Revision of rates of honorarium, pension and contingency allowances under the Scheme of National Research Professorship with effect from 1.4.2009

               The Union Cabinet today approved the proposal of the Ministry of Human Resource Development for revision of rates of honorarium, pension and contingency allowances under the Scheme of National Research Professorship with effect from 1.4.2009.

 The revised rates are as follows :
(i) Rate of monthly honorarium for serving National Research Professors has been enhanced from Rs.25,000 to Rs.75,000 with effect from 1.4.2009;

(ii) Rate of monthly pension for Pensioners enhanced from Rs.9,000 to Rs.25,000 with effect from 1.4.2009;

(iii) Rate of annual contingency grant for serving National Research Professors has been enhanced from Rs.50,000 to 1,00,000 with effect from 1.4.2009;

(iv) Honorarium and pension will continue to be exempt from Income Tax under Section 10(17A) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

Background :
             Government of India had instituted the Scheme of National Research Professorship in 1949, to honour distinguished academics and scholars in recognition of their contribution to knowledge. Persons of real eminence who have attained the age of 65 years and who have made outstanding contribution in their respective fields and are still capable of productive research, are considered for appointment as National Research Professors. The appointment is made initially for a period of 5 years which is extendable by another term of five years. After completion of first term or the extended second term, a NRP is entitled to a life pension.

         In 1949, the rate of honorarium was Rs.2500 per month. The rates of honorarium and pension have been revised from time to time and at the time of last revision in 1998-99, the rate of honorarium was Rs.25,000 per month, the rate of pension was Rs.9,000 per month. The contingency grant was Rs.50,000/- per annum. Considering the rate of inflation and in view of the erosion of rupee value, the rates of honorarium/pension/contingency grant need upward revision.

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Revision of rates of honorarium under the Scheme of National Research Professorship

The Union Cabinet today approved the proposal of the Ministry of Human Resource Development for revision of rates of honorarium, pension and contingency allowances under the Scheme of National Research Professorship with effect from 1.4.2009.

The revised rates are as follows :

(i) Rate of monthly honorarium for serving National Research Professors has been enhanced from Rs.25,000 to Rs.75,000 with effect from 1.4.2009;
(ii) Rate of monthly pension for Pensioners enhanced from Rs.9,000 to Rs.25,000 with effect from 1.4.2009;
(iii) Rate of annual contingency grant for serving National Research Professors has been enhanced from Rs.50,000 to 1,00,000 with effect from 1.4.2009;
(iv) Honorarium and pension will continue to be exempt from Income Tax under Section 10(17A) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

Background :

Government of India had instituted the Scheme of National Research Professorship in 1949, to honour distinguished academics and scholars in recognition of their contribution to knowledge. Persons of real eminence who have attained the age of 65 years and who have made outstanding contribution in their respective fields and are still capable of productive research, are considered for appointment as National Research Professors. The appointment is made initially for a period of 5 years which is extendable by another term of five years. After completion of first term or the extended second term, a NRP is entitled to a life pension.

In 1949, the rate of honorarium was Rs.2500 per month. The rates of honorarium and pension have been revised from time to time and at the time of last revision in 1998-99, the rate of honorarium was Rs.25,000 per month, the rate of pension was Rs.9,000 per month. The contingency grant was Rs.50,000/- per annum. Considering the rate of inflation and in view of the erosion of rupee value, the rates of honorarium/pension/contingency grant need upward revision.

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Revision of the list of Scheduled Tribes in the States of Manipur & Arunahcal Pradesh

                       The Cabinet has today approved the proposal of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to introduce a Bill in Parliament for inclusion of six communities namely Inpui, Liangmai, Rongmei, Thangal, Zeme and Mate in the list of Scheduled Tribes in the State of Manipur by amending the existing entries at S.No. 8, 9 and 10 and by inserting a new entry (relating to “Mate”) at S.No. 34; and substitution of “Galo” in place of “Galong” at S.No.5 in the list of Scheduled Tribes in Arunachal Pradesh.


              This will fulfil the long term demand from these deserving communities for granting them Scheduled Tribes status in the state of Manipur.

              It will also fulfil a long term demand of “Galong” community notified as Scheduled Tribe in the State of Arunachal Pradesh for it’s substitution by “Galo” as the word “Galong” is merely a distorted version of the original word “Galo”.

             The proposed Bill will be placed before the Parliament. After passing of the Bill by the both Houses of the Parliament, the assent of the Hon’ble President of India will be obtained for notifying the changes.

              The persons belonging to Inpui, Liangmai, Rongmei, Thangal, Zeme and Mate will be eligible to get the Scheduled Tribes’ Certificates from the State Government of Manipur and will be eligible to enjoy all benefits meant for Scheduled Tribes in the State of Manipur.

           Further, the persons belonging to “Galong” community will get the revised Scheduled Tribe’s Certificates from the State Government of Arunachal Pradesh in the name of “Galo” and continue to get the benefits meant for Scheduled Tribes in the State of Arunachal Pradesh.

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All India Conference of CAT to discuss service laws

The All India Conference of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) will be held on November 1, 2009. Hon’ble Chief Justice of India, Shri K.G.Balakrishnan will inaugurate and deliver the keynote address. The Union Minister for Law & Justice, Dr. M.Veerappa Moily and the Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Shri Prithviraj Chavan will also address the Conference during the inaugural session.

Justice Shri V.K.Bali, Chairman CAT, several Judges of the Supreme Court, Attorney General, Solicitors General; the Chairmen, the Vice-Chairmen of CAT will be among those taking part in the Conference. Members from all the 66 Central Administrative Tribunals in the country and Members of the CAT Bar and the High Court Bar Association will also take part in the deliberations. The Conference is aimed at holding free and frank discussions on service laws and other issues that have a bearing on the functioning of CAT. The Conference will come out with its suggestions/decisions to improve the functioning of this institution so as to speed up administration of justice through the tribunals.

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All India Conference of CAT to discuss service laws

                              The All India Conference of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) will be held on November 1, 2009. Hon’ble Chief Justice of India, Shri K.G.Balakrishnan will inaugurate and deliver the keynote address. The Union Minister for Law & Justice, Dr. M.Veerappa Moily and the Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Shri Prithviraj Chavan will also address the Conference during the inaugural session.


                    Justice Shri V.K.Bali, Chairman CAT, several Judges of the Supreme Court, Attorney General, Solicitors General; the Chairmen, the Vice-Chairmen of CAT will be among those taking part in the Conference. Members from all the 66 Central Administrative Tribunals in the country and Members of the CAT Bar and the High Court Bar Association will also take part in the deliberations. The Conference is aimed at holding free and frank discussions on service laws and other issues that have a bearing on the functioning of CAT. The Conference will come out with its suggestions/decisions to improve the functioning of this institution so as to speed up administration of justice through the tribunals.

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43rd Session of the Standing Labour Committee to be held tomorrow

The 43rd Session of the Standing Labour Committee, an important organ of the Tripartite Consultative Machinery in the Ministry of Labour & Employment, is being held tomorrow.

The Committee which advises the Government in the evolution of principles and policies in the field of Labour, is meeting under the Chairmanship of the Union Minister of Labour & Employment Shri Mallikarjun Kharge. It will review the Action taken Report on the recommendations of previous Session of Indian Labour Conference which was held in February this year and will also set the agenda for the succeeding session of Indian Labour Conference.

The National Policy on HIV/AIDS in the World of Work will also be launched on the occasion. The policy aims at generating awareness about HIV/AIDS and to encourage action to prevent its spread. The policy also dwells upon the ways and means to further improve and develop the support and care initiatives at the workplace.

