Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Bill, 2016 passed in the Parliament

Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Bill, 2016 passed in the Parliament

The Bill seeks to increase maternity leave available to working women from the current 12 weeks to 26 weeks for the first two children

The Lok Sabha has passed the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Bill, 2016 today. The Bill had already been passed by the Rajya Sabha during the Winter Session. With this, the Bill stands passed in the Parliament.
The Bill seeks to amend the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 to provide for the following:-

(i) Maternity leave available to the working women to be increased from 12 weeks to 26 weeks for the first two children.
(ii) Maternity leave for children beyond the first two will continue to be 12 weeks.
(iii) Maternity leave of 12 weeks to be available to mothers adopting a child below the age of three months as well as to the "commissioning mothers". The commissioning mother has been defined as biological mother who uses her egg to create an embryo planted in any other woman.
(iv) Every establishment with more than 50 employees to provide for creche facilities for working mothers and such mothers will be permitted to make four visits during working hours to look after and feed the child in the creche.
(v) The employer may permit a woman to work from home if it is possible to do so.
(vi) Every establishment will be required to make these benefits available to the women from the time of her appointment.

The Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Maneka Gandhi thanked the Minister for Labour and Employment, Shri Bandaru Dattatreya for taking up the demand of lakhs of women across the country and for having steered the Bill through Rajya Sabha as well as the Lok Sabha. In her message to the working women, Smt. Gandhi congratulated the women who are planning to have a child and has stated that the Ministry of Women and Child Development will continue to work for the empowerment of women.

The amendments in the Bill were taken up following the request by the WCD Minister to the Hon'ble Labour Minister to bring about these changes so that a working woman gets time to exclusively breast-feed her child for 6 months after the birth. This period also enables the working mother to recuperate herself before she goes to back to work. In her communication to the Labour Ministry, the WCD Minister had also highlighted the concerns of commissioning and adopting mothers who also require maternity leave.

PIB

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GST Bill likely to be tabled before Cabinet on March 22

GST Bill likely to be tabled before Cabinet on March 22

New Delhi: Maintaining the tempo for the much-awaited Goods and Services Tax (GST) against the backdrop of the crucial Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, sources in the Finance Ministry on Wednesday said the bill will be presented before the Cabinet on March 22.

The government, which is leaving no stone unturned to lose its sight on the biggest tax reform, has said that the Central GST Law, Integrated GST Law, State GST Law and Union Territory GST and Compensation Law will be put together for the Cabinet’s approval on March 22.

However, the Finance Ministry has said that it will table the CGST, IGST and Compensation Law before the Parliament on March 27.

The Finance Minister sources have also cleared the air on SGST and UTGST, which will be cleared in the GST Council meet scheduled on March 16.

Also, it is likely that few more cesses will be added in the kitty to boost resources to compensate states. It will include Infra cess, Oil industry Development cess, and Swachh Bharat cess amongst others.

Earlier, the GST Council chaired by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley approved the draft CGST Bill and the draft I GST Bill as vetted by the Union Law Ministry. It cleared the deck for the Central Government to take these two Bills to the Parliament for their passage in the ongoing Budget Session.

ANI

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Anti-labour steps of the Railway Board (Ministry of Railways)

Anti-labour steps of the Railway Board (Ministry of Railways)

No.AIRF/24(C)

Dated: March 7, 2017

The General Secretaries,
All Affiliated Unions

Dear Comrades!
Sub: Anti-labour steps of the Railway Board (Ministry of Railways)

In the DC/JCM Meeting, held today with the Railway Board, AIRF strongly lodged its protest against anti-labour steps of the Railway Board(Ministry of Railways) in general and encroachment on trade union rights by way of issuing orders dated 30.01.2017, in particular, debarring the Supervisory Staff, belonging to Safety Category, working in Grade Pay of Rs.4200 and above from becoming officebearers of the railway unions.

