Cabinet Decision on Risk and Hardship Matrix

Cabinet Decision on Risk and Hardship Matrix

A new paradigm has been evolved to administer the allowances linked to risk and hardship. The myriad allowances, their categories and sub–categories pertaining to civilians employees, CAPF and defence personnel have been fitted into a table called the Risk and Hardship Matrix (R&H Matrix). The Matrix has nine cells denoting varying degrees of risk and hardship with one extra cell at the top named as RH – Max to include Siachen Allowance. Multiple rates applicable to individual allowances will be replaced by two slab rates for every cell of the R&H Matrix.

Siachen Allowance : 7th CPC had placed Siachen Allowance in the RH-Max cell of the R&H Matrix with two slabs of ₹21,000 and ₹31,500. Recognizing the extreme nature of risk and hardship faced by officers / PBORs on continuous basis in Siachen, the Government has decided to further enhance the rates of Siachen Allowance which will now go up from the existing rate from ₹14,000 to ₹30,000 per month for Jawans & JCOs (Level 8 and below) and from ₹21,000 to ₹42,500 per month for Officers (Level 9 and above). With this enhancement, Siachen Allowance will become more than twice the existing rates. It will benefit all the soldiers and officers of Indian Army who are posted in Siachen.

Tough Location Allowance : Some allowances based on geographical location such as Special Compensatory (Remote Locality) Allowance (SCRLA), Sunderban Allowance & Tribal Area Allowance have been subsumed in Tough Location Allowance. The areas under TLA have been classified into three categories and the rates will be governed as per different cells of R&H Matrix and will be in the range of ₹1000 – ₹5300 per month. The 7th CPC had recommended that TLA will not be admissible with Special Duty Allowance (SDA) payable in North-East, Ladakh and the Islands. Government has decided that employees will be given the option to avail of the benefit of SCRLA at pre-revised rates along with SDA at revised rates.

Rates of High Altitude Allowance granted to Defence Forces and CAPF personnel will be governed by the R&H Matrix. The rates will go up from ₹810 – ₹16800 per month to ₹2700 – ₹25000 per month.

Field Area Allowances are granted to Indian Army, Air Force & CAPF personnel. The rates of Field Area Allowances (Modified Field, Field & Highly Active) will be governed by the R&H Matrix. The rates will go up from ₹1200 – ₹12600 per month to ₹6000 – ₹16900 per month. Classification of field areas for this allowance will be done by Ministry of Defence for Defence personnel and by Ministry of Home Affairs for CAPFs.

The rates of Counter Insurgency Ops (CI Ops) Allowance, granted to Defence and CAPFs while deployed in counter – insurgency operations will be governed by the R&H Matrix. The rates will go up from ₹3000 – ₹11700 per month to ₹6000 – ₹16900 per month.

Rates of MARCOS and Chariot Allowance granted to marine commandos of Indian Navy will be governed by the R&H Matrix. The rates will go up from ₹10500 – ₹15750 per month to ₹17300 – ₹25000 per month.

Rates of Sea Going Allowance granted to personnel of Indian Navy will be governed by the R&H Matrix. The twelve hour conditionality for determining the eligibility of Sea Going Allowance has been reduced to four hours. The rates will go up from ₹3000 – ₹7800 per month to ₹6000 – ₹10500 per month.

Rates of Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (COBRA) Allowance granted to CRPF personnel deployed in Naxal hit areas will be governed by the R&H Matrix. The rates will go up from ₹8400 – ₹16800 per month to ₹17300 – ₹25000 per month.

Rates of Flying Allowance granted to flying branch and technical officers of Defence Forces will be governed by the R&H Matrix. The rates will go up from ₹10500 – ₹15750 per month to ₹17300 – ₹25000 per month. It has been extended mutatis mutandis to BSF Air Wing also.

Rates of Test Pilot and Flight Test Engineer Allowance will be governed by the R&H Matrix. The rates will go up from ₹1500 / ₹3000 per month to ₹4100 / ₹5300 per month.

The 7th CPC had placed Antarctica Allowance, paid to the Scientists and other members undertaking the expedition to Antarctica under the Indian Antarctic programme, in the RH-Max Cell of the R&H Matrix. The rates of the RH-Max Cell recommended by the 7th CPC were less than the existing rates of Antarctica Allowance which is currently paid on per day basis. Considering the specific nature of these expeditions and to provide appropriate increase in rates, Government has decided to keep Antarctica Allowance out of the R&H Matrix and the allowance will continue to be paid on per day basis as per existing practice. The Rates of Antarctica Allowance will go up from ₹1125 per day (Summers) and ₹1688 per day (Winters) to ₹1500 per day (Summers) and ₹2000 per day (Winters).

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7th CPC Recommendations on Risk and Hardship Matrix

7th CPC Recommendations on Risk and Hardship Matrix

Risk and Hardship Allowance: Allowances relating to Risk and Hardship will be governed by the newly proposed nine-cell Risk and Hardship Matrix, with one extra cell at the top, viz., RH-Max to include Siachen Allowance. This would be the ceiling for risk/hardship allowances and there would be no individual RHA with an amount higher than this allowance.

The construct of the Risk and Hardship Matrix, proposed above, is a new paradigm intended to rationalize the myriad allowances, their categories and sub-categories that exist today. It would make the administration of these allowances simple and provide a framework for the government for future inclusion of any new allowance, which can be placed in the appropriate cell depending upon the severity of the risk and hardship involved.

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Cabinet Decision on 7th CPC Children Education Allowance

Cabinet Decision on 7th CPC Children Education Allowance

Rate of Children Education Allowance (CEA) has been increased from Rs 1500 per month / child (max. 2) to Rs2250 per month / child (max.2). Hostel Subsidy will also go up from Rs 4500 per month to Rs 6750 per month.

Existing rates of Special Allowance for Child Care for Women with Disabilities has been doubled from Rs 1500 per month to Rs 3000 per month.

Higher Qualification Incentive for Civilians has been increased from Rs 2000 – Rs 10000 (Grant) to Rs 10000 – Rs 30000 (Grant).

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Enhanced HRA benefit only 15 Slabs for lower levels

Enhanced HRA benefit only 15 Slabs for lower levels

HRA is currently paid @ 30% for X (population of 50 lakh & above), 20% for Y (5 to 50 lakh) and 10% for Z (below 5 lakh) category of cities. 7th CPC has recommended reduction in the existing rates to 24% for X, 16% for Y and 8% for Z category of cities.

As the HRA at the reduced rates may not be sufficient for employees falling in lower pay bracket, it has been decided that HRA shall not be less than Rs 5400, Rs 3600 and Rs 1800 for X, Y and Z category of cities respectively. This floor rate has been calculated @ 30%, 20% and 10% of the minimum pay of Rs 18000. This will benefit more than 7.5 lakh employees belonging to Levels 1 to 3.

The below table shows the benefit basic pay in 1, 2 and 3 Levels

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Cabinet Decision on HRA – Shocking News for Central government Employees

Cabinet Decision on HRA – Shocking News for Central government Employees

7th CPC HRA is a big upset for Central Government Employees

It is really a Shocking News for Central government Employees that 7th CPC HRA is not increased and retained the recommendation of 7th CPC on House rent Allowances with slight modifications. The date of effect of Allowances is another shock for CG Staffs.

The 7th CPC has recommended 24% , 16% and 8% for X, Y and Z cities. The Federations expressed their anguish over the Recommendation of HRA and other Allowances,Then Government Constituted a Committee to Examine the Allowances. After the Long wait, now the Government approved the same rates of House rent allowance which 7th CPC Recommended. It is really a big upset for Central government Employees. If the Government decided to approve the same rates , it should have been implemented with effect from 1st July 2016 instead of 1st July 2017. After 12 months wait the Government has decided to implement the Allowances without any Hike with effect from 1st July 2017 . It is tough decision to accept by Cg Staffs.