The meeting will be attended by senior representatives from Central Trade Union Organisations, Central Organisations of Employers, Ministers and senior officials from the States and also by the representatives from various Central Ministries and Departments.

The first session of the Standing Labour Committee was held in 1942 and since then the Committee has had 42 Sessions.

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43rd Session of the Standing Labour Committee to be held tomorrow

The 43rd Session of the Standing Labour Committee, an important organ of the Tripartite Consultative Machinery in the Ministry of Labour & Employment, is being held tomorrow.

The Committee which advises the Government in the evolution of principles and policies in the field of Labour, is meeting under the Chairmanship of the Union Minister of Labour & Employment Shri Mallikarjun Kharge. It will review the Action taken Report on the recommendations of previous Session of Indian Labour Conference which was held in February this year and will also set the agenda for the succeeding session of Indian Labour Conference.

The National Policy on HIV/AIDS in the World of Work will also be launched on the occasion. The policy aims at generating awareness about HIV/AIDS and to encourage action to prevent its spread. The policy also dwells upon the ways and means to further improve and develop the support and care initiatives at the workplace.

The meeting will be attended by senior representatives from Central Trade Union Organisations, Central Organisations of Employers, Ministers and senior officials from the States and also by the representatives from various Central Ministries and Departments.

The first session of the Standing Labour Committee was held in 1942 and since then the Committee has had 42 Sessions.

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Withdrawal of cases from prosecution under section 321 of Cr.P.C.,1973

No.333/9/2009-AVD-1I
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
(Department of Personnel and Training)
New Delhi, Dated 3rd October 2009

The undersigned is directed to say that as per the existing practice the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) approaches Department of Personnel and Training seeking permission to move the competent Court for withdrawal of cases from prosecution under section 321 of Cr.P.C., 1973.

2. Sanction of prosecution under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 in respect of a person who is employed in connection with the affairs of the Union and is not removable from his office save by or with the sanction of the Central Government, is accorded by an authority under whom he is employed or is under the administrative control of that authority. Since the sanction for prosecution by the competent authority is after satisfying itself regarding the misconduct of a person under PC Act, the natural conclusion would be that in case any prosecution is to be withdrawn in respect of such person in that case again the same competent authority may have to satisfy himself regarding the feasibility of withdrawing the prosecution against that person.

3. The matter was considered in this Department in consultation with the Ministry of Law and Justice, Department of Legal Affairs who have advised that the withdrawal of prosecution under section 321 of Cr.P.C. may be approved by such authority which has accorded the sanction for prosecution in respect of the person.

4. Accordingly, it has been decided that henceforth, all references seeking withdrawal of cases from prosecution under section 321 of Cr.P.C. against a person who is employed in connection with the affairs of the Union and is not removable from his office save by or with the sanction of the Central Government shall be addressed to the competent authority which accorded sanction of prosecution under PC Act, 1988.

(Manisha Saxena)
Deputy Secretary to the Government pf.lndla

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Use of own car/hired Taxi on LTC on account of physical handicap

F.No. 3101113 /2009- Estt.(A)
Government of IndiaMinistry of Personnel,
Public Grievances & Pension
Department of Personnel & Training.
New Delhi,the 28th October,2009.

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department's O.M. No. 3101114/2008- Estt.(A) dated 23.9.2008 in which it was stipulated that LTC facility shall be admissible only in respect of journeys performed in vehicles operated by the Government or any corporation in the public sector run by the Central or State Government or a local body.

2. Instances have come to notice where Government servants on account of physical handicap/disability of self or dependant family members are unable to perform the LTC journey by the authorized modes of transport and are compelled to undertake the journey by own car or private taxi. Representations are being received to allow reimbursement in such cases. Matter has been examined in consultation with the Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure and it has been decided in relaxation of LTC Rules to authorize the Head of Department to allow use of own/hired taxi for LTC journey on account of disability of the Government servant or dependent family member after obtaining following papers/conditions to avoid misuse of such relaxation:-

(i) Medical Certificate from competent authority.
(ii) Undertaking from Government servant that journey in authorized mode is not feasible and he actually travelled by own car/hired taxi.
(iii) such claim should not be more than journey performed by the entitled class by rail/air by the shortest route. ,

Under Secretary to the Govt. of India
Tel: 2309 2313

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Use of own car/hired Taxi on LTC on account of physical handicap

F.No. 3101113 /2009- Estt.(A)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pension
Department of Personnel & Training.
New Delhi,the 28th October,2009.

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department's O.M. No. 3101114/2008- Estt.(A) dated 23.9.2008 in which it was stipulated that LTC facility shall be admissible only in respect of journeys performed in vehicles operated by the Government or any corporation in the public sector run by the Central or State Government or a local body.

2. Instances have come to notice where Government servants on account of physical handicap/disability of self or dependant family members are unable to perform the LTC journey by the authorized modes of transport and are compelled to undertake the journey by own car or private taxi. Representations are being received to allow reimbursement in such cases. Matter has been examined in consultation with the Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure and it has been decided in relaxation of LTC Rules to authorize the Head of Department to allow use of own/hired taxi for LTC journey on account of disability of the Government servant or dependent family member after obtaining following papers/conditions to avoid misuse of such relaxation:-

(i) Medical Certificate from competent authority.
(ii) Undertaking from Government servant that journey in authorized mode is not feasible and he actually travelled by own car/hired taxi.
(iii) such claim should not be more than journey performed by the entitled class by rail/air by the shortest route. ,

Under Secretary to the Govt. of India
Tel: 2309 2313

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Withdrawal of cases from prosecution under Section 321 of Cr.P.C.,1973

No.333/9/2009-AVD-1I

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions

(Department of Personnel and Training)

New Delhi, Dated 3rd October 2009

The undersigned is directed to say that as per the existing practice the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) approaches Department of Personnel and Training seeking permission to move the competent Court for withdrawal of cases from prosecution under section 321 of Cr.P.C., 1973.

2. Sanction of prosecution under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 in respect of a person who is employed in connection with the affairs of the Union and is not removable from his office save by or with the sanction of the Central Government, is accorded by an authority under whom he is employed or is under the administrative control of that authority. Since the sanction for prosecution by the competent authority is after satisfying itself regarding the misconduct of a person under PC Act, the natural conclusion would be that in case any prosecution is to be withdrawn in respect of such person in that case again the same competent authority may have to satisfy himself regarding the feasibility of withdrawing the prosecution against that person.

3. The matter was considered in this Department in consultation with the Ministry of Law and Justice, Department of Legal Affairs who have advised that the withdrawal of prosecution under section 321 of Cr.P.C. may be approved by such authority which has accorded the sanction for prosecution in respect of the person.

4. Accordingly, it has been decided that henceforth, all references seeking withdrawal of cases from prosecution under section 321 of Cr.P.C. against a person who is employed in connection with the affairs of the Union and is not removable from his office save by or with the sanction of the Central Government shall be addressed to the competent authority which accorded sanction of prosecution under PC Act, 1988.

(Manisha Saxena)
Deputy Secretary to the Government pf.lndla

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Kerala Govt stops outsourcing question papers

              Amid controversies over question papers set by pro-Left academic councils of teachers' unions for mid-term exams of higher secondary classes, Kerala government today decided to end the practice of outsourcing.


       The Directorate of Higher Secondary itself would prepare question papers for such examinations, Education Minister M A Baby said here, referring to charges that the question papers contained "politically biased" questions.

                Recently, the English paper for plus-two carried a question asking students to write a critical letter to the editor of a Malayalam daily on "undue" coverage given by media to the death of Congress leader Mercy Ravi, wife of Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi.

                In another case, pro-left Kerala State Teachers Association (KSTA) had withdrawn a political science question paper which contained questions allegedly loaded against Congress.

