Pledging PF to buy home may soon become a reality

Pledging PF to buy home may soon become a reality

Retirement fund body EPFO may soon introduce a scheme to allow its over 4 crore subscribers to pledge their provident fund to buy low-cost houses and use the account to pay equated monthly installments.
“We are working on a housing scheme for members of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). Under it, members will be allowed to pledge their PF accumulations to buy homes,” Labour Secretary Shankar Aggarwal told PTI.

He added that the proposal will be placed before the EPFO’s Central Board of Trustees meeting expected next month. Once approved by the CBT, the scheme will be available for the subscribers.

Finer points of the scheme, as to what extent subscribers will be eligible to avail loans and what will qualify as a low cost house, are yet to be worked out.

Aggarwal further said: “We don’t want to impose anything on the subscribers. Therefore, we will not buy land or build houses for them. They will be free to choose their own homes from the open market.”

The panel had suggested this scheme for low income formal workers who are EPFO subscribers and could not buy a house during their entire service period.

Under the proposed scheme, there will be a tripartite agreement between member, bank/housing agency and EPFO for pledging future PF contributions as EMI payment.

Last year, the proposal for facilitating the EPFO subscribers to buy low cost homes was listed on the agenda of the CBT meeting held on September 16.

A report of an expert committee on housing facility for the subscribers was also presented to the trustees during the meeting.

The committee has unanimously recommended a scheme to facilitate subscribers to buy houses where they will get an advance from their PF accumulation and will be allowed to pledge their future PF contribution as EMI (Equated Monthly Instalment) payment.

The panel had suggested that subscribers will purchase a dwelling unit with loans from bank or housing finance companies and hypothecation of property in favour of the latter.

It was suggested the benefits under the scheme of Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation can also be extended to the beneficiaries of the scheme.

In May, Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya had told Lok Sabha in a written reply: “Government is exploring the possibility for providing a suitable low-cost housing scheme for subscribers of Employees’ Pension Fund. It is in preliminary discussion stage.”

Source : ET

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Implementation of Revised Pay Rules 2016 for Defence Civilians

Implementation of Revised Pay Rules 2016 for Defence Civilians

Office of the Principal controller of Defence Accounts (Central Command)
Cariappa Road, Cantt., Lucknow – 226002

No.PT/3088/Pay Fixation/VIIth CPC

Dated: 10-08-2016

To,
The Officer -in- Charge,
———
Subject: Implementation of Revised Pay Rules 2016 for Defence Civilians.

As per OM No.1-5/2016-IC dated 29.07.2016, the payment of pay and Allowances for the month of August 2016 will be made in August 2016 along with the arrears of pay from 01.01.2016 till 31.07.2016.
In this connection, you may refer to the Gazette Notification notified by Govt. Of India dated 25.07.2016.
The units under your jurisdication may be advised to forward the following documents for pay fixation as per 7th CPC.

1. Statement of fixation of pay as per CCS(RP) Rules, 2016 duly filled in and signed by the competent authority.
2. Service Books along with previous approved pay fixation proforma and connected documents.
3. The service Book should be updated in all respects.
4. The service Book may be sent by enclosing an undertaking as prescribed in “Form of Option” under Rule 6 (2) of the CCS (RP) Rules 2016. The Overpayment, if any, made to the individual may be recovered from his future payments.

The contents of RPR-2016 may be got noted by each individual under your jurisdiction and also obtain a Certificate from all staff members for the same

Sd/-
S.A.O.
(Pay Tech.)

Source : http://pcdacc.gov.in/

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7th Pay Commission latest news: Gratuity limit increased to Rs 20 lakh from Rs 10 lakh

7th Pay Commission latest news: Gratuity limit increased to Rs 20 lakh from Rs 10 lakh

The Central Government has unanimously increased the gratuity limit of more than 47 lakh employees to Rs 20 lakh from Rs 10 lakh. This news brings a smile on Central Government employees as they will get more money for their retirement and will also help them to shape their future plan in a much organised way. Under the 7th Pay Commission, IAS officers to peons all will get enhanced salaries with arrears on September 1. The Narendra Modi government has not yet decided to increase salaries of 14 lakh strong armed forces.

The implementation of 7th Pay Commission is a burden of Rs 1.02 lakh crore on Indian exchequer. Experts believe that Indian economy has been showing “bright” near-term prospects, but reducing fiscal deficit to 3.5% of GDP in 2016-17 is a challenge because of additional liabilities on account of pay revision.

