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19/12/2009

Indian Railways Vision 2020 & White Paper on Indian Railways

Railwaymen’s (Trackman) wards will be employed in Railway on Retirement: AIRF

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No.AIRF/415                  Dated: December 18, 2009


The General Secretaries,
All Affiliated Unions,


Dear Coms.,


Sub: Safety Related Retirement Scheme of Trackman


           Today Hon’ble Minister for Railways called me and told that she has cleared the scheme of the Safety Related Retirement Scheme for those Trackman who want to take Voluntary Retirement and get their wards employed in the Railways.
           The conditions and other things will be processed by the Railway Board.
I hope, orders to this effect will be issued shortly.

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TAX BENEFIT ON HRA AND HOME LOAN -AVAILABLE OR NOT?

 

HRA – allowance is one of the components of salary package, which is normally offered to employees by their employers to meet the higher cost of renting a home. Tax exemption under Income Tax Act for HRA is allowed to salaried persons who are occupying a rented accommodation. It is being regulated by 2A of Income Tax Rules, 1962 and Section 10(13A) of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Accordingly, least of the following three options will be exempt from tax

  • [a.) 50% of the basic salary and DA, where the residential house is situated at Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi or Chennai and an amount equal to 40% of above salary where residential house is situated in any other place. 
  • [b.] HRA actually received by the employee in respect of the period during which rented accommodation is occupied by the employee during the financial year
  • [c.] the excess of rent paid over 10% of the salary. 

Some times, salaried persons who avail home loan for acquisition or construction of residential house properties but could not stay in such properties owing to employment or other reasons and they stay in rented houses. In such circumstance, when they are receiving a HRA - allowance from their employer, a question often arises

whether they can get exemption of HRA under section 10(13A) of the Act?, based on the rent actually paid by them as well as the interest payable on the housing loan taken by them towards acquisition or construction of a property.

To avail HRA benefit,

  • salaried employee who is in receipt of HRA from his employer
  • should be actually paying house rent for the rented premises which he has occupied and
  • such rented premises must not owned by him. 

It is evident from the above section the exemption of HRA is available to an assessee so long as he occupies the rented premises which is not owned by him. At the same time, the assessee is not barred from claiming exemption under section 10(13A) read with rule 2A, because he be the owner of any other house property, which was acquired through housing loan. It is to be noted that provisions of deduction of interest on borrowed capital for the acquisition or construction of house property and exemption of house rent allowance are two different issues under the Act, as one would not influence other. The benefits accrue on account of availing home loan are interest payments which is exempted under section 24(b) and the principal repayment is exempted under section 80C of the Income Tax Act. Conversely, HRA benefit can also be availed by the assessee on fulfillment of certain circumstances depicted above.

Courtesy: http://www.simpletaxindia.org

18/12/2009

Barcelona’s first driverless metro line enters service

 

Joaquím Nadal, Núria Parlón and José Montilla tour Line 9 during the inauguration of the first section on December 13.

SPAIN: On December 13 José Montilla, President of the Generalitat of Catalunya, inaugurated the first five stations of metro Line 9 between Can Zam and Can Peixauet.
He was accompanied by the Minister of Land Planning & Public Works, Joaquím Nadal, the Mayor of Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Núria Parlón, Vice-President Jose-Lluís Carod-Rovira, Minister of the Interior, Joan Saura, and Mayor of Barcelona Jordi Hereu.
Following a tour of Can Zam station, the VIPs rode the first train to Can Peixauet. Speaking at the inauguration, Parlón described the arrival of the metro in Santa Coloma as the start of a new era for the municipality, whilst Montilla described the fully-automatic line as ‘the best metro service in our country and one of the most advanced in Europe’.
Following the celebrations, Line 9 was opened to the public at 15.00. Official estimates suggest that 28 000 people had enjoyed a ride by the time it closed at 22.00. The 4 km section of Line 9 entered commercial service on December 14, with trains initially running at 6 min intervals between 06.00 and 22.00. Interchange with Line 1 is provided at Fondo.
Owned by Catalunya’s rail infrastructure authority Ifercat, the line is operated by TMB from its new control centre at La Sagrera. A fleet of five-car Metropolis trains is being supplied by Alstom whilst a consortium of Siemens and Dimetronic is providing the CBTC signalling.
The next section of Line 9 between Gorg and Sagrera is expected to enter service in the second quarter of 2010. Once completed in 2014, the driverless line will be 47·8 km long with 52 stations.

15/12/2009

Fixation of pay in case of employees who seek transfer to a lower post under FR 15(a) - clarification regarding

F.No. 13/9/2009-Estt(Pay-I)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training
Estt(Pay-I) Section

 

North Block,
New Delhi, dated 11th October, 2009


Subject: Fixation of pay in case of employees who seek transfer to a lower post under FR 15(a) - clarification regarding.


1. The undersigned is directed to refer to instructions issued vide this Department's OM NO. 16/6/2001-Estt(Pay-I) dated 14.2.2006 on the above subject. It was clarified therein that on transfer to the lower post/scale under FR 15(a), the pay of a Government servant holding a post on regular basis will be fixed at a stage equal to the pay drawn by him in the higher grade. If no such stage is available, the pay will be fixed at the stage next below the pay drawn by him in the higher post and the difference may be granted as personal pay to be absorbed in future increments. If the maximum of the pay scale of the lower post is less than the pay drawn by him in the higher post, his pay may be restricted to the maximum under FR 22(a)(a)(3).


2. Consequent upon implementation of the revised pay structure comprising grade pays and running Pay Bands, w.e.f. 1.1.2006 in cases of appointment of Government servants to posts carrying lower Grade Pay under FR 15(a) on their own request, the pay in the pay band of the Government servant will be fixed at a stage equal to the pay in the pay band drawn by him prior to his appointment against the lower post. However, he will be granted grade pay of lower post. Further, in all cases, he will continue to draw his increments based on his pay in the pay band +grade pay (lower).


3. Where transfer to a lower post is made subject to certain terms and conditions then the pay may be fixed according to such terms and conditions.


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

5. this orders takes effects from 01.01.2006


--sd--
(B.K. Mukhopadhyay)
Director (Pay)

Demand of AIRF to ease out the procedures of medical re-imbursement bills has been accepted

Easing of Medical Re-imbursement

Demand of AIRF to ease out the procedures of medical re-imbursement bills has been accepted.

Senior Subordinates will soon get grade pay of Rs. 4800 in lieu of Rs. 4600 ---Com. Shiv Gopal Mishra

Senior Subordinates will soon get grade pay of Rs. 4800 in lieu of Rs. 4600. Com. Shiv Gopal Mishra has told that case is at present lying with Finance Commissioner & letter is expected to be out in near future.

Grade Pay Rs 4200 First Class Pass, New Pass Rules 2009

New Pass Rules

In the meeting held between AIRF and Railway Board(Advisor,IR) on 15-09-09, it was agreed that those who were getting privilege of 1st Class Pass will continue to avail the same. All the staff working in Grade Pay Rs.4200 will be entitled for 1st Class Pass. Those who are travelling on duty will be treated at par with other Central Government employees in case of entitlement of class of journey and they will be issued Duty Pass accordingly.

