Retirement and death gratuity to Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan employees - Rajya Sabha Question & Answers

Retirement and death gratuity to Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan employees - Rajya Sabha Question & Answers

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

RAJYA SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-3742

ANSWERED ON-25.07.2019

Retirement and death gratuity to KVS employees

3742 . Shri G.C. Chandrashekhar

(a) whether Government has extended the benefit of retirement and death gratuity to employees of autonomous bodies under the Central Government;

(b) if so, whether the Ministry has directed the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) for stoppage of retirement and death gratuity to the employees under the National Pension System (NPS);

(c) if so, the reasons therefor;

(d) the details of KVS employees benefitted so far;

(e) whether representations have been received from various stakeholders regarding restoration of the above benefit; and

(f) if so, the steps taken by Government in this regard?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

(SHRI RAMESH POKHRIYAL ‘NISHANK’)

(a) Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) has conveyed approval for revision of pension as per recommendation of the 7th CPC to the employees of Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan who retired after 1.1.2016 as well as revision of pension/family pension of those pensioners / family pensioners who retired prior to 1.1.2016. Several other autonomous bodies under the MHRD have also been extended these benefits on a case to case basis in consultation with Ministry of Finance.

(b) Yes, Sir.

(c) As per the Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure OM No. F. No. 1/1/2016-E.III(A) dated 13th January, 2017, the benefits implemented by Central Government in respect of Central Government employees (as part of their service conditions) are not directly applicable to the employees working in autonomous organizations. An advisory had accordingly been issued on 12.4.2017 that in case the benefits of retirement gratuity and death gratuity have been extended to the employees of any autonomous bodies / organisations covered under NPS, the same may be withdrawn till a final decision is taken in the matter with the approval of Department of Expenditure.

(d)to (f): Do not arise.

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Source: Rajya Sabha

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Rajya Sabha Q&A : Re-fixation of pension under One Rank One Pension

Rajya Sabha Q&A : Re-fixation of pension under One Rank One Pension

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

RAJYA SABHA

QUESTION NO 2382

ANSWERED ON 15.07.2019

Re fixation of pension under OROP

2382 Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar

Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state :-

(a) whether Government is aware of the letter from Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA) dated 5th April, 2019 that seeks clarification on Notification 12(1)2014/D(Pen/Pol)-Part II dated 7th November, 2015 on re-fixation of pension under One Rank One Pension (OROP);

(b) steps taken by Government on the queries raised in the letter from CGDA; and

(c) whether Government will implement re-fixation of pension under OROP on 1st July, 2019 as per notification dated 7th November, 2015?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
SHRI SHRIPAD NAIK

(a) Yes, Sir.

(b) & (c): Ministry of Defence, Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare vide Order No.1(1)2019/D(Pen/Pol) dated 14.06.2019 has constituted a Committee under the Chairmanship of Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA) to work out the modalities & methodology of implementation of next revision of pension under One Rank One Pension (OROP). The composition of the Committee is as under:-

(i) CGDA : Chairperson
(ii) Joint Secretary (ESW) : Member
(iii) Addl FA, Defence (Finance) : Member
(iv) Representative of three Services: Member
(v) Addl CGDA : Member
(vi) PCDA (P), Allahabad : Member
(vii) Joint CGDA (Pension) : Member & Convener

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Source: Rajyasabha

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Discontinuing Reservation Chart Preparation

Pasting of Reservation Charts on Train Coaches Discontinued?

Discontinuing Reservation Chart Preparation

Based on a similar successful experiment conducted by South Western Railway, the practice of pasting of reservation charts on train coaches was discontinued at New Delhi, Hazrat Nizamuddin, Bombay Central, Chennai Central, Howrah and Sealdah stations of Indian Railways on experimental basis for a period of three months. Keeping in view the positive feedback received from Zonal Railways, it has been decided to discontinue pasting of reservation charts on reserved coaches of trains at all erstwhile A1, A & B category of stations as a pilot project for six months starting from 01.03.2018.