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Army to equip its SF with GPS wrist watches in J-K

Army is all set to equip its special forces with Global Positioning System (GPS) wrist watches to help them in operations against militants in Jammu and Kashmir.

With the aim of giving special forces a technological edge over militants, Northern command headquarters had recently floated tenders for the purchase of high-tech multi-utility GPS wrist watches, defence sources said.

In the first phase, 120 such GPS watches would be procured for special forces and sealed bids - both technical and commercial have been invited from the bidders in this regard.

Dozens of GPS devices have been recovered from infiltrating militants during encounters along the Line of Control (LoC) during the past year, they said."Militants are frequently using GPS devices for infiltration and reaching their guides along LoC. The watches are used by militants for navigation", the sources said.

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Majority of Indians favour ban on smoking

A year after the ban on smoking in public places came in force, a study has found that an overwhelming majority of Indians favour the regulations prohibiting smoking at workplaces and public arenas.

More than nine out of 10 Indians surveyed in four cities favour the regulations prohibiting smoking in public places.

Support for regulations to ensure the ban is also strong in each city, with a large majority of those interviewed in Delhi (90 per cent), Mumbai (98 per cent), Chennai (92 per cent) and Kolkata (93 per cent) favouring it.

Citizens in the four major metros also understand that second hand smoke is a serious risk to people's health.Ninety-two per cent believe exposure to second hand smoke is a serious health hazard for the non-smoker.

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Majority of Indians favour ban on smoking

A year after the ban on smoking in public places came in force, a study has found that an overwhelming majority of Indians favour the regulations prohibiting smoking at workplaces and public arenas.

More than nine out of 10 Indians surveyed in four cities favour the regulations prohibiting smoking in public places.

Support for regulations to ensure the ban is also strong in each city, with a large majority of those interviewed in Delhi (90 per cent), Mumbai (98 per cent), Chennai (92 per cent) and Kolkata (93 per cent) favouring it.

Citizens in the four major metros also understand that second hand smoke is a serious risk to people's health.Ninety-two per cent believe exposure to second hand smoke is a serious health hazard for the non-smoker.

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Army to equip its SF with GPS wrist watches in J-K

Army is all set to equip its special forces with Global Positioning System (GPS) wrist watches to help them in operations against militants in Jammu and Kashmir.

With the aim of giving special forces a technological edge over militants, Northern command headquarters had recently floated tenders for the purchase of high-tech multi-utility GPS wrist watches, defence sources said.

In the first phase, 120 such GPS watches would be procured for special forces and sealed bids - both technical and commercial have been invited from the bidders in this regard.

Dozens of GPS devices have been recovered from infiltrating militants during encounters along the Line of Control (LoC) during the past year, they said."Militants are frequently using GPS devices for infiltration and reaching their guides along LoC. The watches are used by militants for navigation", the sources said.

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HC issues notice to Centre on reservation policy

The Rajasthan High Court today issued notice to the Centre and the state government on a petition challenging the 109th Constitutional amendment extending the reservation policy by another ten years.

The order was passed by a division bench comprising Justices R C Gandhi and G S Saraf on the petition filed by a social activist, Amarnath Vaishya.

According to the counsel for the petitioner, Aruneshwar Gupta, the amendment providing reservation to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes had "miserably failed" in uplifting them in the last 60 years."There has been no utility of reservation in the last 60 years.

It is useless to extend the reservation policy for next 10 years, which is to commence from January 10, 2010, in educational as well as service sectors," he said.He alleged that the policy had also created caste conflict.
source:PTI

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HC issues notice to Centre on Reservation policy

        The Rajasthan High Court today issued notice to the Centre and the state government on a petition challenging the 109th Constitutional amendment extending the reservation policy by another ten years.


           The order was passed by a division bench comprising Justices R C Gandhi and G S Saraf on the petition filed by a social activist, Amarnath Vaishya.

               According to the counsel for the petitioner, Aruneshwar Gupta, the amendment providing reservation to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes had "miserably failed" in uplifting them in the last 60 years.

          "There has been no utility of reservation in the last 60 years. It is useless to extend the reservation policy for next 10 years, which is to commence from January 10, 2010, in educational as well as service sectors," he said.

         He alleged that the policy had also created caste conflict.
source:PTI

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Centre favours UP police recruitment policy for states

              They may be at loggerheads over various reasons, but when it comes to police recruitment the Centre vows by the policy of the Uttar Pradesh government.

        This was disclosed at the meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs, where the Centre has strongly recommended the UP model for police recruitment for the states to follow.

          The UP model is technologically driven and does away with the discretionary powers in recruitment of police personnel, the Parliamentary panel was told today when it deliberated on the National Police Mission.

                 The UP Police also follows a rating system to evaluate aspirant policemen, which found favour with the Centre.

                   The recruitment policy was drafted by an IPS officer of the UP cadre under the National Police Mission as part of efforts to bring transparency to the process.

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Trade unions to protest before Delhi CM on Wednesday

             Protesting the alleged "anti-labour policies" of the Centre and the Delhi Government, the joint action committee of central trade unions today decided to protest in front of Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit's office here on Wednesday.

             Office bearers of the committee claimed that despite making representations to Dikshit about various problems of workers in the unorganised sector, "no steps have been taken to alleviate their sufferings".
         "We had asked the Delhi Government to implement various labour laws effectively, but nothing has happened as yet," Harbhajan Singh Sidhu, general secretary of Hind Mazdoor Sabha (Delhi State), said.

               Talking to reporters, he alleged that Government officials are also showing reluctance in implementation of the labour laws.

          "Officials are saying we cannot force employers to get their units registered which could have enabled the employees enjoy labour rights," Sidhu said.
source:pti

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Grant of. Dearness Relief to Central Government pensioners who are in receipt of Provisional Pension or pension in the pre revised scales of 5th CPC

F. No. 42/12/2009-P&PW(G)


Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare
3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhavan
Khan Market, New Delhi
Date .22nd October, 2009

Subject: Grant of. Dearness Relief to Central Government pensioners who are in receipt of Provisional Pension  or pension in the pre revised scales of 5th CPC - w.e.f. 1.7.2008 and 1.1.2009.

           In continuation to this Department's OMs No. 42/2/2008-P&PW(G) dated 12th September, 2008 and 25th September, 2008 sanctioning the installment of DR admissible from 1.7.2008 and this Department's OM No. 42/12/2009-P&PW(G) dated 27th March, 2009 sanctioning the installment of
DR admissible w.e.f. 1.1.2009 the undersigned is directed to say that the President is pleased to grant the DR to those Central Government pensioners who are in receipt of Provisional Pension or pension in the pre-revised scales of 5th CPC at the rate of 54% w.e.f. 1.7.2008 and @ 64% w.e.f. 1.1.2009.

2. The other terms and conditions of this Department's OM dated 12.9.2008 and 27.3.2009 remain unchanged.

3. In their application to pensioners/family pensioners belonging to Indian Audit & Accounts Department, these orders are issued in consultation With C&AG.

4. This issues with the concurrence of Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure vide their UO No. 350/EV/09 dated 12.10.2009

( Raj Singh)
Director (PW)

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Fixation of pay in case of employees who seek transfer to a lower post

F.No. 13/9/2009-Estt (Pay-I)

Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training
Estt (Pay-I) Section
North Block,
New Delhi, dated the 21st October, 2009
21-10-2009

Subject: Fixation of pay in case of employees who seek transfer to a lower post under FR 15(a) - clarification regarding.

