RTI EXPOSES OFFICIAL INDIA

.Of late, the citizens right to information under RTI is not only useful to set right the Government Machinery. Some times it also exposes the official practices we follow years together have nothing official about it.
It is reported that DOPT has admitted in a reply to a query under RTI that there was no information regarding declaration of Sunday a holiday, which is being observed religiously by the government, private sector and traders as well.
The DoPT reply, however, referred to an order of May 21, 1985 stating that in order to improve the efficiency, the government had to introduce 5-day weeks in its civil administration offices. Such government offices would now work for five days a week from Monday to Friday, with all Saturdays as closed. Even this order does not officially declare Sunday as holiday.
Three months back, in reply to a query under RTI by a curious 10 years old School child, the Government had to admit that there is no record of Mahatma Gandhi ever formally being named Father of the Nation. Thats possibly because the title was never formally conferred.

Source: Deccan Chronicle .

29/07/2012.

MACP JOINT COMMITTEE MEETING JULY 2012 - REPORT FROM CONFEDERATION GS

MACP JOINT COMMITTEE MEETING AND DECISIONS – CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES & WORKERS

The joint Committee set up by the National Anomaly Committee to consider the MACP related issues met on 27th July, 2012.  The Staff Side was represented at the meeting by the following comrades:

Com. M. Raghaviah

Com. Umraomal Purohit

Com. S.K. Vyas

Com. C. Srikumar

Com. K.K.N. Kutty

Com. Shivgopal Misra

Com. Bhosle

The report prepared by the sub-committee after three rounds of discussions was reviewed at the meeting.  The points that came up for discussion and the decisions taken are as under:

Grant of MACP in the promotional hierarchy:  The Staff Side pointed out that the ACP which was in vogue till the advent of MACP had been on promotional hierarchy.  In the name of improvement of the scheme, the Government cannot unilaterally change it, especially when the concerned employees do not consider it as advantageous.  They suggested that the employees must be allowed to retain the ACP for the first two promotions and for the third promotion MACP can be extended.  However, the Official Side said that it would not be possible to have any hybrid scheme.  In fact, they added that the 6th CPC had suggested for two career progressions only and that too on grade pay hierarchy.  The govt. had improved upon and therefore it was not possible for them to agree for the suggestion of the Staff Side.  They also stated that the reason for bringing about grade pay hierarchy was to bring about uniformity in the scheme across the Departments as the promotional hierarchy varies from one department to another.  They declined to consider the suggestion for promotional hierarchy based MACP.

The Staff Side then pointed that in the last meeting of the Committee, the Official Side taking into account the difficulties and disadvantages experienced by the employees in many departments which were presented by the Staff Side had agreed to consider department wise/cadre wise options.  The Staff Side further pointed out that the suggestion of the Official Side would not go to resolve the issue.  They said that option must be provide for each individual employee to choose either the ACP or MACP whichever is beneficial to him as is provided in the CCS(RP) Rules.  The unilateral withdrawal of a benefit from an employee is not permissible.  They also stated that the Official Side has not pointed out the difficulties in agreeing to this proposal.  After some discussions, the Official Side said that they would re-examine the issue of individual option and will come up with their considered view at the next meeting of the NAC.

Counting 50% of service of the Temporary status/casual labourers for the purpose of MACP:  In the light of the discussion at the meeting, the Official Side agreed to examine the matter.

Treatment of employees selected under LDCE Scheme and GDCE Scheme:  The Official Side agreed to issue orders on the same lines as has been issued under the ACP Scheme.  The Staff Side stated that wherever examination is the criterion for promotion/fast track promotion, the service rendered by such employees in the lower post must be ignored and such promotion should be treated as appointment and the promotion scheme to commence from the date of such appointment.  This was not agreed to by the official side on the plea that such appointments are against promotion quota and therefore, they are to be considered as promotion only.  The Staff Side them pointed out that this issue had been the subject matter of judicial consideration before the Tribunal and the Tribunal has given the decision in favour of the employees.  The Official Side wanted a copy of the judgement to react to this.

Date of effect of the Scheme:  The Staff Side pointed out that the date of effect of MACP Scheme must be from 1.1.2006.  The analogy of the 5th CPC has no application as ACP was introduced after discussion with the Staff Side on a later date.  Since the Government issued the orders of the 6th CPC and the acceptance of the MACP with modification almost simultaneously, it should have been made effective from 1.1.2006.  They also pointed out that the MACP is not an allowance to be made application from 1.9.2008.  The Official Side pointed out that the benefit emanating from the MACP i.e. the third promotion was applicable to all existing employees who were in service after 1.9.2008.  The Staff Side demanded that the benefit has been denied to those who retired between 1.1.2006 and 30.8.2008.  The Official Side agreed to consider application of the new MACP with effect from 1.1.2006 for those who retired/died between 1.1.2006 and 30.8.2008.

Financial up-gradation under MACP in the case of staff who join another unit/organization on request.  It was agreed at  the last meeting that the services rendered in another recruiting unit/organization will be taken into account for counting service for promotion under MACP.  The Staff Side however, pointed out that in many cases, the employees are compelled to seek reversion in order to be transferred to another recruiting unit.  In their case, the promotion so earned at the present recruiting unit and which have been foregone is being counted as one promotion under MACP.  The Official Side agreed to look into this matter and issue necessary clarificatory orders.

Stepping up of pay of senior incumbent with the junior as a consequence of ACP/MACP.  The Official Side stated that in the light of the judgments delivered in the matter they will have the case looked into and necessary instructions issued.  They also stated that certain instructions in the matter has already been issued, copy of which will be made available to the Staff Side.         

The bench mark question for promotion under MACP.  The Official Side agreed to issue a clarificatory order stating that if the promotion is on seniority cum fitness basis, MACP will also be on seniority cum fitness basis.