The logic behind doing away with the practice of pasting of reservation charts on reserved coaches is as under:-

(i) Passengers holding confirmed ticket are aware of their coach/berth number as the same is indicated on the tickets at the time of booking itself, except in case of First Class air-conditioned class.
(ii) At present around 65% of the reserved tickets are being issued through internet for which, mobile number is invariably captured on which an SMS is sent at the time of booking.
(iii) Waitlisted and Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) passengers get their status update on their registered mobile number through SMS at the time of preparation of first reservation chart which is at least four hours before the scheduled departure of the train.
(iv) Digital charting system has been installed at major stations and at other stations manual boards are installed for displaying the status of the waitlisted tickets to guide the passengers.
(v) Apart from the above, Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) service through 139, online booking website is available for passengers for checking the status of the tickets on real time basis.
(vi) It will save the cost of stationery as well as savings on account of manpower involved in pasting of reservation charts.

In view of the reasons mentioned above, now there is no need for the passengers to check their reservation status through the reservation charts displayed on the coaches. Moreover, reservation charts continue to be displayed on the station platforms for passengers including senior citizens who would like to view it on charts/ digital charts in all stations including A-1, A & B category stations.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways and Coal Shri Rajen Gohain in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha on 14.3.2018.

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Enhancement of Reservation for SCs & STs - Rajya Sabha Q&A

ENHANCEMENT OF RESERVATIONS FOR SCs AND STs

No proposal for enhancement of reservation for Scheduled Castes in proportion to their population has been received in this Ministry. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has informed that they received The Telangana Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Reservation of seats in Educational Institutions and of appointments or posts in the services under the State) Bill, 2017 through Ministry of Home Affairs for enhancement of reservations for Scheduled Tribes from existing 4% to 10% in the State for comments/views. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has supported the proposal contained in the Bill.

As per the 9 judge Constitutional Bench judgement of Hon'ble Supreme Court in India Sawhney case, total reservation cannot exceed the limit of 50% . Clause (4) of Article 16 of the Constitution of India, which empowers the State to provide reservation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes & Other Backward Classes speaks of adequate representation and not proportionate representation.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri Vijay Sampla in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha on 15.3.2018.

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Increase in 7th CPC Minimum Pay and Fitment Factor - Rajya Sabha Q&A

Increase in 7th CPC Minimum Pay and Fitment Factor - Rajya Sabha Q&A

INCREASE IN MINIMUM PAY AND FITMENT FACTOR

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1170

ANSWERED ON-06.03.2018

Increase in minimum pay and fitment factor
1170 . Shri Neeraj Shekhar

(a) whether Government is actively contemplating to increase minimum pay from Rs.18,000/- to Rs.21,000/- and fitment factor from 2.57 to 3, in view of resentment among Central Government employees over historically lowest increase in pay by 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC);

(b) if so, the details thereof and the date from which it would be implemented; and

(c ) if not, the reasons for the callous attitude of Government towards Government Employees?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR FINANCE ( SHRI P RADHAKRISHNAN )

(a), (b) & (c ): The minimum pay of Rs.18,000/- p.m. and fitment factor of 2.57 are based on the specific recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission in the light of the relevant factors taken into account by it. Therefore, no change therein is at present under consideration.

Source: http://rajyasabha.nic.in/

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Loco Running Staff - Rajya Sabha Q&A

Loco Running Staff - Rajya Sabha Q&A

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

RAJYA SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 960
ANSWERED ON 09.02.2018

LOCO RUNNING STAFF

960. SHRI C.P. NARAYANAN:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

(a) the number of loco running staff in Railways at present;

(b) their average work load per week;

(c) the maximum hours of continuous work they have to do in a week;

(d) how much increase in their emoluments have been given during the last three years; and

(e) how do they compare with emoluments of other railway staff?

ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

(a) to (e): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 960 BY SHRI C.P. NARAYANAN ANSWERED IN RAJYA SABHA ON 09.02.2018 REGARDING LOCO RUNNING STAFF

(a) As on 01.04.2017, over Zonal Railways, total number of employed staff in loco running category is 87196.
(b) & (c) As per the provision of the Railways Act, 1989 and the Railway Servants (Hours of Work & Period of Rest) Rules, 2005, Loco running staff on the Railways are classified as ‘Continuous’ and as such, their rostered hours of work is 54 hours a week on an average in a two-weekly period of 14 days.

(d) & (e) After the Seventh CPC (Central Pay Commission) recommendations, the basic pay of the non-running staff has been increased by a multiplication factor of 2.57 with effect from 01.01.2016 and then fixed in the appropriate cell of the relevant Level in the Seventh CPC pay matrix, while for the running staff the multiplication factor of 2.945 was used. Further, the actual raise in the pay of the running staff has been ensured at a minimum of 14.29 percent with the Ministry of Finance (MoF) concurrence. This has resulted in an effective multiplication factor of around 3.01 for Running Staff. The running staff also get allowances like Dearness Allowance and House Rent Allowance on the basic pay enhanced by 30%.