The undersigned is directed to refer to instructions issued vide this Department's OM NO. 16/6/2001-Estt (Pay-I) dated 14.2.2006 on the above subject. It was clarified therein that on transfer to the lower post/scale under FR 15(a), the pay of a Government servant holding a post on regular basis will be fixed at a stage equal to the pay drawn by him in the higher grade. If no such stage is available, the pay will be fixed at the stage next below the pay drawn by him in the higher post and the difference may be granted as personal pay to be absorbed in future increments. If the maximum of the pay sc~le of the lower post is less than the pay drawn by him in the higher post, his pay may be restricted to the maximum under FR 22(a)(a)(3).

2. Consequent upon implementation of the revised pay structure comprising grade pays and running Pay Bands, w.e.f. 1.1.2006 in cases of appointment of Government servants to posts carrying lower Grade Pay under FR 15(a) on their own request, the pay in the pay band of the Government servant will be fixed at a stage equal to the pay in the pay band drawn by him prior to his appointment against the lower post. However, he will be granted grade pay of lower post. Further, in all cases, he will continue to draw his increments based on his pay in the pay band +grade pay (lower).

3. Where transfer to a lower post is made subject to certain terms and conditions then the pay may be fixed according to such terms and conditions.

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

5.This order takes effect from 1-1-2006.

(B.K. Mukhopadhyay)
Director (Pay)

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Grant of. Dearness Relief to Central Government pensioners those who are in 5th CPC

F. No. 42/12/2009-P&PW(G)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare
3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhavan
Khan Market, New Delhi
Date .22nd October, 2009


Subject: Grant of. Dearness Relief to Central Government
pensioners who are in receipt of Provisional Pension or
pension in the pre revised scales of 5th CPC - w.e.f.
1.7.2008 and 1.1.2009.

In continuation to this Department's OMs No. 42/2/2008-P&PW(G)
dated 12th September, 2008 and 25th September, 2008 sanctioning the
installment of DR admissible from 1.7.2008 and this Department's OM No.
42/12/2009-P&PW(G) dated 27th March, 2009 sanctioning the installment of
DR admissible w.e.f. 1.1.2009 the undersigned is directed to say that the
President is pleased to grant the DR to those Central Government pensioners
who are in receipt of Provisional Pension or pension in the pre-revised scales
of 5th CPC at the rate of 54% w.e.f. 1.7.2008 and @ 64% w.e.f. 1.1.2009.

2. The other terms and conditions of this Department's OM dated
12.9.2008 and 27.3.2009 remain unchanged.

3. In their application to pensioners/family pensioners belonging to
Indian Audit & Accounts Department, these orders are issued in consultation
With C&AG.

4. This issues with the concurrence of Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure vide their UO No. 350/EV/09 dated 12.10.2009
( Raj Singh)
Director (PW)

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Fixation of pay in case of employees who seek transfer to a lower post

F.No. 13/9/2009-Estt (Pay-I)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training
Estt (Pay-I) Section
North Block,
New Delhi, dated the 21st October, 2009

21-10-2009

Subject: Fixation of pay in case of employees who seek transfer to a lower post under FR
15(a) - clarification regarding.

The undersigned is directed to refer to instructions issued vide this Department's OM
NO. 16/6/2001-Estt (Pay-I) dated 14.2.2006 on the above subject. It was clarified therein that on transfer to the lower post/scale under FR 15(a), the pay of a Government servant holding a post on regular basis will be fixed at a stage equal to the pay drawn by him in the higher grade. If no such stage is available, the pay will be fixed at the stage next below the pay drawn by him in the higher post and the difference may be granted as personal pay to be absorbed in future increments. If the maximum of the pay sc~le of the lower post is less than the pay drawn by him in the higher post, his pay may be restricted to the maximum under FR 22(a)(a)(3).

2. Consequent upon implementation of the revised pay structure comprising grade pays
and running Pay Bands, w.e.f. 1.1.2006 in cases of appointment of Government servants to posts carrying lower Grade Pay under FR 15(a) on their own request, the pay in the pay band of the Government servant will be fixed at a stage equal to the pay in the pay band drawn by him prior to his appointment against the lower post. However, he will be granted grade pay of lower post. Further, in all cases, he will continue to draw his increments based on his pay in the pay band +grade pay (lower).

3. Where transfer to a lower post is made subject to certain terms and conditions then
the pay may be fixed according to such terms and conditions.

4. In so far as persons serving in the Indian Audit & Accounts Department are
concerned, these orders issue after consultation with the Comptroller & Auditor General of India.
5.This order takes effect from 1-1-2006.
(B.K. Mukhopadhyay)
Director (Pay)

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IIT-JEE criteria to be tough from next year

                   The eligibility criteria of 60 per cent marks in class-XII for appearing in IIT Joint Entrance Examination will be raised from next year to make students pay more attention to the board exam.


                In a significant move to check the growth of coaching centres, which are thriving on imparting coaching to students for IIT-JEE, the government today decided to change the criteria, so that students' attention will be more focused on the board exam at Class-XII.

        "The present criteria is that students need to secure 60 per cent at class-XII for appearing in IIT-JEE. This is not acceptable. The minimum marks required for IIT-JEE could be raised up to 80 to 85 per cent," HRD Minister Kapil Sibal told reporters after the meeting of the IIT Council, the apex decision making body for the elite institutes, here.

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Pay hike hope for tea garden employees in Assam

                The Sixth Pay Commission report for a revised payscale for state government employees has come as a boost for the 15,000-strong staff members engaged with various tea companies in Assam.


                 The employees, under the banner of Asam Chah Karmachari Sangha (ACKS), have been demanding a 100 per cent hike in pay.

               The group has already held a series of meetings with the Assam Valley Branch of the Consultative Committee of Planters’ Associations (CCPA) in this regard. The next meeting is scheduled on October 23 at Dibrugarh

.                   The members of the CCPA include Assam Branch of the Indian Tea Association, Tea Association of India, Assam Tea Planters Association, Bharatiya Chah Parishad and North East Tea Association.

            The tea garden staff members were supposed to get a revised pay scale on January 1. There is a revision of pay every three years for tea garden staff and the last revision expired on December 31, 2008.

          An industry source, however, said it would not be possible for the industry to accept the 100 per cent pay hike demand for the staff members since they get other benefits unlike the state government employees.

“The staff members are paid weekly ration, free medical, housing and other benefits. A tea garden staff employee is much more comfortably placed than a state government employee if one goes by these extra benefits they get,” an official of the Assam Branch of the Indian Tea Association said.

source:The Telegraph

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Army gets New World Class Dental centre at Delhi

                          Army Dental Corps has been making the Indian Army biting fit since 1941 since it came into existence. The AD Corps has special inspection and treatment procedures for the armed forces soldiers that they inspect each and every soldier once a year and provide him necessary Dental treatment to make him Dentally fit. Army has established a world class state of the art Army Dental Centre (Research & Referral) at Delhi Cantt. The dental centre will cater for the dependent clientele for all treatments needs from routine dental treatment to Orhtognathic surgery, dental implant, maxillofacial silicon prosthesis to indigenous cast titanium implants for traumatic battle casualties with loss of orofacial structures. The centre has independent cone beam computerized tomography, Titanium casting, laser welder and contemporary dental laboratory for metal, metal ceramic and all ceramic restorations.

               The Army Dental Centre (R&R) has been developed to cater to Post graduate training in various disciplines of Dental sciences, training for Dental auxiliary staff and to conduct world class research. It was conceived as an apex facility for Dental, Oral and Maxillofacial care in the country. The infrastructure houses contemporary surgeries and research facilities.

