LDC/UDC, MACP on Promotional hierarchy and other issues in 7th Pay Commission

LDC – UDC Grade Pay Issue in 7th Pay Commission

This Association has taken up the LDC/UDC, MACP on Promotional Hierarchy, and other issues related to Administrative Staff with Confederation. Copy of the letter sent to the Secretary General, Confederation is given below: All our LDC/UDC friends are requested to raise the issue in their respective Association to force them to represent the issue to Confederation/JCM Staff Side.

ALL INDIA ASSOCIATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF (NG)

MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION

Bhopal,

Dated 25/11/2015

To

Com. M Krishnan,
Secretary General,
Confederation of Central Government Employees & Workers,
New Delhi

Dear comrade,

This is in connection with LDC/UDC, MACP on Promotional hierarchy and other issues related to Administrative Staff of Subordinate offices. It is surprising to note that the 7th Pay Commission has turned down the genuine issue of LDC & UDC on the ground that the government has stopped direct recruitment for the clerical cadre and gradually phasing out the existing incumbents. If this is true, it is a matter of great concern that the Government has chosen to take a unilateral decision on an important policy matter without consulting the Staff side. The reason given for rejection of the demand is not convincing.

Besides Confederation/Staff Side JCM, several Departments had recommended upgradation of grade pay of LDC & UDC of Administrative Offices especially the LDC & UDCs of subordinate offices of Government of India.

Extracts of the Pay Commission comments on the matter is given below:

By analyzing the demand of SVP, National Police Academy under Para 11.22.100 the Commission has said “This issue has been dealt in Chapter 7.7. Recommendations made there would apply in this case also”
As against the demand of Directorate of Printing under Para 11.52.32 Commission maintained that “posts like LDC, UDC, Accountant are common to a number of ministries/ departments. Recommendations regarding their pay are contained in Chapter 7.7 and Chapter 11.35.”

But, in Chapter 7.7, deals common category, no recommendation for LDC/UDC is given.
However by recording disagreement to increase promotional quota of MTS to LDC under Para 7.7.37 & 11.35.28 Commission has said that “government has already stopped direct recruitment for the clerical cadre and gradually phasing out the existing incumbents, this demand cannot be accepted.”

But the fact is that Staff Selection Commission is frequently conducting recruitment for the post of LDC. Combined higher secondary examination for the selection of LDC also has been conducted recently. Moreover, no alternative recommendation to replace the LDC post is given in the report. It is to be noted that the normal ratio of LDC and UDC in subordinate offices is 5:2 and thus LDCs have been allocated responsible sections and in many smaller offices LDC alone is handling the work of entire Administration.

On the other hand rejecting Central Secretariat Clerical service demand for parity with DEO, the commission observes “Even though the entry requirements are similar, historically the pay scales of the two posts have been different. Besides, they comprise two distinct cadres with different set of roles and responsibilities. Hence, the demand for parity of pay of LDC with DEOs cannot be acceded to by the Commission.”(Para 11.35.38).

Historically these cadres may be different set of roles but the fact is that functions of LDC are more complex than that of DEO and same was brought before the commission by various Associations/Administrative Authorities. Earlier pay Commissions have fixed Pay Scale to DEO considering their work on computer. But today LDCs are selected on the basis of their expertise in computer operation also.

By concluding the LDC issue, I give hereunder two comments among the dozens of comments/e-mail received us on the subject. This signifies the sufferings of LDCs in subordinate offices.

(1) I am really disappointed with the decision of 7th CPC, I was hoping that I would get atleast GP 2400 as per their calculation, they don’t even think about lower classMyself Ashutosh, LDC and I am appointed on 2012, 3000 KM far from my house and from last 2 years I am doing the work of cashier along with all the work of Income Tax and budget, apart from me 4 more LDC’s are working here instead of UDC’s and they are the backbone of their branch but as per 7th CPC words we are not having as much responsible work they think LDC’s are recruits only for “dispatch” and “typing” which is not true.

I request to them, sir please come and see how much responsibility we have and what we are getting,
(2) I am s murugan LDC, handling with pay bills, income tax, TDS and what are related to taxable income such as LTC encashment, final bills, HRA claim and etc…
In 7th Cpc report every where it is stated that this is dealt with chapter 7.7 and 11.35. But, there are no clear instructions for clerical.
The major error is clerical cadre is not included in common categories (chapter 7).

II Grant of MACP on Promotional Hierarchy:
Even though the Confederation has clarified that the Commission has recommended MACP on promotional hierarchy, the report of the Commission is confusing and contradictory. Para 5.1.44 reads in the new Pay matrix, the employees will move to the immediate next level in the hierarchy. This can be interpreted as fixation in the same principle as that for a regular promotion. But Para 11.52.45 is contradictory.

III The Grade Pay of Assistants/Stenographers of Central Secretariat is brought down to Rs. 4200 from the existing Rs. 4600 and NFSG granted to the UDCs of Central Secretariat has been withdrawn thereby the demand for parity with the Grade Pay of Assistant/UDC of Central Secretariat is turned down.

Comrades, Government is bent upon to contractorise all the Administrative posts below the post of Assistants. The demand for merger of Grade Pay of LDC & UDC and upgradation to Rs. 2800, as recommended by the staff side is genuine in accordance with duties assigned. Confederation/JCM (Staff Side) is requested to please help LDC/UDC and other Administrative Staff of subordinate Offices to resolve these genuine issues.

Yours fraternally

TKR Pillai

General Secretary

Source : AIAMSHQ

Expected DA Jan 2016 : AICPIN for the month of October 2015

Expected DA Jan 2016 : AICPIN for the month of October 2015

No. 5/1/2015- CPI

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT

LABOUR BUREAU

`CLEREMONV, SHIMLA-171004

DATED : 30th October, 2015

Press Release

Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) – September, 2015

The All-India CPI-IW for September, 2015 increased by 2 points and pegged at 266 (two hundred and sixty six). On 1-month percentage change, it increased by (+) 0.76 per cent between August and September, 2015 which was static between the same two months a year ago.

The maximum upward pressure to the change in current index came from Food group contributing (+) 1.78 percentage points to the total change. At item level, Arhar Dal, Masur Dal, Moong Dal, Urd Dal, Mustard Oil, Onion, Cauliflower, Green Coriander Leaves, Potato, Tea (Readymade), Sugar, Electricity Charges, Private Tuition Fee, Flower/Flower Garlands, etc. are responsible for the increase in index. However, this increase was restricted by Wheat, Fish Fresh, Poultry (Chicken), Eggs (Hen), Apple, Coconut, Tomato, Petrol, Washing Soap, etc., putting downward pressure on the index.

The year-on-year inflation measured by monthly CPI-IW stood at 5.14 per cent for September, 2015 as compared to 4.35 per cent for the previous month and 6.30 per cent during the corresponding month of the previous year. Similarly, the Food inflation stood at 5.71 per cent against 3.55 per cent of the previous month and 6.46 per cent during the corresponding month of the previous year.

At centre level, Chhindwara reported the highest increase of 10 points followed by Varanasi (9 points), Pune, Tripura, Jalpaiguri and Bhilwara (6 points each). Among others, 5 points rise was observed in 5 centres, 4 points in 7 centres, 3 points in 8 centres, 2 points in 16 centres and 1.point in 19 centres. On the contrary, Goa recorded a maximum decrease of 4 points followed by Ernakulam 3 points. Among others, 2 points decrease was observed in 4 centres and 1 point in 2 centres. Rest of the 9 centres’ indices remained stationary.

The indices of 36 centres are above All India Index and other 42 centres’ indices are below national average.

The next issue of CPI-IW for the month of October, 2015 will be released on Monday, 30th November, 2015. The same will also be available on the office website www. labourbureau.gov. in.