Source : Rajya Sabha

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Linking of Aadhaar with Registration of Marriage - Rajya Sabha Q&A

Linking of Aadhaar with Registration of Marriage - Rajya Sabha Q&A

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE

LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT

R A J Y A S A B H A

UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 914

TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 9TH FEBRUARY, 2018

Linking of Aadhaar with Registration of Marriage

914. SHRI HARSHVARDHAN SINGH DUNGARPUR:

Will the Minister of LAW AND JUSTICE be pleased to state

(a) whether Government have received any request from Law Commission for linking of Aadhaar with registration of marriages to prevent fraudulent marriages and denial of subsistence to deserted women;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the action taken/to be taken by Government on their request?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR LAW AND JUSTICE
AND CORPORATE AFFAIRS

(SHRI P.P. CHAUDHARY)

(a) to (b) The 21st Law Commission of India in its 270th Report titled "Compulsory Registration of Marriages" has observed that it would be desirable to have a centralized national portal for maintenance of records of marriage registration and if registration of marriage is linked to the unique identification number (UID), it would be possible to achieve universal tracing of records.

(c) The Government is yet to take a decision in the matter.

Source : Rajya Sabha

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Linking of ration card with Aadhaar - Rajya Sabha Q&A

Linking of ration card with Aadhaar - Rajya Sabha Q&A

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC

DISTRIBUTION

 RAJYA SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-865
ANSWERED ON 09.02.2018

Linking of ration card with Aadhaar

865 . Shri B.K. Hariprasad

(a) whether Government has taken any steps to ensure that no individual is denied PDS benefits even if  he/she does not have Aadhaar or has not linked his ration card to the number; and
(b) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(SHRI C. R. CHAUDHARY)

(a) to (b): Yes, Sir. The Department of Food and Public Distribution has issued clear instructions to all States/UT Governments that no beneficiary/household shall be deleted from the list of eligible beneficiaries/households only on the ground of not possessing Aadhaar, and shall also not be denied subsidized foodgrains or cash transfer of food subsidy under NFSA due to non-availability of Aadhaar or failure of biometric authentication due to network/ connectivity/ linking issues/ poor biometric of the beneficiary or other technical reasons. The State/UT Governments are required to comply with the provisions of the notification issued by this Department vide SO No. 371[E] dated 8/2/17 [as amended from time to time], for granting PDS benefits to those beneficiaries who do not possess Aadhaar.

Source : Rajya Sabha

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Amendment in EPF scheme for buying homes

Amendment in EPF scheme for buying homes

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

RAJYA SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1056

ANSWERED ON-27.12.2017

Amendment in EPF scheme for buying homes

1056 . Shri R. Vaithilingam

(a)whether Government will amend the Employees” Provident Fund (EPF) scheme to enable around 4 crore members of Employees” Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to withdraw upto 90 per cent of their fund for making down payments while buying houses;
(b)whether said amendment will also allow the EPFO subscribers to use their EPF accounts for paying equated monthly installments of home loans; and
(c)whether under the proposed provision in the EPF scheme, the subscribers would have to form a cooperative society with at least 10 members to avail of the facility?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

(SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)

(a) to (c): The Government vide Notification No. G.S.R.351 (E) dated 12th April, 2017 has inserted a paragraph 68BD in Employees’ Provident Funds (EPF) Scheme, 1952 for withdrawal from the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) for purchasing dwelling house or flat or construction of a dwelling house.

The withdrawal amount from the Provident Fund shall not exceed ninety per cent of the employer’s share of contribution and interest thereon and employee’s share of contribution and interest thereon.

The Scheme envisages that a member can authorise monthly installment for the repayment, wholly or partly, of any outstanding principal or interest of a loan obtained in the name of the member or spouse of the member or jointly by the member and the spouse.
The payment can be made on behalf of the member to a housing agency or primary lending agency or bank concerned, etc.

The subscriber should be a member of a cooperative society or a society registered for housing purpose under any law for the time being in force and such society has at least ten members of the Fund.

