This blog is meant for use by members of the Association for news and views. Send comments / suggestions / views to e-mail Id: aiaipasp.ors@gmail.com

Friday, February 28, 2014

Adhoc promotion to PS Group-B Cadre and Posting thereof

The following Officers are promoted to the cadre of PS Gr-B purely on temporary and ad hoc basis from the date of assumption of charge, allotted  to HQ Region and posted against the posts mentioned against each vide C.O. Memo No.ST/2-4(3)/2014 dated 28-02-2014.

Sl No
Name of the Officer
Present place of Posting
Posted on ad hoc promotion to
1
Sh. G C Sahoo
ASP(OD), Cuttack North Division  at Bhubaneswar
Senior Postmaster, Bhubaneswar GPO against vacant post
2
Sh. Isidore Ekka
ASP I/c, Rourkela(E) Sub Divn
Dy. Manager, Postal Printing Press, Bhubaneswar against vacant post

54 new central schools to come up

 As many as 54 new central schools would be opened across 17 states of the country.

The approval for opening of the new Kendriya Vidyalayas (KV) was given by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) at a meeting here on Friday.

These 54 KVs would be located in 53 districts of the 17 states, an official release said here.

The total cost of opening of these new KVs is projected at Rs 9.2 billion. The non-recurring costs covering constructions cost, furniture and fixtures will be Rs 7.9 billion and recurring cost covering pay and allowance and other expenses will be Rs 1.3 billion.

These new KVs when fully functional will provide quality education to approximately 54,000 students in addition to 1,200,000 students already studying in the present central schools.

The main objective of the schools is to cater to the educational needs of children of transferable central government employees, including defence and para-military personnel, by providing a common programme of education, the release said.

There are at present 1,094 functional Kendriya Vidyalayas including three in Moscow,Kathmandu and Tehran.

Source:-The Times of India

Workdays for tribals under MNREGA raised from 100 to 150

New Delhi, Feb 28 (PTI) In a bid to woo tribals ahead of Lok Sabha polls, the government today raised the workdays under its flagship rural employment guarantee programme MNREGA from 100 to 150 for tribals, a move that will benefit 14 lakh families.

The Union Cabinet decision will come into effect from April this year.

7th Central Pay Commission

  The Union Cabinet today gave its approval to the Terms of Reference of 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) as follows:-

a)      To examine, review, evolve and recommend changes that are desirable and feasible regarding the principles that should govern the emoluments structure including pay, allowances and other facilities/benefits, in cash or kind, having regard to rationalization and simplification therein as well as the specialized needs of various Departments, agencies and services, in respect of the following categories of employees:-

                         i.                   Central Government employees-industrial and non-industrial;
                       ii.                    Personnel belonging to the All India Services;
                     iii.                    Personnel of the Union Territories;
                     iv.                   Officers  and   employees   of  the   Indian  Audit  and   Accounts Department;
                       v.                   Members of regulatory bodies (excluding the Reserve Bank of India) set up under Acts of Parliament; and
                     vi.                    Officers and employees of the Supreme Court.

b)      To examine, review, evolve and recommend changes that are desirable and feasible regarding principles that should govern the emoluments structure, concessions and facilities/benefits, in cash or kind, as well as retirement benefits of personnel belonging to the Defence Forces, having regard to historical and traditional parities, with due emphasis on aspects unique to these personnel.

c)      To work out the framework for an emoluments structure linked with the need to attract the most suitable talent to Government service, promote efficiency, accountability and responsibility in the work culture, and foster excellence in the public governance system to respond to complex challenges of modern administration and rapid political, social, economic and technological changes, with due regard to expectations of stakeholders, and to recommend appropriate training and capacity building through a competency based framework.

d)     To examine the existing schemes of payment of bonus, keeping in view, among other things, its bearing upon performance and productivity and make recommendations on the general principles, financial parameters and conditions for an appropriate incentive scheme to reward excellence in productivity, performance and integrity.

e)      To review the variety of existing    allowances presently available to employees in addition to pay and suggest their rationalization and simplification, with a view to ensuring that the pay structure is so designed as to take these into account.

