Lifebook 2013 – An innovative all-in-one design by an Indian

Mobile phones, Laptop, camera etc are no more luxury.  We need  those for better life.

All of these devices have been provided in addition to the main functionality, the fuctionality of other devices.  Say, you have a Mobile phone. It also comes with a good camera nowadays.  Similarly your laptop can be used to chat to your friend while your mobile phone can act as a computer when it stores data and process little bit of information.  But the additional functionalities that a device contain are only bits and pieces and may not be useful for a real job.

For example you forgot to take your camera for the picnic.  Your mobile phone camera can not safe you from your spouse then.  Your boss will not  spare you if had left out your laptop at home and try to convince him by saying that you have a smart phone of 1 Gtz memory, lot of apps and it would repeat what is shouted before it!

Had you ever imagine that you have a laptop which contains all the devices say a mobile phone, a camera, a tablet etc which can be removed from the labtop and used seperately when needed.

An Indian designer Prashant Chandra has thought about this and has designed a working model for Fujitsu Design Awards competition and named the same as Lifebook 2013.  He explains the Lifebook 2013 as follows.

“Our life in this IT age typically consist of these digital devices that we use everyday to do our work, entertain ourselves, enjoy our hobbies, save our memories and share and socialize with our family & friends. Presently we buy each one of these devices separately and then struggle to keep them all synchronised with our data. Also we always use these devices one at a time. This means a lot of wasted hardware which is repeated in these devices and is sitting idle in one device, when we are using other. If there was a device that could have these devices integrated into one thereby making synchronization a seamless process and overall cost of ownership lesser than what I would spend for four individual devices, it would truly be my Lifebook.”

Consisting of a notebook, tablet, phone/MP3 player, and camera, the unit doesn’t actually have a physical keyboard, the tablet becomes a virtual keyboard when docked. When connected, the unit shares hardware and storage and only needs a single power charger. This laptop computer concept is based on the principle of “shared hardware”.

Commercial production of this design is yet to begin and the same is expected to hit the market next year as the name suggests.

This idea of integrating the gadgets would really work-out, if it would make us more organised.

Source: Yanko design

Revised charge structure for Points of Presence in National Pension System (NPS)

PENSION FUND REGULATORY AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

16TH January’ 2012

PRESS RELEASE

Initiating the implementation of the recommendations of the Bajpai Committee to Review

Implementation of National Pension System (NPS) in the Private (Non-Government) Sector, Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has announced  changes in the charge structure for the Points of Presence (POP) for Private Sector subscribers under National Pension System (NPS).

At present, the Points of Presence charge a flat rate of Rs. 20 for the initial subscriber registration and Rs. 20 per transaction for any contribution upload. The Bajpai Committee had observed that a flat rate structure amounts to the poor subsidizing the rich, and a more equitable structure would be charging of fees as an ad-valorem basis.

Based on these recommendations and the comments received from various stakeholders, PFRDA has now announced the following charge structure with immediate effect:

1. An Initial subscriber registration charge of Rs.100/- and an ad valorem transaction charge of 0.25% of the initial  contribution amount from subscriber subject to a minimum of Rs.20 and a maximum of Rs. 25,000/-.  

2. Any subsequent transaction involving contribution upload  – 0.25% of the amount subscribed by the NPS subscriber, subject to minimum of Rs.20/- and a maximum of Rs. 25000/-.

3. Any other transaction not involving a contribution from subscriber – Rs 20/-

The above structure is applicable to both individuals and corporates in the Private (Non-Government) Sector, and is expected to sufficiently incentivise the PoPs to actively participate in the opening of NPS accounts and also provide improved services to account holders. The PoPs have the option to negotiate on the above charges with the subscribers, but within the prescribed charge structure.

Source: PFRDA
[http://pfrda.org.in/writereaddata/linkimages/Enhancement%20of%20Charge%20Structure%20for%20PoPs9204748236.pdf]

Related posts…

Non-Investment of NPS Fund

Central Government clears changes in PFRDA Bill, allows 26% FDI in pension

Subscribers Registered under the New Pension System (NPS)

Early Closure of Office in connection with Republic Day Parade and Beating Retreat Ceremony during 2012

No.F.16/10/2011-JCA 2
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
(Department of Personnel & Training)

North Block, New Delhi
Dated 23^rd January, 2012

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Early Closure of Office in connection with Republic Day Parade and Beating Retreat Ceremony during 2012.

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department's O.M. of even number dated 20^th December, 2011 on the subject cited above. It has been decided that the Government Offices located in MEA building on Maulana Azad Road and NDMC Tower, Palika Kendra also would be closed early at 13.00 Hours on 25^th January, 2012 (Wednesday) and 12.00 Noon on 29^th January, 2012 (Sunday).

2. Hindi version will follow.

sd/-
(Mukta Goel)
Director

Source: http://www.persmin.nic.in/
[http://circulars.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02est/16_10_2011_JCA_2.pdf]
Related links…
List of Holidays during the year 2012 for Central Government Employees…
List of Government of India Gazetted Holidays and Restricted Holidays during the year 2012

PAR Level-II Training Programme from 19th March 2012 to 30th March 2012 (Two Weeks) for PA/PS (ad-hoc) of CSSS-reg.

No. 21/1/2012-CS-II
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training

Lok Nayak Bhawan, New Delhi —110003
Dated the 23rd January, 2012

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:- PAR Level-II Training Programme from 19th March 2012 to 30th March 2012 (Two Weeks) for PA/PS (ad-hoc) of CSSS-reg.

The undersigned is directed to refer to ISTM’s letter No. A-33027/3/2010-ISTM dated 21st December, 2012 on the subject cited above and to say that PA/PS(adhoc) of CSSS whose names are given in the Annexure-I have been nominated to participate in the level-II Training Programme being conducted by the ISTM from 19.03.2012 to 30.03.2012. It is requested that these officers may please be relieved of their duties with the direction to report to the course coordinator, Shri G.D.Chawla, Assistant Director, ISTM Administrative Block, JNU Campus (Old), Olaf Palme Marg, New Delhi-
110067 at 9 A.M. on 19.03.2012.

2. Cadre Authorities are requested to:

i) ensure that the officers nominated for the above training programme are relieved in time.
ii) sanction an advance of Rs. 20,000/-(Rupees twenty thousand only) as T.A. advance for each participant along with their relieving order.
iii) forward Curriculam Vitae of each participants specifically indicating their gender in prescribed proforma given in the annexure-II, to the course
coordinator.
3. If any of the officers shown in the Annexure-I has already undergone similar refresher course conducted by ISTM , he/she may not be relieved/considered again for the above mentioned training programme and details of such officers may be forwarded to this Division.

sd/-
(Kiran Vasudeva)
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India

Source: http://www.persmin.nic.in/
[http://circulars.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02csd/Level-IItraining.pdf]

Forwarding of ACRs/APARS of CSS officers to DoPT — regarding

F.No.22/2/2012-CS.I(APAR)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training
(CS Division)

2th Floor, A Wing, Lok Nayak Bhawan
New Delhi, the 24th January 2012

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Forwarding of ACRs/APARS of CSS officers to DoPT — regarding.

The undersigned is directed to say that discrepancies have often been noticed in the ACRs/APARs of CSS officers received in the CS Division of DoP&T from the Ministries/Departments. Such incomplete and inaccurate ACRs/APARs are required to be sent back to the respective Ministries / Departments for rectification of deficiencies resulting in unwanted delay in completion of ACRs/APARs of the officer concerned.

2. In order to avoid unnecessary correspondence and delay, a Check-List for the convenience of the participating Ministries/Departments has been prepared a copy of which is enclosed. The check-list is not exhaustive, but is aimed at facilitating the Ministries/Departments to check at their end the frequently noticed inconsistencies before forwarding the ACRs/APARs to DoP&T.