         There had been no discussions on other points incorporated in the report.  The stand taken by the Official side in those matters remains unchanged.  You may kindly access the report from the website of the Department of Personnel along with the relevant orders.

With greetings,

Yours fraternally,

K.K.N. Kutty

Secretary General

Source: www.confederationhq.blogspot.com

RETIREMENT ON SUPERANNUATION

Following officers in the Circle are retiring from service on 31.07.2012 on superannuation :-
1. Sh. G. R. Bharde, SSPOs, Delhi East Dn.
2. Sh. Parmatma Sharan, Supdt., N. D. Stg. Dn.
3. Sh. Narsi Ram Raiger, Dy. CPM, Delhi GPO
4. Sh. A. K. Jain, Sr. PM, Ashok Vihar HO
5. Sh. Sita Ram, Asstt. Director (Rectt.), CO

IP/ASP Association, Delhi Postal Circle Branch wishes them happy, healthy and peaceful retired life.

Feedback of MACP Joint Committee meeting held on 27.7.2012

Feedback of MACP Joint Committee meeting held on 27.7.2012 - NFIR

Meeting of the Joint Committee on MACPs Anomalies

As decided in the National Anomaly Committee Meeting held on 17/07/2012, the DOPT held separate meeting with the Leaders of Staff Side at North Block, New Delhi, Room No. 190 on 27/07/2012. Shri.M.Raghavaiah, General Secretary, NFIR has participated in the meeting.

Discussions were held on following issues:-

1. Grant of MACP in the promotional hierarchy :-

The staff side insisted that option be given to individual employees in this regard to facilitate  him/her to opt for availing benefit of financial upgradation.

After discussion it was agreed to examine in depth for finding solution.

2. Date of effect of MACP Scheme :

The desirability of giving effect to the MACP Scheme w.e. f. 01.01.2006 will be examined.

3. Counting of total temporary status Casual Labour Service reckoning 10/20/30 years under MACP Scheme:

Official Side stated that this will be processed separately.

4. Treatment of employees selected under LDCE/GDCE Scheme:

In the light of the instructions issued when the ACP Scheme was introduced. The same policy be adopted and accordingly orders will be issued. In other words, those inducted through LDCE/GDCE Scheme, such induction may be counted as appointment and will be reckoned as promotion.

5. Problems faced in the identical Grade Pay:

It was agreed to issue instructions for granting additional increment for fixation of Pay in case of promotion to the same Grade Pay. Instructions in this regard will be issued to Ministry of Railways etc .

6. Financial Upgradation Under MACPs, in the case of staff who joined another unit/organisation on request:

The Staff Side has pointed out that OM dated 01/11/2010 should be suitably Amended covering the staff who were transferred on request on reversion to the Unit/Organisation so that the total service rendered in the previous Unit/Organisation may be counted for MACPs. It  was agreed to be considered.

7. Extension of benefit of MACPS to an employee appointed in Grade where direct  recruitment element is there while ignoring service and promotion rendered prior to his appointment in that post:

Official Side reiterated that suitable clarification No. 5 of OM dated 09/09/2010 was already issued.

8. Stepping up of Pay of Senior incumbents at par with Junior incumbents as a consequence of  ACP/MACPs :

Staff Side has explained the case of gross injustice done, more particularly in the Accounts Department of India” Railways wherein the incumbents who cleared the Appendix examination are drawing less pay than those who could not qualify the said examination and got the benefit of MACPs. The staff side insisted that this situation is leading to de-motivation among qualified staff and urged for rectifying the anomalies. It was agreed to consider and Ministry of Railways advised to send the proposal

9. Employees who got one promotion prior to 01/09/2008 and completed over two decades of service without benefit of promotion and are denied third ACP under MACPs:

After discussion, official side agreed that is a peculiar situation and assured to take action to rectify the situation. The staff side has insisted that in such cases third ACP should be straight away given to staff from the date subsequent to the date of completion of two decades of service after promotion. Official side appreciated the logic and reasonableness and agreed to considered.

Official Side apPft’Cialcd the logic and reawnablencss and agreed to consider.

10. Modification of recruitment rules particularly in Railways and upgradation granted by abolition of Pay Scale-Implementation of MACPs :

The Staff Side explained that in the Railways the lower Pay Scales were abolished and posts were upgraded to the higher Pay Scales with revision of recruitment qualification and designation. In such cases the staff side insisted that entry Grade Pay as a result of upgradation subsequent to abolition of lower Pay Scales should be taken into consideration for reckoning 10/20/30 years of service for granting MACP.

Official side has agreed to obtain detials from Ministry of Railways for issuing appropriate clarification. In the meanwhile, Railway Board will have discussion with the Staff Side separately so that appropritate proposal could be sent to the DoP&T.

11. Placement of staff as a result of upgradation of posts :

The Staff side (NFIR) insisted that such placements should not be considered as promotion for the purpose of grant of financial upgradation under MACP Scheme. 

Official side stated that this will be examined.

12. In the course of discussion the Official Side also stated that MACP Scheme should be a fall-back option and the Ministries should conduct Cadre Restructuring for ensuring that the staff could be promoted within the reasonable time i.e. within 10 years. When the Staff Side pointed out that the Ministry of Railways is citing the instructions of Ministry of Finance issued some years back that only one third of the Cadre could be disturbed, for revising the percentages, the Official Side clarified that necessary clarificatory instructions will be issued to the Ministry of Railways etc., so that the Cadre Restructuring can be done without problems.

Source : NFIR Blog

" Saffron Post "by J & K Circle

INDIA POST TO MARKET KASHMIRI SAFFRON ACROSS GLOBE  

Kashmiri Saffron will be marketed and delivered across India and around the world through a new initiative introduced by India Post under the banner Saffron Post.
This novel service was launched today by Gulam Hassan Mir, Minister of Agriculture at a function held at Town Hall, Pampore.

