pre-revised pay scale of Rs. 6500-200-10500 (S-12) are to be financially upgraded to pre-revised scale applicable to Superintendents of Central Excise and Customs viz., Rs. 7500-250-12000 (S14) and be granted the grade pay of Rs.4800, as the next higher grade to the post of “Inspector” in the existing hierarchy in the department is “Superintendent”. This practice which is in accordance with the law was followed without any confusion till the implementation of Sixth Pay Commission recommendations.
However, after issue of orders relating to 6CPC implementation, officers who have been accorded ACP after 01.01.06, have been denied the financial upgradation from pay scale S12 (Rs.6500-10500) to S14 (Rs.7500-12000) by the pay and accounts authorities in certain Commissionerates. Those officers have now been fixed with the grade pay of Rs.4600 meant for pre-revised scale S13. As such, there is no cadre exists in the department with the pay scale S13 (Rs.7450-11500).
Ironically, orders have been issued to those officers by the concerned heads of the department (after following all the procedures such as DPC etc meant for a promotion) for the financial upgradation from Inspectors with a pay scale of S12 (Rs.6500-10500) to Superintendents with the pay scale of S14 (Rs.7500-12000) only.
It was ascertained that financial upgradation from S12 to S14 was denied by pay and accounts authorities by taking refuge under Para 4 (iii) to Part-A of Resolution dated 29.08.08. However, Resolution dated 29.08.08 is misquoted for this interpretation. Resolution is only a para wise reply of the Ministry of Finance (Department of Expenditure) whether the recommendations of pay commission on a particular aspect is accepted or not. It is published in the Gazette of India, only for the purpose of transparency. In other words it is only policy frame work that has got no legal sanctity, and the statute known as CCS (Revised) Pay Rules 2008 which was notified by the Government for the implementation for the 6CPC would govern the pay and related matters of a Government Servant and would prevail over the resolution.
As per Clarification: 2 of Office Memorandum dated 13.9.08 issued by DOPT with reference to CCS (Revised Pay Rules 2008) it has been categorically stated that “Grade pay of higher Post” shall be granted in the event of ACP. The original ACP Scheme order dated 9.8.99 itself unambiguously defines this aspect and this is an additional clarification. As per ACP Scheme an officer who was granted the financial upgradation at the time of ACP, will not be eligible for any financial benefits at the time of his regular promotion. If the interpretation of Pay and Accounts authorities are accepted for argument sake, the ACP inspectors will have to be fixed in S13 (7450-11500) even after their regular promotion to the grade of Superintendents and granted the grade pay of only Rs.4600, while their peers receive the grade pay of Rs.4800/-.
This aspect has also been clarified by DOPT now while giving reply to the query under RTI Act by Shri.M.S.Venkataraman of Trichy as follows.
“The method of fixation of pay on promotion from one grade to another / financial upgradation under ACP has been clarified under clarification 2 of of the clarifications issued by this department vide O.M.No: 1/1/2008-IC dated 13.09.08”
Check RTI Query of Shri.M.S.Venkatraman of Trichy here
Check RTI reply here
Office Memorandum dated 13.9.08 issued by DOPT
Original ACP order dated 9.8.99
Reply of DOPT is a fitting one and to the point. After all, one has to interpret law correctly and in the spirit of the law while implementing the same. Law making authorities can not spoon feed everything.

Group B Entry Posts in Subordinate Offices after 6CPC

Shri.Mohanan Narayanan is the author of this article.  He works as an Office Superintendent in a subordinate office under Ministry of Textiles in Mumbai. His previous article in GConnect titled as "Setbacks to Supervisory cadre in subordinate Offices" may also be referred to
There exists Gazetted Group B Posts in the entry grade ( i.e. Lowest rung of Group B Gazetted  posts) with different designations in subordinate offices functioning under various Ministries / Departments viz. Assistant Directors, Assistant Administrative Officers etc. in Non Technical cadres.
These entry grade Group B Posts are Gazetted Posts as per provisions of Recruitment Rules and these posts carry pre-revised pay scale of Rs.6500-200-10500.
We all know, after the implementation  of sixth pay commission, pre-revised pay scale of Rs.5000-150-8000/-, Rs.5500-175-9000/-, Rs.6500-200-6900/- and Rs.6500-200-10500/- were merged to form a single pre-revised pay scale of Rs.6500-200-10500/- and this merged pre-revised scale has been placed in PB-2 9300-39400/- with Grade Pay of Rs.4200.
Subsequently the pre revised pay scale of Rs.6500-200-10500/- has been granted with a Grade Pay of Rs.4600/- vide Ministry of Finance, Office Memorandum No1/1/2008-IC dated 13.11.2009, based on representations received from various departments of Government of India. 
It is a good thing that the Govt. has separated the posts in the pre revised pay scale of Rs.6500-200-10500/- and granted a Grade Pay of Rs.4600/- as distinct from the other clerical and supervisory posts. 
This decision has placed the lowest rung of Group B Gazetted posts in subordinate offices in the revised Pay Band-2 with Grade Pay of Rs.4600/-.  But, did this move really bring equality in pay among Group B posts in all Central Government Departments?  The answer is not affirmative.