After the Central Government employees union had threatened to carry out an indefinite strike, Centre had set up a high-level committee, comprising of Health, Defence and Home Secretaries. The committee will also look into the demands made by National Joint Action Committee (NJAC) which wants the minimum salary to be scaled up to Rs 26,000, rather than Rs 18,000, which has been currently proposed.

On June 29, the 7th Pay Commission recommendations were accepted by Union Cabinet. Although the basic salary was hiked by 14.3 per cent, the hike in allowances was withheld due to the various anomalies.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that the government employees would also be paid arrears in one-time installment through their salaries in the upcoming months.

Source : India.com

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7th CPC Revision of Pension of Pre-2016 Defence Civilian Pensioners/Family Pensioners - PCDA Cricular C-153

7th CPC Revision of Pension of Pre-2016 Defence Civilian Pensioners/Family Pensioners - PCDA Cricular C-153 

PCDA Circular C-153 – Implementation of Govt’s Decisions on the recommendations of the 7th CPC Revision of pension of Pre-2016 Defence Civilian Pensioners/Family Pensioners

Important circular No.C-153
No.GI/C/0199/VOL-I/Tech
O/O The Pr. C.D.A.(P)
Allahabad.

Date 12 August, 2016

Subject: Implementation of Govt’s decisions on the recommendations of the Seventh Central Pay Commission – Revision of Pension of Pre-2016 Pensioners/Family Pensioners etc.

A copy of GOL, Ministry of P,PG and Pensions, Deptt. of P&PW OM No.38/37/2016-P&PW (A) (ii) dated 4th August, 2016 is enclosed for immediate implementation of Govt’s decision on recommendations of the Seventh Central Pay Commission relating to revision of Pension of Pre-1-1-2016 Pensioners/Family Pensioners w.e.f. 1-1-2016.

2. The following further instructions are issued for smooth implementation of the ibid Govt. OM on the subject:-

APPLICABILITY
3.1 Para-2 of the enclosed Govt. OM provides the extent of its applicability. Present orders are applicable to the Pensioners/family pensioners in whose respect pension payment order (PPO) have been issued by CDA (Pensions)/Chief CDA (Pensions)/Pr.CDA (Pensions) from time to time in respect of Defence Civilians/Civilians under Ministry of Defence (MoD).

3.2 As stated in Para 2.2 of the enclosed OM, nothing contained in the enclosed OM applies to Commissioned Officers and Personnel Below Officer Rank (PBOR) of Armed forces. Separate orders will be issued for them by Ministry of Defence.

REVISION OF PENSION
4.1 For existing pensioners, who have retired before 01.01.2016, the revised pension/Family pension with effect from 01.01.2016 shall be determined by multiplying the pension/family pension, as had been fixed at the time of implementation of 6th Central Pay Commission (CPC) recommendations, by a factor of 2.57. The amount of revised pension/family pension so arrived at shall be rounded off to next higher rupee.

4.2 For calculation of revised pension, the existing pension/family pension will be the basic pension/family pension only without the element of additional pension available to the old pensioners/family pensioners of the age of 80 years and above. The additional pensions/Family pension payable to old pensioners/family pensioners will be worked out in accordance with para 4.5 of the OM.

4.3 Since the consolidated pension will be inclusive of commuted portion of pension, if any, the commuted portion will be deducted from the said amount while making monthly disbursements.

4.4 MINIMUM/MAXIMUM PENSION/FAMILY PENSION : The minimum pension w.e.f 01.01.2016 will be Rs.9000/- Per month (excluding the element of additional pension to old pensioners). The upper ceiling on pension/family pension will be 50% and 30% respectively of the highest pay in the Government (The highest pay in the Government is Rs.2,50,000 w.e.f. 01.01.2016).

4.5 ADDITIONAL PENSION : the quantum of pension/family pension available to the old pensioners/family pensioners shall continue to be as follows:-

Age of Pensioner/Family Pensioner

Age of Pensioner/Family Pensioner	Addition quantum of Pension
From 80 Years to less than 85 Years	20% of revised basic pension/family pension
From 85 Years to less than 90 Years	30% of revised basic pension/family pension
From 90 Years to less than 95 Years	40% of revised basic pension/family pension
From 95 Years to less than 100 years	50% of revised basic pension/family pension
100 Years or more	100% of revised basic pension/family pension

The amount of additional pension will be shown distinctly in the pension payment order. For example, in cases where a pensioner is more than 80 years of age and his/her revised pension in terms Para 4.1 above is Rs.10,000 pm, the pension will be shown as (i) Basic Pension = Rs.10,000 and (ii) Additional Pension = Rs.2,000 pm. The pension on his/her attaining the age of 85 years will be shown as (i) Basic Pension = 10,000 adn (ii) additional Pension = Rs.3000 pm. Dearness Relief will be admissible on additional pension available to the old pensioners also.

