IN ADDITION TO THE RELEASE OFMINUTES OF NOMALY COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON 17.07.2012 , DOPT HAS ALSO RELEASED THE SUMMARY OF DISCUSSIONS MADE IN THE MEETING FOR MACPS (MODIFIED ASSURED CAREER PROGRESSION SCHEME) HELD ON 27.07.2012. TEXT OF THE SAME IS REPRODUCED AS FOLLOWS:

Summary Record of discussions of the meeting held on 27th July, 2012 relating to Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme (MACPS)

In the meeting of the National Anomaly Committee, held on 17/07/2012, it was decided that Joint Secretary (E), DOPT will hold a separate meeting with the Leaders of Staff Side to discuss the issues relating to MACP Scheme which formed Agenda Item No 42 of the National Anomaly Committee. Accordingly a meeting was held on 27/07/2012 in Room No. 190 at North Block, New Delhi. The list of participants of this meeting is at Annexure IV.

Joint Secretary (E) DoPT welcomed the participants and stated that the Joint Committee which was set up by the National Anomaly Committee to discuss the issues relating to Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme (MACPS) met thrice and based on the discussions in those meetings a Report of the Committee was prepared and was placed before the National Anomaly Committee in its meeting held on 5th January, 2012. However due to shortage of time this item could not be discussed fully. In the meeting of the National Anomaly Committee held on 17th July,  2012, the Chairman had desired that since the issues involved in MACP Scheme are complex, another round of consultation through a meeting with the Staff Side under Joint Secretary (E) DoPT may be held soon. This meeting was held in pursuance of that decision. Thereafter the report of the Joint Committee was taken up for discussion.

1. Grant of MACP in the promotional hierarchy:- 

The Staff Side stated that under ACP Scheme, financial upgradation was granted in promotional hierarchy and therefore it had become part of service condition of the employees. Under the MACPS, financial upgradations is permitted in Grade Pay hierarchy only, thereby adversely affecting the service conditions. Therefore, under MACPS also the financial upgradations should be granted in promotional hierarchy.

The Official Side stated that there was no such recommendation of the 6th CPC and in fact the Commission in its report, while discussing this issue, had mentioned that although the ACPS had, by and large, alleviated the problem of stagnation and also allowed higher rate of increments in the higher scale extended under it, it had, however, given rise to other problems. The financial upgradations in that scheme followed the then existing promotional hierarchy which gave rise to uneven benefit to employees falling in the same pay scale since several Organisations adopted different hierarchical pattern. Consequently, employees working in organizations having greater number of intermediate grades suffered because financial upgradation under ACPS placed them in a lower pay scale vis-a-vis similar]) placed employees in another organization that had lesser intermediary grades.

The 6th CPC therefore, recommended a systemic change in the existing scheme of ACPS whereby all employees, irrespective of the hierarchical structure as prevalent in their organization/cadre, would get the same benefit under it.

This was accepted by the Govt with further modification to grant three financial upgradations under the MACPS at intervals of 10, 20 and 30 years of continuous regular service in the immediate next higher grade pay in the hierarchy of the recommended revised pay bands and grade pay as given in Section 1, Part-A of the first schedule of the CCS (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008. In fact while accepting the recommendations of the 6th CPC on this issue there was no such demand by the Staff Side.

The Staff Side stated that the employees who were in service prior to 1.1.2006 had the right to retain first two financial upgradations in the promotional hierarchy and the Government cannot alter the existing service conditions adversely. The Official Side however stated that since MACPS is in supersession of earlier ACP scheme, this cannot be agreed to.

The Staff Side insisted that at least option be given to individual employees in this regard to facilitate him/her to opt for either ACP or MACP for availing benefit of financial upgradation. The Staff Side was insistent that either MACPS should be in promotional hierarchy or individual options should be given to the employees.

The Official Side stated that it was not possible to agree to individual options and if they have any alternate suggestions, the Staff Side could come back with them. 

2. Date of effect of MACP Scheme: 

The Staff Side stated that those employees who retired during the period between  1.1.2006  and 31.8.2008 could not get the benefit of MACPS and therefore the MACPS should be made effective from 1.1.2006. It was pointed out by the Official Side that during the  5th  CPC also the ACPS was made effective from a later date.

The Staff Side suggested that in respect of those who had retired/died prior to 1.9.2008, the MACP scheme could be made effective from 1.1.2006. It was pointed out that there is also the issue of some of the employees, who got the benefit of ACPS during this intervening period, may be adversely affected because of this demand.

Thus the staff Side was advised to reconsider their demand for giving effect to the MACP Scheme w.e.f. 01.01.2006.

3. Counting of 50% of service rendered by Temporary Status Casual Labour for reckoning 10/20/30 years under MACP Scheme:

It was reiterated by the Official Side that as per para 5 (v) of Appendix pertaining to Casual Labourers (Grant of Temporary Status and Regularization) Scheme, 50% of the service rendered under temporary status is to be counted only for the purpose of retirement benefits after their regularization. Since under MACPS only continuous regular service is taken into account for allowing 1st, 2nd and 3rd financial upgradations on completion of 10, 20 & 30 years of continuous regular service respectively, the demand of the Staff Side cannot be accepted for MACPS.

It was decided that this issue may be taken up by the Staff Side in National Council separately.