General Secretary AIRF, while expressing his anguish on the attitude of the Ministry of Railways, also pointed out that, despite already arrived at agreements on the following issues, Railway Board have failed to issue instructions for implementation thereof despite lapse of substantial period of time:-

(i) Upgradation of apex level Group 'C' staff to Group 'B' Gazetted.
(ii) Placement of the Supervisors in the erstwhile Grade Pay of Rs.4800 in place of GP Rs.4600 .
(iii) Non-implementation of the agreed structure of the Trackmen in the ratio of 10:20:20:50 and
their promotional avenue.
(iv) Stepping-up of pay of the Loco Inspectors.
(v) Issues related to Running Staff, already agreed upon in the Fast Track Committee.
(vi) For financial upgradation under MACPS and regular promotions, existing Benchmark(prior to VII CPC) should continue.
(vi) Regularization of Course Completed Act Apprentices, trained in Railway Establishments, in the Railways, etc. etc.

General Secretary, while expressing serious discontentment over these issues specifically, mentioned that, Ministry of Railways is directly interfering in the functioning of the trade union by issuing dictatorial instructions, which AIRF and the entire Staff Side is not going to tolerate, and that is why, meeting of the DC/JCM is bycotted.

Pursuant to the above, it has been jointly decided by both the recognized federations to launch undernoted agitational programme all over the Indian Railways:-

(a) 16th March, 2017 - Mass agitations, dharnas, demonstrations at the Branch and Depot levels.
(b) 23rd March, 2017 - Mass agitations by holding dharnas, demonstrations, rallies at the Divisional level.
(c) 30th March, 2017 - Massive demonstrations at the Zonal Headquarters, wherein memorandum addressed to Minister of Railways be handed over to the respective GMs, mentioning therein that, if no corrective action is taken by the Ministry of Railways, organized labour shall be at liberty to go for direct action, entire responsibility of which shall squarely rest with the Railway administration.

All of you are requested to take appropriate action accordingly, and report of the same may be forwarded to AIRF for better appreciation.
With Good Wishes of Holi!

Comradely yours,
sd/-
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
General Secretary

Source: AIRF

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DoPT Instruction regarding fixing of timelines for finalizing disciplinary proceedings

DoPT Instruction regarding fixing of timelines for finalizing disciplinary proceedings

F.No.11012/9/2016-Estt.A-III

Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training Establishment Division

North Block, New Delhi - 110001
Dated: 7 March, 2017

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Amendment in Central Civil Services (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules, 1965 regarding fixing of timelines for finalizing disciplinary proceedings - regarding.

The undersigned is directed to say that it has been proposed to amend the CCS(CC&A) Rules 1965 by introducing stringent timelines for completing Disciplinary proceedings in a time bound manner. The proposed draft Notification for amending CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965 is enclosed herewith. Before framing the Rules, all stakeholders, Ministries / Departments are requested to offer their comments/views, if any, in this regard at the e-mail address poulose.ev13.nic.in latest by 21st March, 2017.

(Poulose.E.V)
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India

Authority: www.dopt.gov.in

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Last date of submission of Digital Life Certificate through Jeevan Pramaan Patra extended upto 31st March 2017

Last date of submission of Digital Life Certificate through Jeevan Pramaan Patra extended upto 31st March 2017

EPF & MP Act, 1952 made applicable to all staff employed in ECHS on contractual basis

A single page composite claim form in death cases replaces Form 20, form 5-IF and Form 10-D

Noticing that many pensioners are yet to submit Aadhaar authenticated Jeevan Pramaan as life certificate for continuation of drawal of pension, the EPFO has further extended the last date of submission of Digital Life Certificate through Jeevan Pramaan Patra upto 31st March 2017. Earlier the last date was 28th February 2017.

Members and pensioners of the Employees Pension Scheme, 1995 are required to furnish Aadhaar number by 31st March 2017. In case a member has not been allotted Aadhaar Number, a copy of Aadhaar Enrolment ID slip is required to be attached for settlement of claim under EPS, 1995, namely for pension processing and monthly pension payments. Aadhaar number however is not required in case a member of pension scheme having less than 10 years of service chooses to withdraw by making an application in Form 10-C.

