Revision of interest rates for Small Savings Schemes

Revision of interest rates for Small Savings Schemes

F.No.01/04/2016-NS
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Economic Affairs
(Budget Division)

Office Memorandum

North Block, New Delhi
Dated: 29.03.2019

Subject: Revision of interest rates for Small Savings Schemes.

On the basis of the decision of the Government, interest rates for small savings schemes are notified on quarterly basis since 1st April, 2016 . Accordingly, the rates of interest on various small savings schemes for the first quarter of financial year 2019-20 staring 1st April, 2019 and ending on 30th June, 2019 shall remain unchanged from those notified for the fourth quarter of financial year 2018-19.

This has the approval of Finance Minister.

sd/-
(Akhilesh Kumar Misra)
Director
Tele : 01123092744

Source: Dea.gov.in

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Media reports Malign GoI to the Armed Forces through NFFU / NFU

Media reports Malign GoI to the Armed Forces through NFFU / NFU

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Defence

25-March-2019

Media Reports Maligning GoI over NFFU/NFU to Armed Forces

Certain section of media is attempting to generate motivated controversy on the NFFU/NFU for Armed Forces while the case is still subjudice in the Apex Court. The targeting of Govt officials ascribing false statements to them with an intent to pressurise them is highly condemnable. In case of complicated policies with long term and wider consequences, there may be times when agreement is not easy to build not only between two parties but also within a party, such cases are debated for merit in judicial Courts as per the law of the land. This process must not be attempted to be highjacked by publically targeting the reputation of individuals discharging their duties as the authorised representatives of one side, GoI in this case. In the instant case, the recourse to judicial review was taken as per the existing policies and at the decision of the GoI.

Certain facts have been twisted and misrepresented in media with the purpose of misleading uniformed community and the general public. One, the Central Pay Commission has been incorrectly quoted to have recommended NFFU/ NFU for the Armed Forces. Two, there has been no attempt to malign the uniformed community or quote them as staying in ‘palatial houses’ as the hardships faced by military fraternity are well known and deeply respected by everyone including those in the Govt. The counsel of GoI has only read out the recommendations of the 7th CPC as the argument of the case in the Apex Court. Three, the originators of smearing campaign have not spared even a uniformed veteran representing GoI in judicial matters but who has no connection with the instant case. Four, the delay is not at the behest of the Govt but because of the Apex Court asking the Govt to serve the notices to remaining petitioners so that they can also be heard.

MoD requests all to allow the legal procedure in the Apex Court to complete. It is reiterated that Govt stands by its uniformed fraternity and is custodian of its high morale and operational effectiveness.

PIB

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PBOR: IMPLEMENTATION OF HONARABLE SUPREME COURT ORDER ON MACP SCHEME

PBOR: IMPLEMENTATION OF HONARABLE SUPREME COURT ORDER ON MACP SCHEME

OP IMMD
WG CDR

FROM: AFRO
To: ALL AF UNITS

INFO: (2) ALL COMMAND HQ (3)HQ WAC (OlC CP3) (BY ORIG)

UNC (.) RRP/ 488 DEC/14 (.) ADJT/OIC CP3 FROM OlC CP WING (.) PARA ONE (.) IMPLEMENTATION OF H'BLE SUPREME COURT ORDER ON MACP SCHEME (.) GOI HAS ISSUED AMENDMENT IN PARA 8 OF SUBJECT POLICY AS QUOTE THE SCHEME WOULD BE OPERATIONAL WEF JAN/01 YR 2006 INSTEAD OF SEP/01 YR 2008 UNQUOTE (.) PARA TWO (.) IBID GOI LETTER PUBLISHED IN AFRO WEBPAGE ALONGWITH DRAFT LIST OF AFFECTED AIRMEN (.) ALL PERSONNEL THOSE WHO ARE EXPECTING. FINANCIAL UPGRADATION UNDER MACP SCHEME BETWEEN JAN/01 YR 2006 AND AUG/31 YR 2008 ARE TO GO THROUGH THE CONTENTS OF IBID GOI LETTER AS WELL AS DRAFT LIST AND PUT UP DISCREPANCY CMA ADDITION CMA DELETION CMA IF ANY THROUGH THEIR RESPECTIVE ADJTS (.) PARA THREE (.) UNITS NOT HAVING AFNET FACILITY TO APPROACH NEAREST AF STN TO DOWNLOAD SAME (.) REQUEST GIVE WIDE PUBLICITY TO PERSONNEL POSTED AT YOUR UNIT (.) PARA FOUR (.) ADJTS ARE TO FORWARD ELIGIBLE NAMES OF THOSE WHO ARE NOT FOUND IN DRAFT LIST BY FASTEST MEANS SO AS TO REACH ORIG LATEST BY JAN/04 (R) JAN/04 N/Y (.) PARA FIVE (.) FOR SECOND AND LAST ADDEE (.) REQUEST INSTRUCT UNITS UNDER YOUR COMMAND FOR STRICT COMPLIANCE STOP.

SGT T SAIKIRAN CP WING (MACP) 2311 5858

(PRABHJOT K GHUMAN)
WGCDR
OIC CP WING (A)

RO/1861/1/CP
COPY TO: AFRO (U), AFCAO, CSDO, AFCME, DIT, HQ WAC (U), DAV, HQ WAC (CP3)

To,
No.Air HQ /99141 /1 /11AFPCC /854f D (Air-III) /2018
Govt. of India
Ministry of Defence
New Delhi
The Chief of Air Staff

06th Dec 2018

Subject:- Modified assured Career Progression Scheme (MACPS) for PBOR of Air Force including NCs(E)

Sir,
Consequent upon the judgement of Hon'ble Supreme Court dated 08 Dec 2017 in the matter of Civil Appeal Dy. No.3744 of 2016 (UOI vs Shri Balbir Singh Turn & Anr), I am directed to refer to this Ministry's letter No.Air HQ/99141/1/1/ AFPCCfD (Air-III) /02/ 2011 dated 03 June 2011 and to state that the President is pleased to make the following amendment in Para 8 of the aforesaid letter:-

For: "The scheme would be operational w.e.f. 01 Sep 2008. In other words, financial upgradations as per the provisions of the earlier ACP Scheme (of Aug 2003) would be granted till 31.08.2008".