(S. S. NEGI)

DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL

Source : labour Bureau

Committee of Secretaries is being Constituted to consider the 7th CPC recommendations

Committee of Secretaries is being Constituted to consider the 7th CPC recommendations

Finance Ministry Seeks Comments/views on 7th CPC recommendations from Ministries and Staff Associations, JCM

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF FINANCE

DEPARTMENT OF EXPENDITURE

39-A. North Block. New Delhi-110001

November 21. 2015

D.O.No.1-4/2012-EIII(A)

Dear Sir.

The Report of the 7th Central Pay Commission was submitted to the Governmenton 19.11.2015. A COPY of the Report is placed on the website of Ministry of Finance (www.finmin.nic.in)

2. The process to examine the recommendations of the Commission has to commence immediately. An Empowered Committee of Secretaries chaired by cabinet Secretary is being constituted to consider the recommendations in its entirety and after considering the views of all the Departments as well as the Staff Associations and JCM. An implementation Cell is also being created In this Ministry to process the recommendations based on the views of the Ministries/Departments , Staff Associations and JCM for submitting the matter for consideration of the empowered Committee of Secretaries and thereafter for approval of the Cabinet based on the conclusions arrived at by the Empowered Committee of Secretaries.

3. Thus, the process to consider the, recommendations before it reaches a final shape for approval of the Cabinet requires consultation amongst all the Ministries/Departments who may formulate their opinion based on the views of Staff Associations under their administrative control.

Understanding the important Recommendations of 7th Pay Commission

4. Accordingly. it is requested that the following action may be taken on an urgent basis in your Department:

(i) A Nodal Officer at the level of a Joint Secretary may be nominated immediately. Whom the implementation Cell in this Ministry would be interacting with during the course of processing of the recommendations

(ii) The recommendations of the Commission may be examined in regard to issues concerning your Department and the views thereon may be furnished to this Ministry within three weeks.

(iii)The recommendations of the Commission may be examined in regard Posts/Cadre/service/ organization under your Department and the views thereon may be furnished to this Ministry within three weeks.

(iv) While formulating the views of your Department, the comments, if any of any of the recognized Staff Associations under the administrative control of your Department. may also be obtainedand taken into account.

(v) In case your Department has any view on any of the recommendations contained in the Report, even though it may not directly pertain to your Department, may also be furnished under a separate category within three weeks.

(VI) In case you have any other suggestion to make in this regard, the same will b appreciated.

5. I request you, accordingly to kindly ensure that the action on the above points is given utmost priority and the same is completed within the stipulated timeline of three weeks.

With warm regards.

Yours sincerely.

sd/-

(Annie G Mathew)

Click here to Download the Original Order

7th CPC Recommendations – Confederation National Secretariat Decisions

7th CPC Recommendations – Confederation National Secretariat Decisions

Date : 27-11-2015

Dear Comrades,

National Secretariat of the Confederation of Central Govt Employees & Workers held on 27-11-15 at New Delhi after detailed deliberations on the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) has decided as follows :

1.The National Secretariat has come to the unanimous conclusion that many of the recommendations of the 7th CPC are most retrograde and require to be modified before implementation by the Government, especially the faulty and depressed minimum wage arrived at by the 7th CPC and the fitment formula. Some of the recommendations such as abolition of certain allowances etc., are to be rejected.

2. The National Secretariat is of the firm opinion that a united struggle of entire Central Govt Employees including Railways, Defence and Confederation under the banner of National Joint Council of Action (NJCA) can only compel the Government to modify or reject the retrograde recommendations of the 7th CPC and hence it is decided to further strengthen the unity.

3. The National Secretariat further resolved that the form of the united struggle of NJCA should be an indefinite strike, within a time frame, as Govt is moving fast to implement the recommendations. Negotiation with the Government should precede declaration of indefinite strike and intensive campaign among the employees and mobilization, to create sanction behind the demands.

4. In case the requisite movement is not coming about for any reason, Confederation National Secretariat will meet and chalk out its own independent action.

5. Regarding the sector-wise issues relating to the employees of each department, the affiliated organizations of the Confederation in those departments shall take initiative for uniting all like-minded Federations/Associations/Unions in their department and shall organize agitational programmes on departmental specific demands.

6. The National Secretariat decided to insist that the charter of demands of the NJCA and Confederation should include the demands of Gramin Dak Sevaks, Casual/Contract labourers, filling up of vacancies and scraping the New Contributory Pension Scheme.

7. All affiliated organizations of Confederation are requested to intimate by e-mail to the Confederation CHQ (confederationhq@gmail.com or mkrishnan6854@gmail.com) on the required modifications or additions / deletions in the common recommendations (not department-specific) of the 7th Pay Commission on or before 05-12-2015.

8. Available Secretariat members of the Confederation will meet on 07-12-2015 at New Delhi and finalize the common demands to be included in the charter of demands of NJCA. (NJCA meeting is being held at JCM National Council, Staff-side office on 08-12-2015 to finalize the charter of demands and the further course of action).

9. The National Secretariat congratulated all the Central Govt Employees who made the 27th November 2015 ‘All India Protest Day’ at the call of NJCA, a grand success all over the country by wearing ‘black badges’ and participating in protest demonstrations.

Other Decisions:

1. Next All India Workshop-cum-Trade Union Camp of Confederation will be held at Dehradun (Uttarakhand) before March 2016.

2. The National Secretariat extended full support and solidarity to the proposed agitational programmes of Passport Employees Association including ‘Indefinite hungerfast’

M.Krishnan

Secretary General

Source : Confederation

Clarification on Uniform Fitment Factor recommended by 7th Pay Commission

Clarification on Uniform Fitment Factor recommended by 7th Pay Commission

Uniform Fitment Factor recommended by 7th Pay Commission to arrive revised Basic Pay is 2.57

But there is a confusion among Central government employees about the Fitment Factor used by 7th Pay Commission to arrive rationalised Entry Pay in the Table : 4 provided in its Report.

The doubt raised by many of our readers are ..

1. Why there are 6 types of Fitment factors mentioned in Table : 4..? [ 2.57, 2.62,2.67, 2.72,2.78,2.81]

2. why shouldn’t they are used for arriving the revised Pay ..?

3. Whether using 2.57 to calculate 7th CPC revised pay for all basic pay is correct or not ?

Let us now be clear about the recommendations on the above issues.

1.. Why there are 6 types of Fitment factors mentioned in Table :4..? [ 2.57, 2.62,2.67, 2.72,2.78,2.81]

Though the commission has recommended 2.57 as uniform Fitment factor for all Pay scales to arrive revised Pay, the 7th pay commission wanted to increase the quantum hike between Pay Scales of Groups [GROUP A,B and C] also . Because sixth Pay commission recommended significant hike between Pay Bands to show the difference between three Groups (A,B and C) in respect of Pay Scale.

In Simple term, the 7th pay commission wanted to grant significant hike for the one who is moving to Higher Group on account of Promotion or non functional up gradation, like it was granted in sixth Pay commission ..

for example..

If one gets promotion from GP 2800 to GP 4200,

Minimum pay in the Pay Band also to be taken into account for Fixation of Pay in GP 4200 because the individual is moving from PB-I to PB-II. On Pay Fixation, the Basic Pay (GP +BP ) if arrived is below the Minimum Basic Pay of Rs.13500 of the PB-II , the Basic Pay on account of Promotion to GP 4200 will be fixed as Rs.13500. Here it has to be noted that not only the hike in grade pay but hike in Pay Band also involved in fixation Pay when one is moving from one Pay band to another Pay band.

To maintain the difference between Three Groups of employees and HAG scales the multiple Fitment factors used to arrive rationalised entry pay to distinguish the Group A, B and C Employees

So the specific Fitment Factors used to arrive Entry Pay for a Particular Group is to show the significance of that Group in Respect of Minimum Basic Pay. So if Group Change involves when one gets Promotion or non functional up gradation, there will be some hike in Pay also there, apart from moving to next Level.