 

Latest on Pass Rules

AIRF General Secretary Com. Shiva Gopal Mishra has met with CRB and requested to expedite the case of pass rules. He also informed that issue will be raised at PREM meeting to be held on 14/12/09 at New Delhi. General Secretary has already clarified that railway personnel in Grade Pay Rs. 4200 will get First Class Pass.

Cadre Restructuring Committee meeting 08-12-2009 agreed for Grade Pay Rs 2400 for 80% ALPs

 

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No.AIRF/364                                Dated: December 8, 2009


The General Secretaries,
All Affiliated Unions


Dear Comrades,


Sub: Feedback on the first meeting of the Cadre Restructuring Committee


            First meeting of the Cadre Restructuring Committee was held today, i.e. on 8.12.2009, at 15:00 hrs. in Rail Bhawan.
           At the outset, Com. Umraomal Purohit, President, AIRF, made it very clear that the Matching Saving for the up-gradation will not be acceptable to AIRF and particularly for restructuring of the safety categories staff. There was a long deliberation at the preliminary stage.
            Restructuring of Asstt. Loco Pilot was taken-up; and after over 3 hour deliberations, Official Side agreed on the following proposal:-

Grade Pay Existing Percentage Revised Percentage
Rs.1900 100% 20%
Rs.2400 00 80%


This is a big achievement of ours and should to be circulated
amongst all the Running staff at all the places.

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Dearness Allowance / Dearness Relief Rate Tables of 5th & 6 CPC

DA Rates - 5th CPC

Date
From which Payable

Rate

Download order

1st Jul 2009

73%

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1st Jan 2009

64%

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1st Jul 2008

54%

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1st Jan 2008

47%

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1st Jan 2007 &
1st Jul 2007

 

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1st Jul 2007

41%

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1st Jan 2007

35%

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1st Jul 2006

29%

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1st Jan 2006

24%

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1st Jul 2005

21%

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1st Jan 2005

17%

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1st Jul 2004

14%

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1st April 2004 (DA Merger)

11%

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1st Jan 2004

61%

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1st Jul 2003

59%

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1st Jan 2003

55%

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1st Jul 2002

52%

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1st Jan 2002

49%

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1st Jul 2001

45%

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1st Jan 2001

43%

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1st Jul 2000

41%

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1st Jan 2000

38%

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1st Jul 1999

37%

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1st Jan 1999

32%

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1st Jul 1998

22%

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1st Jan 1998

16%

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1st Jul 1997

13%

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1st Jan 1997

8%

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1st Jul 1996

4%

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1st Jan 1996

-

-

DA Rates -  6th CPC

Date
From which Payable

Rate

Download order

1st Jul 2009

27%

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1st Jan 2009

22%

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1st Jul 2008

16%

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1st Jan 2008

12%

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1st Jul 2007

9%

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1st Jan 2007

6%

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1st Jul 2006

2%

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1st Jan 2006

-

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14/12/2009

Grade Pay Rs 4600 for Sr LPS, LPG, LPP, SrGds Gd, PassGd, MExGd & 4800 for LPME wef 1.1.06

Finance ministry has granted 4600 grade pay to 6500-10500 wef 01-01-2006

F.No. 1/1/2008-IC

Government of India

Ministry of Finance

Department of Revenue

New Delhi,dated 13th November,2009.

 

Subject:- Grant of the revised pay structure of grade pay of Rs.4600 in the pay band PB-2 to posts that existed in the pre-revised scale of Rs.6500-10500 as on 1.1.2006 and which were granted the normal replacement pay structure of grade pay of Rs.4200 in the pay band PB-2

Sixth Pay commission recommended merger of the three pre-revised scales of Rs.5000-8000, Rs.5500-9000 and Rs.6500-10500 and replaced them by the revised pay structure of grade pay of Rs.4200 in the pay band PB-2. Vide para 2.2.21 (v) of its report, the Commission recommended that on account of the merger of these 3 scales, some posts which constituted feeder and promotion grades would come to lie in an identical grade. The Commission gave specific recommendations in its Report granting higher grade pay of Rs.4600 to some categories of these posts. As regards the other posts, the Commission recommended that it should first be seen if the posts in theses 3 scales can be merged without any functional disturbance and if possible, the same should be done, Further, the Commission recommended that in case it is not feasible to merge the posts in these pay scales n functional consideration, the posts in the scale of Rs.5000-8000 and Rs.5500-9000 should be merged with the posts in the scale of Rs.6500-10500 being upgraded to the next higher grade in the pay band PB-2 with grade pay of Rs.4600 corresponding to the pre-revised scale of Rs.7450-11500, the posts being upgraded from the scale of Rs.6500-10500 should be merged with the post in the scale of Rs. 7450-10500.
The above recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission were notified vide para (ii), Section I in Parts B and C of the First Schedule to the CCS (RP) Rules,2008. While Part B of the First Schedule of he CCS(RP) Rules relates to revised pay scales for common categories of staff, Part C notifies revised pay structure for certain posts in Ministries, Departments and Union Territories. The above provisions of the Rules specifically mentioned that up-gradations in terms of para (ii) Section I may be done in consultation with Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance.
Consequent upon the Notification of CCS (RP) Rules, 2008, Department of Expenditure has received a large number of references from administrative ministries / departments proposing up-gradations of the posts which were in the pre-revised scale of Rs.6500-10500 as on 1.1.2006 by been granting them grade pay of Rs.4600 in the pay band PB-2. The matter has been considered and it has now been decided that the posts which were granted the normal replacement pay structure of grade pay of Rs.4200 in the pay band PB-2, will be granted pay of Rs.4600 in the pay band PB-2 corresponding to the pre-revised scale of Rs.7450-11500 w.e.f.1.1.2006. Further, in terms of the aforementioned provisions of CCS (RP) Rules, 2008, in case a post already existed in the pre-revised scale of Rs.7450-11500, the posts being upgraded from the scale of Rs.5600-10500 should be merged with the post in the scale of Rs.7450-11500.
Accordingly, in terms of Rule 6 of CCS (RP) Rules, 2008, revised pay of Government servants in the pre-revised scale of Rs.6500-10500 who were earlier granted grade pay of Rs.4200 and who have already exercised their option for drawal of pay in the revised pay structure in the format prescribed in the Second Schedule to the Rules, will be fixed again in accordance with illustration 4A annexed to CCS (RP)Rules,008.
In case of all such Government servants in the pre-revised scale of Rs.6500-10500 who were earlier granted grade pay of Rs.4200 and who had opted to have their pay fixed under CCS(RP) Rules, 2008, action as prescribed in this Department’s O.M. of even number dated 30th August, 2008 will be taken. In case a Government servant desires to revise his earlier option for coming over to the revised pay structure, he may be permitted to do so without any reference to this Department.
6. On account of pay fixation in the revised pay structure of grade pay of Rs.4600 in the pay band PB-2, arrears of pay will be recalculated and difference of arrears in respect of the entire amount will be paid immediately. The manner of drawal of arrears has already been indicated in this Departments/s O.M. of even number dated 30.8.2008.

