Armed Forces Tribunal grants ex-serviceman 50% disability pension

Armed Forces Tribunal grants ex-serviceman 50% disability pension

CHENNAI: The opinion of medical board should be given primary credence and the authority of Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (PCDA) (Pensions) for awarding disability pension is very limited, said the Chennai bench of the Armed Forces Tribunal, granting an ex-serviceman 50% disability pension around three decades after he was discharged from service on medical grounds. 

In 1983, M Natarajan joined the Madras Engineer Group as a sepoy. While undergoing basic training at the regimental centre, he met with an accident and his right little finger was crushed. 

In 1985, he was invalided from service. The medical board said the injury was permanent. It granted him 20% disability pension for two years. 

In 1987, the review medical board said his condition was "static and likely to be permanent" and recommended to continue the pension. However, the Army did not pay him pension. After an appeal, he was reassessed by a medical board in 1994 which said there was no change in Natrajan's condition since the last review. 

However, while assessing his disability, the board fixed his disability as below 20% for 10 years. The Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (PCDA) (P), Allahabad rejected his plea. He then moved AFT in 2010. 

In its counter, the Army said during hospitalization, he was "tenaciously adamant for not doing physiotherapy exercises" which aggravated his injury leading to his discharge. Further, the PCDA (P), being the competent medical authority, said his disability was less than 20%. As such, he was not provided pension. 

His subsequent appeals too were dismissed. It said his case was "barred by limitation" as he had approached the tribunal with an "insurmountable delay" (of 5,679 days). 

Natarajan said the delay was "neither wilful nor wanton" and he could not file the application because of "want of money." If the delay was not condoned, he would continue to suffer, he said. 

The bench comprising judicial member V Periya Karuppiah and administrative member K Surendra Nath said the injury might have been exacerbated because Natarajan was unable to understand the physiotherapy instruction as he was not conversant with either Hindi or English. It also noted despite the recommendation of the medical board, the Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pensions) reduced the disability as below 20% in 1987. "No reasons were adduced for lowering the disability," it said. Finding contradictions in the second medical board's opinion, the bench said, "We are inclined to question the opinion of the medical board and feel it erred on both counts." 

It then allowed Natarajan disability pension for life which, according to the provisions of the central government, was rounded from 20%to 50%. However, the arrears had to be paid only for three years before he approached the tribunal. 

Source: www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com 

Pre 2004 Contingent/Casual/Temporary Group D Staff who absorbed permanently in 2005 - Applicability of Old Pension Rules - Madras High Court Upholds CAT Order

Pre. 2004 Contingent/Casual/Temporary Group D Staff who absorbed permanently in 2005 - Applicability of Old Pension Rules -  Madras High Court Upholds CAT Order

Upholding a Central Administrative Tribunal rpt Tribunal order, the Madras High Court today said right of government servants to receive pension is not a bounty and it is a statutory right conferred under the pension rules applicable from the date when the government servant was appointed, either on daily wage, temporary or permanent basis.

A Division Bench, comprising Justice N.Paul Vasanthakumar and Justice M.Sathyanarayanan was dismissing a writ petition filed by Ministry of Atomic Energy, and Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam challenging the order passed by Central Administrative Tribunal.

In its order, the bench said it was an undisputed fact that the 16 petitioner employees had been appointed as casual labourers and subsequently conferred temporary status from December 31, 1999.

".. merely because they have been absorbed permanently in the year 2005 in Group ?D? service, they cannot be denied of their statutory right," the court said.

Earlier CAT had allowed the original application filed by the 16 employees to extend the benefit of pension under old Pension Scheme, Central Civil Service (Pension) Rules, 1972 as they were granted temporary status with effect from December 31, 1999 on conditions, among others, that 50% of their service rendered under temporary status would be counted for the purpose of retirement benefits after their superannuation.

This was challenged by IGCAR, stating that persons who joined in service on or after January 1, 2004 were governed by the new pension scheme. The CAT rejected it following which IGCAR filed the present petition.