Read: " The scheme would be operational w.e.f. 01 Jan 2006. In other words, financial upgradations as per the provisions of the earlier ACP Scheme (of Aug 2003) would be granted till 31.12.2005".

The other terms & conditions (including eligibility) as mentioned in the MoD letter No.Air HQ/99141/1/1 /AFPCC /D (Air-III) /02 /2011 dated 03 June 2011 would continue to remain the same.
This issues with the concurrence of the Ministry of Defence (Finance) vide their Dy. NO.662 RF No.9(15)/2018/AF/P&W dated 28.11.2018.

Yours faithfully,
(U.K.Tiwari)
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India

Copy to:-
(a) Controller General of Defence Accounts, New Delhi
(b) Director of Audit, Defence Service, New Delhi

Source: iafpensioners

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DoE: Switch over from Petrol and Diesel vehicles to Electric vehicles for hired vehicles in Secretariats/Attached offices of Ministries and Departments of Government of India located in Delhi

DoE: Switch over from Petrol and Diesel vehicles to Electric vehicles for hired vehicles in Secretariats/Attached offices of Ministries and Departments of Government of India located in Delhi

F.No.2S(7)/E.Coord.l2017
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure
E.Coord Section

North Block, New Delhi
Dated: 22nd December, 2018

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Switch over from petrol and diesel vehicles to electrical vehicles for hired vehicles in Secretariats/Attached offices of Ministries and Departments of Government of India located in Delhi

Keeping in view the policy thru st of the Government that by 2030, 30% of the total vehicle fleet in the country will be electrical for the reason of its being environmental friendly, cost effective and substitute for fossil fuels, Ministries/Departments are encouraged to switch over to electrical mobility from petrol and diesel cars in respect of vehicles taken on lease/hire for official purpose.

2. Accordingly, all the Ministries/Departments may aim at replacing the petrol and diesel cars hired by Ministries/Departments in their Secretariats and attached offices (located in Delhi) through contractors by electric cars for mobility in Delhi. In cases where existing contracts for hiring of petrol/diesel vehicles have come to an end, Ministries/Departments may consider fresh contract for hiring electric vehicles.

3. To facilitate Ministries/Departments a framework of the draft agreement which the Ministries/Department may adopt for entering into contract for lease/hiring of electric vehicles is annexed. Ministries/Departments are at liberty to amend the conditions of the draft agreement as per the type of lease/hiring (Wet or Dry) entered into with the service provider.

(Annie George Mathew)
Joint Secretary to the Government of India

Download the Template of the conditions of Agreement for hiring of electric vehicles

Source: DoE

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Provision of telephone facilities and reimbursements to officers of Government of India

Provision of telephone facilities and reimbursements to officers of Government of India

F.No. 24(3)/E.Coord/2018
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure

New Delhi, the 26th March 2018

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject :- Provision of telephone facilities and reimbursements to officers of Government of India.

The Department of Expenditure has from time to time issued instructions on provision of telephone facilities, monetary ceilings on reimbursement to the officers of the Government of India. Given the increasing dependence on telecommunication technology including mobile telephones for carrying out official work, the existing instructions have been comprehensively reviewed, revised and the following instructions are hereby circulated for compliance by all Ministry/Departments, in supersession of all earlier instructions issued by this Department on the subject.

1. Official Telephones

1.1 All officers of the level of Deputy Secretary equivalent and above are entitled for office telephone with STD facility. For officers of the level below Deputy Secretary, Ministry/Departments may decide in consultation with the Financial Advisers on providing STD facility depending on their functional requirements.

1.2 ISD facility is allowed on official telephones in respect of Administrative Secretaries only.

1.3 All other cases for providing ISD facility on official telephone for officers of the level below Secretary to the Government of India may be decided by the Administrative Secretary in consultation with the concerned Financial Adviser.

1.4 Administrative Secretary/ Head of Departments may in consultation with the concerned Financial Adviser provide officers below the level of Deputy Secretary official telephones with STD facility on functional basis. This facility should not be given in a routine manner but extreme caution and austerity should be exercised.

1.5 Financial Advisors shall submit a half-yearly report to D/o Expenditure on the number of ISD facility concurred/approved during a financial year.

2. Residential telephones

2.1. All officers of the level of Deputy Secretary equivalent and above are entitled for one official residential landline telephone with STD facility.

2.2 Residential telephone can be allowed to officials below the rank of Deputy Secretary equivalent on functional basis subject to the condition that this facility shall be restricted to 25% of the sanctioned strength of Group 'A' officers in a Ministry/Department. This limit will equally apply to Attached and Subordinate offices.

2.3 ISD facility shall not be allowed on residential telephones.

2.4 Personal staff of Ministers [Private Secretary, Additional Private Secretary and 1st PA of Ministry] and Administrative Secretary [Principal Staff Officer (PSO)/ Senior Principal Private Secretary/ Principal Private Secretary/Private Secretary], Section Officer (Parliament) and Assistant Section Officer (Parliament) are entitled to the facility of one residential landline telephone.

3. Mobile Phone Handsets

3.1 Officers of the level of Secretary and equivalent will be entitled to reimbursement for one mobile handset costing not more than Rs.25,000/-(Rupees Twenty Five thousand only) once during the whole tenure. Global roaming facility shall not be allowed on the mobile connection.

