Central Government Employees All India Strike – Confederation report

WELL  DONE  COMRADES !   

CONGRATULATIONS & RED SALUTE !!

CONFEDERATION NATIONAL SECRETARIAT CONGRATULATES ALL THE CENTRAL GOVT. EMPLOYEES WHO MADE THE  BEGINNING OF THE TWO DAYS STRIKE A MARVELLOUS AND THUNDERING SUCCESS.

THE HISTORIC 48 HOURS NATION WIDE STRIKE COMMENCED AT 00:00 HRS ON 12.02.2014

13 LAKHS  EMPLOYEES  JOINED  THE BIGGEST STRIKE OF CENTRAL GOVT. EMPLOYEES AFTER 1968 ON CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES COMMON DEMANDS.

FUNCTIONING OF ALL CENTRAL GOVT. OFFICES (OTHER THAN RAILWAYS & DEFENCE) COMPLETELY PARALYSED AND CAME TO A STANDSTILL.

WARNING AND THREAT OF VICTIMISATION BY THE GOVT COULD NOT DETER THE EMPLOYEES FROM JOINING THE STRIKE.

PENT UP DISCONTENTMENT AND ANGER OF THE EMPLOYEES BURST OUT LIKE A VOLCANO.

EVERYWHERE ENTIRE EMPLOYEES ARE ON STRIKE AND IN MAJORITY OF THE STATES AND DEPARTMENTS IT IS ALMOST NEAR TOTAL.

UPA GOVERNMENT  IS NOT READY TO CONCEDE ANY OF OUR DEMANDS, JUST AS IN THE CASE OF BANK EMPLOYEES.

CONTINUE THE STRIKE ON 13TH FEBRUARY ALSO.

CONFEDERATION NATIONAL SECRETARIAT WILL MEET ON 18TH FEBRUARY AND DECIDE FUTURE COURSE OF ACTION.

      

                                                              M.KRISHNAN

                                                            Secretary General

                                Confederation Central Govt. Employees and Workers

                                                            Mob: 09447068125

                                                Email: mkrishnan6854@gmail.com

P R E S S     S T A T E M E N T

Dated: 12th February, 2014

  

As per the report received at the Central Head Quarters of the Confederation, near about 13 lakhs Central Government Employees have commenced the two day strike from Midnight of 11th Feb. 2014. For 48 hours. The Strike action will continue upto the midnight of 13th Feb. 2014.  The functioning of the Government in the Postal, Income tax, Civil Accounts, Ground water Board, Botanical Survey of India, and many other organisations have been totally paralysed as in these departments, the offices could not even be opened .   In all other Departments of the Government of India viz. the Printing and Stationery, Indian Audit and Accounts Department, Atomic Energy Commission offices, Custom & Central Excise, Defence Accounts, Indian Bureau of Mines, Geological Survey of India, other Survey of India organisations and offices, Census, the work has been paralysed. 

The strike action became necessary due to the refusal of the Government to finalise the terms of reference of the proposed 7th CPC, grant interim relief and merger of DA with pay, inclusion  of Gramin Dak Sewaks within the purview  of the  Pay Commission and scrapping of NPS  and the settlement of the 15 point charter of demands,  The employees are agitated over the action of the Government in getting the PFRDA enacted in the Parliament  with the support of the BJP which contains the provision to bring in the existing employees and pensioners  also within its ambit.

  

During the last 5 years, Government had been outsourcing various functions to Contractors with the result presently about one third of the workforce of the Government of India is contract labours getting only a pittance of salary.  Lakhs of posts in various Departments of the Government are presently vacant due to the ban on recruitment aggravating the unemployment situation in the country.  

The Government has virtually closed down all channels of discussions with the employees by not convening the meetings of the JCM both at the National and Departmental levels.  There had been no avenue for the employees to air their grievances and seek redressal.  Even the awards of the Board of Arbitration which were in favour of employees were allowed to pend implementation for 15 years and are now being brought before the Parliament for rejection invoking the sovereign authority of the legislature. 

The incessant rise in the prices of essential commodities has eroded the value of wages fixed in 2006 phenomenally.  The price rise over the years between 2006 and 2014 is estimated to be three times, whereas the DA compensation presently is only 90%.  It has become difficult for the employees especially at the lower levels to meet even the basic requirements of a family life.  The agonising situation arising from the apathy of the Government has given rise to anger and desperation, which has been reflected in their total participation in the strike action.

The reports received from the States indicate  that   the strike was total in Kerala, West Bengal, Assam, Tripura,  Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu,  Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, ’Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, J&K, HP, Rajasthan, U.P. and more than 90% in the rest of the States. 

The National Secretariat of the Confederation is scheduled to meet on 18th Feb. to review and assess the response of the Government.  If the Government continues with its nugatory attitude, the Secretariat will be left with no other alternative but to call upon the employees to go for indefinite strike action before the general election is announced. 

M.KRISHNAN

Secretary General.

