30% salary hike through 50% DA Merger - Percentage analysis

Can the govt. servants get 30% Salary hike on account of 50% DA Merger? – An analysis
It is observed that recently Public Medias are interested to publish the news about pay hike of central government employees.
We all know the Federations of Central Government employees have been holding demonstrations and Struggles to invite the attention of govt. to settle their many demands for the past few months. As a result of this Centre has accepted to settle some demands.
One of the main demands laid down before the Central Government by Federations is 50% DA Merger. A Sensational News was spread across the country that a decision on 50% DA merger will be announced in the Cabinet Meeting held last week. But, though there
was no any formal announcement in this regard, the approval of 7th CPC Terms of reference by Government made everyone to think that it will be considered sooner or later.
A Popular English daily published a tabloid news last week, in which The daily claimed that a govt. official informed them ‘the govt. servants will get 30% Pay Hike on account of Merger of 50% dearness Allowance with Basic Pay.’
Is that true? Let us see with an example
For example, let us consider as if a government servant is working in one of the four metropolitan cities and rendered 10 years’ of service.
His Basic Pay is (7600+2400)
10,000
Dearness Allowance 100%
10,000
HRA 30%
3,000
Transport Allowance (1600+1600)
3,200
Total
26,200
Rs.26,200 is the maximum total emoluments of this particular Basic Pay. This will not be exceeded at any cost but there are some reasons to make these total emoluments to be lesser than this.
The salary with same basic pay after DA merger
In case the central government agrees to merge the 50% DA with basic pay, then that govt. servant can expect a considerable pay hike on account of Merger of 50% DA.
After Merger of 50% DA his Pay will be as fallows
Basic Pay (7600+2400)
10,000
Dearness Pay
5,000
Dearness Allowance
7,500
HRA
4,500
Total
29,400
Total Hike in Pay (29400 – 26200)
3,200
% of Hike is
12%
How can one say that he will be getting 30% hike when he is getting only Rs.3200 in addition to his previous salary of Rs.26,200 after 50% DA merger?
Everybody fallowed the particular Daily and started writing that the Government servants will get 30% salary hike after 50% DA is merged with basic Pay. But this example clearly shows that there is no such hike and if the DA is merged with Basic Pay the increase in salary will be only from 8% to 15%
According to their entitlement the percentage of increase will vary, but no one can get 30% pay hike on account of DA merger.

NFIR is dissatisfied with Terms of Reference of the 7th Central Pay Commission

NFIR
National Federation of Indian Railwaymen

No.IV/NFIR/7th CPC/2013/Pt.I

Dated: 04/03/2014

The Secretary (DoP&T),
Department of Personnel & Training,
North Block,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub: Terms of Reference of the 7th Central Pay Commission.

On perusal of the notification issued by the Govemment of India through Gazette of India bearing No.1/1/2013-E III (A) dated 28/02/2014, we find that the Terms of Reference notified by the Govemment is at variance in many respects to the Draft Terms of Reference the Staff Side had submitted to the Government on 25.10.2013 as desired during discussions in the meeting chaired by Secretary, DoP&T.

At the conclusion of the meeting held on 24.10.2013, it was agreed that the Government would consider our suggestions in the matter and will convene another meeting with the participation of the Secretary (Expenditure) to iron out the differences, if any and explore the possibilities of an agteement in the matter.

We regret to inform you that no such meeting was convened and no attempt was made by the Official Side to work for an agreed Terms of Reference. We find that the Govemment has rejected our suggestions for either taking decision in the matter of Interim Relief Merger of D.A., representation of labour representative in the Commission itself, bringing in parity with the past and present pensioners, covering the employees appointed on or after 01.01.2004 within the ambit of the Defined Benefitted Pension Scheme, date of effect, settlement of the pending items in the National Anomaly Committee etc., or referring those issues to the Commission itself for an Interim Report.

In the meeting held on 24th October, 2013 the Staff Side also pointed out that proposals of various ministries seeking clearance of Finance Ministry for rectification of 6th CPC anomalies are still pending with Ministry of Finance and requested that the said proposals may be cleared before constituting the 7th Central Pay Commission. However, the proposals are yet to be cleared by the Ministry of Finance.

Besides, we are to state that the existing Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) Scheme being a bilateral agreement, cannot be subjected to scrutiny and examination by the 7th CPC.

We, therefore, request you to kindly convene a meeting of the Standing Committee of National Council (JCM) to discuss the issue, so as to make amendments to the Terms of Reference.

Yours faithfully,

Sd/-
(M.Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source: NFIR

Improving further the General ACP pay structure of Haryana Government employees.

(To be substituted bearing with same No. & date)
GOVERNMENT OF HARYANA
FINANCE DEPARTMENT

No. 1/83/2008-1PR (FD)
Dated, Chandigarh the 4th March, 2014

ORDER

(made under rule 26 and rule 28 of the Haryana Civil Services (Assured Career Progression) Rules, 2008)

Subject: Improving further the General ACP pay structure of Haryana Government employees.

Whereas the State Government notified Haryana Civil Services (Assured Career Progression) Rules, 2008 vide notification No. G.S.R.-45/Const./Art. 309/08, dated 30th December, 2008 for providing financial upgradation to its employees in the absence of opportunity of functional promotion.

2. The objective of these rules was to provide two kinds of Assured Career Progression Schemes namely:-

1) Cadre Specific Assured Career Progression Scheme for certain categories of employees/ cadres.

ii) General Assured Career Progression Scheme for all other group A, B, C and D employees of Haryana Government who are not covered under scheme (i).

3. The General Assured Career Progression Scheme provides opportunities of financial upgradatlon to the employees on completion of 10, 20 and 30 years of services, if they have not got promotion during previous 10 years of service.

4. On the persistent demand of Haryana Government employees, the matter has been further considered by the Government at length and after careful consideration, the Government has decided to modify the general ACP scheme as under:-

i) The term of 10, 20 and 30 years of service for grant of 1st, 2nd and 3rd ACP respectively has been changed to 8, 16 and 24 years. Accordingly, Rule 7 and all other relevant provisions of these rules will be deemed to have been modified to this extent.

ii). ACP grade pay indicated in Column No. 4, 5 and , against the pre-revised & revised functional pay scale indicated in Column No. 2 & 3 of Sr. No. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 & 11 of Schedule I, Part-II of these rules have been modified as under:-

The Central Civil Services (Leave) Fourth Amendment Rules, 2013.