3. It is once again reiterated that the instructions issued by the Establishment Division of this Department from time to time on preparation and maintenance of ACRs/APARs may be adhered to and it may be ensured by the officer authorized in the Ministries/Departments that the ACRs/APARs forwarded to the DoP&T are complete in all respects.

sd/-
(Vidyadhar Jha)
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India

Source: http://www.persmin.nic.in/
[http://circulars.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02csd/APAR_CheckList.pdf]
More orders…

NPS fees to be charged based on quantum of Contribution

As far as New Pension Scheme is concerned, the charges to be collected by Point of presence (Centers where NPS subscribers would pay their contribution) for the services rendered by them is until now is Rs.20 per transaction.

Because of this low rate fixed by the Pension regulation authority (PFRDA), the banks which mainly act as point of presence are reluctant in the transactions relating to NPS.  As a result number of New Pension Scheme subscribers from the private sector is very meager now.

In order to make Point of presence to actively participate in the New Pension Scheme Transactions and thereby increase the number of Private NPS subscribers, PFRDA has decided to allow Point of Presence to charge fees based on the quantum of contribution /investments  made the subscribers.  The following Note issued by PFRDA in this regard would give more details.

These changes in the fees will be applicable only for private (Non-Government) sector NPS subscribers.

PENSION FUND REGULATORY AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

16TH January’ 2012

PRESS RELEASE

Initiating the implementation of the recommendations of the Bajpai Committee to Review

Implementation of National Pension System (NPS) in the Private (Non-Government) Sector, Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has announced  changes in the charge structure for the Points of Presence (POP) for Private Sector subscribers under National Pension System (NPS).

At present, the Points of Presence charge a flat rate of Rs. 20 for the initial subscriber registration and Rs. 20 per transaction for any contribution upload. The Bajpai Committee had observed that a flat rate structure amounts to the poor subsidizing the rich, and a more equitable structure would be charging of fees as an ad-valorem basis.

Based on these recommendations and the comments received from various stakeholders, PFRDA has now announced the following charge structure with immediate effect:

1. An Initial subscriber registration charge of Rs.100/- and an ad valorem transaction charge of 0.25% of the initial  contribution amount from subscriber subject to a minimum of Rs.20 and a maximum of Rs. 25,000/-.

2. Any subsequent transaction involving contribution upload  – 0.25% of the amount subscribed by the NPS subscriber, subject to minimum of Rs.20/- and a maximum of Rs. 25000/-.

3. Any other transaction not involving a contribution from subscriber – Rs 20/-

The above structure is applicable to both individuals and corporates in the Private (Non-Government) Sector, and is expected to sufficiently incentivise the PoPs to actively participate in the opening of NPS accounts and also provide improved services to account holders. The PoPs have the option to negotiate on the above charges with the subscribers, but within the prescribed charge structure.

Click here to download this OM/Order	File No.	Date
NPS fees to be charged based on quantum of Contribution	Note of PFRDA	16.01.2012

Identification of Pensioners Associations under Pensioners’ Portal - A Mission Mode Project under NeGP

Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare

(Desk - C)

Subject: - Identification of Pensioners Associations under Pensioners’ Portal - A Mission Mode Project under NeGP.

A Mission Mode Pensioners’ Portal under NeGP entrusted to Department of P&PW aims at the welfare of Central Civil Pensioners across the country. Its specific objective is to facilitate redressal of Pensioners grievances and provide detailed information, guidance etc. on pension and other retirement related matters through various stake holders. The project envisages, inter-alia association of Pensioners Associations other welfare organizations in the implementation process.

Under the above project this Department had envisaged identification of a total number of 30 Pensioners Associations on the basis of the following criteria.

(a) Name of Pensioners’ Association with Address etc.

(b) Date of Registration/incorporation
(c) MOA & rules, if any
(d) Objectives of the Association
(e) Sources of funding
(f) Total membership of the Association
(g) Audited Accounts for Last 3 years
(h) Annual Activities Report for last 3 years
(i) Publication/journal details
(j) Composition of General Body
(k) No of General Body Meetings held
(I) Premises (whether hired or owned) by the Association
(m) Infra-structural details
(n) With whom the Association interact frequently.

This Department has already identified 28 pensioners Association under the Pensioners’ Portal and intend to identify two more Pensioners Associations preferably from the unrepresented States, which are Himachal Pradesh, Goa, Uttaranchal, North Eastern State (except Assam) and Union Territories. The registered Pensioners Associations in these unrepresented States/UTs, looking after the Welfare of Civil/Railways/Defence pensioners desirous of getting identified under the Pensioners Portal may send their details with reference to the above criteria to Director (PP) Department of Pension & Pensioners Welfare, 3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhawan, Khan Market, New Delhi- 110003.

Source: http://www.pensionersportal.gov.in/

[http://www.pensionersportal.gov.in/SelectionCriteria_PA_180112.pdf]

Group A and B Govt Officers may be asked to file movable property return

Government Servants in the Group A and B services may be asked to file their annual statement of movable properties (such as bank accounts, vehicles, investments etc) soon. Presently, employees in these grades are required to file only annual immovable property returns only.

Mr.V. Narayanasamy, Minister of State for Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), indicated Government’s proposal in this connection.

As per the Central Civil Services (CCA) Rules 1964 and All India Services (Conduct) Rules 1968, government servants are supposed to file their Immoveable Property Returns (IPRs) as on December 31 every year by January 31 the next year. Most of the services officers’ declarations have now been posted on websites of respective departments from last year.

The format for IPR, according to the DoPT, calls for “particulars of all immoveable property owned, acquired or inherited by him or held by him on lease or mortgage, either in his own name or in the name of any member of his family or in the name of any other person dependent on Government Servant.”

 source: The Indian Express

Child Care Leave for WB State Female employees

All of us are aware that the Women Employees working in Central Government are eligible to avail Child Care Leave for a maximum period of 2 years during their career, subject to the rules and conditions in this regard.

Now, the Women Employees of West Bengal State Government can rejoice to avail similar facility.  It is leanrt that the  West Bengal Cabinet Committee has decided to grant a special “Child Care Leave” of two years for female State Government employees.
It is further learnt that the West Bengal Govt. has decided to have similar  rules and regulations for this leave   as in the Central Government services. The CCL could be taken till a child turns 18 years. Maximum period of two years (730 days) for female employees. The female employees will get their full salary during this period.
The Government Orders/Notification in this regard are expected shortly.

Employment News for this week - Job Highlights (21 JANUARY 2012- 27 JANUARY 2012)

Government Job vacancies in Employment News for this week - Job Highlights  (21 JANUARY 2012- 27 JANUARY 2012)
Employment News has issued one more new  list of Indian Government Jobs/Vacancies in various Indian Government Departments for this week from 21.01.2012 to 27.01.2012.
Job Highlights (21 JANUARY 2012- 27 JANUARY 2012) :-
1.Employees’ State Insurance Corporation, Andhra Pradesh requires Upper Division Clerks and Multi-Tasking Staff.
2.Employees’ State Insurance Corporation, Jaipur requires Upper Division Clerks.
3.Military Engineer Services, Headquarters Chief Engineer South Western Command invites applications for various posts.
4.Military Engineer Services, Chief Engineer Headquarters Northern Command requires Store Keeper-II, Peons, Civil Motor Drivers, Chowkidars, Safaiwala and Mate.
5.NTRC Limited, New Delhi requires Graduates Engineers.
6.Andhra Bank Saifabed, Hyderabad requires Probationary Officers.
7.Reserve Bank of India, Chennai requires Security Guards in Class –IV Cadre.
8.Himachal Gramin Bank requires Officers Middle Management (Scale-II), Officer Junior Management (Scale-I) and Office Assistants.
9.High Explosives Factory Khadki invites applications for various Group ‘C’ posts.
10.Ordnance Factory, Muradnagar invites applications for various posts.
11.Ordnance Factory, Itarasi requires Store Keepers, Fireman and Durwan.
12.Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited, Chennai requires Graduate Executive Trainees.
13.Central Industrial Security Force requires Constables (Tradesmen) under Special recruitment drive for Ex-Servicemen- 2012.
14.Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force requires Sub-Inspector (Overseer)
15.Metal and Steel Factory Ishapore requires Group ‘C’ posts in Semi-Skilled Grade.