Source:http://confederationhq.blogspot.in/

Railway Budget 2014: No Increase in Passenger Fares and Freight

Outlay of Rs 64,305 Crore Proposed for Rail Budget with A Budgetary Support of Rs 30,223 Crore

17 New Premium Trains, 38 Express Trains and 10 Passenger Trains Proposed

Surveys For 19 New Lines and  Doubling of 5  Tracks to be Taken Up

Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh to be on Railway Map

The Elimination of 5,400 Unmanned Crossings

To Prevent Fire Incidents Portable Fire-Extinguishers in Coaches and Induction Based Cooking Introduced in Pantry Cars

Feasibility Study for High Speed Trains in Mumbai-Ahmedabad Corridor and Semi High Speed Projects to Taken Up on Select Routes

More Bio-Toilets in Trains and Green Curtains Along the Track Close to Major Stations

Independent Rail Tariff Authority Set-Up to Advice on Fares and Freight

Loading Target Raised to 1,052 Million Tonne and Freight Earnings Target Revised to Rs 94,000 Crore

No increase in rail fare and freight has been proposed in the Interim Rail Budget for 2014-15. Presenting the Budget in Parliament today, the Minister of Railways Shri Mallikarjun Kharge announced 72 new trains, extension of three trains and increase in frequency of three trains. The Minister announced that there will be no more unmanned crossings. A Rail Tariff Authority has also been announced. A number of measures for safety and security of passengers like portable fire-extinguishers in coaches and induction based cooking in pantry car have been proposed in the Budget.

The Budget presented today envisages investment of Rs. 64,305 crore as against Revised Estimates for 2013-14 of Rs. 59,359 crore. Anticipating a healthier growth of economy, the freight traffic target is proposed at 1,101 million tonnes, an increment of 49.7 million tonnes over the current years’ revised target of about 1052 million tonnes. The Gross Traffic Receipts have been projected at Rs. 1,60,775 crore . Working Expenses have been proposed at Rs. 1,10,649 crore, which is Rs. 13,589 crore higher than the Revised Estimates for the current year.

Highlighting the passenger friendly initiatives of Indian Railways, the Minister said the success of e-booking of tickets has surpassed all expectations, and  now train movements can also be tracked online to find the exact location and running.  Besides, 51 Jan-Ahaar outlets for sale of Janta Meals have been set up; 48 passenger escalators have been commissioned at railway stations and 61 more are being installed and air-conditioned EMU services will commence in Mumbai area by July 2014. 

Railways Minister announced that Itanagar, capital of Arunanchal Pradesh will soon be on rail map in this financial year, as Harmuti-Naharlagun line is expected to be commissioned shortly. The state of Meghalaya is also all set to come on the Railway map in this financial year, as Dudhnoi – Mehendipathar line is getting completed by March 2014.

Briefing about Railways efforts for moderation of its network Sh. Kharge said a joint Feasibility Study for Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed corridor, started in December 2013, will be completed in 18 months. Besides the High Speed project, Indian Railways also intend to explore low cost options for raising speeds to 160-200 kmph on existing select routes like Delhi-Agra and Delhi-Chandigarh.

The Minister said that Investment in Railways is being stepped up by partnership with the private sector. PPP projects related to rolling stock manufacturing units, modernisation of railway stations, multi-functional complexes, logistics parks, private freight terminal, freight train operations, liberalised wagon investment schemes and Dedicated Freight Corridors are in the pipeline. Apart from attracting private investments from domestic investors in rail sector, a proposal is under consideration of the Government to enable Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to foster creation of world class rail infrastructure.

Reiterating Railways’ commitment or safety and security of passengers the Minister said several measures have been and are being taken for its further strengthening.  Manning or elimination of all unmanned level crossings has been taken up and planning for induction of indigenously developed Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) and provision of Vigilance  Control  Device (VCD) in all electric and diesel locomotives is being introduced. He said that a Comprehensive Fire and Smoke Detection System is on trial on two rakes of Rajdhani Express trains. This will be extended to all major passenger trains. Provision of portable fire extinguishers in AC coaches, Guard-cum-luggage break vans, pantry cars and locomotives. Introduction of electrical induction based cooking appliances in replacement of LPG in pantries is being taken up.

With a view to improving aesthetic ambience along the track close to the approach of major stations, the Railways Minister announced  creation of ‘Green Curtains’ at Agra and Jaipur stations on pilot basis.  He said that bio-toilets have been introduced in about 2,500 coaches. It is proposed to increase the coverage progressively.

Railways Minister said given the promising trend of loading, the target has been scaled up to about 1052 million tonnes from the budget target of 1047 million tonnes and freight earnings targets revised to Rs 94,000 crore. He announced that an independent Rail Tariff Authority is being set-up to advise the Government on fixing of fares and freight. 

Source: PIB

CGEWHO: Housing Scheme for Government Employees

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION

LOK SABHA

STARRED QUESTION NO 207

ANSWERED ON 05.02.2014

HOUSING SCHEME FOR GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES

207 . Shri CHAUHAN MAHENDRASINH

Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Central Government Employees’ Welfare Housing Organisation (CGEWHO) undertakes housing projects for the Central Government employees in different parts of the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof including the projects in progress and under planning;

(c) whether the CGEWHO has conducted any survey to assess the requirement/ shortage of houses for the Central Government employees;

(d) if so, the details and the outcome thereof; and

(e) the steps taken/ proposed to be taken by the Government to address the issue?

ANSWER

(a): Yes, Madam.

(b): The details are at Annexure-I.

(c): Yes.

(d): Central Government Employees’ Welfare Housing Organisation (CGEWHO) has conducted demand survey in respect of 20 stations in August 2009, the details of which are at Annexure II.