[To be published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part-II, Section 3, Sub.section (i)]

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
(DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL AND TRAINING)

NOTIFICATION

New Delhi, the 18 February, 2014       

G.S.R. 96(e)In exercise of the powers conferred by the proviso to article 309 read with clause (5) of article 148 of the Constitution and after consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India in relation to persons serving in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department, the President hereby makes the following rules further to amend the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972, namely;-

1 (1) These rules may be called the Central Civil Services (Leave) Fourth Amendment Rules, 2013.

(2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.

2. In the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972, in rule 53, in sub-rule (4), -

(a) in Forms 7 and 8, after pars 4, the following para shall respectively, b inserted, namely:-

“NOW FURTHER THE CONDITION OF THE ABOVE WRITTEN OBLIGATION IS THAT the period of my bond mandating putting in service for the period as specified above, after expiry of the study leave availed by me, shall be extended by a comparable period, equivalent to the aggregate periods of leave of any kind availed by me during the currency of the bond period.”

(b) in Forms 9 and 10, after pars 5, the following para shall respectively. be inserted, namely:-

“NOW FURTHER THE CONDITION OF THE ABOVE WRITTEN OBLIGATION IS THAT the period of bond, mandating putting in service by the Obligor for the period as specified above, after expiry of the study leave availed by him or her, shall be extended by a comparable period, equivalent to the aggregate periods of leave of any kind availed by him or her during the currency of the bond period.”

[F. N . 13026/4/2012-Estt-(L)]

Sd/-
(MAMTA KUNDRA)
Joint Secretary to the Government of India

Source:http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02est/13026_4_2012-Estt.L-18022014A.pdf

Private hospitals to stop CGHS cashless scheme from March 7

In a blow to government employees, including those who have retired, the Central Government Health Service has announced withdrawal of cashless medical service in private hospitals empanelled with the CGHS scheme from March 7. Patients will henceforth have to cough up hospital charges and later claim the amount from the government, according to the new rule.

The move will affect 50 lakh serving employees and over 30 lakh pensioners, as well as their family members. At a conservative estimate, the total number of persons affected could well be over two crore.

The move was necessary, said the Association of Healthcare Providers India (or AHPI, the nodal body of private empanelled hospitals) for a number of reasons, the main ones being CGHS owes these hospitals around Rs 200 crore in unpaid services as well as “unreasonably low” CGHS tariffs that haven’t been revised for the last four years. A doctor’s consultation fee, for example, remains Rs 58.

Also, AHPI says CGHS makes “illegal” deductions of 10% on all payments leading to losses for member hospitals. AHPI claims the amount runs up to Rs 180 crore.

In Karnataka, 20 hospitals, all in Bangalore, are empanelled with AHPI. HCG, Apollo hospitals, MS Ramaiah Memorial Hospital and Bangalore Baptist Hospital, among others, will not provide the cashless health scheme from March 7.

“When we were empanelled with the government, it was agreed upon that we will get 10% rebate on treatment charges if the government pays within seven days. But now, this deduction has been made applicable even when the amount is unpaid for years. That’s illegal. This has led to huge losses for member hospitals amounting to over Rs 180 crore over the past three years,” says Dr Alexander Thomas, CEO, Bangalore Baptist hospital, who represents AHPI in Bangalore.

Some hospitals have put up a public notice to this effect, reading, “CGHS tariffs are unreasonably low and not been revised for the last four years, threatening the very existence of the medical service providers.”

Dr Naresh Shetty of AHPI said, “The empanelled hospitals have been providing services under most difficult circumstances. They had to deal with steep hikes in electricity and water tariff, consumables, wages, taxes. We’ve been requesting a revision since June 2013 but there’s been no response.”

Official speak

The dues are just one issue. The bigger issue is that a doctor’s consultation charge of Rs 58 is appalling. The fees for several procedures are abysmally low. We don’t want to let down our beneficiaries but we have no choice. We ask the CGHS to consider the rates of the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers. We’ve suggested that if at all CGHS were to take tender route, let CGHS decide the rates based on lowest bid received from NABH – accredited hospitals. Adopting rates like this would be logical and rational. Treating a patient can’t be made similar to selling onions and potatoes.

Source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Private-hospitals-to-stop-CGHS-cashless-scheme-from-March-7/articleshow/31438842.cms

Procedure for payment and reimbursement of medical expenses under ECHS

No.22A(10)/2010/US(WE)/D(Res)Nol-VIII

Government of India
Ministry of Defence
(Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare)

New Delhi, the 14th February 2014

To
Managing Director
Central Organisation,
ECHS New Delhi-10

Subject: Procedure for payment and reimbursement of medial expenses under ECHS: Processing of bills by Bill Processing Agency (BPA)

Sir,
1. Further to Gol letter No. 24(8)/03/US(WE)/D(Res) dated 19 Dec
2003 and 22A(10)/10/US(WE)/D(Res) dated 23 Feb 2012 and 05 Nov 2012.

2. I am directed to convey the sanction of the Government to extend the On-Line bill processing by the Bill Processing Agency (BPA) to under mentioned Regional Centres w.e.f. 1st April 2014.

(a) Bangalore.
(b) Chennai.
(c) Coimbatore.
(d) Dehradun.
(e) Jabalpur.
(f) Jammu.
(g) Mumbai.
(h) Nagpur.
(i) Patna.
(j) Allahabad.
(k) Ahmedabad.
(I) Ambala.
(m)Bareilly.
(n) Delhi(II).
(o) Guwahati.
(p) Hisar.
(q) Ranchi.
(r) Visakhapatanam.

3. One dedicated broadband Internet circuit {2Mbps(1:1)} and one standard 2Mbps broadband connection for each of the Regional Centres processing bills on line is sanctioned.

4. Procedure for Bill payment as authorised vide Govt letter 22A(10)110/US(WE)/D(Res) dated 23 Feb 2012 and 05 Nov 2012 will be followed by all Regional Centres and Polyclinic. All other contents of Govt letter mentioned in this para remain unchanged.