John Samuel, Chief Post Master General, Jammu and Kashmir was also present on the occasion. The Minister appreciated the involvement of the Post office in promoting Saffron. At the inaugural function, Shri John Samuel,
Chief Post Master General declared that while this new service will be a major boon to the Saffron growers and dealers, it will also help the people across India to get high quality Saffron through the postal network in a convenient and efficient manner.

Mr John Samuel, Chief PMG said that the Post office in J&K, in association with the local growers and dealers of Saffron, will be involved in promoting and marketing high quality Kashmir saffron. This will be a major boon to the people of Kashmir as Saffron will be marketed and delivered through India Post across the nation and around the world. The essence of Saffron Post is the quality assurance and the vast distribution network of the Post office. The saffron marketed through India Post will be subjected to intensive quality control check by the State government approved institution.

“Saffron Post is available in packets of 0.5 grams, 1 gram and 5 grams at selected post offices in Kashmir. Customers can buy the products in person at India Post outlets in Jammu and Kashmir. Further, they can also place orders of Saffron through the Post Master (Saffron Post division), Srinagar GPO, Srinagar190001 and the products will be packed and delivered through Speed Post across India and around the world”, he said

Sachin Pilot Asks Department of Posts to Make Special Arrangements for Timely Delivery of Rakhis

The festival of Rakshabandhan holds immense significance in India, as even today people consider it a must to express their affection in a traditional manner. Year after year, Department of Posts plays an important role in delivering rakhis and rakhi gifts. 
Keeping in view the significance of the festival, Shri Sachin Pilot, Union Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology has directed the Department of Posts to make special arrangements for timely delivery of Rakhis by the post offices in the country. He said special postal facilities will be extended to the Army and Paramilitary Jawans serving the nation in remote and border areas of the country. 

Source:-PIB

Upgradation of GP of IP from Rs.4200/- to Rs.4600/-

It has been ascertained from the Postal Directorate that file relating to upgradation of Grade Pay of IP from Rs.4200/- to Rs.4600/- has been again submitted to the Secretary, Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance by the Department.

Source : CHQ Blog

National Anomaly Committee- Separate Meeting for MACP Issues may be postponed

It has been decided in the Fifth Meeting of   National Anomaly Committee that a separate meeting will be arranged tentatively on 27-7-2012 to discuss the MACP related Issues. It is expected that core  issues related to the MACP Scheme will be finalized in this meeting.
But the sources close to the staff side representative told that the meeting may be  postponed  and it will be held shortly.

Source: www.gservants.com

Transfer-posting & adhoc promotion in PS Group "B" cadre

Following orders have been issued by CO vide Memo No. Staff/50-3/XXIV dated 27.07.2012
                                  PART-A
1. Sh. D. C. Sharma, AD (Admin), NDGPO as AD (IT&FS), CO vice Sh. B. S. Bisht promoted in JTS
2. Sh. Rajbir, Supdt.(Adhoc), AMPC, ND-37 as Sr. PM, AVHO vice Sh. A. K. Jain retiring from service on 31.07.2012.
3. Sh. J. R. Meena, AD (MO), CO as Supdt., ND Stg. vice Sh. Parmatma Sharan retiring from service on 31.07.2012.

                                PART-B
1. Sh. S. P. Singh, ASP, CRC, RMS Bhawan promoted & posted as AD (Admin), NDGPO (Adhoc) vice Sh. D. C. Sharma tfd.
2. Sh. R. D. Sharma, ASP, AMPC, ND-37 promoted & posted as Supdt.(Adhoc), AMPC, ND-37 vice Sh. Rajbir tfd.
3. Sh. D. P. Singh, ASP (Court), CO promoted & posted as Sr. PM, IPHO (Adhoc) vice Sh. S. L. Kapruwan promoted in JTS.
4. Smt. Rekha Rani, ASP (D), ND South Dn. promoted & posted as Dy. CPM, Delhi GPO (Adhoc) vice Sh. Narsi Ram Raigar retiring from service on 31.07.2012.
5. Sh. P. C. Sharma, ASP, MO Section, CO promoted & posted as AD (MO), CO (Adhoc) vice Sh. J. R. Meena tfd. 

Promotion into JTS on adhoc basis

Following officers have been promoted in JTS on adhoc basis :-
1. Sh. B. S. Bisht working as AD (IT&FS),CO has been posted as SSRM, Delhi Stg. Dn. against vacant post.
2. Sh. S. L. Kapruwan working as Sr. PM, IPHO has been posted as SSPOs, Delhi East Dn. vice Sh. G. R. Bharde retiring from service on 31.07.2012

Review of three years time limit for making compassionate appointment

F.No.14014/3/2011-Estt. (D)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel and Training

North Block, New Delhi,
Dated the 26th, July 2012

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject : Review of three years time limit for making compassionate appointment.

The primary objective of scheme for compassionate appointment circulated vide O.M. No. 14014/6/94-Estt(D) dated 09.10.1998 is to provide immediate assistance to relieve the dependent family of the deceased or medically retired Government servant from financial destitution i.e. penurious condition. The Hon’ble Supreme Court in its judgment dated 05.04.2011 in Civil Appeal No. 2206 of 2006 filed by Local Administration Department vs. M. Selvanayagam ® Kumaravelu has observed that "an appointment made many years after the death of the employee or without due consideration of the financial resources available to his/her dependents and the financial deprivation caused to the dependents as a result of his death, simply because the claimant happened to be one of the dependents of the deceased employee would be directly in conflict with Articles 14 & 16 of the Constitution and hence, quite bad and illegal. In dealing with cases of compassionate appointment, it is imperative to keep this vital aspect in mind”.

