Sunday, March 29, 2015

rajyasabha reply regading 7th CPC

Whether Government has announced the Seventh Pay Commission for the Central Government employees
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1380
ANSWERED ON-10.03.2015
Seventh Pay Commission
1380 . Shri Narendra Kumar Kashyap
(a) Whether Government has announced the Seventh Pay Commission for the Central Government employees;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) by when the Commission is likely to submit its report and the date from which it will be implemented;
(d) whether the representatives of the security forces have also been included in this Commission; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE
(SHRI JAYANT SINHA)
(a) & (b) : The Government of India has appointed the Seventh Central Pay Commission comprising of the following vide Resolution dated 28th February, 2014:
(i) Shri Justice Ashok Kumar Mathur – Chairman
(ii) Shri Vivek Rae – Member (Full time)
(iii) Dr. Rathin Roy – Member (Part time)
(iv) Smt. Meena Agarwal, – Secretary
(c): In terms of the aforesaid Resolution dated 28.2.2014, the Commission is required to make its recommendations within 18 months from the date of its constitution.
(d) & (e). No Sir.
*******
source-http://rajyasabha.nic.in/

Feedback of the meeting of NC JCM Staff Side with 7th CPC on 23-24 March, 2015

No.NC/JCM/2015
Dated: March 25, 2014
Dear Comrades,
The 7th CPC had asked the JCM Staff Side to present their case before the Commission for wage revision on 23rd and 24th March 2015. Accordingly, the Standing Committee of the Staff Side met on 22nd March and again 23rd March 2015. The presentation was made on 23rd and 24th March 2015 before the Commission.
We have discussed the memorandum, chapter wise and the Commission made a very patient hearing and interacted with us seeking clarifications on certain matters. It is not possible to provide a detailed account of the discussions. However, we are to inform you that we came out of the discussion with a very good impression and satisfaction.
1. The Commission will adopt Minimum Wage Concept(Dr. Aykhrod Formula) as the principle of wage determination. They will however, collect the retail rates of the commodities that go into the basket.
2. We have pleaded for the adoption of the best international practices while fixing thehighest salary.
3. On the demands for Interim Relief and Merger of DA, the Commission finally said that those can only be considered if Terms of Reference are amended.
4. The Commission agreed that there had been reduction in the sanctioned strength and working strength over the years despite the increased workload.
5. They have also noted that there was substantial reduction in percentage terms of the expenses on salary and wages over the years.
6. The Commission enquired, as to how multiplication factor of 3.7 was arrived at. The same was explained in detail.
7. Fitment Formula and the demand on Fixation of Pay on Promotion, were appreciated as the rationale was explained.
8. Date of effect: No commitment or comment was made by the Commission. The Staff Side explained, as to how they compromised by shifting the date from. 01.01.2011 to 01.01.2014.
9. The institution of Special Pay, especially in the wake of de-layering was explained.
10. Common Categories: We have requested the upgradation and amalgamation of the cadres of LDC with UDC and the need for bringing about parity in pay scales of the Subordinate Offices with the Central Secretariat. The problems of Staff Car Drivers were also elaborated. The contractorisation and casualisation at lower level positions and the consequent exploitation of the labour were discussed at length. The Commission has made a proposal to do away with the contractorisation/casualisation. Staff side will discuss the proposal and will send its views to the Commission in due course.
11. Classification of Posts: Our proposal has not been found favour.
12. GDS: While sympathizing with the Staff Side, the Commission wanted them to approach the Government with a view to amend the Terms of Reference.
13. Allowances and Advances: Detailed discussions were held on HRA, CCA, Transport Allowance, CEA and Special Allowance for personnel posted at North East Region. Chapters dealing with the facilities was also discussed at length, including compassionate appointment. On holidays, we have requested to include May Day in the list of holidays. The background of observance of May Day was enquired by the Commission and explained.
14. Pension and Retirement Benefit – NPS: Commission stated categorically that NPS being an Act of Parliament, they will not make any comment thereon.
Pension Computation: The rationale of 67% was explained and appreciated.
Minimum Pension: our demand for 2/3rd of the Minimum Wage was also explained.
Parity in pension of past and present pensioners was fully explained, linked with one rank -one pension scheme for Defence Personnel. We have pleaded that Civilian Pensioners should not be discriminated against. Demand for Additional Pension for both Pensioners and Family Pensioners was explained. All matters concerning Family Pension were also discussed. So also, gratuity to be computed in accordance with the Gratuity Act.
There was good response for the demands from the Commission.
Restoration of commuted value of pension: The Commission will enquire the views of the Government as to what is their objection to the demand.
Medical facilities for pensioners and discrimination between Pensioners in CGHS area and CCS(MA) Area as also the Postal Pensioners was brought home including the higher Fixed Medical Allowance for ESI persons.
Certain clarifications/elucidations have been asked for by the Commission. To provide such clarifications, another meeting with the Commission might be held after the Commission’s interaction with other organizations. The Staff Side may meet the Commission after their interaction with the other organizations are over.
With greetings,
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
Secretary/Staff Side NC JCM

