Form No. 16 for Pensioners : Issue Certificate of Tax Deducted in Form 16 to the Pensioners

Form No. 16 for Pensioners : Issue Certificate of Tax Deducted in Form 16 to the Pensioners

Clarifications regarding use of Form No. 16 for pensioners where pensioners are drawing their pensions through banks – CBDT Circular No.761, dated 13.1.1998

1184. Clarifications regarding use of Form No. 16 for pensioners where pensioners are drawing their pensions through banks

1. The attention of the Board has been drawn to certain difficulties being faced by pensioners drawing their pensions through banks where the tax deduction at source certificate in the prescribed Form No. 16 is some-time denied to them on the ground that no employee-employer relationship exists between the banks and the pensioner. At times, objections have also been raised by the banks on the premise that Form No. 16 relates to deductions from salaries and not from pensions. In other cases, the certificates have been denied on the ground that the bank was not aware of any other income which the pensioner may have had.

2. The matter has been considered by the Board. It is hereby clarified that :—

(a) as per section 17(1)(ii) of the Income-tax Act, 1961, the term ‘salary’ includes pension;

(b) once tax has been deducted under section 192 of the Income-tax Act, 1961, the tax-deductor is bound by section 203 to issue the certificate of tax deducted in Form 16. No employee-employer relationship is necessary for this purpose;

(c) the certificate in Form No. 16 cannot be denied on the ground that the tax deductor is unaware of the payees’ other income.

3. These clarifications may be brought to the notice of all concerned, especially the banks in your region.

Circular : No. 761, dated 13-1-1998

Authority: Income Tax Department

FAQ on Payment of Pension to Government Pensioners (Updated 22.12.2017)

FAQ on Payment of Pension to Government Pensioners (Updated 22.12.2017)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Payment of Pension to Government Pensioners
(Updated as on December 22, 2017)

Scheme for Payment of Pension to Central Government Pensioners by Authorised Banks

Pension schemes/rules are formulated by the respective Central Government Ministries/Departments. A link to some of such schemes are available at www.rbi.org.in under Notifications> Master Circulars>Banker to Banks>Disbursement of Pension by Agency Banks. The Reserve Bank of India (the Reserve Bank) oversees disbursement of pension by its agency banks in respect of all Central Government Departments. 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. The Reserve Bank has analysed the queries/complaints, and put them in the form of answers to Frequently Asked Questions here. 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.

2. Who is the pension sanctioning authority?

The Ministry/ Department /Office where the Government servant last served is the pension sanctioning authority. The pension fixation is made by such authority for the first time and thereafter the refixation of pay, if any, is done by the pension paying bank based on the instructions from the concerned Central/ State Government authority.

3. Is it necessary for the pensioner to open a separate pension account for the purpose of crediting his/ her pension in authorized bank?

The pensioner is not required to open a separate pension account. The pension can be credited to his/her existing savings/ current account maintained with the branch selected by the pensioner.

4. Can a pensioner open a Joint Account with his/ her spouse?

Yes. All pensioners of the Central Government Pensioners can open Joint Account with their spouses.

5. Whether Joint Account of the pensioner with spouse can be operated either by ”Former or Survivor” or “Either or Survivor”.

Yes, the Joint Account of the pensioner with spouse can be operated either as ‘‘Former or Survivor” or “Either or Survivor”.

6. Whether a Joint Account can be continued for family pension after death of a pensioner?

Yes, the banks should not insist on opening of a new account in case of Central Government pensioner if the spouse in whose favour an authorization for family pension exists in the Pension Payment Order (PPO) is the survivor and the family pension should be credited to the existing account without opening a new account by the family pensioner for this purpose.

7. What is the minimum balance required to be maintained in the pension account maintained with the banks?

RBI has not stipulated any minimum balance to be maintained in pension accounts by the pensioners. Individual banks have framed their own rules in this regard.

8. Who sends the Pension Payment Orders (PPOs) to the authorized bank?

The concerned pension sanctioning authorities in the Ministries /Departments/ forward the PPOs to bank branches wherefrom the pensioner desires to draw his/her pension. However, on implementation of CPPCs, pension sanctioning authorities have started sending PPOs to the CPPCs of the bank instead of bank branch.