             The facility is one of the most modern and is designed as a compact G+2 structure with amalgamation of modern architecture with traditional aesthetics. It has Compact triple winged structure with contemporary architecture with three pointed star wings merging in the esthetically decorated central lobbies. It consists of latest hospital management services like CCTV, wireless LAN system, cable TV, PA system, nurse/patient call system, UPS backup power supply. The building is centrally air-conditioned both for summer and winter season with adequate measures for fire protection and alarm system. The facility has its own well equipped library with latest journals, museum, auditorium and contemporary hospital management gadgets. The hospital area has been beautifully landscaped to make it environmentally friendly.

              Director General Dental Services Lt Gen SB Sehajpal, AVSM, VSM in his welcome address reiterated that Army Dental Corps is committed towards clientele satisfaction and providing best possible dental treatment equivalent to anywhere in the world. The new complex will help the Corps towards its goal of making the Indian army biting fit.

             Chief of Army Staff and Chairman Chief of Staff Committee Gen Deepak Kapoor, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, ADC while inaugurating the new building, said, that the army has taken the lead in establishing and developing a dental treatment centre with vision for next two decades. Mrs Kirti Kapoor, President AWWA also graced the occasion and appreciated state of art equipments new building of the Dental Centre .
source:pib

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IIT-JEE criteria to be tough from next year

The eligibility criteria of 60 per cent marks in class-XII for appearing in IIT Joint Entrance Examination will be raised from next year to make students pay more attention to the board exam.

In a significant move to check the growth of coaching centres, which are thriving on imparting coaching to students for IIT-JEE, the government today decided to change the criteria, so that students' attention will be more focused on the board exam at Class-XII.

"The present criteria is that students need to secure 60 per cent at class-XII for appearing in IIT-JEE. This is not acceptable. The minimum marks required for IIT-JEE could be raised up to 80 to 85 per cent," HRD Minister Kapil Sibal told reporters after the meeting of the IIT Council, the apex decision making body for the elite institutes, here.
source:PTI

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Army gets New World Class Dental centre at Delhi

Army Dental Corps has been making the Indian Army biting fit since 1941 since it came into existence. The AD Corps has special inspection and treatment procedures for the armed forces soldiers that they inspect each and every soldier once a year and provide him necessary Dental treatment to make him Dentally fit. Army has established a world class state of the art Army Dental Centre (Research & Referral) at Delhi Cantt. The dental centre will cater for the dependent clientele for all treatments needs from routine dental treatment to Orhtognathic surgery, dental implant, maxillofacial silicon prosthesis to indigenous cast titanium implants for traumatic battle casualties with loss of orofacial structures. The centre has independent cone beam computerized tomography, Titanium casting, laser welder and contemporary dental laboratory for metal, metal ceramic and all ceramic restorations.

The Army Dental Centre (R&R) has been developed to cater to Post graduate training in various disciplines of Dental sciences, training for Dental auxiliary staff and to conduct world class research. It was conceived as an apex facility for Dental, Oral and Maxillofacial care in the country. The infrastructure houses contemporary surgeries and research facilities.

The facility is one of the most modern and is designed as a compact G+2 structure with amalgamation of modern architecture with traditional aesthetics. It has Compact triple winged structure with contemporary architecture with three pointed star wings merging in the esthetically decorated central lobbies. It consists of latest hospital management services like CCTV, wireless LAN system, cable TV, PA system, nurse/patient call system, UPS backup power supply. The building is centrally air-conditioned both for summer and winter season with adequate measures for fire protection and alarm system. The facility has its own well equipped library with latest journals, museum, auditorium and contemporary hospital management gadgets. The hospital area has been beautifully landscaped to make it environmentally friendly.

Director General Dental Services Lt Gen SB Sehajpal, AVSM, VSM in his welcome address reiterated that Army Dental Corps is committed towards clientele satisfaction and providing best possible dental treatment equivalent to anywhere in the world. The new complex will help the Corps towards its goal of making the Indian army biting fit.

Chief of Army Staff and Chairman Chief of Staff Committee Gen Deepak Kapoor, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, ADC while inaugurating the new building, said, that the army has taken the lead in establishing and developing a dental treatment centre with vision for next two decades. Mrs Kirti Kapoor, President AWWA also graced the occasion and appreciated state of art equipments new building of the Dental Centre .
source:PIB

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Poll postings: no respite for women officers

               Although Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Navin Chawla had announced that women officers would be exempted from postings outside their home constituencies, the directive has not been followed in Pune. With many women officers getting their marching orders to other Lok Sabha constituencies, the randomisation method has been continued in spite of the order from the election commission.


             Reason? With no randomisation there were certain booths where only women officers were posted and the election department decided to review the situation. " We had to follow the randomization method to evenly distribute the staff,''said Anil Pawar, deputy resident collector.

                        The assembly election will see 31,000 government employees being posted for the 6,692 polling booths in the district. Of this 11,000 are women employees and almost all of them have been assigned duty outside their constituencies and even in remote areas. A women employee from Central Water and Power Research Station (CWRPS) said that she was expecting the Khadakwasla constituency and instead had been assigned to a remote area in Bhor. Then there are others who have got remote areas in Velhe and even in Solapur.

              "We are very upset that they are not following the election commission's rules. We are supposed to report three days in advance and these remote areas have no facilities,'' she said.

              Pawar however said that he is talking to all the electoral registration officers to make sure that all women employees are taken care of and all facilities are provided for their stay. This time many teachers have been exempted from poll duty.

              In the Lok Sabha elections nearly 17,000 of the total 32,000 officers were women employees which included a large number of teachers. Now with the order already issued the women said that they have no other alternative.

         "We are hoping that the election department has made enough arrangements,'' said an employee from a government establishment.

          Pawar maintained that while most women staff have been accommodated in their respective Lok Sabha constituency, a few had to be transferred outside. "We will ensure that they have good residential and toilet facilities,'' he said.
source:YahooNews

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Poll postings: no respite for women officers

Although Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Navin Chawla had announced that women officers would be exempted from postings outside their home constituencies, the directive has not been followed in Pune. With many women officers getting their marching orders to other Lok Sabha constituencies, the randomisation method has been continued in spite of the order from the election commission.
Reason? With no randomisation there were certain booths where only women officers were posted and the election department decided to review the situation. " We had to follow the randomization method to evenly distribute the staff,''said Anil Pawar, deputy resident collector.
The assembly election will see 31,000 government employees being posted for the 6,692 polling booths in the district. Of this 11,000 are women employees and almost all of them have been assigned duty outside their constituencies and even in remote areas. A women employee from Central Water and Power Research Station (CWRPS) said that she was expecting the Khadakwasla constituency and instead had been assigned to a remote area in Bhor. Then there are others who have got remote areas in Velhe and even in Solapur.
"We are very upset that they are not following the election commission's rules. We are supposed to report three days in advance and these remote areas have no facilities,'' she said.
Pawar however said that he is talking to all the electoral registration officers to make sure that all women employees are taken care of and all facilities are provided for their stay. This time many teachers have been exempted from poll duty.
In the Lok Sabha elections nearly 17,000 of the total 32,000 officers were women employees which included a large number of teachers. Now with the order already issued the women said that they have no other alternative.
"We are hoping that the election department has made enough arrangements,'' said an employee from a government establishment.
Pawar maintained that while most women staff have been accommodated in their respective Lok Sabha constituency, a few had to be transferred outside. "We will ensure that they have good residential and toilet facilities,'' he said.
source:YahooNews

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PAY REVISION FOR TEACHING STAFF OF COLLAGES

Ministry of Human Resource Development , Department of Higher education issued order regarding revision of pay for teachers of degree level Engineering collages and other degree level technical lnstitutlons lncludlng Architecture, Town Planning, Pharmacy and Applied Arts and Crafts Instltutlons etc, following the revision of pay of Central government employees on the recommendations of Sixth Central Pay Cornmission.