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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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Implementation of Supreme Court’s judgement dated 31.10.2013 in WP(Civil) No. 82/2011 in the matter of Shri T.S. R. Subramanian & Others vs. UOI & Others

Implementation of Supreme Court’s judgement dated 31.10.2013 in WP(Civil) No. 82/2011 in the matter of Shri T.S. R. Subramanian & Others vs. UOI & Others

G.I., Dept. of Per. & Trg., O.M. No.F.No. 41017/2/2015-Estt.A, dated 9.3.2015

Subject: Implementation of Supreme Court’s judgement dated 31.10.2013 in WP(Civil) No. 82/2011 in the matter of Shri T.S. R. Subramanian & Others vs. UOI & Others — Parliament Assurance in Rajya Sabha Unstarred Q. No.988, answered on 17.07.2014, on ‘Amendment in Rule 3(3) of All India Service (Conduct) Rules’ — regarding.

The undersigned is directed to state that in reply to part (b) of the above Rajya Sabha Unstarred Q. No. 988 for 17/07/2014, the Parliament was, inter-alia, informed that ‘the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the PIL filed by Shri T.S.R. Subramanian and others were brought to the notice of the various Ministries / Departments who are the Cadre Controlling Authorities of the Central Civil Services for compliance’. This part of the reply has been treated as an Assurance.

2. It may please be recalled that, following the Supreme Court’s judgement dated 31.10.2013 in WP(Civil) No. 82/2011, the Ministries / Departments were requested to take steps for implementation of the judgement. In view of the above Parliament Assurance, all Ministries / Departments are requested to please send a line in confirmation of the implementation of the above judgement in respect of the Cadre(s) under their administrative control by 20.03.2015 so that the Assurance can be fulfilled. The Cadre(s) under the administrative control may also please be indicated for records.

3. The Ministries / Departments, which are not Cadre Controlling Authorities for any cadre, may also kindly send a communication in this regard for the records of this Department.

Authority www.persmin.gov.in

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Private Sector Participation and Investment in Railways

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) AND (b) OF STARRED QUESTION NO. 47 BY SHRI K.C. TYAGI ANSWERED IN RAJYA SABHA ON 27.02.2015 REGARDING PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION AND INVESTMENT IN RAILWAYS.

(a) & (b):  Yes, Sir. Ministry of Railways has identified areas for private participation and investments which will develop, strengthen and expand railway network and operation. These include building/strengthening of rail connectivities, private container train operations, building private freight terminals, wagon investment/leasing schemes and redevelopment of stations.

A policy for participative models for rail connectivity and capacity augmentation was issued in December, 2012. Total investment of Rs. 10,000 crores has been committed in 19 rail projects.

Private operation of container trains was permitted in 2006 and since then private operators have procured 128 rakes and developed 14 new terminals with an investment of about Rs. 5,000 crore.

Private freight terminal policy was launched in 2010 and 20 terminals have been notified for commercial working generating an investment of approximately Rs. 384 crores.

Procurement of 21 rakes under Liberalized Wagon Investment Scheme with investment of Rs. 488 crores and 6 rakes under Automobile Freight Train Operator scheme (AFTO) with investment of Rs. 80 crores have been made. Approval for procurement of 3 rakes under Special Freight Train Operator Scheme (SFTO) with investment of Rs. 36 crores have been granted. Leasing of 12 rakes by leasing companies to container train operators has resulted in an investment of Rs. 24 crores.

Five stations i.e. Habibganj, Chandigarh, Bijwasan, Shivajinagar and Anand Vihar have been entrusted to Indian Railway Station Development Corporation (IRSDC) for redevelopment. Draft master plan and feasibility reports have been prepared for the same.

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

RAJYA  SABHA

STARRED QUESTION NO. 47

ANSWERED ON 27.02.2015

PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION AND INVESTMENT IN RAILWAYS

*47.     SHRI K.C. TYAGI:
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

(a) whether Railways have identified areas for private sector participation and investment in development activities to strengthen and expand railway operations and network, if so, the details thereof; and

(b)  the projection of funds flowing from private sector participation in development activities of Railways?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS
(SHRI SURESH PRABHAKAR PRABHU)
(a) & (b): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
(As above)

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Source: RajyaSabha.nic.in

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Disciplinary Cases Against Railway Employees: Rajya Sabha Q&A on 27.02.2015