The Government Decision on HRA

House Rent Allowance

HRA is currently paid @ 30% for X (population of 50 lakh & above), 20% for Y (5 to 50 lakh) and 10% for Z (below 5 lakh) category of cities. 7th CPC has recommended reduction in the existing rates to 24% for X, 16% for Y and 8% for Z category of cities. As the HRA at the reduced rates may not be sufficient for employees falling in lower pay bracket, it has been decided that HRA shall not be less than ₹5400, ₹3600 and ₹1800 for X, Y and Z category of cities respectively. This floor rate has been calculated @ 30%, 20% and 10% of the minimum pay of ₹18000. This will benefit more than 7.5 lakh employees belonging to Levels 1 to 3.

7th CPC had also recommended that HRA rates will be revised upwards in two phases to 27%, 18% and 9% when DA crosses 50% and to 30%, 20% and 10% when DA crosses 100%. Keeping in view the current inflation trends, the Government has decided that these rates will be revised upwards when DA crosses 25% and 50% respectively. This will benefit all employees who do not reside in government accommodation and get HRA.

Source: http://www.gservants.com

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Cabinet approval on allowances paid to Pensioners

Cabinet approval on allowances paid to Pensioners

Recommendations in respect of some important allowances paid to Pensioners

Rate of Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) for Pensioners has been increased from ₹500 per month to ₹1000 per month. This will benefit more than 5 lakh central government pensioners not availing CGHS facilities.

i. The rate of Constant Attendance Allowance granted on 100% disablement has been increased from Rs 4500 per month to Rs 6750 per month

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Reservation for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities - Suggestions ; if any, from all concerned including general public

Reservation for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities - Suggestions ; if any, from all concerned including general public

No.36035/02/2017-Estt (Res)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training

North Block, New Delhi
Dated the 20th June, 2017

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Sub: Reservation for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities - Suggestions; if any, from all concerned including general public.

The undersigned is directed to enclose a copy of draft instructions bringing them in line with THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, 2016 with regard to reservation for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities in the posts/services Under the Central Government.

2. The issue of reservation in promotion for persons with Disabilities is sub-judice in various cases in the Hon’ble Supreme Court including Civil Appeal No.1567/2017 titled Siddaraju Vs State of Karnataka & Ors and Review Petition (C) No.36/2017 tagged with it.

3.It is requested that the draft instructions may be examined and suggestions, if any, may be sent to this Department within 15 days of the issue of this Office Memorandum through e-mail only at q.sreenivasannic.in and debabrata.d13nic.in

sd/-
(Raju Sarawat)
Under Secretary to the Govt.of India

Authority: http://document.ccis.nic.in/

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Use of Sports facilities of Sports Authority of India under Come & Play Scheme in Badminton, Table Tennis & Fitness Centre for Central Government Employees & their dependent families

Use of Sports facilities of Sports Authority of India under Come & Play Scheme in Badminton, Table Tennis & Fitness Centre for Central Government Employees & their dependent families

No. 108/01/2016-17/CCSCSB
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training

Lok Nayak Bhawan, New Delhi
Dated: 21st June, 2017

CIRCULAR

Subject :- Use of Sports facilities of Sports Authority of India under Come & Play Scheme in Badminton, Table Tennis & Fitness Centre for Central Government Employees & their dependent families - regarding

The Central Civil Services Cultural & Sports Board (CCSCSB) under administrative control of the Department of Personnel & Training (DOPT), a nodal agency for promotion of Cultural & Sports activities amongst the Central Government Employees in the country, had started a scheme for use of Sports facilities of Sports Authority of India under their Come & Play scheme in Badminton, Table Tennis and Fitness Centre for Central Government Employees & their dependent families members. The details of the Come & Play Scheme are available at http:(fwww.sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in => Schemes => Come and Play-Scheme.

2. Under the scheme, the Central Government Employees & their dependent family members may use sporting facilities for Badminton, Table Tennis and Fitness Centre (excluding Sauna Facility) of the Sports Authority of India (SAl) at their rates (on monthly basis) or rates available for Central Government employees and their dependent family members, whichever is lower.

3. On submission of monthly payment receipts (in original) of SAl to CCSCSB, the amount charged by SAl will be reimbursed after deducting the amount of Rs. 100/ - (for Badminton and Table Tennis) and Rs. 200/- (for Fitness Centre), directly to their bank accounts linked with Aadhaar number. It may be noted that this scheme is one of indentified scheme of DOPT for DBT on boarding. The bank details (like Account number, Bank & Branch name, IFSC code & Aadhaar Number) may be furnished while submitting payment receipts for reimbursement, directly to the Secretary (CCSCSB), Room No. 361, DOPT, Lok Nayak Bhawan, New Delhi-110003.

4. All Ministries / Departments are requested to disseminate this circular for wide publicity in the Ministries / Departments and their attached & subordinate offices.

(Kulbhushan Malhotra)
Under Secretary (CCSCSB)
Tel.: 011-24646961

(i) Director / Deputy Secretary (Admn.) of Ministries / Departments of Government of India.

(ii) Di rector, Sports Authority of India, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Complex, Ea st Gate, Lodhi Road, New Delhi- 110003 -with request to provide their sporting facilities of Badminton, Table Tennis& Fitness Centre to the Central Government Employees and their dependent family members under come & Play scheme at concessional rates.

(iii) All Area Welfare Officers nominated by DOPT.

(iv) Presidents/Secretaries of all CGERWAs recognized by DOPT.

Source: DoPT

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Indian Administrative Service (Pay) Amendment Rules, 2017

Indian Administrative Service (Pay) Amendment Rules, 2017

MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
(Department of Personnel and Training)

NOTIFICATION

New Delhi, the 12th June, 2017

G.S.R. 575(E).-In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 3 of the All India Services Act, 1951 (61 of 1951), the Central Government, hereby makes the following rules to amend the Indian Administrative Service (Pay) Rules, 2016, namely:- 1.

1. These rules may be called the Indian Administrative Service (Pay) Amendment Rules, 20 I 7.
2. They shall be deemed to have come into force on the I st day of January, 2016.

2. In the Indian Administrative Service (Pay) Rules, 2016.-

(i) in rule 2, for clause (xi), the following shall be substituted, namely:-

"(xi) "Level in the Pay Matrix" shall mean the Level corresponding to the existing Pay Band and Grade Pay or scale specified in the Pay Matrix in APPENDIX-I" ;

(ii) for rule 7, the following shall be substituted, namely:-

"7. Pay protection to officers on Central deputation.- If the pay of the officers posted on deputation to the Central Government, after fixation of their pay in the revised pay structure, either under these rules or as per the instructions regulating such fixation of pay of the post to which they are appointed on deputation, happens to be lower than the pay they would have entitled to, had they been in their parent cadre and would have drawn that pay but for the Central deputation, such difference in the pay shall be protected in the form of Personal Pay with effect from the 1st January, 2016"

[F.No.14021/1/2016-AIS-II]
RAJESH KUMAR YADAV, Under Secy.

Note: The principal rules were published vide notification number G.S.R. 870(E), dated the 8th September, 2016. APPENDIX-I Pay Matrix (w.e.f 01.01.2016)

APPENDIX-I

RAKESH SUKUL

Source: DoPT

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CALL OF AGITATIONAL PROGRAMMES BY NFPE

CALL OF AGITATIONAL PROGRAMMES BY NFPE

National Federation of Postal Employees

1st Floor North Avenue Post Office Building, New Delhi-110 001
Phone: 011.23092771
e-mail: nfpehq@gmail.com
Mob: 9868819295/9810853981
website: http://www.nfpe.blogspot.com

No. PF-12/2017

Dated : 19th June,2017

To
The Secretary,
Department of Posts,
Dak Bhawan.
New Delhi-110 001

SUB : CALL OF AGITATIONAL PROGRAMMES BY NFPE
Ref : Directorate letter No.08-12/2017-SR dated 16th June-2017.