N0.23-1/2008-TS.11
Government of India
Ministry of Human Resource Development
Department of Higher Education
Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi.
Dated the 7thOctober, 2009.

The Secretaries deailng with Technical Education of All StatesIUnion Territorles.

Subject:- Revision of pay of teachers in degree level Engineering colleges and other degree level technical lnstitutions including Architecture, Town Planning, Pharmacy and Applied Arts and Crafts Institutions etc. following the revision of pay of Central government employees on
the recommendations of Sixth Central Pay Commission.

Sir,

I am directed to say that in fulfillment of the constitutional responsibility for coordination, determination and maintenance of standards in Higher and Technical education of the Central Government have taken several measures from time to time. Following the revision of pay of Central Government employees on the recommendations of the 61h Central Pay Commission, the Central Government has revised the pay of teacher in the UGC system as per this Ministry's letter No.1-3212006-U.II/U.I(l), dated 31.12.2008(copy enclosed). It has been decided to offer partial financial assistance to those State Governments who wish to adopt and implement the revised pay, at par with the UGC scales of pay, for the teachers in Degree.level Technical Institutions in the States, subject to the following terms and conditions:-

(i) The financial assistance will be limited oniy for the State/ State aided institutions where 100% maintenance grant is being met by the State Government;

(ii) The Central Government will provide financial assistance to the States which have opted for the revised pay to the extent of 8090 (eighty percent) of the additional expenditure involved for implementation of the pay revision, at par with revised pay of teachers etc. of UGC institutions, for the period from 1.1.2006 to 31.3.2010:

(iil) The respective State Governments should meet the balance 20% (twenty percent) requirement of expenditure for implementing the pay revision of teachers etc. of degree level technical institutes in the States during the period from 1.1.2006to 31.3.2010 from their own sources in addition to meeting the entire liability as on 31.12.2005.

(iv) The entire liability on account of the revised pay of teachers etc, of degree level technical institutes in the States would be taken over by the respective State Governments w.e.f. 1.4.2010.

(v) The Central Government assistance will be restricted to revision of pay (and not for any other allowances) In respect of only those posts which were in existence and had been filled up as on 1.1.2006.

(vi) The Central Financial Assistance shall be limited to the revised pay as approved by the Central Government under the scheme and not for any higher pay as may be given by the respective State Government.

(vll) The Central financial assistance will be subject to the condition that the entire scheme of revision of pay as well as the conditions to be laid down in this regard by AlCTE by way of regulation is implemented by the respective State Government as a composite package.

2. The detailed proposal for implementation of the Scheme on the lines indicated above may kindly be formulated immediately and sent to the Ministry of Human Resource Development (Department of Higher Education) for examination so that Central assistance to the extent Indicated above can be sanctioned for the Implementation of revised scales of pay. A format is enclosed for providing information to the Ministry.

3. The receipt of this letter may kindly be acknowledged.

(Pratima Dikshit)
Director

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Doctors' strike enters fifth day in Jammu

            Health services remained paralysed in the district as the indefinite strike by government doctors, demanding revision in their pay packages, entered the fifth consecutive day today.

          Work was badly affected in Government Medical College (GMC) and several hospitals in Jammu due to the strike.
          Emergency services, however, were being run by senior doctors.

                    The doctors held demonstrations and organised a rally within the complex of GMC hospital and several leaders addressed the medicos and demanded immediate fulfilment of their demands.

         The strike has affected the health care services in Primary Health Centres hospitals at Samba, Rajouri, Ramban, Poonch, Udhampur, Kathua, Billawar, Basholi, Bhaderwah, Doda, Kishtwar and Batote of Jammu region.
             At the government medical college, some patients and their relatives held demonstrations demanding immediate medicare facilities and urged the government to fulfil the demands of the doctors.

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Work at UCIL hit for second day in Jharkhand

          Work at Uranium Corporation of India Limited's (UCIL) mines in Jharkhand was hit for the second consecutive day today as its workers kept away in response to the indefinite strike call by labour unions to press for wage revision
          About 4300 workers of UCIL's mines at Jadugora, Turamdih, Nrwapahar, Bhatin, Bahjata and Mahuldih did not report for duty, Rajaram Singh, general secretary of Uranium Kamgar Union (UKU), affiliated to Indian Federation of Trade Union, said.

                 Four labour unions - INTUC-affiliated Jadugora Labour Union Indian Federation, Uranium Mazdoor Sangh and Singhbhum Uranium Mazdoor Union (SUMU), besides UKU launched the strike to press for the wage revision due since April last year, official sources said.

            Singh said the UCIL workers are demanding 27 per cent guaranteed benefit in the wages and two increments as the issue is pending since April 1.

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Punjab police To Train Girls for Security Agencies

Encouraged by recent deployment of women by Border Security Force (BSF), the Punjab Police has chalked out a special programme to train girls for employment in various security agencies.

An official spokesman today said DGP P S Gill had issued guidelines to provide equitable opportunities and professional training to women, in the forces to make them employable in various security services including police and para-military forces.

The DGP felt that there was an increasing demand for women recruits amongst the security agencies for deploying them as guards at various establishments including airports, hospitals and private educational institutions, and these agencies were not finding enough trained employable women.

The spokesman said the DGP had asked Punjab Security Training Institute (PSTI) operating from the complex of Police Recruitment Training Centre, Jehan Khelan (Hoshiarpur) to immediately come out with a course for women candidates.

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Utherkhand Roadways Employees to go on Strike from Oct-16

                Alleging that the Uttarakhand government is not accepting their demand of extending benefits of sixth pay commission, state Roadways employees today threatened to go on strike from 16th of this month.


               Secretary of State Roadways Employees Morcha Vijay Kumar said that roadways employees are being denied the benefits of sixth pay commission, despite its recommendations already implemented for other government employees.

             Kumar said that the employees would take mass leave on October 14 and 15 and go on strike from October 16 in support of their demands.

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Reinstated government servants entitled to back wages: High Court

             Government servants suspended or dismissed from service on being convicted in criminal cases and subsequently reinstated following their acquittal by a higher judicial forum are entitled to arrears of pay and allowances for the period of their absence from duty, the Madras High Court has held.


        A Division Bench of Justice Chitra Venkataraman and Justice M. Duraiswamy came to the conclusion on the basis of Fundamental Rules governing certain service conditions of government employees. The judgement was passed while allowing a writ appeal filed in the

 Madurai Bench by a Village Administrative Officer (VAO) from Tiruchi.

               The writ appeal was directed against a portion of an order passed by a single judge of the High Court on February 1, 2008. Disposing of a writ petition, the Judge had directed the authority concerned to reinstate the VAO in service following his acquittal from corruption charges but refused to order payment of back wages.
            Differing with the view taken by him, the Division Bench said that Rule 54 (2) of the Fundamental Rules stipulates disbursement of pay and allowances to a government servant who had been exonerated of charges levelled against him. The period of suspension, removal or compulsory retirement should be treated as period spent on duty.

          In the present case, the appellant V. Pitchai said that he joined government service as a VAO in 1984. The Tiruchi Revenue Divisional Officer suspended him in 1999 following the registration of a corruption case by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption sleuths. But no disciplinary proceedings were initiated against him.

            On conclusion of trial, the Tiruchi Chief Judicial Magistrate convicted him in the corruption case on October 14, 2004. The judgement was taken on appeal before the High Court. Pending adjudication of the appeal, the RDO passed an order on November 16, 2004 dismissing the VAO from service.