(e): Since its inception in 1990, the CGEWHO has been able to complete 29 housing projects across the country, catering to 13345 Central Government employees. Besides, the construction of 6010 dwelling units is under progress and under planning. Further projects will be based on the availability of land by the respective State Government entities. In the absence of land not being provided by the State Governments, CGEWHO would consider taking up feasible turnkey projects.

Source:http://karnmk.blogspot.in/2014/02/cgewho-details-of-housing-scheme-for.html

Gramin Dak Sevaks are not Central Government employees and this issue is within the domain of DoPT and Ministry of Finance: Latest reply by Govt in Rajya Sabha

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF  COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

RAJYA SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1784

ANSWERED ON-07.02.2014

Grameen Dak Sevaks

1784 . SHRI MAHENDRA SINGH MAHRA

(a)  the State-wise number of Grameen Dak Sevaks working throughout the country at present;

(b)  whether the Ministry proposes to appoint these Grameen Dak Sevaks to the posts of postman and MTS on the basis of their seniority;

(c) if not, by when these Grameen Dak Sevaks are likely to be appointed to the posts of postman and MTS;

(d) whether the Ministry has received a demand letter from them demanding better facilities; and

(e) if so, the details of the action taken in this regard?

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (DR. (SMT.) KILLI KRUPARANI)

(a) As on 01.01.2013, the total working strength of various categories of Gramin Dak Sevaks is 263326. State-wise and UT wise details is at Annexure-I.

(b) Statutory recruitment rules of MTS already provide for their absorption to the posts of MTS on the basis of seniority. However, there is no proposal for their absorption to the posts of Postman on the basis of seniority.

(c) Absorption of Gramin Dak Sevaks to the posts of postman and MTS can only be made as per the provisions of statutory recruitment rules of postman and MTS.

(d) It is not clear from the question, which specific letter is being mention. However, some letters regarding inclusion of the category of Gramin Dak Sevaks within the purview of 7th Central pay Commission have been received.

(e) Gramin Dak Sevaks are not Central Government employees and this issue is within the domain of DoPT and Ministry of Finance.

Source:www.rajyasabha.nic.in

RE-STRUCTURING OF CADRE ARTISAN STAFF IN DEFENCE RRS FOR THE POST OF MCM AND CM

RE-STRUCTURING OF CADRE ARTISAN STAFF IN DEFENCE RRS FOR THE POST OF MCM AND CM

Ministry of Defence 
D(Civ-I)

Subject: Restructuring of cadre artisan staff in Defence Establishments in modification of recommendations of 6th CPC – framing of Recruitment Rules for the posts of Master Craftsman (MCM) and Chargeman both in the same GP of Rs.4200/-

Consequent upon the restructuring of the Artisan Cadre vide MoD letter of even number dated the 14.06.2010 framing of RRs for the posts of Master Craftaman and Chargeman could not be finalized as DOP&T has objection to promotion of MCM as Chargeman in the same GP of Rs.4200/-. Moreover, Ministry of Finance has also not agreed to grant of increment to MCM on their promotion in the same GP of Rs.4200/- to the post of Chargemen.

2. To overcome the situation as explained in paragraph I above, one of the model proposed for promotions of artisan staff cadre is indicated below :

Skilled Grade (PB-I, GP Rs.1900)
↓
Highly Skilled Grade – II (PB-1, GP Rs.2400)	→	(7 years as HS-II through LDCE)	→	Chargeman (PB-2, GP Rs.4200)
↓				↓
Highly Skilled Grade-I (PB-1, GP Rs.2800)	→	(4 years as HS-I through LDCE)	→	Chargeman (PB-2, GP Rs.4200)
↓				↓
Master Craftsman (PB-2, GP Rs.4200)				Chargeman (PB-2, GP Rs.4200)
↓				↓
→		(on eligibility basis) (Foreman / JWM) (PB-2, GP Rs.4600)		←

3. As per the above model the following is proposed :
(i) HS-II (GP Rs.2400/-) shall be able to move as HS-I (GP Rs.2800/-) under normal promotion norms. One completion of 7 years of service HS-II shall be eligible for the post of Chargeman on the basis of Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE).

(ii) HS-I (GP Rs.2800/-) shall be able to move as Master Craftsman (GP Rs.4200/-) under normal promotion norms. One completion of 4 years of service HS-I shall be eligible for the post of Chargeman on the basis of Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE).

(iii) Both Master Craftsman and Chargeman shall be able to move as Foreman / JWM (PB-2, Rs.4600/-) as the case may be on eligibility basis.

4. All concerned are requested to furnish their comments on the above proposed model of RRs for the posts of Master Craftsman and Chargeman with the approval of competent authority by 7th February 2014 positively.

Sd/-
(M.S.Sharma)
Under Secretary (Civ-I & II)

Source-INDWF

Revised Pay Structure of the common category posts of Pharmacist cadre & Admissibility of Grade pays under MACP Scheme.

File No.4-7/ (MACPS)/ 2009-PCC

Ministry of Communications & IT

Government of India

Department of Posts

Pay Commission Cell

Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg,

New Delhi-110001

Dated, 24 Dec 2013.

To,
All Head of Circles,
All Postmaster Generals,
All Directors of Accounts

Sub; - Revised Pay Structure of the common category posts of Pharmacist cadre & Admissibility of Grade pays under MACP Scheme.