Grant of Child Care Leave to State Government employees

Grant of Child Care Leave to State Government employees
Child Care Leave of 2 years for women employees of West Bengal
The West Bengal Cabinet Committee has decided to grant a special “Child Care Leave” of two years for female State Government employees.
The rules and regulations for this leave is the same method as in the Central Government services. The CCL could be taken till a child turns 18 years. Maximum period of two years (730 days) for female employees. The female employees will get their full salary during this period.
The Central Government had introduced the leave facility in 2008 for its employees. At present, state government employees are entitled to four months of maternity leave.
The official order will be published soon.
Courtesy: CGStaffnews
Related posts…

Child Care Leave to State Government Employees

Grant of Child Care Leave to Civilian Female Industrial Employees of Defence Establishments

CCS (Leave) (Fourth Amendment) Rules, 2011.

Grant of Child Care Leave to State Government employees

Grant of Child Care Leave to State Government employees
Child Care Leave of 2 years for women employees of West Bengal
The West Bengal Cabinet Committee has decided to grant a special “Child Care Leave” of two years for female State Government employees.
The rules and regulations for this leave is the same method as in the Central Government services. The CCL could be taken till a child turns 18 years. Maximum period of two years (730 days) for female employees. The female employees will get their full salary during this period.

Click here to continue...

Income Tax Department Directed to Launch Special Drive for Verifying High Value Transactions

Ministry of Finance

Income Tax Department Directed to Launch Special Drive for Verifying High Value Transactions

The Central Board of Direct Taxes has directed the Income Tax department to launch a special drive, from 20th January to 20th March 2012, for verifying high value transactions (investments / deposits / expenditure) from persons who are not assessed to income tax or who have not furnished their PAN while entering into such transactions. In an instruction issued today, the CBDT issued proforma for query letters and responses to be issued to the high value investors / depositors / spenders.

Addressees will be required to furnish their PAN if they already have one, or apply immediately for PAN to NSDL / UTIISL if they do not have one. They will also be required to explain the source of the high value investments / deposits / expenditure, and whether these are properly accounted for / explained in the income tax return filed by them. Persons who have not properly accounted for the high value transactions, are required to pay due taxes and file the income tax return within this financial year, i.e. by 31st March, 2012. For furnishing the information called for, visit to the tax office is not necessary. Information can be sent by speed / registered post.

In some cases, the tax officials may also visit the premises of the high value investors / depositors / spenders. In such cases, the taxpayer should verify the identity of the tax official before furnishing information in the prescribed proforma. In case of any grievance or complaint, taxpayer may contact the assessing officer or the additional / joint commissioner or the commissioner concerned. The visiting tax official is required to furnish the telephone numbers of his supervisory officers.

There are penal consequences of not obtaining PAN or reporting it. For not paying proper taxes, there can be penalty up to 300% of the unpaid tax, and also prosecution in some cases.

PIB: DSM/SS/GN
(Release ID :79684)

Fixation of Pay consequent upon 6th Pay Commission in cadres of Inspectors / PAs / AOs - reg.

Fixation of Pay consequent upon 6th Pay Commission in cadres of Inspectors / PAs /AOs in Income Tax Dept.

Consequent upon the upgradation of pay recommended by sixth CPC as 6500-10500 to 7450-11500 with Grade Pay of Rs.4600, many dept. has done fixation as on 01.01.2006 with basic pay as Rs.7450 for these cadres. But as that is not mentioned in the DOPT order memo dated 13.01.2009 [only enhancement of Grade Pay from Rs.4200 to Rs.4600 is mentioned in the said order], Zonal A/Cs offices are insisting for recoveries where the minimum has been fixed as Rs.13860 [7450 X 1.86] + Grade Pay of Rs.4600.

Recently I.T. Dept has issued an order to ZAO not to recover the amount as it is under "Active Consideration" of  DOPT and most likely it will be granted.
View the I.T Dept. Order Dtd. 28.12.2011
http://www.irsofficersonline.gov.in/Documents/OfficalCommunique/11229201121742.PDF

Citizen and Client Charter uploaded on I&B Ministry Website

Ministry of Information & Broadcasting

Citizen and Client Charter uploaded on I&B Ministry Website
 
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has uploaded Citizen/ Client’s Charter on its website. The vision of the Citizen/ Client’s Charter is to create an enabling environment for Media and Entertainment sector, with appropriate policy framework, to help it grow at a sustainable annual growth rate of above 12 per cent and, in the process, take the benefits of the emerging technologies to disseminate information on the Government’s policies, programmes and its achievement, and facilitate value based wholesome entertainment for the people of India.
The Mission of the Charter is:
 
·                     To effectively disseminate information on the policies, programmes and achievements of Government while ensuring free flow of information to the public and safeguarding freedom of the press and media in general.
·                     To promote, facilitate and develop the Broadcasting Industry in India and strengthen the Public Service Broadcaster.
·                     To promote and develop good and value based content for healthy entertainment of people of all ages and create a policy framework for achieving this.
·                     Universal Digitalization for broadcasting by 2017.
·                     Expansion of FM Radio network to all cities with a population of one lakh and above by 2014.
·                     To restore, digitalize, preserve and enhance public access to the archival wealth of films, video and audio resources.
·                     Digital conversion of Indian Films by 2017.
·                     Human Resource Development and setting up of the Centres if Excellence for Media and Entertainment sectors
 
The Charter outlines all the major services rendered by the Ministry to the citizens alongwith the procedure and the stipulated timelines. The subject listed are as follows:
 
·                     Issue of license for providing DTH services to prospective licensee.
·                     Issue of License to Multi System Operators.
·                     Setting up teleports by TV Channels for uplinking/ downlinking.
·                     Issue of permission for Uplinking/ Downlinking of TV Channels uplinked from India.
·                     Issue of Permission for Down linking of TV Channels uplinked from Abroad.
·                     Setting up of Community Radio Stations(CRS) by Non-Governmental Organisations(NGO), Educational Institutes and Krishi Vigyan Kendras /Institutes.
·                     Issue of approval letter for the publication of Indian editions of foreign magazines/ journal/ periodical /New Magazine by an entity having foreign investment in the category of Speciality/ Technical/ Scientific.
·                     Issue of approval letter for the publication of Indian editions of foreign magazines dealing with news and current affairs/ newspapers by an entity having foreign investment/ facsimile edition of foreign newspaper by an entity having/not having foreign investment.
·                     To facilitate and encourage the Media Units falling under the administrative control of Ministry to discharge their functions as per their individual Citizens’ Charter and to issue instructions thereof.
·                     Issue of permission letter to the foreign Producers for shooting of feature films for TV/Cinema and reality shows/commercial TV serials.
 
The Charter also highlights the Evaluation Criteria, Performance and Service Standards for each of the services identified.

No recovery from IT Inspectors, PSs and AOs fixed with minimum pay of Rs.13860

Para (ii) of Section I of Part B of CCS (Revised) Pay Rule, 2008 (Click here to download), provides as follows.

On accont of merger of pre-revised pay scales of Rs.5000-8000, Rs.5500-9000 and Rs.6500-10500 some posts which presently constitute feeder and promotion grades will come lie in an identical grade.  The specific recommendations about some categories of these posts made by pay commission are included in Section II of Part B.  As regards other posts, the posts in thewe three scales should be merged.  In case it is not feasible to merge the posts in these pay scales on functional considerations, the posts in the scale of Rs.5000-8000 and Rs.5500-9000 should be merged, the post in the scale of Rs.6500-10500 being upgraded to the next higher grade pay in pay band PB-2 ie to the grade pay of Rs.4600 corresponding to the pre-revised pay scale of Rs.7450-11500. In case a post already exists in the scale of Rs.7450-11500, the post being upgraded from the scale of Rs.6500-10500 should be merged with the post in the scale of Rs.7450-11500.