IGCAR had engaged 50 Casual labourers for cleaning and assisting Technicians and Scientists Carrying out the task in various laboratories of IGCAR. Out of 50, 34 casual labourers were regularized prior to January 1,2004.

The court said a person already in service either as contingent staff or temporary staff continuously and absorbed in permanent establishment on or after Jan 1,2004 cannot be termed 'new entrant' into service.The new pension scheme can be applied only to persons appointed for the first time as casual or temporary or permanent employee on or after January 1,2004.

The bench clarified that the 50 casual employees appointed by the IGCAR being a class, there cannot be any classification within them, subsequently made as temporary employees and absorbed as Group 'D' employees.

While quoting Supreme Court Judgements the bench said these 16 employees cannot be treated as 'Fresh appointees' for the purpose of applying new pension scheme and upheld the order of CAT while dismissing the petition from IGCAR.

Source: www.newindianexpress.com

Conditions for re-excercise of option

1.  It has been clarified by MoD that the provisions laid down in Minisrty of Finance, Deptt of Expenditure OM No. 10/02/2011-E.III/A dated 19/03/2012 are applicable for all Armed Forces Personnel whose date of increment in the pre-revised scale was between February 2006 and June 2006 irrespective of whether they had exercised option earlier, Such personnel are entitled to exercise fresh option or re-exercise option for pay fixation in 6th CPC pay structure either with effect from 01/01/2006 or any other subsequent date. The following conditions shall be effecting the revision:-

a. The date of increment in the pre-revised scale was between Feb 2006 to June 2006.

b. The revised option/fresh option should have been submitted before 31/07/2013.

Units may forward the options submitted by officers before 31/07/2013, whose date of increment in the pre-revised scale falls between Feb 2006 to June 2006, to PCDA(O) for carrying out the pay revision”.

2. The effective dates for exercising option under various circumstances are as under:

i. For revision of pay on promotion prior to Jan 06-31st Dec 2005.

ii. For switching over to revised pay structure as per Sixth Pay Commission orders, for officers whose date of increment in pre-revised scale falling between Feb 06 to June 2006-31st July 2013.

iii. For switching over to revised pay structure as per Sixth Pay Commission Orders, for officers other than (II) above-30/6/2011.

Source:https://pcdaopune.gov.in/Login.aspx

Amendment to CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 – Notification Regarding

MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS

(Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare)

NOTIFICATION

New Delhi, the 3rd March, 2014

G.S.R. 138 (E).—In exercise of the powers conferred by the proviso to article 309 and clause (5) of article 148 of the Constitution and, after consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India in relation to conditions of service of persons serving in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department, the President hereby makes the following rules further to amend the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972, namely’-

1.(1) These rules may be called the Central Civil Services (Pension) Second Amendment Rules, 2014.

(2) They shall be deemed to have come into force with effect from the 1st October, 2000.

2. In the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972, in rule 37A,-

(a) in sub-rule (22) and sub-rule (23), after the words “Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited” in both the places where they occur, the words-rand Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited” shall be inserted; .

(b) for sub-rule (24), the following sub-rule shall be substituted, namely:-

“(24) The arrangements under sub-rule (23) shall be applicable to the existing pensioners and to the employees who are deemed to have retired from the Government service for absorption in Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited and shall not apply to the employees directly recruited by the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited for whom they shall devise their own pension schemes and make arrangements for funding and disbursing the pensionary benefits.”

[F. No. 4/23/2013-P&PW(D)]

VANDANA SHARMA, Jt. Secy

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

Payment ofpensionary benefits to all categories of the erstwhile employees of the Government (Group A, B, C and D) absorbed in Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited who have opted for pension on combined service will be made by the Government in the same manner as in Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited with effect from 1st October, 2000.Such erstwhile Government employees including those absorbed in Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited with effect from 1st November, 1998 andgovemed vide DOP&PW’s O.M.No. 4/18/87-P&PW(D) dated 5.7.1989 shall be brought within the purview of these rules with effect from 1st October, 2000. This is certified by the Department of Telecommunication that no one shall be adversely affected by giving retrospective effect to this notification.