4. Treatment of employees selected under LDCE/GDCE Scheme: 

It was decided that treatment of such cases would be on the lines as was under the ACP Scheme and Ministry of Railways would examine the matter accordingly

5. Promotion in the identical Grade Pay: 

The Official Side stated that they will issue instructions for granting one increment for fixation of Pay in cases of promotion to the same Grade Pay if they were granted such a benefit post 5th CPC also. Such a dispensation would then apply while considering financial upgradation under MACPS.

6. Financial Upgradation under MACPs, in the case of staff who joined another unit/organisation on request:

The Staff Side pointed out that OM dated 01/11/2010 should be suitably amplified/amended covering the staff that was transferred on request on reversion to the Unit/Organisation so that the total service rendered in the previous Unit/Organisation, ignoring the past promotion, may be counted for MACPs.

The Official Side agreed to issue necessary clarificatory instructions in this regard. The Staff Side also pointed out that in certain offices the promotion in the original Unit/Organisation from which an employee got reverted/transferred to the lower post, was also being counted against MACPS which is not warranted.

The Official Side agreed to look into this issue. 

7. Extension of benefit of MACPS to an employee appointed in Grade where direct recruitment element is there while ignoring service and promotion rendered prior to his appointment in that post: 

The Official Side reiterated that suitable clarifications bearing No.5 in OM dated 09/09/2012 have already been issued and matter stands resolved.

8. Stepping up of Pay of Senior incumbents at par with Junior incumbents as a consequence of ACP/MACPs 

It was stated by the Official Side that stepping up of pay in the pay band or grade pay with regard to junior getting more pay than the senior on account of pay fixation under the MACP Scheme can be considered as a special dispensation and suitable clarificatory instructions will be considered to deal with such situations.

The Staff Side also raised the issue of injustice being meted out particularly in the Accounts Department of Indian Railways wherein the incumbents who cleared the Appendix examination are drawing less pay as compared to those who could not qualify the said examination and got the benefit of MACPs. The Staff Side stated that this led to de-motivation among qualified staff and urged for rectifying such an anomaly.

It was agreed to examine this separately and Ministry of Railways was advised to send the proposal in question. 

9. Benchmark for MACP 

It was decided that suitable instructions will be issued to specifically clarify that wherever promotions are given on non-selection basis (ie seniority cum fitness), the prescribed benchmark, as mentioned in para 17 of Annexure I of MACPS dated 19.5.2009, will not be applicable and the benchmark for promotion will apply for the purpose of MACPS.

10. Grant of ACP benefit to Artisan Staff of Ministry of Defence:

The Staff Side insisted that based on Fast Track Committee recommendations, the then existing Highly Skilled grade (in the Pre revised pay scale of Rs 4000-6000) was split equally in the ratio of 50:50 and redesignated as Highly Skilled Grade II (GP 2400) and Highly Skilled Grade I (GP 2800) with effect from 1.1.2006.

The Staff Side stated that such placement of employees in Highly Skilled Grade I (GP 2800) with effect from 1.1.2006 to 14.6.2010 cannot be treated as promotion for the purpose of grant of financial upgradation under MACP Scheme.
The Official Side stated that on the issue of Artisan Staff of the Ministry of Defence, the matter has already been examined on file and Ministry of Defence has been advised accordingly.

The Staff Side insisted that this should be reconsidered so that placements in higher Grade may not be taken as promotion for the purpose of grant of financial upgradation under MACP.
The Official Side stated that this has repercussions on the employees working in Railways and therefore it is not amenable to acceptance.

(11).  The rest of the items of the Report of the Joint Committee, as indicated below, were closed as appropriate action had been taken with respect to the issues raised therein.

(1) Applicability of MACPS to Group D employees who have been placed in the grade pay of Rs.1800/- in PB-i.

(2) Grant of financial up gradation under old ACP Scheme between 1.1.2006 and 31.8.2008

(3) Counting of services rendered prior to re-appointment for the purpose of MACP.

(4) Accounting of services rendered before Removal/Dismissal from service and subsequent reinstatement in service for the purpose of MACP Scheme

(5) Counting of service rendered in State Govt/PSUs etc.

(6) Regulation of Probation period under MACPS

(7) Application of MACPS to the Surplus Staff Re-deployed to lower posts in other Cadres/Organisations.

(8) Entitlement of the privileges after financial upgradation under MACP Scheme

(9) Extension of ACP/MACP Scheme to Staff Car Drivers /Civilian Motor Drivers/MT Drivers/Fire Engine Drivers etc.

(10) Pay Fixation on promotion subsequent to grant Of MACPs

(11) Notional Classification for CGE1S consequent upon MACPs.

(12) The Staff Side raised the following issues though they were not part of the MACP Joint Committee Report.

Employees who got one pro motion prior to 01/09/2008 and completed over two decades of service without benefit of promotion and are denied third ACP under MACPs: 

The Staff Side raised this issue and insisted that in such cases, third MACP should be straight away given to staff from the date subsequent to the date of completion of two decades of service after promotion. After discussions, the Official Side while appreciating the position stated that this is a peculiar situation and agreed to consider this issue on the basis of a reference to be made by the Ministry of Railways in this regard.

Modification of recruitment rules particularly in Railways and upgradation granted by abolition of Pay Scale-Implementation of MACPs 

Though this was not a part of the MACP Report, the Staff Side raised this issue in the meeting and explained that in the Railways, the lower pay scales were abolished and posts were upgraded to higher pay scales with revision of recruitment qualification and designation. In such cases the Staff Side insisted that entry Grade Pay as a result of upgradation consequent upon abolition of lower Pay Scales should be taken into consideration for reckoning 10/20/30 years of service for granting MACP.