4.6 In cases, where the Govt. Servants have drawn one time lump-sum terminal benefits equal to 100% of their pensions and have become entitled to the restoration of one third commuted portion of pension, their cases will not be covered by these orders. Orders for regulating pension of such pensioners will be issued separately.

4.7 The revised pension/family pension arrived at as per paragraph 4.1 includes dearness relief sanctioned from 1.1.2016

5. Where the revised pension/family pension in terms of paragraph 4.1 above works out to an amount less than Rs.9000/-, the same shall be stepped up to Rs.9000/-. This will be regarded as pension/family pension w.e.f. 01.01.16.

6. PENSIONER EMPLOYED/RE-EMPLOYED: The existing instructions regarding regulation of dearness relief to employed/re-employed pensioners/family pensioners, as contained in Department of Pension & Pensioners Welfare O.M.No.45/73/97-P&PW (G) dated 02.07.1999, as amended from time to time, shall continue to apply.

7. CONSTANT ATTENDANT ALLOWANCE: The matter regarding CAA admissible to existing pensioners shall be examined by the Committee constituted by the Gol. For this purpose, till a final decision is taken based on the recommendation of the Committee, constant Attendant Allowance shall be paid at the existing rates.

8. DEARNESS RELIEF: The Pension/family pension as worked out in accordance with provision of Para 4.1 above shall be treated as ‘Basic Pension’ with effect from 01.01.2016. The revised pension/family pension includes dearness relief sanctioned from 1.1.2016 and shall qualify for grant of Dearness Relief sanctioned there after.

9. ARREARS OF PENSION: The arrears of pension/Family pension, as a result of consolidation of pension, will be worked out by PDAs and will be paid to pensioner or credited to their accounts by 31st August 2016 positively.

10. If any overpayment is in the process of recovery, the amount still due for recovery should be adjusted in lump – sum against the arrears payable.

11. PROCEDURE: The Govt. has authorised the Pension Disbursing Authorities including Public Sector Banks to pay the consolidated pension/Family Pension without further aughorization from this office at the revised rates in terms of Para 4.1 and 5 above. Wherever the age of Pensioner/Family Pensioner is available in the PPO, the additional pension/family pension in terms of Para 4.5 above may also be paid by the PDAs without any further authorization from this office. The following points may specially be kept in view while authorizing disbursement under the captioned order:

(a) A Suitable entry regarding the revised pension shall be recorded by the pension Disbursing Authorities on face of Pension Payment Orders.

(b) a suitable entry regarding revised consolidated pension/Family Pension w.e.f 1-1-2016 should also be recorded in the check register/payment Register/Pension Payment scroll.

(c) In every case, where revision is done by PDA’s, intimation to this office in the form given as Annexure-I to this circular will be prepared in triplicate. Two copies thereof will be sent to this office in covers bearing the following address in convenient batch(s):-
SAO, O/IC Audit Section, O/o the Pr.C.D.A. (P), Allahabad – 211 014.
A consolidated soft copy of all such payment in CSV format may be sent in a CD to this office and also be mailed to us in the format attached in Annexure-II on the email sevenpaycomalbd.dad@hub.nic.in specially created for the purpose.

(d) All cases where such revision is carried out will Change entitlements and other data which must be reflected as such in the Pension Payment Account in a separate schedule/scroll.

12. In cases where the PDAs are in doubt about the entitlement on revision in individual cases or in regulation of minimum pension/revised pension for pensioners in receipt of more than one pension, the cases with full details of pensioner and PPO NO. may be referred to Audit Section of this office for advice and further action on the same address mentioned in para 11(c) or a mail may be sent on the email address given in para 11 (C).