f)       To examine the principles which should govern the structure of pension and other retirement benefits, including revision of pension in the case of employees who have retired prior to the date of effect of these recommendations, keeping in view that retirement benefits of all Central Government employees appointed on and after 01.01.2004 are covered by the New Pension Scheme (NPS).

g)      To make recommendations on the above, keeping in view:

i.                     the economic conditions in the country  and need for fiscal prudence;
ii.                    the need to ensure that adequate resources are available for developmental expenditures and welfare measures;
iii.                  the likely impact of the recommendations on the finances of the State Governments, which usually adopt the recommendations with some modifications;
iv.                  the prevailing emolument structure and retirement benefits available to employees of Central Public Sector Undertakings; and
v.                    the best global practices and their adaptability and relevance in Indian conditions.

h)      To recommend the date of effect of its recommendations on all the above.
The Commission will make its recommendations within 18 months of the date of its constitution.  It may consider, if necessary, sending interim reports on any of the matters as and when the recommendations are finalised.

The decision will result in the benefit of improved pay and allowances as well as rationalization of the pay structure in case of Central Government employees and other employees included in the scope of the 7th Central Pay Commission.

Background

            Central Pay Commissions are periodically constituted to go into various issues of emoluments’ structure, retirement benefits and other service conditions of Central Government employees and to make recommendations on the changes required.

Source:-PIB

Issue of Compendium of instructions on reservation for ex-servicemen

To view please Click Here.

Govt approves Rs 1,000 min monthly pension under EPS-95

New Delhi, Feb 28 (PTI) Government today approved the proposal to ensure Rs 1,000 minimum monthly pension under a scheme of retirement fund body EPFO that would immediately benefit 28 lakh pensioners.

The decision to provide the entitlement under Employees' Pension Scheme-95, run by the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation, was taken by the Union Cabinet in its meeting held here.

The move will immediately benefit about 28 lakh pensioners including five lakh widows. There are 44 lakh pensioners.

Govt clears EC proposal, candidates can spend more on campaign

New Delhi, Feb 28 (PTI) Government today cleared a proposal of the Election Commission to raise expenditure limits for Lok Sabha elections to a maximum of Rs 70 lakh and a minimum of Rs 54 lakh, allowing candidates to spend more on their poll campaigns.

The Commission has proposed to raise expenditure limits for assembly elections, with a maximum of Rs 28 lakh and a minimum of Rs 20 lakh in North Eastern and hill states.

Online system for babus' performance appraisal launched

NEW DELHI: An online system for filing of annual performance appraisal report of IAS officers was today launched by the government. 

The Smart Performance Appraisal Report Recording Online Window (SPARROW), developed by National Informatics Centre (NIC), will be applicable from current assessment year -- 2013-14. 

The online filing of Performance Appraisal Report (PAR) will bring more probity and transparency, avoid loss of such reports during transition, ensure better monitoring and timely completion of performance appraisals, Minister of State for Personnel V Narayanasamy said while launching the system. 

It will also facilitate in speeding up the process of getting appointment and promotion related clearance from Central Vigilance Commission, Narayanasamy said. 

As many as 4,737 IAS officers are working across the country. 

The system would be operational for use by the officers posted in state as well as central ministries or department from the last week of March this year. 

"The software has an inbuilt system of generating auto-alerts which would go to the officers concerned with whom the PAR would be pending for more than the specified time and thus would ensure better monitoring of the writing of PAR," said a statement issued by Ministry of Personnel. 

Each officer would have to digitally sign the report before forwarding it to appropriate authority. It would also have the facility of uploading summary of medical reports, certificate of training, academic courses, appreciation letters, etc, the statement said. 

"The software would have an in-built security mechanism to ensure that nobody can tamper with the data available in it. 

"For e-filing, each officer or authority involved in the work flow is required to be issued a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) which is the digital equivalent of physical or paper certificate for authentication," it said.

Source:-The Economic Times

Cabinet hikes dearness allowance to 100%

NEW DELHI: Government today raised dearness allowance to 100 per cent, from 90 per cent, benefiting its 50 lakh employees and 30 lakh pensioners. 