4. Reimbursement of telephone call charges

4.1 Reimbursement of telephone call charges of residential telephone/ mobile phone/broadband/mobile data/data card shall be as per entitlement given below:

SI. No.	Level/Designation	Limit on reimbursement
1	Secretary to the Government of India and equivalent level	Rs. 4200/- per month + taxes as applicable
2	Additional Secretary to the Government of India and equivalent level	Rs. 3000/- per month + taxes as applicable
3	Joint Secretary to the Government of India and equivalent level	Rs. 2700/- per month + taxes as applicable
4	Director/Deputy Secretary to the Government of India and equivalent level	Rs. 2250/- per month + taxes as applicable
5	Below the rank of Deputy Secretary and equivalent to the Government of India (restricted to 50% of the sanctioned strength of Group 'A' officers in a Ministry/ Department/Attached/Subordinate office)	Rs. 1200/- per month + taxes as applic

4.2 No SIM/data-card will be provided by office.

4.3 There will be no separate ceiling for the landline/ mobile/broadband/mobile data/data card. The amount reimbursable will cover landline and / or mobile /broadband/mobile data/data card connection and shall be limited to the ceiling prescribed or as per actuals whichever is lower. Call charges over and above the ceiling prescribed along with taxes thereon shall be paid by the officers

4.4 The amount shall be reimbursed on submission of bills/receipt by the concerned officer. Officers are at liberty to choose the service provider and the tariff package for residential landline/mobile phones.

4.5 In case where husband and wife are sharing the same residential landline telephone and both are entitled for reimbursement, only one of them will be allowed reimbursement against the residential landline telephone. The claim for mobile phone charges shall be treated separately for each of the officer subject to the entitled ceiling.
4.6 Reimbursement for mobile will be restricted to the officer in whose name the mobile connection is registered.

4.7 The entitlement of an officer drawing pay in a scale intervening between that of Director and Joint Secretary would be at par with that of Deputy Secretary/Director.

4.8 Excess expenditure upto 30% of the ceiling amount (applicable to the officer) can be reimbursed to officers of Joint Secretary equivalent and above and also to Private Secretary/ Officers on Special Duty to the Ministers subject to their submitting a certificate, duly justifying that excess expenditure incurred was for official purpose and unavoidable. This reimbursement would require the concurrence of the Financial Adviser concerned and sanction of the Administrative Secretary/ Secretary Equivalent of the Department/ Organization. In so far as Secretary/ Secretary equivalent officer are concerned, they shall be competent to exercise the aforesaid powers in their own cases. The power to sanction this expenditure shall not be delegated.

4.9 Telephone reimbursement will not be admissible in cases of Leave (of any nature) and trainings which are for more than one calendar month (s).

5. Mobile Facility during official visits abroad

5.1 Officials and delegations visiting abroad for the purpose of short official visits/meeting/conferences/workshops may be provided SIM card by our Mission / Embassy. In case SIM card is not provided by our Mission / Embassy, there will be a monetary ceiling of Rs.2000/- per day for officer above the level of Additional Secretary and equivalent and Rs.1000/- per day for other officers towards reimbursement of call charges.

5.2 No mobile phone facility shall be provided during training period whatsoever including training abroad.

6. These orders shall be effective from the date of issue of this Office Memorandum.

S/d,
(H.Atheli)
Director

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DoE: Instructions for the purchase of laptops, notebooks and similar devices for eligible officers revised guideline

DoE: Instructions for the purchase of laptops, notebooks and similar devices for eligible officers revised guideline

DoE

 F.No. 08(34)/201 7-E II(A)
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure
E.II(A). Branch

New Delhi, the 20th February, 2018

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Instructions for the purchase of laptops/notebooks and similar devices for eligible officers - revised guidelines.

In supersession to this Ministry's Office Memorandum bearing No. 08(64)/2017-E.II(A) dated 27th September 2016, regarding purchase of Note Book/Lap-Top computers by Ministries / Departments & delegation of powers thereof, it has been decided that laptop; tablet; notepad; ultrabook; notebook, net-book or devices of similar categories may be issued to officers of the rank of Deputy Secretary and above for discharge of official work. These powers shall continue to be exercised in consultation with the Financial Adviser by the Secretary of the Ministry/ Department or any other authority who are specifically delegated these powers by this Ministry from time to time, duly taking into consideration the functional requirements and budgetary provisions.

2. This would, however, be subject to the following conditions:

(i) Cost of device: The Cost of device including Standard software* shall not exceed Rs.80,000/-
Standard Software: Any software (Operating System, Antivirus software or MS-Office etc.) that is essential for the running of device towards discharge of official functions/duties.

(ii) Purchase Procedures: As prescribed under GFRS/CVC guidelines may be followed.

(iii) Safety, Security & Maintenance of Device: The officer, who is given the device, shall be personally responsible for its safety and security as well as security of data/information, though the device shall continue to remain Government property. The officer concerned will be at liberty to get the device insured at his personal cost.

(iv) Retention/Replacement of device:

a) No new device may be sanctioned to an officer, who has already been allotted a device, in a Ministry /Department, up to five years. Any further issue of laptop in case of loss/damage beyond repairs within the prescribed period, should be considered only after the cost is recovered from the officer based on the book value after deducting the depreciation.

b) For the purpose of calculation of the book value, a depreciation of 25% per year, on straight line method, be adopted.

c) Post the completion of five years of usage, the officer shall retain the issued device.

(v) Conditions at the time of transfer, Superannuation etc.:

a) ln case where, at the time of purchase of device if the residual service of the officer is less than 5 years or in case the officer is transferred/deputed to State Govt. but with residual service of less than 5 years or the officer leaves the Government Service within 5 years of purchase of such device, the officer concerned will have the option of retaining the device by paying the amount after deducting the depreciation.

b) Upon transfer/deputation of the officer to other Ministry/ Department Attached/Sub-ordinate offices of the Government of India or to the State Government in case of Officers of the All India Services, the officer will have the option of retaining the existing device and in case of such retention, this fact should be specifically mentioned in the Last Pay Certificate (LPC).