What is a Group B Post?

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension,(Department of Personnel and Training) vide its Notification No.S.0. 946(E) dated the 9th April, 2009 has notified that Posts carrying Grade Pay of Rs.4200/- to Rs.4800/- and G.P.5400/- in PB-2 are Group B posts. 
That means the pre revised pay scales of Rs.5000-150-8000/- to Rs.7500-250-12000/- and posts in the pre revised pay scale of Rs.8000-275-13500/ (Group B Gazetted) has been placed under the Group B category.  The nomenclature for Gazetted category of posts in the revised Pay Band is not however specified anywhere.  We may have to refer relevant recruitment rules for Gazetted Status.

Gazetted status to Group B Posts in Subordinate Offices but no pay difference:

Gazetted status continues to the lower Group B posts in subordinate offices by virtue of the provision in the relevant Recruitment Rules.  However, pay of these posts is set to second lowest in Pay Band 2  i.e. with Grade Pay of Rs.4600/- at par with Non-Gazetted officials in other departments.

What other Group B entry posts in Ministries/departments is getting after 6CPC?

After 6CPC implementation, in respect of Gazetted Group B entry posts in Ministries/Departments  etc. which carry Grade Pay of Rs.4800/- in PB 2, a provision has been made for granting of G.P.of 5400/- after completion of 4 years of service.  But similar non-functional upgradation is not provided to Group B entry posts in subordinate offices.
Why this unequal treatment is given?  In my opinion, when the lowest rung of Group A Gazetted posts are same for all Departments/Offices, the lowest rung of Group B Gazetted posts should also be the same in all Departments/Offices of Govt. of India, to maintain the status quo.  If a journey is undertaken to verify the induction  to Group B Gazetted posts of 1990’s or even before that it can be seen that all the induction to Gazetted Group B posts were carrying the same pay scale irrespective of subordinate office posts or posts in other Ministries/Departments etc.

Conclusion:

I do not want to make a comparison of posts/pay scales of subordinate offices categorically with that of others to establish parity, but to pray to the Govt. to award grade Pay of Rs.4800/- to the lowest rung of Group B gazetted posts (induction to Group B Gazetted posts) in subordinate offices at par with Group B Entry Posts in Ministries/Departments. Similarly,  all the erstwhile Group B Non Gazetted posts in subordinate offices deserve to be placed in the P.B-2 with grade pay of Rs.4600/- at par with Group B Non Gazetted Posts in Ministries/Departments.