EMPLOYEES WHO RETIRED DURING 1.1.2006 TO 31.8.2008 ARE ALSO ELIGIBLE TO ENCASHMENT OF HALF PAY LEAVE

Recommendations of the Sixth Central Pay Commission relating to encashment of leave in respect of Central Government employees.

N0.14028/3/2008-Estt.(L)

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

Department of Personnel & Training

2nd Floor, Loknayak Bhavan, Khan Market
New Delhi, the 16th November, 2009

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:- Recommendations of the Sixth Central Pay Commission relating to encashment of leave in respect of Central Government employees.

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department's O.M. of even number dated 25th September, 2008 on the subject mentioned above according to which encashment of leave in respect & central Government employees will be considered both for earned leave and half pay leave subject to overall limit of 300 days and in respect of encashment of half pay leave, no reduction shall be made on account of pension and pension equivalent of other retirement benefits. In case of shortfall in earned leave, no commutation of half pay leave is permissible. The order was made effective from the 1st September, 2008. The matter was reconsidered in this Department in consultation with the Department of Expenditure (Implementation Cell) and it has been decided to modify the date of effect of this Department's 0.M of even number dated 25th September, 2008 to "01.01.2006 instead of 01.09.2008 subject to the following conditions:-
(i) The benefit will be admissible in respect of past cases on receipt of applications to that effect from the pensioners concerned by the Administrative Ministry concerned.
(ii) In respect of retirees who have already received encashment of earned leave of maximum limit of 300 days together with encashment of HPL standing at their credit on the date of retirement, such cases need not be reopened. However, such cases in which there was a shortfall in reaching the maximum limit of 300 days can be reopened.
(iii) Calculation of cash equivalent in respect of HPL at credit shall be made mutatis mutandis in the manner given in this Department's O.M. of even number dated 25.09.2008.
2. In respect of persons serving in the Indian Audit & Accounts Departments, these O.M. issues with the concurrence of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.

Children Education Allowance "NURSERY" means 2 classes before Class I irrespective of the nomenclature

Clarification on Children Education Allowance regarding the word of "NURSERY"

No. 1201 1 /03/2008-Estt.(Allowances)

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

Department of Personnel & Training

New Delhi, the 23rd November, 2009

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:- Clarification on Children Education Allowance

The undersigned is directed to refer to DOP&T O.M. of even No. dated 2.9.2008 on the above subject. Para l(c) of the said O.M. says
"Reimbursement will be applicable for expenditure on the education of school going children only i.e. for children from classes nursery to twelfth including classes eleventh and twelfth held by junior colleges or schools affiliated to Universities or Board of Education".
Various clarifications are being sought with regard to the definition of 'nursery' as the same is being called by different names in different institutions. This matter was considered in consultation with Ministry of Finance. It is clarified that 'classes nursery to twelfth' will include classes I to XII + 2 classes prior to class I irrespective of the nomenclature.
It is further clarified that in respect of schools/institutions at nursery, primary and middle level not affiliated to any Board of education, the reimbursement under the Scheme may be allowed for the children studying in a recognized school/institution. Recognized school/institution in this regard means a Govt. school or any educational institution whether in receipt of Govt. aid or not, recognized by the Central or State Govt. or Union Territory Administration or by University or a recognized educational authority having jurisdiction over the area where the Institution is situated.

Anomaly Committee : Meeting and decisions on 12th Dec.2009

National Anomaly Committee : Meeting and decisions on 12th Dec.2009

The first meeting of the National Anomaly Committee was held on 12th December, 2009. Secretary (Personnel) chaired the meeting. staff side Com. Umraomal Purohit,  Com. S.K. Vyas and Com. K.K.N. Kutty attended and participated in the discussion. In the opening remark, Com. Umraomal Purohit drew the attention of the Chairman of the non-functioning of the Departmental Councils in various departments and the consequent non setting up of Departmental Anomaly Committees. He also raised the issue of the order of the DOPT defining the term Anomaly, which was at variance with the one given in 1997. He recalled the discussion he had with the official side in the matter when it was agreed that the definition of the term would be the same as was in the order of 1997. Responding to the remarks made by the Staff Side Secretary, the Chairman said that his office would take steps to ensure the functioning of the JCM at all levels and informed the meeting that the National Council of the JCM would meet on 16th January, 2009 and the notice therefore has already been issued. On the question of anomaly, it was informed by the Chairman, that all efforts would be taken to address all questions of anomaly and resolve them. The official side clarified that all questions of disparity in relativities would also be addressed except on those on which the 6th CPC has gone into and taken decision enumerating reasons. The Chairman asked the staff Side to bring to the notice of the DOPT/DOE of all those items which stand rejected by the concerned Departmental Anomaly Committees taking shelter under the extant definition.

We now reproduce the items which were discussed and the decisions arrived on each of them.

  1. The item Nos. 1 to 4 and 5(iii)(iv) and 7 were grouped together and discussed as they were identical in content. For the sake of convenience, we reproduce item No. 3 which covers all the above mentioned items.

Fixation of Pay in Revised Pay Scale

The VI CPC in para 2.2.19 (vii) has indicated that where prerevised pay scales have been merged it has been done by extending the existing minimum prescribed for the highest pay scale with which the other scales are being merged. Accordingly it has also been stipulated in 7(1) (A) of the CCS (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008 that if the minimum of the Revised Pay Band / Pay Scale is more that what is determined by multiplying the existing basic pay as on 1.1.2006 by a factor of 1.86 and rounding of the resultant figure to the next multiple of 10, the pay shall be fixed at the minimum of the revised Pay Band / Pay Scale. Note 2B below Rule 7, ibid and illustration 4B given in the Explanatory Memorandum to the Revised Pay Rule apply to cases of merger of Pay Scales. Note 2 B states that pay in the revised Pay Bands will be fixed in the manner prescribed in accordance with Clause (A) (i) And clause (A) (ii) of Rule 7. In illustration 4B a case of an employee in the pre revised pay scale Rs.5000-8000 drawing Rs.5600 as on 1.1.2006 in the pay scale of 6500-10500 has been indicated with which the pay scale of Rs.5000-8000 stands merged.

Taking these into account the pay in the Pay Band in the case of all employees in the Pay Scales of Rs.5000-8000 and Rs.5500-9000 has to be fixed at Rs. 6500 multiplied by 1.86 i.e. Rs.12090. The fixation tables for pay scales 5000-8000 and 5500-9000may therefore be modified fixing the pay in the pay band at Rs.12090 wherever it is less than that amount.

Illustration 4B in the explanatory memorandum to the Revised Pay Rules 2008 may be modified as under:-

Existing Scale of Pay 5000-8000

Pay Band PB-2 9300-34800

Merged with Pay Scale 6500-10500

Existing Basic Pay as on 1.1.06 Rs.5600

Pay in the PB-2 Rs.5600 X 1.86 = 10420 As per Clause (A) (i) of Rule 7(i) of Revised Pay rules 2008

Pay in the PB-2 Rs.6500- X 1.86 = 12090 As per Clause (A) (ii) of Rule 7 (i) of Revised Pay Rules 2008

Grade Pay Rs.4200

Revised Basic Pay Rs.16290

Decision:

The Staff Side pointed out that what has been recommended by the 6th CPC in Para 2.2.19(vii_ in respect of fixation of minimum pay in the Pay band for merged pay scales had not been taken into account while computing the pay band and the table. After some discussion, the official side stated to have a re-look into the matter.