Source:http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D3/D03ppw/notification_040314_E.pdf

Identification of Pensioners Associations under the Pensioners Portal A Mission Mode Project under NeGP

F.No.55/12/2013-P&PW(C)

Government of India

Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare

3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhawan,Khan Market, New Delhi

Date:- 28th February, 2014

Identification of Pensioners Associations under the Pensioners Portal A Mission Mode Project under NeGP

This department intends to identify more registered Central Government Pensioners Associations to assist the Department in implementation of objectives envisaged under the Pensioners Portal-a Mission Mode Project under NeGP. The criteria for selection and other associations would be selected on the basis of the work being done in the areas of pensioners’ welfare in time with overall objectives of “Pensioners’ Portal”. (website http://pensionersportalgovin)

The Central Government Pensioners Associations desirous of being associated with the Pensioners Portal may send their details as indicated on the website referred to above alongwith copies of relevant documents and a write up on their vision/plan to work towards welfare of Central Government Pensioners. The application may be addressed to Director(PP), Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare at the address given above and should reach within 50 days from the date of publication of this advertisement.

Sd/-

(Kailash Chander)

Under Secretary (Coord.)

Source:-http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D3/D03ppw/PPWC_280214.pdf

24th meeting of the Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) to be held on 5th Febraury

F. No. 42/2/2014-P&PW(G)

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare

3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhavan,

Khan Market, New Delhi- 110003

Date:- 23rd January, 2014

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject : 24th meeting of the Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) under the Chairmanship of Hon’ble MOS (PP) to be held on 5th February, 2014 at 4.00 PM in Vigyan Bhawan Annexe, New Delhi – Reg

- Venue & Time of 24th SCOVA meeting.
- Comments on Fresh Agenda Items
- Confirmation of the participation

The undersigned is directed to say that the 24th meeting of the Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies(SCOVA) under the Chairmanship of Hon’ble MOS (PP) will be held on Wednesday, the 5th February, 2014 at 4.00 PM in:-

Committee Room-A,

Ground Floor, Vigyan Bhawan Annexe,

Maulana Azad Road,

New Delhi 110011

2. It is to say that the Five agenda items for discussion in the 24th Meeting of SCOVA is enclosed herewith. The concerned Ministries/Departments are. therefore. requested to kindly furnish comments on the enclosed agenda items for 24th meeting of SCOVA latest by 28th January, 2014 to the undersigned through Fax / Email (Fax No. / E-mail Address given below) and also in hard copy.

3. It is also requested that the name and telephone number of the official, not below the rank of Joint secretary/Director, nominated to attend the above meeting may kindly be sent to this Department early for further interaction relating to 24th SCOVA meeting.

Sd/-

(Sujasha Choudhury)

Dy. Secretary (P)

1. Smt Suman Bala, Chief Controller (Pension), Central Pension Accounting Office (CPAO), Trikoot – II, Bhikaji Cama Place, New Delhi.

2. Shri Rajiv Kishore, Exe. Dir (ERP), Ministry of Railways, Rail Bhawan, New Delhi.

3. Shri V. P. Singh, Dy. Secretary, Room No. 308-D, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi.

4. Shri S.C.Sharma, DDG (C & A), Department of Telecom, Sanchar Bhavan, 20, Ashoka Road, New Delhi.

5. Shri Vivek Ashish(US), Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, North Block, New Delhi.

6. Shri Vijay Kumar Singh, Director (Administration), Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, North Block, New Delhi.