Based on the above decision, it was represented to the Government by the employees especially Income tax Inspectors, PSs and AOs in Income Tax Department and Central Excise and Customs Inspectors, who were in the pre-revised scale of Rs.6500-10500 prior to implementation of Sixth Pay Commission, for giving 6CPC pay equivalent to pre-revised pay scale of Rs.7450/-.

Government considered the representation rather partially in favour of these employees in this case as only their grade pay was raised from Rs.4200 to Rs.4600 which the GP equivalent to the pre-revised pay scale of Rs.7450-11500.  However, the fixation of their minimum pay at Rs.13,860 (1.86 times of Rs.7450) was not done since, the Office Memorandum No: 1/1/2008-IC dated 13.11.2009 which granted the enhanced grade pay in this issue was silent about the fixation of minimum pay at Rs.13,860 in this case.
Now, income tax department has come up with an instruction to its accounts officers in this regard.  It is specifically instructed to all accounts officers not to recover the amount from the emplyees who were fixed and paid with the minimum pay of Rs.13,860 on the premise that revised minimum pay equivalent to pre-revised pay scale of Rs.7450-11500 should given once the grade pay of these employees were ordered to enhanced from Rs.4200 to Rs.4600 (which is the grade pay equivalent to pre-revised pay scale of Rs.7450-11500).

It is categorically stated in the Letter F.No:HRD/CM/175/2010-11/3093 dated 28.12.2011, that since there is a more than fair chance that fixation will be done respect to the minimum of Rs.13,860 in this case making recoveries on this account will be unjustified.

This order will be much beneficial to the Income tax, Central Excise and Customs Inspectors, PSs and AOs who have joined in service just prior to 6CPC implementation (say in the year 2004, 2005 etc) since they are likely to get the minimum pay of Rs.13,860/- relevant to the grade pay of Rs.4600.

The Letter F.No:HRD/CM/175/2010-11/3093 dated 28.12.2011 issued by Human Resource Department of Income Tax can be downloaded using the link below.

 

New

Railways to Accept “Aadhaar” as Additional Identity Proof for E-Ticketing & Tatkal Scheme

Ministry of Railways

Railways to Accept “Aadhaar” as Additional Identity Proof for E-Ticketing & Tatkal Scheme

As “Aadhaar” is covered under the heading ‘Photo Identity Card Issued by Central/State Government’, the Ministry of Railways has decided to specifically incorporate and indicate “Aadhaar” as one of the proofs of identity acceptable for undertaking journey on e-tickets as well as under Tatkal scheme. Hence, the number of proofs of identity to be accepted for undertaking journey on e-tickets as well as under Tatkal scheme will now become 9 (nine) as mentioned below:

(i)    Voter Photo Identity Card issued by Election Commission of India.
(ii)    Passport
(iii)    PAN Card issued by Income Tax Department
(iv)    Driving License issued by RTO
(v)    Photo Identity Card issued by Central/State Government
(vi)    Student Identity Card with photograph issued by recognized School/college for their students.
(vii)    Nationalized Bank Passbook with photograph
(viii)    Credit Cards issued by Banks with laminated photograph and
(ix)    Unique Identification Card “Aadhaar”

Reservation for Other Backward Classes in Civil Posts and Services under the Govt. of India — Sub-quota for Minority Communities

No.4I018/2/2011-Estt. (Res.)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training

North Block. New Delhi- 110001
Dated the 22nd December, 2011

OFFICF MEMORANDUM

Subject: Reservation for Other Backward Classes in Civil Posts and Services under the Govt. of India — Sub-quota for Minority Communities.

The undersigned is directed to invite attention to this Department’s O.M. No.36012/22/93-Estt.(SCT) dated 8th September, 1993 regarding reservation for Other Backward Classes in civil posts and services under the Government of India.

2. The Government of India had set up the National Commission for Religious and Linguistic Minorities to suggest criteria for the identification of the socially and economically backward sections amongst Religious and Linguistic Minorities and to recommend measures for their welfare, including reservation in Government employment. The Commission submitted its report to the Government on 10th May. 2007, wherein it had, inter-alia, recommended creation of a sub-quota for minorities from within the reservation of 27% available to OBCs, in Government employment.

3. The Government have carefully considered the above recommendation and it has been decided to carve out a sub-quota of 4.5% for minorities, as
defined under Section 2 (c) of the National Commission for Minorities Act. 1992, from within the 27% reservation for OBCs as notified by the aforesaid O.M. The castes / communities of the said minorities which are included in the Central list of OBCs, notified state-wise from time to time by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, shall be covered by the said sub-quota.

4. Similar instructions in respect of public sector undertakings and financial institutions including public sector banks will be issued by the Department of Public Enterprises and by the Ministry of Finance respectively.

5. These orders will have effect from 1st January, 2012 and the O.M. No. 36012/22 93-Estt. (SCT), dated 8th September, 1993 stands modified to the above extent.

6. The Hindi version of the O.M, follows.

sd/-
(Sharad Kumar Srivastava)
Under Secretary to the Government of India

Source: http://www.persmin.nic.in/

[http://circulars.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02adm/41018_2_2011_Estt_Res.pdf]

Direct Tax Code might discourage taking life Insurance Policies and investment in pension funds

The Direct Tax Code (DTC) is in the offing.  The bill for this new income tax statue  might be introduced in the  parliament this winter.   Once DTC is in place the income tax act and rules will no longer exist.

It is perceived that the proposed new Direct Taxes Code Bill 2010, if implemented in the proposed form, will be detrimental to the interests of individual policy-holders in insurance companies.

Under the proposed DTC Bill 2010, deduction for payment towards a typical life insurance cover is allowed if the premium paid in any of the years during the policy term does not exceed 5 per cent of the capital sum assured under the policy.

This proposed cap of 5 per cent will deny benefits to large number of policyholders. For an individual aged 30, the minimum term will be around 21- 22 years and for 40 years and above, the term will be 28 years or more.

This will lead to inequity, as for the same term and sum assured, the tax exemption would be available to, say, a 30-year-old person, but not to 40-year-ld person because of higher term insurance content.

Thus, a policyholder of higher age will be forced to pay premiums beyond his working age.

To ensure that life insurance products are long term, there is a minimum lock-in period of five years. The IRDA, in its recommendation to the CBDT, has suggested that only those policies should be allowed for deductions which have a minimum maturity period of 10 years.

Hence, it will be prudent to revise the minimum term of policies to 10 years irrespective of the frequency of premium paid during the term.

Shared allocation

In DTC Bill 2010, a separate window of a much lower amount of Rs 50,000 has been prescribed for life insurance premiums, tuition fees and health insurance premiums.

With increasing costs of education and health care services, much of this small limit would be utilised, leaving little space for life insurance premium. Thus, this shared allocation, actually tries to further undermine the importance of life insurance as an asset class and deprive the benefit of social security to the policyholders.

However, the proposed Bill provides a total exemption up to Rs 1 lakh for investments in long-term savings such as Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), Public Provident Fund (PPF) and New Pension System (NPS) with no prescribed minimum holding period for investment in these instruments.

It will be desirable to provide a limit of Rs 1,00,000 for life insurance premiums/annuities too.

Also, there are now approximately 31 crores of in-force policies and the persons holding these policies would be substantially affected if the proposed Bill is implemented in its current form, since DTC Bill 2010 does not specify grandfathering of existing policies.

Need for parity

Under the current tax regime, Section 80CCC of the Income-Tax Act 1961 provides for deduction in respect of premiums paid under IRDA approved pension fund/annuity plan. This deduction is allowed up to the aggregate limit of Rs 100,000, considering deduction under Section 80C as well.

However, under the proposed tax regime (DTC), only that amount received under NPS, which is used to buy an annuity plan, will not be taxable in the year of such receipt.

Similar provision needs to be inserted for annuity received by the policyholder from a life insurance company so as to bring parity in long term saving products.