Item No. 5(i)

On Revised Pay Rules. 2008

(i).Option

It has been mentioned under sub rule 4 thereof that the option once exercised shall be final and should be exercised within three months from the date of notification of the rule vide Sub rule I thereof. Since it is very difficult to comprehend and assess the implication of such option, we propose that the first option exercised within three months may not be treated as final and the employees be permitted to revise the option within six month of the date of exercising the first option.

Decision.

The official side has agreed to allow another option. The Staff Side also pointed out during the discussion that the option exercised by the officials under F.R. 22(I)(A(1) on promotion has been restricted to only first promotion, which appears to be unreasonable. The official side has agreed to examine whether the above option can be allowed to cover all promotions.

Item No. 5(ii)

(ii). Special allowance and qualification pay which are taken for fixation purposes on promotion should be doubled with effect from 1.1.2006 and not from 1.9.2008 as it cannot be construed to be an allowance. If this is not done, senior employees will suffer loss in emoluments, in case of persons who are promoted during the period between 1.1.2006 and 1.9.2008.

It was pointed out that the item relating to 5th CPC is still pending at the Standing Committee. The Official Side stated that the item would be covered when a decision is taken on the item relating to 5th CPC.

Item No. 5(vi)

(vi) Rule 9. Date of next increment

It is seen after going through the stipulation in the above rules that a person whose increment falls on 1.1.2006 will get the increment on 1.1.2006 in the pre revised pay scale and will get the next increment in the revised pay structure on 1.7.2006 i.e. on expiry of six months. Similarly those, whose next increment is between 1st July, 2006 and 1st December, 2006 would also be granted next increment in the revised pay structure on 1.7.2006. On the other hand, the persons whose increment dates are between 1st Feb. 2006 and 1st June 2006 have to wait for more than 12 months to get the next increment on 1.7.2006. This is quite anomalous. In the case of those who retire during the period between 1st Feb. and 30th June, they will suffer a loss of one increment perpetually thus affecting their pension. It is, therefore proposed that the persons whose increment falls between 1st February and 1st June, 2006 may be given one increment on 1.1.2006 as a one time measure.

The official side agreed to issue orders to cover those in service between 1.1.2006 and 1.7.2006 as a one time measure. The Staff Side however, pointed out that they have made the suggestion for a one time measure on the specific understanding that Rule 9 of the Revised Pay Rules 2008 has no applicable in the fixation of increment date in future as in those cases, the Fundamental Rules will have the application. The Official side was of the opinion that the Revised Pay Rules will override the provisions of the Fundamental Rules. The Staff Side then contended that the increment of an official cannot be postponed except on award of a penalty after initiation of the disciplinary proceedings. The official side after some discussion agreed to reconsider the issue in the light of the contention made by the Staff Side.

Item No. 5(vii).

(vii). Tax deduction from salary:

Spread over of the arrears of salary is permissible under section 89 (a) of the I.T. Act. No tax will thus become payable by Group D employees on account of receipt of arrears eventually. Therefore, executive instructions may be issued not to deduct any tax from the arrears payment pertaining to the Group D employees. In respect of others, they may be allowed to exercise option to tax the arrears either on receipt basis or accrual basis.

Decision .

Since the arrears have all been paid after deduction of tax, this item was not pressed.

Item No. 5(vii)Temporary Status Casual Labourers

As per existing scheme the employees who are afforded temporary status are paid the wages computed with reference to the minimum of the corresponding scale of pay of regular employees. In the case of Group D temporary status employees, it will become necessary that they are afforded the requisite training if they are non- matriculates.

Decision.

Orders would be issued in the case of temporary status employees. In the case of those who died /retired between 1.1.06 and 1.9.2008 grant of grade pay of Rs. 1800 without training was raised by the Staff Side. It was agreed that the Govt. would take a decision in their case favorably.

Item No. 6.

Benefit on promotion.

It is an accepted proposition that an employee when promoted to a higher post involving higher responsibility should get a suitable raise in his salary. It was on this consideration that FR 22-C was framed whereby the promotee was first granted an increment in the lower Pay Scale and then fixed at the appropriate (next) stage in the higher grade.

At the time of V CPC it was agreed that minimum increase in salary on promotion shall not be less then Rs.100/- There are certain grades in which, on promotion, a hike of Rs.650/- is being allowed with reference to pre-revised pay scale.

In these circumstances grant of only one increment in the lower Pay Band / Pay scale and difference in grade pay, if there be any, being granted on promotion is certainly inadequate. We therefore propose that minimum benefit on promotion should not be less than 10% of the Pay+Grade Pay of the feeder post.

Decision:

The official side stated that the above item was not covered under the definition of anomaly. However, after some discussion, it was agreed that the official side would further discuss the issue outside the forum of the Anomaly Committee.

Item No. 7.

Fixation of pay on promotion.

The minimum Entry pay with Grade Pay in the revised pay structure for direct recruits appointed on or after 1.1.2006 has been specific vide first Schedule, Part –A, Section II of the Gazette Notification of the Govt. of India, Ministry of Finance No. G.S.R. 622 (E) dated 29.8.2008.

On promotion, the pay of the promotees should not be less than the direct recruits.

In VI CPC structure there is no pay scale and new concept of grade pay has been inducted, which should determine the status. As such the following provisions need to be inserted below clarification 2. 'The method of Fixation of Pay on promotion on or after 1.1.2006.

"on promotion to the higher grade pay of an employee should be fixed appropriately and in any case it should not be less than the entry Pay in the revised pay structure for direct recruits appointed on of after 1.1.2006 for the post." further, on promotion to the next higher grade pay an employee should be fixed by adding 10% of pay, plus the grade pay as demanded by NC/JCM in its memorandum submitted to the Chairman, NC/JCM/Cabinet secretary on 8.4.2008.

Decision.

The Official Side agreed to issue enabling orders in the matter.

Item No. 8.

Refixation of pension/family pension.

Para 9 of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension's O.M. No. F.No. 38/37/08-P&PW (A) dated 1.9.2008 states as under:-

"The consolidated pension / family pension as worked out in accordance with provisions of para 4.1 above shall be treated as final basic pension with effect from 1.1.2006 and shall qualify for grant of Dearness Relief sanctioned thereafter.".

This has left uncovered the provision made in para 4.2 of the same OM, which lays down as under:-

"The fixation of pension will be subject to the provision that the revised pension in no case, shall be lower than fifty present of the minimum of the pay in the pay band plus the grade pay corresponding to the pre-revised pay scale from which the pensioner had retired. In the case of HAG + and above scales, this will be fifty percent of the minimum of the revised pay scale."

Since refixation of pension has been allowed both under paras 4.1 and 4.2, they should both he covered in para 9 of the OM. It is requested that para 9 of the said OM may be revised including both paras 4.1 and 4.2 thereof.

Decision.