In the light of Ministry of Finance, Department of expenditure, Implementation cell OM No. 1/1/2008-IC dated 18-11-2009 allowing NFSG to the cadre of Pharmacist and in particular DGHS (CGHS-II Section letter no. G. 12011/1/1/2010-CGHS II dated Nil the issue of admissibility of Grade pays under MACPS to the cadre of Pharmacist cadre has been examined in consultation with DOPT. DOPT vide ID NO. 86929/13/CR dated 09-12-2013 has clarified the issue as under;-

"it may be clarified that in term of the provisions of Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme (MACPS), three financial upgradations in the Grade Pay hierarchy of Grade Pays as notified in the CCS (RP) rules, 2008 are allowed on completion of 10, 20 & 30 years of regular service counted from the direct entry grade. In terms of Para-8.1 of the scheme, financial upgradations including that of non-functional grades granted have to be treated as an offset against one financial upgradation under the scheme. Accordingly, entitlement for grant of MACPS to Pharmacist in the GP of PB-1 Rs. 2800/- is PB-2 Rs. 4200/-(1st MACP), PB-2 GP RS. 4600/-(2nd MACP) and PB-2 Rs. 4800/- (3rd MACP),Entitlements mentioned vide DGHS order bearing No. G 12011/1/2010-CGHSII is not in consonance with the provisions of the MACPS”.

2. Contents of this letter may please be circulated to all concerned.

Sd/-

(Surender Kumar)

Assistant Director General (GDS/PCC)

Source:http://www.aipeup3chq.com/2014/02/pharmacist-cadre-admissibility-of-grade.html

Data in respect of DR Steno Grade D’ for Web Based Software Solution for Cadre Management of CSSS-reg.

No. 6/1/2014-CS.II(C)

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

Department of Personnel & Training

3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhawan

Khan Market, New Delhi-110003

Dated: 10th February, 2014

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Data in respect of DR Steno Grade D’ for Web Based Software Solution for Cadre Management of CSSS-reg.

The undersigned in directed to refer to the subject mentioned above and to say that on the basis of nominations made by this Department, Direct Recruit Steno Grade D’ are joining various Ministries/Departments participating in CSSS. It is imperative that the data in respect of these newly joined DR Steno Grade D’ are immediately captured in the web based cadre management system hosted at cscms.nic.in.

2. A proforma has accordingly been devised for gathering of data in respect of DR Steno Grade 'D’ who have joined recently. Ministries / Departments concerned are, therefore, requested to furnish the data in respect of these DR Steno Grade ‘D’ in the format enclosed. The newly joined DR Steno Grade ‘D’ are advised that it is their responsibility to get their data fed in the web based system. The data should also be emailed at chowdhury.r13.

Sd/-

(Kameshwar Mishra)

Under Secretary to the Govt. of India

Source:http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02csd/wb.pdf

Clarification on Revised Assured Career Progression Scheme (RACPS) for the State Government employees.

GOVERNMENT OF ODISHA

FINANCE DEPARTMENT

Memo No. 1738/PCC(A)-37/2013/F.

Date;20/01/2014

All Departments/
All Heads of Department/
All Collectors.

Sub: Clarification on Revised Assured Career Progression Scheme (RACPS) for the State Government employees.

The undersigned is directed to say that Government in Finance Department have extended Revised Assured Career Progression Scheme for the State Government employees vide Finance Department Resolution No.3560/F., dt.6.2.2013 and issued clarification in respect of the Driver vide Memo No.16400/F., dt.2.5.2013. Thereafter, the doubts have been raised and clarifications have been sought from different quarters regarding implementation of RACP Scheme in respect of other State Government employees.

After careful consideration of the various provisions of RACP Scheme contained in FD Resolution No.3560/F., dt.6.2.2013, it has been decided to issue the following clarifications for guidance of all concerned.

To view the RACPS Clarification click here.....

DOPT Order 2014: Notice for strike by the Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers on 12th and 13th February, 2014

TIME BOUND

No. 33011/1(s)/2014-Estt-B -(I)

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public & Grievances and Pensions

Department of Personnel & Training

Dated the 10th February, 2014.

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject : Notice for strike by the Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers on 12th and 13th February, 2014

The undersigned is directed to intimate that the Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers have given notice that the members of the affiliates of these Confederation will go on strike on 12th and 13th February, 2014 in pursuance of their Charter of Demands.

2. The instructions issued by the Department of Personnel & Training prohibit the Government servants from participating in any form of strike including mass casual leave, go-slow etc. or any action that abet any form of strike in violation of Rule 7 of the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964. Besides, in accordance with the proviso to Rule 17 (1) of the Fundamental Rules, pay and allowances is not admissible to an employee for his absence from duty without any authority. As to the concomitant rights of an Association after it is formed, they cannot be different from the rights which can be claimed by the individual members of which the Association is composed. It follows that the right to form an Association does not include any guaranteed right to strike. There is no statutory provision empowering the employees to go on strike. The Supreme Court has also agreed in several judgments that going on a strike is a grave misconduct under the Conduct Rules and that misconduct by the Government employees is required to be dealt with in accordance with the law. Any employee going on strike in any form would face the consequences which, besides deduction of wages, may also include appropriate disciplinary action. In this connection, your kind attention is also drawn to this Department's OM No. 33012/1(s)/2008-Estt (B) (pt) dated 12th September, 2008 (copy enclosed).