9. When is the pension credited to the pensioner’s account by the paying branch?

The disbursement of pension by the paying branch is spread over the last four working days of the month depending on the convenience of the pension paying branch except for the month of March when the pension is credited on or after the first working day of April.

10. Can a pensioner transfer his/ her pension account from one branch to another branch of the same bank or to the branch of another bank?

Pensioner can transfer his/ her pension account from one branch to another branch of the same bank and from one authorized bank to another authorized bank within the same centre or at a different centre;

11. Whether the paying branch has to maintain a detailed record of pension payments made by it in the prescribed form?

Yes. The pension paying branch/ CPPC is required to maintain a detailed record of pension payments made by it from time to time in the prescribed form duly authenticated by the authorized officer.

12. Can the pension paying bank recover the excess amount credited to the pensioner’s account?

Yes. The paying branch before commencement of pension obtains an undertaking from the pensioner in the prescribed form for this purpose and, therefore, can recover the excess payment made to the pensioner’s account due to delay in receipt of any material information or due to any bonafide error. The bank also has the right to recover the excess amount of pension credited to the deceased pensioner’s account from his/her legal heirs/nominees.

13. Is it compulsory for a pensioner to furnish a Life Certificate/Non-Employment Certificate or Employment Certificate to the bank in the month of November? If so, how can this requirement be complied with?

Yes. The pensioner is required to furnish a Life Certificate / Non – Employment Certificate or Employment Certificate to the bank in the prescribed format in the month of November every year to ensure continued receipt of pension without interruption. The pensioner can also present himself / herself at any branch of the pension paying bank for being identified for issue of life certificate. In case a pensioner is unable to obtain a Life Certificate on account of serious illness / incapacitation, bank official will visit his / her residence / hospital for the purpose of obtaining the life certificate.

There have been complaints that life certificates submitted over the counter of pension paying branches are misplaced causing delay in payment of monthly pensions. In order to alleviate the hardships faced by pensioners, agency banks were instructed to mandatorily issue duly signed acknowledgements. They were also requested to consider entering the receipt of life certificates in their CBS and issue a system generated acknowledgement which would serve the twin purpose of acknowledgement as well as real time updation of records.

A pensioner having Aadhar number can alternatively submit Jeevan Pramaan, a digital life certificate introduced by the Government of India. For obtaining this, he / she will have to enrol and biometrically authenticate himself / herself by downloading the application generating digital life certificate from the website jeevanpramaan.gov.in or other means described on the website. Once digital life certificates in the form of Jeevan Pramaan are fully implemented, pension paying branches will be able to obtain information about the digital life certificate of their pensioner customers by logging on to the website of Jeevan Pramaan and searching for the certificate or by downloading through their Core Banking Systems. Pensioners will also be able to forward to their bank branches by email/sms the relative link to their digital life certificate.

14. Who is responsible for deduction of Income Tax at source from pension payment?

The pension paying bank is responsible for deduction of Income Tax from pension amount in accordance with the rates prescribed by the Income Tax authorities from time to time. While deducting such tax from the pension amount, the paying bank will also allow deductions on account of relief to the pensioner available under the Income Tax Act. The paying branch, in April each year, will also issue to the pensioner a certificate of tax deduction as per the prescribed form. If the pensioner is not liable to pay Income Tax, he should furnish to the pension paying branch, a declaration to that effect in the prescribed form.

15. Can old, sick physically handicapped pensioner who is unable to sign, open pension account or withdraw his/ her pension from the pension account?

A pensioner, who is old, sick or lost both his/her hands and, therefore, cannot sign, can put any mark or thumb/ toe impression on the form for opening of pension account. While withdrawing the pension amount he/she can put thumb/toe impression on the cheque/withdrawal form and it should be identified by two independent witnesses known to the bank one of whom should be a bank official.

16. Can a pensioner withdraw pension from his/ her account when he/she is not able to sign or put thumb/toe impression or unable to be present in the bank?