Orders have been issued vide O.M.dated 12th and 14th September, 2009

Item. No. 9.

Anomaly in pension for Government Servants who retired/Died in harness between 1.1.2006 and 1.9. 2006

The Sixth Central Pay Commission lays down inter-alia that once an employee renders the minimum pensionable service of 20 years, pension should be paid at 50% of the average emoluments received during the past 10 months or the pay last down, whichever is more beneficial to the retiring employee.

As per the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension O.M. F.No. 38/37/08-P&P(W)(A) dated 2nd September 2008, these orders shall come into force with effect from the date of issue of this OM, namely 2nd September 2008 and shall be, applicable to all Government Servants becoming entitled to pension after rendering the minimum qualifying service of 20 years or on completion of 10 years qualifying service in accordance with rule 49(2) of the CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972.

However, the Govt. servants who have retired on or after 1.1.2006 but before the date of issue of this OM (2.9.2008) have been debarred from this benefit. They will be governed by the rules/ orders which were in force immediately before coming into effect of these orders. In other words their pension will be calculated on average emoluments received during the last 10 months and not on the actual pay last drawn. It is requested that this discrimination should be removed.

Decision.

Orders are under issue. The Staff Side raised the inordinate delay in fixing the revised pension and disbursement of arrears to pensioners. The official side assured to monitor the payment of arrears to pensioners. The refusal on the part of many banks to issue the due and drawn statement even on requisition was also brought to the notice of the Chairman. The Director (Pension) assured that suitable instructions would be issued in this regard to all Banks.

Item No.10.

Commutation of pension.

The minimum period of service for eligibility for pension is 10 years. For appointment to Government Service the minimum age is 18 years. In view of this, if a person is appointed at the age of 18 years he cannot become eligible for pension unless he has served for a period of at least 10 years and attained the age of 28 years i.e. when his birthday falls in the 29th years.

The table adopted a per the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension's OM No. 38/37/08-P&PW (A) dated 2.9.2008 shows the minimum age of next birthday after retirement as 20 which is not understood. It is requested that suitable amendment to the table referred to may be notified.

The item was withdrawn by the Staff Side.

Item No.11 to 14. These items were deferred for discussion at the next meeting.

Item No.15.

Parity in pension of all pre 1996 retirees with those who retired on or after 1.1.2006

The Government have already accepted in principle that there shall be parity in pension amongst pensioners irrespective of the date from which they had retired.

Accordingly pension of all pre 1986 retirees was revised with effect from 1.1.96 by first determining the notional pay which would have been fixed as on 1.1.86 (treating as if the employees were in service on that date) and then the Notional Pension was updated by applying the same fitment formula which was applied to serving employees.

We, therefore demanded that the notional pay of all pre 1996 retirees may be fixed as on 1.1.96 in terms of Revised Pay Rules, 1996 and the notional pension as on 1.1.96 may be revised w.e.f. 1.1.06 by applying the same fitment formula which is applied in the case of serving employees i.e. by multiplying the notional pension as on 1.1.96 by 1.86 + the Grade Pay of the Pay Scale (V CPC) from which they would have retired.

The revision of pension has been done by applying the formula of Basic Pension as on 1.1.96 + Dearness Pension (50% of Basic Pension) + Dearness Relief on Basic Pension + Dearness Pension+40% of Basic Pension.

This is not the same that has been granted to serving employees. In whose case the Grade Pay which is the fitment benefit is 40% of the maximum of the Pre-revised Pay Scale.

As such the Pensioners should also be granted 50% the of Grade Pay of the Pay Scale from which they had retired by way of fitment benefit and not 40% of Basic Pension.

Decision.

The Staff Side pointed out that the 6th CPC in order to maintain the existing modified parity between the present and future retirees had indicated that it would be necessary to allow the same fitment benefit as is being recommended for the existing Government employees vide para 5.1.47 in page 338. However, the Commission recommended that all past pensioners should be allowed fitment benefit equal to 40% of the basic pension. The statement and the recommendation made to give effect to the statement was at variance giving rise to anomaly and disparity in pension entitlement between the past pensioners and the future pensioners. After detailed discussion, the official side agreed to consider the issue once again.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Staff Side took up the matter concerning non representation of Postal Federations in the National Council as some members of a Federation which could not muster even 5% membership had been approaching one court or the other in a bid to delay the verification process and consequent recognition of the Associations and Federations in the Postal Department. As it would be a never ending process, the denial for the unions who had mustered more than 75% of the membership representation in the National Council would be a miscarriage of justice, the Staff Side added.. The Director (SR) of the Postal Department, who had represented the Postal Department in the official side agreed with the contention of the Staff Side and reported to the Chairman, that they had granted adhoc recognition to the Unions who had mustered the requisite membership and the Department Council had also been convened and met on adhoc basic. The question of granting of representation to the representatives of the Staff in the National Council had been referred to the Department of Personnel and their advice in the matter was being solicited. The Chairman assured the Staff Side to look into the matter and take appropriate decision soon.

The denial of revised higher Grade Pay to Master Craftsmen of Workshops in MMS in the Postal Department, while affording the same to those in Railways and Defence was also raised by the Staff Side. The Department of Expenditure pointed out that they had not received any reference from the Postal Department in this matter, whereas the official side representative of the Postal Department stated that they had referred this matter to them earlier. After some discussion, it was agreed that the Department of Expenditure and the Postal Department would sort out this matter expeditiously.

08/12/2009

LIC will no more useful for Income Tax Rebate in near future due to New Tax Code- 2011

LIFE INSURANCE POLICY AND NEW DIRECT TAX CODE

In India, nearly two-thirds of all new life insurance policies are sold during the six months between September and March — an indicator that life insurance is bought primarily for tax saving. However, the New Direct Taxes Code, slated to be implemented from April 2011, proposes to do away with the disproportionate tax advantage that life insurance products have so far been enjoying over other savings instruments. The proposals of the direct tax code are still open for debate and discussions, but the underlying policy directions indicate that life insurance will be the most affected among all other investment instruments. This may affect your financial planning if you don't understand the implications and plan your insurance buying accordingly.

PREMIUM PUNCH

At present, premium payment for a life insurance policy is tax-exempt provided the premium amount is not more than 20 per cent of the sum assured. Similarly, any sum received under a life insurance policy — be it money back at regular intervals, death benefit, maturity benefits, including bonus and loyalty additions — is tax-free. But the new tax code envisages that any sum received under a life insurance policy, including death benefit, will be exempt from tax if and only if the premium paid for any of the years does not exceed 5 per cent of the sum assured. This provision, if it finds its way into the final bill, will prove the most significant because the premium installments of all life insurance policies, be it a traditional plan or a unit-liked one, as a percentage of sum assured is much higher than 5 per cent, except in the case of term assurance plans. In other words, benefits under all life insurance policies (except for term assurance) will become taxable from April 2011 unless insurers drastically reduce their premium rates to comply with the 5 per cent criteria. In other words, the sum assured of a policy should be at least 20 times of the annual premium — if you pay an annual premium of Rs 15,000 for a policy, the minimum sum assured should be Rs 3 lakh — to receive tax-free benefits from a life insurance policy. At present, insurance companies offer a minimum sum assured of only five times the annual premium — for an annual premium of Rs 15,000, you get a life cover of Rs 75,000.