An Employee Enrolment Campaign-2017, started by EPFO on January 1st 2017 to cover left out workers, continues upto 31st March 2017. Under the scheme:

• The employee's share of contributions if not deducted by the employer is waived.
•  Nominal damages to be paid by the employer, in respect of the employees for whom declaration has been made under this campaign, is at the rate of Rupee One per annum.
• Administrative charges have been waived.

Even though the EPF & MP Act, 1952 does not differentiate between casual, contractual and regular employees, it was noted that a large number of contractual employees hired by principal employer including those by the government departments, PSU and autonomous Organizations have remained out of coverage under EPFO. It is the duty of the principal employer to ensure compliance of their outsourced / regular / contract / casual / daily wager to the schemes under EPF Act.

To ensure coverage of workers, principal employers have been advised to ensure that their contractors are registered with EPFO before award of any contract or making any payments. EPFO provides relevant information in this regard to principal employers online.

A health care scheme called ECHS was formulated by Ministry of Defence for its ex-servicemen. The contractual workers of ECHS till now were deprived of the social security benefits under EPFO. The ECHS now has been brought under the ambit of the EPF Act. Ministry of Defence has issued necessary directions to the ECHS for enrolling their contractual staff. Similarly, all eligible workers engaged by contractors working with Military Engineering Services (MES) and Indian Railways have also being requested to ensure coverage of contractual employees under EPFO.

Towards continuous strive to bring increased conveniences and efficiency, a single page Composite Claim Form (Aadhar) replaces Forms No. 19 (UAN), 10C (UAN) & 31(UAN) for subscribers seeding their Aadhar number with UAN. This can be submitted without the attestation of employers. For subscribers who are yet to seed Aadhaar and Bank details with their UAN, a new Composite Claim Form (Non-Aadhar) replaces the existing Forms No. 19, 10C & 31.

In addition, a Composite Claim Form in death cases replaces the existing Forms No, 20, 5-IF and 10-D. The claimants can apply for claim of Provident Fund, Insurance Fund and monthly pension through this single page composite claim form in case of death of a member.

Source: PIB

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GPF Withdrawals - Amendment orders issued on 7.3.2017

GPF Withdrawals - Amendment orders issued on 7.3.2017

Amendment to the provisions of General Provident Fund (Central Service )Rules 1960 - liberalization of provisions for withdrawals from the Fund by the subscribers - regarding.

No.3/2/2017-P&PW(F)(ii)
Ministry of Personnel, PG & Pensions
Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare
Desk-F

3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhavan,
Khan Market, New Delhi-11 0003

Dated the 7th March, 2017.

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Amendment to the provisions of General Provident Fund (Central Service) Rules 1960 - liberalization of provisions for withdrawals from the Fund by the subscribers - regarding.

The General Provident Fund (Central Service )Rules came into force in 1960 and Rule 15 of the said rules provide for withdrawals by the subscribers. Some amendments have been made from time to time to address the concerns raised by the subscribers. However, the provisions, largely remain restrictive. There is a felt need to liberalize provisions, raise limits and simplify the procedure.

2. The provisions in the rules have been reviewed and it has now been decided to permit withdrawals from the fund by the subscriber for the following purposes:

(i) Education - This will include primary, secondary and higher education, covering all streams and institutions,
(ii) Obligatory Expenses viz. betrothal, marriage, funerals, or other ceremonies of self or family members and dependants,
(iii) Illness of self, family members or dependants,
(iv) Purchase of consumer durables.

3. It has been decided to permit withdrawal of upto twelve months payor three-fourth of the amount standing at credit, whichever is less. For illness, the withdrawal may be allowed upto 90% of the amount standing at credit of the subscriber. A subscriber may seek withdrawal after completion of ten years of service.

(v) Housing including building or acquiring a suitable-house or a ready-built flat for his-residence,
(vi) Repayment of outstanding housing loan,
(vii) Purchase of house site for building a house,
(viii) Constructing a house on a site acquired,
(ix) Reconstructing or making additions on a house already acquired,
(x) Renovating, additions or alterations of ancestral house.