2. This Department’s O.M. No. 14014/6/1994-Esst.(D) dated 09.10.1998 provided that Ministries/Departments can consider requests for compassionate appointment even where the death or retirement on medical grounds of a Government servant took place long back, say five years or so. While considering such belated requests it was, however, to be kept in view that the concept of compassionate appointment is largely related to the need for immediate assistance to the family of the Government servant in order to relieve it from economic distress. The very fact that the family has been able to manage somehow all these years should normally be taken as adequate proof that the family had some dependable means of subsistence. Therefore, examination of such cases call for a great deal of circumspection. The decision to make appointment on compassionate grounds in such cases was to be taken only at the level of the Secretary of the Department/Ministry concerned.

3. Subsequently vide this Department’s O.M. No.14014/19/2002-Estt.(D) dated 5th May, 2003 a time limit of three years time was prescribed for considering cases of compassionate appointment. Keeping in view the Hon’ble High Court Allahabad judgment dated 07.05.2010 in Civil Misc. Writ Petition No. 13102 of 2010, the issue has been re-examined in consultation with Ministry of Law. It has been decided to withdraw the instructions contained in the O.M. dated 05.05.2003.

4. The cases of compassionate appointment may be regulated in terms of instructions issued vide O.M. dated 09.10.1998 as amended from time to time. The onus of examining the penurious condition of the dependent family will rest with the authority making compassionate appointment.

sd/-
(Mukta Goel)
Director (E-I)

Source : www.persmin.nic.in
[http://circulars.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02est/14014_3_2011-Estt.D-26072012.pdf]

ACRs/APARs for convening DPC for promotion to PS Group "B" cadre of the vacancy year 2012-13 called for by the Postal Directorate

Postal Directorate has called for ACRs/APARs for convening DPC for promotion to PS Group "B" cadre of the vacancy year 2012-13 vide letter no. 9-23/2012-SPG dated 23.07.2012. Records/documents of the listed officers are to be submitted to the Postal Directorate by 31.08.2012. There are 522 officers in the zone of consideration. Some of enlisted officers have already been promoted to PS Group "B" cadre through LDCE and some have retired/expired. Names of enlisted officers who are actually to be considered from Delhi Circle are as under :-
1. Sh. Shri Bhagwan Malik 29.02.1956 (1988)
2. Sh. Seesh Pal Singh        20.12.1952 (1988)
3. Sh. Janardan Singh              07.1953 (1989)
4. Sh. Ram Babu Sharma         03.1964 (1989)
5. Sh. Ashok Kumar Jain    01.08.1952 (1989) 

Keys of Paper-I & II of PS Group "B" examination held on 03.06.2012

CLICK HERE TO VIEW KEYS

Agenda for next four monthly meeting with the CPMG

                        Agenda submitted for next four monthly meeting is as under:-

(A).      REVIEW OF OLD ITEMS

            03/2011 Filling up of vacant posts of IPs in the Circle 

           04/2011 Supply of Laptops / Computers with broadband connection to all IPs / ASPs except Sub Divisional Heads

            05/2011 Holding of DPC for regularization in ASP grade for the year 2012

            There will be vacancy in ASP grade on 31-07-2012, 30-09-2012 and 31-12-2012. Hence, DPC may be held at the earliest.

             06/2011 Printing of new telephone directory of Delhi Circle

(B).      NEW ITEMS

            01/2012 Appointment of Departmental candidates of IP Examination – 2011

            Total 08 (07 + 01 APS) candidates were declared successful in IP Examination - 2011 in the month of April 2011. Out of them, 4 candidates have since been deputed for InductionTraining at PTC, Saharanpur wef 25-06-2012. Remaining candidates are still working in clerical cadre and are waiting for induction training / appointment as IP. They may be given appointment immediately without waiting for induction training as seniority is fixed as per   merit and not as per date of joining   

            02/2012 Proper sitting arrangement of IPs / ASPs working in AMPC, New Delhi

            It is brought to your kind notice that there is improper sitting arrangement of IPs /ASPs working in AMPC, New Delhi – 110037. Instructions should be issued to the SSRM, A.M. Stg. Dn. in this regard.

            03/2012 Settlement of pending MACP cases of IPs / ASPs in-time

            It has come to the notice of the association that pending cases of certain IPs / ASPs have not been settled in time. These cases may be settled at the earliest.

                       

A look at the six most asked questions on UID

For more than 4 years, the 12-digit number called Aadhaar has generated more debate than action.
But now that 18 crore Indians do have this number and 42 crore more should have it by April 2013, it's time to focus more on what the number will—and can—really do.
For, it is the utility of the card that will make all the struggle in its implementation worthwhile—or worthless.

Here's a look at the six most asked questions on UID

1) What is Aadhaar authentication ? Is an individual's right of privacy ensured?
Aadhaar authentication is a process through which the number, along with other attributes (demographics , biometrics or One-Time Pin), is submitted to UIDAI's Central Identities Data Repository (CIDR) for verification ; the CIDR verifies whether the data submitted matches the data available in CIDR and responds with a "yes/no" . No personal identity information is returned as part of the response.
2) When do I need to authenticate?
Service providers, such as the government for PDS and NREGA or banks, are expected to link Aadhaar authentication to their services. Residents would need to authenticate either at the time of subscribing to the service or at the time of availing service delivery . Then no one else can avail the benefits meant for a particular resident.
3) How will children be captured in the database?
No biometrics for children below 5 years; their UID will be processed on the basis of demographic information and photograph linked with their parents' UID. Once they are five years old, they need to be re-enrolled with biometrics of 10 fingers, iris and pho tograph. Biometrics will be updated once they turn 15.
4) What about biometrics of the differently-abled and people with no finger prints or those without fingers?
Biometric standards prescribed will ensure that these groups are not excluded. In the case of people without hands/ fingers only photo will be used for identity determination and there will be markers to determine uniqueness.
5) How will an Aadhaar-enabled bank account help a resident who already has a bank account?
The resident can link existing bank account to Adhaar as disbursement of social security benefits like pensions, scholarships or MGNREGS wages would only be through Aadhaar-enabled accounts .
UIDAI is working with states and central ministries to designate Aadhaar-enabled accounts for disbursal of all social security benefits. The individual would be able to access Aadhaar enabled bank account through a low-cost micro-ATM network which will have large geographical reach. Instant payments through biometric authentication and mobile payments will also be enabled in the future for such accounts.
6) What are micro-ATMs ? How will they work in the Aadhaar system?
Micro-ATMs are biometric authentication enabled hand-held device (also known as a Point of Transaction terminal). They will primarily allow the following functions: cash withdrawal, cash deposit, balance enquiry and remittances . These devices will be operated by business correspondents (BCs) appointed by banks.
The physical currency would be handled by this BC and not a machine like a regular ATM. All transactions will require online biometric authentication with the UIDAI authentication server in order to be processed.