2. why shouldn’t all these Fitments factors be used for arriving the revised Pay ..?

Now it is clear that these Fitment factors are used only to arrive Entry Pay of Pay Scales for Particular Groups and HAG Scales. so these Fitment factors should not be used to calculate our revised pay of 7th Pay commission.

3. Whether using 2.57 to calculate 7th CPC revised pay for all Basic Pay is correct or not ?

Yes. Using the Fitment Factor 2.57 for all Pay scale to calculate 7th CPC revised pay is correct. As per 7th CPC recommendations the uniform Fitment factor to be used to arrive revised Pay for serving employees, is 2.57.

Source : http://www.gservants.com/

7th Pay Commission Report : More flaws than plus points

7th Pay Commission Report : More flaws than plus points

The much-awaited 7th Pay Commission report was submitted to the government last Thursday. The 900-page long report was perused swiftly within a day or two and criticisms have already started coming.

The very next day of submitting the report, M. Krishnan, the Confederation Secretary, gave a scathing criticism. “No other Pay Commission had submitted such a terrible report,” he said. At the very beginning of the press release, he had mentioned that the backward mindset of the recommendations of the Pay Commission have been a huge disappointment for the Central Government employees.

Contrary to all the wild speculations, a raise of only 14.29 percent was finally given to the Central Government employees. This increment is akin to two installments of the Dearness Allowance. He has strongly stated that more than 50 lakh Central Government employees and Defence Personnel have been cheated.

The 6th Pay Commission recommended 10 percent, 20 percent, and 30 percent House Rent Allowance for ten years starting from 01.01.2006. The intention behind reducing it to 24 percent, 16 percent and eight percent was not explained. Despite being very well aware of the fact that the recommendations will be in effect until 2026, the fact that the Pay Commission had tried to reduce the allocation has left the Central Government employees greatly disappointed.

MACP Promotions: Among the biggest disappointments of the 7th Pay Commission report is the fact that promotions, which are given once every ten years, so not earn any substantial benefits for the employees. They stand to gain only 3 percent hike. Another painful observation is the fact that the gap between Grade Pay 2800 and 4200 has been completely reduced.

The next big disappointment is the method of calculating the dearness allowance. This was one of the much-anticipated parts of the report. There is no clear explanation as to the reason why changes had to be made in the CPI IW BY 2001=100 method, or the 115.76 Factor.

On top of it all, the commission has introduced a new “Pay Matrix.” Our expectations of a detailed explanation about it were never fulfilled. 3 percent of the amount has been rounded off and given for each CELL.

In short, the 7th Pay Commission report is on the receiving end of lot of criticism. Central Government employees are now hoping that the Centre would intervene and do something positive for them.

Source: www.cgstaffportal.in

Uniform Fitment Factor recommended by 7th Pay Commission

Uniform Fitment Factor recommended by 7th Pay Commission

The existing PB-1, this index is 2.57, increasing to 2.62 for personnel in PB-2 and further to 2.67 from PB-3. The rationalised entry pay so arrived has been used in devising the new pay matrix.

The 7th Pay Commission recommended uniform fitment factor for all group of Central Government employees. The commission says that the fitment recommended by the VI CPC was in the form of grade pay. Any inconsistency in the computation of grade pay or in the spacing between pay bands has a direct bearing on the quantum of fitment benefit. Therefore, these issues have also been raised by numerous stakeholders. It has been demanded by a majority of the stakeholders that there should be a single fitment factor which should be uniformly applied for all employees.

The 6th CPC had mentioned that grade pay would be equivalent to 40 percent of the maximum of the pre-revised scale and that the grade pay will constitute the actual fitment, yet the computation varied greatly. After the implementation of recommendations, the difference became more pronounced in Pay Band 4 as compared to the other three pay bands. This resulted in varying fitment factors for various levels and promotional benefits that were perceived to be rather differentiated. The same pattern was discernible in the pension fixation too.

And also explained in its report that the starting point for the first level of the matrix has been set at Rs.18,000. This corresponds to the starting pay of Rs.7,000, which is the beginning of PB-1 viz., Rs.5,200 + GP1800, which prevailed on 01.01.2006, the date of implementation of the VI CPCrecommendations. Hence the starting point now proposed is 2.57 times of what was prevailing on 01.01.2006. This fitment factor of 2.57 is being proposed to be applied uniformly for all employees. It includes a factor of 2.25 on account of DA neutralisation, assuming that the rate of Dearness Allowance would be 125 percent at the time of implementation of the new pay. Accordingly, the actual raise/fitment being recommended is 14.29 percent.

Finally, the fitment of each employee in the new pay matrix is proposed to be done by multiplying his/her basic pay on the date of implementation by a factor of 2.57.

7th Pay Commission Shortcomings – BPS writes to Finance Minister

7th Pay Commission Shortcomings – BPS writes to FM

Bharat Pensiners Samaj, one of the oldest & the largest Federation of Indian pensioners writes to Finance Minister regarding the recommendations of 7th Pay Commission. The Federations insists to redress the eight serious shortcomings in the recommendations of 7th CPC. Particularly in the fitment factor issue, the Federation appeal to provide 2.81 fitment benefit for all employees without any discrimination. Read the detailed letter is reproduced and given below for your kind information...

BPS writes to Finance Minister pointing out 7th CPC shortcomings.

BHARAT PENSIONERS’ SAMAJ

(All India Federation of Pensioner’s Associations)

New Delhi -110014

SG/BPS/ 10/2015

New Delhi-Dt. 25-11-15

To

Dear Shri Arun Jaittleyji,

Honourable Minister of Finance

Government of India

Subject : 7th Central Pay Commission report released on 19.11.2015

Sir.

With deep resentment and pain BHARAT PENSIONERS SAMAJ( BPS) the oldest & the largest Federation of Indian pensioners which is a conglomerate of over 650 Pensioners Associations appeal to you to redress the following issues which 7th CPC failed address:

1. Ratio between minimum and maximum: Instead of reducing it is raised which is against the preamble of the Constitution of Indian Republic.

2. Minimum salary has been intentionally calculated to be lower to keep common fitment factor low. Counting employees’ wife as 0.80 unit is gender biase and is totally unjustified. Quantities & rates taken for the items in basket are unrealistic for example Rs 524.07 per month is provided Even the lowest category of Govt. accommodation is not available at this rate. Similarly rate of ‘Dal’ is taken to be 97.84 per Kg. No ‘ Dal‘ is or was available in the market at this rate. Quantity of Milk is taken to be 200 ml per unit per day which is too little for a vegetarian rate of Milk is taken to be Rs 37.40 per Kg which is lower than market rate.

3. According to 7th CPC 2.57 fitment factor is for all employees. But, in fact. 2.81 fitment has been given at Secy level. This is robbing Peter to pay Paul, violative of CPC own recommendation and that of Article 14 of the constitution of India. 2.81 fitment benefit should be provided to all employee without any discrimination.

4. Raising percentage of pension based on sustenance: Analysis given by CPC is silent on sustenance this is unjustified rejection.

5.OROP recommended by 7th CPC for all. But through the jugglery of pay matrix, for promotee officers and group ‘C.‘ it will end up only in modified parity. This needs rectification to ensure absolute parity for all.

6. Additional pension at 75 yrs of age is denied only because Defence Ministry did not agree this is rather absurd. If Defence Ministry does not want to have it, let them not have it. Why make others suffer on this account?

7. Medical facilities : While the Commission’s recommendations regarding merging of all postal dispensaries with CGHS dispensaries and inclusion of non CGHS covered postal Pensioners are welcome.

However, its recommendations regarding Health insurance for pensioners do not suit existing pensioners on account of no coverage of existing disease without lock-in period, no provision of OPD facility , payment of premium and less amount of coverage.