While acknowledging the receipt of your letter cited above I , on behalf of NFPE and all its affiliated Unions/Associations , like to make it clear that we , as a responsible organisation , always stand for negotiated settlement and want to avoid confrontation with the administration. But we regret to note that in spite of our positive approach and patiently waiting for two years for redressal of our genuine grievances , things are not moving at Directorate level and same is the position with many circles also. For example :-

(1) No direct recruitment to fill up outside quota vacancies has taken place for the last three years. Examinations are being conducted, but final list of selected candidates are not published. 7th CPC has stated that there are 60000 vacancies remaining unfilled in Postal department as on 31.12.2015. Now the figure will be more than one lakh. Ahout 40% posts are lying vacant in each division and employees are suffering like anything. Are the employees responsible for this state of affairs? As DOP&T has repeatedly made it clear that there is no ban on filling up of vacant posts, who is responsible for three years delay in filling up of posts ?

(2) GDS Committee Report is submitted to Government on 24th November 2016. Even after seven months the recommendations are still under process. Approval of Communications Minister , Ministry of Personnel , Ministry of Law , Ministry of Finance , Cabinet approval - all these stages are pending . Kamalesh Chandra Committee took 18 months only for submitting the report , but it seems that Postal board will take two years for implementing the recommendations. Are the employees responsible for this unjustified delay ?

(3) Re-verification of membership of Departmental employees was completed in the year 2015. Even after two years results are not published. GDS re-verification of membership, it was due in 2015. Process of calling for applications from unions/associations completed. After that nothing is moving. What prevents the Postal Board from conducting membership verification of GDS and also declaring the result of departmental employees? Are we responsible for the two years delay?

(4) Regarding Cadre restructuring of Postal Group -C, we submitted a detailed memorandum requesting some modification’s and also uniform guidelines to all circles etc . Then Secretary, Department of Posts assured us that pending decision on our memorandum, the Cadre restructuring orders will be kept in abeyance. But the Directorate went ahead with unilateral implementation in certain circles putting a large section of Group-C employees to untold miseries. What prevented the department in honouring the assurance given by Secretary, Department of Posts?

(5) Event though repeated assurances were given that Cadre-restructuring proposal of left out categories will be implemented shortly , now almost four years are over after signing the Cadre-restructuring agreement between Postal Board and Staff side. Are we responsible for this unpardonable delay?

(6) Orders for revision of wages of casual labourers with effect from 01.01.2006 was issued by Directorate in January 2015 and again orders for revision of wages from 01.01.2016 was also issued. But till this date the Directorate orders are not implemented in Tamilnadu Circle. What prevents the Directorate to make the CPMG Tamilnadu Circle to implement Directorate orders ? Is CPMG Tamilnadu circle superior to Secretary , Department of Posts ?

(7) There are many other issues also which remains unsettled for years together due to the indifferent attitude of the Postal Board.

In short, we feel that things are not moving at Directorate level and there is paralysis in file movement and decision making. We want things to move and staff grievances settled in a time -bound manner. Instead of assurances, we want result-oriented action

I once again assure you that we are ready to call- off the proposed agitational programmes , provided the department come forward for a satisfactory , result-oriented negotiated settlement on all the demands raised by us in our memorandum .

Yours Faithfully,

R.N.PARASHAR
Secretary General

Source : NFPE

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Dr. Harshvardhan Launches Mobile App "Celebrating Yoga" to connect people through Yoga for scientific healthy living

Dr. Harshvardhan Launches Mobile App "Celebrating Yoga" to connect people through Yoga for scientific healthy living

Minister for Science & Technology Dr. Harshvardhan launched a Mobile App "Celebrating Yoga" developed by Department of Science & Technology, Ministry of Science & Technology in New Delhi today.  The Mobile App has been developed by DST on the occasion of International  Yoga Day 2017.  The  purpose of the APP is to  popularise Yoga and encourage people to participate in it for a scientifically healthy living.

Healthy life of citizens improves productivity and economy of the country as a whole. Practicing Yoga is a means of maintaining a healthy society in harmony with nature and fulfil developmental aspirations.

This aspect of quality of life is aligned with the National Mission "Swasth Bharat" of the Government of India. The Department of Science & Technology has launched a research programme "Science and Technology of Yoga and Meditation (SATYAM)" under its Cognitive Science Research Initiative (CSRI). As Yoga and Meditation are interdisciplinary endeavors that interface with Neuroscience, Medicine, Psychology, Engineering, Philosophy etc., YOGA can contribute in a holistic way to derive integrated benefits.

Celebrating Yoga provides a platform to share information and insights about peoples' participation in Yoga activities on the occasion of the International Yoga Day 2017; create awareness and encourage a scientifically healthy living.

The App will enable in capturing both mass events being organized in   public places, schools and office complexes across the country and individual enthusiasts who are performing yoga to promote the celebration of the day and yoga performances.

The App will be connected with Google Map where shared information can been seen by the users. Subsequently the information posted will also be visible on  DST website through a social wall. The App Celebrating Yoga (DST) can be downloaded from Google Play Store:

• Install and open the app.
• Share your Yoga event and submit
• View your photos and locations on Google Map

The information gathered through this app will be shared subsequently with the  Ministry of AYUSH to complement their efforts.

PIB

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CBDT Notifies Rule 10CB for Secondary Adjustments under Section 92CE of IT Act, 1961

CBDT Notifies Rule 10CB for Secondary Adjustments under Section 92CE of IT Act, 1961.

Rule 10CB for operationalising the provisions of secondary adjustment has been notified by the Central Board of Direct Taxes on 15th June, 2017. It prescribes the time limit for repatriation of excess money and the rate of interest to be applied for computing the income in case of failure to repatriate the excess money within the prescribed time limit. Separate rates of interest have been provided for international transactions denominated in Indian currency and in foreign currency. The rates of interest are applicable on an annual basis.

The time limit of 90 days for repatriation of excess money shall begin only when the primary adjustments exceeding Rupees One Crore made in respect of Assessment Year 2017-18 or later, attains finality. Where the transfer pricing order is appealed against by the taxpayer, the time limit for repatriation shall commence only after the appeal is finalised by the appellate authority.

The rule is available on the website of the Income-tax Department (www.incometaxindia.gov.in)

The Finance Act, 2017 inserted section 92CE in the Income-tax Act, 1961 with effect from 1st April, 2018 to provide for secondary adjustment by attributing income to the excess money lying in the hands of the associated enterprise, in order to make the actual allocation of funds consistent with that of the primary transfer pricing adjustment.  The provision shall apply to primary adjustments exceeding Rupees One Crore made in respect of Assessment Year 2017-18 onwards.

PIB

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Review of CSS/CSSS officers up to SO/PS level under FR 56(j) and Rule 48 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972

Review of CSS/CSSS officers up to SO/PS level under FR 56(j) and Rule 48 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972

F.No.21/19/2015-CS.I(P)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
(Department of Personnel & Training)

2nd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhawan,
Khan Market,
New Delhi-110003
Dated the June 15th, 2017.

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Review of CSS/CSSS officers up to SO/PS level under FR 56(j) and Rule 48 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 -reg.

References have been received from Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment vide their O.M. in December, 2016, Ministry of Mines vide their O.M. dated 20.01.2017 and Ministry of Urban Development vide their O.M. dated 11.01.2017 on the above mentioned subject. The same were examine with reference to the guidelines with regard to periodical review under FR 56 (j) outlined by Establishment Division of DoPT vide their O.M. dated 11.09.2015 (copy enclosed).

2. To ensure uniformity in periodical review under FR 56 (j) and Rule 48 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972, attention is invited to para 9 of the aforesaid O.M. which clearly mentions that Secretaries of the Ministries/Departments are also empowered to constitute Internal Committee which will be headed by the Secretary of the Ministry/Department concerned to review periodically the performance of the officers qualifying under FR 56 (j).

3. While doing the periodical review under FR 56 (j) and Rule 48 of CCs (Pension) Rules, 1972, the cases should be examined taking into account the entire service records in terms of para 3 of the aforesaid O.M. A 15 column format (copy enclosed) which was annexed to this Department's DO letter of even No.3/8/2015-CS.I(D) dated 26.02.2016 may be utilized for conducting the periodical review.

