Wednesday 28 August 2013

Service Provided by CGHS

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Service Provided by CGHS 

This below information was given by the Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare ShriGhulamNabi Azadin written reply to a question in the LokSabhaon 23.08.2013.
This Ministry has been receiving complaints/grievances in respect of the following major aspects.
 1.Administrative:- Misbehavior by medical and paramedical staff, Shortage of staff,  Punctuality etc.
2. Technical:- Delay in settlement of medical reimbursement claims (MRCs),  Supply of substitute medicines instead of the prescribed by the Govt. specialists, Delay in supply of indented medicines, etc.
3. Related to empanelled hospitals: Denial of credit facility, Misbehavior of hospital doctors/staff, overcharging, etc.
4. Related to Internet accessibility: Disruption in services due to breakdown in internet connectivity,  etc.
To redress the grievances/complaints, the following steps have been taken:
Administrative :-Instructions have been issued to the doctors /para-medical staff working in CGHS to be polite and courteous in their behaviour with the patients. In specific cases transfers have also been made and disciplinary actions initiated. Contractual doctors are appointed to meet the requirement of Medical Officers. Regular inspections are carried out. 
Technical:-The time limit for clearance of MRC bills has been fixed. CGHS doctors are advised to prescribe generic medicines to the maximum extent. The indented medicines are supplied through various local chemists to avoid the delay.
Related to empanelled hospitals: Penalty is imposed and suitable action is initiated against the erring empanelled private hospitals.
Related to Internet accessibility: -Medical Officers have been instructed not to stop to provide the consultation/treatment in case of failure of internet connection.
Apart from the above, SMS Alert system has been introduced aiming at bringing transparency in delivery of services as major initiative. Redressal Committees have also been formed by CGHS.
The allocation of financial resources is based on the evaluation of specific requirements/demands projected by the CGHS units and availability of resources.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare ShriGhulamNabi Azadin written reply to a question in the LokSabha on 23.08.2013..
Source : PIB News

Promotion and postings of Senior Administrative Grade (SAG) Officers of Indian Postal Service, Group 'A' to Higher Administrative Grade (HAG) of the service

Sh. Chandra Prakash (IPoS-1984), PMG (Operations), Delhi Circle has been promoted to HAG and posted as CPMG, Jammu&Kashmir Circle.
Authority : Postal Dte. Memo No. 1-16/2013-SPG dated 27.08.2013

DPC for the promotion to the cadre of PS Gr. B for the year 2013-14....an update

It is learnt that CRs / APARs and requisite information from ALL Circles have been received at Directorate for convening DPC for the promotion to PS Gr. B for the year 2013-14. DPC work is in process. DPC is likely to completed before 15th September, 2013.

It is also learnt that the request of PS Gr. B officers for re-patriation to their Home Circle will also be considered as far as possible. 
 
Source : CHQ Blog

Saturday 24 August 2013

Disclosure of personal information under the RTI Act, 2005

No.11/2/2013-IR (Pt.)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training
North Block, New Delhi,
Dated the 14th August 2013
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Disclosure of personal information under the RTI Act, 2005.
The Central Information Commission in one of its decisions (copy enclosed) has held that information about the complaints made against an officer of the Government and any possible action the authorities might have taken on those complaints, qualities as personal information within the meaning of provision of section 8 (1) (j) of the RTI Act, 2005.

2. The Central Information Commission while deciding the said case has cited the decision of Supreme Court of India in the matter of Girish R. Deshpande vs. CIC and others (SLP (C) no. 27734/2012) in which it was held as under:-
“The performance of an employee/Officer in an organisation is primarily a matter between the employee and the employer and normally those aspects are governed by the service rules which fall under the expression personal information, the disclosure of which has no relationship to any public activity or public interest. On the other hand, the disclosure of which could cause unwarranted invasion of the privacy of that individual." The Supreme Court further held that such information could be disclosed only if it would serve a larger public interest.
3. This may be brought to the notice of all concerned.
End: As above.
sd/-
(Manoj Joshi)
Joint Secretary (AT&A)
Source: www.persmin.nic.in
[http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02rti/11_2_2013-IR-Pt.-14082013.pdf]

Treatment from CGHS Empanelled Hospitals

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Treatment from CGHS Empanelled Hospitals 
As per the existing guidelines, a CGHS beneficiary is required to obtain permission from his administrative Department / Office or CMO in charge (in case of pensioner beneficiary) to avail medical treatment in a CGHS empanelled private hospital. However, in case of emergency he can go to any hospital whether empanelled or not, to avail medical treatment. This provision is necessary to ensure proper medical treatment of a CGHS beneficiary in consultation with the Government specialists. This is also a measure of ‘checks and balances’ to ensure financial propriety and optimum utilization of public money. 