        The High Court on September 27, 2007 reversed the conviction and exonerated the appellant of all charges. But, a month later, the RDO rejected the appellant’s plea to reinstate him in service on the strength of the acquittal order and hence the writ petition and the present writ appeal.

source:The Hindu

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Reinstated government servants entitled to back wages: High Court

Government servants suspended or dismissed from service on being convicted in criminal cases and subsequently reinstated following their acquittal by a higher judicial forum are entitled to arrears of pay and allowances for the period of their absence from duty, the Madras High Court has held.
A Division Bench of Justice Chitra Venkataraman and Justice M. Duraiswamy came to the conclusion on the basis of Fundamental Rules governing certain service conditions of government employees. The judgement was passed while allowing a writ appeal filed in the
Madurai Bench by a Village Administrative Officer (VAO) from Tiruchi.
The writ appeal was directed against a portion of an order passed by a single judge of the High Court on February 1, 2008. Disposing of a writ petition, the Judge had directed the authority concerned to reinstate the VAO in service following his acquittal from corruption charges but refused to order payment of back wages.
Differing with the view taken by him, the Division Bench said that Rule 54 (2) of the Fundamental Rules stipulates disbursement of pay and allowances to a government servant who had been exonerated of charges levelled against him. The period of suspension, removal or compulsory retirement should be treated as period spent on duty.
In the present case, the appellant V. Pitchai said that he joined government service as a VAO in 1984. The Tiruchi Revenue Divisional Officer suspended him in 1999 following the registration of a corruption case by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption sleuths. But no disciplinary proceedings were initiated against him.
On conclusion of trial, the Tiruchi Chief Judicial Magistrate convicted him in the corruption case on October 14, 2004. The judgement was taken on appeal before the High Court. Pending adjudication of the appeal, the RDO passed an order on November 16, 2004 dismissing the VAO from service.
The High Court on September 27, 2007 reversed the conviction and exonerated the appellant of all charges. But, a month later, the RDO rejected the appellant’s plea to reinstate him in service on the strength of the acquittal order and hence the writ petition and the present writ appeal.
SOURCE:The Hindu

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Rail staff satisfied with their work

They may be working under tough conditions overcoming all sorts of arduous tasks and odd schedules to keep the trains chugging round the clock, but that has not stopped them from enjoying their job, a latest survey by Indian Railways has said.

According to the survey, majority of the 8,255 staff, who participated in it, said they were satisfied with their work, with the satisfaction level ranging from 'highly satisfied' to 'averagely satisfied'. Only 78 responded in the negative, said the survey which was carried out for the first time with respondents including from locomotive drivers, guards and senior-level officials. The respondents were from the Delhi division which is considered one of the busiest in the country handling over 700 passenger services each day.

"The findings shows Railways have, after all, been able to live up to their expectations as far as helping them lead a satisfactory life is concerned," a senior railway official said
While 1,028 employees said they were 'highly satisfied' with what they were doing, 2,576 said they were 'very satisfied'. Total number of staff in the 'average satisfied' category was 4,573.
. The survey also had questions like 'whether the staff had any problem with their subordinates and superiors?' When asked 'if any personal problem came in their working?' about 88 percent said 'no'.

The official said the salary component may have also played a big role in determining the level of satisfaction. "The survey was carried out in the backdrop of global recession when there were large salary cuts and job losses. At least they did not have to worry about both of these," he said. Indian Railways, which is the largest employer in the country, is carrying out similar surveys across all its zones.

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Substandard material was used in Shatabdi coaches

The Rail Coach Factory (RCF) here used substandard material a few months back in several Shatabdi trains being run from Delhi to different destinations.
Actually, some auxiliary units allegedly supplied to the RCF here the substandard material a few months back. So much so, this substandard material was used during manufacturing of several coaches despite being inspected.
Though the RCF administration has already de-listed two such firms, including Delhi -based Flexo Foam and Noida-based Asian Arc Electrode, RCF GM Pradeep Kumar has also directed an internal inquiry into the matter. The GM said if connivance of any officer was found in the inquiry report, action would be taken against that officer.
Flexo Foam supplied seats for 35 LHB coaches being used in several Shatabdi trains being run to different destinations from Delhi. The foot rest, spring and screw used in the seats of these coaches were not up to the mark.
To a query, the GM said the RCF had approved only change in the colour of the fabric used in these coaches and not allowed any change in its specifications. Corroborating his statement, Chief Mechanical Engineer (CME) Charanjit Singh said the Tender Committee had approved the change only in the shade of the fabric.
Interestingly, Flexo Foam was asked to supply the seats for these coaches after cancelling the order given to one Kapurthala-based company Sahai Enterprises. The order to Sahai Enterprises was cancelled on the ground that it could not supply the seats in time and subsequently the company was delisted, the RCF administration said, adding that however, orders for seats for two coaches were given to this firm after it was relisted in the recent past as several manufactured coaches were already with this firm.
In yet another case, the field staff reported the low quality of MS welding electrodes but the laboratory took around 16 days to confirm the report during which a part of sub-standard material supplied by Asian Arc Electrode was consumed.
Interestingly the RCF Staff Council had brought this matter to the GM’s notice in writing a few months back. It stated that about 8,000 electrodes were being consumed daily in the RCF but late inspection by the officials concerned led to consumption of the stock.
However, the CME said that the company had been de-listed after confirmation and they had even written to the RDSO about it, which had approved the company. The RDSO has been asked to review the status of Asian Arc Electrode.
Meanwhile, the RCF administration said the Chief Quality Manager had issued confidential letters to two RCF employees in this regard on June 1, 2009 in which they were asked to avoid undue delay in inspection in future.
In the meantime, some deficiencies have also come to fore in copper coated CO2 welding wire supplied by a Ghaziabad-based unit
source:The Tribune

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Cabinet nod to benefits for soldiers’ dependents

The Council of Ministers today approved extending benefits to the dependents of martyrs/disabled soldiers after January 1, 1999. It also removed the condition of defence services personnel having been disabled or killed in “notified operations” with retrospective effect, January 1, 1999.
Consequently, the appointment of honour and gratitude and other financial benefits admissible under rules and instructions of the Punjab War Heroes Family Relief Fund will be given in all cases of “battle casualty” as declared by the Army authorities irrespective of any operation or any “specified area of operation”.
It may be recalled that benefits given to the families of war heroes on account of their death or disability included an ex-gratia grant of Rs 2 lakh and a plot at a reserve price of Rs 5 lakh in lieu of plot and a job in case of death or disability from 75 per cent to 100 per cent; Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia grant and a job in case of disability from 50 per cent to 75 per cent and an ex-gratia grant of Rs 50,000 for disability from 25 per cent to 50 per cent.
The Council of Ministers also approved to amend the Punjab Recruitment of Ex-servicemen Rules, 1982, to give benefit of annual increments and pension to those ex-servicemen who joined military service during the Second Emergency between December 3, 1971 and March 25, 1977, for a period during which they rendered the military service and subsequently joined the Punjab Government Civil Services on regular basis.
It further gave a green signal to bring the game of chess within the ambit of the Sports Gradation Policy to enable the state government to issue sports gradation certificates to those sportspersons who had participated and represented the state in Olympic Games, World Cup, Asian Games, Common Wealth Games, Afro Asian Games and Asian Championship in 33 disciplines already notified under the policy.
Besides first three positions, holders of international/ national/inter-university/state and district-level competitions were also given sports gradation certificates provided competitions were recognised by International/ National Sports Federations/ Indian Olympic Association/ Association of Indian University/ Sports Authority of India/ School Federation of India/ State Sports Association/ Punjab Olympics Association and Punjab Sports Department.
The game has not so far been included in the Sports Gradation Policy of the state though it has gained tremendous popularity in the state and the country in recent years. Even the Punjab Olympic Association has already granted recognition to the chess.
The state government’s recognition to the game is likely to open several new opportunities for chess players in the state and will also lead to marked improvement in standards of the game.
source:The Tribune

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"Effective grievance redressal system to ensure that no pensioner is put to any inconvenience"- Dr Pallam Raju

                     The Defence Minister Shri AK Antony has underlined the need to complete projects within the stipulated timeframe. Addressing a gathering here today after inaugurating a complex of the Defence Accounts Department (DAD), he commended the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which was the construction agency, for not only completing the project on time but also avoiding cost overruns. Lamenting the huge losses incurred by Central and State Governments due to delays in long gestation projects on account of time and cost overruns, Shri Antony motivated the DRDO to complete vital projects in time, saying that the organisation has proved that given the sincerity and will, it can deliver and meet its objectives.