More clarification for ACP granted before 31.08.2008

Mr.K.Ramalingam, who works for Central Excise Department as Superintendent at Tirunelveli, Tamilnadu is the author of this Article.
I would like to recall my previous article in GConnect (Go to article on Fixation of pay when ACP granted before 31.08.2008) now, as we have got a further clarification on this issue from DOPT in the letter Ref.No: 10067/2010 dated 29.11.2010 addressed by DOPT to Pr.Chief Controller of Accounts in response to clarification sought for by him. (Click here to read this letter dated 29.11.2010)
It could be seen that this clarification is totally favour of Superintendents of Customs and Central Excise and officers in the following similar cadres who have received second ACP to the pre-revised pay scale of 8000-275-13,500 (S-15) prior to 31.08.2008, on completion of 24 years of service as upgradation to grade pay of Rs.5400 in PB-2 in respect of these officers should not be counted as a financial upgradation in ACPS as grade pay of Rs.5400 in PB-2 is not a promotional hierarchy.
Name of Post Pre-revised Pay Scale Pre-revised Pay Scale taken for Revised Pay under 6CPC Pay Band after 6CPC Grade Pay
Administrative Officer Grade II/Sr.Private Secretary/Equivalent 7500-12000 7500-12000 PB-2 4800
  After 4 Years 8000-13500 PB-2 5400
Superintendent (Posts) 6500-10500 7500-12000 PB-2 4800
  After 4 Years 8000-13500 PB-2 5400
Income Tax Officers/Superintendent, Appraisers Etc (Customs and Central Excise) 6500-10500 7500-12000 PB-2 4800
  After 4 Years 8000-13500 PB-2 5400
Consequently those officers have to be fixed with the grade pay of Rs.6600 ( in terms of hierarchy available) in terms of DOPT's clarification Office Memorandum No. 35034/3/2008-Estt(D) dated 09.09.2010 and 3rd financial upgradation under MACPS to these officers would be in the immediate next grade pay in the hierarchy which is Rs.7600.
The full text of body of this clarification is given below for reference.
"Office of the Pr.Chief Controller of Accounts has requested DOPT to clarify as to whether the clarification dated 26.07.2010 is also applicable in case of those who have already been granted financial w.e.f 01.01.2006 to 31.08.2008 as per the ACPS of August, 1999 (before implementation of MACPS) or not.
2. As per the ACPS of August,1999, the benefits of 1st and 2nd financial upgradation under the scheme had been allowed in the promotional hierarchy. However, in the absense of promotional hierarchy i.e isolated posts, the benefits of financial upgradation under the ACPS had been allowed in the immediately next higher (Standard/Common) pay scales as indicated in Annexure II of ACP Scheme. It may ensured by
the referring department as to whether the grade pay of Rs.5400 in PB-2 is in the promotional hierarchy or otherwise. If this grade is in the promotional hierarchy, then it would be counted as financial upgradation under the ACPS. If not in the promotional hierarchy, the same would not be counted as financial upgradation. However, under the MACPS, every financial upgradation have been counted as one upgradation and
would be offset against one financial upgradation under the scheme in terms of Para 8.1 of Annexure-I of O.M dated 19.05.2009.
3. In accordance with Department of Personnel and Training instructions circulated vide O.M.No: 20034/2/2010-Estt.(D) dated 13.08.2010, all proposal should be sent on a file with the approval of an officer not below the rank of Joint Secretary spelling out clearlythe specific points/doubts to be clarified by the DOPT.
4. With the above remarks, we may return these papers to Office of the Pr.Chief Controller of Accounts for further necessary action."
The previous clarification dated 26.07.2010 referred to in this clarificatory letter addressed to Pr.Chief Controller of Accounts, is about financial upgradation from the grade pay of Rs. 4800 to Rs. 5400 after completion of 4 years of service to Superintendents of Customs and Central Excise and similar cadres in other departments. In that clarification dated 26.07.2010 it was clarified by DOPT that financial upgradation from the grade pay of Rs.4800 to Rs.5400 to certain cadres such as Superintendent of Customs and Central Excise after completion of 4 years of service is to be taken into account as ACP.
Now, Pr.Chief Controller of Accounts has again sought for clarification regarding ACP granted between 1.1.2006 to 31.08.2008, to the Officers to have completed 24 years of service, under old ACP scheme. The query of Controller of Accounts is whether the said ACP should also be counted as a financial upgradation while calculating number of career progressions in ACPS.
For this query, it was clarified by DOPT in the present clarification letter dated 29.11.2010 that it should be ensured in the first place by the department as to whether the grade pay of Rs.5400 in PB-2 is in the promotional hierarchy or otherwise; that if this grade is in the promotional hierarchy, then it would be counted as a financial upgradation under ACPS and that if the said grade pay is not in the promotional hierarchy, the same would not be counted as financial upgradation.
The present clarification dated 29.11.2010, has again categorically expressed the intention of Government to provide additional pay benefits to senior level officers who have put in more than 24 years of service prior to implementation of sixth pay commission and MACPS .
I hope the administration as well as PAOs would  set right this matter based on the present clarification at least.
Mr.K.Ramalingam, who works for Central Excise Department as Superintendent at Tirunelveli, Tamilnadu is the author of this Article.
I would like to recall my previous article in GConnect (Go to article on Fixation of pay when ACP granted before 31.08.2008) now, as we have got a further clarification on this issue from DOPT in the letter Ref.No: 10067/2010 dated 29.11.2010 addressed by DOPT to Pr.Chief Controller of Accounts in response to clarification sought for by him. (Click here to read this letter dated 29.11.2010)
It could be seen that this clarification is totally favour of Superintendents of Customs and Central Excise and officers in the following similar cadres who have received second ACP to the pre-revised pay scale of 8000-275-13,500 (S-15) prior to 31.08.2008, on completion of 24 years of service as upgradation to grade pay of Rs.5400 in PB-2 in respect of these officers should not be counted as a financial upgradation in ACPS as grade pay of Rs.5400 in PB-2 is not a promotional hierarchy.
Name of Post Pre-revised Pay Scale Pre-revised Pay Scale taken for Revised Pay under 6CPC Pay Band after 6CPC Grade Pay
Administrative Officer Grade II/Sr.Private Secretary/Equivalent 7500-12000 7500-12000 PB-2 4800
  After 4 Years 8000-13500 PB-2 5400
Superintendent (Posts) 6500-10500 7500-12000 PB-2 4800
  After 4 Years 8000-13500 PB-2 5400
Income Tax Officers/Superintendent, Appraisers Etc (Customs and Central Excise) 6500-10500 7500-12000 PB-2 4800
  After 4 Years 8000-13500 PB-2 5400
Consequently those officers have to be fixed with the grade pay of Rs.6600 ( in terms of hierarchy available) in terms of DOPT's clarification Office Memorandum No. 35034/3/2008-Estt(D) dated 09.09.2010 and 3rd financial upgradation under MACPS to these officers would be in the immediate next grade pay in the hierarchy which is Rs.7600.
The full text of body of this clarification is given below for reference.
"Office of the Pr.Chief Controller of Accounts has requested DOPT to clarify as to whether the clarification dated 26.07.2010 is also applicable in case of those who have already been granted financial w.e.f 01.01.2006 to 31.08.2008 as per the ACPS of August, 1999 (before implementation of MACPS) or not.
2. As per the ACPS of August,1999, the benefits of 1st and 2nd financial upgradation under the scheme had been allowed in the promotional hierarchy. However, in the absense of promotional hierarchy i.e isolated posts, the benefits of financial upgradation under the ACPS had been allowed in the immediately next higher (Standard/Common) pay scales as indicated in Annexure II of ACP Scheme. It may ensured by
the referring department as to whether the grade pay of Rs.5400 in PB-2 is in the promotional hierarchy or otherwise. If this grade is in the promotional hierarchy, then it would be counted as financial upgradation under the ACPS. If not in the promotional hierarchy, the same would not be counted as financial upgradation. However, under the MACPS, every financial upgradation have been counted as one upgradation and
would be offset against one financial upgradation under the scheme in terms of Para 8.1 of Annexure-I of O.M dated 19.05.2009.
3. In accordance with Department of Personnel and Training instructions circulated vide O.M.No: 20034/2/2010-Estt.(D) dated 13.08.2010, all proposal should be sent on a file with the approval of an officer not below the rank of Joint Secretary spelling out clearlythe specific points/doubts to be clarified by the DOPT.
4. With the above remarks, we may return these papers to Office of the Pr.Chief Controller of Accounts for further necessary action."
The previous clarification dated 26.07.2010 referred to in this clarificatory letter addressed to Pr.Chief Controller of Accounts, is about financial upgradation from the grade pay of Rs. 4800 to Rs. 5400 after completion of 4 years of service to Superintendents of Customs and Central Excise and similar cadres in other departments. In that clarification dated 26.07.2010 it was clarified by DOPT that financial upgradation from the grade pay of Rs.4800 to Rs.5400 to certain cadres such as Superintendent of Customs and Central Excise after completion of 4 years of service is to be taken into account as ACP.
Now, Pr.Chief Controller of Accounts has again sought for clarification regarding ACP granted between 1.1.2006 to 31.08.2008, to the Officers to have completed 24 years of service, under old ACP scheme. The query of Controller of Accounts is whether the said ACP should also be counted as a financial upgradation while calculating number of career progressions in ACPS.
For this query, it was clarified by DOPT in the present clarification letter dated 29.11.2010 that it should be ensured in the first place by the department as to whether the grade pay of Rs.5400 in PB-2 is in the promotional hierarchy or otherwise; that if this grade is in the promotional hierarchy, then it would be counted as a financial upgradation under ACPS and that if the said grade pay is not in the promotional hierarchy, the same would not be counted as financial upgradation.
The present clarification dated 29.11.2010, has again categorically expressed the intention of Government to provide additional pay benefits to senior level officers who have put in more than 24 years of service prior to implementation of sixth pay commission and MACPS .
I hope the administration as well as PAOs would  set right this matter based on the present clarification at least.