3. A Joint Consultative Machinery for Central Government employees is already functioning. This scheme has been introduced with the object of promoting harmonious relations and of securing the greatest measure of cooperation between the Government, in its capacity as employer, and the general body of its employees in matters of common concern, and with the object, further of increasing the efficiency of the public service. The JCM at the different levels have been discussing issues brought before it for consideration and either reaching amicable settlement or referring the matter to the Board of Arbitration in relation to pay and allowances, weekly hours of work and leave, whenever no amicable settlement could be reached in relation to these items.

4. The Central Government Employees under your Ministry/Departments may, therefore, be suitably informed of the aforesaid instructions under the Conduct Rules issued by this Department and other regulations upheld by the Hon'ble Supreme Court and dissuaded from resorting to strike in any form. You may also issue instructions not to sanction Casual Leave or other kind of leave to employees if applied for, during the period of the proposed strike and ensure that the willing employees are allowed hindrance free entry into the office premises. For this purpose, Joint secretary (Admn) may be entrusted with the task of coordinating with security personnel. Suitable contingency plan may also be worked out to carry out the various functions of the Ministry/Department.

5. In case the employees go on strike, a report indicating the number of employees who took part in the proposed strike may be conveyed to this Department on the evening of the day.

Sd/-

(Sanjiv Shankar)

Director (E-II)

Source:http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02est/33011_1s_2014-Estt.B-I-10022014.pdf

Cabinet Approves Amendment to Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill 2014

Press Information Bureau 

Government of India

Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment

07-February-2014 20:46 IST

Cabinet Approves Amendment to Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill 2014

The Cabinet on 6 February, 2014 approved the proposal of the Department of Disability Affairs to incorporate amendments in the proposed Rights of the Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2014, which are:-

- Definition of person with disability in terms of interaction with barriers also;

- High support needs person enabled to take independent and inform decision also;

- Definition of low vision will be notified by the Government;

- The appropriate Government to take necessary steps to ensure reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities;

- No person with disability will be discriminated on grounds of disability;

- Appropriate Governments to ensure that the persons with disabilities enjoy legal capacity on an equal basis with others, in all aspects of life to have equal rights as any other person before law;

- Recognizing legal capacity of person with disability, limited guardianship would be the norm, to enable the person with disability to take joint decision with legal guardian;

- Person with disability would also have the right to appeal against the decision of appointment of legal guardian;

- Disability Certificate to be valid across the country;

- Educational institutions funded and recognized will have to provide inclusive education for children with disability;

- The appropriate Governments to constitute to expert committee with representation of persons with disabilities for identification of posts for Government employment for persons with disabilities;

- Review period shortened from 5 years to 3 years in case of identified posts;

- 5 per cent vacancies reserved for persons with disabilities will be computed against the total number of vacancies in the cadre strength;

- National Commission and State Commission will have power to exempt any post in an establishment from the purview of reservation for persons with disabilities;

- For greater coverage and employability in Government sector, the appropriate Governments to prescribe relaxation for upper age limit for employment of PwDs;

- National Commission shall formulate and enforce regulations.

Treatment from CGHS Empanelled Hospitals

Government empanels private hospitals under CGHS for indoor treatment and treatment can be undertaken with prior permission or under emergency. OPD medicines are issued by CGHS Wellness Centres on the prescription by CGHS Medical officers / Government specialists only.

In case of cardiac surgery, cancer treatment, neuro-surgery, renal transplantation and hip/knee joint replacement surgery, there is provision for issue of permission for post-operative follow up treatment from the same empanelled hospitals, where the initial treatment was taken with prior permission. In such cases OPD medicines as per the available brand name / generic name are issued by CGHS Wellness Centres.

In respect of other post-operative cases, where permission was granted, there is provision for issue of OPD medicines on the prescriptions of empanelled hospital for up to one month.

This was stated by Shri GhulamNabi Azad, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare in a written reply to the Lok Sabha today.

Source: PIB

Cashless Facility TO CGHS Beneficiaries

Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) empanels private hospitals for providing inpatient medical treatment to its beneficiaries. They may avail the requisite treatment with prior permission for procedures advised by CGHS and other government specialists / CMO–in-charge. CGHS pensioner beneficiaries are entitled for cashless medical treatment in the CGHS empanelled private hospitals. The empanelled private hospitals under CGHS provide treatment to the pensioners on credit /cashless basis for the procedures for which they are empanelled.

However, in case of emergency conditions empanelled hospitals are expected to provide treatment to pensioners on credit basis, even for conditions for which they are not empanelled and they are expected to shift the patient to another empanelled hospital after stabilization as per the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed with government.

In case of violation of the terms of the Memorandum of Agreement, suitable action, including depanelment can be initiated against errant hospitals.

This was stated by Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare in a written reply to the Lok Sabha today.

Source: PIB

Increasing Retirement Age to 65 for Central Government Employees

Raise age of retirement 60 to 65: House panel

NEW DELHI: A parliamentary panel has urged the Centre to raise the retirement age to 65 years, noting that growing lifespan was adding to the need for "productive ageing". 

The recommendation for increase in retirement age comes with a reminder that senior citizens would form 12.4% of the total population in 2026 from 7.5% in 2001. 

"The committee feels that with the increase in life expectancy and relatively better state of health of people, the government needs to look at continuity of employment up to 65 years," said the report of standing committee of Parliament on social justice and empowerment tabled on Friday. 

It also recommended that government look at greater post-retirement opportunities for senior citizens and create greater financial support for the elderly by hiking the old age pension to Rs 1,000 per month from the present Rs 200 for those above 60 years and Rs 500 for those above 80 years. 