One does get a feeling that the thinkers in the tax planning divisions feel that long-term savings through life insurance is less important for the economy than savings through Employee Provident fund, Public Provident fund and the New Pension Scheme, with the latter being  benefited through fiscal incentives.

Guidelines regarding referral letters and settlement of bills of Empanelled Hospitals / Diagnostic Laboratories / Imaging Centres through UTI-ITSL

CGHS Orders : Guidelines regarding referral letters and settlement of bills of Empanelled Hospitals / Diagnostic Laboratories / Imaging Centres through UTI-ITSL

Government of India
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Department of Health & Family Welfare
Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi 110 108

No:S.110011/23/2009-CGHS D.II/Hospital Cell (Part IX)

Dated, the 20th December, 2011

CIRCULAR

Subject: Guidelines regarding referral letters and settlement of bills of Empanelled Hospitals / Diagnostic Laboratories / Imaging Centres through UTI-ITSL

With reference to the above mentioned subject the undersigned is directed to state that in response to several queries received by Ministry seeking clarifications regarding settlement of hospital bills through UTI-TSL, it has been decided to issue the following guidelines for the Empanelled Hospitals / Diagnostic Laboratories / Imaging Centres, CGHS and UTI-ITSL:

2(A) INSTRUCTIONS TO EMPANELLED HOSPITALS / DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORIES / IMAGING CENTRES

1. The empanelled Hospitals / Diagnostic labs / Imaging Centres will honour permission letters (Referral letters) duly signed and stamped with proper issue number. Wherever the permission letters have been issued through computers, any manual corrections should be duly countersigned and stamped.

2. The Hospital shall not undertake treatment of referred cases in specialties for which it is not empanelled, But it shall provide necessary treatment to stabilize the patient and transport the patient safely to nearest recognized hospital under intimation to CGHS authorities. However in such cases the Hospital shall charge as per the CGHS rates only for the treatment provided.

3. The Hospitals / Diagnostic labs / Imaging Centres should provide treatment only for the procedures / investigations for which they are empanelled. If any inadvertent permission letter has been issued for other procedures for which they are not empanelled, the Hospital / Diagnostic lab / Imaging Centre will inform the beneficiary accordingly and refer him / her back to the dispensary, except in emergency condition.

4. In case of procedures like Chemotherapy / Radiotherapy / Dialysis and follow—up treatment procedures where the permission is valid for 3-6 months and a copy of the permission letter is enclosed with the hospital bill for the second and

5. subsequent admissions, hospitals will indicate the ID No. of the Claim wherein original permission letter had been enclosed.

6. CGHS Cards / Plastic cards are valid in all CGHS cities, irrespective of the city where the CGHS card is registered. In case any verification regarding the photocopies of Plastic card / CGHS card is required the details of the individual may be ascertained by accessing the data online at http://cqhs.nic.in/welcome.jsp by entering relevant details. A print out of the same may be enclosed. The beneficiary will not be asked to submit a colour photo copy of CGHS / Plastic Card.

6.1 In case of implants and coronary stents the bills must be accompanied by a copy of the relevant invoices pertaining to the procurement of the stents / implants by the hospitals. In addition to this, the outer pouch of the Stent packet along with the sticker on it on which details of the stent are printed shall also be enclosed with the medical bill for claiming reimbursement. In case of medicines, a consolidated list with relevant batch numbers and cost must be enclosed.

6.2 The empanelled hospital shall also submit a self certified undertaking that the hospital has not charged the CGHS / CS(MA) beneficiary more than the rate atwhich stent / implant / medicine has been procured by the hospital and in case of any detection and establishment that the hospital has overcharged the hospital shall be removed from the list of hospitals empanelled under CGHS without any further notice.

7. In case of serving employees admitted under emergency, the hospitals shall ensure that the details pertaining to the office where the patient is employed are entered in records.

8. In case of indoor treatment, routine investigations are included in the package.However, if any special investigations are performed, reports of such special investigations should be enclosed and reimbursement shall be considered on merits of each case.

9. ICU — package includes — accommodation charges in ICU, Monitoring and ECG.Other investigations cost of medicines and disposables and ‘2’ consuftations charges per day are reimbursable as per applicable norms in addition to the package rate of ICU, Cost of ventilator and oxygen if, any are reimbursable as perapplicable norms. In selected cases, where opinion of other specialists is necessary, only one consultation by a specialist per day may be considered necessary. Reports of Investigations should be enclosed along with the opinion of the other specialist.

10. In case of emergency treatment wherein a CGHS beneficiary has been admitted for more than 10 days detailed summary of reports of all the Investigations shall been closed.

11. In case of CAG / Angioplasty / CABG, the bills should be accompanied by the findings of Coronary angiography test of the beneficiary.

12. In case of pensioner CGHS beneficiaries on a visit to another city and treatments taken under medical emergency or with prior permissions, hospitals / diagnostic centres will send hospital bill through UTI- ITSL to CGHS of City, where the hospital / diagnostic centre is located, irrespective of the CGHS city, where the card is registered.

13.The rates and guidelines for Exclusive cancer hospitals are applicable only for Exclusive Cancer hospitals / units approved under Exclusive Cancer hospitals.

2(B). INSTRUCTIONS TO UTI-TSL

1. UTI-ITSL shall have to thoroughly scrutinize the physical bills submitted by hospitals before they are accepted. This is to ensure that the hospitals receive provisional payments within 10 days of submission of the physical bills.

2. UTI-ITSL shall seek clarifications, if any, within a maximum of ‘3’ days of receipt of the physical bill- all clarifications in one go.

3. UTI-ITSL shall submit physical bills to CGHS in small bundles and ensure that they are acknowledged by CGHS.

4. UTI-ITSL and CGHS shall ensure that reconciliations of the payment of bills with Pay & Accounts Officer is undertaken regularly.

5. UTI-ITSL shall inform the details of deductions made including TDS.

6. UTI-ITSL shall ensure that recoveries, if any are made from subsequent bills of hospitals.

2(C). INSTRUCTIONS TO ADs / JDs / CMOs I/C

1. Permissions shall be issued only for eligible persons and against approved hospitals and diagnostic centres It is the responsibility of the CMO i/c to ensure that permissions are issued only for approved centres and listed procedures.

2. Permission letter should be specific for the treatment / investigation to be undertaken.

3. In case of Chemotherapy / Radiotherapy and Haemodialysis, the permission letters shall clearly mention the number of cycles of Chemotherapy / Radiotherapy planned and how many dialyses are to be undertaken in a week.

4. CMOS i/c shall ensure that permission letters are issued on the same day, if a beneficiary applies for the same before 11 AM.

5. Addl Directors / Joint Directors shall not return the bills in original (RIO) to UTI-ITSL without specifying valid reasons or indicating the deficiencies or the amount to be adjusted in subsequent bills.

6. ADs / JDs shall indicate to UTI-ITSL, the details of deductions made in claimed amount — bill wise - online through an excel sheet.

7. ADs / JDs shall hold review meetings with representatives of UTI-ITSL and hospitals and diagnostic centres on a regular basis.

3. These instructions will be applicable from 26/12/2011.

4. Old settled cases shall not be reopened.

5. These instructions shall supercede the earlier decisions taken during the meeting held on 5th , 6th and 7th of September 2011 in the office of Addl. Director, CGHS(HQ), New Delhi.