In such cases, a pensioner can put any mark or impression on the cheque/ withdrawal form and may indicate to the bank as to who would withdraw pension amount from the bank on the basis of cheque/withdrawal form. Such a person should be identified by two independent witnesses. The person who is actually drawing the money from the bank should be asked to furnish his/her specimen signature to the bank.

17. When does the family pension commence?

The family pension commences after the death of the pensioner. The family pension is payable to the person indicated in the PPO on receipt of a death certificate and application from the nominee.

18. How the payment of Dearness Relief at revised rate is to be paid to the pensioners?

Whenever any additional relief on pension/family pension is sanctioned by the Government, the same is intimated to the agency banks for issuing suitable instructions to their pension paying branches for payment of relief at the revised rates to the pensioners without any delay. The orders issued by Government Departments are also hosted on their websites and banks have been advised to watch the latest instructions on the website and act accordingly without waiting for any further orders from RBI in this regard.

19. Can pensioners get pension slips?

Yes. As decided by the Central Government (Civil, Defence & Railways), pension paying banks have been advised to issue pension slips to the pensioners in prescribed form when the pension is paid for the first time and thereafter whenever there is a change in quantum of pension due to revision in basic pension or revision in Dearness Relief.

20. Which authority the pensioner should approach for redressal of his/ her grievances?

Branch/CPPC is the point of referral for the pensioner. Pensioners can approach the nodal officer(s) designated by the respective banks who would be holding regular meetings at different locations in their jurisdiction on lines of Pension Adalat. They can also contact the bank through toll free dedicated pension line of the respective bank to seek information related to their queries/complaints. In case of deficiency in service offered by the bank, pensioner can approach the concerned Consumer Education and Protection Cell at respective Regional Office of RBI and Banking Ombudsman under whose jurisdiction the bank branch, where the pensioner holds the account, falls.

21. Where can a pensioner get information about the changes in the pension/Dearness Relief or any pension related issue?

The pensioner can visit the Official Website of the concerned Government Department as also Reserve Bank of India Website (www.rbi.org.in) to get the information about pension related issues.

22. Whether a pensioner is entitled for any compensation from the agency banks for delayed credit of pension/ arrears of pension?

Yes. A Pensioner is entitled for compensation for delayed credit of pension/arrears thereof at the fixed rate of 8% per annum (since October 1, 2008) and the same would be credited to the pensioner’s account automatically by the bank on the same day when the bank affords delayed credit of such pension / arrears etc. without any claim from the pensioner.

These FAQs are issued by the Reserve Bank of India (The Reserve Bank) for information and general guidance purposes only which cannot be quoted in any legal proceeding and will have no legal purpose. It is not intended to be treated as legal advice or legal opinion. The Reserve Bank will not be held responsible for actions taken and/or decisions made on the basis of the same. For clarifications or interpretations, if any, readers are requested to be guided by the relevant circulars and notifications issued from time to time by the Reserve Bank and the Government.

Authority: www.rbi.org

Delinking of revised pension from qualifying service of 33 years - CPAO Order on 20 Dec 2016

Delinking of revised pension from qualifying service of 33 years

F. No. CPAO/Co-ord/(107)/2016-17/542
Government Of India
Ministry Of finance, Department of Expenditure,
central Pension Accounting Office,
Trikoot-II, Bhikaji Cama Place, New Delhi – 110066
Phone:011-26178990 e-mail: sraocord-cpao@nic.in

Dated: 20th Dec, 2016

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Sub: OM No.38/37/08-P&PW (A) dated 6th April, 2016 of DP&PW: Delinking of revised pension from qualifying service of 33 years.

Attention is invited to previously issued OMs to Ministries/Departments/ AGs/UTs by CPAO on the subject mentioned obove. It is observed thot progress in disposal of such coses hos declined in spite of repeated requests for early settlement of pending coses and out of 89,481 cases,25,692 cases are still pending for revision. To avoid delay in payment of revised pension and arrear to the pensioners, special drive is required to clear these cases

It is requested to clear all the pending revision cases by 31st December, 2016.PAOs may be instructed to revise the remaining pending cases and send the revision authorities to CPAO for further authorization. It is also requested that in case some pending revisions are not covered under this OM, a certificate may be sent to CPAO in this regard so that these cases may be removed from the pendency list.