(The copy of this circular is available on the website of this office www.pcdapension.nic.in)

(Dr.Upinderbit Singh)

DCDA(P)

Annexure – I
Form of intimation by the Pension Disbursing Authority to the P.C.D.A.(P) regarding revision of Pension in terms of Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare Office Memorandum No. 38/37/2016-P&PW (A) (ii) dated 04 -8-2016

Source/View/Download from PCDA Click here

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6 per cent hike in DA for Himachal govt employees, pensioners

6 per cent hike in DA for Himachal govt employees, pensioners

Shimla/Dharamshala: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today announced release of six per cent additional DA to employees and pensioners of the state government with effect from January 1 this year, which would cost Rs 330 crore more to the state exchequer annually.

Presiding over the state-level function on the occasion of the 70th Independence Day at Solan, he said the government has already released five per cent interim relief to employees and pensioners, and six per cent additional DA would be paid from October.

Meanwhile, presiding over the district-level Independence Day function in Dharamshala, state transport minister G S Bali announced HRTC will have Super Luxury Scania AC buses in its fleet, adding, “Such buses will be used to connect district headquarters with Shimla.”

Also, all state and Central government employees will get 15 per cent concession while travelling in HRTC buses within the state, while HIV patients shall travel free of cost, he said.

“HRTC will provide taxi service in Shimla, Dharamshala, Chamba and Manali, within next two months, Bali added.

PTI

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BSNL Pensioners will get Merger of 50% DA / DR with Basic Pay / Pension

Revision of pension of BSNL pensioners/ family pensioners, who retired prior to 10.06.2013 by allowing the benefit of merger of 50% DA/ DR with Basic Pay/ pension, effectively amounting to 78.2% DA/ DR for the purpose of fitment

BSNL Pensioners will get Merger of 50% DA / DR with Basic Pay / Pension

No.40-13/2013-Pen (T)
Government of India
Ministry of Communications
Department of Telecommunications

Dated 18.07.2016

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Sub: Revision of pension of BSNL pensioners/ family pensioners, who retired prior to 10.06.2013 by allowing the benefit of merger of 50% DA/ DR with Basic Pay/ pension, effectively amounting to 78.2% DA/ DR for the purpose of fitment

The pension to combined service optee absorbed employees in BSNL is paid by Government as per sub-rules 21 to 23 of Rule 37-A of CCS(Pension) Rules 1972.

2. Consequent to the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) orders dated 26.11.2008, revision of pay of employees of BSNL was allowed with effect from 1.1.2007 vide Letter No. 61-01/2009-SU dated 27.02.2009. Subsequently, pension/family pension of employees retired from BSNL who retired between 01.10.2000 and 1.1.2007, was revised vide this office O.M No. 40-17/2008-Pen (T) Vol.III dated 15.3.2011.

3. Further to Department of Public Enterprises O.M. No. 2(70)/08-DPE (WC)-GL- VII/09 dated 02.04.2009, the benefit of merger of 50% DA with Basic Pay effectively amounting to 78.2% IDA as on 1.1.2007 for the purpose of fitment, was granted to the BSNL serving employees w.e.f. 10.6.2013 vide Order No. 61-01/2012-SU dated 10.6.2013.

4. The issue regarding revision of pension/ family pension of BSNL IDA pensioners/ family pensioners, who retired prior to 10.06.2013 has been considered by the Government, and the following has been decided:

(a)The pension/ family pension of BSNL IDA pensioners/ family pensioners, who retired prior to 01.01.2007, may be revised as on 01.01.2007 notionally with actual benefit w.e.f. 10.06.2013 by adding together

1. Existing basic pension/ family pension including commuted portion of pension, if any
2. Dearness relief (IDA) @ 78.2%
3. Fitment weightage @ 30% of the existing pension/ family pension and dearness relief (IDA) thereon.

The amount so arrived will be regarded as consolidated pension/ family pension with effect from 10.06.2013.
(b)The pension/ family pension of BSNL IDA pensioners/ family pensioners, who retired between 01.01.2007 and 09.06.2013, their pay may be revised notionally with effect from 01.01.2007 by allowing the benefit of merger of 50% DA/DR with Basic Pay/ Pension effectively amounting to 78.2% IDA for the purpose of fitment, and consequential revision of pension on notional pay with actual benefit w.e.f. 10.06.2013, at par with the serving employees of BSNL. However, these pensioners do not get actual benefit of increase in pay/ pension during the period between 01.01.2007 to 09.06.2013, and they would not get increase in the amount of DCRG, leave encashment and commutation of pension on this account.

5.The other conditions with regard to commuted portion of pension, minimum pension and increase in the quantum of pension/ family pension to the old pensioners/ family pensioners, as mentioned in this office O.M. No. 40-17/2008-Pen (T) Vol.III dated 15.3.2011 shall remain the same.