Seventh Pay Commission likely to submit report in October 2015

The government appointed the Seventh Pay Commission on 28 February 2014 under chairman justice Ashok Kumar Mathur with a timeline of 18 months to make its recommendations. Though the deadline for submitting the report ends in August this year, the SPC is likely to seek extension till October.
The Sixth Pay Commission which was constituted in October 2006 had submitted its report in March 2008. As a result of the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission, pay and allowances of the Union government employees more than doubled between 2007-08 and 2011-12—from Rs.74,647 crore to Rs.166,792 crore, according to the Fourteenth Finance Commission estimates.
Read more at: http://www.livemint.com/

Minimum Wage for 7th cpc pay of Rs.26000/- and Open Ended Pay Scales-NFIR

NFIR
National Federation of Indian Railwaymen
3, CHELMSFORD ROAD, NEW DELHI – 110 055
Affiliated to :
Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC)
International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF)
Minimum Wage of Rs.26000/- and Open Ended Pay Scales
JCM DELEGATION PROPOSED BEFORE THE 7TH CENTRAL PAY COMMISSION
During 2 days deliberations on 23rd & 24th March, 2015, the JCM (Staff Side) delegation have pleaded before the 7th Central Pay Commission to recommend minimum wage of Rs. 26,000/- per month on the basis of 15th ILC Norms/Aykroyd Formula. Some of the important submissions made before the Pay Commission are listed below:
• Wage ratio between the lowest and highest should be 1:8.
• Revised pay scales and allowances should be given effect from 01/01/2014.
• 3.7 multiplication factor should be applied to arrive at the revised pay. Special Pay concept should be restored back.
• HRA should be revised to 60%, 40% and 20% of pay for `X”Y’ and ‘Z’ class localities/cities respectively.
• Children Education Allowance should be revised and extended to cover higher studies also.
• Increment rate should be 5% of pay.
• Five promotions during service.
• Special Duty Allowance for North Eastern Region be revised to 37-1/2%.
• House Building Amount should be increased and interest rate should be reduced.
• 6th CPC Anomalies may be got addressed through a special mechanism.
• Flexi timings for women employees besides additional leave facilities etc.,
Pension
• Pay Commission was urged to recommend parity in Pension.
• Minimum Pension should be fixed at 67% of last pay drawn.
• Gratuity amount should be upwardly revised.
All the issues contained in the JCM memorandum were explained to the Commission with cogent logic, merits and Precedents. S/Shri M. Raghavaiah, Leader JCM (Staff Side), Guman Singh, NFIR President, R.P. Bhatnagar, Working President and B.C. Sharma, Joint General Secretary have participated in the deliberations.
No.IV/NFIR/7TH CPC/Corres/Pt.V Dated : 28/03/2015
Forwarded to Affiliates & Media Centre/NFIR.
(Dr M. Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