Sd/-
(Subhash Chandra)
Controller of Accounts

Source : http://cpao.nic.in/

PCDA Circular regarding ceiling applicable to disability pension/family pension - Circular No.C- 159

PCDA Circular regarding ceiling applicable to disability pension/family pension - Circular No.C- 159

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

Circular No.C- 159

No:G1/C/0199/Vol-I/Tech
Dated: - 07.12.2016.

Subject: - Implementation of Govt’s decisions on the recommendations of the Seventh Central Pay Commission-Revision of disability Pension of Pre-2016 disability Pensioners / Family Pensioners -Clarification regarding.

Reference: - This office important circular no. C-153, bearing no. G1 /C/ 0199 /Vol-I/Tech, dated 12th August 2016.

Attention is invited to above cited circular wherein instructions had been issued for implementation of GO], Ministry of P, PG and Pension, Deptt. of P&PW OM No. 38/ 37/ 2016- P&PW (A) (ii) dated 4th August, 2016. As per Para 4.1 of the ibid OM dated 4.8.16, the existing pension/family pension is to be multiplied by 2.57 and the amount of revised pension/family pension so arrived at shall be rounded off to the next higher rupee. As per Para 4.4 of the OM, it was indicated that the upper ceiling of so revised pension/family pension will be 50% and 30% respectively of the highest pay in the Government, i.e. Rs. 2,50,000

2. A doubt was raised whether the above ceiling would also be applicable to disability pension/ family pension under CCS (EOP) Rules, after revision in terms of Para 4.1 of OM dated 04.08.2016. Now GOI, DP&PW have clarified in their OM No. 1/4/2016-P&PW (F), dated 11th November 2016 that “the ceiling of pension/family pension indicated in Para 4.4 of DP&PW OM dated 04.08.2016 referred to above is applicable only in the case of pension/family pension under CCS [Pension] Rules and will not apply in the case of disability Pension/family pension under CCS (EDP) Rules.

A copy of GOI, DP&PW OM NO. 1/4/2016-P&PW (F), dated 11.11.16 is enclosed which may be kept in View while disposing the cases of revision of disability pension / family pension under CCS (EOP) Rules in terms of OM dated 4th August, 2016.

sd/-
(Dr. Upinderbir Singh)
DCDA (P)

Enclosure: - As above

Source: PCDA

Fixation of pay of re-employed Pensioners – Treatment of Military Service Pay

Fixation of pay of re-employed Pensioners–Treatment of Military Service Pay

RBE No.153/2016

Government of India
Ministry Of Railways
Railway Board

No.E(G)2013/EM 1-5

New Delhi, Dated 15-12-2016

The General Managers
All Zonal Railways and PUs etc.
(as per Standard list)

Subject:Fixation of pay of re-employed Pensioners–Treatment of Military Service Pay

Attention is invited to instructions contained in DOP&T’s OM No.3/19/2009-Estt: Pay -II dated 8/11/2010 on the above subject which was circulated to the Railways for implementaion vide Railway Board’s letter No.E(G)/2013/EM 1/4 dated 24/7/2013.

However,Federation (NFIR) has pointed out that aforesaid instructions are not being complied with by the Zonal Railways/PUs etc.

Therefore, Board desire that the aforesaid instructions should be complied with strictly while fixing the pay of ex-servicemen who are re-employed ont he Zonal Railways/PUs etc.

Please acknowledge receipt.

sd/-
(D.Joseph)
Dy.Dir./Estt.(Genl)

Source : NFIR

Non-payment of Fixed Medical Allowance to the Retired Railway Employees

Non-payment of Fixed Medical Allowance to the Retired Railway Employees - cases of N.W. Railway-reg

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

No. II/13(A)/Part II

Dated: 15/12/2016

The Secretary (E), 
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub: Non-payment of Fixed Medical Allowance to the Retired Railway Employees - cases of N.W. Railway-reg.