UTI-ITSL, ADs including AD (HO)  / JDs of CGHS / Empanelled Hospitals / Diagnostic Laboratories / Imaging Centres shall comply with these instructions & guidelines.

sd/-
(V.P.Singh)
Deputy Secretary to Government of India

Source: http://www.msotransparent.nic.in/
[http://msotransparent.nic.in/writereaddata/cghsdata/mainlinkfile/File427.pdf]

Employment News Weekly updates : Job Highlights (24 DECEMBER 2011 - 30 DECEMBER 2011)

Employment News Weekly updates : Job Highlights from 24th DECEMBER 2011 to 30th DECEMBER 2011.
The ‘Employment News’ has published a new vacancy table with the title of ‘Job Highlights (24 DECEMBER 2011 - 30 DECEMBER 2011)’ on its official website. More Government vacancies has been highlighted in this list, the list is given below for your convenience…
Job Highlights from 24th DECEMBER 2011 to 30th DECEMBER 2011
Delhi Technological University requires Professors and Associate Professors.
Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak (MP) requires Professors, Associate Professors and Assistant Professors.
Military Engineer Service, Pune invites application for various posts.
Public Service Commission, Uttar Pradesh invites applications for various posts.
Reserve Bank of India, Chandigarh requires Maintenance Attendant in Class IV cadre.
Kolkata Port Trust requires Commander, D&D Service, 2nd Officer, D&D Service and Chief Engineer Class I Vessel.
Employees State Insurance Corporation, Guwahati requires Multi Tasking Staff and Upper Division Clerks.
Department of Posts, India requires Postal Assistants and Postmen.
Ordnance Service Corps Records (AT), Bangalore, requires Lower Division Clerk and Peon.
Headquarters Southern Naval Command, Kochi requires LDCs, Stenographers Grade-III, Telephone Operators Grade-II, MT Fitter, Chargeman, Photo Printer etc.
Indian Coast Guard invites applications for the post of Navik (GD/DB)-02/2012 Batch.
More news…

Employment News Weekly Updates ; Job Highlights (17 DECEMBER 2011 - 23 DECEMBER 2011)

Employment News: Latest Central Government Jobs/Vacancies

Employment News Weekly Updates : Govt. Jobs listed

Employment News Weekly updates - Job Highlights (03 DECEMBER 2011 - 09 DECEMBER 2011)

Frequently Asked Questions : UPSC, APAR and Commercial Employment after Retirement

Frequently Asked Questions : UPSC, APAR and Commercial Employment after Retirement

Related to UPSC, APAR and Commercial Employment after Retirement

UPSC

(i) What are the documents to be sent to the UPSC to obtain its advice on disciplinary cases?

Answer- The instructions prescribing checklist/proforma including documents required to be sent to UPSC to obtain its views on disciplinary cases have been issued vide O.M. No. 39011/12/2009- Estt.(B) dated 10.05.2010. Reference is also to be made tt.. O.M. No. 39035/1/2011-Estt.(B) dated 10.5.2011, a copy each of which is also available in this Department's website (http://persmin.nic.in/.

(ii) Is there any provision to get UPSC's advice in disciplinary matters where the Courts have given a time limit for completion of the proceedings?

Answer — Yes, the instructions issued in this matter by this Department are contained in O.M. No. 39035/01/2011-Estt.(B) dated 10.05.2011 which is also available in this Department's website.

(iii) Can the penalty proposed to be imposed by the Dise;, linary Authority be intimated to UPSC while seeking its advice ?

Answer— No. This Department's O.M. No. 39034/1/2009-Estt.(B) dated 12.01.2010 ref ers, which is also available in this Department's website.

(iv) What is the procedure if the Disciplinary Authority does not want to accept the UPSC's advice in a disciplinary proceeding?

Answer — The procedure to be followed while disagreeing with the advice of UPSC in a disciplinary proceedings is contained in O.M. No. 39023/02/2006-Estt.(B) dated 05.12.2006 which is also avao able in this Department's website.

(v) In case a Ministry wants to exclude any post which is under the purview of the UPSC as per Constitutional mandate, is it necessary that the comments of the UPSC in the matter be taken before referring the matter to the DOP&T ?

Answer — Yes.

(vi) Which are the posts exempted presently from the purview of the UPSC ?

Answer— Details of post/services exempted from consultation with UPSC have been listed in the UPSC (Exemption from Cons,  _ration) Regulations, 1958 issued by this Department amended from time to time. A copy of updated UPSC (Exemption from Consultation) Regulations, 1958 is also available in this Department's website (http://persmin.nic.in/.

(vii) What is the composition of the UPSC ?

Answer— The Union Public Service Commission consists of Chairman and ten Members.

(viii) What are the conditions of service applicable for Chairman and Members of UPSC ?

Answer — The conditions of service for Chairman and Members of the Commission are governed by the Union Public Service Commission (Members) Regulations, 1969, which generally follow those applicable to the Chief Election Commissioner/ Election Commissioners.

(ix) In which of the examinations conducted by the UPSC, candidates can write answers in any of the languages included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution ?

Answer—Presently only in Civil Services (Mains) Examinations conducted by the UPSC, the candidates can write answers in any of the languages
included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution.

SSC

(i) What are the categories of posts for which the SSC makes recruitment?

Answer — SSC makes recruitment to Group 'B' (Non-Gazetted) posts and Group 'C' (non-technical) posts in the Ministries/ Departments of the Government of India including its attached and subordinate offices. The SSC also makes recruitment to certain technical posts like JEs.

(ii) What are the Regional Offices/Sub-Regional Offices of SSC?

Answer—There are 7 Regional Offices at Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengluru, Guwahati & Allahabad and 2 Sub-Regional 0 ,  flees at
Raipur and Chandigarh. For details, the website of SSC(http://ssc.nic.in/  may be referred to.

APAR

(i) Since when the entire remarks in the APAR is being conveyed to the officer reported upon for representation, if any ?

Answer — From the report for 2008-09 onwards.

(ii) On the basis of representation submitted for upgrading the grading in the ACR/APAR under OM dated 13.4.2010, can a review DPC be convened if the Competent Authority upgrades the grading to the benchmark level ?

Answer — The O.M. No. 21011/1/2010-Estt.A dated 13.4.2010 does not envisage any review DPC and it is concerned with future DPCs only to be held after the date of issue of the O.M.

(iii) What are the time schedule for completion of various processes in the APAR ?

Answer— Annexure—III to O.M. No. 21011/1/2005-Estt. (A) (Pt-II) dated 23rd  July, 2009 refers. This O.M. is available in this Department's website.

Commercial Employment after retirement for Group 'A' Officer

(i) What are the provisions in this regard?

Answer:— Rule 10 of the CCS(Pension) Rules, 1972 has the provisions in this regard. The latest amendment to the above rule in the CCS(Pension) Rules was notified on 23.11.2006. The procedure for grant of permission to the pensioners for commercial employment after retirement has been indicated in O.M. No. 27012/5/2010-Estt.(A) dated 5.12.2006, a copy of which is available in this Department's website.

(ii) What is the procedure to grant permission to take up commercial employment after retirement in respect of officers retired at the level of JS/equivalent and above?

Answer: — The cadre authority/Ministry/Department from which the officer retired has to examine the proposal with reference to guidelines in this regard given in sub-rule(3) of Rule 10 of the CCS(Pension) Rules. After approval to the proposal by the Minister-in-charge of the cadre controlling Department of the Service to which such persons belongs to, and the Minister-incharge of the Department where such a person worked during
last one year, the proposal has to be forwarded to for further processing.

(iii) What are the documents to be furnished to DOP&T when a proposal to grant permission to take up commercial employment after retirement in respect of officers retired at the level of JS/equivalent and above is to be considered by DOP&T ?

Answer:— The formal written request of the retired officer, notes examining the fulfillment of guidelines given in sub-rule(3) of Rule 10 of CCS(Pension) Rules, 1972, approval of the concerned Ministers to the proposal as explained in the previous question, the offer for commercial employment received by the retired officer, Form 25 appended to the CCS(Pension) Rules duly filled in and signed by the retired officer, an affidavit from retired officer as stated in the aforesaid O.M. dated 5.12.2006, integrity certificate for the retired officer and a check list appending the clauses (a) to (1) of sub-rule(3) of Rule 10 of CCS(Pension) Rules and the answer to such issues. The ACR APAR dossier of the retired officer should also be linked.

Source: http://www.persmin.nic.in/

[http://persmin.gov.in/DOPT/RTICorner/ProactiveDisclosure/FAQ_EsttB.pdf]

Dopt order: Extension of Risk Allowance till 31.12.2011

No.21012/01/12008-Estt.(Allowance)

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel. Public Grievances and Pension

Department of Personnel & Training

New Delhi, December 28 2011

OFFICE MEMORAPUM

Subject: Extension of Risk Allowance till 31.12.2011.