The Official Side decided that the Railway Board may send an appropriate proposal to the DoP&T in consultation with the Staff Side. 

13.  The Official Side reiterated that MACP Scheme is a fall-back option and the Ministries have to conduct Cadre Restructuring in right earnest for ensuring that promotional avenues are available to the staff within a reasonable time frame. It was agreed that Ministry of Finance would issue instructions to all Ministries/Departments/Cadre authorities to undertake Cadre restructuring of Group B & Group C formations in a time bound manner.

The Staff Side pointed out that the Ministry of Railways is citing the instructions of Ministry of Finance issued some years back that only one third of the Cadre could be disturbed, for revising the percentages for the purpose of Cadre restructuring, the Official Side stated that this would be examined and if required, necessary clarificatory instructions will be issued to the Ministry of Railways so that the Cadre Restructuring could be carried out.

IN THE MEETING WITH SCOVA (STANDING COMMITTEE OF VOLUNTARY AGENCIES) THE GOVERNMENT HAS INFORMED THAT THE PROPOSED MERGER OF NINETEEN P&T DISPENSARIES WITH CGHS IN TWELVE CITIES IS UNDER ACTIVE CONSIDERATION OF THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND WELFARE(SEE MINUTES PUBLISHED ELSEWHERE= M. KISHNAN , SECRETARY GENERAL

NFPE SOUTH ZONE STUDY CAMP AT CHENNAI VENUE ADDRESS: ALAMELU MANGA KALYANA MANDAPAM RADHAKRISHNAN STREET- CHENNAI-600 017

PROVISION OF ECHS FACILITIES TO EX-SERVICEMEN OF ARMY POSTAL SERVICE (APS) WHO WERE REPATRIATED TO THEIR PARENT DEPARTMENT OF POSTS AFTER COMPLETION OF AGE LIMIT/PENSIONABLE SERVICE/ON COMPLETION OF INITIAL TERMS OF ENGAGEMENT.

Tele: 23336735                                                                      Central Orgonisation ECHS

ASCON: 36735                                                                      Adjutant General’s Branch

                                                                                                Integrated HQ og MoD(Army)

                                                                                                Maude Lines

                                                                                                Delhi Cantt-10

                                                                                                                                   

B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS/                                                                                         20 Mar 2012

IHQ of MoD (Navy)/Dir ECHS (N)

Air HQ(VB)/DPS

HQ Southern Command (A/ECHS)

HQ Eastern Command (A/ECHS)

HQ Western Command (A/ECHS)

HQ Central Command (A/ECHS)

HQ Northern Command (A/ECHS)

HQ South Western Command (A/ECHS)

HQ Andman & Nicobar Command (A/ECHS)

All Regionnal Centres

PROVISION OF ECHS FACILITIES TO EX-SERVICEMEN OF ARMY POSTAL SERVICE (APS) WHO WERE REPATRIATED TO THEIR PARENT DEPARTMENT OF POST AFTER COMPLETION OF AGE LIMIT/PENSIONABLE SERVICE/ON COMPLETION OF INITIAL TERMS OF ENGAGEMENT.

1.         Ref Hon’ble Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT), Regional Branch, Chandigarh Order dt.  26 Mar 2010 in TA No. 110 of 2009 (arising out of CWP No. 15237 of 2009, TA No. 52 of 2009 (arising of CWP No. 14112 of 2009 and GOI, MoD OM No. 1(a)/2010/D (Res-1) dt. 20/21 Jul 2011 (Copies enclosed)

2.         Ex-Servicemen status has been granted to personnel of Army Postal Service (APS) who were on deputation in Army for more than six months prior to 14 Apr 1987 vide GOI, MoD OM No under ref with all consequential  benefits. List of the affected personal is attached as APPX A. Consequent to AFT Orders and MoD OM the above personal can now approach various Stn. HQ / Regional Centres for grant of ECHS membership.

3.         All concerned are requested to scrutinize the  documents mutinously and accept applications for ECHS membership only from individuals who full fill the twin conditions of being an ex-servicemen and a Govt. pensioners.

(Gulshan Chadha}

                                                                                                         Lt. Col.

                                        Jt. Director(Pers)

                                                                                                                     For MD ECHS

Copy to :

Addl. Director General of APS   : for information please.

PIN-908700 C/O 56 APO

GRANT OF EX-SERVICEMEN STATUS TO ARMY POSTAL SERVICE PERSONNEL.

1(9)2010/D(Res-I)

Governmen of India

Ministry of Defence

(Deptt. Of Ex-Servicemen Welfare)

New Delhi, the 20^th /21^st  July,2011

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Grant of Ex-servicemen status to Army Postal Service Personnel.

            The undersigned is desired to refer to this Ministry’s OM No. 523/1/2006/D (Res) dated 26.07.2006 on the above subject and to state that as per Order dated 26.03.2010 passed by Hon’ble AFT Chandigarh in connection with TA No. 110 of 2009 (arising out of CWP No 15237/2009) filed by JC-105931 Ex-Sub Atma Sngh & others Vs UOI & others, personnel who were on deputation in Army Postal Service for more than 6(Six) months prior to 14^th April 1987 would also be considered as Ex-servicemen with all consequential benefits.

