Three per cent quota in government service for the disabled is only for initial appointments-The Madras High Court

3 p.c. quota for disabled only for appointment, rules court

  

Three per cent quota in government service for the disabled is only for initial appointments, and the government cannot be directed to extend it for promotions, ruled the Madras High Court on Monday.

Dismissing a petition seeking a direction to the government to reserve three per cent for promotions to physically handicapped persons, Justice K. Chandru said: “The provisions are contemplated only for initial appointments and not for promotions. The petitioner has not made out any case to seek a direction to provide for reservation for the disabled persons in the matter of promotions in respect of State services.”

The writ petition was filed by the South Arcot Vallalar District Handicapped Welfare Association, represented by its president S. Shanmugam, seeking reservation for the disabled in promotions. If suitable employees were not available in a particular year, the unfilled posts could be carried over for the next three succeeding years.

When the matter was heard, the State Commissioner for the Disabled stated that there was no government policy to reserve three per cent of posts in promotions to be filled from the disabled category.

The disabled persons were considered only for the direct recruitment posts under three per cent reservation as per a G.O issued in 1981. Promotions were made in government departments based on seniority or transfer of service.

Mr. Justice Chandru said it could be seen from the G.O. that reservation for disabled persons was only horizontal and not vertical as contemplated in Article 16 of the Constitution.

He said that even in respect of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, it was only by virtue of amendments made to the Constitution and by introduction of Article 16(4A) that the State had been empowered to make provision for reservation in promotion to any class or classes of posts in the service

source: The Hindu

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The Madras High Court Bench here on Friday questioned the State government for continuing reservations to ‘creamy layer' among the backward classes

Status quo ordered by Supreme Court expired in July last year

The Madras High Court Bench here on Friday questioned the State government for continuing reservations to ‘creamy layer' among the backward classes though the status quo ordered by the Supreme Court for a year lapsed on July 13, 2011.

A Division Bench of Justices P. Jyothimani and S. Vimala posed the question to Additional Advocate General (AAG) K. Chellapandian while hearing a public interest litigation petition seeking MBC status for all those falling under the common nomenclature Thevar.

When the AAG sought time to obtain instructions, the judges adjourned the hearing without mentioning a date as the Tamil Nadu Backward Classes Commission's (TNBCC) report, submitted to the Chief Minister on July 8, was yet to be tabled in the Assembly and made public.

Three days after the report was submitted, a government order was issued on July 11 stating that the 69 per cent reservation (30 per cent for BCs, 20 per cent for MBCs, 18 per cent for SCs and one per cent for STs) would continue without excluding the creamy layer. In the present PIL petition, B. Stalin, a lawyer from Ettimangalam near here, has sought a direction to the State government to classify all sub-castes falling under the category of Thevar as Most Backward Classes in order to avail reservations in education and government employment.

His counsel W. Peter Ramesh Kumar relied upon a G.O. passed in September 1995 to claim such a benefit. The G.O. had renamed the Mukkulathor community as Thevar, which included the subdivisions of Agamudaiyar, Maravar and Kallar.

Agamudaiyar is a common name for those belonging to Kottai Patru, Servaikkaran, Raajakulam, Irumbuthalai, Desikar, Malainaadu, Aivali Nattan, Raajaboja, Naattumangalam and Raajavaasal castes. Kallar comprises Ambunattu Kallar, Vazhanattu Kallar, Koothappar Kallar, Periyasuriyur Kallar, Gandarvakottai Kallar, Esanattu Kallar and Piramalai Kallar.

Those belonging to Maravan, Valangai Maran, Vilangu Thevan, Vetchi Karanthai, Thevan, Puli Maran, Gora Maran, Madurai Thevan, Thumbai, Komban, Vallai Thevan, Neela Maran, Pattamkatti, Thalumban, Purayar, Kottravaien Sayon and Alakiya Pandian castes are called Maravar in general.

Claim refuted

Refuting the petitioner's claim on the basis of the 1995 G.O., the government filed a counter affidavit on July 5 last and pointed out that the G.O. changed only the nomenclature and did not reclassify the caste groups from BC to MBC as claimed by the petitioner.

The counter filed by a Deputy Secretary of the Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare Department also stated that a decision on reclassifying all castes and sub-castes falling under the common nomenclature Thevar could be taken only after the completion of the ongoing caste-based census.