3. Instructions for Ministries/Departments:

(i) For the officials who are currently holding laptops, notebooks or similar devices in accordance with the provisions of O.M. dt. 2710912016, the terms & conditions for retention/disposal of the device shall continue to be governed under the existing instructions of the said O.M.

(ii) The applicability of the provisions of this order to the officers of Armed Forcesi Para-Military Forces, officers of MoD & other similar establishments would be subject to restrictions imposed by the concerned departments/organizations duly taking into consideration the security of information. In all such cases the security of the information shall be the responsibility of the concerned department.

4. This is issued with the approval of Secretary (Expenditure).

(Dr. Bhartendu Kumar Singh)
Director (E.llA)

To
1) All Ministries/Departments of Government of India
2) All Financial Advisers
3) NlC, D/o Expenditure

Source: DoE

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UJALA - Unnat Jyoti By Affordable LEDs for All : FAQ

UJALA - Unnat Jyoti By Affordable LEDs for All : FAQ

1. What is the UJALA scheme?

Hon'ble Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi described the LED bulb as "Prakash Path" - "way to light". A simple act of change of one light bulb to LED at South Block Prime Minister's office heralded a movement in the entire country for considering the same change. The initiative is part of the Government of India's efforts to spread the message of energy efficiency in the country. UJALA scheme aims to promote efficient use of energy at the residential level; enhance the awareness of consumers about the efficacy of using energy efficient appliances and aggregating demand to reduce the high initial costs thus facilitating higher uptake of LED lights by residential users. It may be noted that the scheme was initially labelled DELP (Domestic Efficient Lighting Program) and was relaunched as UJALA.

2. Who is eligible to get LEDs under the UJALA scheme and what are the requirements to purchase the LEDs?

Every domestic household having a metered connection from their respective Electricity Distribution Company is eligible to get the LED bulbs under the UJALA Scheme.The consumer can purchase the LED on EMI payment (monthly/bimonthly instalments in electricity bill) or on upfront payment by paying the full amount. The consumer needs to carry the following documents to get the UJALA LED bulb:

1) For EMI - Copy of latest electricity bill and copy of Government authorized ID proof

2) For Upfront - Copy of Government authorized ID proof.

3. Where and how can the LED bulb be procured?

UJALA LED bulbs are being distributed through special counters (kiosks) set up at designated places in a city. These will not be available at retail stores. The location details of distributioncounters is available at www.ujala.gov.in, wherein the locations are geo-tagged for consumer convenience.

4. What is the price of LED bulbs?

UJALA appliances can be purchased at Rs 70 per LED bulb, Rs 220 per LED tubelight and Rs 1200 per Fan. The price of appliances consist of component such as price of bulb, distribution, awareness cost, which is discovered through competitive bidding, Annual Maintenance Cost (AMC), cost of capital and administrative costs.

5. What if the LED bulb fuses? Is there any warranty?

If the LED bulb stops working due to a technical defects, EESL provides free-of-cost replacements for a period of three years. All replacements are done through designated replacement/ distribution kiosks as mentioned on www.ujala.gov.in. During the distribution period these LEDs can be replaced from any of the UJALA kiosks. Post distribution, there are state specific replacement drives that will indicate the retails shops/locations where replacement will be available.

6. Where can I register my complaints?

There are 4 types of redressal mechanisms available to the consumer:

1) Complaints during distribution can be addressed at our distribution agency’s customer care centre number which is publicised in our advertisements and awareness drives. EESL has ensured that a toll-free helpline number, corresponding to the manufacturer, is printed on the UJALA LED bulb box as well as the consent deed (payment receipt).Once the duration of the distribution is over the consumers can contact the respective manufacturer via these helpline numbers and seek replacement of the bulb. The respective manufacturer will guide the consumer to the nearest retail outlet, at which the bulbs with technical flaws can be replaced

2) EESL maintains a robust social media response system, where users can Tweet their complaint to EESL's Twitter handle @EESL_India.

3) A detailed email with description and contact details may also be sent to info@eesl.co.in.

4) UJALA Dashboard (www.ujala.gov.in) also has a complaint/ grievance resolution tab on the top right. Consumers are free to lodge their concerns on this platform.All complaints are usually addressed within 48 hours of receipt and a satisfactory resolution follows.

7. What does white and blue colour represent on the UJALA dashboard?

The blue colour indicates stateswhere UJALA distribution scheme has been launched and opened up to the consumers. The white colour indicates the states where the scheme is still in process of being implemented. UJALA being a government scheme has to follow stringent protocolsbefore it is launched in any state.

Source:www.ujala.gov.in

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Government announced 8% GOI Savings (Taxable) Bonds

Government announced 8% GOI Savings (Taxable) Bonds

The Government of India (GoI) announced here today that 8% GOI Savings (Taxable) Bonds, 2003 shall cease for subscription with effect from the close of banking business on Tuesday, the 02nd January, 2018.

The Government of India (GoI) announced here today that 8% GOI Savings (Taxable) Bonds, 2003 shall cease for subscription with effect from the close of banking business on Tuesday, the 02nd January, 2018.

PIB

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Indina Government News: 14th President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind

14th President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind Profile

A lawyer, veteran political representative and long-time advocate of egalitarianism and integrity in Indian public life and society, Shri Ram Nath Kovind was born on October 1, 1945, in Paraunkh, near Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. His parents were Shri Maiku Lal and Smt Kalawati.

Before assuming charge of the office of the 14th President of India on July 25, 2017, Shri Kovind served as the 36th Governor of the state of Bihar from August 16, 2015, to June 20, 2017.

Educational and Professional Background
Shri Kovind completed his school education in Kanpur and obtained the degrees of B.Com and L.L.B. from Kanpur University. In 1971, he enrolled as an Advocate with the Bar Council of Delhi.
Shri Kovind was Union Government Advocate in the Delhi High Court from 1977 to 1979 and Union Government Standing Counsel in the Supreme Court from 1980 to 1993. He became Advocate-on-Record of the Supreme Court of India in 1978. He practised at the Delhi High Court and Supreme Court for 16 years till 1993.