It has been brought to Federation's notice that on North Western Railway, payment of Fixed Medical Allowance is denied to the retired Railway employees by the authorities on N. W. Railway on the plea that they have not opted, inspite of the fact that these staff are members of RELHS and their residence is beyond 2.5 km., from the Railway Health Unit.

In this connection, NFIR places below facts of the case for proper appreciation.-

• A few retired Railway employees of Ajmer Division had erroneously opted for OPD facility at the time of their retirement though their residence is 60 Kms., away from the Railway Health Unit/Hospital.

• As per extant instructions, the Railway employees at the time of retirement is required to submit option with the settlement papers either to.-

(a) Opt for OPD facility to be availed from the nearest Health UnitlHospital or
(b) If the residence of the retiring/retired Railway employee is beyond 2.5 Kms., he/she can opt for payment of Fixed Medical Allowance every month at the prevailing rate.

• Also, there are cases on the Division where neither the OPD facility is being extended to the retired Railway employee nor he/she is being paid Fixed Medical Allowance.

The cases cited above, show that the retired Railway employees have given wrong option in the absence of proper guidance from the Personnel department. While the Federation is aware that the cases of above nature are not covered under Board's instructions contained in letter No. PC-V/98/I/7/1/1 dated 15/07/2002, a special dispensation is needed to be considered and genuine cases of retired Railway employees who have erroneously opted for OPD facility be got reviewed for allowing Fixed Medical Allowance.

NFIR, therefore, requests the Railway Board to consider the situations mentioned above and issue instructions to the Zones etc., for payment of Fixed Medical Allowance as a special case. A copy of the instructions issued may be endorsed to the Federation.

Yours faithfully,
sd/-
(Dr. M. Raghavaiah)
General Secretary.

Source : NFIR

Aadhaar mandatory for pensioners

Aadhaar mandatory for pensioners

Press Information Bureau 
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

14-December-2016 16:30 IST

Aadhaar mandatory for pensioners

There is, at present, no proposal to make Aadhaar seeding mandatory for release of pension to the Central Government pensioners.

Eighty-seven percent of Central Government pensioners of all age categories have seeded their bank accounts with Aadhaar number. The remaining thirteen percent, including those Government pensioners of the age of 80 and 90 years have not yet seeded their bank accounts with Aadhaar number. The Government has made efforts to seed accounts of all Central Government pensioners with Aadhaar numbers so as to enable them to benefit from the additional facility of submission of Digital Life Certificate. Public Sector Banks are authorised to enroll pensioners for issue of Aadhaar number, including old and infirm pensioners.

This was stated by the Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Dr. Jitendra Singh in written reply to a question by Shri Natubhai Gomanbhai Patel in the Lok Sabha today.

Admissibility of Dearness Relief to pensioners on absorption in PSUs/ employed family pensioners

Admissibility of Dearness Relief to pensioners on absorption in PSUs/ employed family pensioners

Government of India
Ministry of Railways
(Railway Board)

RBA No.94/2016

No.2016/AC-II/21/Misc Matters

New Delhi, dated 08.12.2016

General Managers,
All Zonal Railways & PUs.

Sub: Admissibility of Dearness Relief to pensioners on absorption in PSUs/ employed family pensioners.

Kindly, refer to Board's letter no. 2012/AC-II/21/Misc Matters dated 11.04.2016 followed by reminder dated 07.11.2016 reiterating instructions issued vide Board's letter No. F(E)III/99/PN1/21 dated 05.08.1999 and letter no. F(E)III/2005/PN1/2. dated 29.09.2009 on the above subject. It was stated that instances have been brought to notice of Vigilance Directorate by one of the PSU wherein Dearness Relief on pension is being paid to certain re- employed pensioner not eligible to the draw the same as no endorsement towards non- admissibility of DR was made on their PPOs. Accordingly, it was requested to conduct a thorough check to detect such cases where DR relief on re-employment in Railway PSU sand other orgaliization has been paid/ drawn in violation of the laid down guidelines an send the compliance report to Board's office. However, reply in this regard is not forthcoming from any of the Railways .