Under signed, wish to draw your kind attention to para 9.5.18 (iii) of the 7th CPC and request you to create without delay a combined entity of CGHS, ECHS-RELHS which in terms of 7th CPC would result in a very strong network of health facilities for the Central Government employees/pensioners across the length and breadth of the country.

8.Scraping of New Pension scheme(NPS) :It has come out through 7th CPC report that though NPS was introduced more than a decade back Govt; to date could not firm up rules in this regard. With the result over 300000 employee recruited after 2004 may not have enough funds in their accounts at retirement to ensure financial security. Center and state Govt’s share of contribution is insufficient and these governments are not depositing their contribution in time, investments are subjected to service tax & withdrawals are taxable under Income Tax with the result there would not be enough money for reasonable post retirement financial security. Due to ever rising inflation, this situation will go on worsening year by year and will go out of hand by the time of retirement of the beneficiary. This is more than sufficient reason to scrap NPS & to revert to pre 2004 defined benefit Pension Scheme.

Thanking you in anticipation.

sd/-

S.C.Maheshwari

Secy. General Bharat Pensioners Samaj

Recommendations of Overtime Allowance (OTA) in 7th Pay Commission

Recommendations of Overtime Allowance (OTA) in 7th Pay Commission

7th CPC allowed Overtime Allowance (OTA) to continue in Industrial Establishments of Defence and Railway

Overtime Allowance (OTA) is granted to government employees for performing duties beyond the designated working hours.

Presently, OTA is paid in several ministries/ departments, up to a certain level, at varying rates.

Though the III, IV V and VI Pay commission recommended to abolish the Over time allowance except where it is a statutory requirement, it was continued in some departments even when it is not a statutory requirement.

But JCM-Staff Side has demanded that OTA should be paid to all government employees who are asked to work beyond office hours, on the basis of actual Pay, DA and Transport Allowance.

The commission obseved that 90% of total expenditure on Over time allowance is spent in Defence and Railway. So the recommendation on Over Time Allowance is expected very much by the employees of these two Ministries

The 7th pay commission suggested in its recommendation that

“…..government offices need to increase productivity and efficiency, and recommends that OTA should be abolished (except for operational staff and industrial employees who are governed by statutory provisions), at the same time it is also recommended that in case the government decides to continue with OTA for those categories of staff for which it is not a statutory requirement, then the rates of OTA for such staff should be increased by 50 percent from their current levels”.

A stricter control on OTA expenditure is also suggested

So the employees of Ministry of Railways and Defence breathed sigh of relief as the Pay commission recommended to continue the Over time allowance.

Source: hhttp://www.gservants.com/updated-7th-pay-commission-pay-calculator-based-on-the-recommendation/

7th CPC recommendations to reduce House Rent Allowance

7th CPC recommendations to reduce House Rent Allowance

The 7th Central Pay Commission has been recommended to reduce the percentage of House Rent Allowance for all categories of Central Government employees rationalized to 24 percent, 16 percent and 8 percent of the Basic Pay for Class X, Y and Z cities respectively.

The Commission also recommends that the rate of HRA will be revised to 27 percent, 18 percent and 9 percent when DA crosses 50 percent, and further revised to 30 percent, 20 percent and 10 percent when DA crosses 100 percent.

Click to read more the details of HRA

7th Pay Commission to submit report on November 19 (Tomorrow 19.30 Hrs.)

7th Pay Commission to submit report on November 19 (Tomorrow 19.30 Hrs.)

“Once every ten years, the salaries and perks of Central Government employees are completely revised. The previous revision was implemented on 01.01.2006. The new set of salaries and benefits will come into effect from 01.01.2016 onwards.”

The 7th Pay Commission, under the chairmanship of Justice A.K.Mathur, will submit its 900-page report to the centre tomorrow at 19.30 Hrs.

A review of the 7th Central Pay Commission :-

Click to read continue…

Submission of 7th Pay Commission Report – Confirmation of official site of 7th CPC

Submission of 7th Pay Commission Report – Confirmation of official site of 7th CPC

The official website of 7th Central Pay Commission has confirmed the time and date of the submission its report to the Central government. The commission will submit its report on 19th November at 19.30 Hrs.

Click here to view the details…

Report of 7th pay panel may not be having satisfying recommendations

Report of 7th pay panel may not be having satisfying recommendations

7th pay commission is going to submit its report on 20th November 2015 and 15 % hike is recommended

Report from news circle says that 7th pay commission is going to submit its report on 20th November 2015 and 15 % hike is recommended

After submission , it is believed that the outcome of 7th cpc recommendation will be unexpected and disappointment for bapus as Central Government deliberately influenced the Pay commission to be cautious about upward revision of pay and allowances of govt servants.

When the commission itself was ready to submit the report in stipulated time initially, the Central government gave four months extension upto December 2015.

The reason cited by Federation leaders for the extension was ‘ NDA government didn’t want to put itself in a mess before Bihar Election, because the Recommendation will not fulfil the expectation of Govt servants. The NDA government felt that disappointed central government employees may protest over 7th pay commission recommendation if it does not meet their expectation which , it felt, may reflect in Election Results. So the Central Government decided to postpone the date of submission of the report after the Bihar election.

But unexpectedly the NDA has failed to yield fruitful results in Bihar election. Now opposite parties found the reason to be united against the NDA Government, since the election result gave them faith and beleif to over power the NDA in coming elections.’

Further they added, “The winter session of Parliament going to start from 26 November 2015, opposite parties waiting to stall the proceedings of Parliament based on handful of sensitive issues which will be a bitter experience for NDA government.

So submission of 7th pay commission report before the winter session of parliament may help the govt to divert the attention of media and public from the sensitive issues”.

The Pay Commission, if it followed the methods adopted by previous pay commissions to compute the increase to be recommended for revision of pay and allowances of government servants, minimum 40% increase can be recommended.

But According to the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework Statement tabled by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in Parliament said

“The salary outgo of central government employees will go up by 9.56 per cent to Rs 1,00,619 crore in current fiscal.

The pace will increase further in 2016-17 at 15.79 per cent to Rs 1.16 lakh crore with the likely implementation of the 7th Pay Commission award”

So there are two possibilities for calculating Fitment Formula

Click to continue reading…

7th Pay Commission ready with the report - Going to submit on 19.11.2015

7th Pay Commission ready with the report - Going to submit on 19.11.2015

As per the PTI news, the 7th Central Pay Commission is ready with the final report and will submit it on November 19.

The Chairman of commission Justice A K Mathur told PTI today that we will submit the final report to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday recommending increase in remuneration of Central Government employees as well as pensioners.

The commission was constituted on 28th February 2014 to revise the remuneration of about 48 lakh Central Government employees and 55 lakh pensioners. Its recommendations will also have a bearing on the salaries of the state government staff.

Meanwhile, the NDTV said that the hike in salaries is expected to propose only 15% approximately in the report and the 15% salary hike likely to be recommended by the 7th Pay Commission will be much lower than the 35 per cent hike employees got on implementation of the 6th Pay Commission in 2008.

We have to wait and watch the recommendations of 7th Pay Commission report till the date of submission.

7th Pay Commission ready with the report - Going to submit on 19.11.2015

7th Pay Commission ready with the report - Going to submit on 19.11.2015

As per the PTI news, the 7th Central Pay Commission is ready with the final report and will submit it on November 19.

The Chairman of commission Justice A K Mathur told PTI today that we will submit the final report to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday recommending increase in remuneration of Central Government employees as well as pensioners.

The commission was constituted on 28th February 2014 to revise the remuneration of about 48 lakh Central Government employees and 55 lakh pensioners. Its recommendations will also have a bearing on the salaries of the state government staff.