Parliamentary and Public Life
Shri Kovind was elected as a member of the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh in April 1994. He served for two consecutive terms of six years each till March 2006. Shri Kovind served on various Parliamentary Committees like Parliamentary Committee on Welfare of Scheduled Castes/Tribes; Parliamentary Committee on Home Affairs; Parliamentary Committee on Petroleum and Natural Gas; Parliamentary Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment; and Parliamentary Committee on Law and Justice. He was Chairman of the Rajya Sabha House Committee.

Shri Kovind also served as Member of the Board of Management of the Dr B.R Ambedkar University, Lucknow, and Member of the Board of Governors of the Indian Institute of Management, Kolkata. He was part of the Indian delegation at the United Nations and addressed the United Nations General Assembly in October 2002.

Positions Held
2015-17: Governor of Bihar
1994-2006: Member of the Rajya Sabha, representing the state of Uttar Pradesh
1971-75 and 1981: General Secretary, Akhil Bharatiya Koli Samaj
1977-79: Union Government Advocate at the Delhi High Court
1982-84: Union Government Junior Counsel in the Supreme Court

Personal Details
Shri Kovind married Smt Savita Kovind on May 30, 1974. They have a son, Shri Prashant Kumar, and a daughter, Miss Swati. An avid reader, the President has keen interest in reading books on politics and social change, law and history, and religion.
During his long public career, Shri Kovind has travelled widely across the country. He has also visited Thailand, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, Germany, Switzerland, France, the United Kingdom and the United States in his capacity as a Member of Parliament.

PIB

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Family pension to freedom fighters

Family pension to freedom fighters

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF  HOME AFFAIRS
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1502
ANSWERED ON-15.03.2017

Family pension to freedom fighters

1502 . Shri R. Vaithilingam
(a) whether it is a fact that the Centre is giving family pension to the freedom fighters;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether Government is considering to revise and increase family pension; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI HANSRAJ GANGARAM AHIR)

(a) to (d): Yes Sir. The Centre is giving family pension to the eligible dependents of the freedom fighter pensioners under Swatantrata Sainik Samman Pension Scheme, 1980, administered by Ministry of Home Affairs. As per the provisions of this Scheme, after death of the freedom fighter pensioner, his/her spouse(widow/widower) and after death of spouse, his/her unmarried & un-employed daughters (up to maximum of three such daughters at any point of time) and thereafter, mother or father of the freedom fighter pensioner are granted dependent family pension.

The freedom fighter pension/family pension has already been revised and increased recently by the Central Government with effect from 15.08.2016. The amount of pension being given under this scheme to different categories of freedom fighters and their dependents are as at Annexure. Dearness Allowance/Relief as given to the Central Government Employees/pensioners has been made applicable to the freedom fighter pensioners also.

Annexure

Monthly Amount of Pension provided under Swatantrata Sainik Samman Pension Scheme, 1980

Sl.No	Category of freedom fighters	Amount of pension before the enhancement on 15.08.2016 including Dearness Relief (Per Month)	Present amount of pension after the enhancement with effect from 15.08.2016(Per Month)
1.	Ex-Andaman Political Prisoners/spouses	Rs.24,775/-	Rs.30,000/-
2.	Freedom fighters who suffered outside British India/spouses	Rs.23,085/-	Rs.28,000/-
3.	Other Freedom Fighters/ spouses including INA	Rs.21,395/-	Rs.26,000/-
4.	Dependent parents/eligible daughters (maximum 3 daughters at any point of time)	Rs.3,380/-(dependent parents)Rs.5,070/-(daughters)	50% of the sum that would have been admissible to the Freedom Fighter, i.e., in the range of Rs.13,000/- to Rs.15,000/-

Source: RAJYA SABHA Q&A

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Furnishing of Aadhaar mandatory for final settlement of Pension claims

Furnishing of Aadhaar mandatory for final settlement of Pension claims

Ministry of Labour & Employment
Press Information Bureau,
Government of India

02-March, 2017

The EPFO has clarified that obtaining of Aadhaar should be mandatory for the time being only for final settlement of Pension and not in withdrawl cases. The EPFO had extended the date of submission of Aadhaar Number authentication by the members of Employees’Pension Scheme 1995 upto 31st March 2017.

However, news item appearing in few dailies suggested that Aadhaar is not required in settlement of pension claims. Accordingly, the EPFO reiterated that the requirement of submitting Aadhaar is not insisted for the time being only in withdrawal benefit cases under Employees Pension Scheme, 1995. Furnishing of Aadhaar is still mandatory for final settlement of pension and scheme certificate cases.

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Recovery of electricity charges from domestic consumers in Defence

Recovery of electricity charges from domestic consumers in Defence

OFFICE OF THE CONTROLLER OF DEFENCE ACCOUNTS
UDAYAN VIHAR, NARANGI, GUWAHATI-781171

No.E/I/Tech/LF/114/Vol-III

Dated: 27/10/2016

To
AO GE/ AO BSO
C/O 99 APO

SUBJECT : Recovery of electricity charges from all domestic paying consumers - Officers/JCOs/ORs and equivalent.

Reference :- HQ CGDA , Delhi Cantt letter No. 18020/AT-X/XXXVII dated 20/10/2016.

It has been observed by the CGDA , New Dehi during analysis of information of recovery of electricity charges / consumption from all domestic paying consumers that significant number of stations impose electricity charges at flat rates. It has also been observed that no billing is being done in large no of cases in respect of PBORs on the pretext of free consumers.

2. In this connection, it is intimate that flat rates are applicable in the case of not functioning / faulty meters or in case of non-installation of meters. As per GOI MOD letter No. 9(1)/2005/D(Works-II) dated 25th October 2005, only 100 units per month of electricity are free for Officers/JCOs/ORs and its equivalent. Excess of free electricity will be charged as per rates applicable at the station . E-in-C’s Branch has also clarified that fixed charges /meters rent etc are to be recovered from consumers, if charged by Local Civil Authorities. In such conditions charging at flat rates / no billing may cause huge revenue loss to the Govt.