5. This issues with the concurrence of Ministry of Defence (Finance) vide their U.O. No.33(07)/2011-FP dated 02-12-2013.

Yours faithfully,

Sd/-
(H.K. Mallick )
Under Secretary to the Govt of India

Source:http://www.desw.gov.in/sites/upload_files/desw/files/pdf/US-WE-14-Feb-2014.pdf

REFUND OF CONTRIBUTION MADE BY PRE 1996 RETIREES


REFUND OF CONTRIBUTION MADE BY PRE 1996 RETIREES
Appx A
(Ref to Para 3(a) of C&L Sec SN No
13/49717-C/AG/ECHS dt 21 Feb 14)

REFUND OF CONTRIBUTION MADE BY PRE 1996 RETIREES

1. Though pre 1996 retirees were exempted from making contribution for becoming members of ECHS vide Hon’ble Supreme Court Order on Writ Petition (Civil) No 210 of 1999 dt 22 Aug 2006, however there are no instrs from the Govt regarding refund of ECHS contribution in r/o pre Jan 1996 retirees who had already made the contribution prior to the Judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court. Contempt petition in this regards filed by Reid Defence Officers Association vide (C) No 16 of 2007 in WP (C) No 210/1999 was dismissed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court on 03 Nov 2008.

2. However, the case for refund of ECHS contribution for pre 1996 retirees who became ECHS member by paying ECHS contribution has been taken up with MoD since 20 May 2010 by Central Org ECHS. MoD had intimated that it has been decided to examine the case after Cabinet decision on the recovery of excess amount of NPA granted to retired Armed Forces doctors is available. Since the NPA issue has now been settled, Do ESW has again been requested for issuing favourable instructions.

Source:http://echs.gov.in/images/pdf/ops/ops100.pdf

The fate of Merger of DA, Interim Relief and Retirement Age to 62 after announcement of General Election.!!

With the announcement of poll dates, the Model Code of Conduct for governments and political parties will come into force with immediate effect. The government will no longer be able to take or announce any major decisions which will be considered as sops to woo voters. This brings an end to all hopes of benefit to the government employees. Earlier there were lot of expectations from the central government employees that government will roll out sops. There were talks of DA merger, interim relief and hiking of retirement age to 62. Even various union leaders had expressed views that some of these may be implemented.

The employees especially at lower levels reeling under the impact of rise in prices of essential commodities had considered these demands as genuine and expected the government to do something. The only thing that the government did was announcement of the seventh pay commission. And, it is not only election gift this announcement also was in accordance to 13th Finance Commission’s recommendations [click here to view] and demands from various employee union/federation.

All hopes are now going in the goal of newly constituted 7th CPC and employees have to wait for its Interim Report as Govt approved terms of 7th CPC with condition to give interim reports if any required. However the recommendations of 7th CPC to be implemented after Govt approval all these exercise will take more time and expectation for merger of DA/DR from 7th CPC in view of coming pay revision is also an illogical fact. Then what about Interim Relief? The word “Interim Relief” is not mentioned in 7th CPC terms of reference approved by Govt. Now 7th CPC have to invite Organisation/Employee Union for representation/discussion and merger of da and interim relief may be approved in this way. Implementation of main recommendations of 7th CPC is not expected before 2016. As per media hype the government has given another election rarity as announcement of 10% DA hike. All employees knows that this is only a procedure that will be automatically done once in 6 months and is based on inflation data.

Meanwhile the confederation have issued a circular expressing the dissatisfaction over the Cabinet approval of the Finance Ministry’s proposal on terms of reference of the 7th CPC. Demonstrations are planned on March 7th across the country and indefinite strike after elections.

Source:http://karnmk.blogspot.in/2014/03/merger-of-da-interim-relief-and.html

National Council JCM Member Staff Side raised strong objections against the ToR of 7th Pay Commission

NATIONAL COUNCIL (Staff Side)
Joint Consultative Machinery
for Central Government Employees
13-C, Ferozshah Road, New Delhi-110001

No.NC-JCM/2014/VII CPC

Dated: March 3, 2014

The Secretary,
Department of Personnel & Training,
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions,
North Block, New Delhi.

Dear Sir,

Sub: Terms of Reference of the 7th Central Pay Commission

It is reported that, the Union Cabinet in its meeting, held on 28th February, 2014, has approved the Terms of Reference of the 7th Central Pay Commission. We have gone through the same. We find that the Terms of Reference finalized by the Government is at variance in many respects to the Draft Terms of Reference the Staff Side had submitted to you on 25.10.2014 after holding in-house discussion on 24.10.2013.

At the conclusion of the meeting held on 24.10.2013, it was agreed that the Government would consider our suggestions in the matter and will convene another meeting with the presence of the Secretary (Expenditure) to iron out the differences, if any, and explore the possibilities of an agreement in the matter.

We regret to inform you that no such meeting was convened and no attempt was made by the Official Side to arrive at an agreed Terms of Reference. We find that the Government has rejected our suggestions for either taking a decision in the matter of Interim Relief, Merger of D.A., representation of labour nominee in the Commission itself, inclusion of the Grameen Dak Sewaks within the purview of the 7th CPC, bringing parity in pension between the past and present pensioners, covering the employees appointed on or after 01.01.2004 within the ambit of the Defined Benefit Pension Scheme, date of effect, settlement of the pending items in the National Anomaly Committee etc. or referring those issues to the Commission itself for an Interim Report.

During discussions on 24th October, 2013, the Staff Side had also pointed out that the proposals sent by various ministries, seeking approval for rectification in VI CPC anomalies, are pending with the Ministry of Finance, and requested that approval may be given to all such proposals before finalization of VII CPC Terms of Reference. It seems, no action has been taken on those proposals.

Besides, we are to state that the existing Productivity Linked Bonus(PLB) Scheme, being a bilateral agreement, cannot be subjected to scrutiny and examination by the 7th CPC.

We, therefore, request you to kindly convene a meeting of the Standing Committee of National Council (JCM) to discuss the issue, so as to make amendments to the Terms of Reference finalized by the Government arbitrarily.

Yours faithfully,

Sd/-
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
Member
Standing Committee National Council – JCM

Source:http://www.airfindia.com/AIRF%202014/Staff%20Side%20DO%20on%20ToR_03.03.14.pdf

Grant of Dearness Allowance to State Government employees.

GOVERNMENT OF RAJASTHAN
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
(RULES DIVISION)

No. F. 6(1)FD(Rules)/2008
 Jaipur, dated: 01.03.2014

ORDER

Sub:- Grant of Dearness Allowance to State Government employees.