2.         This is in supersession of the O.M. of even number dated 14.07.2011 issued in this regard. The said O.M. dated 14.07.2011 may be treated as cancelled/withdrawn.

3.         This has the approval of the competent authority.

     Sd/-

     (Supriyo Mukherjee)

     Under Secretary to the Government of India

REIMBURSE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES FOR PRIVATE TREATMENT

A central government servant is entitled for reimbursement even if he takes treatment in a private hospital under emergent situation, the TN Bench of the Central Administrative Tribunal has held.

M Mohamed Salia, Deputy Chief Engineer, Southern Railway, while returning home, suffered a heart attack on November 20, 2008. Due to the urgency of the matter, his wife admitted him in the nearest private hospital Frontier Lifeline, as the Railway Hospital was 10 km away from her residence. After a by-pass surgery and necessary treatment, he was discharged on December 12, 2008. He paid Rs.3.10 lakh towards hospital bills.

When he applied for reimbursement of Rs.2 lakh to which he was entitled, the railway authorities rejected his claim on the ground that treatment in a non-recognised private hospital without referral by the railway authorised medical officer was not admissible. Hence, the present application.

Rejecting the contentions, CAT judicial member G Santhappa said that in this case, the applicant had produced the emergency certificate and that had not been considered by the railways. The Personnel Branches Circular (PBC) dated May 4, 1994 listed under what circumstances reimbursement of medical expenses could be made. It included that if a patient falls ill at a place where there was no government or railway hospital and that if transporting the patient to the nearest government hospital would result in loss of life, the servant could be admitted in a private hospital. The rejection was against the law laid down by the SC, the tribunal said, set aside the order and directed the railways to sanction the amount in a month.

Source : www.newindianexpress.com

CHANGE IN DATE OF BIRTH/AGE OF FAMILY PENSIONERS REGARDING

No.1/23/2012-P&PW( E)

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

Department of Pension & Pensioners Welfare

3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhavan,

Khan Market, New Delhi

Dated: 11th September, 2012

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Sub: Change in date of birth/age of family pensioners- regarding.

In accordance with the instructions issued vide this Departments OM No.38/37/08-P&PW(A) dated 21.5.2009, 11.8.2009, 25.6.2010 & 28.9.2010 and OM No.1/19/11-P&PW(E) dated 3.8.2011, additional pension/family pension to old pensioners/family pensioners is allowed on the basis of the date of birth/age recorded in the Pension Payment Order (PPO) or other office records. Only in case the details regarding date of birth/age are not available in the PPO/office records, additional pension/family pension to old pensioners/family pensioners has been allowed on the basis of certain documents i.e. PAN Card, Matriculation certificate, Passport, CGHS Card, Driving licence, Voter’s ID Card and Aadhaar Number issued by UIDAI.

2. During his service and at the time of retirement, a Government servant is required to give details of his family, including date of birth of its members, in Form 3. Date of birth/age of the members of family mentioned by the Government servant in Form 3 was not mandatory to be verified by the Head of Office. It is felt that in some case, the date of birth/age of a family pensioner, as recorded in the PPO/office records might be incorrect.

3. Some representations have been received in this Department regarding the hardship being caused to old family pensioners in getting the additional pension on account of incorrect recording of the date of birth/age in the PPO. They have been requesting for allowing the change of date of birth in the PPO on the basis of the documents prescribed in the various OMs mentioned in Para I above.

4. The matter has been considered in this Department in consultation with the Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure and the following decisions have been made:

i. Since the date of birth of the Government servant is recorded in the PPO on the basis of the service records and the date of superannuation etc. also is determined on the basis of this date of birth, there is no question of allowing change in the date of birth of the retired/deceased pensioner in the PPO.

ii. The request for change of date of birth/age of the Family pensioner (parents and spouse) in the PPO may be submitted by a pensioner/family pensioner to the Head of the Department of the organisation where the Government servant had last served along with at least one of the documents mentioned in Para I above and a declaration on a non-judicial stamp paper regarding the correct date of birth of the family pensioner. The Head of the Department may allow the change in the date of birth of the family pensioner if he is satisfied that the conditions indicated in this Department’s OM No.38/37/08-P&PW (A) dated 21.5.2009 have been fulfilled and that a bona-fide mistake has been made in recording the date of birth in the PPO.

iii. No other document will be accepted for allowing the change in date birth/age of the family pensioner in the PPO.

iv. In order to avoid any possibility of recording an incorrect date of birth in the PPO, in future, the Government servant may be required to submit one of the documents indicated in Para I above as proof of date of birth of spouse or parents along with the details of family in Form 3. In the case of children certificate of birth from the Municipal authorities or from the local panchayat or from the head of a recognised school if the child is studying in such a school or from a Board of Education may be accepted.

5. As regards pensioners/family pensioners belonging to the Indian Audit and Accounts Departments, these Orders issue after consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.

6. This issues with the concurrence of Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure vide their ID. No 428/E.V/2012, dated 27/8/2012.

7. Hindi version will follow.

Sd/-

(Sujasha Choudhury)

Deputy Secretary

GOVT CONSIDERING UNIQUE NUMBER FOR ALL PF ACCOUNT HOLDERS

The Government is considering a proposal to give unique numbers to all provident fund account holders with life-time validity, a Regional PF commissioner said today. Regional PF Commissioner-I, Bangalore, Kamma Narayana said the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation headquarters has recently sought feedback on the proposal from PF commissioners in the country.