4. The timelines as mentioned in the aforesaid O.M. may be strictly adhered to.

5. The above instructions are applicable with respect to periodical review of officers only up to SO/PS level of CSS/CSSS Cadre.

(K. Srinivasan)
Under Secretary to the Government of India

Source: www.dopt.gov.in

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Requirement of tax deduction at source in case of entities whose income is exempted under Section 10 of the Income-tax Act, 1961-Exemption thereof

Requirement of tax deduction at source in case of entities whose income is exempted under Section 10 of the Income-tax Act, 1961-Exemption thereof

CIRCULAR No. 18/2017

F. No. 385/01/2015-IT (B)

Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Direct Taxes

North Block, New Delhi
29th May, 2017

Subject: Requirement of tax deduction at source in case of entities whose income is exempted under Section 10 of the Income-tax Act, 1961 - Exemption thereof.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (the Board) had earlier issued Circular No. 4/2002 dated 16.07.2002 and Circular No. 7/2015 dated 23.04.2015 which laid down that in case of such entities, whose income is unconditionally exempt under Section 10 of the Income-tax Act (the Act) and who are also statutorily not required to tile return of income as per Section 139 of the Act, there would be no requirement for tax deduction at source (TDS) from the payments made to them since their income is anyway exempted from tax under the Act. The issue of whether exemption from TDS can be extended to more entities on these principles and whether the exemption is needed to be withdrawn in respect of some of the exempted entities was examined by the Board.


2. Examination of the eligibility of entities for exemption from TDS on the principle of unconditional exemption and no requirement to file return revealed that Circulars No. 4/2002 and 7/2015 are required to be updated to make the following changes:

Entities that meet both the above mentioned conditions but are not mentioned in the aforesaid Circulars need to be included in the list of exempted entities.
Entities that are mentioned in Circular No. 4/2002 but their exemption from income tax has since been withdrawn need to be removed from the list of exempted entities.
Entities that are mentioned in Circular No. 4/2002 but because of subsequent amendment they are now required to mandatorily the their returns of income u/s 139 need to be removed from the list of exempted entities.

3. In view of the above, a revised list of entities exempted from TDS has been drawn by adding entities in the first category listed above to the entities mentioned in Circular No. 4/2002 and Circular No. 7/2015 and removing entities in second and third categories from the list of existing entities eligible for exemption from TDS.

4. Accordingly, it has been decided that in case of below mentioned funds or authorities or Boards or bodies, by whatever name called, referred to in section 10 of the Income-tax Act, whose income is unconditionally exempt under that section and who are also statutorily not required to tile return of income as per section 139 of the Income-tax Act, there would be no requirement for tax deduction at source, since their income is anyway exempt under the Income-tax Act -

(i) "local authority", as referred to in the Explanation to clause (20);

(ii) Regimental Fund or Non-public Fund established by the armed forces of the Union referred to in clause (23AA);

(iii) Fund. by whatever name called, set up by the Life Insurance Corporation of India on or after 1st August, 1996, or by any other insurer referred to in clause (23AAB);

(iv) Authority (whether known as the Khadi and Village Industries Board or by any other name) referred to in clause (23BB);

(v) Body or authority referred to in clause (23BBA);

(vi) SAARC Fund for Regional Projects set up by Colombo Declaration referred to in clause (23BBC);

(vii) Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority referred to in clause (23BBE):

(viii) Central Electricity Regulatory Commission referred to in clause (23BBG);

(ix) Prasar Bharati referred to in clause (23BBH);

(x) Prime Minister's National Relief Fund referred to in sub-clause (i), Prime Minister’s Fund (Promotion of Folk Art) referred to in sub-clause (it), Prime Minister’s Aid to Students Fund referred to in sub-clause (iii), National Foundation for Communal Harmony referred to in sub-clause (ilia), Swachh Bharat Kosh referred to in sub-clause (iiiaa), Clean Ganga Fund referred to in sub-clause (iiiaaa) of clause (23C);

(xi) Provident fund to which the Provident Funds Act, 1925 (19 of 1925) referred to in sub-clause (i), recognized provident fund referred to in sub-clause (ii), approved superannuation funds referred to in sub-clause (iii), approved gratuity fund referred to in sub-clause (iv) and funds referred to in sub-clause (v) of Clause (25);

(xii) Employees' State Insurance Fund referred to in clause (25A);

(xiii) Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee referred to in clause (26AAB);

(xiv) Corporation. body, institution or association established for promoting interests of members of Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes or backward classes referred to in clause (26B);

(xv) Corporation established for promoting interests of members of a minority community referred to in clause (26BB);

(xvi) Corporation established for welfare and economic upliftment of ex-servicemen referred to in clause (26BBB);

(xvii) New Pension System Trust referred to in clause (44).

4. This circular supersedes earlier Circulars on this issue e.g. Circular No. 4/2002 dated 16.07.2002 and Circular No. 7/2015 dated 23.04.2015 with effect from the date of issue of this Circular.

5. Hindi version shall follow.

(Sandeep Singh)
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India

Source: CBDT Circular

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7th CPC Allowance Brief of the meeting held today with the Cabinet Secretary: AIRF

AIRF: 7th CPC Allowance Brief of the meeting held today with the Cabinet Secretary

No.AIRF/405(VII CPC)(Allowances)

Dated: June 15, 2017

The General Secretaries,
All Affiliated Unions,

Dear Comrades!
Sub: Brief of the meeting held today with the Cabinet Secretary

Today I met the Cabinet Secretary, Government of India, and shown our anguish regarding non-settlement of demands of the Central Government Employees, particularly non-approval of the allowances by the Cabinet.

The Cabinet Secretary assured that, all the things are in the process and most probably would be placed in the next Cabinet meeting.

Normally, Union Cabinet meets on every Wednesday, but this time 21st June, 2017 being "Yoga Day", this may defer for one or two days, so according to the assurance given by the Cabinet Secretary, we hope that the matter of the allowances would be settled within this month.

We have also come to know from the reliable sources that the Committee on National Pension System(NPS) has also submitted its report and some serious discussion is on for its implementation.

The Cabinet Secretary also assured that he has discussed the issue of "Very Good" benchmark with the CRB as well as Secretary(DoP&T), where he has advised them that the benchmark should be the same as prevalent in the case of promotion; the same should be for MACP also.

This is for your information.

Yours faithfully,
sd/-
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
General Secretary

Source: AIRF

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Financial impact of 7th CPC on medical institutes

Financial impact of 7th CPC on medical institutes

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF  HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-4426
ANSWERED ON-11.04.2017

Financial impact of 7th CPC on medical institutes

4426 .    Shri K. R. Arjunan
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether medical institutes are finding difficulty to comply with Governments circular to generate 30 per cent of additional financial impact incurred on implementing 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC);

(b) whether most of the medical institutes have said that it will not be possible to generate the 30 per cent of additional financial impact without burdening patients and for them Government hospitals are the last hope especially for the poorer section of our society;

(c) whether most institutions have now written to Government explaining the difficulty; and

(d) if so, details thereof and steps proposed to be taken up by Government thereon?
ANSWER

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI FAGGAN SINGH KULASTE)

(a) to (d): Government has not put any mandatory condition on Medical Institutes to generate 30% of the additional financial impact incurred on implementing the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC). Most Medical Institutes have expressed inability to meet 30% of the additional financial impact. Therefore, the Ministry has submitted 13 proposals so far to Ministry of Finance for relaxation in the condition to bear 30% of additional financial impact.