7. Shri Anil Kumar DDG(Estt), Department of Posts, Dak Bhawan, New Delhi.

8. Shri Rajnish Kumar, DDG(PAF) Department of Posts, Dak Bhawan, New Delhi

9. Shri Ashok Kumar, Dy. Secretary(JCA), Dept of Personnel & Taining, North Block, New Delhi.

10. Shri. S.S.Singh, DDG(PG), Deptt. of Telecommunication, Sanchar Bhawan, 20, Ashoka Road, New Delhi.

11. Shri Surya Prakash,Director(CP),Mjo Defence, , B-Wing, Sena Bhawan, New Delhi.

12. Shri Shahbaz Ali, DDG(TPF & AjCs), Department of Telecom, Sanchar Bhavan, 20, Ashoka Road, New Delhi.

13. Shri Ajay Mishra, (Jt CGDA), Office of CGDA, Ulan Batar Road, Palam, Delhi Cantt., New Delhi.

14. Dr. B.C.Mahapatra, ADDG (HQ), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi.

15. Shri S.C.Das, Deputy Secretary, Dept of Financial Services, Jeevan Deep Building,Sansad Marg, New Delhi.

16. Smt. Shilpi Aggarwal, Director (Fin) CCA, Ministry of Railways, Rail Bhawan, New Delhi.

17. Shri Dilip Kumar, Controller of Accounts, CPAO, Trikoot-II, Bhikaji Cama Place, New Delhi.

18. Shri Sumant Narain, Deputy Secretary, IFD, Ministry of Home Affairs, North Block.

19. Smt. Mamta Kundra Joint Secretary(E), DoPT, North Block, New Delhi.

20. Shri R.K.Karma (Jt. CGDA), Office of CGDA, Ulan Batar Road, Palam, Delhi Cantt., New Delhi.

21. Shri Harbans Singh (OSD), Ministry of Defence, South Block, New Delhi

22. Controller General of Accounts (CGA), Lok Nayak Bhavan, New Delhi.

23. Ms. Malathi Narayanan, Under Secretary, Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence, Sena Bhawan,B- Wing, New Delhi.

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

(Department of Pension &. Pensioners Welfare)

AGENDA ITEMS FOR 24TH MEETING OF STANDING COMMITTEE OF VOLUNTARY AGENCIES(SCOVA) TO BE HELD ON 5TH FEBRUARY, 2014 AT VIGYAN BHAWAN ANNEXE, NEW DELHI

                           AGENDA ITEMS

1. Health Insurance Scheme for pensioners including those residing at non-CGHS areas.

The present position regarding the introduction of Health Insurance Scheme for pensioners may be indicated.

2. Dedicated day for pensioners:

In line with DOP&PW (Reference No. 5/40/2012-P&PW(C) dtd 31.12.2012): Ministry of Railways which has more than 12,18,000 Pensioners/Family pensioners should create similar facility for Pensioners/family pensioners at Rly. Board, Zonal Hqs & Divisional level. Similar facility may be provided in Ministry of Defence, Posts, Telecom etc.

3. Special Family Pension for the Widows of Disabled War Veterans

A war disabled soldier, on being invalided out of service, receives war injury pension comprising war injury /disability element and service element. On his demise, war injury /disability element of the pension gets extinguished and his widow’s family pension is fixed on the basis of service element only, resulting in a sharp reduction in the pension amount. The case for basing the family pension entitlement of the widow a disabled war veteran on his last drawn pension inclusive of war injury /disability element is well merited as follows -

(A) Most war disabled ex-servicemen invalided out of service, are forced to leave service at a very young age, often with less than 5 years of service, and in very junior ranks without achieving their full potential. Service Element of their War Injury Pension is accordingly fixed very low. Combining war injury element with service element enhances the total pension to a reasonable amount.

(B) As the career of a disabled ex-serviceman is curtailed while fighting for the nation in adverse circumstances, it is imperative that after his demise, the family does not suffer financially. This can be assured to some extent by not excluding the war injury element for the purpose of computing family pension entitlement of the widow.

(C) The proposal was initiated well over 2 years ago and is currently under examination by Deptt of Ex-servicemen Welfare. However, the movement is very slow. As the issue equally concerns para-military forces under MHA, it may be piloted by DoPPW.

(D) The number of invalided out disabled war veterans is small and the benefit would accrue to the widow only after a veteran’s demise~ the financial implications therefore would be limited. The morale-boosting impact on the armed forces and para-military forces, however, would be huge.