"The proposal is under consideration," he told reporters on the sidelines of an interactive session hosted by the Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC) here.

The proposal, if implemented, would see an employee will have the same unique number despite changing jobs and having new employers.

"All through his life, that will be the permanent account number for him," Narayana said. Asked if he expected the proposal to be implemented from the current financial year, he said "hopefully" but added that it's only at the proposal stage now.

Source : The Financial Express, Sept 11, 2012

SOON, THE POSTMAN WILL KNOCK, TABLET IN HAND

Very soon, your friendly neighbourhood postman will bring along a tablet computer when he knocks at your door, to carry out all transactions related to delivery of cash, banking activities and a few more.

Infosys’ Vice-President and Head for India Business Raghu Cavale told Business Line that India Post is in talks with the IT major to source hardware and software for the next phase of its computerisation. This project will involve sourcing of low-cost 7-inch and 10-inch tablets and the development of apps for them. Infosys will also develop intellectual property (IP) out of its Bangalore office for these apps.

While the tablets will be used by the postman to enter data such as digital signatures and a delivery challan, the apps will be used by India Post to update its backend database in real time, helping it cut down on errors and fraud. India Post covers about 200 million customers across India and offers small savings schemes, postal life insurance, rural postal life insurance, pension payments and wage disbursements.

The postal department is looking at these solutions as a part of its modernisation drive and to increase operational effectiveness.

Growth forecast

On its part, Infosys sees its India business growing to about $1 billion in the next four years. It recently bagged a key IT outsourcing and consulting deal with India Post and another deal from the Income-Tax Department for its electronic TDS division.

At present, the India operations of Infosys contribute 2 per cent of its $7-billion revenues but the software major considers India one of its key emerging markets. This importance can be gauged from the fact that Infosys’ India business is one of the four verticals within Infosys that reports to the board directly.

The India Post project, which Infosys bagged recently, is worth Rs 700 crore. This project is aimed at spreading financial services across 1.5 lakh post offices in the country. As part of the project, Infosys will also install 1,000 ATMs for India Post to increase the effectiveness of its delivery channel.

The Hindu Business Line, Sept 12, 2012

'DAKIYA' BACK IN 'KHAKI'

Once the ubiquitous postman, whose uniform was changed from 'khaki' to blue to give him a corporate look, has been longing to go back to his original dress code. In fact, after the switch from 'khaki' uniform with a matching 'Netaji' cap, postmen feel that they had lost their 'friendly' image and wish to regain the image a 'dakiya' (popular name in Hindi for postman) through the 'khaki.'

There are 3,129 postmen in Madhya Pradesh who would now don back the khaki with the new India Post red logo. The team includes 119 women who would be supplied with khaki sarees replacing the existing blue ones. For men, the reverted khaki uniform, however, would not have the old Netaji cap.

It was in 2004 when the Union government changed the uniform of postmen from khaki to sky-blue shirts and deep-blue trousers. For women, the sky-blue sarees has a dark-blue border. The department of post personnel had been long demanding reverting the dress code.

"The blue uniform had not only nudged us out of market, but even made us look strangers," said president of postal employees association Prahlad Jaiswal, who has been spear-heading the fight to win back the almost lost-craze for the postman. "A crucial meeting on 'khaki uniform' with senior officials of the Madhya Pradesh circle will be held on September 13 at Bhopal, and we have been asking the Union government to reconsider our demand of going back to khaki," he said.

"The change from khaki to blue aimed to give a corporate touch from the drab-sounding and dull-looking khaki. However, no one realized that the change in uniform will make the postmen invisible," said the secretary of the association, Raju Yadav.

"The khaki uniform had given us the look of a government employee and made us look something different from run of the mill. Look at the uniform of forest officials and policemen, they are still the same and make them stand out from the rest of security agencies and other uniforms worn by the government employees," said Yadav.

"The decision to return back to khaki has already been taken," said a senior official of the postal department preferring anonymity. "It is a matter of time when postmen would be distributed the khaki uniform," he said.

Source : The Times of India, Sept 12, 2012

FIVE FOREIGN CONSULTANTS IN RACE FOR ‘POST BANK OF INDIA’ PROJECT

The Department of Posts has issued request for proposals (RFP) to five top notch foreign consultancy firms for the proposed Post Bank of India project.

The five short-listed firms are Accenture Services, Boston Consulting Group, Ernst & Young, KPMG Advisory Services and McKinsey & Co.

The Department of Posts (DoP) is looking to set up a bank — Post Bank of India (PBI) — to provide banking services with special focus on rural areas.

Besides providing a platform for financial inclusion, the Post Bank of India will provide means of additional revenue generation for the DoP.

The consultancy firms chosen, out of the five short-listed ones, will as part of the assignment focus on Detailed Project Report (DPR) on creation of PBI, financial viability of PBI, proposed organisational structure of PBI in the light of RBI regulations, and relationship between PBI and Post Office Savings Bank.

DETERMINATION OF SENIORITY OF EMPLOYEES WHEN POSTS/GRADES MERGED AS PER 6TH CPC RECOMMENDATIONS

No. 20020/4/2010-Estt. (D)

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel Public Grievances and Pensions

(Department of Personnel & Training)

North Block, New Delhi

Dated the 13th September, 2012

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Seniority of officers holding posts/grades in grades merged in pursuance of recommendations of Sixth Central Pay Commission.

