Reservation in Promotion

   Reservation is available to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes at the rate of 15% and 7.5%, respectively, in all Groups viz. A, B, C (including erstwhile Group D posts) in case of promotion by non-selection method. In case of promotion by selection method, reservation is available in Group B, C and upto the lowest rung of Group A at the same rates.

   As regards senior posts of Secretary, Additional Secretary and Joint Secretary in the Central Ministries/Departments, these posts are filled on deputation basis under the Central Staffing Scheme except the posts in the Ministry of External Affairs. Reservation does not apply to posts filled on deputation. The officers borrowed from various cadres including the State Cadres, who are empanelled to hold such posts and who give their option for deputation are appointed under the Central Staffing Scheme. Likewise, the posts of Director (not including the posts in Central Secretariat Service) are also filled under the Central Staffing Scheme.

Investment by EPFO in Equities

   The Employees Provident Fund Organisation is not considering investment in equities as funds earning 12 per cent annually in the National Pension System.

   As on 31.10.2012, the total of Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) corpus invested in private sector is Rs. 26,896.54 Crore including Rs. 4.05 Crore investments in blue chip manufacturing companies.

   Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)ensure security of the capital contributed by the beneficiaries with risk free, consistent return on the same.

   This information was given by the Minister of State for Labour Shri K.Suresh in reply to a written question in the Rajya Sabha today.

One-Rank-One-Pension

   Government constituted a Committee in July, 2012, headed by Cabinet Secretary for looking into the pay and pension related issues of relevance to Defence service personnel and Ex-servicemen. The Committee submitted its report on issues namely OROP-Bridging the gap in pension, Enhancement of family pension, Dual Family Pension and Family pension to mentally / physically challenged son/ daughter of armed forces personnel on marriage. The recommendations have been accepted by the Government and are in the process of implementation.