This Ministry has been receiving representations from the individuals; Pensioners Associations etc. to allow the CGHS beneficiaries to take treatment from the CGHS empanelled private hospitals without obtaining the requisite permission. However, their requests have not been acceded to as the present referral system is considered necessary in the interest of the beneficiaries and it is also necessary as a check and balance measure to ensure financial propriety. 
CGHS is already providing comprehensive and hassle free healthcare services to its beneficiaries through its large network of Wellness Centres and empanelled private hospitals and diagnostic /imaging centres. With a view to further simplify and liberalize the procedures in CGHS to make its services more hassle free, the requirement of mandatory permission for undertaking diagnostic tests and investigations has been done away with w.e.f. 1st January, 2013. In addition, ‘Continuous Empanelment Scheme’ has also been revived at all CGHS locations to empanel more number of eligible private hospitals to enhance accessibility and availability of medical services to the beneficiaries in a hassle free manner. 
This information was given by the Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare ShriGhulamNabi Azadin written reply to a question in the LokSabha on 23.08.2013.

Friday 23 August 2013

Organizing the tutorial classes for Postman Examination on charity basis

It is intimated for the information of all concerned that Sh. Naresh Kumar, ASP (HQ), Delhi Sorting Division, Delhi-110006 is organizing the tutorial classes for Postman Examination on charity basis for the candidates appearing in the examination being conducted by Delhi Postal Circle scheduled to be held in near future. These tutorial classes would be organized before and after duty hours at his residence i. e. EPT-151, P&T Colony, Sarojini Nagar, New Delhi-110023 preferably for the candidates of Postal Employees & their relatives and candidates belonging to Economically Weaker Section who can not bear the expenditure of coaching.
In addition to above, study material based on latest syllabus for the said examination would be made available on the request of an individual. Interested candidates are requested to please contact him on his Mobile No. 09311615078.

Organizing the tutorial classes for Postman Examination on charity basis

Competent Authority has permitted Sh. Naresh Kumar, ASP (HQ), Delhi Sorting Division, Delhi-110006 for organizing the tutorial classes for Postman Examination on charity basis.

Authority : C.O. Letter No.Staff/PG-Misc/2008 dated 21.08.2013

Thursday 22 August 2013

Government not considering to raise retirement age to 62 yrs


There is raging speculation that the Centre may raise the retirement age of its staff but top sources say there is no such move.

“There is no such plan to raise the retirement age to 62 from 60 years,” a reliable source in the Government said.
There are about 50 lakh Central Government employees working in various departments including the Railways across the country.
Recent media reports had claimed that the Ministry of Personnel was working on a proposal to increase the age of service by two years as part of Government’s plan to defer payouts in the form of pensions and other payments to check fiscal deficit.
It was also speculated that the move may be timed ahead of Lok Sabha elections.
Sources in the Ministry said raising retirement age requires a detailed consultation with all stake holders and discussion with the Finance Ministry. Without the Finance Ministry’s nod, the matter cannot be processed, they said.
The retirement age for a majority of Central Government employees is 60 years. However, the age for retirement in case of teachers and scientists is 62 years.
In a related development, Chhattisgarh Government has recently increased the age of retirement to 62 years from 60 for its employees.
The age of superannuation varies in State Governments with majority of them keeping it at 60 years.
The Centre had in 1998 raised the retirement age of Central Government employees to 60 from 58 years.

DPC for the promotion to the cadre of PS Gr. B for the year 2013-14....an update

The CRs / APARs and requisite information from Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh Circles are still awaited at Directorate for convening DPC for the promotion to PS Gr. B for the year 2013-14. CS & CHQ office bearers of these two circles may take up this issue with their circle administration and ensure its submission at the earliest. 
 
Source : CHQ Blog

Sr. PM CAT case OA No. 1328/HR/2011 filed by IP/ASP Association Punjab and Haryana Circles....an update

Matter came up for hearing on 19th August 2013 before the Hon'ble CAT Bench Chandigarh. No proceedings took place and the case stands posted to 24th October 2013 for arguments. 
Source : CHQ Blog
 

Transfer and posting of JAG officer of IPoS, Group "A"

Sh. Jagannath Srinivasan (IPoS-2002) has joined as Director, New Delhi GPO, New Delhi-110001 against vacant post.

Authority : Postal Dte. Memo No. 2-8/2013-SPG dated 02.08.2013
AuAthority : Postal Dte. Memo No. 2-8/2013-SPG dated 02.08.2013

Tuesday 20 August 2013

CAT case for upgradation of GP of IPs at Ernakulam Bench....an update

OA No. 289/13 filed by the CHQ came up before the Hon'ble CAT Ernakulam Bench on 14.08.2013. After hearing the arguments from both the sides, the case has been posted to 04.09.2013 for detailed hearing.
 