The Governor is pleased to order that the existing rate of Dearness Allowance payable to the State Government employees, drawing pay in Rajasthan Civil Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008, under Finance Department Order No. F.6(1 )FD(Rules)/2008 dated 21-09-2013 shall be revised from 90% to 100% with effect from 01-01-2014.

The term ‘Pay’ for the purpose of calculation of Dearness Allowance shall be the Basic Pay i.e. sum of pay in running pay band and grade pay drawn and shall not include any other type(s) of pay like Special Pay or Personal Pay, etc.

The payment on account of Dearness Allowance involving fraction of 50 paisa and above may be rounded off to the next higher rupee and the fraction of less than 50 paisa may be ignored.

The amount of increase in Dearness Allowance for the period from 01-01-2014 to 28-02-2014 shall be credited to the General Provident Fund Account of the respective employees and cash payment shall be admissible from 01-03-2014 i.e. salary for the month of March, 2014 payable on 01-04-2014.

The arrear of DA from 01-01-2014 to 28-02-2014 to the employees recruited to the Civil Services on or after 01-01-2004 and who are governed by Contributory Pension Scheme, shall be paid in cash.

By order of the Governor,

Sd/-
(Siddharth Mahajan)
Special Secretary
Finance (Budget)

Source:http://finance.rajasthan.gov.in/RULES/F6(1)FD(Rules)2008-02-2014.pdf

Grant of Dearness Allowance to Work-charged employees.

GOVERNMENT OF RAJASTHAN
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
(RULES DIVISION)

No. F. 14(14)FD(RuleS)/2006
 Jaipur, dated: 01.03.2014

ORDER

Sub:- Grant of Dearness Allowance to Work-charged employees.

The Governor is pleased to order that the existing rate of Dearness Allowance payable, to the work-charged employees governed under the Rajasthan Public Works Department (B&R) including Gardens, Irrigation, Land Development (Programme), PHED, CAD Chambal Department, Kota, Ayurved and Forest Department Work charged Employees Service Rules, 1964 or under corresponding provisions of standing orders, where such employees are governed by specific standing orders and are drawing pay in the running pay bands and grade pays prescribed under the Rajasthan Work-charged Employees (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008 shall be revised from 90% to 100% with effect from 01-01-2014.

The term ‘Pay’ for the purpose of calculation of Dearness Allowance shall be the basic pay i.e. sum of pay in running pay band and grade pay drawn.

The payment on account of Dearness Allowance involvin fraction of 50 paisa and above may be rounded off to the next higher rupee and the fraction of less than 50 paisa may be ignored.

The amount of increase in Dearness Allowance for the period from 01-01-2014 to 28-02-2014 shall be credited to the General Provident Fund Account of the respective employees and cash payment shall be admissible from 01-03-2014 i.e. salary for the month of March, 2014 payable on 01-04-2014.

By order of the Governor,

Sd/-
(Siddharth Mahajan)
Special Secretary
Finance (Budget)

Source:http://finance.rajasthan.gov.in/RULES/F14(14)FD(Rules)2006-01-2014.pdf

Grant of Dearness Relief to State Government Pensioners.

GOVERNMENT OF RAJASTHAN
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
(RULES DIVISION)

No.F.12(3)FD(Rules)/20l3
 Jaipur, dated: 01-03-2014

ORDER

Subject: - Grant of Dearness Relief to State Government Pensioners.

The Governor is pleased to order that the existing rate of Dearness Relief sanctioned vide Finance Department Order of even number dated 21-09-2013 to the State Government Pensioners who are in receipt of superannuation, retiring, invalid, compensation, family and extra ordinary pension etc. shall be revised from 90% to 100% with effect from 01-01-2014.

For the purpose of this order :-

(I) Pension/Family Pension in the case of pre-01-01-2006 retirees and where Family Pension was sanctioned prior to 01-01-2006, means the Consolidated Pension or Consolidated Family Pension, as the case may be, effective from 01-01-2006 in terms of Finance Department Memorandum No. F.12(3)FD(Rules)/ 2008 dated 12-09-2008 as amended vide FD Memorandum dated 06-04-2013.

(ii) In the case of pensioners who retire from service on or after 01-01-2006 or where family pension is sanctioned for the first time on or after 01-01-2006, Pension/Family Pension means the Basic Pension/Basic Family Pension, as the case may be, in terms of Finance Department Notification No. F.12(3)FD(Rules)/ 2008 dated 12-09-2008 as amended vide FD Notification dated 06-04-2013.

(iii) Dearness Relief will, also be admissible on the additional quantum of pension / family pension allowed to the pensioners who have attained the age of 80 years and above.

(iv) Payment of Dearness Relief involving a fraction of a rupee shall be rounded off to the next higher rupee.

(v) Other provisions governing grant of dearness relief to pensioners’ such as regulation of dearness relief during employment/re-employment, regulation of dearness relief where more than one pension is drawn etc., will remain unchanged.

(vi) This order shall also be applicable in case of Pensioners/Family Pensioners who are in receipt of provisional pension.

(vii) This order shall not be applicable in case of Old Age Pensions, Political Pensions or any other kind of similar pensions, which are not related to the service rendered under Government.

(viii) Dearness Relief at revised rates as above would also be admissible to pensioners who retired/retire from service of Panchayat Samiti or Zila Parishad and whose Pension Payment Orders have been issued by the Director, Local Fund Audit Department or Director, Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare Department, Rajasthan, Jaipur.

By order of the Governor,

Sd/-
(Siddharth Mahajan)
Special Secretary
Finance (Budget)

Source:http://finance.rajasthan.gov.in/RULES/F12(3)FD(Rules)2013-01-2014.pdf

Clarification regarding grant of grade pay on promotional post.

No. Fin (PR)B(7)23/2010-11
Government of Himachal Pradesh
Finance (Pay Revision) Department

From:.
The Principal Secretary (Finance) to the
Government of Himachal Pradesh.

To
1) All the Addl. Chief Secretaries/ Pr. Secretaries/Secretaries
to the Government of Himachal Pradesh
2) All the Head of the Departments in Himachal Pradesh

Dated Shimla-171002, the 1st March, 2014

Subject: - Clarification regarding grant of grade pay on promotional post.