Disciplinary Cases Against Railway Employees: Rajya Sabha Q&A on 27.02.2015:-

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
RAJYA SABHA

STARRED QUESTION NO. 49
ANSWERED ON 27.02.2015

DISCIPLINARY CASES AGAINST RAILWAY EMPLOYEES

* 49.SHRI C. P. NARAYANAN:
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

(a) the number of employees in Railways who were kept out of service or suspended as part of disciplinary action during 2014 and the corresponding figures for 2012 and 2013;
(b) whether non-filling of a large number of vacancies and over work have led to strained relations between authorities and employees and increase in disciplinary actions;
(c) whether there is inordinate delay in settling such cases and that approach and action of suspicion has increased strains between authorities and employees; and
(d) whether Government will take steps to introduce a HR policy to improve working condition of employees and ensure safety of commuters?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS
(SHRI SURESH PRABHAKAR PRABHU)

(a) to (d): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF STARRED QUESTION NO. 49 BY SHRI C. P. NARAYANAN ANSWERED IN RAJYA SABHA ON 27.02.2015 REGARDING DISCIPLINARY CASES AGAINST RAILWAY EMPLOYEES

(a) The number of employees on Zonal Railways, Production Units, Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), Central Organisation For Modernisation of Workshop (COFMOW) and Central Organisation for Railway Electrification (CORE), who were kept under suspension during period 2012, 2013 & 2014, is shown in the table below:

Year -Number of employees kept under suspension
2012 -1538
2013 -1460
2014 -1194

(b) No, Sir. The Authorities and employees on the Indian Railways share harmonious relations and work jointly in the common enterprise of train operations. Disciplinary action is initiated against employees as per Railway Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1968 on objective grounds. Occurrence of vacancies and filling them up is an ongoing process and has no bearing on disciplinary action against employees.

(c) There are well defined rules and instructions for expeditious disposal of disciplinary cases and constant monitoring is being done by the Ministry as well as top management at Zonal levels to ensure that disciplinary proceedings are concluded in a time bound manner. The employees and authorities share harmonious relationship between them.

(d) Sound Human Resource Policy, in keeping with the broad framework of Government of India, is in place for Human Resource Management of the Railway employees. The Ministry of Railways is the only Ministry under the Government of India, which has a separate Civil Services Cadre called Indian Railway Personnel Service, which is managing Human Resources and Industrial Relations in Indian Railways. The Human Resource policies are periodically reviewed in keeping with the changing environment, to ensure that the working conditions of employees remain healthy and safe and efficient transportation is provided to the users.

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Source: Rajya Sabha.nic.in

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Merger of loss making MTNL with BSNL: Rajya Sabha Q&A

Merger of loss making MTNL with BSNL: Rajya Sabha Q&A

 GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF  COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
RAJYA SABHA

QUESTION NO  1108

ANSWERED ON  18.07.2014

Merger of loss making MTNL with BSNL

1108 SHRI ANIL DESAI

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to satate:-
(a) whether it is a fact that both MTNL and BSNL are making losses;

(b) if so, the profit/loss status of these PSUs during the last three years;

(c) whether there is any proposal for merger of these two PSUs, if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether views of workers' unions of these PSUs are also taken into consideration to obviate any financial loss to them; and

(e) whether the merger envisages profits to these companies?

    ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY & LAW AND JUSTICE (SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD)

(a) & (b) Yes, Sir, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited have been making losses. Details of their profit/losses during the last three years are given below:
(In Rs. Crores)

Year            BSNL          MTNL
2011-12      (-) 8,851     (-) 4110
2012-13      (-) 7,884     (-) 5321
2013-14     (-) 7,085 *     7825**

* Unaudited and provisional
** MTNL has shown a profit of Rs. 7825 crore mainly due to write back of provisions on account of pensionary liabilities and spectrum amortization costs after decisions of Government taken for revival of MTNL.

(c) to (e) Government is in the process of revival and revitalization of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) through various short term, medium term and long term measures.

The long-term measures, including merger of BSNL and MTNL, would attempt to position these PSUs to emerge as market leaders in the converged telecommunication market. For an in-depth study on the implications of merger of the two PSUs, three groups have been constituted to study issues of human resources integration, technology integration and corporate integration.

Views of unions on merger would be taken into consideration before a decision is taken in best public interest and that of two companies.