It is once again requested to conduct a thorough check to detect such cases followed by necessary recovery from the defaulting retired Railway Pensioner, besides taking further necessary action as per rules.

sd/-
(B.B. Verma) 
Adviser Accounts 
Railway Board

Source : http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/

Resolving of old pension cases

Resolving of old pension cases

Press Information Bureau 
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

08-December-2016 17:34 IST

Resolving of old pension cases

Ministries/Departments of the Government sanction pension/family pension as per Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972 and send pension papers through Pay and Accounts Office and Central Pension Accounting Office to the pension disbursing agency, which is generally a public sector bank. This department monitors grievances of retiring employees/pensioners through Centralised Pension Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPENGRAMS). The department rigorously monitors the grievances registered under CPENGRAMS. Various reports are generated and examined on the cases of delay/ pendency/non-payment. There is no grievance case, including that of lonely women, pending for over 10 years. There is no proposal under consideration for opening of Fast Track Unit of pension to resolve old and pending cases.

This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply to a question by Shri Anubhav Mohanty in the Rajya Sabha today.

Minutes of JCM (Staff Side) meeting with the Chairmanship of Secretary(P&PW)

Minutes of JCM (Staff Side) meeting with the Chairmanship of Secretary(P&PW)

Minutes of the meeting held on 10.03.2016 with the representatives of JCM (Staff Side) on pensionary matters under the Chairmanship of Secretary(P&PW)

F.No.42/01/2015-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:18th March,2016

To
Shri Shiva Gopal Mishra
Secretary, JCM(Staff Side)
13-C, Ferozshah Road, New Delhi

Subject: Minutes of the meeting held on 10.03.2016 with representatives of JCM (Staff Side) on pensionary matters under the Chairmanship of Secretary (P&PW).

Sir,
Kindly find enclosed herewith the minutes of the meeting held on 10.03.2016 with representatives of JCM (Staff Side) on pensionary matters under the Chairmanship of Secretary (P&PW) for kind perusal.

Encl: As above.

Yours faithfully

(Charanjit Taneja)

Under Secretary to the Government of India

DEPARTMENT OF PENSION & PENSIONERS’WELFARE

Minutes of the JCM meeting on the pensionary matters under the Chairmanship of Secretary(P&PW) held on 10.03.2016 at Sardar Patel Bhawan, New Delhi.

The list of the participants is at Annexure I

Secretary (P&PW) welcomed the participants and appreciated the contributions of the pensioners and the JCM towards welfare of the pensioners. Secretary (P&PW) informed he has been taking regular review meetings to expedite issues which are long pending in SCOVA. He urged JCM members to encourage pensioners to get their Aadhaar number embedded with their Bank Accounts.

2.The meeting started with a discussion on the Action Taken Report on the minutes of the last JCM meeting held on 26.02.2015.

(i)Abnormal delay in the issue of revised PPO to Pre-2006 retirees, pensioners/family pensioners.

(a) CPAO informed that as on date 5520 cases of pre-2006 areto be revised,out of which 4027 cases belong to pre-1990 and details of these cases are not available with the administrative Ministry/Department. It was decided that the CPAO will contact all Banks to obtain phone numbers/addresses of such pensioners. Secretary(P&PW) directed CPAO to contact all concerned Ministries/Departments/Banks to sort out issues and prepare a Bank-wise and Branch-wise details of such pensioners in Excel software and upload it on pensioners portal for general information. Secretary(P&PW) may also take up matter with the CMDs of all Banks in next video conferencing. After a month, a review meeting of CPAO,DFS and concerned Ministries/Departments be called by the CPAO under the chairpersonship of Jt.Secretary(Pension)to assess the pendency.

(b) Ministry of Railways reported ‘Nil’ Pendency. However,JCM members contested that there are some cases especially in Ajmer and Kota Division where PPOs have not been revised. Further,JCM members requested Ministry of Railways to provide Zone-wise figures of revised PPOs. Ministry of Railways agreed to provide the Zone-wise figures within 15days to the JCM members and DoPPW.

(c)Department of Posts reported ‘Nil’ Pendency.

(d)Department of Telecom intimated that 159 cases are pending for revision, details of which will be given to DoPPW for providing the same to the JCM members.