The decision to hike DA for its employees, and to provide dearness relief for pensioners, by 10 per cent to 100 per cent was taken by the Union Cabinet in its meeting held here. 

"The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to hike Dearness allowance for its employees and dearness relief for its pensioners to 100 per cent in its meeting held here," a source said. 

This increase in the dearness allowance by the UPA-2 government comes ahead of the imposition of the model code of conduct by the Election Commission

The code is likely to come into force with the announcement of the schedule for the forthcoming general elections in a week or so. 

Also it would be the second double digit DA hike in a row. The government had announced a hike of 10 per cent to 90 per cent in September last year, effective from July 1, 2013. 

The new hike in DA would be effective from the January 1 this year. 

As per practice, the government uses Consumer Price Index- Industrial Workers data of the past 12 months to arrive at a quantum for the purpose of any DA hike. Thus, the retail inflation for industrial workers between January 1 to December 31, 2013 was used to take a final call on the matter. 

Source:-The Economic Times

India’s first post office savings bank ATM inaugurated in Chennai

A customer using the country's first post office savings bank ATM in T.Nagar HPO after the facility was inaugurated by Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram on Thursday. Photo: R.Ragu
A customer using the country's first post office savings bank ATM in T.Nagar HPO after the facility was inaugurated by Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram on Thursday.

Finance Minister P. Chidambaram inaugurated the ATM service at Thiyagaraya Nagar Head Post Office

Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram on Thursday inaugurated the country’s first post office savings bank ATM at the Head Post Office in Thyagaraya Nagar here. The ATM was part of an Information Technology (IT) modernisation project of the Department of Posts.
Mr. Chidambaram said a total of Rs. 4909 crore had been allotted for the modernisation in the interim budget. “The launching of the ATM was a step towards making the department a completely technology oriented one,” he said adding that the Core Banking Solutions (CBS) scheme would benefit as much as 1,55,000 post offices.
Mr. Chidambaram said the ATM would run on a trial basis for six months. Afterwards, it would become an interoperable where cards of other banks could be used.
Commenting on the future of post offices in the IT era where sending letters and post cards had become a rarity, Mr. Chidambaram said the department was inventing new strategies to keep itself on the growth trajectory. For parcel services, people still preferred the post office, he observed.
Secretary of Department of Posts Padmini Gopinath said about 2800 such ATMs would be installed by end of 2015. Sixty-two post offices covering 64 lakh accounts had already migrated to CBS. “Over 26,840 post offices will adopt CBS by 2016. All account holders will be provided with an ATM card,” Ms. Padimini said. She said the department was also toying with the idea of starting e-commerce services in rural areas to improve its earnings.
Source:-The Hindu

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Transfers and postings of Junior Administrative Grade (JAG) officers of Indian Postal Service, Group'A'

To view Department of Posts (Personnel Division) Order No.2-2/2014-SPG dated 26-02-2014 please Click Here.

Shri Abhinav Wallia (IPoS 1989) posted as PMG, Berhampur

To view Department of Posts (Personnel Division) Order No.1-6I2014-SPG dated 26-02-2014 please Click Here.

Cabinet may okay Rs 1K/month min pension tmrw

New Delhi, Feb 27 (PTI) Union Cabinet is likely to approve tomorrow the proposal to ensure Rs 1,000 minimum monthly pension under the pension scheme run by retirement fund body EPFO, which would immediately benefit 28 lakh pensioners.

According to sources, the proposal is listed in the agenda of the meeting of the Union Cabinet scheduled for tomorrow.

The move to ensure Rs 1,000 minimum pension under Employees' Pension Scheme-95 will immediately benefit about 28 lakh pensioners including five lakh widows.

Voluntary retirement under FR 56(K)etc. and amendment of Rules.

 To view Department of Personnel and Training  Order No.25013/3/2010-Estt (A) dated 27-02-2014 please Click Here.

Compendium of Best Practices on RTI - Volume I

To view please Click Here.

CHQ News:- Recruitment Rules of PS Gr. B cadre delayed for want of creation memos....updates!!!

Dear Members, 

All members, Circle Secretaries and CHQ Office Bearers were made aware about the preparation of Revised Recruitment Rules of PS Gr. B cadre by the Directorate through appeal dated 15th February 2014.
 