Source: Rajya Sabha

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No Scholarships in Kendriya Vidyalayas: Government reply in Rajya Sabha

No Scholarships in Kendriya Vidyalayas: Government reply in Rajya Sabha

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF  HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
RAJYA SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1742

ANSWERED ON-26.08.2013

Scholarships in Kendriya Vidyalayas

1742 . SHRI FAGGAN SINGH KULASTE

(a) whether Government provides scholarships to students belonging to Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes in Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs);
(b) if not, the reasons therefor;
(c) whether there is a provision of giving admission to the wards of Government or non-Government employees in all KVs; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (DR. SHASHI THAROOR)

(a) & (b) No, Sir. There is no scholarship scheme for the students belonging to any specific category as the Kendriya Vidyalayas are substantially supported by the Government, due to which the fee structure of these Vidyalayas is much lower as compared to other schools.

(c) & (d) Yes, Sir. The Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan has laid down the following priorities in granting admissions under the Civil/Defence Sector:-

(i) Children of transferable and non-transferable Central Government employees including ex-servicemen. This will also include children of foreign national officials, who come on deputation or transfer to India on invitation by the Govt. of India.

(ii) Children of transferable and non-transferable employees of Autonomous Bodies/Public Sector Undertakings/Institute of Higher Learning of the Government of India.

(iii) Children of transferable and non-transferable State Government employees.

(iv) Children of transferable and non-transferable employees of Autonomous Bodies / Public Sector Undertakings/Institute of Higher Learning of the State Governments.

(v) Children from any other category including the children of foreign nationals who are located in India due to their work or for any personal reasons. They would be considered only in case there are no Indian Nationals wait-listed for admission.

Source: Rajya Sabha

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Demands of Staff of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas: Rajya Sabha Q&A

Demands of Staff of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas: Rajya Sabha Q&A

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF  HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
RAJYA SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO-237
ANSWERED ON-26.08.2013

 
Demands of Staff of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas


237 . SHRI MOTILAL VORA

a) the details of demands put forward by teaching and non-teaching staff of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas;

(b) the date from which the demands of the representatives of various staff associations of these vidyalayas would be considered in a time-bound manner and by when this process would be completed; and

(c) the reasons for not considering their demands so far?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SHRI M.M. PALLAM RAJU)

(a)&(b) The teaching and non-teaching staff of some of the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) had proceeded on strike with effect from 6.02.2013 for fulfillment of various demands relating to their service conditions. The studies of the students were seriously disrupted due to this strike close to the annual examinations and it was of serious concern to the Government as Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas have been set up to enable talented students from rural areas to progress at faster pace to compete with their urban counterpart on an equal footing. After detailed discussions with the representatives of various Staff Association of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, the strike was called off with effect from 15.2.2013 with an assurance to the employees for a sympathetic consideration of all the genuine demands. A list of 23 demands put forward by teaching and non-teaching staff of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas is annexed.

2. The major demand of the employees was for introduction of Pension-cum-GPF Scheme under Pension Rule 1972 for the employees recruited before 1.1.2004. For this inter-ministerial consultations have already been started and are presently at an advanced stage. Some demands related to service conditions like up-gradation of pay scales, sanction of additional posts, some allowances and other miscellaneous demands relating to day to day working conditions of the JNVs.

3. Detailed discussions have already been held by the Ministry and the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti with the representatives of the employees. Several demands require consideration by different Ministries/Department of Government of India and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS). 15 of the 23 demands have already been settled.

(c) Does not arise.

Source: Rajya Sabha Q&A

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Advanced increments on completion of Ph.Ds

Advanced increments on completion of Ph.Ds

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF  HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
RAJYA SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1734

ANSWERED ON-26.08.2013

Advanced increments on completion of Ph. Ds

1734 . SHRI ALOK TIWARI
ARVIND KUMAR SINGH

(a) whether Government has granted three advanced increments for Assistant Professors, Associate Professors and Professors in Central universities on completion of their Ph.Ds;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether this facility is not being extended to Librarians, Physical Directors etc. posted in Central Universities like Jamia Milia Islamia and BHU;
(d) if so, the reasons therefor; and
(e) the steps Government would take to grant three increments to Librarians, Physical Directors etc.?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

(DR. SHASHI THAROOR)

(a) & (b) : Yes, Sir. As per the University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations, 2010 on the subject, those teachers who complete their Ph.D. Degree while in service are entitled to 3 non-compounded advance increments if such a Ph.D. is in the discipline of employment and has been awarded by a University complying with the process prescribed by UGC for enrolment, course work, evaluation etc.