Source : CHQ Blog

Monday 12 August 2013

DPC for the promotion to the cadre of PS Gr. B for the year 2013-14....an update

Today, it is confirmed from Postal Directorate that the following circles have yet not submitted the CRs/APARs and requisite information for convening DPC for the promotion to PS Gr. B for the year 2013-14.

1. Bihar 2. Haryana 3. Jharkhand 4. North East 5. Uttar Pradesh 
 
SOURCE : CHQ BLOG

CAT case for upgradation of GP of IPs at Ernakulam Bench....an update

 
 
 OA No. 289/13 filed by the CHQ came up for hearing before Registrar's Court on 8/8/2013. The case is adjounred to 14/8/2013  and transferred before Division Bench. 
 
Source : CHQ Blog


 
 

Thursday 8 August 2013

Peaceful demonstration does not amount to misconduct-Chennai High Court


Madras High Court quashes the charge memo issued to two State Bank of India (SBI) officers
While quashing the charge memo issued to two State Bank of India (SBI) officers alleging misconduct for holding a lunch hour demonstration in August last year, the Madras High Court has held that a mere peaceful demonstration, per se, inside the campus, cannot be understood as a mark of misconduct under the rules.

A Division Bench comprising Justices Chitra Venkataraman and K.B.K.Vasuki passed the common judgment on appeals filed by two officers of the bank against a single Judge’s order of February 8 this year.

The two, D.Thomas Franco Rajendra Dev, Deputy Manager, SBI, RBU, LHO, Chennai and D.Suresh Kumar, Chief Manager, RBU, LHO, Chennai, were the general secretary and elected president of the All India State Bank of India Officers’ Association respectively. The association held a lunch hour demonstration on August 28 last year in front of the local head office and in all the administrative offices of the bank. Members, including the two officers, participated.

In September last year, the two were issued charge memo for alleged misconduct under the bank’s officers’ service rules.They filed writ petitions contending that registered trade unions had a right to demonstrate peacefully. The right flowed from Art.19 (1) ( c ) of the Constitution. They denied that they instigated the officers of the bank to hold the demonstration. There was no misconduct.

A single Judge rejected the writ petitions, holding that the court could not interfere at the stage of charge memo on the basis of the defence pleaded by the petitioners. Aggrieved, the two filed the present appeals

Reservation Policy : Revision of Income limit of Creamy Layer for OBCs


Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Revision of Income Criterion for Obcs 
The Government has increased the income criterion for the persons to avail reservation benefits for Other Backward Classes from Rs. 4.5 lakh to Rs. 6 lakh per annum with effect from 16.05.2013. 
The increase in the income limit to exclude Creamy Layer is in keeping with the increase in the Consumer Price Index. 
The increase in income limit of Creamy Layer would enable more people of Other Backward Classes to take advantage of reservation in Government Services and admission in Central Educational Institutions, thereby bringing about equity and greater inclusiveness in society. 

This information was given by the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri P. Balram Naik in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha. 
Source: PIB News

Wednesday 7 August 2013

POST BANK OF INDIA

Eventhough full details of the proposed Post Bank of India is not made public, it is learnt that
(1) Post Bank will be a public sector Bank under the control of Department of Posts as a subsidiary organization. It will function as a Bank separately, just like any other public sector Banks. All Banking Rules and Regulations will be equally applicable to Post Bank also.
(2) Recruiting personnel for running the Bank will be done in the same manner as being done by public sector Banks. Open market recruitment will be made. Existing Postal Employees will not be considered for appointment in the Post Bank.
(3) The Post office Savings Bank will remain as it is and do business as is being done now. Post Bank will be a separate entity.
(4) Full details are yet to be published.
 
Source : NFPE Blog

Seventeen New Airports Proposed

Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Shri K.C. Venugopal informed Rajya Sabha today that seventeen new airports have been proposed for construction during the 12th Five Year Plan.  The list of the new airports is as follows:

Sl.No.
Location
State
1.
Mopa
Goa
2.
Gulbarga
Karnataka
3.
Bijapur
4.
Hassan
5.
Shimoga
6.
Aranmula
(Pathanamthitta)
Kerala
7.
Kannur
8.
Sindhudurg
Maharashtra
9.
Navi Mumbai
10.
Shirdi
11.
Dabra
Madhya Pradesh
12.
Karaikal
Pudducherry
13.
Kushinagar
Uttar Pradesh
14.
Andal-Faridpur
West Bengal
15.
Itanagar
Arunachal Pradesh
16.
Kishangarh (Ajmer)
Rajasthan
17.
Deoghar
Jharkhand

Source:-PIB

Group of four Ministers led by Shri A.K. Antony to discuss the workers' demands with the United front of trade unions

Group of four Ministers  led by Shri A.K. Antony to discuss the workers' demands with the United front of trade unions

Ministry of Labour & Employment
GoM on Workers' Demands 
Government has set up a Group of four Ministers led by Shri A.K. Antony to discuss the workers' demands with the United front of trade unions. 
Two meetings of the Group of Ministers (GoM) were held on 18.02.2013 and 22.05.2013 in which the ten point Charter of Demand of the trade unions were discussed. The discussions remained inconclusive and it was decided that the issues/demands will be considered by the Group of Ministers themselves before further discussions with the Central Trade Unions representatives. As such, no final recommendation has been given by the GoM. 