4. Reimbursement of medical expenses to CGHS beneficiaries:-

As per instructions contained in O.M.No.S-ll030/6/2001-CGHS(P) dated 5.11.2001 issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, New Delhi the reimbursement of expenditure incurred on treatment availed from AIIMS will be made as per rates of AIIMS and as per entitlement of the beneficiary. However, in Chandigarh whenever a CGHS member gets treatment from the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences and Research the reimbursement of medical expenses incurred on such treatment is restricted to limits prescribed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare from time to time and the patient is left to bear the difference from his pocket, which in some cases is much more than the amount actually reimbursed to the beneficiary. Both the above Institutions are run entirely on the same pattern and with the full budgetary support provided by the Govt. of India. Rates to be charged from the patients from time to time are also approved by the Govt. of India. Once a patient is referred for specialized treatment to the PGIMER by the CMO I/C Wellness Center the patient should be normally reimbursed full charges as paid to the PGIMER as per entitlement of the beneficiary. As the CGHS beneficiaries are left to bear the huge amount from their own pocket there is great resentment amongst the retirees. It is also not understood as to why CGHS beneficiaries of Delhi and Chandigarh are treated differently by the Govt. of India.

It is requested that in view of the position explained above the Govt. of India Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, New Delhi may kindly reconsider the above anomaly and issue necessary instructions so that the beneficiaries at Chandigarh are not left to suffer any more on this account.

5. Grant of T.A. to Non-official Members attending the SCOVA meetings- Permission to perform journey by AIR and grant of actual expenses, when the journey performed is above 1,000 km.

Generally, all the Non-official Members representing Pensioners’ Associations who attend the SCOVA meetings are in their advanced age and are not in robust health to withstand the strains associated with journeys performed by Road and Rail especially, when such journeys extend beyond 24 hours and the distance travelled is above 1,000 km. The plight of those members who are suffering from old age ailments needs no explanation. Journey performed by Air, even from a place in the southern most part of the country may not take more than 3 hours to reach the Capital city of New Delhi where SCOVA meetings are held. Further, journey by Air is not as tedious as the journey by Rail and therefore it is preferable.

Supplementary Rule 190(b) states that “A Competent Authority may, in its discretion; grant to the person concerned his actual travelling, hotel and carriage expenses instead of travelling allowance under that clause, if it considers that such allowance would be inadequate.” Further, as per the provisions contained in G.L, M.F., a.M. No.F.19024/7/82-E dated the 8th October, 1982 incorporated in Appendix 2 of F.R.& S.R. Part II (T.A.Rules) performing journey by train by the non-officials is compulsory only when the distance travelled is up to 500 km and the journey could be performed by overnight. “

Non-official Members who attend SCaVA Meetings as representatives of Pensioners’ Associations functioning in the Southern part of the Country have to travel above 2,000 km to reach New Delhi and the hours of journey, if performed by train, is also more than 40 hours. Similarly, the Members from places in Western and some places in the Eastern part of the Country have to travel for a distance of above 1000 km and the period of journey, if performed by train, will be more than 24 hours. In view of the provisions under T.A. Rules stated in the preceding paragraph, it is requested that the case of non-official members travelling above1,000 km to attend SCOVA meetings may be considered sympathetically and as a special case, grant them actual travelling expenses incurred by them when they perform the journey by Air, without limiting their claim to the train fare by entitled class, which would go a long way in helping the Pensioners’ Associations, since the Associations have to meet extra expenditure, if the T.A. claim of their representatives is restricted to the Train fare.

Source:http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D3/D03ppw/SCOVA_230114.pdf

24th meeting of the Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) to be held on 5th February , 2014 in New Delhi.

F. No. 42/2/2014-P&PW(G)

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare

3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhavan,

Khan Market, New Delhi – 110003

Date: 10th Jan 2014

To,
All the Pensioners Associations under present SCOVA

Subject :24th meeting of the Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) under the Chairmanship of Honible MOS (PP) to be held on 5th February , 2014 in New Delhi.

- Intimation regarding DATE and TIME.

Sir,

In continuation to this Department’s OM of even no dated 1st Jan,2014 regarding holding of the 24th meeting of Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies(SCOVA) under the Chairmanship of Hon’ble MOS(PP), the date and time of the meeting is indicated below:

Date:- 5th February, 2014

Time:- 4.00 PM.