3. It is , therefore , requested to looked into the matter personally in consultation with their respective GEs/BSOs to strictly adhere to the Govt orders on recovery of electricity charges from domestic consumers in Defence. In case, faulty meters are not repaired or not installed , such cases may be considered for inclusion in MFAI Report.

4. Please accord Priority.

(K Lalbiakchhunga), IDAS
Asstt. Controller

Defence Order

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Transfer of posts of CSS and CSSS to Ministry of Urban Development

Transfer of posts of CSS and CSSS to Ministry of Urban Development

F.No.24/ 3 / 20 14-CS.I(P)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
(Department of Personnel & Training)

Lok Nayan Bhawan, New Delhi
Dated the 02nd November, 2016

Order

The Competent authority in Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (Department of Personnel & Training) hereby allocates the under mentioned posts, of CSSjCSSS to Ministry of Urban Development for implementation of Swachh Bharat Mission for urban Areas in that Ministry.

S.No	Designation / Post	Service to which belong	No. of Post	Revised strength of respective grade in MoUD
1.	Assistant Section Officer	CSS	01	448
2.	Private Secretary	CSSS	02	99

(Raju Saraswat)
Under Secretary to the Government of India
Tel:24649412

Copy to:
1. Ministry of Urban Development (Shri S.K. Gupta, Under Secretary),
Admin Division, Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi W.r.t their O.M. No. A-
11013j 2 j2015-Admn.I dated 17.12.2015
2. Department of Expenditure (Shri Ravi Katyal, Deputy Secretary), North
Block, New Delhi W.r.t their ID No. 198716jE.C.I.j2016 dated
28.06.2016
3. Deputy Secretary(CS.II)jUnder Secretary(CSSS)
4. Internal Distribution: US(A)jSO(A)jWebsite of this Department

Source: Dopt order

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The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the fallowing Joint Secretary level appointments in the Pay Band of Rs.37,400 - 67,0001- (PB-4) with Grade Pay of Rs. 10,000

Appointment of Joint Secretaries to the GOI.

No.33/13/2016-EO(SM-I)
Government of India
Secretariat of the
Appointments Committee of the Cabinet
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel and Training

New Delhi, the 26th October, 2016

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the fallowing Joint Secretary level appointments in the Pay Band of Rs.37,400 - 67,0001- (PB-4) with Grade Pay of Rs. 10,000/- :

(1) Ms. Reena Sinha Puri, IRS (IT:87), as Joint Secretary & FA, Ministry of Coal, from the date of assumption of the charge of the post for a period of five years or until further orders, whichever is earlier, vice Ms. Sujata Prasad, ICAS(1983);

(2) Shri Ram Phal Pawar, IPS (WB:1988), as Joint Secretary, NATGRID under the Ministry of Home Affairs, from the date of assumption of the charge of the post for a period of five years or until further orders, whichever is earlier, vice Shri Rajiv Arora, lAS (HY:1987);

(3) Ms. Indira Murthy, CSS, as Joint Secretary, Cabinet Secretariat, by upgradation of a Director level post for two years, from the date of assumption of the charge of the post or until further orders, whichever is earlier, vice Shri Rajneesh Tingal, CSS;

(4) Shri Ravi Kant, IOFS (1986), as Joint Secretary, Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, from Ihe dale of assumption of the charge of the post, for a period of five years or until further orders, whichever is earlier, vice Ms. K Damayanthi, lAS (AP:1993);

(5) Shri Rajneesh Tingal, CSS as Joint Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals from the date of assumption of the charge of the post for a period of five years or until further orders, whichever is earlier, vice Shri M. Ariz Ahammed, IAS(AM:95);

(6) Ms. Sarada G. Muraleedharan, IAS(KL :1990), as Director General (JS level), NIFT under Department of Textiles, on lateral shift basis, from Ministry of Panchayati Raj, from the date of assumption of the charge of the post, for the balance period of her overall seven year central deputation tenure or until further orders, whichever is earlier vice Shri Sudhir Tripathi, lAS (JH:1985) by keeping the Recruitment Rules for the post of Director General, NIFT in abeyance and treating the post as Non-CSS;

(Rajender Kumar)
Deputy Secretary to the Government of India
Tel: 23092187
26.10.2016

To
All Secretaries to the Government of India.

DoPT Order

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Outcome of the meeting between Govt. of India and NC JCM Staff Side to discuss the recommendations of the 7th CPC

Outcome of the meeting between Govt. of India and NC JCM Staff Side to discuss the recommendations of the 7th CPC

Brief of the meeting held today with Addl. Secretary (Exp.), Deptt. of Exp., MoF(Govt. of India) to discuss the recommendations of the 7th CPC

Shiva Gopal Mishra
Secretary

Ph.: 23382286
National Council (Staff Side)
Joint Consultative Machinery
Central Government Employees
13-C, Ferozshah Road, New Delhi – 110001
E Mail : nc.jcm.np@gmail.com

No.NC/JCM/2016

Dated: October 24, 2016

All Constituents of NC/JCM

Dear Comrades!
Sub: Brief of the meeting held today with Addl. Secretary (Exp.), Deptt. of Exp., MoF(Govt. of India) to discuss the recommendations of the 7th CPC

A meeting was held today between the Addl. Secretary (Exp.), Deptt. of Exp., MoF(Govt. of India) and Staff Side, National Council(JCM), to discuss the issues of Minimum Wage and Multiplying Factor.

The Staff Side explained in detail about the amendments required in Minimum Wage and Fitment Formula.

The Official Side mentioned that, they are trying to find out some solution to resolve the issues of Minimum Wage and Fitment Formula raised by the Staff Side.