House Building Advance-Initial Application

House Building Advance-GRANT OF ADVANCE FOR PURCHASE OF LAND/OR PART/FULL CONSTRUCTION/ENLARGEMENT, ETC., OF A HOUSE
Click the link below to download this form
House building Advance-Initial Application

Urban Development Ministry’s Order on HBA

While Sixth Pay Commission recommended for devising new House Building Advance procedure with an idea of providing subsidized Housing loans obtained from banks, Ministry of Urban Development has come out with an order for revising the House Building advance ceiling, eligible loan amount etc. The Office memorandum dated 27.11.2008 says recommendation on HBA by the sixth pay commission is under the consideration and in the mean time maximum limit in the grant of HBA, cost ceiling limit, etc are being revised.
Check here for Office memorandum No: I-17011/11(4)/2008-H.III dated 27.11.2008 issued by Ministry of Urban development for revision in house building advance
Features of House Building Advance updated till 27.11.2008

Grade pay of Rs.5400 to ACP Inspectors of Central Excise

As per CCS (Revised Pay) Rules 2008, Superintendents, Appraisers (Customs and Central Excise) who are in the pre-revised scale of Rs.7500-12000 are entitled for the Grade pay of Rs.5400 in PB-2 corresponding to pre-revised scale of Rs.8000-12500, after 4 years of service. However, this statute was interpreted by many of the Administrative and Pay and accounts authorities to the effect that the officer concerned should have served 4 years in the grade pay of Rs.4800/ for getting the grade pay of Rs.5400. In fact, this interpretation impeded the intention of the Govt to grant non-functional financial upgradation to the Group B Officers after 4 years of service. Going by the interpretation of the administration, none of the superintendents / Appraisers would be eligible for the revised grade pay Rs.5400 till 1.1.2010.
Later, it was rightly clarified by the Ministry of Finance in consultation with Department of Expenditure in the letter dated 21.11.08 (F.No: A.26017/98/2008-Ad-IIA) to all Chief Commissioners of Customs and Central Excise that the 4 year period is to be counted with effect from the date on which an officer is placed in the pay scale of Rs.7500-12,000 (pre-revised).
Obviously, the Inspectors of Customs and Central Excise / Examiners / Preventive Officers who have been given the non-functional upgradation to the grade of Superintendents / Appraisers under Assured Career Program (ACP) prior to April 2004 would also be covered by this order as they are in the pay scale of Rs.7500-12000 since April 2004 and are entitled for all non-functional financial benefits allowed to the grade viz., Superintendents / Appraisers, in which they have been placed as per the provisions of ACP. But somehow in many of the Commissionerates throughout India, the clarification issued by the Ministry of Finance on 21.11.2008 was again misunderstood and ACP Inspectors who have completed 4 years as on April 2008 were ignored while granting grade pay of Rs.5400/- to the Superintendents/Appraisers.
However, in some Commissionerates, Ministry’s clarification dated 21.11.2008 was correctly understood and ACP Inspectors who have completed 4 years as on April 2008 have also been granted the grade pay of Rs.5400/-.
Now, the Chief Commissioner of Central Excise in charge of Jaipur Central Excise Commissionerate, one of the Commissionerates where the grade pay of Rs.5400 was denied to eligible ACP Inspectors earlier, has now come up with a categorical clarification (dated 30.1.2009) that the ACP Inspectors who have completed 4 years of service as on April 2004 are also eligible for the grade pay of Rs.5400.
This is the Order dated 30.1.2009 of the Chief Commissioner, Jaipur Zone.
We hope this order will be an eye opener to the administration in the other places also where this non-functional financial upgradation is being denied despite the clear cut clarification from the Ministry