2. The Venue of the meeting will soon be intimated. Because of the consideration of space, only one representative may attend the above said meeting.

3. Only one outstation member will be paid TA/DA and local members will be paid conveyance charges in accordance with the rules/instructions. Outstation members will be paid TA/DA as per their last entitlement on retirement. Therefore, members are requested to bring copy of PPO for determining the entitlement of TA/DA claims.

4. This Department looks forward to you participation in the meeting.

Yours faithfully,

Sd/-

(Sujasha Choudhury)

Dy. Secretary (P) 

Source:http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D3/D03ppw/SCOVA_130114.pdf

24th meeting of Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) scheduled to be held in the month of February, 2014 under the Chairmanship of Hon'ble MOS (PP).

F. No. 42/2/2014-P&PW(G)

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare

3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhavan, 

Khan Market, New Delhi - 110003 

Date: 1st January, 2014

OFFICE MEMORANDUM 

Subject :- 24th meeting of Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) scheduled to be held in the month of February, 2014 under the Chairmanship of Hon'ble MOS (PP).

The 24th meeting of Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) of the Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare is scheduled to be held in the month of February. The details of the date, time and venue of the meeting will follow. The meeting will be chaired by the Hontle Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Pubic Grievances & Pensions.

Implementation of the Govt. decision on the recommendations of Committee on the issue related to Defence Service personnel and Ex-Servicemen

OFFICE OF THE PR. CONTROLLER OF DEFENCE ACCOUNTS (PENSION)
DRAUPADI GHAT, ALLAHABAD- 211014

Circular No. 520 

Dated: 24.12.2013

Subject: Implementation of the Govt. decision on the recommendations of Committee on the issue  related to Defence Service personnel and Ex-Servicemen -For pre-2006 commissioned Officers.

Reference:-This office circular No. 500 dated 17th January 2013, Circular No. 503 dated 17th January  2013 and Circular No. 508 dated 19th February 2013.

Pension for MTNL Employees

The Cabinet on Thursday approved a pension proposal for 43,000 MTNL employees, who joined the public sector company from Department of Telecom, that would cost the government an estimated Rs 500 crore annually.

The decision to grant Pension for MTNL Employees is likely to bring additional amount of about Rs 1,500 crore (including interest) in the books of MTNL as refund from government for the pension that the PSU paid to its employees. “The Union Cabinet today approved that the erstwhile all categories of employees of the government absorbed in MTNL and who have opted for combined service may be given similar treatment in the matter of payment of pensionary benefits as available to the absorbed employees of BSNL,” an official statement said.

Year End Review-2013 Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions.

Press Information Bureau
Government of India

Year End Review-2013 Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions.

LOKPAL AND LOKAYUKTAS BILL PASSED BY PARLIAMENT

AWARENESS ABOUT GOOD GOVERNANCE INITIATIVES

SIMPLIFICATION OF PROCEDURE FOR PAYMENT OF FAMILY PENSION

During the year 2013, passing of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill, 2011 release of documentary films on good governance initiatives, guidelines for suo motu disclosure, launching of internship scheme and simplification of procedure  for payment of family pension were some of the important highlights of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pension.

Payment of statutory dues, salary and wages in sick,loss making CPSEs

Press Information Bureau
Government of India

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) today approved the proposal for providing non-plan budgetary support of Rs. 116.86 crore for liquidation of statutory dues (Provident Fund, Gratuity, Pension, Employees State Insurance and Bonus) and salary and wages from 01-04-2013 to 31-08-2013 in respect of eleven Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) under the Department of Heavy Industry, namely Hindustan Cables Ltd., HMT Machine Tools Ltd., HMT (Watches) Ltd., HMT (Chinar Watches) Ltd., Nagaland Pulp & Paper Co. Ltd., Triveni Structurals Ltd., Tungbhadra Steel Products Ltd., Nepa Ltd., HMT Bearings Ltd. Hindustan Photo Films Limited and Tyre Corporation of India Ltd.