Source:-The Economic Times

Amendment in constitution of All India Association of Inspectors and Assistant Superintendents Posts...Monthly subscription revised from Rs. 30/- to Rs. 50/-.

Government of India

Ministry of Communications and IT

Department of Posts

Dak Bhavan, Sansad Marg,

New Delhi 110 001.

No. 15/4/2012-SR      Dated : 12-07-2012

To

The General Secretary,

All India Association of Inspectors and Assistant Superintendents Posts,

CHQ Qtr. No. 12, P&T Colony, Khurshid Square, Civil Lines, Delhi-54.

Sub : Amendment in constitution of All India Association of Inspectors and     Assistant Superintendents Posts.

Sir,

          I am directed to refer to your letter No. CHQ/IPASP/Reso/1-2/2012 dated 17.5.2012 on the above mentioned subject and to inform that Government has provisionally approved amendment to the Constitution of All India Association of Inspectors and Assistant Superintendents Posts. The amended version will now read as given below.

Revised Article 38 : Subscription

The monthly subscription shall be Rs. 50/- (Rupees Fifty only) per member, payable monthly through check off system by deduction from the salaries by Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) @ Rs. 50/- (Rupees Fifty only) per month. However, in case of new members, they can exercise their option in the month of April and deduction of subscription @ Rs. 50/- (Rupees Fifty only) per month will be made by the DDO concerned from 1^st July of that year. Entire deducted subscription will be remitted to the Circle Branch. 40% of the subscription will be allocated to CHQ and the remaining 60% to Circle Branch (by Circle Secretary).

Revised Article 44 : Circle Conference :

The Circle Conference shall be the supreme deliberative and legislative body of the Circle Association, it shall among others have following specific powers:

(a)          To elect the following office-bearers:

(i)           President                        (v)     OrganisingSecretary – 4

(ii)          Vice President -2            (vi) Treasurer

(iii)        Circle Secretary              (vii) Assistant Treasurer

(iv)         Assistant Circle Secretary-3

Note : 1        The election of office-bearers at items (i) to (vii) above shall be by  secret Ballot, if so demanded even by a single member.

Note : 2        (a) If the Circle Conference of a particular Circle desires to have more  Organising Secretary or Assistant Circle Secretary they may be so elected.

(b)  To appoint the auditor from among the members.

(c)  To elect the members of the Circle Working Committee not exceeding twenty five.

(d)  To elect the delegates for the All India Conference.

(e)  To consider and adopt the annual report, accounts and budget estimates.

(f)   To adopt resolutions on problems of the members and to devise ways and means to implement the Center’s Policy Directives.

2.       The above amendments may be incorporated in the existing constitution of the Association and a fresh copy of the constitution submitted to this office for record.

Yours faithfully,

Sd/-

(Subhash Chander)

Consultant (SR)

Copy to :

All Heads of Circle.

Government plans to separate Indiapost's functions

GOVERNMENT PLANS TO SEPARATE INDIA POST’S FUNCTIONS

The government is planning to separate the functions of policy making, regulations and operations of the over 150 year-old Department of Post (DoP)

.

Sources in Ministry of Communications and IT said Kapil Sibal has asked for setting up a body to oversee the unbundling of DoP's functions.

An independent body named Postal Development Board (PDB) will be responsible for the overall development and governance of the postal sector, they added. The PDB will also draw a road-map for unbundling of postal department functions

.

"The idea is to develop Indian postal sector as a full-fledged market, bring in more service providers to enhance employment and contribution to nation's GDP," a senior ministry official said.

A recent review meeting of the entire sector, chaired by Sibal, found that in some European countries' the sector contributes between 0.6-0.9 per cent of their GDP.

However, the contribution of the estimated Rs 15,000-crore Indian Postal sector is much lower. Private players have been demanding unbundling of the department's functions for a level-playing field and growth of the sector.

At present, DoP -- which has around 5 lakh employees -- is the sole body responsible for policy making, regulations and providing postal service.

The over 100-year old Indian Post Office Act, which governs the sector, bars any individual or entity from delivering letter for commercial purpose.

The business of private courier companies is built around delivering documents, parcels and others items which do not fall under the category of 'letter'.

Sibal has asked DoP to create a framework to support small and medium postal operators and new models to encourage entrepreneurship in the sector.

The minister has also instructed DoP to constitute a Postal Advisory Board (PAB) which should have representation from government, industry players, academics and other stakeholders.

The role of PAB will be to provide inputs to PDB on policy matters. PDB will be set up under Secretary (Posts) and will include Secretaries of Department of Economic Affairs, Department of Electronics and Information Technology, Department of Commerce and two members from Postal Services Board. 

Source : http://www.deccanchronicle.com

Introduction of the depositor at the time of opening of saving account-a clarification regarding

CLICK HERE TO VIEW SB ORDER NO. 9/2012

Holding of PA/SA Direct Recruitment for 2011 & 2012 through Outsourced Agency

CLICK HERE TO VIEW POSTAL DIRECTORATE NO. A-34012/5/2011-DE DATED 13.07.2012

Decisions and Discussions : National Anomaly Committee Meeting held on 17.7.2012

Decisions and Discussions : National Anomaly Committee Meeting held on 17.7.2012

Highlights of discussions in the National Anomaly Committee Meeting held on 17th July, 2012

NFIR General Secretary Shri.Raghavaiah JCM Staff Side Leader, published the outcome of discussion on some important issues on its website. 