It was already informed to all members, Circle Secretaries, CHQ Office Bearers that this issue was discussed at length in subject committee meeting held during AIC Ahmedabad in which General Secretary explained the present position in detailed and requested to all delegates, visitors and Circle Secretaries who attended AIC to search/find out creation memos of PS Gr. B cadre since 1993 at their Divisional Office / Regional Office and Circle Office, as 56 creation memos of PS Gr. B posts are not readily available at Directorate and Nodal Ministry has demanded these for extending approval for amendment of Recruitment Rules of PS Gr. B cadre. Actually 76 PS Gr. B cadre posts were created during 1993 to 1996 by downgrading some JTS/STS posts and out of these, 20 posts creation memos are available at Directorate. At AIC everybody has assured that after returning to their headquarters they will make efforts to search out the memo and will inform to GS or concerned CS.

It was requested to each and every member of this Association on 15/2/2014 through this blog to examine the establishment register at their office (i.e.DO/RO/CO/Fgn Post/CSD/RSD/PSD) within 2 to 3 days and intimate the details of PS Gr. B post created in their unit/office since 1993 to General Secretary by email, as this issue is vital one othewise we will lose some PS Gr. B posts. Hon'ble CAT Chandigarh Bench (In OA 1328/HP/2011 & 135/HP/2011) also directed Department to submit the progress made in revision of Recruitment Rules of PS Gr. B cadre. On the request of Learned Counsel on behalf of Department, matter has now been posted to 05.03.2014 for submission of progress report.
 
But as on date GS has received the information only from Circle Secretaties of HP, Kerala and Odisha Circles. This clearly shows that our members are not interested for preparation revised RRs of PS Gr. B / not reduce the share of General Line officials in PS Gr. B examination / Sr. PM examination.

Yours faithfully, 

(Vilas Ingale)
General Secretary

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

CBDT Extends Time-Limit for Filing ITR-V Forms

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has extended the time-limit for filing ITR-V Forms for Assessment Years 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12 till 31.03.2014 for returns e-filed with refund claims within the time allowed under section 139 of the Income Tax Act. 

Though time for submitting ITR-V Forms for above Assessment Years was extended on earlier occasions also, it has been reported that some electronically filed returns with refund claim still remain pending with the Income-tax Department due to non-submission of ITR-V within the prescribed time-frame. 

In such cases, the taxpayer concerned may ascertain whether his ITR-V has been received at the CPC, Bengaluru or not by logging on the website of Income-tax Department-http:/incometaxefiling.gov.in/e-Filing/Services/ITR-V Receipt Status.html by entering Pan No. and Assessment Year or e-filing Acknowledgement Number. Alternatively, status of ITR-V could also be ascertained at the above Website under ‘Click to view Returns/Forms’ after logging in with registered E-Filing account. In case ITR-V has not been received within the prescribed time, status will not be displayed. 

The taxpayer whose ITR-V have remained to be received at CPC, Bengaluru must submit a duly signed copy of ITR-V to the CPC by 31.03.2014 by speed-post at the following address: CPC, Post Bag No. 1, Electronic City Post Office, Bengaluru-560100 (Karnataka). 

It may be noted that this final opportunity is being extended to the taxpayers to regularize their returns where refunds continue to remain pending for Assessment Years 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12 for want of valid ITR-V Form. Therefore, taxpayers concerned are advised to take benefit of this relaxation so as to enable the tax authorities to further process their otherwise valid refund claims. 

Source:-PIB

Promotion of Small Savings

The Small Savings Schemes, carrying different terms and rates of interest administered by Government of India, are designed to provide safe and attractive option to all individuals who invest in these savings schemes. Banks have been given freedom by Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to fix their rates on domestic term deposits of various maturities. According to the information given to the Parliament recently, interest rates on Small Savings Schemes have been aligned with Government Securities rates of similar maturity with a spread of 25 basis points (bps) with two exceptions. The spread on 10 year NSC will be 50 bps and on Senior Citizens Savings Scheme 100 bps. The interest rates for every financial year are notified before 1st April of that year. Therefore, interest rates of Small Savings Schemes are not comparable with the rates being offered by the Banks for their various term deposit schemes. However, presently interest offered on Small Saving by Post Offices on all tenors is higher than the modal deposit rate offered by the Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) on all tenors. 