Uniform Allowance of Customs and Central Excise Officers revised

The Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) has revised the uniform allowance applicable to Group B, C and D officers of Customs and Central Excise Officers.  As per the order dated 28-09-2010 to this effect, the existing rates have been doubled.

MACP extended to Staff Car Drivers

The Department of Personnel and Training (DOPT), has, in pursuance of the decision of JCM held on 8/5/2010 Item No. 57.31, decided that the benefits of MACP Scheme may be extended to the regular Staff Car Drivers of Central Govt. Ministries/Departments/Offices. This facility has been extended as a fall back option, if they are unable to get promotion within the Percentage based system adopted at present.
The Annexure I of MACP Scheme (Para 13) stands suitably modified. The effect of this OM is that the Staff Card Driver Scheme and the MACP Scheme shall run concurrently.

Love Conquers all but not the rules

Shri.H.S.Govardhana Rao, who works for Central Excise Department as Superintendent at Bangalore is the author of this Article.
definition of the family, Members of family, Central Civil Services (LTC) Rules1988, CCS (Conduct) Rules, CCS rules, need for change in definition of familyThe oft repeated saying “blood is thicker than water” means the links between the family members are stronger than any other relationships. Further, “charity begins at home” also is used to mean that the family ties are stronger than any other association and your main obligation is towards your family. But, one could see, this very concept is not approved in the right spirit while framing the definition of the “family” by the Government of India in various rules and regulations framed for the benefit of its own employees. The term “family” is defined differently under various rules as detailed below:
A.        Under the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964 “Members of family" in relation to a Government servant includes-
(i) the wife or husband, as the case may be, of the Government servant, whether residing with the Government servant or not but does not include a wife or husband, as the case may be, separated from the Government servant by a decree or order of a competent Court;
(ii) son or daughter or step-son or step-daughter of the Government servant and wholly dependent on him, but does not include a child or step-child who is no longer in any way dependent on the Government servant or of whose custody the Government servant has been deprived by or under any law; and
(iii) any other person related, whether by blood or marriage to the Government servant or to the Government servant's wife or husband, and wholly dependent on the Government servant.
B.        Under the Central Civil Services (LTC) Rules, 1988 as amended w.e.f. 01.09.2008 as per the 6th CPC recommendations, the family is defined as:
1. the Government servant’s wife or husband and two surviving unmarried children or stepchildren wholly dependent on the Government servant, irrespective of whether they are residing with the Government servant or not;
2. married daughters divorced, abandoned or separated from their husbands and widowed daughters and are residing with the Government servant and wholly dependent on the Government servant;
3. parents and/or step-parents (stepfather and stepmother) wholly dependent on the Government servant, whether residing with the Government servant or not; and
4. unmarried minor brothers as well as unmarried divorced abandoned, separated from their husbands or widowed sisters residing with and wholly dependent on the Government servant provided their parents are either not alive or are themselves wholly dependent on the Government servant.
C.        As per the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) the family means:
(i) husband/wife including more than one wife and also judicially separated wife;
(ii) parents and stepmother;
In the case of adoption, only the adoptive parents and not the real parents are included under the ambit of CGHS. If the adoptive father has more than one wife, then CGHS cover is applicable to the first wife only.
A female employee has a choice to include either her parents or her parents-in-law and such an option exercised can be changed only once during service.
(iii) children including legally adopted children, stepchildren and children taken as wards subject to the following conditions:
Son – Till he starts earning, irrespective of age limit.
Daughter – Till she starts earning or gets married, whichever is earlier, irrespective of age-limit.
Son suffering from permanent disability of any kind (physical or mental) – There is no age-limit imposed in this case since such an individual becomes a dependant for the latter or remaining part of his life.
(iv) widowed daughters and dependent divorced/separated daughters;
(v) sisters including widowed sisters; and
(vi) minor brothers and dependent brothers.
But the above persons should reside with the government servants and their income from all sources accounted together should not be more than Rs.1500/- per month.
As such the definition of “family” is different for various purposes. There is no uniformity in the definition of “family”. Ideally when CCS (Conduct) Rules defines the family, other rules and schemes can refer to the same definition.
However, it is seen that each rule defines the family in a different way. The definition of family, under the CCS rules does not prescribe any monetary limit for the dependent person/persons, while the CGHS prescribes a monetary limit of Rs.1, 500/.  I
It is beyond imagination as to how a person with a meagre amount of Rs.1,500/- per month can survive independently in today’s world. However, the limit based on the old family pension still remains. 
Even when an employee claims travelling allowance during his transfer from one station to another the following members of family are not included:
1. father and mother if anyone is drawing a pension;
2. unmarried sisters in case of either father or mother, earning a pension (whatever may be the amount);
3. unmarried brothers of age more than 25 years even if they are dependent wholly on employee; and
4. father-in-law and mother-in-law.  
In the above cases, it is strange that even if the father or mother is earning a meagre amount as pension they are not considered eligible for claiming travelling allowance on transfer. When the prices of all the day to day commodities are touching the sky, the meagre amount of pension the father and mother earns will not be sufficient to take care of them.
Further, with old age and its associated health problems medical bills becomes exorbitant and they have to invariably depend upon their children for maintenance.           
Consider a case of an unmarried government employee staying along with father, mother and unmarried sister. Suppose father is a retired Government servant and is drawing a monthly pension of Rs.7,000/-. When the employee is transferred, he has to invariably take all the three family members along with him. But he is not eligible to claim travelling allowance in respect of any of his family members. Similarly, when he opts for LTC he is not eligible to take his parents and sister along with him because they are not covered since father who is one among them is earning a pension of Rs.7,000/- per month.
What is the purpose of LTC for the faithful Government employee?  Even in the case of CGHS scheme only the employee himself is eligible and not the other three family members. As such the Government employee is forced to find from his own resources the expenses incurred on transfer or LTC (since he alone cannot enjoy LTC leaving parents and sister at home), or the medical expenditure for all the three members.
There may be many such similar cases of non inclusion of a family member in the definition of family for other purposes though the wife or husband of the employee is eligible for all the benefits even if they are employed.
The Government has recently enacted an Act namely “The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007”, which states that the children (son and daughter) should take care of their aged parents. In case they are abandoned for any reason whatsoever, they can approach the government for remedial and punitive action against the son and daughter.
But when it comes to the definition of “Family” the so called aged parents are not included, since in most of the cases they may be getting a meagre amount as pension.  
Hence, it is high time that the government opens its eyes and take remedial action and amend the definition of the family to include also -
a. father and mother without any monetary limit in respect of pension or any other income they are earning;
b. unmarried sister even if she is employed;
c. unmarried brother even if he is employed; and
d. father-in-law and mother-in-law in case they are living with the employee without any monetary limit in respect of pension or any other income they are earning.  
It is, therefore, proposed that the different definitions appearing under various rules should be amended and replaced by one single definition including all the above.
By doing so the Government will not only improve the fading family system of the country but also instil a sense of responsibility among the children to take care of their aged parents which is contemplated from the introduction of “The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007”.
Hence, the Government should ensure that its employees are able to take care of their aged parents and unmarried brothers/sisters by including them in the definition of “family” for the purpose of LTC/CGHS/Travelling Allowance on Transfer, etc.
Hope this Government will act in right perspective to set right the anomaly in the system.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Merger of grades - Filling up of non-gazetted posts - Constitution of Selection Committee reg.