(c) to (e) : As MHRD has been informed by UGC, the benefit of three non-compounded advance increments has been extended to the Assistant Librarian / College Librarians but not to the Assistant / College Director of Physical Education of all the Central Universities including the Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) and the Banaras Hindu University (BHU). However, as reported by JMI, the requests for the grant of advance increments to some of the Assistant Librarians could not be acceded to as they acquired their Ph.D. degrees prior to the notification of UGC Regulations, 2010.

Source: Rajya Sabha Q&A via www.centralgovernmentnews.com

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Guidelines on Mercy Killings

Guidelines on Mercy Killings

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

The Law Commission had sent 196th Report titled “Medical Treatment to Terminally Ill Patients (Protection of Patients and Medical Practitioners) in this regard.

The view of the Ministry was conveyed to Ministry of Law & Justice that Ministry of Health & Family Welfare is not in favour of enacting the Bill due to following reasons:

1.    Hippocratic oath is against intentional/voluntary killing of the patient.

2.    Progression of medical science to relieve pain, suffering, rehabilitation and treatment of so-called incurable diseases will suffer a setback.

3.    An individual may wish to die at a certain point of time, his/her wish may not be persistent and only a fleeting desire out of transient depression.

4.    Suffering is a state of mind and a perception, which varies from individual to individual and depends on various environmental and social factors.

5.    Continuous advancement in medical science has made possible good pain management in patients of cancer and other terminal illnesses. Similarly, rehabilitation helps many spinal injury patients in leading near normal life and withdrawal of life support may not be required.

6.    Wish of withdrawal of life support by a mentally ill patient/in depression may be treatable by good psychiatric care.

7.    It will be difficult to quantify suffering which may always be subject to changing social pressures and norms.

8.    Can doctors claim to have knowledge and experience to say that the disease is incurable and patient is permanently invalid?

9.    Defining of bed-ridden and requiring regular assistance is not always medically possible.

10.    There might be psychological pressure and trauma to the medical officers who would be required to conduct withdrawal of life support.

Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in its judgement dated 7.3.2011, dismissing the plea for mercy killings of a Mumbai nurse, Aruna Ramchandra Shanbaug, who has been reduced to vegetative state in King Edward Memorial Hospital for past 37 years, laid down comprehensive guidelines to process “passive euthanasia” till Parliament passes a law, while making a clear distinction between “active euthanasia”, which means ending of life of a patient by injecting medication and “passive euthanasia” permitting to withdraw life support to a terminally ill patient.

Thereafter, the matter of mercy killing has been examined further in consultation with Ministry of Law & Justice and it has been held that the Hon’ble Supreme Court has already laid down guidelines in this respect through its judgement delivered in Aruna Ramchandra Shanbaug’s case which are to be followed in such cases and should, therefore, be treated as law. There is no proposal under consideration at this stage for making law on this subject.

This information was given by Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad, in written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.

Source:  Rajya Sabha News

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More Kendriya Vidyalaya Schools in Railway premises

More Kendriya Vidyalaya Schools in Railway premises

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-92
ANSWERED ON-05.08.2013

Setting up of Kendriya Vidyalayas on railway premises

92 . SHRI SUKHDEV SINGH DHINDSA

(a) whether Government proposes to set up 50 Kendriya Vidyalayas (KV) on railway premises across the country;
(b) whether the sites of all the 50 KVs have been indentified; and
(c) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(DR. SHASHI THAROOR)

(a) Yes, Sir. The Ministry of Human Resource Development and the Ministry of Railways, Govt. of India have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 16.02.2010 wherein it was agreed that around 50 Kendriya Vidyalayas in the Civil Sector will be opened on Railways-owned land identified by the Ministry of Railways.
(b) & (c) To execute the MoU, a High Powered Working Group consisting of senior officials and experts has been constituted. So far 43 locations for the new KVs, as per the details in Annexure, have been identified.