Comradely yours,
sd/-
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
Secretary(Staff Side)
NC/JCM & Convener

Source: http://ncjcmstaffside.com/

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Government decides to issue Sovereign Gold Bonds Scheme 2016 -17 Series III; Applications for the bond to be accepted from October 24, 2016 to November 02, 2016 and the Bonds will be issued on November 17, 2016

Government decides to issue Sovereign Gold Bonds Scheme 2016 -17 Series III; Applications for the bond to be accepted from October 24, 2016 to November 02, 2016 and the Bonds will be issued on November 17, 2016.

Government of India, in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has decided to issue Sovereign Gold Bonds 2016-17  Series III. Applications for the bonds will be accepted from October 24, 2016 to November 02, 2016. The Bonds will be issued on November 17, 2016. The Bonds will be sold through banks, Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited (SHCIL), designated post offices and recognised stock exchanges viz., National Stock Exchange of India Limited and Bombay Stock Exchange.
The features of the Bond are given below:

Sl. No.	Item	Details
1.	Product name	Sovereign Gold Bond 2016-17 - Series III
2.	Issuance	To be issued by Reserve Bank India on behalf of the Government of India.
3.	Eligibility	The Bonds will be restricted for sale to resident Indian entities including individuals, HUFs, Trusts, Universities and Charitable Institutions.
4.	Denomination	The Bonds will be denominated in multiples of gram(s) of gold with a basic unit of 1 gram.
5.	Tenor	The tenor of the Bond will be for a period of 8 years with exit option from 5th year to be exercised on the interest payment dates.
6.	Minimum size	Minimum permissible investment will be 1 grams of gold.
7.	Maximum limit	The maximum amount subscribed by an entity will not be more than 500 grams per person per fiscal year (April-March). A self-declaration to this effect will be obtained.
8.	Joint holder	In case of joint holding, the investment limit of 500 grams will be applied to the first applicant only.
9.	Issue price	Price of Bond will be fixed in Indian Rupees on the basis of simple average of closing price of gold of 999 purity published by the India Bullion and Jewellers Association Limited for the week (Monday to Friday) preceding the subscription period. The issue price of the Gold Bonds will be 50 per gram less than the nominal value.
10.	Payment option	Payment for the Bonds will be through cash payment (upto a maximum of Rs. 20,000) or demand draft or cheque or electronic banking.
11.	Issuance form	Government of India Stock under GS Act, 2006. The investors will be issued a Holding Certificate. The Bonds are eligible for conversion into demat form.
12.	Redemption price	The redemption price will be in Indian Rupees based on previous week's (Monday-Friday) simple average of closing price of gold of 999 purity published by IBJA.
13.	Sales channel	Bonds will be sold through banks, Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited (SHCIL), designated post offices as may be notified and recognised stock exchanges viz., National Stock Exchange of India Limited and Bombay Stock Exchange, either directly or through agents.
14.	Interest rate	The investors will be compensated at a fixed rate of 2.50 per cent per annum payable semi-annually on the nominal value of investment.
15.	Collateral	Bonds can be used as collateral for loans. The loan-to-value (LTV) ratio is to be set equal to ordinary gold loan mandated by the Reserve Bank from time to time.
16.	KYC Documentation	Know-your-customer (KYC) norms will be the same as that for purchase of physical gold. KYC documents such as Voter ID, Aadhaar card/PAN or TAN /Passport will be required.
17.	Tax treatment	The interest on Gold Bonds shall be taxable as per the provision of Income Tax Act, 1961 (43 of 1961). The capital gains tax arising on redemption of SGB to an individual has been exempted. The indexation benefits will be provided to long term capital gains arising to any person on transfer of bond
18.	Tradability	Bonds will be tradable on stock exchanges/NDS-OM from a date to be notified by RBI.
19.	SLR eligibility	The Bonds will be eligible for Statutory Liquidity Ratio purposes.
20.	Commission	Commission for distribution of the bond shall be paid at the rate of 1% of the total subscription received by the receiving offices and receiving offices shall share at least 50% of the commission so received with the agents or sub agents for the business procured through them.

Source: PIB

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Extension of wage revision benefits arising from 7th CPC recommendation to employees of autonomous bodies set up by GOI

Extension of wage revision benefits arising from 7th CPC recommendation to employees of autonomous bodies set up by GOI

Ph: 23382286
National Council (Staff Side)
Joint Consultative Machinery
for Central Government Employees
13-c, Ferozshah Raod, New Delhi - 110001
E.mail: nc.jcm.np@gmail.com

Shiva Gopal Mishra
Secretary

No. NC-JCM-2016/7th CPC

October 18.2016

The Secretary,
Govt of India
Ministry of Finance,
Department of Expenditure.
North Block.
New Delhi - 110001

Subject : Extension of wage revision benefits arising from 7th CPC recommendation to employees of autonomous bodies set up by GOI- Reg.

Dear Sir,

The autonomous bodies set up by GOI normally follow the central pattern of Pay Scales and service conditions. The Ministry of Finance is to issue the requisite coders as and when pay commission recommendations are accepted and implemented in so far as Central Government Employees are concerned to extend the said benefit to employees of autonomous bodies. To give effect to 6th CPC recommendations, orders were issued on 30.09.2008. So far no order has been issued by the Govt extending the 7th CPC benefit to employees of autonomous bodies. We request that the same may please be expedited.

In respect of employees who are on permanent deputation to such autonomous bodies, the Revised Pay Rules, 2016 notified as GSR 721 (E) dated 25.07.2016 is applicable. However. it has been represented to us that some of the autonomous Bodies have not extended the benefit to the employees on deputation, probably due to an incorrect understanding of the issue.

We request that the autonomous bodies may be advised to implement the notification in the ease of employees/officers on deputation to autonomous organization without waiting for a formal order from the Ministry of Finance.