Sir/ Madam,

I am directed to invite a reference to this Department Notification No Fin(PR)B(7)-64/2010-Loose dated 24/09/2012 vide which Himachal Pradesh Civil Services (Category /Post wise Revised Pay) Rules, 2012 have been notified. Under these rules pay structure of certain categories of employees has been revised w.e.f. 01/10/2012 or thereafter as per schedule appended to these rules.

References have been received from various quarters seeking clarification as to what grade pay is to be allowed in the cases where the grade pay of feeder post is higher to the grade pay at entry level of the higher/ promotional post.

The matter has been considered by the Government and it is clarified that in all such cases where the grade pay at entry level of the promotional post has become lower than the grade pay attached to feeder post, the higher grade pay being drawn in the feeder post shall be protected.

These instructions will be applicable with immediate effect, prospectively.

Yours faithfully,

Sd/-
(O.P. Sharma)
Under Secretary (Finance PR) to the
Government of Himachal Pradesh

Source:http://himachal.nic.in/WriteReadData/l892s/1_l892s/GradePay01Mar2014_A1b-80267427.pdf

Upgraded Group ‘D’ posts in scale Rs 3050-4590 in Diesel/Electric Loco/EMU Sheds-reg.

NFIR
National Federation of Indian Railwaymen
3, CHELMSFORD ROAD, NEW DELHI -110055
Affiliated to:
Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC)
International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF)

No. I/8/CRC/09/Vol .9 
Dated: 03/03/2014

The Secretary (E),
Railway Board
New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub; Upgraded Group ‘D’ posts in scale Rs 3050-4590 in Diesel/Electric Loco/EMU Sheds-reg.

Ref: (i) NFIR’s letter No. 118/CRC/09/Vol. 9 dated 21/11/2013.
(ii) Railway Board’s letter No. PC-III/2004/DC-JCMJ/11 dated 17/02/2014.

With reference to Railway Board’s reply vide letter dated 17/02/2014 NFIR once again desires to convey facts of the case as below for review:-

(i) Vide para (i) of the Board’s letter, it has been stated that the Railway Board vide its letter dated 28/09/1998, had specifically mentioned that there will be no consequent increase in the number of posts in the grades higher than Rs 3050-4590. NFIR is aware of this ‘rider” imposed by the Railway Board in the year 1998. However, on nine Zonal Railways, these posts were taken as part of cadre strength and granted cadre restructuring w.e.f. 1/11/2003 in diesel/electric Loco/EMU Sheds. Thus it become fate-accompli

(ii) When the Railway Board issued instructions to withdraw the benefit, Federations strongly had protested against such step, consequently the Zonal Railways have not reviewed wherever already implemented to avoid staff agitation.

(iii) Consequent to the implementation of 6th CPC pay structure (Grade Pay & Pay Band) w.e.f. 01/01/2006 the minimum educational qualification for entry into GP Rs 1800/- has been revised as matriculation or above. Whereas in the year 1998, the entry qualification in Diesel/Elec. Loco. EMU Sheds was reduced to 8th standard for Group D’ while placing 50% posts in pay scale Rs 3050-4590 to be filled by those staff who possessed Metric/Act Apprenticeship/ITI. From these facts, it could be seen that entry qualification for Group ‘D’ posts prior to September 1998 in Diesel/Electric Loco, EMU Sheds was Metric/ITI/Act Apprenticeship. Having allowed cadre restructuring from 01/11/2003 duly taking upgraded Helper posts into consideration and having granted benefit of restructuring/promotion with effect from November, 2003, it would be improper to quote Board’s letter dated 28/09/1998 for denying benefit. Railway Board instead sticking to illogical stand should realistically analyse the issue for rendering justice to the technical staff working in Diesel/Electric Loco/EMU Sheds. It may be noted that these staff belong to sensitive categories.

(iv) Incidentally, NFIR desires to point out that while in all Technical Departments, promotion quota for Technician Grade III has been 50%, surprisingly in of Diesel/Electric Loco/EMU Sheds. the promotion quota was only 20% thus career growth of Helpers was blocked since the past over 15 years.

(v) If the Railway Board is not satisfied with the valid points mentioned above, a meeting with the MM & ML may be arranged at the earliest. It may also be noted that there is atmosphere of agitation among staff of Diesel/Electric Loco/EMU Sheds against Board’s restructuring orders dated 08/10/2013, as on many zones, the staff may not get promotion benefit. NFIR is keen to avoid agitation and dislocation and equally expects the Railway Board to respond for resolving the issue.

Federation therefore requests to review the matter without delay.

Yours faithfully,

Sd/-
(M.Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source:http://www.nfirindia.com/Index.aspx

Government of India Published the Gazette Notification for Seventh Central Pay Commission

Ministry Of Finance
(Department of Expenditure)

RESOLUTION

New Delhi, the 28th Febraury,2014

No.1/1/2013-E.III(A)— The Government of India have decided to appoint the Seventh Central Pay Commission comprsing the fallowing

1.Chairman – Justice Shri Ashok kumar Mathur
2.Member – Shri Vivek Rae
3.Member – Dr. Rathin Roy
4.Secretary – Smt. Meena Agarwal

2.The terms of reference of the commission will be as fallows

a) To examine, review, evolve and recommend changes that are desirable and feasible regarding the principles that should govern the emoluments structure including pay, allowances and other facilities/benefits, in cash or kind, having regard to rationalization and simplification therein as well as the specialized needs of various Departments, agencies and services, in respect of the following categories of employees:-

i. Central Government employees-industrial and non-industrial;
ii. Personnel belonging to the All India Services;
iii. Personnel of the Union Territories;
iv. Officers and employees of the Indian Audit and Accounts Department;
v. Members of regulatory bodies (excluding the Reserve Bank of India) set up under Acts of Parliament; and
vi. Officers and employees of the Supreme Court.
b) To examine, review, evolve and recommend changes that are desirable and feasible regarding principles that should govern the emoluments structure, concessions and facilities/benefits, in cash or kind, as well as retirement benefits of personnel belonging to the Defence Forces, having regard to historical and traditional parities, with due emphasis on aspects unique to these personnel.