Meanwhile, the NDTV said that the hike in salaries is expected to propose only 15% approximately in the report and the 15% salary hike likely to be recommended by the 7th Pay Commission will be much lower than the 35 per cent hike employees got on implementation of the 6th Pay Commission in 2008.

We have to wait and watch the recommendations of 7th Pay Commission report till the date of submission.

7th Pay Commission ready with the report - Going to submit on 19.11.2015

7th Pay Commission ready with the report - Going to submit on 19.11.2015

As per the PTI news, the 7th Central Pay Commission is ready with the final report and will submit it on November 19.

The Chairman of commission Justice A K Mathur told PTI today that we will submit the final report to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday recommending increase in remuneration of Central Government employees as well as pensioners.

The commission was constituted on 28th February 2014 to revise the remuneration of about 48 lakh Central Government employees and 55 lakh pensioners. Its recommendations will also have a bearing on the salaries of the state government staff.

Meanwhile, the NDTV said that the hike in salaries is expected to propose only 15% approximately in the report and the 15% salary hike likely to be recommended by the 7th Pay Commission will be much lower than the 35 per cent hike employees got on implementation of the 6th Pay Commission in 2008.

We have to wait and watch the recommendations of 7th Pay Commission report till the date of submission.

Swachh Bharat Cess @ 0.5% on transportation passengers by trains - Railway Board Orders 2015

Swachh Bharat Cess @ 0.5% on transportation passengers by trains - Railway Board Orders 13.11.2015

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (Bharat Sarkar)

MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (Rail Mantralya)

(RAILWAY BOARD)

(Commercial Circular No. 68 of 2015)

No. TC-II/2910/2013/Service Tax

New Delhi, dated 13.11.2015

The General Managers,

All Zonal Railways

SUB: Levy of Swachh Bharat Cess on the service tax leviable on transportation passengers by rail.

REF: i. Commercial Circular No.32 of 2015 dated 26.05.2015.

ii. Ministry of Finance Notification Nos. 21 & 22/2015- Service Tax dated 06-11- 2015.

Ministry Of Finance vide their Notification Nog. 21 & 22/201 S-Service Tax dated 06-11-2015 have decided that Swachh Bharat Cess @ 0.5% shall be levied on the value of all taxable services w.e.f. 15-11-2015.

2. Accordingly, following changes shall be made in the Commercial Circular No. 32 of 2015

dated 26-05-2015:-

"Service tax of 14% and Swachh Bharat Cess of 0.5 % are chargeable on 30% of total passenger fare equivalent to 4.35% of the total fare in first Class and all AC classes."

3. The increase in service tax shall be applicable w.e.f. 15-11-2015 on the tickets issued/booking made on or after 15.11.2015. Service Tax increase is not, leviable on tickets issued prior to 15-11-2015.

4. Other terms and conditions shall remain the Same as per various circulars/notifications issued on this subject.

5. This issues with the concurrence of Finance of Ministry of Railways.

6. Necessary instructions shall be issued to the all concerned.

sd/-

(Rohit Kumar)

Dy. Director Traffic Commercial-II

Railway Board

Authority: http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/traffic_comm/Comm-Cir-2015/cc%20no.68.pdf

7th Pay Commission likely to submit its final report on November 20 : Times of India

Seventh Pay Commission likely to submit its final report on November 20 : Times of India

NEW DELHI: The 7th Central Pay Commission is likely to submit its final report to finance ministry on November 20 which is due for implementation from January 1, 2016.

More than 48 lakh serving central government employees and 54 lakh pensioners will be impacted by the 7th CPC which is likely to recommend an average hike of 15%, said a source.

The 900-page report is believed to have made suggestions on parity of 36 organized Group A services with the IAS which has so far largely dominated in superior positions in the central government.

The pay panel was constituted in February 2014 and was asked to submit its report within 18 months. However, in August the government gave the panel four months extension to submit its report by December.

Click to read more news :http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/

Minimum Wage and Fitment Formula of 7th Pay Commission – 21.000 and 2.86 to 3.15

Minimum Wage and Fitment Formula of 7th Pay Commission – 21.000 and 2.86 to 3.15

Observance of All India protest day on 19th November 2015 & 7th CPC to submit its report shortly

Comrades
The Confederation and NJCA had given call for holding protest meetings from 2ndNovember 2015 to 6th November 2015 and also Observance of All India protest day on 19th November 2015 in respect of following demands.

Charter of Demands
1. Effect wage revision of Central Government employees from 1.12014 accepting the memorandum of the staff side JCM; ensure 5-year wage revision in future; grant interim relief and merger of 100% of DA. Ensure submission of the 7th CPC report with the stipulated time frame of 18 months; include Grameen Dak Sewaks within the ambit of the 7th CPC. Settle all anomalies of the 6th CPC.
2. No privatisation, PPP or FDI in Railways and Defence Establishments and no corporatisation of postal services;
3. No Ban on recruitment/creation of post.
4. Scrap PFRDA Act and re-introduce the defined benefit statutory pension scheme.
5. No outsourcing; contractorisation, privatization of governmental functions; withdraw the proposed move to close down the Printing Presses; the publication, form store and stationery departments and Medical Stores Depots; regularise the existing daily rated/casual and contract workers and absorption of trained apprentices;
6. Revive the JCM functioning at all levels as an effective negotiating forum for settlement of the demands of the CGEs.
7. Remove the arbitrary ceiling on compassionate appointments.
8. No labour reforms which are inimical to the interest of the workers.
9. Remove the Bonus ceiling;
10. Ensure five promotions in the service career.



    There is a possibility of 7th CPC to submit its report on 20th November 2015 or 23rd November 2015 , but the report will not be to your expectations, The minimum wage taking into prices published by the Government of India shall come to Rs 26,000/-, considering the existing retail prices the minimum wages works out to Rs 28,000/- and fitment formula shall works out to 4.00 , but the minimum wage may be around Rs 21,000/ against the justified demand of Rs 28,000/- the fitment formula may be from 2.86 to 3.15 , also many other important demands of five promotion policy, Increment rate increase, retirement issues, pension issues etc.

We have to wait and watch the 7th CPC report will the 7th CPC accept the staff side demands or not.

We should not let down our struggle path I once again request one and all to participate in the All India protest day on 19th November 2015 at all places including the districts and send me the photos of protest meeting to publish on COC Karnataka website and this will send information to the Central Government on our demands.

Comradely yours

(P.S.Prasad)

General Secretary

Source: www.karnatakacoc.blogspot.in

Kejriwal demands OROP to be implemented in its true essence

Kejriwal demands OROP to be implemented in its true essence

“Despite the fact that OROP has crossed two stages, protests by army veterans continue in New Delhi. The centre has made official announcements regarding OROP, but protests are continuing demanding the annual revision of pension.”

Equal pension for all ex-servicemen is the most important goal of the OROP scheme. This can be achieved only if pension is revised based solely on the rank and years of service, once every year. Pension revision once every five years is unacceptable. This is the bone of contention for the continuing protests.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal met the protesters and expressed his support. He also harshly criticized the centre. “OROP must be implemented in its true essence. The centre’s announcements are not complete because they do not reflect the essence of OROP. The centre should refrain from fooling the army veterans. They are not begging for alms. They are only fighting for what rightfully belongs to them. It is unfortunate that these veterans who fought for the country are now being forced to protest on the streets for their rights. The centre should immediately accept and implement their demands,” he said.

Meanwhile, the army veterans had threatened to return their gallantry service medals if the government did not accept their demands. Some of the frustrated veterans tried to burn down their medals. But others restrained them.

Manohar Parrikar, the Minister of Defence, while addressing a gathering in Madurai, said that returning the medals was akin to insulting the country and the armed forces. He had also clarified that OROP was the promise of a political party, not of the central government. He added that protesting was their right and that they should approach the judicial panel committee. He made it very clear that not all the demands will be fulfilled.

Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement general secretary Group Capt V.K. Gandhi (retd) also said that until the judicial committee submits it report, the veterans could not go to court. This, he said, was a “delaying tactic”.

In an article published by the Indian Express yesterday, it was said that the veterans risk losing public support due to their immoderate position and political leadership also needs to reachout to the veterans.

The army veterans are hoping for an amicable resolution of the protests through fair negotiations with the government.

Source: http://www.cgstaffportal.in/

RBI Officers and Employees on Mass Casual Leave programme in RBI on 19th November 2015

Reserve Bank Officers and Employees on Mass Casual Leave programme in RBI on 19th November 2015

Press Statement issued today by United Forum of Reserve Bank Officers & Employees on Mass Casual Leave programme in RBI on 19th November 2015.

 UNITED FORUM OF RESERVE BANK OF OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES

PRESS STATEMENT

The United Forum of Reserve Bank Officers and Employees, the umbrella organization of four recognized unions of officers and workmen staff in RBI, covering the entire workforce in the country’s central bank, numbering about 17,000, are poised for a day’s Mass Leave on 19th November 2015 totally paralyzing RBI functions all over the country.

The cease-work programme is intended, inter alia, to strongly oppose Government of India’s current moves to cripple RBI in the name of the draft financial code and legislative reforms.

The Ministry of Finance is reportedly giving final shape to shift Government’s debt management funcations from RBI to the proposal Public Debt Management Agency (PDMA), which will also henceforth function as depository of Government securities (G-Sec), thus taking away from RBI some vital operations having relevance to money market as well.

Even though RBI have been performing these operations since inception with commendable alacrity, the Government is rigid in slivering these from the ambit of Reserve Bank, without national consensus on such a move with very many ramifications for the national economy and finances of State Governments particularly. Many economists, Parliamentarians, former RBI Governess have sounded caution, but to no avail.

Through the proposed mechanism of Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) the Government plans to intervene and themselves decide the monetary policy which has been the exclusive jurisdiction of RBI so far. For quite sometimes past the Governments have been trying to coerce RBI to surrender to their pressure tactics of lowering bank somehow in narrow short-term interest, which the RBI refused to adhere. Hence the Government is keen to virtually take over the function under the pretext of Legislative Reforms Commission headed by Justice Sri Krishna set up by the Government of India.

RBI staff have long been pursing for improvement in pension, as their basic pension once fixed does not increase which puts thousands of RBI pensioners in extreme penury in these days of soaring prices, increased medical costs etc. Eventhough RBI pension is analogous to Central Government pension scheme, unlike Central Government pensioners, the RBI pensioners are not entitled to periodic updation of pension. However, updation of pension was granted to pre-2006 RBI retirees by RBI Central Board, but Government withdrew it unilaterally. For last 18 years the United Forum have been pursuing this issue. RBI Central Board repeatedly requested Government to permit. RBI Governors had numerous interactions with successive Finance Ministers and their officials, but Government bureaucracy is rigid. A few hundred RBI staff and retirees who did not opt for pension earlier have been denied another option just out of vindictiveness.

The agitational call is on the demands of (1) Save RBI and (2) Pension related issues. Having failed to improve pension despite peaceful pursuance for last 18 years, RBI staff and retirees have reached limit of patience and are compelled to mobilize to fight.

It will be immensely reasonable if the Government sees reason, keeps their hands off RBI, and accedes to RBI staff’s very reasonable demand of improvement in pension, otherwise the agitation will escalate in the coming days with more strike actions affecting for laong central banking operations.

Source : www.airbea.in

Setting-up of ‘Taxpayers Lounge’ at the IITF – 2015

Setting-up of ‘Taxpayers Lounge’ at the India International Trade Fair (IITF) – 2015

CBDT to set-up a ‘Taxpayers’ Lounge’ at the India International Trade Fair – 2015 to Highlight the Various Taxpayer-Friendly Initiatives Taken by the Department Among Others

The Income Tax Department will be setting-up a ‘Taxpayers’ Lounge’ at the India International Trade Fair (IITF) – 2015 at Pragati Maidan, in national capital from 14th to 27th November, 2015.

The theme of the Taxpayers’ Lounge this year would follow the theme of IITF 2015 i.e. ‘Make in India’ and aims to generate awareness in the public about the various taxpayer-friendly initiatives taken by the Department. Besides it, various tax payers services would also be provided at the Taxpayers’ Lounge for the benefit of people at large including e-filing of returns, viewing of tax credit through 26AS, applications for PAN and services of Tax Return Preparers among others. Services delivered at Ayakar Seva Kendras (ASK) will also be showcased to the public. The Lounge will also highlight the contribution of taxes and the Income Tax Department to nation building. Activities such as Nukkad Natak, Drawing Competition and Quiz Contest will be carried-out to engage with school children and youth, who are potential taxpayers of the future. The Lounge will also feature live caricatures by Shri B. Sajiv, Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax.

The Taxpayers’ Lounge will be inaugurated at Hall 12, Pragati Maidan on 14th November, 2015 at 4.00 pm by Ms. Anita Kapur, Chairperson,Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) in the presence of senior officials of CBDT and the Income Tax Department.

Heavy Rains Expected over South Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, Tamilnadu, Pudducherry and Kerala over next four days

Heavy Rains Expected over South Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, Tamilnadu, Pudducherry and Kerala over next four days

A low pressure area is expected to form over southeast Bay of Bengal & neighbourhood by tomorrow.

Heavy rain occurs at isolated places over south Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, Tamilnadu, Pudducherry and Kerala today.

Heavy rain would occur tomorrow at isolated places over south Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Tamilnadu & Pondicherry.

Heavy to very heavy rains are expected on Sunday at a few places over Tamilnadu & Puducherry and heavy rains at isolated places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Kerala.

On Monday, the Indian Meteorological Department predicted that Heavy to very heavy rain would occur at a few places, with extremely heavy falls at isolated places over Tamilnadu & Puducherry. Heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places are also expected over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and heavy over Rayalaseema, South Interior Karnataka and Kerala.

The Indian Meteorological Department issued a warning for very heavy or extremely heavy rains for the coming Sunday, Monday and Tuesday for Tamilnadu & Puducherry and for Coastal Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday.

On 17th November too, heavy to very heavy rain to occur at a few places with extremely heavy falls at isolated places over Tamilnadu & Puducherry and Coastal Andhra Pradesh. Heavy to very heavy rain are expected at isolated places over Rayalaseema and heavy over South Interior Karnataka & Kerala.

Source: PIB News

Anubhav : Retiring officers to write note on their achievements

Anubhav : Retiring officers to write note on their achievements

Retiring officers to write note on their achievements

In another new initiative “Anubhav”, inspired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions has advised officers retiring within a period of six months to leave behind a note or write-up on their achievements as well as outstanding work done by them which could have, according to them, contributed to efficient functioning of the government or any innovation introduced by them which could have led to improvement in work culture.

Disclosing this here today, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that “Anubhav” will serve as a platform for retiring employees to showcase achievements made by them during their service tenure. While the retiring employees can look back with satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment, the written account left by them could serve as a vital database for future improvement, he added.

Ministry of Personnel has, through a circular dated November 5, 2015, sought to reiterate and remind all the Ministries and Departments to follow up this initiative seriously. The Link to “Anubhav” Portal is available on the homepage of Department’s website at http://persmin.nic.in → DoP&T → Anubhav, he informed and added that initially this facility is available only to retiring Central Government employees including Central Secretariat Service (CSS) and Central Secretariat Stenographers Services (CSSS) officials.