Guidelines for conducting Pension Adalats

1. Objective

   The intention of conducting Pension Adalats is to look into the grievances of Pensioners so as to redress the same by taking on-the-spot decisions there by reducing the delays, if any, in the settlement of their legitimate dues. This kind of interaction with the Pensioners would instill in them a sense of being cared for and attended to, thus, dispelling their feelings of isolation and neglect. It will also give an idea of the kind of problems/difficulties that are being faced by the pensioners and help in identifying the areas of concern in policy that require our urgent attention for amendment, etc.

2. Frequency, Date and Time

   2.1 Pensioners’ Adalats may he held twice around January and July every year. Venue and date will he fixed by the concerned organization in consultation with the stakeholders and notified through advertisements inleading newspapers/other media. For this purpose, the following time frame may be adopted:

Payment of Pension to Government Pensioners

Scheme for Payment of Pension to Government Pensioners by Authorised Banks

   Reserve Bank of India (the Bank) oversees disbursement of pension by its agency banks in respect of all Central Government Departments and some State Governments. In the process, it receives queries/ complaints from pensioners in regard to fixation, calculation and payment of pension including revision of pension/ Dearness Relief, transfer of pension account from one bank branch to another, etc. We have analysed the queries/ complaints, and put them in the form of answers to these Frequently Asked Questions. It is hoped that these will cover most of the queries/ doubts in the minds of pensioners.

1. Can the pensioner draw his/ her pension through a bank branch?

   Yes. Even the Government employees earlier drawing their pension from a treasury or from a post office have the option to draw their pension from the authorized bank’s branches.

Issuance of corrigendum Pension Payment Order of Pre-2006 Defence Civilian Pensioners/ Family pensioners in terms of the recommendations of 6th CPC.

OFFICE OF THE PR. CONTROLLER OF DEFENCE ACCOUNTS (PENSIONS)
DRAUPADI GHAT, ALLAHABAD- 211014

Circular No. 114

Dated: 09/12/2013

Subject: Issuance of corrigendum Pension Payment Order of Pre-2006 Defence Civilian Pensioners/ Family pensioners in terms of the recommendations of 6th CPC.

Reference: This office circulars Nos. 57, 62 & 102 dated 17-09-2008,12-11-2008 and 11-02-2013 respectively.

   Attention is invited to this office Circulars no. 57, 62 and 102 dated 17-09-2008, 12-11-2008 and 11-02-2013 respectively, under which orders regarding revision of pension/family pension of pre-2006 pensioners have been circulated for immediate implementation of Government orders. Further, it is intimated that the issue of corrigendum PPO in respect of Pre-2006 Defence Civilian Pensioners/Family Pensioners is under Progress. To issue corrigendum PPO in case of living pensioners, it has been decided by the competent authority to call for an application through Head of the Office in the prescribed format available on the website of PCDA (Pension), duly verified by PDA. It is brought to the notice that No application is required from Pensioner/family pensioner whose corrigendum PPO has already been issued as per 6th CPC.

Enhancement of amount of Ex-gratia payable to Reservists and families of Reservists - reg.

No. 1(06)/2010-D(Pen / Policy)

Government of India

Ministry of Defence

Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare

 

New Delhi dated 22 November, 2013.

 

To,

The Chief of the Army Staff,

The Chief of the Naval Staff

The Chief of the Air Staff

 

Subject : Enhancement of amount of Ex-gratia payable to Reservists and families of Reservists - reg.

 

   The undersigned is directed to refer to this Ministry's letter No. 13/39042/AG/PS-4(a&c)/1331/C/ D(Pension/Services) dated 29.122000 sanctioning monthly payment of an amount of Rs. 600/- per month as ex-gratia to the Reservists who were discharged prior to 1.4.1968 and who having rendered minimum qualifying service required for grant of pension, had opted / accepted for lump sum amount of gratuity at the time of release from service and have not availed benefits of rehabilitation assistance granted by the Government and were not in receipt of any other pension. This amount was payable with effect from 1.11.1997. Similarly, the monthly payment of ex-gratia sanctioned to the widows and dependent children of the deceased Reservists, who had opted to receive one time lump sum gratuity in lieu of pension, in terms of this Ministry's letter No. 10 (7.)./-92./D (Pension/Services) dated. 30.3.1992, was also revised/consolidated from 1.11.1997 to Rs. 605/- per month in terms of this Ministry letter No. 13/40029/AGIPS-4(d)/1/B/13 (Pension/Services) dated 7.1.1999.