c) To work out the framework for an emoluments structure linked with the need to attract the most suitable talent to Government service, promote efficiency, accountability and responsibility in the work culture, and foster excellence in the public governance system to respond to complex challenges of modern administration and rapid political, social, economic and technological changes, with due regard to expectations of stakeholders, and to recommend appropriate training and capacity building through a competency based framework.

d) To examine the existing schemes of payment of bonus, keeping in view, among other things, its bearing upon performance and productivity and make recommendations on the general principles, financial parameters and conditions for an appropriate incentive scheme to reward excellence in productivity, performance and integrity.

e) To review the variety of existing allowances presently available to employees in addition to pay and suggest their rationalization and simplification, with a view to ensuring that the pay structure is so designed as to take these into account.

f) To examine the principles which should govern the structure of pension and other retirement benefits, including revision of pension in the case of employees who have retired prior to the date of effect of these recommendations, keeping in view that retirement benefits of all Central Government employees appointed on and after 01.01.2004 are covered by the New Pension Scheme (NPS).

g) To make recommendations on the above, keeping in view:

i. the economic conditions in the country and need for fiscal prudence;
ii. the need to ensure that adequate resources are available for developmental expenditures and welfare measures;
iii. the likely impact of the recommendations on the finances of the State Governments, which usually adopt the recommendations with some modifications;
iv. the prevailing emolument structure and retirement benefits available to employees of Central Public Sector Undertakings; and
v. the best global practices and their adaptability and relevance in Indian conditions.
h) To recommend the date of effect of its recommendations on all the above.

3.The Commission will devise its own procedure and may appoint such advisors, Institutional Consultants and Experts, as it necessary for any particular purpose. It may call for such information and take such evidence, as it may consider necessary. Ministries and Departments of Government of India shall furnish such information and documents and other assistance as may be required by the commission. The government of India trusts the State Governments, Service Associations and other concerned will extend to the Commission their fullest cooperation and assistance

4.The Commission will have Headquarters in Delhi

5.The Commission will make its recommendations within 18 months of the date of its constitution. It may consider, if necessary, sending interim reports on any of the matters as and when the recommendations are finalised.

RATAN P.WATAL, Secy

Source:http://finmin.nic.in/the_ministry/dept_expenditure/notification/misc/Gazette_Notification030314.pdf

GOVERNMENT REFUSED TO ACCEPT THE MAIN DEMANDS OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES.

CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL GOVT. EMPLOYEES & WORKERS
      1st Floor, North Avenue PO Building, New Delhi – 110001
      Website: www.confederationhq.blogspot.com
            Email: confederationhq@gmail.com
Circular No. 13
Dated 2.3.2014
GOVERNMENT REFUSED TO ACCEPT THE MAIN DEMANDS OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES.

CONFEDERATION NATIONAL SECRETARIAT CALLS UPON THE ENTIRE CG EMPLOYEES TO PROTEST AGAINST THE ARBITRARY AND UNILATERAL DECISION OF THE GOVERNMENT.

HOLD NATION WIDE PROTEST DEMONSTRATION IN FRONT OF ALL OFFICES AND AT ALL IMPORTANT CENTRES ON 7TH  MARCH 2014 OR AT ANY IMMEDIATE CONVENIENT DATE.
SEND PROTEST SAVINGRAM TO THE PRIME MINISTER.

PREPARE for AN INDEFINITE STRIKE IMMEDIATELY AFTER GENERAL ELECTION DEMANDING , MERGER OF DA , INTERIM RELIEF , INCLUSION OF GDS UNDER 7TH CPC, PARITY IN PENSION, DATE OF EFFECT 1/1/2014, SCRAP NEW PENSION SCHEME, SETTLE ANOMOLIES,INCLUSION OF LABOUR REPRESENTATIVE IN THE PAY COMMISSION AND OTHER DEMANDS IN THE 15 POINT CHARTER OF DEMANDs.

CONDUCT INTENSIVE CAMPAIGN AND MAKE THE 4TH APRIL NAGPUR NATIONAL CONVENTION A GRAND SUCCESS

Dear Comrades,

The Union Cabinet approved the Finance Ministry’s proposal on terms of reference of the 7th CPC.  We have placed the full text of the same on our website.  None of the suggestions made by the Staff Side was accepted by the Government. 

However, our concern over the date of effect seems to have been taken note of.  The terms of reference has left the effective date of its recommendations to be decided by the Commission itself.  A united stand backed up by struggles will enable us to clinch this demand in our favour.  Undoubtedly it has been our endeavours and the two days strike action that has compelled the Government to have a rethinking on their earlier stand of Decennial (Ten years} wage revision for Central Government employees and the date of effect as 1/1/2016

Unlike on the earlier occasion, the Government has not decided to grant Interim Relief and merger of Dearness allowance.  Nor has it asked the Commission to consider and make appropriate recommendation in this regard specifically.  As pointed out in our earlier communication, inclusion of a labour representative in the Commission being not an idea the UPA Government cherishes, for it is diametrically opposite to its economic policies and ideology, they have stuck to the position of sandwiching the Honourable Judge with bureaucrats.  In the light of the agreement penned by Com. Mahadeviah, the General Secretary of the recognised GDS union with the Postal Board to the effect that a separate one man committee will look into the service conditions of the Grameen Dak Sewaks, it is not surprising that the Government chose to ignore our demand to cover them within the ambit of the 7th CPC.   Our demands for parity between the past and present pensioners and scrapping of the new pension scheme also stand rejected. 

As you are aware, the 6th CPC (and the earlier Commissions also) had refused to entertain the demand for removal of anomalies despite Government referring the same to the Commission specifically.  Therefore, the omnibus clause in the terms of reference requiring the Commission to submit interim reports may not be of any help to us to raise the anomalies before the 7th CPC.

At the conclusion of the meeting held on 24/10/2013 by Secretary, DoPT, with the staff side on terms of reference of the 7th CPC, it was agreed that the Government will consider our suggestion in the matter and will convene another meeting with the presence of Secretary (Expenditure) to iron out the differences, if any, and explore the possibilities of an agreement in the matter. But no such meeting was convened and no attempt was made by the official side to arrive at an agreed Terms of Reference.

We must now react to the arbitrary and unilateral decision of the Government.  We appeal all the State Secretaries, District Secretaries and Branch Secretaries of the affiliated organisations and the State/District COCs to immediately send the following Savingram to the Prime Minister.

THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES WORKING IN THE    ..........................................(NAME OF THE STATION)/ OFFICE OF...........................CONDEMN THE ATTITUDE OF THE GOVERNMENT IN NOT HONOURING ITS COMMITMENT OF HOLDING DISUCSSION WITH THE STAFF SIDE JCM NATIONAL COUNCIL BEFORE FINALISING THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE 7TH CPC AND DEMAND IMMEIDATE ACCEPTANCE OF :

(i) Interim Relief
(ii) Merger of DA
(iii) Bringing the Grameen Dak Sewaks within the ambit of the 7th CPC
(iv) Date of effect from 1/1/2014
(v) Parity in pension entitlement between the past and present pensioners
(vi) Coverage of the existing defined benefit pension scheme to employees recruited on or after 1.1.2004.
(vii) Include a representative of the Labour in the 7th Central Pay Commission.
(viii) Settle the anomalies raised in the National Anomaly Committee

While the National Convention scheduled to be held at Nagpur will chalk out detailed and phased programmes of action, we call upon our State Committees and Affiliated Unions to organise massive demonstration in front of all offices and important centres on 7th  March, 2014 (Friday) or any other immediate convenient date. Kindly instruct all the Branches to mobilise their members so that the demonstration has the participation of cent per cent of the membership of the concerned branch.  The State Units and affiliated Unions may issue pamphlets and posters and ensure its wide circulation throughout the country.

As already declared by the National Secretariat of the Confederation, we shall have to go for an indefinite strike action immediately after the General Election if our demands are to be settled.

With Greetings,

Yours fraternally,

M. KRISHNAN.
Secretary General.

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

Government Committed to Provide Required Fund to Implement OROP: Antony

The Defence Minister Shri AK Antony has assured the Services that the Government was fully committed to implement the One Rank, One Pay (OROP) Policy and that required funds will be made available to ensure its implementation. Chairing a meeting of the top brass of the Services and senior officials of MoD, here, last evening, Shri Antony said the Finance Minister had clarified that the figure of Rs 500 crores made available to implement the scheme was only ‘indicative’. 

The meeting was convened by Shri Antony to discuss the modalities for implementation of OROP. It was attended among others by the Minister of State for Defence Shri Jitendra Singh, the Defence Secretary Shri RK Mathur, Secretary Ex- Servicemen’s Welfare Smt Sangita Gairola, Secretary Defence Finance Shri Arunava Dutt, the three Service Vice Chiefs and AG from the Services Headquarters. 

It was noted that “OROP implies that uniform pension be paid to the Armed Forces personnel retiring in the same rank with the same length of service irrespective of their date of retirement and any future enhancement in the rates of pension to be automatically passed on to the past pensioners. This implies bridging the gap between the rate of pension of the current pensioners and the past pensioners, and also future enhancements in the rate of pension to be automatically passed on to the past pensioners”. 

Shri Antony directed that the Controller General of Defence Accounts should initiate immediate necessary steps in consultation with the three Services, MoD Finance and Department of ESW to give effect to the decision. He also emphasized that family pensioners and disability pensioners would be included. Ex-Servicemen may also be appropriately consulted by the Services, Shri Antony said. 

It may be recalled that improvements in the pension for Defence Services have been effected by the Government on three occasions in recent times - in 2006, 2010 and 2013. As a result of these changes, the gap in pension amount between pre-2006 and post-2006 retirees has been bridged substantially. However, keeping in view the long- standing demand, the Government has accepted the principle of OROP for Defence Services. 

Source: PIB

Proposals of Retirement age 62 and 50% DA Merger..?

Modest Expectation for 50% DA Merger still on the cards

The expectations will not subside until the central government makes it clear whether 50% DA Merger will be approved or not. Though there were mixed news about whether 50% DA Merger is approved or not, Railway and Defence Federation’s Leaders told that the 50% DA merger was approved by the Cabinet. A website belongs to an important railway federation also flashed a news confirming merger of 50% DA is approved by the cabinet. Sometime later it changed its stand and removed the flash news

One of the News Media also confirmed that 50% DA is approved by the cabinet. But so far any announcement in this regard has not been come from the Government. Some Leaders of the Federations told, ‘when we had a talk with them, initially the central government agreed in principle to merge the 50% of Dearness Allowance and its decision was expected from the cabinet meeting held yesterday evening. But we are unaware of the reason for the government not announcing its decision.’

Earlier reports claimed that the government was considering 50% DA Merger and increasing retirement age to 62. But a source close to official side said these will be a part of Terms of Reference of 7th Pay Commission and the Panel , however, can recommend this later

Everybody feels, still it is an incomplete picture, as the government has not declared it is done

Source:http://www.gservants.com/2014/03/01/modest-expectation-50-da-merger-still-cards/

Opening of 54 new Kendriya Vidyalayas under Civil Sector

The Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the opening of 54 new Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) under Civil Sector during the 12th Five Year Plan as recommended by the Expenditure Finance Committee. These 54 KVs will be located in 53 districts in 17 States. 

The total cost of opening of these new KVs is projected at Rs. 927.40 crore. The non-recurring costs covering constructions cost, furniture, fixture will be Rs. 793.58 crore and recurring cost covering pay and allowance and other expenses will be Rs.133.82 crore. Per unit cost of construction of a school building is Rs. 14.55 crore. 

These new KVs when fully functional will provide quality education to approximately 54,000 students in addition to 12 lakhs students already studying in the present KVs. 

The main objective of KVS is to cater to the educational needs of children of transferable Central Government employees including defence and para-military personnel by providing a common programme of education. There are at present 1094 functional Kendriya Vidyalayas including three abroad. These are in Moscow, Kathmandu and Tehran. 

Kendriya Vidyalayas are considered as model schools in terms of physical infrastructure, teaching resources, curriculum and academic performance. These schools constitute important educational infrastructure spread over the length and breadth of the country. Kendriya Vidyalayas are pace setting schools, have consistently turned out excellent academic performance, as is evident from Board Results of Class X and XII exams conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). 

Source: PIB

Voluntary retirement under FR 56(k), etc. and amendment of Rules.

No.25013/3/2010-Estt (A)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel and Training

North Block, New Delhi-110 001
Dated : 27th February, 2014

Subject : Voluntary retirement under FR 56(k), etc. and amendment of Rules.