7th Central Pay Commission

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7th CPC Revised Pay Rules - Gazette Notification on 15.6.2017

7th CPC Revised Pay Rules - Gazette Notification on 15.6.2017

Amendment Notification for officers coming on deputation to posts in the Central Government which are not covered under the Central Staffing Scheme

Gazette Notification - 7CPC Revised Pay Rules - Central Civil Services (Revised Pay) (Amendment) Rules, 2017

MINISTRY OF FINANCE
(Department of Expenditure)

NOTIFICATION

New Delhi, the 15th June, 2017

G.S.R. 592(E).-In exercise of the powers conferred by the proviso to article 309 of the Constitution and clause (5) of article 148 of the Constitution and after consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General in relation to persons serving in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department, the President hereby makes the following rules to amend the Central Civil Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2016, namely:-

1. (1) These rules may be called the Central Civil Services (Revised Pay) (Amendment) Rules, 2017.
(2) They shall be deemed to have come into force on the 1st day of January, 2016.
2. In the Central Civil Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2016,-
(a) in rule 3, in clause (v), for the figures "2006", the figures "2016" shall be substituted ;
(b) in rule 12, for the words "the date of notification of these rules.", the following shall be substituted, namely:-

"1st January, 2016 and the same shall apply to the pay of officers coming on deputation to posts in the Central Government which are not covered under the Central Staffing Scheme.";
(c) in the Schedule,-

(i) for PART A, the following PART shall be substituted, namely;-

PART A

PAY MATRIX

(ii) in PART C, after serial number 47 and the entries relating thereto, the following shall be inserted, namely;-

Ministry of Defence
S. No.	Name of Post	Existing Grade Pay		Revised Grade Pay
		Existing Grade Pay	Grade Pay corresponding to which revised Levels have been	Level in the Pay Matrix	Para No. of the Report
(1)	(2)	(3)	(4)	(5)	(6)
“48.	Poster Artists, EME Corps	2000	2400	Level-4	7.7.8
49	Russian Translation Officer	4600	5400 (Pay Bands-3)	Level -10	7.7.70
50	Russian Senior Translation Officer	5400 (Pay Band-3)	6600	Level -11	7.7.70
51	Russian Editor	6600	7600	Level -12	7.7.70
52	Junior Works Manager, Department of Defence Production	4200	i. Of the total pool of posts in Grade Pay 4200 and Grade Pay 4600, ten per-cent should be earmarked to be placed in Grade Pay 4800. ii. The posts in Grade Pay 4800 should be filled up from personnel in Grade Pay 4200 and Grade Pay 4600 in the following manner:	Level - 8	11.12.105
		4600	Seventy per-cent of such earmarked posts should be filled up through promotion from Grade Pay 4600; Thirty per-cent should be filled up through a Limited Departmental Competitive Examination in which employees from both Grade Pay 4200 and Grade Pay 4600 would be eligible to compete. This will enable deserving and meritorious employees at Grade Pay 4200 to jump Grade Pay 4600 and go directly to Grade Pay 4800 [level 8].
			iii. Eighty per-cent of the employees in Grade Pay 4800, will be eligible for non-functional upgrade to level 9 [Grade Pay 5400 (Pay Bands-2)] upon completion of four years in level 8, on a seniority-cum-suitability basis.”	Level-9

[F.No.1-2/2016-IC]

R. K. CHATURVEDI, Jt. Secy.

Note: The Central Civil Service (Revised Pay) Rules, 2016 were published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary vide number G.S.R. 721 (E), dated the 25th July, 2016.

Authority: www.doe.gov.in

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Provide monthly pension slips alongwith break up to pensioners/ family pensioners: CPAO's instructions to Bank

Provide monthly pension slips alongwith break up to pensioners/ family pensioners: CPAO's instructions to Bank

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
DEPARTMENT OF EXPENDITURE
CENTRAL PENSION ACCOUNTING OFFICE
TRIKOOT-II,BHlKAJICAMA PLACE,
NEW DELHI- 110066

CPAO/IT & Tech/Simplification/11( Vol-IV)/2016-17/49

12.06.2017

Office Memorandum

Subject:- Problems being faced by the pensioners / family pensioners regarding credit of pension amount into their Bank Accounts.

Attention is invited to CPAO's OM NO. CPAO/Tech/Bank Performance/2015 -16/60 dated-14.06.2016 for better pensioner services by banks and minimize grievances/complaints from pensioners related to pension payments. Inspite of issuing frequent instructions, number of representations are received from pensioners/family pensioners experiencing difficulties relating to delays and incorrect amount of pension being credited in their bank accounts. The pensioners have also complained about the recovery of excess amount from their bank accounts.

All measures should be taken for efficient pension delivery to avoid such grievances and Heads of CPPCs and Heads of Govt. Business Divisions are again requested to provide monthly pension slips alongwith break up to pensioners/ family pensioners and invariably at the time of commencement of pension and thereafter whenever there is change in quantum of pension.
This issues with the approval of the competent authority.

sd/-
(Krishna Sharma)
Sr. Accounts Officer (IT & Tech)

To,
1) Heads of CPPCs of Banks
2) Heads of Government Business Division of Banks

Source: cpao.nic.in

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Retiring Employees Can Check their PPO Status online

Retiring Employees Can Check their PPO Status online
The facility of checking the PPO Status and pension service is available online on Web Responsive Pensioners' Service. Central Government Employees, who are retiring and whose pension papers are submitted on "Bhavishya" Application, now can check their PPO Status online. "Bhavishya" is now mandatory.

Pension Processing Status Tracking :
 Retired and retiring pensioners can track status of their pension cases of both new as well as revision like date of receipt of their cases in CPAO and date sent from CPAO to the Bank. To track the pension status, in respect of retired government employees, PPO numbers, date of birth and date of retirement/date of death are required. For retiring employees, PAN number and date of retirement is required.


To check your PPO Status online Click here 

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Atal Pension Yojana (APY) can now be subscribed digitally

Atal Pension Yojana (APY) can now be subscribed digitally;
eNPS Channel (APY@eNPS) involves complete digital enrolment process

Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has now introduced "APY@eNPS" which involves a complete digital enrolment process. This is the latest in the series of various initiatives taken by PFRDA for expansion of outreach of Atal Pension Yojana (APY), to give additional push to cover the as yet unreached population at greater ease. PFRDA has conducted meetings with Banks and Deptt of Post at Kolkata, Bengaluru & Mumbai respectively for the earliest roll out of the facility call.

Shri A G Das, CGM, PFRDA recently addressed the meetings at Mumbai where IT department /Nodal officers of the Banks/Deptt of Post were present. PFRDA had briefed about the benefits of APY@eNPS platform to the Service Providers under APY where more than 45 bank officials (IT officials/Nodal Officers) were present. The APY service providers have been briefed to develop APY@eNPS channel features before 30th June 2017.

PIB

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Holidays to be observed in Central Government Offices during the year 2018: DoPT Order

Holidays to be observed in Central Government Offices during the year 2018: DoPT Order

F.No.12/3/2017-JCA-2
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
(Department of Personnel and Training)
Establishment (JCA-2) Section

North Block, New Delhi
Dated the 14th June, 2017

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Holidays to be observed in Central Government Offices during the year 2018- reg.

It has been decided that the holidays as specified in the Annexure -I to this OM. will be observed in all the Administrative Offices of the Central Government located at Delhi/ New Delhi during the year 2018. In addition, each employee will also be allowed to avail himself / herself of any two holidays to be chosen by him / her out of the list of Restricted Holidays in Annexure - II.

2. Central Government Administrative Offices located outside Delhi / New Delhi shall observe the following holidays compulsorily in addition to three holidays as per para 3.1 below:

1. REPUBLIC DAY
2. INDEPENDENCE DAY
3. MAHATMA GANDHI’S BIRTHDAY
4. BUDDHA PURNIMA
5. CHRISTMAS DAY
6. DUSSEHRA (VIJAY DASHMI)
7. DIWALI (DEEPAVALI)
8. GOOD FRIDAY
9. GURU NANAK’S BIRTHDAY
10. IDU’L FITR
11 . IDU’L ZUHA
12. MAHAVIR J AYANTI
13. MUHARRAM
14. PROPHET MOHAMMAD’S BIRTHDAY (ID-E-MILAD)

3.1. In addition to the above 14 Compulsory holidays mentioned in para 2, three holidays shall be decided from the list indicated below by the Central Government Employees Welfare Coordination Committee in the State Capitals, if necessary, in consultation with Coordination Committees at other places in the State. The final list applicable uniformly to all Central Government offices within the concerned State shall be notified accordingly and no change can be carried out thereafter. It is also clarified that no change is permissible in regard to festivals and dates as indicated.