1. Special Allowance and Qualification Pay : The demand for taking special allowance and qualification pay for fixation prupose on promotion w.e.f.1.1.2006 is agreed to be considered and finalized within one month.

2. Rule 8 of Revised Pay Rules : It was agreed that taking into considereation, Recruitment Rules the Senior promotee's pay will be allowed to be fixed at the same stage (especially at the minimum of pay) thus the seniors will get the entry stage pay fixed for direct recruits.

3. Transport Allowance : Since CCA got subsumed in the Transport Allowance resulting denial of Overtime, action will be taken to review this particular aspects to mitigate the hardship.

4. Revision of Existing Allowance : Agreed to process the dobling the allowances (Hospital Patient Care Allowance etc.) Cabinet's approval will be sought. Target date for finalization is one month.

5. Commutation of additional Pension or Revision of pension in respect of post 31.12.2005 retirees : Department of Pension to make calculation for knowing the difference of amount between pre1.1.2006 and post 1.1.2006. Thereafter a view will be taken.

6. Commutation of Revised Pension : Will be examined further. Copy of Supreme Court Judgement will be given to Staff Side.

7. Revision of Base Index for Dearness allowance : Calculation sheet will be sent to Staff Side for comments.

8. Fixation of pay on promotion (shouldering higher responsibility) to a post carrying same Grade pay : Agreed to grant additional increment erstwhile FR-22-C.

9. Anomaly in the Pay Scale, Pay Band and Grade Pay - Library Information Assistant : Will be referred to Department of Culture for comments for considering allotment of Grade Pay of Rs.4600/- in PB-2.

10. MACP Anomalies : Secretary (Personnel) while appreciating the points raised by Staff Side has decided that a separte meeting will be held shortly (tentative date 27th July, 2012).

11. 15 Years Period fixed for Commutation is Arbitrary/unjustified : Official Side stated that the issue will be examined further.

12. Anomalies in the Pay Scale of Official Language Staff - Grant of parity to Rajbhasha Sahayaks : Railway Ministry's proposal for granting parity is under active consideration Favourale decision is expected.

13. Grant of parity in the case of Indian Railways Stenographers : Staff Side insisted that int he light of  Cabinet's approval for granting parity, the Railway Ministry should issue orders without referring to Minisry of Finance. It was however stated by the Official Side that this being a common category, Ministry of  Finance will have to be approached by Railway Ministry. After discussion it was agreed to expedite decision.

14. Eleven additional Items given by Staff Side in the last meeting will be proritized for further examination ad discussion.

15. Replacement of Grade Pay of Rs.4600/- with Rs.4800/- in the Railways : Official Side stated that Railway Ministry's proposal will be considered and a decision given.

16. Transport Allowance at Delhi for employees fo Faridabad, Gurgaon, Ghaziabad and Noida : After discussion it was agreed to consider positively. Staff Side also pointed out that HRA at Delhi rates are already paid to staff and hence Transport Allowance at Delhi rates should be allowed.

17. Grant of another option to the employees promoted in between 1.1.2006 and 2010 : Staff Side pointed out that the Field staff who were promoted after 1.1.2006 were unaware of the advantage of option as they were in the 5th CPC Pay Structure till the implementation of 6th CPC Revised Pay Structure and hence another option should be granted in such situation. After lengthy discussion, Secretary (Personnel) has agreed that thre is hardship involved and assured to decide favourably.

Shri. M.Raghavaiah, JCM Staff Side leader, Guman Singh, NFIR President and R.P.Bhatnagar, Working President, NFIR have participated in the meeting.

 

Source : NFIR Website

Result of the LDCE for promotion to the cadre of PS Group "B" -2012 held on 03.06.2012

CLICK HERE TO SEE DETAILED RESULT ISSUED VIDE NO. A-34013-03-2012-DE DATED 17.07.2012

Frequently Asked Questions : FAQ on TA/DA, LTC, CEA, GPF and Establishment Matters

Frequently Asked Questions : Clarifications are given as FAQ to easy understand the below subjects...

Travelling Allowance

Daily Allowance

Leave Travel Concession

Children Education Allowance

General Provident Fund and 

Establishment Matters

TA/DA and LTC

Q. What is the quantum of encashment of leave on LTC?

Ans. While availing LTC, Government servants can encash 10 days EL at a time subject to maximum of 60 days during entire service.

Q. Whether encashment can be availed during Casual Leave?

Ans. Yes.

Q. Whether Air Tickets can be booked through private agents on TA/DA&LTC

Ans. No, as per para 3(viii) of MOF, Dept. of Exp. OM No. 19024/1/E-IV/2005 dt. 24.3.06 wherever officer seeks to utilize the service of travel agents, it should be limited to M/s Balmer Lawrie & Com. and M/s Ashoka Tours & Travels.

Q.  Whether  the  services  of  other  Air  lines  can  be  availed  during  TA/DA&LTC,  where  the stations are not connected by Air India.

Ans. For travel to stations not connected by Air India the officials may travel by Air India to the point closest to their eventual destination, beyond which they may utilize the services of another airlines.

Q. What is the minimum service for availing LTC?

Ans: Government servant who have completed one year of continuous service on the date of journey can avail this concession.

Q. Whether LTC can be availed during week-end or holidays alone?

Ans: No, the concession can be availed during regular/casual/special casual leave or vacation.

Q. When both husband and wife are government servants, can they declare separate home town independently?

Ans: Yes.

Q. Whether a Government employee can travel by longer route?

Ans: Yes, however reimbursement for his/her journey will be restricted to shortest direct route.