He said even at the time of issuing of the G.O., it was made clear that a decision on reclassification of these castes would be taken only on the basis of recommendations to be made by the TNBCC. The matter was, in fact, referred to the TNBCC headed by a retired High Court judge in 1995 itself. But, “the above issue is still pending in the Commission for want of socio, educational and economic details of those communities. The Commission (in its meeting held on September 8, 2009) has decided to defer the issue till a caste wise survey is conducted in the State.”

source: The Hindu

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Schedule of SCRA Personality Test

Schedule of SCRA Personality Test

The Union Public Service Commission will be conducting Interviews/Personality Tests for Special Class Railway Apprentices Examination, 2012 from 18-06-2012 to 21-06-2012 in the Commission’s Office at New Delhi. Summon Letters for PT/Interview to all the eligible candidates are being issued. If any candidate has not received summon letter for PT/Interview, he/she may contact on Tel.011-23386267 or can send message on Fax No.011-23387310. He/She may contact UPSC Facilitation Counter near Gate ‘C’ of its campus in person or over Telephone Nos.011-23385271/011-23381125/011-23098543 on all working days between 1000 hrs to 1700 hrs. The schedule of Interviews/Personality Tests will also be available on Union Public Service Commission Website at http://www.upsc.gov.in. This is to be underlined that mobile phones are banned in the campus on UPSC Examination Halls

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Pension bill deferred, not discussed in cabinet

Pension bill deferred, not discussed in cabinet

The Pension Bill, which was expected to be discussed in the cabinet meet today, has been deferred. The bill, awaiting clearance on three amendments, was not brought before the cabinet today.

The bill has been stalled for years as political parties squabble over its provisions. UPA's biggest challenge is to bring around its partner Trinamool Congress, which has been dead opposed to the legislation. To pass the Bill in Parliament the government needs numbers and the likely loss of support of the Trinamool's all important 19 MPs in the Lok Sabha have stalled the government mid-step many a time.

The three changes proposed are - to allow a contributor to the pension scheme to withdraw funds in case of an emergency. To give subscribers a minimum assured return on investment and to provide a cap of 26% on foreign direct investment in the scheme. 

The Bill, also called the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Bill, allows pension funds the flexibility to appoint a professional fund management company. Currently, these savings are invested in government securities that offer a fixed rate of return. The changes will affect how savings of nearly 25 lakh Indians are invested.

Also, under the National Pension System (NPS), every subscriber will have an individual pension account, which he can port with a job change. Every government employee hired since 2004 is covered by the NPS and it is voluntary for all other citizens since 2009 including the unorganized sector.

The Bill has repeatedly run into rough weather, with primarily the Left parties, apart from the Trinamool Congress, opposed to it. The BJP wanted the FDI cap of 26 per cent to be included in the PFRDA Bill. The government is said to have finally sewn up the support of the main Opposition party in the last Winter session by agreeing to the amendments it sought.

But, say sources, in the season of new friendships, the UPA government might not be holding its breath this once. The Congress' growing closeness to the Samajwadi Party could ensure that Mulayam Singh Yadav and his 21 MPs will be by the UPA's side on the Pension Bill. The Samajwadi Party chief has so far ruled out any formal equation with the Congress-led alliance that rules at the Centre, but has bailed out the government a number of times on important issues and Bills in Parliament. At a recent dinner to celebrate the UPA's three years in governance, Mr Yadav got higher billing than official UPA allies - he was seated prominently on the dais and then at Congress president Sonia Gandhi's table for dinner. 

Source : NDTV

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Antony Felilcitates Services Sportspersons

Antony Felilcitates Services Sportspersons

In a brief ceremony here today, the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony felicitated the Armed Forces sportspersons who won medals during the Commonwealth Games 2010. He also felicitated the Services Football team that recently won the Santosh Trophy-2012 after a gap of over 50 years. 

The ceremony was attended by senior officers from the Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence. The Defence Minister lauded the contribution of Armed Forces athletes by contributing an impressive tally of 10 Gold, 07 Silver and 08 Bronze medals which is more than 25% of the total medals won by the country that included 38 Gold, 27 Silver and 34 Bronze medals. 60 Armed Forces athletes had participated in 10 events of the total 17 events of the Commonwealth Games which amounted to 30% of the Men’s contingent strength in these events. 

Shri Antony also expressed his appreciation of the Services Football team that has won the Santosh Trophy with LAC VV Farhad of the Air Force being declared the Man of the Tournament. While addressing the winners, he felt that this cash award was not just a recognition of their achievements but more importantly it would serve to motivate others. Shri Antony exhorted the Services personnel to excel in fields other than sports as well and called upon the officers to encourage participation in cultural activities. 

Services players have traditionally been in the forefront of evolution of the various sports disciplines in India. Though sportspersons have emerged from other walks of life and backgrounds, Services players have retained a major share in the overall national medal tally. The Services are also proactively undertaking talent scouting and grooming deserving sportsmen using the state-of-art infrastructure. 