POLICYHOLDERS’ LOSS

Now, if life insurance products with their current features have to comply with the requirement for tax exemption under the direct tax code, the mortality charge payable by policyholders will increase four times (since the minimum sum assured will have to be increased four times). An increase of mortality charge will surely reduce the ultimate return to policyholders. Little wonder why life insurers lobbied and were successful in persuading the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) to exclude mortality charges when the regulator put a cap on various charges under unit-linked plans — the largest selling product in the life insurance space. Had the mortality charge been included in the overall cap on ULIP charges, insurers would not have any other way but to reduce the commission payable to agents in order to provide for higher sum assured to policyholders. Now that mortality charges are excluded from overall cap on ULIP charges, it is only the policyholder who will have to pay a higher cost and sacrifice return.

TAXING TIMES

What we have discussed so far is only one aspect of the fallout of the new tax regime on life insurance. The New Direct Taxes Code has another bearing on life insurance policies. Under the new tax regime, premium payment up to Rs 3 lakh for a life insurance policy will be tax-exempt. But if the sum assured is not equal to or higher than 20 times the annual premium, any sum received under the policy will be taxed at the marginal rate applicable to the income bracket taking into account the benefits received.

For example, you have bought a policy having a sum assured of Rs 10 lakh and on maturity it amounted to Rs 30 lakh. Let us assume that your annual income at the time of the policy maturity is Rs 10 lakh. So, for income tax purposes, your total income would be considered as Rs 40 lakh (= Rs 10 lakh + Rs 30 lakh) and you shall have to pay income tax on the entire sum at the rate corresponding to the Rs 40-lakh income bracket. Let us now see what it actually means.

For this we consider two separate tax regimes — one is taxed-exempt-exempt and the other is exempt-exempt-taxed. Under taxed-exempt-exempt, you invest tax-paid income while the accumulation on the invested amount and its withdrawal are exempt from tax. Under exempt-exempt-taxed, your income is not taxed initially neither the accumulation on the invested amount. You pay tax on the withdrawal amount. .Till the rate of tax remains the same there is no financial difference whether it is TEE or EET regime. But if the tax rate is a progressive one, that is, the tax rate increases with the level of income, EET will yield much lower post-tax return than in TEE.Given the proposed tax slabs in the New Direct Taxes Code, you may have to pay a much higher tax on benefits received under a life insurance policy than a 10 per cent capital gains tax on investment in other instruments

Read more: http://www.simpletaxindia.org

HIGHLIGHTS OF "MODIFIED ASSURED CAREER PROGRESSION SCHEME” (MACPS)

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(RAILWAY BOARD)

S.No.PC-VI/110 RBE No.101 /2009

No. PC-V/2009/ACP/2                 New Delhi, dated 10 .06.2009

The General Managers

All Indian Railways & PUs

(As per mailing list)

Sub: Recommendations of the Sixth Central Pay Commission – Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme (MACPS) for Railway Employees

Download MACP

1. Scheme would be known as "MODIFIED ASSURED CAREER PROGRESSION SCHEME” (MACPS) FOR THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES.

2. The Scheme comes into effect from 1.9.2008 & is in supersession of previous ACP Scheme.

3. Three financial up-gradations shall be given from the direct entry grade on completion of 10, 20 and 30 years’ service respectively.

4. Financial up-gradation will be given in the immediate next higher grade pay in the hierarchy of the recommended revised pay bands and grade pay, not as per the hierarchy available in the cadre.

5. Benefit of pay fixation available at the time of regular promotion shall also be allowed at the time of financial up-gradation under the Scheme. (3% increment plus difference in the Grade pay).

6. Promotions earned / up-gradation granted under ACP Scheme in the past to those grades which now carry the same grade pay due to merger of pay scales / up-gradations of posts recommended by the Sixth Pay Commission shall be ignored for the purpose of granting up-gradations under Modified ACPS.

7. The grade pay of Rs. 5400 in PB-2 and Rs.5400 in PB-3 shall be treated as separate grade pays for the purpose of grant of up-gradations under MACP Scheme.

8. 'Regular service' for the purposes of the MACPS shall commence from the date of joining of a post in direct entry grade on a regular basis either on direct recruitment basis or on absorption/re-employment.

a) Screening will be done for grant financial up-gradation under MACP.

b) Benchmark of 'good' would be applicable till the grade pay of Rs. 6600/- in PB-3.

c) Screening Committees shall be formed by the respective departments / Cadre Controlling authority.

d) Screening Committee will take up in first week of January the financial up-gradation cases maturing during the first-half (April- September). Similarly the Screening committee will take up in first week of July the financial up-gradation cases maturing during the second-half (October- March)

e) Cadre Controlling Authorities shall constitute the first Screening committee within a month from the date of issue of these instructions to consider the cases maturing up-to 30th June, 2009 for grant of benefits under the MACPS.

9. Financial up-gradation would be on non-functional basis subject to fitness, in the hierarchy of grade pay within the PB-1.Thereafter for up-gradation under the MACPS the benchmark of 'good' would be applicable till the grade pay of Rs. 6600/- in PB-3.

10. Illustration

1. Recruitment in Rs. 4200 GP – with no promotion for 10 years

 1st Financial up-gradation after 10 years with GP - Rs. 4600.

 2nd Financial up-gradation after (10+10) 20 years with GP - Rs. 4800.

 3rd Financial up-gradation after (10+10+10) 30 years with GP - Rs. 5400.

11. Illustration 2.  Recruitment in Rs. 4200 GP – with 1st promotion in 5 years with GP - Rs. 4600.

 2nd Financial up-gradation after (5+10) 15 years with GP - Rs. 4800.

 3rd Financial up-gradation after (5+10+10) 25 years with GP - Rs. 5400.

12. Illustration 3.  Recruitment in Rs.4200 GP - 1st promotion in 5 years with GP - Rs. 4600.

 2nd promotion after 8 years, (5+8=13 years) GP, Rs.4800.

 3rd Financial up-gradation after (5+8+10) 23 years, GP, Rs.5400.

Central employees may get at least 8% D.A. hike from January 2010

As per AICPI assumed 35% D.A. to Central employees may get from January 2010

As per the figures available from Labour Bureau, Government of India it can be assumed that minimum of 8% DA hike is expected from January 2010, totalling 35% from current 27%. This is calculated assuming that the All India Consumer Price Index (AICPI) remains unchanged for November and December, which are yet to be announced.