Q. Whether LTC can be availed during study leave?

Ans: Yes, however reimbursement of fare should be restricted to the fare admissible for travel between  his  headquarters  station  to  any  place  in  India/home  town  or  actual  expenditure, whichever is less.

Q. Whether LTC can be availed under suspension?

Ans: No, Government servant under suspension cannot avail of LTC as he/she cannot get any leave including casual leave during the period of suspension; however his family is entitled to LTC.

Q. What is the entitlement of fresh recruits?

Ans: Fresh recruits of Central government may be allowed to travel to their home town with their families on three occasions in a block of four years and to any place in India on the fourth occasion. This facility shall be available to the Government officers only for the first two blocks of four years applicable after joining the Government for the first time. The blocks of 4 years shall apply with reference to the initial date of joining the Government even though the employee changes the job within Government subsequently. The existing blocks will remain the same but the entitlements of the new recruit will be different in the first eight years of service.

Q. Whether a Government servant appointed before 23-09-2008 but not completed first eight years of service is eligible for four LTC as mentioned in VI CPC?

Ans: The Government servant who have not completed 8 years of service as on 01-09-2008 are entitled for this concession as per their entitlement. There is no change in block years.

Q.  Home  town  of  an  employee  is  connected  by  train  but  is  not  directly  connected  by Rajdhani/Shatabdi Express trains. In such a case, can the employee be entitled to travel partly by Rajdhani/Shatabdi Express trains and partly by other trains?

Ans: Yes, If the journey is actually performed by Rajdhani/Shatabdi trains up to an en route railway station by direct shortest route and thereafter the journey is completed in a train other than Rajdhani/Shatabdi trains, fare for both the types of trains by the entitled class would be admissible for the respective portion of journey.

Q. If the originating and terminating points fall on the routes of Rajdhani/shatabdi express trains  but  these  trains  do  not  halt  at  these  stations,  can  an  employee  travel  by Rajdhani/Shatabdi Express?

Ans: The employee can travel by Rajdhani/Shatabdi Express up to the nearest en route station which should not be beyond the destination i.e., Home town or the declare place of visit.

Q. If a  Government employee/his family member is entitled to concessional train fare such as senior  citizen,  student  concession,  children,  etc.,  whether  in  case  of  air  travel,  the reimbursement would be restricted to such concessional fare by train in entitled class?

Ans: If full air fare has been charged by the airlines and paid by the Government servant, the reimbursement  would  be  restricted  to  the  full  train  fare  in  entitled  class  including Rajdhani/shatabdi.

Q.   If  a  Government  servant  drawing  grade  pay  Rs.  10,000  and  above  can  claim  for reimbursement of Air travel by executive class on LTC?

Ans: No, reimbursement of the expenses on air travel while availing of LTC will be restricted to the cost of travel by the economy class, irrespective of entitlement.

Q. Whether DA is admissible on Sunday, holiday, casual leave and RH to Government Servant on temporary duty at out station?

Ans: 1. Government servant availing  CL or RH while on tour is not entitled to draw DA.

           2. DA is not admissible for any day whether sunday or holiday unless the officer is actually and  not merely constructively in camp.

Q. How mileage allowance is admissible when journey on tour is performed by longer route by rail partly by lower class and partly by the entitled class?

Ans:  In  such  case  claim  shall  be  regulated  on  proportionate  basis,  by  calculating  mileage allowance for different modes/ classes by the shortest route in the ration of distance covered by such modes/ classes by the longer actually used route.

Q. Is TATKAL SEVA charges reimbursable?

Ans: Yes

Q. Whether DA to Government servant on tour returning to Headquarters daily is admissible?

Ans: Yes, a Government servant who returns to his Hqrs while on tour at outstation due to non availability of proper accommodation etc to suite his convenience, may draw DA at the rate applicable at temporary duty station, but on intervening Sundays and holidays no DA will be admissible.

Q. Whether hotel/ guest house should be registered/ recognised?

Ans: For any hotel the Government servant must have stayed in registered/ licensed as a hotel by proper authority.

Q. Whether cash receipt/ cash memo will be mandatory in support of the claims?

Ans: Yes actual expenditure incurred within the prescribed limit will be reimbursed as per normal procedure.

FAQ on General Provident Fund

Q. What is the procedure to increase or decrease General Public Fund (GPF) Subscription?

Ans. GPF subscription can be increased or decreased by submitting request for the same.

Q. Can I get Temporary advance from G.P.Fund for children"s higher education?

Ans. Yes Temporary advance and Final Withdrawal both can be availed for Children"s higher

education on production of necessary documents.

Q. Who will make payment on account of final withdrawal from GPF during the last two years

of service prior to retirement?

Ans: Only Fund Cell of PCDA(R&D) will make payment in such cases.

Q. When the employee can withdraw money from GPF without assigning any reason and the

percentage permissible?

Ans: An employee can withdraw final withdrawal from GPF up to 90% of credit balance within

six months prior to his retirement.

Q. What is the maximum number of installments in which temporary advance out of GPF can

be recovered?

Ans: GPF advance can be recovered in not more than 36 installments.

Q. If it is noticed that amount drawn by an employee out of GPF was not debited in the same

financial year. How it will be adjusted?

Ans: The amount withdrawn will be debited in the CCO-9 and up to date interest will also be

debited.

Q. What is the minimum & maximum rate of subscription?

Ans: A Government employee can subscribe minimum 6 percent of total emoluments and not

more than his total emoluments in his/her GPF.

Q. What is DLIS and what are the conditions for the same to be paid?

Ans.DLIS stands for Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme. DLIS is given to family of the GP fund

subscriber on his demise. Maximum limit of DLIS is Rs.60,000.

Q. How the discrepancies in the GP Fund statement will be settled/rectified?

Ans.The cases of discrepancies in the GP Fund statements should be taken up with the concerned pay audit section under PCDA(R&D) (DRDO Cell/Sub-office of PCDA(R&D)).  The section after verifying the same forwards it to the Fund cell under PCDA(R&D) for rectification. 