(Action:-CPAO , M/o Railways and D/o Telecom)

(ii) Cashless Treatment to CGHS beneficiaries by empanelled private hospitals to serving employees.

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed that provision of benefits of Cashless Treatment to the Central Govt. Pensioners availing CGHS facilities is already in place. Secretary(P&PW) stated that the matter pertains to serving employess and is out of the ambit of JCM meeting,hence the matter may be closed.

(iii) Finalisation of family pension cases within a specified period in respect of MP Postal Circle.

Department of Posts informed that the instructions in this regard have been issued by the MP Postal Circle to its subordinate authorities. JCM members were requested to inform the Department of Posts regarding specific pendency, if any.
(Action:- Department of Posts)

3. Discussion on Fresh Agenda Items.

(i) Grant of Gratuity on retirement/death of a Central Govt.NPS Subscriber.

Jt.Secretary (P) informed that Department of Expenditure has concurred the proposal in principle and as per advise of Department of Expenditure, the proposal was circulated to concerned Departments i.e Department of Financial Services, DoPT and Department of Legal Affairs have been obtained and the file will be processed after receiving the comments from other Departments.

(Action:-DoPPW)

(ii) Extension of the benefits of DoPPW OM No 38/37/08-P&PW(A) dated 28.01.2013 read with OM dated 30.07.2015 to pre-2006 pensioners with less than 33years of service and more than 20years service for full pension.

Jt.Secretary(P) informed that the DoPPW is consulting with the Department of Expenditure so that finality on the issue would be reached at the earliest.

(Action:DoPPW and Department of Expenditure)

(iii) Delay in finalizing the Family Pension case of Widow/Unmarried daughters and Physically Handicapped candidates by PCDA(Pension)Allahabad in respect of civilian defence employees specially from ordnance factories.

Ministry of Defense informed that only 27 cases are pending and these have all been received after 08.02.2016. In this regard,PCDA(P),Allahabad, have already issued Circular No. 131 & 143 highlighting the correct procedure. Secretary (P&PW) directed that these circulars which are available on PCDA Portal be uploaded on Pensioners Portal website. Further he directed to check the grievances received by PG Portal in this regard.
(Action: Ministry of Defence/CGDA)

(iv) Grant of modified parity to all those who retired prior to 01.01.2006 with refrence to the upgraded post.

It was informed to the JCM members, that the benefit of upgraded post cannot be extended to pensioners after retirement as per instructions of DoPPW. It is clearly mentioned in the order that the pension can be calculated with reference to corresponding pay of pre-revised scale. Hon’ble Court has also upheld the order. However, on the request of JCM members, Secretary (P&PW) assured to look at the issue separately.
(Action:DoPPW)

4. JCM members informed that the Pension Adalats are not conducted as per laid down policy. Further, they informed that the Pensioners Associations may be allowed to represent the cases of the individual pensioners. The concerned Ministries/Departments clarified that the members of Pensioners’Associations could accompany and represent the case of the pensioner in individual capacity and not as representatives of Pensioners’Associations. Further, Secretary(P&PW) directed that the instructions in this regard may be reiterated.

(Action:All Ministries/Departments)

The meeting end with the vote of thanks to the Chair

Source : www.ncjcmstaffside.com

Payment of Agency Commission on pension accounts – RBI Circular on 21.1.2016

Payment of Agency Commission on pension accounts – RBI Circular on 21.1.2016

Reserve Bank Of India

RBI/2015-16/294

DGBA.GAD.No.2278/31.12.2010/2015-16

January 21,2016

The Chairman & Managing Director/

The Chief Executive Officer

All Agency Banks

Dear Sir/Madam

Payment of Agency Commission on pension accounts

As you may be aware, agency banks are being compensated at Rs.65 per transaction for handling pension computation, payment and related services on behalf of Central and State Governments. As per the norms followed by the Government, a pensioner’s account should not have more than 14 credit transactions in a calendar year attributable to pension and related arrear payments, if any.