The undersigned is directed to invite reference to para 2 (i) of this Department’s O.M. No.AB-14017/66/2008-Estt. (RR) dated 9th March, 2009, which provides that where all the posts in one or more pre-revised scales are merged with a higher pre-revised scale and given a common replacement scale/grade pay / pay scale, the suitability of the incumbents need not be assessed for granting them the higher replacement scale / grade pay / pay scale, there is also no need for the incumbents to complete any minimum eligibility service in the earlier scale of pay. There will be no change in the inter se seniority of the incumbents in the merged scale which shall be decided based on the general instructions on the subject.

2.         The 6th CPC in its recommendation contained in sub para (vi) of Para 2.2.13 has stated that the seniority of government servant will depend on the grade pay drawn. This will invariably be more for a higher level post. References have been received from Ministry of Railways/Ministry of Defence etc. regarding fixation of seniority of officers after merger of pay scales in pursuance to recommendation of Sixth Central Pay Commission. The recommendation of 6th CPC has been accepted on 29.08.2008 and the merger of pay scale(s) of the post has been made effective w.e.f. 01.01.2006. The issue of seniority has been further examined and it has been decided in consultation with UPSC and Department of Legal Affair that seniority of officers holding post in grades which have been merged in pursuance to recommendation of Sixth Central Pay Commission will be determined as follows :-

I.          The status of a government servant as on 29.08.2008 including those who have earned promotion between 01.01.2006 to 29.08.2008 will be protected as appointment/promotions are made as per the provisions of statutory recruitment rules applicable to the post/grade. The merger of the pay scale(s) of the post(s) as recommended by 6th CPC have been made effective w.e.f. 01.01.2006; the seniority of government servant which existed on 29.08.2008 (date of acceptance of recommendation of 6th CPC) will be maintained i.e. the holder of post having higher pay scale or post which constituted promotion post for the posts in the feeder grade, will rank en-bloc senior to those holding post having lower pay scale or the posts in feeder grade.

II.         Where posts having different pay scales prior to 6th CPC recommendation and now after merger have come to lie in the same Pay Band with same Grade Pay, the inter-se seniority of all the employees will be fully maintained with employee in a higher pre-revised pay scale being placed higher vis-a-vis an employee in a lower pay scale. Within the same pre-revised pay scale, seniority which existed prior to revision would continue.

III.        Where recruitment for the posts in different per-revised pay scale(s) was initiated separately for each posts, prior to acceptance of recommendation of 6th CPC i.e. prior to 29.08.2008 but selected individual joined duty on or after 30.08.2008 in the revised pay scale(s) against the posts which have been granted same Grade pay, such officers will be assigned seniority en-bloc below those officers who were in position as on 29.08.2008.

IV.        The availability of officers nominated on the basis of panel of promotion given by DPC or selection list given by selecting Authority will be decided as on 29,08.2008. In case a officer from the panel given by DPC or selection list given by selecting Authority has joined on or prior to 29.08.2008, then status of all the officers included in panel given by DPC or selection list will be protected and all officer will be considered available and their seniority determined by following the basic principle of seniority i.e. order of panel given by DPC or merit list given by selecting Authority. in case all the officers included in the panel given by DPC or selection list given by selecting Authority joins after 29.08.2008, then the seniority of such officers within a grade, will be determined by placing them below all available officers as on 29.08.2008 but maintaining their inter-se seniority in order of panel of DPC or merit list given by selecting authority.

3.         All the cases of determination of seniority except merged MTS posts will be decided accordingly. The issue of determination of seniority of merged MTS (erstwhile Group D) posts would be taken up separately.

4. Hindi version will follow. 

                                                                                                                sd/-

(Virender Singh)

Under Secretary to the Government of India

SUSPENSION OF EMPANELMENT OF ‘BAPU NATURE CURE HOSPITAL & YOGASHRAM, MAYUR VIHAR, NEW DELHI’ FROM THE LIST OF AYUSH HOSPITALS/CENTRES EMPANELLED UNDER CGHS GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare

Department of Health & Family Welfare,

Nirman Bhawan, Maulana Azad Road,

New Delhi 110 001

 No. S 11045/7/2012-CGHS/HEC                                         Dated the 12th September, 2012

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Sub:    Suspension of empanelment of ‘Bapu Nature Cure Hospital & Yogashram, Mayur Vihar, New Delhi’ from the list of AYUSH Hospitals/Centres empanelled under CGHS reg

CGHS vide its 0.M No. Z 28015/01/2006-HD Ce11/CGFIS (P) dated 1 st January, 2008 issued a list of Ayurvedic, Yoga Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH) Hospitals I Centers empanelled under CGHS and CS(MA) Rules wherein Bapu Nature Cure Hospital Yogashram was empanelled for Naturopathy system of medicine for providing healthcare facilities to CGHS beneficiaries.

2.         An inspection of Bapu Nature Cure Hospital & Yogashram was conducted on 8th June, 2012 by a team led by Director, CGHS. After a thorough inspection, it was found that the Hospital was committing gross violation of various CGHS norms and guidelines in respect of its facilities and services. The Inspection team concluded that with the existing infrastructure and manpower in position, the hospital is not in a position to provide quality healthcare services to CGHS beneficiaries. A ‘Show Cause Notice’ was issued to Bapu Nature Cure Hospital on 25th July, 2012 seeking clarifications on the deficiencies pointed out by the inspection team. However, the reply received from Bapu Nature Cure Hospital has not been found satisfactory.