FAQ on Children Education Allowance

Q. Is cost of books/dress reimbursable while claiming Children Education Allowance?

Ans. Yes, cost of books and dress can be reimbursed.

Q. Whether Children Education Allowance can be claimed monthly?

Ans. No Medical

Q.  What  are  the  documents  required  to  take  prior  permission  to  undergo  tests  from  a

recognized Centre.

Ans.  Following  document  are  required  to  take  prior  permission  to  undergo  tests  from  a

recognized centre:

1. Copy of the prescription slip by CGHS/Government Doctor advising the test/procedure

2. Copy of CGHS Card of the patient.

3. An application clearly indicating the name of the Centre from where the permission to carry

out tests is sought.

FAQ on General/Establishment matters

Q. What is the validity of Government cheque? 

Ans. RBI cheque is valid for three months excluding the month of issue.

Q. How can Government employee can add name of spouse/children in his/her service book? 

Ans.  A  Government  employee  can  add  name  of  spouse/children  by  submission  of  revised family details.

Q. Is Child Care Leave (CCL) admissible when EL is at credit of individual? 

Ans. Yes

Q. What is the maximum limit of CCL?  Can it be availed in parts? 

Ans. Maximum 730 days of CCL can be availed during entire service. Yes, CCL can be availed in parts.  Minimum spell should be 15 days and not more than 3 spells in a year

Q. Being a fresh appointee, how can a Government employee can apply for his  PRAN number? 

Ans. A Government servant, who has joined after 01/01/2004 will have to submit prescribed application form for PRAN number along with passport photographs (in triplicate).

Q. What is the procedure for drawing pay through ECS? 

Ans. An employee who wants to draw pay through ECS may submit an application along with copy of a cheque which contains Account number, MICR No and IFSC code of the bank.

Q. What is the process of payment of pension? 

Ans. On retirement/death, the concerned office of the pensioner prepares case for payment of retirement benefits and forwards to PCDA(R&D) (or its sub office).  PCDA(R&D) verifies the retirement benefits and forwards the papers to PCDA(Pensions) Allahabad.  PCDA(Pensions) after verification sends a copy of Pension Payment Order to the bank/DPDO and payment of pension starts.

Q. How the pension contribution of the new entrants who joined service on or after 1.1.04 is 

accounted for? 

Ans. PCDA(R&D) or its sub offices issues consolidated cheque for the amount deducted towards NPS and also Govt. contribution in favour of the Trustee Bank after uploading their details (e.g. PRAN No., contribution for the month based on Salary etc.) to the NSDL website.

Q. What is the procedure for payment of pay and allowances if LPC is not  received? 

Ans: The pay and allowances shall be released provisionally .

Q. Is transport allowance admissible in all the cases? 

Ans:  No.  Transport  allowance  is  not  admissible  to  a  person  who  has  been  provided  with Government vehicle and also to the person who remains absent for whole month..

Q. How pension and gratuity of a deceased employee are calculated? 

Ans:  Pension  and  gratuity  are  calculated  on  the  basis  of  last  pay  drawn  and  length  of qualifying service.

Q. What is the maximum percentage of pension which can be commuted? 

Ans: Not exceeding 40% of pension can be commuted.

Q. How many financial upgradation can be granted under MACP Scheme? 

Ans: Three. There should be gap of ten years from the date of last promotion.

Q. To whom MACP is granted and under what conditions? 

Ans: MACP can be granted to a person who has not been promoted during the last ten years.

Q. If a person, who has been granted MACP, gets promotion, how his pay will be fixed? 

Ans: A person who has been granted MACP gets promotion his grade pay will be changed.

Q. What action is expected if an employee does not file income tax statement to his DDO? 

Ans: In such cases the income tax due will be recovered by calculating on salary drawn by him.

Q. If an employee is sanctioned EOL, what will be its impact on qualifying service? 

Ans: The EOL sanctioned without medical certificate will be treated as non qualifying service.

Q . If an employee remains on HPL what will be due to him on account of pay and allowances? 

Ans: His pay will be calculated at half the rate.(BP+GP+DA) and HRA & TPT allowance will be calculated as per prevailing rates.

Q. If an officer desires to draw second advance for purchasing second car after clearance of first demand. How much amount he can be paid? 

Ans: He can be paid Rs 1.6 lakh or 8 months pay (basic plus grade pay) or anticipated cost ofthe car which ever is less.

 

Source: http://pcdarnd.gov.in/pdf/faq.php/1/1/

Central Government employee's wife death at CGHS hospital - Apex court orders compensation

The Union government has been ordered by the country’s apex consumer panel to pay Rs 5 lakh as compensation to one of his employees, whose wife had died of excess bleeding in a CGHS hospital soon after giving birth to a child through cesarean section over 13 years ago.

 

The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) ordered the government to pay the compensation, as the woman died of excess bleeding after surgery with no blood available in blood bank of the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) maternity hospital.

The government ordered compensation for the victim’s husband Arvind Pandey holding the union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the CGHS director general, the hospital and its doctor who performed the surgery, jointly liable for damages. The NCDRC held the doctor concerned, Dr Saran and the CGHS maternity hospital at R K Puram liable to pay damages saying they “failed to exercise due care on their part” leading to the death of Pandey’s wife. “The concerned doctor and the hospital had failed to anticipate problems arising out of the complications and to take precautionary measures, such as arranging for the blood or keeping an ambulance ready for shifting the patient,” the NCDRC bench presided by Justice R C Jain said.

The NCDRC’s verdict came on Pandey’s complaint alleging his wife had died right after the delivery through cesarean section due to negligence of the CGHS maternity hospital and the doctors who were present during the surgery. The CGHS hospital and the doctors had contended in their defence that the best possible treatment was given to Pandey’s wife, who was a high-risk patient, and that he was informed before hand to arrange blood or blood donors.

Source: IBN Live