Month

Year

Base Year
2001=100

Total

Average

App. DA

DA

May

2008

139

1613

June

2008

140

1623

135.25

16.84

16

July

2008

143

1634

August

2008

143

1634

Sep

2008

146

1659

Oct

2008

148

1673

Nov

2008

148

1687

Dec

2008

147

1700

141.67

22.38

22

Jan

2009

148

1714

Feb

2009

149

1728

Mar

2009

148

1739

Apr

2009

150

1751

May

2009

151

1763

June

2009

153

1776

148

27.85

27

July

2009

160

1793

August

2009

162

1812

Sep

2009

163

1829

Oct

2009

165

1846

Nov

2009

165 [Not available now, Assumption]

1863

Dec

2009

165 [Not available now, Assumption]

1881

153.75

35.40

35 [Calculated]

Source : Labour Bureau [Upto the month of Oct'09]

04/12/2009

LTC to Central Govt employees : Travel by tour packages operated by IRCTC

Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), a Government of India's undertaking under the Min.of Railways for the purpose of reimbursement of LTC by Government servants on the lines of ITDCISTDC and to say that as the IRCTC is also offering tour packages involving air travel in the sectors like Delhi - Leh, Delhi - Srinagar, Jaipur -Goa,Chennai/Calcutta - Port Blair etc., the question of allowing LTC packages of IRCTC, including the component of air travel has been examined in consultation with the Min. of Finance.
It has now been decided to allow the re-imbursement of air fare along with
rail and road fare in the case of LTC journey 'of Government servants
in tours offered by IRCTC for reimbursement under LTC provided the IRCTC
indicates and certifies the 3 components separately and booking of tickets is done by IRCTC fully complying with the instructions of Govt. of lndia issued from time to time in this regard such as journey by Air lndia under LTC 80 scheme in economy class without package benefits etc.

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

 

NO. 3101 11612002-Estt.(A)
Government of lndia
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
(Department of Personnel and Training)
North Block,
New Delhi,
Dated the 2nd December. 2009.
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject : LTC to Central Government Employees -Travel by tour packages
operated by IRCTC.
The undersigned is directed to refer to DOP&T O.M. of even number dated
14.3.08, allowing tours by road conducted by the Indian Railway Catering and
Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), a Government of India's undertaking under the Min.
of Railways for the purpose of reimbursement of LTC by Government servants on
the lines of ITDCISTDC and to say that as the IRCTC is also offering tour packages
involving air travel in the sectors like Delhi - Leh, Delhi - Srinagar, Jaipur -Goa,
ChennailCalcutta - Port Blair etc., the question of allowing LTC packages of IRCTC,
including the component of air travel has been examined in consultation with the
Min. of Finance.
2. It has now been decided to allow the re-imbursement of air fare along with
rail and road fare in the case of LTC journey 'of Government servants
in tours offered by IRCTC for reimbursement under LTC provided the IRCTC
indicates and certifies the 3 components separately and booking of tickets is done
by IRCTC fully complying with the instructions of Govt. of lndia issued from time to
time in this regard such as journey by Air lndia under LTC 80 scheme in economy
class without package benefits etc.
(P. ~rabhakaren)
Deputy Secretary to the Govt. of lndia
Copy t0:-
President's Secretariat, Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi
Vice-President's Secretariat, New Delhi.
Prime Minister's Office, South Block, New Delhi
Cabinet Secretariat, New Delhi.
Comptroller and Auditor General, New Delhi.
Central Vigilance Commission, New Delhi.
Union Public Service Commission, New Delhi.
Staff Selection Commission.
Central Bureau of Investigation.
All Union Territory Administrations.
11. Lok Sabha SecretariatlRajya Sabha Secretariat.
12. All attached and Subordinate Offices of the Min. of Personnel, Public
Grievances and Pension.
13. All Officers and Administrative Sections in the Ministry of Personnel, Public
Grievances and Pensions and Ministry of Home Affairs.
14.. .,'website Section, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions,
" ' North Block, New Delhi.
15. Facilitation Centre, Min. of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions,
North Block, New Delhi - 25 spare copies.
16. 100 spare copies.

“Disagreement Note” must be communicated by the DA, to the CE along with EO’s Finding report of Inquiry

R.B.E. No. 33/1996

Subject: Rule 10 of Railway Servant (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1968 — Supply of Copy of the Inquiry Report to the charged railway servant before final orders are passed by the disciplinary authority.

[No. E (D&A) 87 RG 6-151, dated 04.04.1996]

Attention is invited to Board's letter of even No. dated 10.11.1989 on the above subject, wherein it had been prescribed that in all cases, where an inquiry has been held in accordance with the provisions of Rule 9 of Railway Servants (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1968, the disciplinary authority, if it is different from the Inquiring authority shall, before making a final order in the case, forward a copy of the Inquiry report to the railway servant concerned, requiring him to submit, within 15 days, his representation if any, on the report of the inquiry authority.

2. It was also prescribed that in cases where the disciplinary authority proposes to disagree with the findings of the Inquiry Officer, it would not be necessary for the disciplinary authority to come to any tentative conclusions about its findings before forwarding a copy of the Inquiry report, and that, the reasons of disagreement with the findings of the Inquiry Officer may be communicated in the final order of punishment.

3. It was also stated that the said instructions would be reviewed after the final decision of the Supreme Court in the matter. The Supreme Court has since decided the matter in the judgement dated 01.10.1993 in the case of Managing Director (ECIL), Hyderabad v. B. Karunakar (JT 1993(6) SC-I) and it has been held that wherever the Service Rules contemplate an inquiry before a punishment is awarded and when the inquiry officer is not the disciplinary authority, the delinquent employee will have a right to receive the Inquiry Officer's report notwithstanding the nature of the punishment.

4. The matter has been considered in consultation with the Department of Personnel and it has been decided that where an inquiry has been held, in accordance with the provisions of Rule 9 of Railway Servants (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1968, the disciplinary authority, before making a final order in the case, shall forward a copy of the report of the inquiry held by the disciplinary authority or where the disciplinary authority is not the inquiring authority, a copy of the report of the inquiring authority to the charged railway servant, who shall be required to submit, if he so desire, his written representation or submission to the disciplinary authority within 15 days, irrespective of whether the report is favourable or not to the charged railway servant. Thus a copy of the Inquiry Report is to be sent to the charged official irrespective of whether the inquiry is conducted by the Disciplinary Authority himself or by a nominated inquiring authority.

5. It has also been decided that where the Inquiring Authority holds a charge as not provided and the disciplinary authority takes a contrary view, the reasons for such disagreement must be communicated, in brief, to the charged employee along with the report of Inquiry so that the charged officer can make an effective representation. This procedure would require the Disciplinary Authority to first examine the report as per the laid down procedure and formulate its tentative views before forwarding the Report of Inquiry to the Charged Officer.

6. The instructions in the preceding paragraphs will operate prospectively from the date of issue of this letter and accordingly will apply only in cases where the disciplinary authority is yet to forward a copy of the Report of Inquiry to the charged railway servant.

7. The above instructions may be immediately brought to the notice of all concerned for compliance.

29/11/2009

No raise in retirement age of Central govt employees: Cabinet Secretary

          Putting an end to speculation that the retirement age of Central government employees will be raised, the Centre has made it clear that it has no plans to raise the age for superannuation.
          "No, there is no such plan. There is no thinking at all. The status quo will continue," Cabinet Secretary K M Chandrasekhar said when asked whether there is any move in this regard.
Currently, the retirement age of Central government employees is 60 years.
          Chandrasekhar said there have been rumours that it would be raised but it was nothing but a "wishful thinking".
          "I tried to find out. But there is no file in (Department of) Expenditure, no file in DoPT (Department of Personnel and Training). There is nothing. It is more of a wishful thinking," he said in an interview.
         The Cabinet Secretary also said the government has no plans to bring an uniformity in the retirement age among the state government employees.
          "The states will decide their own retirement age," he said.
           All states have their own retirement age -- starting from 55 years (Kerala) to 60 years (Uttar Pradesh, Assam etc). The Madhya Pradesh government teachers retire at the age of 62 years.
Source : Zee News.