           The undersigned is directed to refer this Departments OM No.21012/01/2008-Estt.(AL) dated 19.07.2011 vide which payment of Risk Allowance was extended till 31.12.2011. Extension of Risk Allowance for a further period of six months beyond 31.12.2011 has been considered and it has been decided that Risk Allowance may be continued at the existing rates for a further period of six months upto 30.06.2012 or till such time Risk Insurance Scheme is implemented, whichever is earlier.

sd/-
(Zoya C.B.)
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India

Source: http://www.persmin.nic.in/
[http://circulars.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02est/21012_01_2008-Estt.Allowance-28122011.pdf]

Click here to get the old orders:

OM No.21012/01/2008-Estt.(AL) dated 25-01-2011

No.21012/01/2008-Estt.(Allowance) dated 19 – 07-2011

Press Release on New CPI for November, 2011

Press Release on New CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (CPI) on base 2010=100 for Rural, Urban and Combined for the month for the month of Nov, 2011

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION
CENTRAL STATISTICS OFFICE

Dated the 19th December, 2011
28th Agrahayana, 1933 Saka 

PRESS RELEASE

CONSUMER PRICE INDEX NUMBERS ON BASE 2010=100 FOR RURAL,

URBAN AND COMBINED FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER, 2011

The Central Statistics Office (CSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has introduced a new series of Consumer Price Indices (CPI) on base 2010=100 for all-India and States/UTs separately for rural, urban and combined with effect from January, 2011. 
Provisional indices for the month of  November 2011 and also final indices for September, 2011 are being released with this note for all-India and for States/UTs. It may be mentioned that annual inflation rates would be available at the time of release of indices for January, 2012, when the indices for one year are available.
All India indices
All India provisional General (all groups), Group and Sub- Group level CPI numbers of November, 2011 for rural, urban and combined (rural plus urban) are given in Annex I. The General Indices for rural, urban and combined are  115.9,  112.5 and  114.4 respectively.  Percentage changes in all India provisional indices of November 2011 as compared to provisional  of October 2011 indices are given in Annex II.
State/UT indices
State/UT-wise General provisional CPI numbers for rural, urban and combined are at Annex III. State/ UT wise Group level provisional indices are
available in the Ministry’s website (http://www.mospi.gov.in%29./
Next date of release: 18.01.2012 for December, 2011.

Click here to continue...

Source: http://www.mospi.nic.in/
[http://mospi.nic.in/Mospi_New/upload/t4.pdf]

Promotion of LDC as UDC of Central Secretariat Clerical Service(CSCS) on ad-hoc basis- Continuance of Ad-hoc appointments regarding.

No.3/2/2010-CS-II
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training

3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhavan,
New Delhi — 110 003.
Dated 28th December, 2011.

Office Memorandum

Subject: Promotion of LDC as UDC of Central Secretariat Clerical Service(CSCS) on ad-hoc basis- Continuance of Ad-hoc appointments regarding.

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department’s O.M. No.3/2/2010-CS.II dated 17th June, 2011 whereby cadre units were permitted to continue the ad-hoc appointments in the UD Grade of CSCS up to 31.12.2011 and to say that the continuation of the ad-hoc appointments in the U.D grade made by the cadre units has been reviewed in this Department. Since availability of regular UDCs through normal modes of recruitment prescribed under the CSCS Rules may take some more time, it has been decided that the period of ad-hoc appointment of those UDCs who already have been working as UDC on ad-hoc basis in the UD Grade of CSCS may be extended up to 30th June, 2012 or till regular UDCs become available, whichever is earlier.

2. Other terms and conditions mentioned in this Department’s O.M. No.3/6/2004-CS.II dated 28.2.2005 will remain unchanged.

3. Hindi version will follow.

sd/-
(J.Minz)
Under Secretary to the Govt of India

Source: http://www.persmin.nic.in/
[http://circulars.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02csd/ldc_udc_adhoc.pdf]

Click here to get the O.M.
No.3/2/2010-CS.II dated 17th June, 2011
No.4/3/2010-CS.II(B) 5th August, 2010

Expansion of Preventive Health Check up Project in CGHS Delhi

Government of India
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Department of Health and Family Welfare
Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi-110108

No. 11-25/2009-CGHS/SZ/CGHS(P)

Date: 22nd December, 2011

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Sub: Expansion of Preventive Health Check up Project in CGHS Delhi.

A Pilot Project was initiated for Preventive Health Checkup at CGHS Wellness Centre R. K. Puram-V, New Delhi in the year 2010-11. On the basis of the feedback received and also keeping in view of the importance of Diagnosis of Chronic Non-communicable Health Problems at the preventive level, it has been decided to expand the project to other dispensaries of CGHS Delhi-NCR. 8 Wellness Centres have been identified in order to initiate the project activity which will cover the whole of CGHS Delhi as referral centres on zonal basis. The dispensaries are as follows-

1. CGHS Wellness Centre, R.K. Puram-V(South Zone)

2. CGHS Wellness Centre, Sadiq Nagar (South Zone)

3. CGHS Wellness Center, Chanakya Puri (Central Zone)

4. CGHS Wellness Centre. Pandara Road (Central Zone)

5. CGHS Wellness Centre. Janakpuri-I(North Zone)

6. CGHS Wellness Centre. Shalimar Bagh(North Zone)

7. CGHS Wellness Centre, Kingsway Camp (East Zone)

8. CGHS Wellness Centre, Ghaziabad (East Zone)

The beneficiaries of the same zone may be referred to the two project centres for Preventive Health Checkup depending upon the laid down criteria.
The beneficiaries above the age of 40 years are to be covered under this project. The beneficiaries’ referral has to be done on-line through the In-charge module. The service beneficiaries should be issued a referral slip for further reimbursement at their own offices Serving beneficiaries will not require any permission from their respective offices/departments for this purpose once they are referred by their respective CMO I/c to undergo Preventive Health Check up. Reimbursement would be done as per the package rate of Rs. 790/- for man and Rs.875/- for woman beneficiary. Pensioner beneficiaries would be provided cashless facilities M/s Hindlabs ( a unit of HLL Lifecare Ltd.). the service provider, would raise bills in respect of the preventive health check up scheme, directly to the Additional Director CGHS of the concerned zone.

Initially the project will operate on two days a week at every project centre (dispensary) which may be extended depending on the response received. It is decided to conduct Preventive Health Check up on 50 beneficiaries in a day at every project centre M/s Hindlabs will conduct laboratory and E.C.G. investigation as per package for this Preventive Health Checkup. It will setup collection centres at 8 earmarked dispensaries along with facility for E.C.G.

There will be arrangement for proper health education by means of Audio Visual and IEC materials at these project centres which will be supplementary to the clinical and laboratory investigations under this project.

CMO I/c of the Wellness Centres along with the In-charge of the project centres will maintain proper record of the activities for further evaluation of the project in future.

This project will start functioning w.e.f. 1st January, 2012.

All the CMO I/c of Wellness Centres are requested to take note of the new facility that has become available and to give wide publicity to the same in their Wellness Centres for the benefit of CGHS beneficiaries registered with them and refer the interested beneficiaries to the Preventive Health Checkup centres.

All Ministries/Departments are also requested to publicize this facility among their staff members and note that the expenditure incurred by the serving beneficiaries is to be reimbursed as per the package rate of Rs. 790/- and 875/- for man and woman beneficiary respectively for the purpose of Preventive Health Checkup. Any further information if required may be obtained from CMO Project at Office of the Additional Director, CGHS (HO), New Delhi.

sd/-
(V.P.SINGH)
Deputy Secretary to the Government of India

Source: www.msotransparent.nic.in/
[http://msotransparent.nic.in/cghsnew/index.asp]

Preventive Health-Check-up of CGHS beneficiaries above the age of 40 years

TN Govt employees to get Pongal Bonus

Tamil Nadu Government employees to get Pongal Festival Bonus

An official order has been released regarding the Pongal Festival bonus for state government employees of Tamil Nadu. The order said, State Government employees in 'C' and 'D' Groups will get Festival Bonus equal to 30 days salary with an upper limit of Rs.3,000 and 'A' and 'B' category employees a special bonus of Rs.1,000.