This information was given by Minister of State for Labour & Employment Shri Kodikunnil Suresh in the Lok Sabha today in reply to a written question. 
Source : PIB News

Tuesday 6 August 2013

Adhoc promotion in IPoS, JTS Group "A" cadre

Sh. Yudhishithira Sharma, Asstt. Director (BD), Circle Office has been promoted in IPoS, JTS Group "A" cadre on adhoc basis and posted as APMG (BD) against upgraded post w.e.f. 01.08.2013.

Monday 5 August 2013

TRANSFER/POSTINGS IN PS GROUP "B" CADRE

The competent authority orders transfer/postings of the following officers in PS Group "B" cadre with immediate effect in the interest of service.
1. Sh. Kottankal Basvaraj, Supdt. Foreign Post, New Delhi  is posted as Dy. CPM (Dely.), Delhi GPO against Sh. V. S. Duhoon transferred.
2. Sh. V. S. Duhoon, Dy. CPM (Dely.), Delhi GPO is posted as Asstt. Director (R & E), Circle Office against Sh. Janardan Singh retired.
3. Sh. S. N. Dhondiyal, Supdt., Foreign Post (Adhoc) who was ordered to be reverted to his substantive cadre of ASP vide memo of even no. dated 05.07.2013 is permitted to continue as Supdt. Foreign Post, New Delhi till further orders.
4. Sh. Sukhdeo will continue to work as Dy. CPM (Admn), Delhi GPO, Delhi-110006.

Authority : C. O. Memo No. Staff/50-3/XXIV/Pt-II dated 31.07.2013

Sunday 4 August 2013

Children Education Allowance - Reimbursement of Examination Fee

No.12011/01/2012-Estt.(AL)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension
Department of Personnel & Training
Block-IV, Old JNU Campus,
New Delhi, July 31, 2013
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Children Education Allowance - Reimbursement of Examination Fee

Subsequent to issue of Department of Personnel & Training’s O.M.No.12011/03/2O08-Estt.(AIIowance) dated 2nd September, 2008, and subsequent clarifications issued from time to time on the subject cited above, a number of references have been received on reimbursement of 'examination fee'. After due consideration of the references, in consultation with the Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure, it has been agreed to allow reimbursement of 'examination fee' as part of reimbursable items as indicated in para 1(e) of O.M. dated 2nd September, 2008, with effect from the current academic year, subject to the fulfillment of other existing conditions.
2. In so far as persons working n the Indian Accounts and Audit Departments are concerned, these orders issue in consultation with Comptroller and Auditor General of India.
sd/-
(Vibha Govil Mishra)
Director
Source : www.persmin.gov.in
[http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02est/12011_01_2012-Estt.AL-31072013.pdf]

Retirement Age 62 – Cabinet decision to increase retirement age deferred

Cabinet decision to increase retirement age deferred
 
The government may make the announcement in the Prime Minister’s 15 August address…
 
A proposal to increase the retirement age of government employees from 60 to 62 years came to the Cabinet on Thursday but a decision was deferred. The government might make the announcement in the Prime Minister’s Independence Day address, his last before general elections in 2014. The ministry of personnel, public grievances and pensions has proposed an increase in retirement age of government employees from 60 to 62 years, top sources confirmed.
 
There are around five million central government employees in India. The previous occassion the government raised the retirement age of central government employees was in 1998, from 58 to 60 years. The move is meant to ease the financial burden on the government in terms of its pension liabilities, sources said.

The retirement age of professors in all central universities was recently raised to 65 years. D L Sachdev, national secretary of the All India Trade Union Congress, said his union was totally against the increase of the retirement age beyond 60. It would hurt the youth, especially when the government is doing nothing to create jobs for them, Sachdev said.
 
Congress-affiliated Indian National Trade Union Congress national president Sanjeeva Reddy said his union had been demanding increase in the retirement age to 62 years and would welcome it.
 
Minister for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions V Narayanaswami had ruled out an increase in the retirement age to a question in Parliament in the winter session this year. An official in the ministry, when asked, refused to speak about it.
 
Source : www.business-standard.com