The Defence Minister presented cash prizes on the occasion individual Gold winners at the Commonwealth Games received Rs.12 lakhs each while the Silver and Bronze Medallists received Rs.7 lakhs and Rs.5 lakhs respectively. Chief Petty Officer Omkar Singh, who won 2 Gold, 1 team Gold and 1 team Silver in the Shooting events, was awarded the highest cash prize of Rs.38.25 lakhs while another shooter Sub Vijay Kumar bagged Rs.37 lakhs, winning 1 Gold, 2 team Gold and 1 Silver medal. Besides each of the 20 players of the Services Football team which won the 66th Santosh Trophy National Football Championship-2012 recently, were awarded Rs.1 lakh each

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LTC by air to visit Jammu and Kashmir-will it be extended

Relaxation for LTC travel by air to visit Jammu and Kashmir may be extended

The Central Government Employees had a great Opportunity to visit Jammu and Kashmir by Air through conversion of Home Town LTC. The family members of Central Government Servants, who visited this beautiful state which is named after the Heaven of Earth, enjoyed it very much as it was a wonderful Experience for them. All the dependents  of the Central Government Employees were excited for not only visiting this state, but the mode of journey they were entitled from their duty station or from Delhi/Amritsar to go to this lovely state is an experience like a dream come true. Each and every one who visited Jammu and Kashmir by availing this Concession are very much grateful to the Central Government and it will make them feel pride being a part of Government Service.

As the last date of this concession for conversion of Home town LTC/ All India LTC to go to Jammu and Kashmir by Air closes by 18th June 2012, the central government employees, those who are not availing this LTC to Jammu and Kashmir Concession before this due date, are feeling misfortune when they were hearing their colleges Jammu Experience. So they should not be let down and they are eagerly expecting that the Government should however extend the relaxation for LTC to Jammu and Kashmir for further Two more years beyond 18th June 2012.

Sources close to the Government told that Relaxation for LTC travel by air to visit Jammu and Kashmir may be extended for further two more years beyond 18th June 2012 and necessary order will be issued soon.

source:gservants.com

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Expected da from july 2012

Expected da from july 2012

    Again the Dearness Allowance fever started among all the central government employees, as the time for releasing additional installment of dearness allowance to the Central Government Employees and Dearness relief to pensioners is getting closer. Assumption, predictions and calculations on the rate of Dearness Allowance, which is going to be raised from July 2012, is the hottest subject of Central Government Employees to talk about.

    The reason is very simple. The unbelievable Price hike of petrol and essential commodities will swallow the major portion of their salary .In this condition providing quality education to the children is a very big challenge for working class. The rise in Dearness Allowance alone will not solve all financial problems of central government employees especially those who are in Pay Band –I. But they don’t have any other option to raise their income apart from promotion, annual increment and Dearness Allowance. So their expectation over Dearness Allowance in every six month is inevitable. At present the rate of dearness allowance is 65%. The AICPIN-IW for April 2012 has been released recently. The AICPIN-IW has increased 4 points and reached 205. If the same trend continues for the coming two months, the Dearness Allowance may witness 7% increase and so that we can expect that the rate of DA from July 2012 will touch 72% level

courtesy: gservants.com

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All India Consumer Price Index Numbers for Industrial Workers for the Month of April, 2012

All India Consumer Price Index Numbers for Industrial Workers on Base 2001=100 for the Month of April, 2012

All India Consumer Price Index Number for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) on base 2001=100 for the month of April, 2012 increased by 4 points and stood at 205 (two hundred five).

During April, 2012, the index recorded maximum increase of 9 points in Amritsar centre, 8 points each in Jaipur, Madurai and Vadodara centres, 7 points each in Mundakkayam, Bhilwara and Faridabad centres, 6 points in 7 centres, 5 points in 11 centres, 4 points in 15 centres, 3 points in 16 centres, 2 points in 7 centres and 1 point in 10 centres. The index decreased by 2 points in Belgaum centre and 1 point in Munger Jamalpur centre, while in the remaining 3 centres the index remained stationary.

The maximum increase of 9 points in Amritsar centre is mainly due to increase in the prices of Wheat Atta, Rajmah, Vanaspati Ghee, Fresh Milk, Vegetable & Fruit items, Firewood, Washing Soap, etc. The increase of 8 points each in Jaipur, Madurai and Vadodara centres is due to increase in the prices of Rice, Wheat, Arhar Dal, Groundnut Oil, Milk (Cow), Vegetable & Fruit items, Tea (Readymade), Cigarette, Electricity Charges, Barber Charges, Toilet Soap, Washing Soap, Tailoring Charges, etc. The increase of 7 points each in Mundakkayam, Bhilwara and Faridabad centres is due to increase in the prices of Rice, Groundnut Oil, Vanaspati Ghee, Fish Fresh, Vegetable & Fruit items, Tea (Readymade), Bidi, Firewood, Toilet Soap, Washing Soap, Tailoring Charges, etc. The decrease of 2 points in Belgaum centre is due to decrease in the prices of Rice, Jowar, Chillies Dry, Pan Leaf, etc.

The indices in respect of the six major centres are as follows :

1. Ahmedabad   202

2. Bangalore       209

3. Chennai        190

4. Delhi             188

5. Kolkata          196

6. Mumbai        208

The point to point rate of inflation based on CPI-IW(General) for the month of April, 2012 is 10.22% as compared to 8.65% in March, 2012. Inflation based on Food Index attained the level of 10.66% in April, 2012 as compared to 8.16% in March, 2012.

The CPI-IW for May, 2012 will be released on the last working day of the next month, i.e. 29th June, 2012.

pib

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