3.         It has, therefore been decided to suspend the CGHS empanelment of Bapu Nature Cure Hospital & Yogashram with immediate effect till further orders. The hospital shall no longer be a part of the CGHS/CS (MA) Rules empanelled list of hospitals/centers for AYUSH.  However, patients, if any, already admitted prior to the issue of this OM, shall be provided the treatment and discharged within seven days from the date of issue of this OM.

                                                                                                                             Sd/-

(Jai Prakash)

Under Secretary to the Government of India

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE NATIONAL ANOMALY COMMITTEE HELD ON 17th JULY, 2012. {CLICK BELOW FOR DETAILS}

http://circulars.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02est/11_2_2008-JCA-13092012.pdf

OFFICIAL WORKING IN THE POSTS OF PO & RMS ACCOUNTANT POSTS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR SPECIAL ALLOWANCE EVEN AFTER GRANT OF MACP UPGRADATION – ORDERS OF THE DIRECTORATE. {CLICK BELOW FOR DETAILS}

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B1mpMV2cswheZk93TXVBMWZ5Tms/edit?pli=1

DOWNLOAD AMIT CARD/HALL TICKETS FOR LGO EXAMINATION SCHEDULED TO BE HELD ON 16.09.2012 {CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS}

http://www.eonlineapply.com/dop/admit/index_admit.asp

CONDUCTING OF SPECIAL LDCE FOR PROMOTION TO THE CADRE OF AAO (90% DEPARMENTAL EXAMINATION QUOTA) FOR THE YEAR 2012. {CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS}

https://docs.google.com/file/d/1dSbI6Go6llMQed0WoVzmnw2THSgBx3CtX0fRps6hGhNjTL0K4pXX8G2UT2TN/edit?pli=1

NFPE SOUTH ZONE STUDY CAMP AT CHENNAI VENUE ADDRESS: ALAMELU MANGA KALYANA MANDAPAM RADHAKRISHNAN STREET- CHENNAI-600 017

REDEPLOYMENT OF ESTABLISHMENT FOR WORKPLACE TRAINING CENTRES (WTCS).

 D.G. Posts No. 26-2/2012-Trg.                                                             Dated 06.09.2012

In accordance with the approval of the competent authority, the existing 240 Workplace Training Centres are given formal structure with regular establishment on re-deployment basis as follows:

(i)         Depending on the training workload and number of Nodes, upto two posts can be created for each WTC by the Head of Circle re-deploying surplus posts from within the establishment of the Circle in the following manner:

(a)        For WTCs having 10 Nodes or less, one from Selection Grade Supervisors(LSG/HSG-II), or Inspector of Posts/Assistant Superintendent of Posts, or PAs/SAs who have not at least First MACP can be re-deployed to perform the function of both faculty as well as Supervisor of the Centre.

(b)       For WTCs having more than 10 Nodes, depending on the overall training workload and number of Nodes in the Centre, the HOC can consider creating a second post on re-deployment basis as indicated in (a) above. Beyond this, no additional establishment can be created for WTCs and no WTCs can have more than two posts.

(c         The total number of WTCs for which in the above manner be re-deployed shall not exceed 240(224 in Postal/RMS Divisions and 16 in Postal Accounts Wing) as per the Annexure ‘A’ to this Memo.

(d)       The posts of the Supervisor-cum-Trainer/Trainer will be re-deployed similarly for 16 ZTCs/WTCs functioning in Postal Accounts Wing from AAO or even from the Accounts of sufficient seniority.

(e)        Chief PMsG or PMsG can utilize the services of Supervisors-Com-Trainers or Trainers posted in one WTC in any other WTC in their respective Circles or Region for training purpose, in exigencies , purely on short –term basis.

(ii)        The Supervisor –Cum-Trainer will coordinate the training pogramme and will also take classes. The trainer will only be taking classes. If two are of the same grade in a WTC/ZTC, senior official will work as Supervisor-Cum-Trainer.

(iii)       Once the posts are re-deployed, respective Heads of Circles will fill up the posts , taking into account the aptitude and suitability of the officials  considered for posting . In case suitable candidates are not available, HOCs can consider engaging retired Postal employees as guest faculty aptitude for training after following the existing rules regarding such engagement. In respect of CTCS/ATCs functioning in Postal Accounts Wing, Head of the Circle will do so in consultation with the Postal Accounts Wing the Circle.

(iv)       The posts thus re-deployed would form a separate establishment under the respective administrative unit i.e., Divisional Office/Regional Office/Circle Office/DA (P)/GM(Postal Accounts & Finance). The expenditure on the establishment of the same shall be met from the Training Head for which appropriate provisioning wild be entail expenditure on account of pay and allowances as well as establishment  costs utilizing head of account like OE,OC,PPSS etc.

2.         The admissibility of training allowance@ 15% of the basic pay to the trainers in WTCs is being taken up with suitable orders will be issued by the Postal Directorate,

3.         Training Division of the Postal Directorate will monitor, through the Heads of Circles/concerned, that the establishment so created is fully utilized and quality of training fulfils the expected standards.