Annexure

DETAILS OF 43 LOCATIONS IDENTIFIED BY MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS FOR OPENING OF AROUND 50 NEW KVs UNDER THE SPONSORSHIP OF MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

1. Ballarshah, Nagpur Division, Maharashtra.
2. Bhusaval, Bhusaval Division, Maharashtra
3. Daund, Sholapur Dvision, Maharashtra.
4. Bandel, Howarh Dvision, West Bengal.
5. New Jalpaigudi, Katihar Division, West Bengal.
6. New Coochbeehar, Alipurdar Division, West Bengal
7. Jhajha, Danapur Division, Bihar
8. Narkatiyaganj, Samastipur Division, Bihar.
9. Angul, Khurda Road Division, Odisha.
10. Titlagadh, Sambalpur Division, Odisha.
11. Dangoaposi, Chakradhar Division, Jharkhand
12. Hatia, Ranchi Division Jharkhand
13. Jammu Tavi, Firozpur Division, J&K
14. Kuldip Nagar, Ambala, Ambala Division, Haryana
15. Jagadhari, Jagadhari workshop, Haryana
16. Sultanpur, Lucknow Division, Uttar Pradesh
17. Pratapgarh, Lucknow Division, Uttar Pradesh
18. Lucknow, Lucknow Division, Uttar Pradesh
19. Tundla, Allahabad Division, Uttar Pradesh
20. Allahabad/Subedarganj, Allahabad Division, Uttar Pradesh
21. Jhansi, Jhansi Division, Uttar Pradesh
22. Agra Division, Uttar Pradesh
23. Mailani, Lucknow Division, Uttar Pradesh
24. Sitapur, Lucknow Division, Uttar Pradesh
25. Mau, Varanasi Division, Uttar Pradesh
26. Varanasi, Varanasi Division, Uttar Pradesh
27. Raebareilly Coach Factory, Uttar Pradesh
28. Fatehgarh, Izzatnagar Division, Uttar Pradesh
29. Sakurbasti, Delhi Division, Delhi
30. Rangapara,Rangia division, Assam`
31. North Lakhimpur, Rangiya Division, Assam
32. Lalgarh, Bikaner Division, Rajasthan
33. Bandikui, station, Jaipur Division, Rajasthan
34. Container Depot, Jodhpur Division, Rajasthan
35. Bhagat Ki Kothi Diesel Shed Jodhpur Division, Rajasthan
36. Goldenrock workshop, Tiruchirapalli, Tamilnadu
37. Salem, Salem Division, T.N.
38. Trivendrum, Trivendrum Division, Kerala
39. Palghat, Palghat Division, Kerala
40. Castle Rock, Hubli Division, Karnatka
41. Arisekere, Mysore Division, Karnatka
42. Yesvantpur, Bangalore Division, Karnatka
43. Dharmapuri, Bangalore Division, Karnatka Bangalore Division, Karnatka

Source: Rajya Sabha Q&A

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Central Government Jobs: Recruitment of SC,ST and OBC

Central Government Jobs: Recruitment of SC,ST and OBC

 

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF  PERSONNEL,PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
RAJYA SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-538
ANSWERED ON-08.08.2013

 

Recruitment of SC ST OBC

538 .    SHRI D.P. TRIPATHI

(a) the number of persons belong to SC/ST/OBC recruited in different groups of the Central Government Services during last five years; and

(b) the details thereof?

ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office. (SHRI V. NARAYANASAMY)

(a) & (b): As per information received from various Ministries/Departments, the number of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) candidates appointed by direct recruitment in different groups of the Central Government services during the years from 2006 to 2010 is given in the Annexure.

Source-http://rajyasabha.nic.in/

Annexure

Annexure referred to in reply to Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No.538 for 08/08/2013

Number of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) candidates appointed by direct recruitment in different groups of the Central Government services during the years from 2006 to 2010

Year	Groups	Scheduled Castes	Scheduled Tribes	Other Backward Classes
2006	Group A	202	216	315
	Group B	198	135	312
	Group C	9358	6511	14686
	Group D	4708	3017	4796
	Total	14466	9879	20109
2007	Group A	336	149	592
	Group B	156	84	219
	Group C	9012	6407	13667
	Group D	5784	2734	7357
	Total	15288	9374	21835
2008	Group A	395	180	691
	Group B	346	114	372
	Group C	8414	4857	13781
	Group D	7491	2477	8187
	Total	16646	7628	23031
2009	Group A	408	199	792
	Group B	566	289	1246
	Group C	10851	6750	20405
	Group D	3528	1219	3886
	Total	15353	8457	26329
2010*	Group A	238	116	555
	Group B	600	285	1112
	Group C	9895	6832	17963
	Group D	1855	581	1910
	Total	12588	7814	21540
	Grand total	74341	43152	112844

 * For the year 2010, data does not include two Ministries/Departments.

via : central government news

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