6.Action to revise pension/ family pension in terms of these provisions may be initiated suo-moto by the concerned Heads of offices. All administrative offices of BSNL handling preparation of pension papers of BSNL pensioners may be directed to initiate the process of consolidation of pension/ family pension to the BSNL IDA pensioners/ family pensioners, who retired prior to 10.06.2013, at the consolidated rates in terms of para 4 above immediately and forward the same to the concerned CCAs for consolidation and issue of revised Pension Payment Orders (PPOs).

7. The exercise to extend benefit of these orders to the pensioners/ family pensioners should be completed by 31.12.2016.

(S K Jain)

DDG (Establishment)

Download DOT OLM No.40-13/2013-Pen (T) dated 18.07.2016

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7th Central Pay Commission : Revision of pension of pre-2016 Pensioners/Family Pensioners – R.B.E. No. : 97/2016

7th Central Pay Commission : Revision of pension of pre-2016 Pensioners/Family Pensioners – R.B.E. No. : 97/2016

PC-VII No.: 04/2016

R.B.E. No. : 97/2016

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (BHARAT SARKAR)
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (RAIL MANTRALAYA)
(RAILWAY BOARD)

No.2016/F(E)III/1(1)/7

New Delhi, Dated: 10.08.2016.

The GMs/FA&CA0s,
All Zonal Railways/Production Units,
(As per standard mailing list)

Sub: Implementation of Government’s decision on the recommendations of the Seventh Central Pay Commission-Revision of pension of pre-2016 pensioners/family pensioners etc.

In pursuance of Government’s decision on the recommendations of Seventh Central Pay Commission, the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DOP&PW), vide their O.M.F.No.38/37/2016-P&PW(A)(ii) dated 4th August, 2016, has issued instructions for revision of pension of pre-2016 pensioners/family pensioners. In terms of pars 2.1 of the said O.M., the instructions contained therein apply to all pensioners/family pensioners, who were drawing pension/family pension before 01.01.2016 under the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972, Central Civil Services (Extraordinary Pension) Rules and the corresponding rules applicable to Railway pensioners. A pensioner/family pensioner who became entitled to pension/family pension w.e.f. 01.01.2016 consequent on retirement/death of railway servant on 31.12.2015, would also be covered by these orders. The corresponding rules applicable to Railway pensioners/family pensioners are Railway Services (Pension) Rules, 1993 and Railway Services (Extraordinary Pension) Rules, 1993.

2. Compliance of instructions contained in DOP&PW’s 0.M. ibid may be ensured expeditiously.

3. This letter along with DOP&PW’s O.M. dated 4th August, 2016 referred to in Para I above, has also been uploaded on Railways website: www.indianrailways.gov.in at following location:
Railway Board Directorates–>Finance –> F(E)III CIRCULARS

4. Please acknowledge receipt.

sd/-
(Sanjay Prashar)
Deputy Director, Finance (Estt.)III,
Railway Board.

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

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Madhya Pradesh State Government announces to give its employees 7th Pay Commission award

Madhya Pradesh State Government announces to give its employees 7th Pay Commission award

Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on the Independence Day announced to give state government employees salary and allowances as recommended by the 7th Pay Commission.
Presiding over the state-level function on the occasion of the 70th Independence Day at the Motilal Nehru Stadium in the state capital, he said the state government will soon give its employees the 7th Pay Commission award.

He also said the daily wagers confirmed in service would be suitably adjusted in various departments according to their qualifications.

Chouhan added that an ‘employment cabinet’ would be formed with an aim to provide more and better job opportunities to the youths in the state. This panel will work for job creation in the state.

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Union Minister of State Reply – No proposal to introduce any new pension scheme for retired Central Government employees

Union Minister of State Reply – No proposal to introduce any new pension scheme for retired Central Government employees

Schemes for Retired Employees

The pension of Central Civil Government servants appointed on or before 31.12.2003 is governed by the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules 1972 or the corresponding Pension Rules of other Services/Departments such as All India Services and Railways.

The Central Civil Government Servants appointed on or after 01.01.2004 are governed by the Defined Contribution-based Pension Scheme under the National Pension System.

The personnel belonging to the Defence Services continue to be eligible for pension under Defined Benefit Pension Rules applicable to defence personnel.

There is no proposal to introduce any new pension scheme for retired Central Government employees.
This was stated by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply to a question by Smt. Rekha Verma in the Lok Sabha today.

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