The Parliament was informed that the Central and State Governments take various measures from time to time to promote and popularize Small Savings Schemes through print and electronic media as well as holding seminars, meetings and providing training to the various agencies involved in mobilizing deposits under various Small Savings Schemes. Further, with a view to sustaining investor’s interest in the Small Savings Schemes, the features of the schemes are reviewed from time to time and various improvements and amendments in the schemes are introduced. 

Source:-PIB

Seniority List (Gradation List) of Inspector of Posts for the year 1998 and 1999 updated as on 1/4/2014--regarding

To view the list, please Click Here.  

Source:-CHQ Blog

Centre may raise age of retirement by 2 years to 62

The -led United Progressive Alliance () is likely to take a major decision of increasing the  age of  by two years, from 60 to 62 this week. This would be applicable from March 1.

It would be one of the major decisions to be taken by the Cabinet before the model code of conduct for the  kicks in. In the Thursday meeting, the Cabinet is also likely to recommend dates for the elections. These could be notified on March 5.

"The government may clear the increase in age this week," said a source. It is likely to be a part of the terms of reference of the , expected to file its report in 2017. The panel, however, can recommend an interim relief through the move.

The increase in retirement age would be happening after 15 years. In 1998, it was increased to 60 from 58 following implementation of the Fifth Pay Commission. Experts said it would defer payment of retirement benefits. However, sources confirmed this would not be applicable for employees retiring on February 28.

The cabinet is expected to discuss a proposal to increase the dearness allowance by 10 per cent from January 1, to make it 100 per cent and merge 50 per cent of the increased dearness allowance with basic pay. The terms and conditions of the panel include a proposal to merge 50 per cent of dearness allowance with basic pay.

The move to increase the retirement age may pressure the states to follow. The department of personnel and training was working on the proposal for quite some time. The Budget estimate on the pension outgo for 2014-15 is Rs 80,982 crore, 0.6 per cent of the gross domestic product.

Source:- Business Standard

Union Cabinet likely to approve 10% DA hike on Friday

NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet is likely to approve hiking dearness allowance to 100 per cent from existing 90 per cent benefiting 50 lakh employees and 30 lakh pensioners in it meeting scheduled on Friday. 

"The Union Cabinet will take a proposal to hike Dearness allowance for its employees and dearness relief for its pensioners to 100 per cent this Friday as per agenda listed for the meeting," a source said. 

This increase in the dearness allowance by the UPA-2 government comes ahead of the imposition of the model code of conduct by the Election Commission. 

The model code of conduct is likely to come into force with the announcement of the schedule for the forthcoming general elections in a week or so. 

Also it would be the second double digit DA hike in a row. The government had announced a hike of 10 per cent to 90 per cent in September last year, effective from July 1, 2013. 

The hike in DA would be effective from the January 1 this year. 

As per practice, the government uses Consumer Price Index- Industrial Workers data of the past 12 months to arrive at a quantum for the purpose of any DA hike. Thus, the retail inflation for industrial workers between January 1 to December 31, 2013 would be used to take a final call on the matter. 

According to the provisional data released by government on January 31, the retail inflation for factory workers for the month of December stood at 9.13 per cent. The revised retail inflation data for January would be released on February 28. 

An official said that the preliminary assessment suggests that DA hike will not be less than 10 per cent and would be effective from January 1 this year. 


Source:-The Economic Times

Cabinet likely to set pay commission's terms this week

NEW DELHI: The Cabinet is likely to set the terms of reference of the 7th Pay Commission this week, paving the way for salary revision of over 50 lakh central government employees. 

The matter will be finalised at the proposed meeting as the government wants to settle the matter before model code of conducts are notified ahead of the general election, scheduled in April-May this year. 

The government has already approved the composition of the commission for revision of salaries of central government employees, including Railways and Defence. It would also revise the remuneration for 30 lakh pensioners. 