Earlier, on the advice of Prime Minister, Dr. Jitendra Singh recalled that DoPT had also introduced a new practice of senior IAS officers who had put in nearly 25 to 30 years of service to revisit the place of their first posting as District Collectors or SDMs and furnish feedback about the change over the years as visualized by them. The DoPT and the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DAR&PG) are infact the Research & Development (R&D) organs of the government and not merely responsible for carrying out only transfers, promotions and empanelments. To this extent, he expressed satisfaction that during the last 17 months of the present government, a number of new reforms have been introduced with regard to recruitment in Services, Pension Department, IAS/Civil Services training and other areas.

Dr. Jitendra Singh complimented Union Secretary, DoPT, Shri Sanjay Kothari and Union Secretary, AR&PG, Shri Devendra Choudhary for their proactive approach which motivated the entire team of officers to carry forward the new initiatives.

Source: PIB News

New Rail Refund Rules came into effect from 12.11.2015

New Rail Refund Rules came into effect from 12.11.2015

Indian Railways today modified the refund system for train passengers. With accordance with the new refund rules, passengers will have to pay double for cancelling tickets.

As per the rule, the first AC or executive class has been increased from Rs 120 to Rs 240, for second AC or First Class the cancellation charge has been increased from Rs 100 to Rs 200 and for the Third AC/ ACC/3A economy goes up to Rs 180 from Rs 90.

Read the complete order issued by the Railway Board today

Amendments in the certain provisions of Refund Rules – Comprehensive Refund Rules.

Amendments in the certain provisions of Refund Rules have been made and Comprehensive Refund Rule shall be notified through Gazette Notification.

This will come into effect from 12.11.2015

The changes in the refund rule wherever required should be carried out in manual ticketing system and in PRS, UTS, SPTMs etc.

Special arrangements should be made to ensure that necessary instructions and the revised refund rules reach the staff well in time. Steps should also be taken to ensure that the staff fully understand these changes in the refund rule and implement them properly.

Wide publicity should be given through media at regular intervals and the same may also be displayed prominently at all stations at booking/reservation counters. Action should also be taken to make changes in Passenger Information Systems at all places including Enquiry office etc.

In case of any disparity in English and Hindi version, the English version shall prevail.

Source: http://irctcnews.net/

Swachh Bharat Cess : 50 paisa only on every one hundred rupees worth of taxable services - effect from 15th November 2015

Swachh Bharat Cess : 50 paisa only on every one hundred rupees worth of taxable services - effect from 15th November 2015

Clarifications on Swachh Bharat Cess

Swachh Bharat Cess will come into effect from 15th November 2015, at the rate of 0.5% on all services, which are presently liable to service tax. This will translate into a tax of 50 paisa only on every one hundred rupees worth of taxable services. The proceeds from this cess will be used for financing and promoting Swachh Bharat initiatives.

Some doubts are being raised with respect to the levy of Swachh Bharat Cess, such as,-

(i) what would be Swachh Bharat Cess on services where service tax is being paid under the alternative rates of service tax?

(ii) what would be the value of taxable services for computation of Swachh Bharat Cess?

(iii) whether reverse charge mechanism would apply for the levy of Swachh Bharat Cess?

(iv) what would be the point of taxation for Swachh Bharat Cess ?

In this regard, it is clarified that answers to the above queries are in the provisions of sub-section (5) of Section 119 of the Finance Act, 2015 by which all the provisions of service tax as contained in Chapter V of the Finance Act, 1994 have been made applicable to Swachh Bharat Cess. It is, thus, very clear that all the provisions including those related to computation of taxable value, assessment, exemption, payment, penalty applicable to service tax would also apply in respect of Swachh Bharat Cess.

Service tax is presently levied at alternative rates in respect of service provided by air travel agents, life insurance service, service in relation to sale/purchase of foreign exchange including money changing and service by lottery distributors/selling agents, subject to fulfilment of conditions prescribed under the Service Tax Rules. Option has been provided for levy of Swachh Bharat Cess also at alternative rates in respect of the above mentioned services. The alternate rate of Swachh Bharat Cess would be:

Service Tax Liability (at the alternate rate) X 0.5/14.

As regards the taxable value for the levy of Swachh Bharat Cess, it would be the same on which service tax is levied. Swachh Bharat Cess would be calculated on abated value or value arrived at under the Service Tax (Determination of Value) Rules, 2006, as the case may be. For example, the effective Swachh Bharat Cess in respect of services provided in relation to serving of food or beverages by a restaurant, eating joint or a mess, having the facility of air–conditioning or central air-heating in any part of the establishment, would be 0.5% of 40% i.e 0.2%. The cumulative service tax and Swachh Bharat Cess liability would be 5.8% (14.5% of 40%) of the total amount charged.

Similarly, a person liable to pay service tax on reverse charge basis would be laible to pay Swachh Bharat Cess also on reverse charge basis. As regards Point of Taxation, since this levy has come for the first time and all services (except those services which are in the Negative List or are wholly exempt from service tax) are being taxed, it is a new levy, which was not in existence earlier. Rule 5 of Point of Taxation Rules would be applicable in this case. Therefore, in case where payment has been received and invoice is raised before the service becomes taxable, i.e., prior to 15th November, 2015, there is no lability of Swachh Bharat Cess. In case payment has been received before the service became taxable and invoice is raised within 14 days, i.e. upto 29th November, 2015, even then the service tax liability does not arise. Swachh Bharat Cess will be payable on services which are provided on or after 15th Nov, 2015, invoice in respect of which is issued on or after that date and payment is also received on or after that date. Swachh Bharat Cess will also be payable where service is provided on or after 15th Nov, 2015 but payment is received prior to that date and invoice in respect of such service is not issued by 29th Nov, 2015.

Thus, it may be seen that all issues relating to Swachh Bharat Cess are addressed in the Service Tax provisions itself by virtue of the applicability of Chapter V of the Finance Act, 1994 and the rules made thereunder.

Source: PIB News

DoPT issued an office memorandum regarding the functioning of Departmental Councils

Meetings of Departmental Council are essential in resolving differences between Government and the Staff Side

DoPT issued an office memorandum regarding the functioning of Departmental Councils and it mentioned that the meetings of Departmental Council are essential as they help in resolving differences between Government and the Staff Side.

G.I., Dept. of Per. Trg., O.M.No.F. No, 4 /3/2009-JCA, 2.11.2015

Subject- Functioning of Departmental Councils – regarding

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Departments D.O. letter of even number dated 23.07.2012 (copy enclosed) regarding holding of meetings of Departmental Councils regularly with a view to make effective use of Joint Consultative Machinery (JCM) Scheme. Secretary, DoPT, had also vide his DO letters of even number dated 03.12.2012, 26.07.2013 and 17.02.2015 requested to promote this interaction more proactively through regular meetings of Departmental/Office Councils under the Ministry/Department.

The JCM Scheme provides for Departmental Councils at the level of individual Ministries/ Departments, including their attached and subordinate offices. The Staff Side of JCM, however, has been remonstrating that regular dialogue with the Staff Side through the mechanism of Departmental Councils at Ministry/Department level is not happening. Meetings of Departmental Council are essential as they help in resolving differences between Government and the Staff Side.

It is requested that suitable instructions may please be issued to hold meetings of Departmental Councils on regular basis.

Source: Confederation

Long-pending issue of ‘OROP’ has been resolved, and it has been granted – Prime Minister

Long-pending issue of ‘One Rank One Pension’ has been resolved, and it has been granted – Prime Minister

The Prime Minister said that the long-pending issue of One-Rank, One Pension has been resolved, and it has been granted.

Press Information Bureau 

Government of India

Prime Minister’s Office

11-November-2015 18:11 IST

PM visits 1965 war memorials in Punjab; spends Diwali with officers and jawans of the Indian Armed Forces

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today visited three memorials in Punjab which commemorate some of the spectacular successes of the Indian Armed Forces in the 1965 war.

The Prime Minister visited the Dograi War Memorial, and the Barki War Memorial. The battles of Dograi and Barki were decisive successes achieved by the Indian Army during the 1965 war.