ant of financial upgradation under MACP Scheme-clarifications

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(Railway Board)
No PC-V/2010/MACP/7/ECR
New Delhi, dated 04.09.2014
The General Manager(P)
East Central Railway,
Hajipur
Sub:-Grant of financial upgradation under MACP Scheme-clarifications reg.
Ref:-ECR’s letter No.E/205(A)/)/ECR/HJP, dated 11.07.2014.
In context of E.C.Railway’s letter under reference, it is stated that the matter has been examined and it is clarified that:-
(a)The employees joining a post in Grade Pay of Rs 4600, on direct recruitment basis may be considered for grant of financial upgradation in Grade Pay of Rs 4800, Rs 5400, of PB-2 and Rs 5400 of PB-3, provided that no two successively grade i.e feeder promotional are in same Grade Pay.
(b)Similarly, the employees joining a post in Grade Pay of rs 4200, on direct recruitment basis may be considered for grant of financial upgradation in Grade Pay of Rs 4200, Rs 4600, and Rs 4800 of PB-2, provided that no two successive grade i.e. feeder and promotional are in same Grade Pay.
(c) Accordingly the employees joining a post in Grade pay of Rs 2800, on direct recruitment basis may be considered for grant of financial upgradation in Grade Pay of Rs 4200, Rs 4600 and Rs 4800 of PB-2, provided that no two successive grades i.e. feeder and promotional are in same Grade Pay.
2. Further the grant of financial upgradation under MACP Scheme is subject to fulfillment of terms & conditions contained in Board’s letter dt.10.06.09 (RBE No.101/2009) and clarifications issued in context thereof and the same may please be ensured while considering cases for financial upgradation under MACP Scheme.
(N.P.Singh)
Dy.Director, Pay Commission –V
Railway Board

Central government employees are likely to get 6% DA w.e.f January 2015

DA for January 2015
Presently, the AICPIN value for the month of December has been released.(253) We need the AICPIN value for the past 12 months in order to calculate how much DA we will get in January 2015. Accordingly, the AICPIN value of all the twelve months has been released now. I have provided the data for your reference below:
Table showing AICPIN value of the past 12 months
Jan-14237
Feb-14238
Mar-14239
April-14242
May-14244
Jun-14246
July-14252
Aug-14253
Sep-14253
Oct-14253
Nov-14254
Dec-14253
In the above table, we can see that the AICPIN value for a period of fIVE months has remained constantly at 253. If we calculate the DA, based on the AICPIN value of twelve months, we arrive at a DA value of 113%. When we compare this DA percentage with the previous one, we find that it has increased by 6%. It is expected that this 6% DA increase will be officially released in the end of February or first week of March after it is approved by the Cabinet.
DA CALCULATION TABLE
Jan-14
237
2802
233.50
117.74
101.71

Feb-14
238
2817
234.75
118.99
102.79

Mar-14
239
2832
236.00
120.24
103.87

Apr-14
242
2848
237.33
121.57
105.02

May-14
244
2864
238.67
122.91
106.17

Jun-14
246
2879
239.92
124.16
107.25
107
Jul-14
252
2896
241.33
125.57
108.47

Aug-14
253
2912
242.67
126.91
109.63

Sep-14
253
2927
243.92
128.16
110.71

Oct-14
253
2939
244.92
129.16
111.57

Nov-14
253
2949
245.75
129.99
112.29

Dec-14
253
2963
246.92
131.16
113.30
113
The DA that we will get for the month of July 2015 will depend on the AICPIN value that is released between the months of January 2015 to June 2015.

the proposal of GDS for their inclusion within the terms of reference of 7th CPC

DEPARTMENT OF POSTS REFERRED THE GDS CASE TO FINANCE MINISTRY FOR INCLUSION IN 7th CPC
Meeting with with PJCA
To
The Chairman / Secretary
Postal Joint Council of Action
Subject: Meeting held with PJCA on 05/02/2015 under the Chairpersonship of Secretary (Posts)
Dear Sir,
As decided vide Point 2 of the minutes of above meeting, this is to inform you that the proposal of GDS for their inclusion within the terms of reference of 7th CPC has been endorsed to the Department of Expenditure for re-consideration.
Sd/- (Arun Malik)
Director (SR & Legal)
source-http://nfpe.blogspot.in/

Monday, March 9, 2015

Budget 2015: Is the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana better than PPF?

By Neha Pandey Deoras, ET Bureau

Thinking of investing in the PPF and fixed deposits for your little daughter's education or marriage? The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) could be a better alternative. The scheme, which was launched in January as part of the Prime Minister's Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative, was already eligible for deduction under Section 80C. The Budget has now made the income from the scheme tax free.