Pensioners, Family pensioners and farmer village officers will also get Rs.500. Full-time and part-time staff, who has completed 240 days in regular service and are getting monthly salary, employees on consolidated payment, anganwadi workers, mini anganwadi workers, village assistants, employees on special time scale of pay, panchayat assistants, social workers, contract workers, daily wagers, daily wagers who later became permanent employees will also get Rs. 1,000. It will cost the exchequer Rs.272 crore.

Employees of local bodies, teachers and employees of government-aided schools and colleges, employees whose services coming under the rules of the University Grants Commission, AICTE, All India Agricultural Research and All India Services are eligible for bonus.

Source: http://www.tn.gov.in/

[http://www.tn.gov.in/seithi_veliyeedu/pr01Jan12/pr010112_807.pdf]

Guidelines / Criteria for reimbursement of expenses for In-Vitro Fertilisation(IVF) treatment to CGHS beneficiaries and beneficiaries under Central Services (Medical Attendance) Rules. 1944

Government of India
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Department of Health & Family Welfare
Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi 110 108

No: Z. 15025/5/201 1-CGHS III/CGHS (P)

Dated, the 2 November, 2011

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Guidelines / Criteria for reimbursement of expenses for In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) treatment to CGHS beneficiaries and beneficiaries under Central Services (Medical Attendance) Rules. 1944.

The undersigned is directed to say that the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has been receiving requests for providing clarifications as to whether the expenditure incurred on In-Vitro Fertilisation ((IVF) treatment is admissible under CGHS, and if so. whether any guidelines have been laid down for reimbursement of the expenses incurred on IVF treatment.

(2) The matter has been examined by a Technical Committee of the Heads of Department of Gynaecology & Obstetrics of Government Medical institutions, and based on the recommendations of the Committee, the following guidelines are laid down for considering cases for reimbursement of expenses incurred on IVF treatment by CGHS beneficiaries and beneficiaries under Central Services (Medical Attendance) Rules, 1944:-

(I) Requests for IVF treatment will be considered only on the basis of advice tendered by the Head of Department of Gynaecology & Obstetrics of a Government Medical institution;

(ii) Permission for IVF treatment to be undertaken may be given by the Head of Department in the Ministries / Departments on the recommendations of the Head of Department of Gynaecology & Obstetrics of a Government Medical institution;

(iii) IVF procedure will be allowed in a Government Medical institution on the recommendations of the Head of Department of Gynaecology & Obstetrics of a Government Medical institution;

(iv) IVF procedure may be allowed, on a case to case basis, in a private medical institution if the Institution is registered with the State / Central Government and has the necessary facilities including equipment and trained man power for carrying out the procedure. It is, however, mandatory to obtain the recommendations of the Head of Department of Gynaecology & Obstetrics of a Government Medical institution for permitting the procedure to be undertaken in a private institution;

(V) There should be clear evidence of failure of conventional treatment before permitting IVF treatment procedure;

(vi) The age of women undergoing IVF treatment procedure should be between 21 and 39 years

(vii) The woman has to be married and living with her husband;

(viii) The IVF treatment procedure will be allowed only in cases of infertility where the couple has no living issue

(ix) Reimbursement of expenditure incurred on IVF procedure will be allowed upto a maximum of 3 (three) fresh cycles;

(X) An amount not exceeding Rs.65,000/- (Rupees sixty five thousand only) per cycle or the actual cost, whichever is lower, will be allowed for reimbursement. This amount will be inclusive of the cost of drugs and disposables and monitoring cost during IVF procedures;

(xi) As IVF treatment is a planned procedure, reimbursement cases can be considered by the Ministries / Departments only if prior approval was obtained by the beneficiary for undergoing the IVF treatment.

(xii) There will be a onetime permission for availing IVF treatment consisting of three cycles in total, which would be admissible to the beneficiary. The concerned Ministry / Department shall obtain an undertaking from the applicant that he / she has not claimed the reimbursement earlier from the Government of India in the past and will not claim it in the future.

These guidelines come into force from the date of issue of the Office Memorandum and reimbursement cases of IVF treatment undertaken after the issue of the Office Memorandum only can be considered by the Ministries / Departments.

4. This issues with the concurrence of Integrated Finance Division in the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, vide Dy. No.C.1747/IFD (Health)/2011 dated the 21st November,October, 2011

sd/-
[V.P. Singh]
Deputy Secretary to the Government of India

Source: www.msotransparent.nic.in/
[http://msotransparent.nic.in/cghsnew/index.asp]

OFB publishes HVF Written Test Results

DRDO’s Big Participation at 99th Indian Science Congress

Ministry of Defence

DRDO’s Big Participation at 99th Indian Science Congress

DRDO presents a grand exposition of its technologies and series of invited talks from its leading scientists during the ensuing “99th Indian Science Congress”.Scheduled to be inaugurated by the Prime Minister Dr. Man Mohan Singh tomorrow in Bhubaneswar at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University. Glimpse of technological might of the Defence Research & Development Organisation-DRDO, like the tradition of earlier years, will be on display at the “Pride of India-Science Expo”, a part of the “99th ISC”, where DRDO scientists from over 30 laboratories will be present for lively interactions with the visitors, especially students. The main aim is to present the science and technologies in strategic sector for national security and the excitement of scientific challenges to the young creative minds.

The star attractions among the outdoor models are strategic and tactical missiles Agni and Prithvi, Nag, Akash, BrahMos and Astra. The indoor models will cover the entire gamut of R&D in DRDO. Prominent will be India’s own Light Combat Aircraft-Tejas; UAVs NISHANT and Lakshya, Bridging systems Sarvatra& BLT T-72; Autonomous Underwater Vehicle; Torpedoes; and Decoys. Military Communication equipment; Electronic Warfare systems, Night Vision Devices: Microwave Devices; NBC protective systems; Agro-animal technologies and “Packaged Food products” will be the other attractions.

A key ingredient of the DRDO presence will be the public lecture “Innovations in Science & Technology - A DRDO Perspective” by the noted scientist and well known expert in missile technologies Dr. Vijay Kumar Saraswat, SA to RM, Secretary, Department of Defence Research and Director General DRDO, on Wednesday, Jan 04, 2012. He will also interact with the participants of Children’s Science Congress later the day.

Dr. W Selvamurthy, Distinguished Scientist and Chief Controller (R&D), will chair a Session on NBC Defence Technologies for Armed Forces and Civilians on Thursday and deliver the Theme Lecture. DRDO has developed many products related to NBC Defence for Service use like NBC Recce Vehicle to monitor and demarcate the contaminated area and transmit the data to the command and control centres for further planning, response and management;NBC water purification system; self-contained underground field shelters to house about 30 men for four days; highly effective antigen kits; individual protective suits and respiratory management and resuscitative devices. Sixty four products/systems have been developed for early detection, personnel protection, decontamination and medical management. Most of these products are already productionised and inducted into armed forces in large quantities. All these items are in production and being used by the Services making the country self-reliant in this vital area. They also have the potential to be used in the civil sector. The session comprises four lectures by Directors of DRDO Laboratories on various aspects of NBC Technologies.

The Session II of Women’s Science Congress on Thursday will be chaired by Dr. ShashiBala Singh, Director, DIPAS, Delhi. DrChitraRajagopal, Associate Director, CFEES, Delhi and DrTessy Thomas, Project Director, Agni 4, ASL , Hyderabad will be Co-Chairs. This session will also have lectures by Ms. Nabanita R Krishnan, Director DMIST, DRDO Headquarters and Dr G Rohini Devi, Programme Director, ASL, Hyderabad.