Merger of grades - Filling up of non-gazetted posts - Constitution of Selection Committee regarding.

As the Railway Administration are aware, in terms of extant instructions, for selection post in the erstwhile scale of Rs.5500-9000 and above the Selection Board consisted of officers of Junior Administrative Grade, while for all other selection posts the Selection Board consisted of officers not lower than Senior Scale.

Pursuant to the merger of grades, as a result of implementation of recommendations of 6th Central Pay Commission, Ministry of Railways have considered the matter afresh and it has been decided that henceforth the Selection Board will consist of Junior Administrative Grade officers for selction to the posts carrying grade pay Rs.4200/-and above, whereas officers in the rank of Senior Scale may be nominated for selection to the post carrying grade pay of Rs.2800 & below.



Click here to download the Railway Order...

Payment of Dearness Allowance to Central Government Employees – Revised Rates effectives from 1.1.2011

No.1(2)/2011 – E-II(B)
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure
------


New Delhi, the 24th March, 2011.


OFFICE MEMORANDUM


Subject: Payment of Dearness Allowance to Central Government Employees – Revised Rates effectives from 1.1.2011.

----------------

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Ministry’s office Memorandum No. 1(6)/2010-E-II(B) Dated 22nd September, 2010 on the subject mentioned above and to say that the president is pleased to decide that the Dearness Allowance payable to Central Government Employees shall be enhanced from the existing rate of 45 % to 51% with effect from 1st January, 2011.

2.The provisions contained in paras 3, 4 and 5 of this Ministry’s O.M No. 1 (3)/2008-E-II(B) dated 29th August, 2008 shall continue to be applicable while regulating Dearness Allowance under these orders.

3.The additional instalment of Dearness payable under these orders shall be paid in cash to all Central Government Employees.

4.The payment of arrears of Dearness Allowance for the months of January and February, 2011 shall not be made before the date of disbursement of salary of March, 2011.