While suggesting immediate redressal for the ageing population, the panel sought to train the government's focus on the 60-plus group by pointing out that its growing numbers would be a serious challenge in health and social care. 

Specifically, it underlined that as per population projections, the 80-plus bloc, the most-vulnerable group, would see a sharper rise in numbers. 

The urgency of parliamentarians towards senior citizens comes amid growing global realization that increasing lifespan is creating a new demographic bloc requiring state intervention. 

Seeking government attention, the committee noted that senior citizens comprised 7.5% of the total population in 2001 but their share is likely to increase to 12.4% in 2026. Importantly, UN projections say while India's population will rise by 55% by 2050, that of 60-plus would increase by 326% and that of 80-plus would go up by 700%. 

Given the rising challenge, the panel headed by Hemanand Biswal found the government response inadequate, noting that "issue of rapid population ageing in the country has not received due attention of the government and the community at large". 

The panel said special focus should be on the octogenarian bloc. "This age group is the most vulnerable and runs the risk of getting dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson disease, depression in their older years," it said, and asked the Centre to constitute an expert group of relevant government departments to devise specialized healthcare programme for them. 

Source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Raise-age-of-retirement-to-65-House-panel/articleshow/30015235.cms

Reimbursement of Medical Claims-Regarding

No. 21/26/2013-EC-X 

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA 

DIRECTORTE GENERAL OF WORKS 

CENTRAL PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi 

Dated the 24th January, 2014

To 

1. All the CEs/SEs/SEs(Coord.)/EEs/DDG (Hort.)/DDOH.

Subject: Reimbursement of Medical Claims-Regarding

Sir, 

After repeated requests and making available of the required formalities for processing of reimbursement of medical claims, it has been observed that the medical reimbursement claims are still being received in this Directorate are forwarded/processed in a very casual manner resulting in delay in final settlement of claims of individuals and settling medical claims of different C.G.H.S. approved Hospitals.

To minimize the delay and to streamline the process of scrutinizing and submission of reimbursement of medical claims the stage wise steps required are appended below for action on the part of field units of this Directorate:-

1. The duly filled up Modified Check list for Reimbursement of Medical Claims and Medical Claims Form as per prescribed Performa.

2. The Copy of new CGHS card.

3. The Copy of Permission Letter from concerned office.

4. The Original Bills along with discharge/ Death summary from the Hospital.

5. Emergency Certificate in original from Hospital.

6. In case of death of CGHS Card Holder following documents as prescribed in modified checklist: 

i. Affidavit on stamp paper by claimant. 

ii. No objection from other Legal Heirs on stamp paper. 

iii. Copy of Death Certificate.

7. Whether any advance was granted in the medical Reimbursement Claim? If so, provide the details of the same and under which rules the facility was allowed to applicant.

8. Whether credit facility was granted for the treatment? If so provide the details of the same. Under which rule the credit facility was allowed to serving Govt. official?

9. Medical Reimbursement Claim has to be submitted in duplicate.

10. It has to be mentioned by the forwarding /concern office (Chief Engineer) as to whether the amount claimed for reimbursement is as per the CGHS prescribed rate or not and it has also need to be certified that there is no need of any relaxation of rules in the instant case.

11. Original pouch of Stent packets along with requisite documents prescribed by MOHFW from time to time needs to be enclosed in the MRC file in order.

12. The amount mentioned for stents and other consumables may please be checked as per ceiling rates fixed by MOHFW and the same may be indicated in the forwarding letter.

13. As per the observations of IFD and Works Division in the precedent cases the case requires to be submitted in line with the guidelines of precedent cases providing the details of amount charged by the hospital indicating the S.I. No. of the CGHS items with relevant instructions and thus arriving at the amount admissible.

The case may be submitted with the details of amount charged by the hospital indicating the S.I. No. of the CGHS items with relevant instructions and thus arriving at the amount admissible as per the below format:- 

(i) Name of the Hospital ……………………………… Period of treatment from ………..   to ………… 

(extracts of hospital recognition be placed in the file or instructions relating of treatment from non-empanelled hospital be placed in the file and it may be averred all stipulations have been complied with

S.No.

Particulars/Name Item/(SI. No. of the CGHS items list with extracts.

Amount Claimed

(Quantity X CGHS Rates)

Extracts of Relevant Instruction s of CGHS Placed at F/….

Amount Admissible as per CGHS rates

(ii) All relevant OMs pertaining to the case (item wise-reimbursement) may be placed in the file alongwith the Mb o Health & Family Welfare OM No. S-11011/23/2009/CGHS D-11 dated 17th August, 2010 and subsequent clarificatory OMs issued thereafter.

(iii) It may be indicated whether 10% discount has been availed and case may be put up as per prescribed format as mentioned above.

14. Clarification regarding admissible and non-admissible items under CGHS provided in Mb o Health & Family Welfare’s O.M. No.F.No.2-1/2012/CGHSNC/CGHS(P) dated 01st August, 2013 has to be complied with.

15. As per Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's Draft MOA F.No. D.12034/22/09/CGHS-Desk-I following has to be checked.

(i) DISCOUNT : Hospital shall also allow a discount of 10% on every cash payment.

(ii) CREDIT: On production of a valid permission by the CGHS beneficiary- the hospital shall provide credit facilities to the Members of Parliament, Pensioners, Ex-Members of Parliament, Freedom Fighters, Serving CGHS employees, serving employees of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, serving employees of Directorate General of Health Services and such other categories of CGHS cardholders as notified by the Government. In case of emergency the hospital shall provide credit to all CGHS beneficiaries.