1 . AN ADDITIONAL DAY FOR DUSSEHRA
2. HOLI
3. JANAMASHTAMI (VAISHNAVI)
4. RAM NAVAMI
5. MAHA SHIVRATRI
6. GANESH CHATURTHI / VINAYAK CHATURTHI
7. MAKAR SANKARANTI
8. RATH YATRA
9. ONAM
10. PONGAL
11. SRI PANCHAMI / BASANT PANCHAMI
12. VISHU/ VAISAKHI / VAISAKHADI / BHAG BIHU / MASHADI UGADI CHAITRA SUKLADI / CHETI CHAND / GUDI PADAVA /1ST NAVRATRA NAORAZ/ CHHATH POOJA/ KARVA CHAUTH.

3.2 No substitute holiday should be allowed if any of the festival holidays initially declared subsequently happens to fall on a weekly off or any other non-working day or in the event of more than one festivals falling on the same day.

4. The list of Restricted Holidays appended to this O.M. is meant for Central Government Offices located in Delhi / New Delhi. The Coordination Committees at the State Capitals may draw up separate list of Restricted Holidays keeping in View the occasions of local importance but the 9 occasions left over, after choosing the 3 variable holidays in para 3.1 above, are to be included in the list of restricted holidays.

5.1 For offices in Delhi / New Delhi, any change in the date of holidays in respect of Idu'l Fitr, Idu'l Zuha, Muharram and Id-e-Milad, if necessary, depending upon sighting of the Moon, would be declared by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions after ascertaining the position from the Govt. of NCT of Delhi (DCP, Special Branch, Delhi Police).

5.2 For offices outside Delhi / New Delhi, the Central Government Employees Welfare Coordination Committees at the State Capitals are authorised to change the date of holiday, if necessary, based on the decision of the concerned State Governments / Union Territories, in respect of Idu'l Fitr, ldu'l Zuha, Muharram and Id-e-Milad.

5.3 It may happen that the change of date of the above occasions has to be declared at a very short notice. In such a situation, announcement could be made through P.I.B/T.V. /A.I.R. / Newspapers and the Heads of Department / Offices of the Central Government may take action according to such an announcement without waiting for a formal order, about the change of date.

6. During 2018, Diwali (Deepavali) falls on Thursday, October 19, 2017 (Ashvina 28). In certain States, the practice is to celebrate the occasion a day in advance, i.e., on "Narakachaturdasi Day". In view of this, there is no objection if holiday on account of Deepavali is observed on "Naraka Chaturdasi Day (in place of Deepavali Day) for the Central Government Offices in a State if in that State that day alone is declared as a compulsory holiday for Diwali for the offices of the State Government.

7. Central Government Organisations which include industrial, commercial and trading establishments would observe upto 16 holidays in a year including three national holidays viz. Republic Day, Independence Day and Mahatma Gandhi's birthday, as compulsory holidays. The remaining holidays / occasions may be determined by such establishments/ organisations themselves for the year 2018, subject to para 3.2 above.

8. Union Territory Administrations shall decide the list of holidays in terms of Instructions issued in this regard by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

9. In respect of Indian Missions abroad, the number of holidays may be notified in accordance With the instructions contained in this Department's O.M. No.12/5/2002-JCA dated 17th December, 2002. In other words, they will have the option to select 16(Sixteen) holidays of their own only after including in the list, three National Holidays and Idu'l Fitr, in the list of compulsory holidays with the Idu'l Fitr falling on day of weekly off (Saturday).

10. In respect of Banks, the holidays shall be regulated in terms of the extant instructions issued by the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance.

11. Hindi version will follow.

Sd/-
(D. K. SenGupta)
Deputy Secretary (JCA)

Encl.: List of holidays

ANNEXURE-I

LIST OF HOLIDAYS DURING THE YEAR 2018 FOR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT LOCATED AT DELHI / NEW DELHI

S.No.	Holiday	Date		Saka Date		Day
1939 SAKA ERA
1	Republic Day	January	26	Magha	06	Friday
2	Maha Shivaratri	February	14	Magha	25	Wednesday
3	Holi	March	02	Phalguna	11	Friday
1940 Saka Era
4	Mahavir Jayanti	March	29	Chaitra	08	Thursday
5	Good Friday	March	30	Chaitra	09	Friday
6	Buddha Purnima	April	30	Vaisakha	10	Monday
7	Idu'l Fitr	June	16	Jyaishtha	26	Saturday
8	Independence day	August	15	Sravana	24	Wednesday
9	Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid)	August	22	Sarvana	31	Wednesday
10	Janmashtami	September	03	Bhadra	12	Monday
11	Muharram	September	21	Bhadra	30	Friday
12	Mahatma Gandhi's Birthday	October	02	Asvina	10	Tuesday
13	Dussehra	October	19	Asvina	27	Friday
14	Diwali (Deepavali)	November	07	Kartika	16	Wednesday
15	Milad-un-Nabi or Id-e- Milad (Birthday of Prophet Mohammad)	November	21	Kartika	30	Wednesday
16	Guru Nanak's Birthday	November	23	Agrahayana	02	Friday
17	Christmas Day	December	25	Pausha	04	Tuesday

ANNEXURE-I

LIST OF RESTRICTED HOLIDAYS DURING THE YEAR 2018 FOR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT LOCATED AT DELHI , NEW DELHI

S.No	Holiday	Date		Saka Date		Day
SAKA ERA 1939
1	New Year's Day	January	01	Pausha	11	Monday
3	Makar Sankranti	January	14	Pausha	24	Sunday
4	Pongal	January	14	Pausha	24	Sunday
5	Basant Panchami/Sri Panchami	January	22	Magha	02	Monday
6	Guru Ravidas's Birthday	January	31	Magha	11	Wednesday
7	Swami Dayananda Sarawati Jayanti	February	10	Magha	21	Saturday
8	Shivaji Jayanti	February	19	Magha	30	Monday
9	Holika Dahan/Dolyatra	March	01	Phalguna	10	Thursday
10	Chaitra Sukladi/Gudi Padava/Ugadi/Cheti Chand	March	18	Phalguna	27	Sunday
SAKA ERA1940
11	Ram Navami	March	25	Chaitra	04	Sunday
12	Easter Sunday	April	01	Chaitra	11	Sunday
13	Hazarat Ali's Birthday	April	01	Chaitra	11	Sunday
14	Vaisakhi/Vishu/Mesadi	April	14	Chaitra	24	Saturday
15	Vaisakhadi (Bengal)/ Bahag Bihu (Assam)	April	15	Chaitra	25	Sunday
16	Guru Rabindranath's Birthday	May	09	Vaisakha	19	Wednesday
17	Jamat-Ul- Vida	June	15	Jyaishtha	25	Friday
18	Rath Yatra	July	14	Ashadha	23	Saturday
19	Parsi New Year's day/Nauraj	August	17	Sravana	26	Friday
20	Onam or Thiru Onam Day	August	25	Bhadra	03	Saturday
21	Raksha Bandhan	August	26	Bhadra	04	Sunday
22	Vinayaka Chaturthi/ Ganesh Chaturthi	September	13	Bhadra	22	Thursday
23	Dussehra (Maha Saptami) (Additional)	October	16	Asvina	24	Tuesday
24	Dussehra (Maha Ashtami) (Additional)	October	17	Asvina	25	Wednesday
25	Dussehra (Maha Navmi)	October	18	Asvina	26	Thursday
26	Maharishi Valmiki's Birthday	October	24	Kartika	02	Wednesday
27	Karaka Chaturthi (Karva Chouth)	October	27	Kartika	05	Saturday
28	Deepavali (South India)	November	06	Kartika	15	Tuesday
29	Naraka Chaturdasi	November	06	Kartika	15	Tuesday
30	Govardhan Puja	November	08	Kartika	17	Thursday
31	Bhai Duj	November	09	Kartika	18	Friday
32	Pratihar Sashthi or Surya Sashthi (Chhat Puja)	November	13	Kartika	22	Tuesday
33	Guru Teg Bahadur's Martyrdom Day	November	24	Agrahayana	03	Saturday
34	Christmas Eve	December	24	Pausha	03	Monday

Source: CentralGovernmentNews.Com

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Online generation and recording of APAR on SPARROW for all Organised Group 'A' services - Extension of timelines for completion of APAR for the year 2016-17

Online generation and recording of APAR on SPARROW for all Organised Group 'A' services - Extension of timelines for completion of APAR for the year 2016-17.