Thanking You,

Yours Faithfully
sd/-
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
Secretary

Source : http://aipeup3bbsr.blogspot.in/

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Government notifies National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme

Government notifies National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme

Government has notified National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme. It is for the first time a scheme has been notified to offer financial incentives to employers. The Scheme has an outlay of Rs. 10,000 crore with a target of 50 Lakh apprentices to be trained by 2019-20.Apprenticeship Training is considered to be one of the most efficient ways to develop skilled manpower for the country. It provides for an industry led, practice oriented, effective and efficient mode of formal training. The National Policy of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, 2015 launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi focuses on apprenticeship as one of the key components for creating skilled manpower in India. The policy proposes to work pro-actively with the industry including MSME to facilitate tenfold increase opportunities in the country by 2020.

25% of the prescribed stipend payable to an apprentice would be reimbursed to the employers directly by the Government of India. The scheme also supports basic training, which is an essential component of apprenticeship training by sharing of basic training cost with basic training providers in respect of apprentices who come directly to apprenticeship without any formal trade training (fresher apprentices).

Online portal for ease of administering. All transactions including registration by employers, apprentices, registration of contract and payment to employers will be made as online mode. Eligible employers shall engage apprentices in a band of 2.5% to 10% of the total strength of the establishment. Employers need to register on the apprenticeship portal and must have TIN/TAN and any one of EPFO/ESIC/LIN. Employers are invited to register on the apprenticeship portal to avail benefits under the scheme.

Brand Ambassadors will be appointed for states and for local industrial clusters to act as facilitators and promoters to promote apprenticeship training.

PIB

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Brief of the meeting held today between the Government of India and the National Council JCM Staff Side

Brief of the meeting held today between the Government of India and the National Council JCM Staff Side

Shiva Gopal Mishra
Secretary

National council (staff Side)
Joint Consulative Machinery for Central Government Employees
13-C, Ferozshah Road, New Delhi-110001
E-Mail : nc.jcm.np@gmail.com

No.NC/JCM/2016

Dated: August 30, 2016

All Constituents of National Council(JCM)
Dear Comrades!

Sub: Brief of the meeting held today between the Government of India and the National Council (JCM) (Staff Side)

The Government of India has constituted a committee, under the Chairmanship of Addl. Secretary(Exp.) with J.S.(Pers.), JS(Estt.) and JS(Imp.) as members, to deal with the pending issues of our memorandum, submitted to the Empowered Committee, of which prominent are “Minimum Wage and Multiplying Factor”.

The first meeting of the said committee with the National Council(JCM) Staff Side was held today, i.e. 30th August, 2016, which remained almost introductory. Apart from the Official Side members, Shri M. Raghaviah, Shri M.S. Raja and I myself (from the Staff Side JCM) attended the said meeting.

We raised vehemently the issues of “Minimum Wage and Multiplying Formula” and made them very clear that; the VII CPC has accepted Dr. Aykroyd Formula for fixing Minimum Wage, but has not implemented the said formula in full sense, so, that is not acceptable to the Staff Side(JCM), therefore, Minimum Wage from Rs.18000 must be enhanced and accordingly Fitment Formula should also be changed.

It was agreed by the committee that, since we are again meeting on 1st September, 2016 with the Committee on Allowances, the next meeting of the said committee will be fixed in consultation with the Staff Side(JCM).

Thereafter, we also met the Cabinet Secretary(Government of India) and there also we shown our anguish about the inordinate delay in resolving those issues which were agreed to. The Cabinet Secretary said that, orders for the gratuity have been issued for the NPS covered employees, and orders for the PLB and arrears have also been issued. Many of the issues raised by the Staff Side(JCM) have been accepted and implemented and the remaining issues would also be pursued and settled.

Comradely yours,
sd/-
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
Secretary (staff side)
NC/JCM & Convener

Source: www.ncjcmstaffside.com

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Revised Pay Matrix Levels as per 7th CPC for Posts in Indian Civil Accounts Cadre

Revised Pay Matrix Levels as per 7th CPC for Posts in Indian Civil Accounts Cadre

No. A-11014/2016/CGA/Gr.A/1837-41
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure
Controller General of Accounts

7th Floor, Lok Nayak Bhawan,
Khan Market, New Delhi- 110 003.

Dated :29th August, 2016

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Consequent upon the Govt. of India’s decision for implementation of 7th Central Pay Commission’s Recommendations vide Resolution dated 25th July, 2016, Min. of Finance, Deptt. of Expenditure has notified the orders for revised pay scales, fixation of pay and payment of arrears etc. Attention is drawn in this regard to Gazette Notification G.S.R. 721(E) dated 25th July, 2016. The details of posts in Indian Civil Accounts Cadre (ICAS) carrying existing Pay Band and Grade Pay corresponding to. the revised Pay Matrix Level are as under:

Sl. No.	Post	Existing (As per 6th CPC)		Revised (7th CPC)
		Pay Band	Grade Pay	Pay Level (Matrix)
1.	Controller General of Accounts (Apex Scale)	Rs. 80,000 (Fixed)	–	Level 17
2.	Addl. Controller of Accounts HAG+	Rs. 75,500-80,000	–	Level 16
3.	Pr. Chief Controller of Accounts HAG	Rs. 67,000-79,000	–	Level 15
4.	Senior Administrative  Grade SAG	PB-4 (Rs. 37,400- 67,000	Rs.10,000	Level 14
5.	Selection Grade in Junior Administrative Grade NFSG	PB-4 (Rs. 37,400-67,000)	Rs. 8,700	Level 13
6.	Junior Administrative Grade JAG	PB-3 (Rs.15,600-39100	Rs. 7,600	Level 12
7.	Senior Time Scale (STS)	PB-3 (Rs. 15,600-39,100	Rs. 6,600	Level 11
8.	Junior Time Scale (JTS)	PB-3 (Rs. 15,600-39,100	Rs. 5,400	Level 10

sd/-
(A.K.Bangalia)
Dy. Controller General of Accounts

Source : http://cga.nic.in/

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