4. A subscriber may be allowed to withdraw upto ninety percent of the amount standing at credit for the above purposes. It is also decided do away with the present instructions which lay down that subsequent to the sale of house for which GPF withdrawal has been availed, the amount. withdrawn has to be deposited back. GPF withdrawal for housing purpose will no longer be linked with the limits prescribed under HBA rules. A subscriber may be permitted to avail the facility at any time during his service.

(xi) Purchase of motor car/motor cycle/ scooter etc. or repayment of loan already taken for the purpose,
(xii) Extensive repairs /overhauling of motor car,
(xiii)Making deposit to book a motor car/motor cycle/scoter, moped etc.

5. A subscriber may be permitted to withdraw three- fourth of the amount standing at credit or cost of the vehicle, whichever is less for the above purposes. Withdrawal for the above purpose will be permitted after completion of 10 years of service.

6. Presently, withdrawal of upto 90% of balance without assigning reasons is allowed for Government servants who are due for retirement on superannuation within a year. It is proposed that this may be allowed for upto two years before superannuation.

7. In all cases of withdrawal from the fund by the subscriber, the declared Head of Department is competent to sanction withdrawal. No documentary proof will be required to be furnished by the subscriber. A simple declaration form by the subscriber explaining the reasons for withdrawal would be sufficient.

8. As per the GPF(CS) Rule 1960, no time limit has been prescribed for sanction and payment of withdrawal amount. Therefore, it has been decided to prescribe a maximum time limit of fifteen days for sanction and payment of withdrawal from the Fund. In case of emergencies like illness etc., the time limit maybe restricted to seven days.

9. Necessary amendment to the GPF(Central Service)Rules 1960, giving effect to the above provisions will be issued in due course.

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

11. This issues with approval of Department of Expenditure, vide their ID No. 4(1 )/EV/2017 dated 28.02.2017.

12. Hindi version of this OM will follow

sd/-
(Sujasha Choudhu)
Director

Click to view the order
Authority: http://www.pensionersportal.gov.in/

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NFIR: Railway Board's order dated 30.1.2017 curbing workers rights.

NFIR: Railway Board's order dated 30.1.2017 curbing workers rights

No.IV/I/Pt.III

07.March, 2017

The General Secretaries of
Affiliated Unions of NFIR
Brother,

Subject: Railway Board's order dated 30.1.2017 curbing workers' rights.

In the DC/JCM meeting held on 7.3.2017, during Opening Address, both the Federations have taken a stand that the unconstitutional order dated 30.1.2017 preventing Safety (Supervisory) Staff from becoming Office bearers should be withdrawn by the Railway Board immediately to facilitate negotiations to resume.
The President, General Secretary, Working President etc. have conveyed their strong protest against the Board’s letter dated 30.1.2017.
The General Secretary/NFIR had stated that the Railway Board has betrayed the Federations and the Railway Board has equally failed on several counts on written commitments notably:

a) Replacement of GP 4600 with 4800
b) Upgradation from Gr.C to Gr.B (Gaz.)
c) Allotment of GP 4600 to Loco (Mail)
d) Stepping up of pay of Loco Inspectors inducted prior to 1.1.2006
e) Arbitrary reversal of various decisions given in the past (as a result of agreements with the Federations) and without caring to consult federations.
f) Track Maintainers upgradation (written commitment of Board)

In light of Railway Board's total failure, the Federation (NFIR) conveyed that it is not in a mood to participate in the negotiations of DC/JCM forum and at the same time demanded immediate withdrawal of Board's order dated 30.1.2017, if the Railway Board sincerely feels that industrial relations are required to be preserved.

With the above observations in the DC/JCM meeting, the leaders left the meeting place. Both the Federations have jointly walked away from the meeting.
Please convey to all employees the above development, as the Railway Board's order is a direct attack on the rights of workers, whether they are Supervisors or Non-Supervisors and it is a gross violation of Trade Union Act, ID Act etc.

Also convey the "Walk Out" decision of Federations to GMs, CPOs etc.

Yours fraternally,
sd/-
(Dr.M.Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source: NFIR

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