5.These orders shall also apply to the civilian employees paid from the defense services Estimates and the expenditure will be chargeable to the relevant head of the Defense Service Estimates. In regard to Armed Forces personnel and Railway employees separate orders will be issued by the Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Railways, respectively.

6.In so far as the persons serving in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department are concerned, these orders issue after consultation with the controller and Auditor General of India.


(Y.P. Sehgal)
Deputy Secretary to the Government of India


Source: www.finmin.nic.in

PFRDA BILL INTRODUCED IN THE PARLIAMENT - Two hour demonstration against PFRDA Bill

Confederation Secretary General stated in the letter, which is published in his website today that the All India Central Government Employees Federation and the Confederation of Central Government Employees had jointly taken the decision earlier to oppose the introduction of the PFRDA Bill by organizing a two hour walk out programme...

We have given below the full content of the letter for your infromation...

PFRDA BILL INTRODUCED IN THE PARLIAMENT:

HOLD DEMONSTRATION BETWEEN 12 AND 2 PM ON
FRIDAY 25TH MARCH 2011
IN FRONT OF ALL OFFICES
TO REGISTER OUR STRONG PROTEST AGAINST THE ATTROCIOUS ATTEMPT
OF THE UPA GOVERNMENT
TO REINTRODUCE THE LAPSED BILL


      The UPA II Government has today introduced the PFRDA Bill once again in the Parliament. The bill that was introduced earlier by the then Finance Minister, Shri P. Chidambaram, could not muster sufficient support to get enacted as the Left parties Parties opposed it. Even though the enactment could not be made, the Government through executive fiat had converted the statutory defined benefit Pension scheme which is in existence for decades in the case of Government employees into a contributory pension scheme.

      The All India State Government Employees Federation and the Confederation of Central Government employees had jointly taken the decision earlier to oppose the introduction of the Bill by organizing a two hour walk out programme. Accordingly we call upon all our Affiliates and State Units to immediately organize demonstration in front of all offices between 12 and 2 PM and mobilize the members for sustained serious programmes of action in the days to come. Intensive campaign programmes must be undertaken to bring home the pernicious impact the bill will bring about on the existing pensionary benefits of the Government employees. Besides, The funds accumulated from the contributions made by the employees as stipulated in the New Contributory pension scheme would be diverted to stock market for investment. Since the Government is to contribute equal amount as is being made by the employees, the new contributory pension scheme would be an unbearable drag on the exchequer and the sole beneficiary would be the big corporate houses. We must therefore embark upon a sustained struggle against the new scheme including a day's strike action as and when the bill is taken up for enactment by the Parliament..

      With greetings,


Yours fraternally,

s/d
K.K.N.Kutty;
Secretary General

PFRDA BILL INTRODUCED IN THE PARLIAMENT - Two hour demonstration against PFRDA Bill

Confederation Secretary General stated in the letter, which is published in his website today that the All India Central Government Employees Federation and the Confederation of Central Government Employees had jointly taken the decision earlier to oppose the introduction of the PFRDA Bill by organizing a two hour walk out programme...

We have given below the full content of the letter for your infromation...

PFRDA BILL INTRODUCED IN THE PARLIAMENT:

HOLD DEMONSTRATION BETWEEN 12 AND 2 PM ON
FRIDAY 25TH MARCH 2011
IN FRONT OF ALL OFFICES
TO REGISTER OUR STRONG PROTEST AGAINST THE ATTROCIOUS ATTEMPT
OF THE UPA GOVERNMENT
TO REINTRODUCE THE LAPSED BILL


      The UPA II Government has today introduced the PFRDA Bill once again in the Parliament. The bill that was introduced earlier by the then Finance Minister, Shri P. Chidambaram, could not muster sufficient support to get enacted as the Left parties Parties opposed it. Even though the enactment could not be made, the Government through executive fiat had converted the statutory defined benefit Pension scheme which is in existence for decades in the case of Government employees into a contributory pension scheme.

      The All India State Government Employees Federation and the Confederation of Central Government employees had jointly taken the decision earlier to oppose the introduction of the Bill by organizing a two hour walk out programme. Accordingly we call upon all our Affiliates and State Units to immediately organize demonstration in front of all offices between 12 and 2 PM and mobilize the members for sustained serious programmes of action in the days to come. Intensive campaign programmes must be undertaken to bring home the pernicious impact the bill will bring about on the existing pensionary benefits of the Government employees. Besides, The funds accumulated from the contributions made by the employees as stipulated in the New Contributory pension scheme would be diverted to stock market for investment. Since the Government is to contribute equal amount as is being made by the employees, the new contributory pension scheme would be an unbearable drag on the exchequer and the sole beneficiary would be the big corporate houses. We must therefore embark upon a sustained struggle against the new scheme including a day's strike action as and when the bill is taken up for enactment by the Parliament..