Former Supreme Court Judge Ashok Kumar Mathur, who also headed the Armed Forces Tribunal, will head the 7th Pay Commission. It has been mandated to submit its report in two years and its recommendations are to be implemented from January 1, 2016. 

The other members of the Commission include Oil Secretary Vivek Rae (full time Member),NIPFP Director Rathin Roy (part- time Member) and OSD in Expenditure Department Meena Agarwal (Secretary). 

In September, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had approved the setting up of the Commission. 

The government constitutes Pay Commission almost every 10 years. Often the revisions are adopted by states as well after some modification. 

The 6th Pay Commission was implemented with effect from January 1, 2006, the fifth from January 1, 1996 and fourth from January 1, 1986.

Source:-The Economic Times

No railway refund for non-travellers from March 1

From March 1, passengers not turning up or less number of persons travelling in groups will not be paid refund after railways modified its scheme on grant of refund from public reservation system (PRS) on cancellation of tickets.

Central Railway senior divisional commercial manager (SrDCM) Dr Sumant Deulkar confirmed that Railway Board vide a circular issued on February 21 to all general managers has intimated to implement the decision from March 1.

In partial modification under 'Computerized Coaching Refund Scheme', the Railway Board has decided that refund across the counters will not be granted in case of non-turned up passengers and less number of persons travelling in groups.

However, refund under this system will be granted for reserved and RAC tickets in cases of lower class travel, failure of AC in coach, discontinuation of journey by passengers due to dislocation of train services, accommodation not provided and cancellation of trains. For waiting list tickets, refund will not be granted under this system but will continue to be granted as per existing rules.

CRIS has been asked to make necessary software modifications. Necessary instructions have been issued to all staff immediately, says a circular issued by Rohit Kumar, deputy director traffic commercial, Railway Board.

Earlier, if the ticket is presented for cancellation up to two hours after the actual departure of the train irrespective of distance, the cancellation charges were 50% of the fare subject to a minimum of the cancellation charge referred.

Source:-The Economic Times

Can't afford 7th pay panel burden, say Gujarat, Bengal

Gujarat and West Bengal have raised the red flag on the setting up of the 7th Pay Commission, saying it would lead to unwanted financial stress which they cannot afford. 

The two states, which are leading the charge in the coming Lok Sabha elections with their chief ministers as prime ministerial candidates, have told the Centre that the revision of salaries would increase the burden on states and this would be most inopportune in view of global economic slowdown and debt condition. 

While Gujarat said the central pay panel's recommendations have encouraged "contract employment" which is not governed by government salary structures, Bengal said the pay panel must evolve a mechanism to provide financial assistance to states to meet costs of salary review - 100% assistance in Bengal's case. 

The objection to the pay panel is hardly a populist move given that the Congress-led Centre decided to announce it ahead of Lok Sabha elections to woo the voters. 

Gujarat, whose CM Narendra Modi is the BJP's PM candidate, said the financial burden of the 7th Pay Commission would be substantial. It argued that drastic increase in expenditure because of pay revision would affect state finances. 

In contrast to Gujarat's fear of pay panel hitting its revenue which is in surplus right now, the Bengal government has taken the opposite argument that it is already debt-stressed and cannot afford salary revision. 

The Mamata Banerjee regime has demanded 100% financial assistance, fearing that constitution of the panel for central employees would put pressure on the state to follow suit. 

Banerjee has never hidden the fact that Bengal's finances are in dire straits, blaming it on the previous Left Front regime, but opposition to the pay commission is not seen as a savvy move given that employees form a significant vote base that no political party would like to antagonize. 

In fact, UPA has gone to the other extreme of wooing the vast serving and retired defence personnel by agreeing that the pay panel would separately review the salary structure of armed forces keeping in view of the uniqueness of their service conditions. It has already announced one-rank one-pension for armed forces. 

Expressing helplessness on taking extra salary burden, Bengal has told the Centre that "it has not been able to grant dearness allowance to employees at par with central employees". 

Speaking against the pay revision, Gujarat said constant hikes by pay commissions had caused labour market distortions vis-a-vis private sector salaries. 

Also, it added that increasing salaries were forcing states to take recourse to "contract appointments", creating two sets of employees which was leading to social and legal problems. 

Source:-The Times of India