No.21011/02/2015-Est(A-II)-Part II
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel. Public Grievances and Pension
Department of Personnel & Training

North Block, New Delhi - 110001
Dated the 13th June 2017

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Online generation and recording of Annual Performance Assessment Report (APAR) on SPARROW (Smart Performance Appraisal Report Recording Window) for all Organised Group 'A' services - Extension of timelines for completion of APAR for the year 2016-17.

As all the Cadre Controlling Authorities of Organised Group 'A' Services are aware that it has been decided to implement online generation and recording of Annual Performance Assessment Report (APAR) of officers under their cadre from the reporting year 2016-17, through SPARROW platform.
2. Some of the Cadre Controlling Authorities have intimated practical difficulties in switching over from manual to online mode of recording of APARs. In view of this, the cadre authorities have expressed apprehensions that target dates prescribed in DoPT O.M.No.21011/02/2009-Estt.(A) dated 23rd July, 2009 may not be met and have requested for extension of timelines.

3. The matter has been examined in this Department and it has been decided that the target dates prescribed in O.M. dated 23rd July, 2009 be relaxed as one time measure only for online generation, filling up self- appraisal, reporting, reviewing and acceptance of APAR for the year 2016-17 through SPARROW portal. The revised target dates for recording of APAR online for the year 2016-17 is enclosed as Annexure. This relaxation is subject to the condition that no remarks shall be recorded in the APAR for the year 2016-17 after 31.12.2017. Where the reporting, reviewing and the accepting authority fail to record their comments within the time frame, the officer may be assessed on the basis of the overall record and self-assessment for the year, if he has submitted his self- assessment within stipulated time.

4. This has the approval of Secretary, DoPT.

Sd/-
(N. Sriraman)
Director(E-II)

Annexure

Annexure to Do PT O.M. No.21011/02/2015-Est(A-II)-Part II dated 13th June 2017
Time schedule for generation and recording of APAR for the year 2016-17 through SPARROW web portal.

S.No.	Activity	Date by which to be completed
1.	Submission of self-appraisal to the reporting officer.	31st July, 2017
3.	Forwarding of report by reporting officer to reviewing officer	16th August, 2017
4.	Forwarding of report by Reviewing Officer to Administration/APAR Cell or the accepting authority (wherever provided)	31st August, 2017
5.	Appraisal by accepting authority, wherever provided	15th September, 2017
6.	(i) Disclosure of APAR to the officer reported upon where there is no accepting authority	10th September, 2017
	(ii) Disclosure of APAR to the officer reported upon where there is accepting authority	25th September, 2017
7.	Receipt of representation, if any, on APAR	15 days from the date of communication
8.	Forwarding of representation to the competent authority
	(i) where there is no accepting authority for APAR	30th September, 2017
	(ii) Where there is accepting authority for APAR	31st October, 2017
9.	Disposal of representation by the competent authority	Within one month of the date of receipt of representation by the competent authority
10.	Communication of the decision of the competent authority on the representation by the APAR Cell	Within 15 days of finalization of decision by competent authority.
11.	End of entire APAR process, after which the APAR will be finally taken on record	31st December 2017

Source: www.dopt.gov.in

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First meeting of Departmental Anomaly Committee (DAC) to settle the anomalies arising out of the implementation of 7th CPC - Change in date of meeting

First meeting of Departmental Anomaly Committee (DAC) to settle the anomalies arising out of the implementation of 7th CPC - Change in date of meeting

7th CPC Pay Anomaly: First Meeting of Railways Departmental Anomaly Committee to held on 20.06.2017

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)

No.PC-VII/2016/DAC/1

New Delhi, dated: 12/06/2017

The General Secretary,
All India Railwaymen's Federation
4, State Entry Road,
New Delhi- 110055

The General Secretary,
National Federation of Indian Railwaymen,
3-Chemsford Road,
New Delhi-110055

Dear Sir,
Sub : First meeting of Departmental Anomaly Committee (DAC) to settle the anomalies arising out of the implementation of 7th CPC - Change in date of meeting.

I am directed to bring to your kind consideration to Board's letter No.PC/VII/2016/DAC/I dated 06.06.2016 wherein it was decided to hold first meeting of DAC on 23.06.2017. However, the date and time of holding the first meeting of DAC has now been revised to 20.06.2017, 11.00 AM in consultation with federation. Venue of the Meeting will remain same.

Yours Sincerely,
sd/-
For Secretary Railway Board

Source: NFIR/AIRF

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The Union Finance Minister to chair the 17th Meeting of the GST Council on Sunday, 18th June, 2017

The Union Finance Minister to chair the 17th Meeting of the GST Council on Sunday, 18th June, 2017

The Union Minister for Finance, Defence and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley will chair the 17th Meeting of the GST Council scheduled to be held on Sunday, 18th June, 2017 at Vigyan Bhavan in the national capital. The one day Meeting will also be attended among others by the Finance Ministers of different States and UTs (having elected assembly) being the members of the GST Council.

Main agenda items of the 17th GST Council Meeting include confirmation of the minutes of the 16th GST Council meeting held on 11th June, 2017, approval of draft GST Rules and related Forms for (i) Advance Ruling, (ii) Appeals and Revision, (iii) Assessment and Audit, (iv) E-Way Bill & (v) Anti-Profiteering, and Fitment/adjustment of GST Rates on certain items among others.

PIB

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Workshop on Defence Procurements (Ex-Import): Important issues concerning contractual payments

Workshop on "Defence Procurements (Ex-Import): Important issues concerning contractual payments"

The Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA) organised a workshop, here today, to discuss various important issues for bringing high degree of efficiency into the process leading to payments of imported stores, for the Defence Services like fighter aircraft, advance weapon systems and platforms, etc. from foreign countries like United States, France, Israel, Russia, etc.

Speaking at the function, CGDA Ms Veena Prasad, highlighted the necessity of developing better understanding amongst all the agencies on complexities of foreign contracts and payments for evolving a seamless system for ensuring prompt payments in terms of contractual provisions and thus ensuring timely delivery of the imported stores by the foreign vendors to our Defence Forces.

Other distinguished dignitaries who expressed their views on the occasion were Financial Advisor (Defence Services) Shri Sunil Kohli, Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lt Gen Sarath Chand, Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal S B Deo, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Karambir Singh and Deputy MD, State Bank of India Shri Siddhartha Sen Gupta.

The recommendation of the workshop would be presented to the Ministry of Defence for its consideration.

The workshop was attended by senior officers from the Ministry of Defence, the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. Officers from the CGDA Headquarters, Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (PCDA), New Delhi and State Bank of India also participated. It gave an opportunity to all participants to discuss payment related multiple aspects in order to bring efficiency in the entire system so as to ensure prompt payments and consequential delivery of the systems

PIB

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Recommendations of the 7th Central pay Commission - bunching of stages in the revised pay structure under Central Civil Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2016

Recommendations of the 7th Central pay Commission - bunching of stages in the revised pay structure under Central Civil Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2016.

No.1-6/2016-IC(Pt.)
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure
Implementation Cell, 7th CPC

Room No.215, The Ashok
New Delhi, the 13th June, 2017

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Recommendations of the 7th Central pay Commission - bunching of stages in the revised pay structure under Central Civil Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2016.

With reference to the subject mentioned above and in continuation of this Department's OM of even number dated 07.09.2016, the undersigned is directed to inform that, a large number of references have been received from Ministries/Departments seeking clarifications relating to the application of the benefit on account of bunching of stages while fixing the pay in the revised pay structure.