4.         The Heads of Circles may straightaway issue orders for re-deployment in respect of Non-Gazetted staff in accordance with this Directorate letter No. 2-2/93-PE-I dated 07.09.1993 under intimation to establishment Division and Training Division of the Directorate . However, the proposal for re-deployment in respect of Gazetted posts, such as Assistant Superintendent of Posts and AAOs, are required to be taken up with Establishment Division of Postal Directorate for prior approval under intimation to Training Division.

5.         This issues in consultation with Integrated Finance Wing vide Diary No. 221/FA/12/CS dated 06.09.2012.    

                                                                                         Sd/-

(Rakesh Kumar)

Director(Training

INSPECTORS POSTS EXAMINATION 2012 POSTPONED.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rZRZoGonzRZhayR_z7okjXOCO9zQN9nfnvNSAjmUeec/edit?pli=1

MEASURES TO BE TAKEN FOR PREVENTION OF FRAUDS (Click link below for details)

http://www.indiapost.gov.in/DOP/Pdf/Circulars/113-11-2003-SB_06-09-2012.pdf

21st MEETING OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF VOLUNTARY AGENCIES (SCOVA) TO BE HELD ON 27TH SEPTEMBER, 2012 AT 11 AM AT CIVIL SERVICES OFFICERS' INSTITUTE (CSOI),RENDEZVOUS GR. FLOOR., F-116, MULTI STOREY APARTMENTS, KASTURBA GANDHI MARG, NEW DELHI UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF HON'BLE MOS(PP). (CLICK LINK BELOW FOR DETAILS)

http://circulars.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D3/D03ppw/scova_070912.pdf

SCHOLARSHIP TO SINGLE GIRL CHILD

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

Ministry of Women and Child Development

07-September-2012 15:56 IST

SCHOLARSHIP TO SINGLE GIRL CHILD

The University Grant Commission under Ministry of Human Resource Development (Department of Higher Education) provides Indira Gandhi Post-Graduate Scholarship to single girl child for pursuing non-professional courses at post graduate level. The Central Board of Secondary Education also gives scholarship, subject to certain conditions, to the meritorious single girl child for pursuing education at Higher Secondary level.

This was stated by Smt. Krishna Tirath, Minister for Women and Child Development, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha toda

GAZETTE NOTIFICATION REGARDING THE AMENDMENT IN THE CENTRAL CIVIL SERVICES (COMMUTATION OF PENSION) RULES, 1981{CLICK LINK BELOW FOR DETAILS )

http://circulars.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D3/D03ppw/Notification_comm_080612.pdf

INDIA POST HOLDS WORKSHOP ON FINANCIAL INCLUSION PROGRAMME

          A workshop on financial inclusion programme was organized by India Post from 04th Sep. 2012 to 06th Sep. 2012. Nineteen international participants from nine countries including India, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar and Bangladesh attended the said workshop. Further three delegates from United Postal Union (UPU) Headquarter Bern and one from UPU regional HQ Bangkok also attended the workshop.

          This workshop was led by Mr. Serguei Ananda who is head of financial services at UPU. In this workshop two UN agencies came together i.e. UPU and International Federation of Agriculture Development (IFDA) to develop facilities for cross border money remittances and its deliveries in rural areas.

          This programme was mainly for the Indian workers of abroad who regularly send money to their relatives in the rural areas in India.

          On the last day of workshop yesterday, the team visited Goledakkhana. The team was briefed about the functioning of inland and international money remittance by Sh. Pranav Kumar, Director, Goledakkhana. 

BK/AT
(Release ID :87632)(PIB)

CONFEDERATION CIRCULAR NO. CONF/ 16/2012 DATED: 6TH SEPTEMBER, 2012

PROGRAMME OF ACTION BY NATIONAL CONVENTION OF WORKERS

Dear Comrade,

                The National convention of workers, as intimated earlier, was held at Talkatora Stadium on 4th September, 2012.  The convention was organised by the united platform of Central Trade Unions in which the representatives of all Federations, Associations and Unions took part.  The convention was addressed by the leaders of the eleven Central Trade Unions. Copy of the declaration is enclosed. The following programme of action to press for the demands viz. to contain the ever rising prices of essential commodities, to take concrete measure for employment generation, enforcement of the existing labour laws, universal social security scheme for all workers,( i.e. assured pension for all)  stoppage of disinvestment of PSUs, granting the minimum wage at Rs. 10,000/- etc  have been unanimously adopted.

                Programme of action:

To hold State/District level joint conventions throughout the country to mobilise the workers during September, October and November, 2012.

To organise Satyagraha / Jail-Bharo / Court-Arrest programme on 18 or 19th

December in all States.

To organise a massive march to Parliament on 20th December, 2012 at Delhi from among the workers stationed at Delhi and adjoining States of U.P. Haryana, Punjab etc.

Organise a countrywide Two days General Strike on 20th and 21st February, 2013.

The Confederation of CGEs and workers has decided to endorse this decision and calls upon all its affiliates and State Committees to take necessary steps to make the various programmes successful. The National Sectt. of the Confederation will meet after 12th December, 2012 to chalk out campaign programme for the ensuing two days strike.  The State Committees of U.P, Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh may take necessary steps to enlist participation of large number of Central Government employees for the 20th December, rally and March to Parliament.  All State Committee may kindly get in touch with the units of the All India State Government employees Federation and other Central Trade Union units to jointly hold the State and District level Conventions.  

With greetings,

Yours fraternally

Sd/-,

K.K.N. Kutty

Secretary General.