Revision of service pension w.e.f 1.7.2009 and 24.09.2012 in terms of re-grouping of certain treads.

OFFICE OF THE PR. CONTROLLER OF DEFENCE ACCOUNTS (PENSIONS)
DRAUPADI GHAT, ALLAHABAD- 211014

Circular No. 517

Dated: 08.11.2013

Subject: Revision of service pension w.e.f 1.7.2009 and 24.09.2012 in terms of re-grouping of certain treads.

Reference: This office Circular No. 430 dated 10.03.2010, circular No 478 dated 13.02.2012 and 501 dated 17.01.2013.

   Kindly refer this office circular No. 478 dated 13.02.2012 under which instructions  regarding re-grouping of certain trades in terms of Para 7.3 of circular No. 430 dated 10.03.2010 has been issued. Some PDAs have expressed doubts regarding revision of service pension on the basis of re-trading of group due to non-indication of trade in PPO.

Implementation of income criteria for dependent parents of Armed Forces Personnel for grant of two family pensions.

O/o THE PR. CONTROLLER OF DEFENCE ACCOUNTS (PENSION)
DRAUPADI GHAT, ALLAHABAD- 211014

Circular No. 516

Dated: 6.11.2013

Subject: Implementation of income criteria for dependent parents of Armed Forces Personnel for grant of two family pensions.

Reference: This office Circular No. 400 dated 05.12.2008.

   As per para 11.2 of MOD letter No.-17(4)12008(2)/D(Pen/Pol) dated 12.11.2008 the dependency criteria for the purpose of family pension shall be the minimum family pension along with dearness relief. Now the Ministry of Defence has clarified that the GOI, Ministry of Personnel, PG& Pensions, Department of Pension & Pensioners' welfare no.- 1/11/2011- P&PW(E) dated 30th November 2011 (copy enclosed) is applicable mutatis mutandis on family pensioner of Armed Forces wherein the family pension admissible to beneficiary in respect of one deceased employee/pensioner is not to be counted as income for the purpose of determination of eligibility for another family pension which is admissible in connection with another deceased employee/pensioner. However, any other income/earning of the beneficiary under consideration will be counted towards income for deciding eligibility for family pension.

Clarification regarding rule position for payment of gratuity to the employees covered under New Pension Scheme.

No.7/2/2013-P&PW(F)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, PG & Pensions
Department of Pension &Pensioners Welfare
(Desk-F)

3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhavan,
NewDelhi- 10003
Dated the 15th October, 2013

Office Memorandum

Subject : Clarification regarding rule position for payment of gratuity to the employees covered under New Pension Scheme

   The undersigned is directed to refer to Ministry of Defence OM.No12(15)/2013-D(Civ.II) dated 12.7.2013 & 26.9.2013 on the subject noted above and to say that the provision of CCS(Pension) rules are not applicable to government servants appointed on or after 1.1.2004. This department is in the process of framing rules on New Pension scheme.

Pension Procedure for Central Government Employees

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
(Central Civil Pensioners)
Last updated/Reviewed: 04.11.2013

PENSION PROCEDURE

E.1 What is the meaning of the following terms?

(a) Pension Disbursing Authority
(b) Pension Sanctioning Authority
(c) PPO Issuing Authority

(a) Pension Disbursing Authority:

Bank Branch/Treasury/Post/PAO Office paying your pension

(b) Pension Sanctioning Authority:

The authority who sanctioned your pension before forwarding the case to Accounts.

(c) PPO Issuing Authority:

Generally, the Pay & Account Officer is the PPO issuing authority.

E.2 What should a Government servant do to claim his pension?

   During service each Govt. servant should satisfy himself that service is being verified and recorded so in the service book and that there are no gaps in this. He should also ensure that nomination for all payments due to him are current and valid.