The SSY is more attractive than the PPF because it offers a higher interest rate. The interest rate of the SSY is also linked to the government bond yield. While the PPF offers 25 basis points higher than the yield of 10-year government bonds, the SSY will offer 75 basis points higher than the 10-year government bond yield for the previous year (which was 8.33% for 1 April, 2013 to 31 March, 2014). For 2014-15, the interest for PPF is 8.7% while the SSY offers 9.1%. Though the SSY is an attractive proposition, the scheme is not open to everybody. An SSY account can be opened by the parent or guardian in the name of a girl child not more than 10 years old. Only for this year, the government has offered a grace period of one year and allowed accounts to be opened for girls who will be 11 years old by 1 December 2015. Children born before 2 December 2003 are not eligible.

How to open an SSY account

Accounts can be opened in any Post Office or designated branches of PSU banks with a minimum investment of Rs 1,000. The maximum investment in a financial year is Rs 1.5 lakh and deposits can be made for 14 years after opening the account. A parent can open an account for a maximum of two daughters, but the combined investment in the two accounts cannot exceed Rs 1.5 lakh a year. The account matures when the girl turns 21, though up to 50% of the corpus can be withdrawn after she is 18 or gets married.

Should you invest?

Financial planner Malhar Majumder believes the girl child tag lends a sense of purpose to the investment. "You invest in the PPF for 15 years and then do as you please with the maturity amount. Some buy a house while others spend on children's marriage or education. The instrument itself does not offer a goal,Rs he says. On the other hand, the SSY nudges a parent to save for specific goals—the daughter's education and marriage. But experts also doubt if the government will be able to monitor the usage of the funds.

However, since this is a debtbased scheme, the SSY won't be able to generate very high returns. If a couple starts putting away Rs 1.5 lakh a year in the SSY when the child is 10, the corpus would grow to Rs 28.89 lakh in 11 years, by the time she is 21. If the girl is 5 years old and they save for 14 years, the investment would grow to Rs 42.88 lakh by the time she is 19.
Budget 2015: Is the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana better than PPF? This might appear attractive by today's standards but it will not be enough to pay her college fees in the year 2031. The interest rate too would not be as high as it is right now. This is why experts advise that the SSY should be used in combination with other investments, such as equity funds, for saving for a child's future goals. "A foreign degree can easily cost upwards of Rs 25 lakh at today's prices,Rs says financial planner Suresh Sadagopan.


Source : The Economic Times

Encashment earned leave alongwith LTC - clarification

Encashment earned leave alongwith LTC - clarification

Click here to view Department of Personnel and Training OM No.14028/2/2012-Estt.(L) dated 9th February, 2015.

Central Government Employees Group Scheme, 1980 - Table of Benefits in respect of Savings Fund accumulations during 01.01.2015 to 31.12.2015

Click here to view the Table of Benefits.

A hint in the Delhi outcome: Central employees did BJP in?

The BJP seems to have invited the wrath of central government employees living in the national capital with some of its non-populist measures.

With early trends in Delhi suggesting a complete rout for the BJP barely eight months after it swept the national capital in the Lok Sabha polls, party strategists say the party paid a heavy price because of government workers’ worries.

There are about seven lakh central government employees in Delhi – 30% of them women – and party strategists fear other voters in these families also voted against the BJP.

The Narendra Modi government’s decision on biometric attendance making it mandatory for government employees to mark their attendance sharply at 9 in the morning upset women employees, a union minister said.

“During campaigning for Delhi elections, we realised that women employees were upset as it was becoming difficult for them to manage household affairs and reach office sharply at 9 am. They were clearly against us,” the minister told HT.

The BJP’s campaign managers, including several senior ministers, tried to address fears that the retirement age of government workers would be reduced to 58 from 60.

“There was a sense of insecurity among employee who feared government would lower the retirement age if it wins Delhi. This also added to our woes,” said another cabinet minister.

During the campaign, BJP leaders organised several meetings  of government employees to address these worries, but results indicate it may be too late for them to undertake a damage control exercise.

Source:http://www.hindustantimes.com/newdelhi/central-employees-did-bjp-in/article1-1315364.aspx