The Prime Minister visited Asal Uttar, the site of one of the biggest ever tank battles, where the Indian Armed Forces achieved a major victory. The battle of Asal Uttar is remembered for the heroics of Veer Abdul Hamid, who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra. The Prime Minister paid homage by laying a wreath on the memorial of Abdul Hamid.

The Prime Minister greeted and interacted with officers and jawans of the Indian Army and Air Force, at Dograi War Memorial, Barki War Memorial, and Air Force Station – Halwara.

The Prime Minister said that everyone wishes to spend Diwali with his or her family, and therefore, just as he had visited Siachen last year, he has chosen to spend Diwali with the officers and jawans of the Armed Forces this year as well. He said that as this year marked the 50th anniversary of the 1965 war, he has chosen to visit locations where the brave soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces had shed blood and made the supreme sacrifice during that war.

The Prime Minister said that the long-pending issue of One-Rank, One Pension has been resolved, and it has been granted.

Source: PIB News

Don’t return your medals : Appeal to the Veterans by Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Member of Parliament

Don’t return your medals : Appeal to the Veterans by Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Member of Parliament

PRESS STATEMENT

“Don’t return your medals; Engage withOne Man Judicial Committee and Government to sort out contentious issues”

November 10, 2015

Appeal to the Veterans by Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Member of Parliament

The notification by Government of One Rank, One Pension (OROP) on November 07, 2015 is a culmination of 40 years of wait by the Veterans and Widows. The decision marked OROP the biggest and most significant welfare measure for veterans in Post-Independent India by any Government.

Some veterans and veteran organizations have expressed their dissatisfaction about this notification and I learn with apprehension of their decision to surrender their medals to express their protest. I request them not to do so.

I do accept and agree that there are certain issues in OROP that remain contentious. But I urge veterans to understand how far we have come and instead of agitating continue to engage with government including with One-man judicial committee on the issue going forward.

The political leadership of PM Modi is without doubt one of the most pro-forces and pro-veteran governments in history of India and this is something that needs to be built on as further ways to improve the cause of our Armed forces, Veterans and families.

As someone who led this issue with the Government and Parliament since 2006 and fighting for the welfare of veterans, I appeal to veterans to not to agitate but engage with government. I continue to stand by my commitment to the OROP cause and to addressing all issues affecting the veterans, our armed forces personnel and their families.

Source: http://rajeev.in/News/One_Rank_One_Pension/Nov_092015.html

Observance of All India protest day on 19th Nov 2015 – NJCA

Observance of All India protest day on 19th November 2015 – NJCA

NJCA

National Joint Council of Action

4, State Entry Road, New Delhi – 110055

No. NJCA/2015

November 10, 2015

All Members of NJCA

Sub:- Observance of All India protest day on 19th November 2015

Dear Comrade,
All of you may recall that the NJCA in its meeting held on 30th September 2015 in Delhi after considering the delay in submission of the report of the 7th CPC as also broadly taking stock the speculating and detail deliberations, unanimously decided to defer the proposed Indefinite General Strike of the Central Government Employees till next Budget Session and symmetrically it was also resolve to observe 19th November 2015 as Joint Nation wise protest day to all the country to press upon the Government of India to resolve the long pending legitimate demands of all the Government Employees.

All of you are therefore accordingly requested to take all necessary steps to jointly observe protest day on 19th November 2015. As per decision taken by the NJCA in the said meeting the member of the NJCA shall stage one day Dharna at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on the said day.

Charter of Demands

1. Effect wage revision of Central Government employees from 1.12014 accepting the memorandum of the staff side JCM; ensure 5-year wage revision in future; grant interim relief and merger of 100% of DA. Ensure submission of the 7th CPC report with the stipulated time frame of 18 months; include Grameen Dak Sewaks within the ambit of the 7th CPC. Settle all anomalies of the 6th CPC.

2. No privatisation, PPP or FDI in Railways and Defence Establishments and no corporatisation of postal services;

3. No Ban on recruitment/creation of post.

4. Scrap PFRDA Act and re-introduce the defined benefit statutory pension scheme.

5. No outsourcing; contractorisation, privatization of governmental functions; withdraw the proposed move to close down the Printing Presses; the publication, form store and stationery departments and Medical Stores Depots; regularise the existing daily rated/casual and contract workers and absorption of trained apprentices;

6. Revive the JCM functioning at all levels as an effective negotiating forum for settlement of the demands of the CGEs.

7. Remove the arbitrary ceiling on compassionate appointments.

8. No labour reforms which are inimical to the interest of the workers.

9. Remove the Bonus ceiling;

10. Ensure five promotions in the service career.

Report of the protest may be forwarded to this office accordingly.

With best wishes for Diwali, Chat, Bhai Duj and Guru Parv.

Comradely yours,

(Shiva Gopal Mishra)

Convener

Source: Confederation

Latest MoD orders on OROP published on 7th Nov 2015

Latest MoD orders on One Rank One Pension published on 7.11.2015

12(1)/2014/D(Pen/Pol)-Part-II

Government of India

Ministry of Defence

Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare

New Delhi Dated 7th Nov 2015

To

The Chief of the Army Staff

The Chief of the Naval Staff

The Chief of Air Staff

Subject: One Rank One Pension (OROP) to the Defence Forces Personnel

In view of the need of the Defence Forces to maintain physical fitness, efficiency and effectiveness, as per the extant Rules, Defence Service personnel retire at an early age compared to other wings in the Government. Sepoy in Army and equivalent rank in Navy & Air Force retire after 17/19 years of engagement/service and officers retire before attaining the age of 60 years i.e. the normal age of retirement in the Government. Considering these exceptional service conditions and in the interest of ever vigilant Defence Forces, the pensionary benefits of Ex-Servicemen have accordingly, over time, been fixed.

2. It has now been decided to implement “One Rank One Pension” (OROP) for the Ex-Servicemen with effect from 1.07.2014. OROP implies that uniform pension be paid to the Defence Forces Personnel retiring in the same rank with the same length of service, regardless of their date of retirement, which, implies bridging the gap between the rates of pension of current and past pensioners at periodic intervals.

3. Salient features of the OROP are as follows:

i. To begin with, pension of the past pensioners would be re-fixed on the basis of pension of retirees of calendar year 2013 and the benefit will be effective with effect from 1.7.2014.

ii. Pension will be re-fixed for all pensioners on the basis of the average of minimum and maximum pension of personnel retired in 2013 in the same rank and with the same length of service.

iii. Pension for those drawing above the average shall be protected.

iv. Arrears will be paid in four equal half yearly instalments. However, all the family pensioners including those in receipt of Special/Liberalized family pension and Gallantry award winners shall be paid arrears in one instalment.

v. In future, the pension would be re-fixed every 5 years.

4. Personnel who opt to get discharged henceforth on their own request under Rule 13(3)1(i)(b),13(3)1(iv) or Rule 168 of the Army Rule 1954 or equivalent Navy or Air Force Rules will not be entitled to the benefits of OROP. It will be effective prospectively.

5. The Govt. has decided to appoint a Judicial Committee to look into anomalies, if any, arising out of implementation of OROP. The Judicial Committee will submit its report in six months.

6. Detailed instructions relating to implementation of OROP along with tables indicating revised pension for each rank and each category, shall be issued separately for updation of pension and payment of arrears directly by Pension Disbursing Agencies.

7. This issues with concurrence of Finance Division of this Ministry vide their ID No. MoD (Fin/Pension) lD No.PC to10(11)/2012/Fin/Pen dated 07 November 2015.

8. Hindi version will follow.

sd/-

(K. Damayanthi)

Joint Secretary to the Govt. of India

Click to view the order – MoD orders for One Rank One Pension on 7.11.2015

Authority : http://www.desw.gov.in/