      With greetings,


Yours fraternally,

s/d
K.K.N.Kutty;
Secretary General

Need for timely conducting of DPC

Department of Personnel and Training (DOP&T), has stressed the need to hold the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) meetings in the prescribed time frame.   
The Ministry has noted that DPCs are not being held in advance of the vacancy year as per the prescribed schedule.  It has been strictly instructed to follow the relevant guidelines and the model calender which is in vogue.  Delays in holding DPC would affect manpower planning and also affect the career progress of the Officers.
Therefore, all the cadre Authorities are strictly instructed to adhere to the model calender for DPCs circulated vide OM Dated 08.09.1998.  Wherever DPCs are yet to be held for vacancies arising during 2011-12, it has to be completed by 31.03.2011.
Further, the Ministries/Departments have been advised to nominate a Joint Secretary Level Officer as designated authority to ensure timely holding of DPCs and adherence to the model calender.
For further details, download  F No. 22011/1/2011-Estt(D)  dated 11.03.2011

How to create a workable budget that gives you money and life?

"Modern man drives a mortgaged car over a bond-financed highway on credit-card petrol."

    Taking control of your cash inflow and outflow is the base for financial planning. Budgeting is important to gain control over your financial life, be prepared and avoid surprises, save for a major purchase, get out of debt and stay out of debt, expand your lifestyle, and to retire early.
 
Thiruvalluvar, a much celebrated Tamil poet emphasizes budgeting through his following lines:
 
Incomings may be scant; but yet, no failure there,
If in expenditure you rightly learn to spare. (Kural: 478)
 
Who prosperous lives and of enjoyment knows no bound,
His seeming wealth, departing, nowhere shall be found. (Kural: 479)
 
Most of us hesitate to make a budget because we think it is about cutting all the fun in life. Budgeting is not about cutting all the fun; it is about conscious allocation of funds. Once we start spending consciously, our mind will find out a whole new way of having fun within the budget.
 
Making Budget: A step by step guide
 
There is a saying, “God is in the details”. Detail every bit of your financials while creating a budget.
 
1)    Check your financial statements:

It could be your utility bills, d’mat account statement, other investment receipts, ITR, Form 16A, Form 16, bank statement, credit card statement etc. The idea is to make out the monthly average of income and expenses. Therefore the more details you can get the more relevant and accurate will the budget be.

2)    Listing out income from all sources:

It is very easy for us to list down the income from employment or self employment. Normally we will lose track of income from investments, rental income and other miscellaneous income. Also check is there any annual income. Don’t forget to record the incomes received by way of cash equivalents like meal voucher and credit card reward points.

3)    Finding out your total expenses:

We can easily list down the major expenses. But listing out the miscellaneous and petty expenses would be difficult. This is where the collected financial statements would help. Don’t forget the annual expenses like car insurance and property tax. Once you have recorded all the expenses then split them into fixed expenses and variable expenses. This classification will provide much more clarity.

Most people are surprised to learn that it may go for things that we do not need at all. Writing your expenditures down provides us with the unique opportunity to visualize and find out if any money goes for things that we do not need or want.

4)    Are you saving or over spending?

Now you have your total income as well as total expenses. Deduct the total expenses from the total income. You will know whether you are saving some money or doing over spending. If you are saving some money channelize that money into the priority areas such as clearing your credit card outstanding or any other loan to become debt free or retirement savings or children’s future plan. If you are on over spending, then you need to make some adjustments to expenses.

5)    Review your spending pattern:

On your expenses list, pay close attention to the variable expenses. This is where you can cut short a few expenses.

Every month we need to keep aside appropriate amount for the proportionate annual expenses.

You can find out the reasons for over spending. Most of the cases it would be emotional buying or unplanned shopping. Once you have pointed out the reasons for overspending, then find out the steps or precautions to be taken to rectify the same.

6)    Are you on the track? Check monthly:

Every month set aside an hour to compare the actual expenses with the budgeted expenses. If there is a negative deviation, find out the measures to control them.

Why your earlier budgeting attempts failed?
 
Budgeting is not a onetime activity. It is a continuous process. Normally we start budgeting with a genuine motive. But after a few months it may get off-tracked like our attempts on dieting or exercising. Therefore one needs to understand the behavioural aspects of budgeting.
 
1)    Positive Approach:

Never focus on the negative aspects. Focus on the benefits of successful budgeting. What will you accomplish by creating a budget? It could be becoming debt free, some money for vacation, planning for retirement or children’s future.


2)    Keep your enthusiasm alive:

Budgeting may over a period of time become routine and hence boring. Set a few short term goals like trying to repay the personal loan in 18 months instead of 36 months. If you achieve it reward yourself. Recognition could be a good motivating factor. Inform all your family members, friends and well wishers about your progress on budgeting. You can also join in some of the forums related to money management.

3)    Have a realistic expectation:

One needs to keep realistic expectation on the outcome of the budget. Over expectation may demotivate you. Budgeting is not a magic. It is an art like singing and dancing. You will be able to progress it only over a period of time with constant practice.
If you have not done budgeting for yourself and family so far, then now is the right time to take action. The fact that you are reading this article shows you have decided to stop procrastinating, and have answered the ancient question, “If not now, when?” with “NOW!”.
 
The author is Ramalingam K, an MBA (Finance) and Certified Financial Planner. He is the Founder and Director of Holistic Investment Planners (http://www.holisticinvestment.in/) a firm that offers Financial Planning and Wealth Management. He can be reached at ramalingam@holisticinvestment.in.