My City My History

Author – Ankita Sunil Lokhande, 7th A

St. Joseph High School, Solapur

TV Channel – Fox History & Entertainment

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           The Solapur District was ruled by various dynesties such as Andhrabhratyas, Chalukyas, Rashtrkutas, Yadavas and Bahamanis. 'SOLAPUR' is believed to be derived from two words 'SOLA' meaning sixteen and 'PUR' meaning village. The present city of Solapur was considered to be spread over sixteen villages viz. Aadilpur, Ahmedpur, Chapaldev, Fatehpur, Jamdarwadi, Kalajapur, Khadarpur, Khandervkiwadi, Muhammadpur, Ranapur, Sandalpur, Shaikpur, Solapur, Sonalagi, Sonapur and Vaidakwadi.

           Recent research work however shows that the name SOLAPUR is derived not from the congregation of sixteen villages. It is evident from the inscriptions of Shivayogi Shri.Siddheshwar of the time of the Kalachuristis of Kalyani, that the town was called 'Sonnalage' which came to be pronounced as 'Sonnalagi'. The town was known as Sonnalagi even upto the times of Yadavas. A sanskrit inscription dated Shake 1238, after the downfall of the Yadavas found at Kamati in Mohol shows that the town was known as Sonalipur. One of the inscriptions found in Solapur fort shows that the town was called

        Sonalpur while another inscription on the well in the fort shows that it was known as Sandalpur.

         During the Muslim period, the town was known as Sandalpur. It is therefore most probably that that during the course of time the name Solapur was evolved by dropping 'na' from the name Sonalpur.

        Subsequently the British rulers pronounced Solapur as Sholapur and hence the name of the district.

     The present Solapur district was previously part of Ahmednagar, Pune and Satara districts. In 1838 it became the Sub-district of Ahmednagar. It included Barshi, Mohol, Madha, Karmala, Indi, Hippargi and Muddebihal Sub-divisions. In 1864 this Sub-district was abolished. In 1871 this district was reformed joining the Sub-divisions viz. Solapur, Barshi, Mohol, Madha and Karmala and two Subdivisions of Satara district viz. Pandharpur, Sangola and in 1875 Malshiras Sub-division was also attached. After the State reorganisation in 1956 Solapur was included in Mumbai State and it became a full-fledged district of Maharashtra State in 1960.

       The importance of Solapur is unique in the history of India in the sense that this district enjoyed the freedom even before independence. The citizens of Solapur enjoyed the Independence for three days from 9th to 11th May 1930. The brief history runs like this. After the arrest of Mahatma Gandhi in May 1930, protests and demonstrations against the British Rule were held throughout the India. Large scale rallies and protests were done at Solapur also. Many citizens lost their lives in the Police firings. Due to this the irate mob attacked the Police Stations. Out of fear the Police and other officers ran out of Solapur. During this period the responsibility of law, order and security of citizens was on the shoulders of congress party leaders. Then city congress President Shri.Ramkrishna Jaju, with his other congressmen maintained the law and order for a period of three days from 9th to 11th May 1930.

       Secondly, the Solapur Municipal Council was the first Municipal Council of India to host the National Flag on the Municipal Council building (Now Municipal Corporation) Solapur in 1930.

        The brief history runs like this. Taking the spirit of Dandi March from Mahatma Gandhi, the freedom fighters of Solapur decided to host the National Flag on the Solapur Municipal Council. Accordingly, senior freedom fighter from Pune Shri.Annasaheb Bhopatkar hosted the National Flag on 6th April 1930 on Municipal Council. This was the first and the unique incidence of such kind throughout the country. The British rulers, due to irritation declared the Marshall Law at Solapur and arrested many leaders and innocent citizens on false charges. The freedom fighters Shri.Mallappa Dhanshetti, Shri.Kurban Hussain, Shri.Jagnnath Shinde and Shri.Kisan Sarda were arrested on charges of killing two Policemen of Mangalwar Police Station. The lower court sentenced the punishment of hanging till death for these freedom fighters. The High Court also confirmed the same decision and these four freedom fighters were hanged till death on 12th January 1931. As a mark of respect to these freedom fighters, the Statues of these freedom fighters have been installed in the heart of the City and the location has been named as Hutatma Chowk.

       Solapur is famous textile town, especially owing to its talented weavers’ community. A melting pot with a confluence of Marathi, Telugu and Kannada languages, Solapur district leads in beedi production.

        The supreme sacrifice by the revolutionaries of Solapur has made it immortal. So much so that the Martyrs’ Memorial here is saluted daily by thousands of visitors.

So I am proud of my city.

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PME Due Date

Master Circular No. 25



Copy of Railway Board’s letter No. 69/H/3/11 dated 06.12.1974



Subject: Implementation of the Recommendations of the Visual Sub-Committee.



6. Periodical re-examination of serving Railway Employees:



6.l. In order to ensure the continued ability of Railway employees in Classes A l, A 2, A 3, B l and B 2 to discharge their duties with safety, they will be required to appear for re-examination at the following stated intervals throughout their service as indicated below:



6.1.1. Classes A l, A 2 and A 3 —At the termination of every period of three years, calculated from the date of appointment until they attain the age of 45 years, and thereafter annually until the conclusion of their service.



Note: (l) The staff in categories A l, A 2 and A 3 should be sent for special medical examination in the interest of safety under the following circumstances unless they have been under the treatment of a Railway Medical Officer.



(a) Having undergone any treatment or operation for eye trouble irrespective of the duration of sickness.



(b) Absence from duty for a period in excess of 90 days.



(2) If any employee in medical category A has been periodically medically examined at any time within one year prior to his attaining the age of 45, his next medical examination should be held one year from the due date of the last medical examination and subsequent medical examination annually thereafter.



If, however, such an employee has been medically examined, at any time earlier, than one year prior to his attaining the age of 45, his next medical examination should be held on the date he attains the age of 45 and subsequent medical examination annually thereafter.




Ammendment: It was ammended in 1993 as below



Age Group PME Due



Age 00-45 every 4yrs



Age 45-55 every 2yrs



Age 55-60 every year
Details:-
As per Rly Bd's Guideline of Medical Exam issued vide LNo. 88/H/5/12 dated 24-01-1993

a) PME would be done at the termination of every period of 4 years from date of appointment / Initial medical Exam till the date of attainment of age of 45 years, every 2 years upto 55 years & there after annual till retirement.
b) Employees who has been periodically examined at any time within 2years prior to his attaining the age of 45years would be examined after 2years from the date of last PME & subsequent PME for every 2years upto 55years age.Of

NRMU 4 you
SMLokhande





6.1.2. Classes B-1 and B-2—On attaining the age of 45 years, and thereafter at the termination of every period of five years.