The provisions of Fundamental Rule 56(k), 56(m) and Rule 48 of CCS(Pension) Rules, 1972 relating to acceptance of request of voluntary retirement have been revisited as per the Central Administrative Tribunal, Principal Bench judgement dated 4th August, 2010 in 0.A.No.1600/2009 filed by Shri Gopal Singh Purohit Vs U01 & Others to bring them at par with each other.

2. The matter has been examined in consultation with Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare and the Ministry of Law. FR 56(k) and 56 (m) have been amended vide Extra Ordinary Gazette Notification No.GSR.27(E) dated 17th January, 2014. It shall be open to the appropriate authority to withhold permission to a Government servant who seeks to retire under FR 56(k) or 56 (m) in the following circumstances:

(i) If the Government servant is under suspension ; or
(ii) If a charge sheet has been issued and the disciplinary proceedings are
pending; or
(iii) If judicial proceedings on charges which may amount to grave misconduct, are pending.

Explanation: For the purpose of this clause, judicial proceedings shall be deemed to be pending, if a complaint or report of a police officer, of which the Magistrate takes cognizance, has been made or filed in a criminal proceedings.

3. Copy of the Gazette Notification No.G.S.R.E.(27) dated 17.1.2014 amending FR 56(k) and FR 56(m) is enclosed.

4. All Ministries/Departments are requested to bring the contents of this O.M. to the notice of all concerned.

Sd-
(B.Bandyopadhyay)
Under Secretary to the Government of India

Source:http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02est/25013_3_2010-Estt-A.pdf

Newly Developed ‘SMS Gateway’ Launched for Sending Alerts to Railway Passengers Regarding their PNR Status

Indian Railways added another milestone by launching yet another innovative scheme called the ‘SMS Gateway’, which will enable passengers to get SMS alerts on the status of reserved tickets. The ‘SMS Gateway’ which was developed by Centre for Railway information Systems (CRIS), an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Railways, was launched by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury here today on the occasion of a seminar on the theme “Role of IT in Rail Services – Present and Future”. The seminar was organised by the Centre for Transportation Research and Management (CTRAM), an autonomous body of the Ministry of Railways. Present on occasion the were Shri Arunendra Kumar, Chairman, Railway Board, Shri D. P. Pande, Member Traffic, Shri Kul Bhushan, Member Electrical and Shri Alok Johri, Member Mechanical, of Railway Board. 

The ‘SMS Gateway’ project will be used to send SMS alerts to passengers in case of status change in the PRS tickets, as compared to the initial booking status (For example W/L to RAC, RAC to CNF, W/L to CNF). SMS alerts prior to chart preparation will be sent once a day, in case of status change only, beginning from 5 days before the journey date. The SMS alerts after chart preparation (which is normally done 3-4 hours before train departure), will convey the actual Berth No., Coach No. and RAC No. for those passengers whose final Charting status has changed as compared to the initial booked status. In case of any ticket upgradation or seat re-allotment also SMS alerts will be sent. 

It is estimated that a large of SMS alerts will be sent on daily basis (approx. 4 lakh), hence the system will be made ONLINE in phases. Initially, the system would be configured for sending post chart alerts in a few selective Rajdhani trains, followed by other Mail Express trains. Subsequently the pre chart alerts will be enabled. 

This facility will greatly reduce the last minute enquiry rush on the PRS websites and Call Centre as well as reduce the4 crowding near the pasted Chart locations on the Railway Platforms. This service will be provided free of cost to the users. This will enhance the image of Indian Railways. 

Taking the things forward, CRIS took up the project for setting up of SMS Gateway of sending alerts to passengers, sanctioned by the Railways Board. Till now passengers can find about their PNR status through website enquiries or Call Centre (139) or IVRS or SMS enquiry. Railways decided to proactively send the SMS alerts to passengers at no extra charges to them. 

During the development of the application for sending SMS alerts, considerable challenges were faced, to ensure that there is no adverse impact in the normal functioning of the backend main PRS system (CONCERT), which is one of the largest ticketing applications in the world. M/s Mahindra Comiva and Velti System, India were the technical partners of CRIS for making this project a success. 

PIB

Expected DA for July 2014 : AICPIN for the Month of January 2014.

AICPIN for Industrial Worker for the Month of January 2014
Consumer Price Index Numbers For Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) January 2014

According to a press release issued by the Labour Bureau, Ministry of Labour & Employment the All-India CPI-IW for January, 2014 declined by 2 points and pegged at 237(two hundred and thirty Seven). On 1-month percentage change, it decreased by 0.84 per cent between December and January compared with the rise of 0.91 per cent between the same two months a year ago.

The largest downward pressure to the change in current index came from Food group contributing -2.78 percentage points to the total change. At item level, Groundnut Oil, Onion, Brinjal Cabbage, Carrot, Gourd, Palak, Peas, Potato, Tomato and other Vegetable items, Sugar etc. are responsible for the decrease in index. However, this was compensated to some extent by Housing Index and the prices of Rice, Wheat, Fish Fresh, Goat Meat, Poultry, Cooking Gas, Electricity Charges, Petrol etc. putting upward pressure on the index.

The year-on-year inflation measured by monthly CPI-IW stood at 7.24 per cent for January, 2014, as compared to 9.13 per cent for the previous month and 11.62 per cent during the corresponding month of the previous year. Similarly, the Food inflation stood at 8.94 per cent against 11.49 per cent of the previous month and 14.08 per cent during the corresponding month of the previous year.

At centre level, Bhilwara recorded the highest decline of 8 points each followed by Kodarma (7 Points), Bokaro and Surat (6 Points each), Varanasi and Munger Jamalpur (5 Points each). Among others, 4 points decrease was registered in 8 centres, 3 points in 13 centres, 2 points in 12 centres and 1points in 9 centres. On the contrary, Amritsar and Quilon centres reported an increase of 4 points followed by Jharia (3 points). Among others, 2 points increase was observed in 6 centres and 1 point in 7 centres. Rest of the 14 centres’ indices remained stationary.

The indices of 38 centres are above All-India Index and other 39 centres’ indices are below national average. The index of Bhilwara centre remained at par with all-India index.

The next index of CPI-IW for the month of February, 2014 will be released on Monday, 31 March, 2014. The same will also be available on the office website www.labourbureau.gov.in.

Source: PIB