(iii) TREATMENT IN EMERGENCY: 

In emergency the hospital shall not refuse admission or demand an advance payment from the beneficiary or his family member and shall provide credit facilities to the patient whether the patient is a serving employee or a pensioner availing CGHS facilities, on production of a valid CGHS card and the hospital shall submit the bill for reimbursement to the concerned Deptt./Ministry/CGHS. The refusal to provide the treatment to bonafide CGHS beneficiaries in emergency cases without valid ground, would attract disqualification for continuation of empanelment.

The list of ailments which may be treated as emergency has been mentioned in the MOA for the Hospitals, which is illustrative only and not exhaustive, depending on the condition of the patient.

(iv) For serving employees (other than CGHS/ DGHS /Ministry of H&FW), the payment shall be made by the patient and he shall claim reimbursement from his office subject to the approved ceiling rates. The Private Hospital shall allow a discount of 10% on all payments made in cash.

(v) The treatment procedure shall be performed on the basis of the authorization letter issued by the Chief Medical Officer of the concerned CGHS dispensary in case of pensioners and by the administrative department / ministry in case of serving employees.

(vi) The Hospital agrees that during the In-patient treatment of the CGHS beneficiary, the Hospital shall not ask the beneficiary or his attendant to purchase separately the medicines / sundries / equipment or accessories from outside and shall provide the treatment within the package deal rate, fixed by the CGHS which includes the cost of all the items. Appropriate action, including removing from CGHS empanelment and / or termination of this Agreement, may be initiated on the basis of a complaint, medical audit or inspections carried out by CGHS teams / appointed TPA.

(vii) The hospital shall not refer the patient to other specialist / other hospital without prior permission of CGHS authorities. Prior intimation shall be given to CGHS whenever patient needs further referral.

(viii) Entitlement for various types of wards to CGHS beneficiaries has also been provided in the aforesaid MOA.

This issues with the approval of DDG (HQ)

Sd/- 

(Rahul Ranbir Singh) 

Deputy Director (Administration)

Source:http://cpwd.gov.in/WriteReadData/other_cir/9291.pdf

Regulation of pay on imposition of a penalty under CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965 – Dopt Orders

No.6/3/2013-Estt (Pay-I) 

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions 

Department of Personnel & Training

North Block, New Delhi 

Dated the 6th February, 2014

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Regulation of pay on imposition of a penalty under CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965. 

  

The undersigned is directed to say that the following penalties prescribed in the Rule 11 of CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965, have a bearing on the pay of the officer:

11. Penalties

Minor Penalties – 

(iii a) reduction to a lower stage in the time-scale of pay by one stage for a period not exceeding three years, without cumulative effect and not adversely affecting his pension. 

(iv) withholding of increments of pay;

Major Penalties – 

(v) save as provided for in clause (iii) (a), reduction to a lower stage in the time- scale of pay for a specified period, with further directions as to whether or not the Government servant will earn increments of pay during the period of such reduction and whether on the expiry of such period, the reduction Will or will not have the effect of postponing the future increments of his pay

(vi) reduction to lower time-scale of pay, grade, post or Service for a period to be specified in the order of penalty, which shall be a bar to the promotion of the Government servant during such specified period to the time-scale of pay, grade, post or Service from which he was reduced, with direction as to whether or not, on promotion on the expiry of the said specified period –

(a) the period of reduction to time-scale of pay, grade, post or service shall operate to postpone future increments of his pay, and if so, to what extent; and

(b) the Government servant shall regain his original seniority in the higher time scale of pay , grade, post or service;

2. Consequent upon implementation of the recommendations of 6 th CPC under the CCS (RP) Rules, 2008 pay scale of a post/grade for below HAG level means the Pay Band and Grade Pay specified for that post. Under the CCS (RP) Rules, 2008 a Pay Band may cover Government servants in more than one Grade Pay or posts in the hierarchy. As per Rule 9 of the CCS (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008, the rate of increment in the revised pay structure is 3% of the sum of the pay in the Pay Band arid Grade Pay applicable, which is to be rounded off to the next multiple of 10. Further, as per Rule 10 of the CCS (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008, there is now a uniform date of increment, that is, lst July of the year.

3. The mode of implementation of these penalties has been clarified to individual Ministries/Departments wherever references have been received. It is now proposed to issue detailed guidelines on the issue. The regulation of pay on imposition of these penalties is in the subsequent pants:

A. Reduction to a lower stage of pay by one stage (Rule 11( iii a)

On imposition of a penalty under this Rule, the pay would be fixed at the next lower stage in the Pay Band. In other words, in case of reduction by one stage, the revised pay would be the pay drawn in the Pay Band at the stage before the last increment. Grade Pay attached to the post would remain unchanged. The pay will be fixed by reversing the mode of allowing increments given in Rule 9 of the CCS (RP) Rules, 2008. The formula would be:-

Reduced Pay In Pay Band = {(Pay in Pay Band+ Grade Pay) x 100/103} less (Grade Pay) (rounded off to next 10) 

Pay would be Pay in Pay Band as above + Grade Pay

B. Withholding of increment {Rule 11(iv)} 

As the uniform date of increment now is 1st July, on imposition of a penalty of withholding of increment, the increment(s) due on the 1st of July falling after the date of imposition of the penalty would be withheld. In case where penalty of withholding of more than one increment is imposed, increments due on 1st of Juty in the subsequent years would similarly be withheld. The increment would be restored at the end of the period for which the penalty is imposed.