               Assuring the Government’s commitment to provide adequate manpower and fulfil the infrastructure needs, the Defence Minister asked Defence Finance officials to help the Services attain their targets. “Your officers must not only monitor the progress of budget utilization, but also come up with innovative solutions to help the Services manage their funds in an efficient and a transparent manner”, he said. The DAD has an important role to perform since the Defence Budget constitutes the single largest head of expenditure in the Union Budget, after interest payments, Shri Antony noted.

                 He commended the DAD officials for timely release of all pay arrears, well before Diwali, on account of Sixth Central Pay Commission implementation, to the Armed Forces personnel, numbering a huge 1.2 million. “Quick and efficient authorization, revision and payment of rightful dues to more than two million defence pensioners is and must be one of the topmost priority areas for the Government”, he added.

                In his address the Minister of State for Defence Dr MM Pallam Raju welcomed the constitution of an effective grievance redressal system to ensure that no pensioner is put to any inconvenience. Dr Pallam Raju said that the Pension Adalats are being held regularly in different parts of the country to reach out to the pensioners. He asked the DAD to leverage the benefits of technology by transforming the current systems to an entirely computerized environment. “New initiatives include computerized generation of Pension Payment Orders, creation of pensioner profile and document imaging and management system for old records”, he added.

       Shri Vinod Rai, Comptroller and Auditor General of India, Smt. Indu Liberhan, Secretary (Defence Finance) and Smt Bulbul Ghosh, Controller General of Defence Accounts, also spoke on the occasion. Dr VK Saraswat, Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister, Secretary Defence Research and Director-General, DRDO, was among the distinguished guests present on the occasion.

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"No pensioner is put to any inconvenience"-Dr Pallam Raju

The Defence Minister Shri AK Antony has underlined the need to complete projects within the stipulated timeframe. Addressing a gathering here today after inaugurating a complex of the Defence Accounts Department (DAD), he commended the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which was the construction agency, for not only completing the project on time but also avoiding cost overruns. Lamenting the huge losses incurred by Central and State Governments due to delays in long gestation projects on account of time and cost overruns, Shri Antony motivated the DRDO to complete vital projects in time, saying that the organisation has proved that given the sincerity and will, it can deliver and meet its objectives.

Assuring the Government’s commitment to provide adequate manpower and fulfil the infrastructure needs, the Defence Minister asked Defence Finance officials to help the Services attain their targets. “Your officers must not only monitor the progress of budget utilization, but also come up with innovative solutions to help the Services manage their funds in an efficient and a transparent manner”, he said. The DAD has an important role to perform since the Defence Budget constitutes the single largest head of expenditure in the Union Budget, after interest payments, Shri Antony noted.

He commended the DAD officials for timely release of all pay arrears, well before Diwali, on account of Sixth Central Pay Commission implementation, to the Armed Forces personnel, numbering a huge 1.2 million. “Quick and efficient authorization, revision and payment of rightful dues to more than two million defence pensioners is and must be one of the topmost priority areas for the Government”, he added.

In his address the Minister of State for Defence Dr MM Pallam Raju welcomed the constitution of an effective grievance redressal system to ensure that no pensioner is put to any inconvenience. Dr Pallam Raju said that the Pension Adalats are being held regularly in different parts of the country to reach out to the pensioners. He asked the DAD to leverage the benefits of technology by transforming the current systems to an entirely computerized environment. “New initiatives include computerized generation of Pension Payment Orders, creation of pensioner profile and document imaging and management system for old records”, he added.

Shri Vinod Rai, Comptroller and Auditor General of India, Smt. Indu Liberhan, Secretary (Defence Finance) and Smt Bulbul Ghosh, Controller General of Defence Accounts, also spoke on the occasion. Dr VK Saraswat, Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister, Secretary Defence Research and Director-General, DRDO, was among the distinguished guests present on the occasion.

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Antony inaugurates state-of-the-art office of defence accounts

The Defence Minister Shri AK Antony inaugurated here today a new building complex of the Defence Accounts Department (DAD). The state-of-the-art headquarters of the DAD, built by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is a marvel of civil engineering. Incidentally the foundation stone for the building was laid by Shri Antony on June 25, 2007. Completed in just over two years and three months, well before the stipulated timeframe, the construction project also did not incur any cost overruns.

The three-storeyed building has come up on a 24,280 square meters plot of land close to the Delhi airport. With a built-up area of 11,730 square meters, its architecture has been designed based on the principles of ecologically sustainable design and symmetry. Keeping in view the concerns over depleting ground water level in northern India, especially over Delhi, the building features provision for rainwater harvesting and reuse of water through sewage treatment plant for water conservation, reflecting the environmental protection concerns.

Backed by a 1,000 KVA power backup, all offices in the complex have been provided with advanced Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools and linked over Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN) for effective and instant communication including video conferencing. The complex has many other innovative features including fire safety standards conforming Bureau of Indian Standards norms, disabled friendly access, vast landscaped greenery and access control system

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Rates of Dearness Allowance applicable w.e.f.1.7.2009 to the employees those who are drawing their pay in 5th CPC

No. 1(3) / 2008 - EII (B)
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure
New Delhi, Dated 29th September,2009.

Subject:-Rates of Dearness Allowance applicable w.e.f.1.7.2009 to the employees of Central Government and Central Autonomous Bodies continuing to draw their pay in the pre-revised scale as per 5th CPC.

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department's O.M. of even No. dated 19th March, 2009 revising the Dearness Allowance w.e.f. 1.1.2009 in respect of employees of Central Government and Autonomous Bodies who continue to draw their pay and allowances in the Pre-revised scales of pay as per 5th Central Pay Commission.

2. The rates of Dearness Allowance admissible to above categories of employees of Central Government and Central Autonomous bodies shall be enhanced from the existing rate of 64% to 73% w.e.f.1.7.2009. All other conditions as laid down in the O.M. dated 3rd October, 2008 will continue to apply.

3. The contents of this Office Memorandum may also be brought to the notice of the organizations under the administrative control of the Ministries / Departments which have adopted the Central Government scales of pay.

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Stand-off between IIT faculty and govt "resolved"

The month-long standoff between the government and the IIT faculty over pay structure was "resolved" today with the HRD Ministry agreeing to revisit the contentious norms, including 40 per cent cap on promotion of professors to senior grade.
The IIT faculty expressed happiness over its hour-long meeting with HRD Minister Kapil Sibal to discuss the contentious issues but did not announce an end to their agitation.
The minister assured them that the Board of Governors of IITs can "deviate from the existing norms in exceptional cases to promote excellence".
"All issues between IIT faculty and HRD Ministry over pay structure have been resolved. Our guidelines are just norms and there can be flexibility or relaxation in exceptional cases," Sibal told reporters after the meeting.
The IIT faculty said the flexibility of the IIT system will help the institutes move forward.
source:pti

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