2. It has also been brought to the notice of this Department that some offices have extended the benefits on account of bunching based on subjective interpretation of the provisions of OM dated 07.09.2016, which may not be consistent with the principles and philosophy of the 7th CPC recommendations on bunching. Implementation of such pay fixation orders are not in conformity with the 7th CPC principles on bunching and may create further anomalies. In order to ensure consistency of approach in applying the provisions relating to bunching and to address the queries on various aspects of bunching, it has been decided to issue detailed guidelines on bunching.

3. All Ministries/Departments are , therefore. advised that the implementation of the provisions on bunching in OM dated 07.09.2016 may be put on hold till the time the detailed instructions in this regard are issued by Department of Expenditure. It is also requested that if orders on account of bunching have already been issued by Ministries/Departments but not implemented, the same may not be given effect to.

sd/-
(V.K Singh)
Director (IC)

Authority: www.doe.gov.in

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Annual Report on Pay and Allowances

Annual Report on Pay and Allowances

Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure
Pay Research Unit

The Pay Research Unit brings out a publication entitled Brochure on Pay and Allowances of Central Government Civilian Employees.

The Brochure provides statistical information regarding expenditure incurred by the different Ministries / Departments of Central Government on pay and various types of allowances such as Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Compensatory (City) Allowance, Overtime Allowance etc. in respect of its regular employees. It also provides information on Ministry / Department- wise and Group-wise number of sanctioned posts, number of incumbents in position and vacant posts as on 1st March. The Brochure contains information about disparity ratio i.e. the ratio of the maximum to minimum pay of different State Government Employees.

Authority: http://doe.gov.in/

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7th Pay Commission: Higher allowances dropped from today's cabinet meeting agenda

7th Pay Commission: Higher allowances dropped from today's cabinet meeting agenda
 

New Delhi: The Union government has dropped higher allowances proposal under the 7th Pay Commission from its today's cabinet meeting agenda at the last minute, the Finance Ministry officials involved with the process of higher allowances told The Sen Times on condition of anonymity.

The officials said recommendation of the Empowered Committee of Secretaries (E-CoS) headed by Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha on higher allowances, was due to come before the Union cabinet at its meeting today for formal approval.

However, the item was dropped from the agenda at the last minute, as Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is on an official visit to South Korea, they added.

However, they said that the Cabinet may decide on 7th pay commission allowances this month.

In June 2016, the Cabinet approved 14% pay and pension hike for central government employees and pensioners under the 7th Pay Commission recommendations with effect from January 1, 2016.

The decision on higher allowances was postponed by the Cabinet on that time because the 7th Pay Commission wanted abolition of 52 allowances and subsuming of another 36 allowances into larger existing ones out of total 196 allowances.

Employee unions were opposed it, which government complied with formation of the Committee on Allowances headed by Finance Secretary Ashok Lavasa in June 2016 to review the allowances.
The Committee on Allowances submitted its report to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on April 27.

The report was then taken up by the Department of Expenditure for examination, following which it was passed on to the Empowered Committee of Secretaries set up to screen the 7th Pay Commission recommendations and to firm up the proposal for approval of the Cabinet.

The Empowered Committee of Secretaries was in the process of preparing the Cabinet note on higher allowances, which was completed on June 1.

The central government employees are now getting no new allowances (except Dearness Allowance) with their new pay structure till the cabinet nod.

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7th CPC Allowance Committee took almost 12 months for examining only 52 allowances, Government is deliberately delaying the revised allowances to deny arrears: Confederation

7th CPC Allowance Committee took almost 12 months for examining only 52 allowances, Government is deliberately delaying the revised allowances to deny arrears: Confederation

HUMAN CHAIN OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AND PENSIONERS

AT ALL IMPORTANT CENTRES THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY

MASSIVE PROTEST AGAINST THE BETRAYAL OF THE BJP-LED NDA GOVERNMENT

High Level Committee, assured by the Group of Minsters, not yet constituted. First anniversary of the Hon'ble Cabinet Minister’s assurance will be on 30.06.2017. No increase in Minimum Pay and fitment formula.

7th CPC took 18 + 2 months only for submitting report after examining the entire service conditions, pay scales, allowances, Pensionary benefits of about one crore Employees and Pensioners including military personnel. Allowance Committee took almost 12 months for examining only 52 allowances!! BJP Government is deliberately delaying the revised allowances to deny arrears.

Option-I parity for pensioners recommended by 7th CPC and accepted (??) by cabinet, mercilessly rejected by appointing a feasibility Committee.

NPS Committee is for further strengthening NPS and not for withdrawal of NPS or for guaranteeing minimum pension as 50% of last pay drawn.

MACP promotion denied to thousand of employees by imposing stringent conditions on bench mark.
Gramin Dak Sevak Committee Report submitted to Government on 24.11.2016 (Seven months over) still under process.

Exploitation of casual and contract workers continues. Equal pay for equal work denid.

Autonomous body employees and pensioners cheated by Government by denying their legitimate wage revision and pension revision.

No negotiated settlement on the charter of demands submitted to Government by JCM (staff side) and Confederation.

ORGANISE HUMAN CHAIN TO DEMONSTRATE OUR STRONGEST PROTEST, ANGER AND DISCONTENTMENT

M. Krishnan
Secretary General
Confederation
Mob & Whatsapp - 09447068125
Email: mkrishnan6854@gmail.com

Source: http://confederationhq.blogspot.in/

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7th Pay Commission: Latest Developments On Allowances, HRA

7th Pay Commission: Latest Developments On Allowances, HRA
The government had last year accepted the recommendation of Justice AK Mathur-headed Seventh Pay Commission in respect of the hike in basic pay and pension.

The Union Cabinet today did take up proposals related to 7th pay commission allowances, including HRA, as it was not part of the meeting’s agenda, sources told NDTV. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is on an official visit to South Korea. Nearly 50 lakh central government employees could get revised allowances under 7th pay commission award, including HRA or house rent allowance, from July, Financial Express in a report said last week. The report, citing sources, said that the Cabinet may decide on 7th pay commission allowances this month.

The Ashok Lavasa committee, which examined the 7th pay commission's recommendations on allowances, submitted its report to the finance minister on April 27. An Empowered Committee of Secretaries was set up screen the report and firm up proposals for the Cabinet.

The Lavasa committee suggested some modifications in some allowances that are applicable universally to all employees as well as certain other allowances which apply to specific employee categories, the finance ministry had said in a statement. Economists say that disbursement of 7th pay commission allowances is expected to give a further boost to consumer spending and thus the broader economy.

The Reserve Bank has however flagged upside risks to inflation from disbursement of revised 7th pay commission allowances. "At the current juncture, global political and financial risks materialising into imported inflation and the disbursement of allowances under the 7th central pay commission's award are upside risks. The date of implementation of the latter is still not announced and as such, it is not factored into the baseline projections," the RBI said in its latest monetary policy statement last week.
The government had last year accepted the recommendation of Justice AK Mathur-headed Seventh Pay Commission in respect of the hike in basic pay and pension. The 7th Pay Commission's recommendations relating to allowances were referred to the Ashok Lavasa committee.

The 7th pay commission had recommended that house rent allowance be paid at the rate of 24 per cent, 16 per cent and 8 per cent of the new basic pay, depending on the type of city. The 7th pay commission had also recommended that the rate of HRA be revised to 27 per cent, 18 per cent and 9 per cent when DA or dearness allowance crosses 50 per cent, and further revised to 30 per cent, 20 per cent and 10 per cent when it crosses 100 per cent. With regard to allowances, employee unions have demanded HRA at the rate of 30 per cent, 20 per cent and 10 per cent.

The 7th pay commission had recommended that of a total of 196 allowances, 52 be abolished altogether and 36 be abolished as separate identities by subsuming them in another allowance.

The Cabinet had earlier approved modification in recommendations of the 7th pay commission relating to the method of revision of pension of pre-2016 pensioners and family pensioners based on recommendations of a high-level panel. The decision will benefit over 55 lakh pre-2016 civil and defence pensioners and family pensioners.

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