This also applies to cases where the penalty is imposed for part of a year. For instance, if the penalty of withholding of the increment for six months is imposed on a Government servant in April 2013, then the increment falling due on 1.7.2013 will be withheld for a period of six months, that is, till 31.12.2013. The increment would be released w.e.f. 1.1.2014. In this case the next increment falling due on 1.7.2014 will also be allowed.

C. Reduction to a lower stage in the time-scale of pay for a specified periodfRule 11(v)} 

The process of imposition of penalty of reduction by one stage under Rule 11(iii a) explained above shall be repeated for every additional stage of reduction by taking the pay arrived at notionally as pay for the second reduction, and so on. Grade Pay shall remain unchanged.

NOTE 1: It is not permissible to impose a penalty under this rule if the pay after imposition of the penalty would fall below the minimum of the Pay Band attached to the post.

NOTE 2: A Pay Band may cover Government servants in different Grade Pays or holding posts at several levels in the hierarchy. It needs to be kept in mind that reduction to lower pay scale or grade is a distinct penalty, under Rule 11(vi).Therefore, while imposing a penalty of reduction to a lower stage in the time-scale of pay under Rule 11(v) of the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965, Disciplinary Authorities should weigh all factors before deciding upon the quantum of penalty, i.e., the number of stages by which the pay is to be reduced.

D. Reduction to lower time-scale of pay under Rule 11(vi) 

As a result of imposition of a penalty of reduction to lower time-scale of pay, the pay of the Government servant would be reduced to the stage of pay he /she would have drawn had he/she continued in the lower post for the period of penalty. The mode of fixation of pay in this case is similar to reversing the mode of fixation of pay on promotion. Therefore, both pay in Pay Band and Grade Pay would be reduced.

However, Disciplinary Authority has the power, in terms of FR 28, to indicate the pay which the Government servant on whom a penalty of reduction in rank has been imposed, would draw. The Government servant will be entitled to the Grade Pay of the post to which he has been reduced. Thus, the power of the Disciplinary Authority under FR 28 is limited to indicating the pay in the Pay Band applicable to the lower rank/post.

In some cases imposition of a penalty under Rule 11(vi) may also involve a change in Pay Band. For instance a Government servant holding a post in PB-2 with Grade pay of Rs.4200/- may be reduced to a post in PB-1 with Grade Pay of Rs.2800/-

It may also be noted that a Government servant cannot be reduced in rank to a post not held earlier by him in the cadre. For example, an LDC who qualifies as Assistant as a Direct Recruit and is later promoted as Section Officer cannot be reduced to the rank of LDC but only to that of an Assistant.

4. Some illustrations on pay fixation in above types of cases are annexed.

Sd/- 

(Mukesh Chaturvedi) 

Deputy Secretary to the Government of India 

Source:http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02est/6_3_2013-Estt.Pay-I-06022014.pdf

Creation of own departmental pool of residential accommodation for their employees by various Ministries/ Departments of the Central Government-Regarding

No.12034/1/2013-Pol-III

Government of India

Ministry of Urban Development

Directorate of Estates

Nirman Bhavan, New Delhi.

Dated 28th January, 2014.

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Creation of own departmental pool of residential accommodation for their employees by various Ministries/ Departments of the Central Government-Regarding

As per the Ministry of Works, Housing and Urban Development, Directorate of Estates OM No.12033(4)7-Pol.II dated 3rd October 1969, Central Government offices who have their own pool of residential accommodation for their staff are not eligible for allotment of General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA). Further, as per the Ministry of Urban Development, Directorate of Estates letter No.12034/1/2004-Pol.III dated 7.3.2006, the Ministries/Departments of the Central Government who want to create their own their departmental pool of residential accommodation by construction or augmentation are required to consult the Directorate of Estates to ascertain the availabilty of GPRA and undertake the construction/augmentaion of their pool only after obtaining the No Objection Certificate from the Directorate of Estates.

2. If an office being eligible for allotment of GPRA creates its own departmental pool of accommodation for its employees, it becomes ineligible for allotment of accommodation from the General Pool in the light of the instructions contained in OM dated 3.10.1969. There is an acute shortage of GPRA in Delhi and the eligible officers have to wait up to 20 years depending upon category of accommodation for allotment from the General Pool. Keeping this in view, several Central Government offices want to create their own departmental pool of accommodation for their employees. However, the instructions issued vide OM dated 3.10.1969 are seen as Constraints for creation of departmental pool for fear of losing the eligibility for allotment from the General Pool.

3. In view of the above, the matter has been reviewed and it has been decided with the approval of the competent authority in the Ministry of Urban Development that the Central Government offices may be allowed to create their own departmental pool of residential accommodation and simultaneously be permitted to retain their ehgibdity for allotment of accommodation from the General Pool. The Ministries/Departments of the Central Government shall have to apply to Directorate of Estates for issue of No Objection Certificate for creation of their own pool of residential accommodation as per the instructions contained in Directorate of Estates letter dated 7.3.2006

Sd/-

(S. K. Jain)

Deputy Director of Estates(Policy)

Source:http://estates.nic.in/WriteReadData/dlcirculars/Circulars20307.pdf