2. It has however come to our notice that certain banks are apportioning payment of arrears on account of Dearness Relief (DR) and/or delay in start of pension monthwise, thus, resulting in inflated agency commission claims. It is reiterated that number of commisionable transactions for payment of agency commission on account of pension in a year should not exceed 14. This includes one monthly credit for payment of net pension and a maximum of two per year for payment of arrears on account of increase in DR, if applicable.

3. It is also reiterated that cases involving payment of arrears on account of late start/restart of pension qualifies as a single transaction for claiming of agency commission. In other words, any payment of arrears on account of late start/restart of pension should be effected in a single credit transaction instead of separate monthly credits.

4. Some of the Central Government Departments and State Governments prefer to compute the pension figures on their own and pass them on to banks for payment. Such transactions may be included under non-pension payments, on which agency commission is payable on a turnover basis as per the existing norms (currently at 5.5 paise per Rs. 100/-).

Yours faithfully

(Manish Parashar)

Deputy General Manager

Authority: https://rbidocs.rbi.org.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

Highlights of 27th SCOVA Meeting held on 13.10.2015 – BPS

Highlights of 27th SCOVA Meeting held on 13.10.2015 – BPS

The Managing Committee Member of BPS and the SCOVA Member rom NFRPA Shri.S.M.Kanjilal published the highlights of the 27th SCOVA Meeting held on 13th October 2015 on the official blog of Bharat Pensioners Samaj(BPS).

Brief of 27th SCOVA Meeting

The 27th meeting of SCOVA was held at Vigyan Bhawan on 13th Oct,15 at 11 hrs. The meeting was Chaired by Dr. Jitendra Singh , the Uninon Minister of State(IndependentCharge) for DoNER,Public Grievances & Pension, Atomic Energy and Space . Mr. Harjit Singh ,Joint Secretary ,(P&PW) submitted his welcome address to the house . After that all the Delegates attended the meeting introduced themselves, while as per programme Introductory remarks were placed by Secretary(P&PW).Later Hon’ble MOS(PP), Chairman SCOVA, addressed the meeting. He said that retired employees should become torch bearers of Start-up-India, Stand-up India initiative. Addressing the meeting, he called upon the pensioners to involve their vast experience and resources to assume the role of job creators. He said that the pendency without reason has to be taken care of completely. Sri Devendra Choudhury, Secretary DOP&PW beside others stated that department of P&PW has set a deadline of one months time during which backlog of 2200 pending pension grievances will be settled. He referred several welfare projects of GOI. It is reported that 19 Pensioners Association registered themselves under the initiative Sankalp.After his deliberation discussion was held on ATR on the points raised in the 26th Meeting of SCOVA and on Fresh Agenda items. The brief of the discussions appended below.
ATR of the 26th Meeting of SCOVA:

Item 1. Sl. No.1 of ATR, Status of issue revised PPO : On item (a),(b) and (c) no comments from the representatives of the Pensioners Association. However, on Ministry of Railways , the figure shown is confusing and promptly brought to the notice of the Chairman by the representative of NFRPA. He questioned when it is recorded in 6th CPC report that the total numbers of railway pensioners prior to 2006 was more than 10 lacs how the total revised cases of railway pensioners can be 1,10,543. No positive reply was there from official side. As regards the problems of dispatch of revised PPO to the pensioners address for not having the present address,the suggestion of NFRPA to handover the PPO to the pensioners through PDA had been taken into consideration.

Item 2 Sl.No. 3 of ATR Health Insurance : No comments

Item 3 Sl.No. 5 of ATR : Special Family Pension : Concerned Defence Pensioners Association raised some queries and questioned which have been discussed and noted.

Item 4, 5, 6 : Nothing specific discussed, except some grievances on Medical issues.

Item 7 Sl.No.9 of ATR : On the benefit of Rs. 4600 GP. It is stated that the concerned file is still pending with Department of Expenditure. On being urged to fix a time line by the representative of NFRPA,Guwahati,Assam, it is stated that within 10 days the file will be returned with comments to concerned Department.

Item 8 to 16 issues related to BSNL, Ministry of Health, DOP&PW etc have breen dicussed by the concerned reprentatives of the Pensioners Associations.

On Fresh Agenda of 27th Meeting.

1. On issue of acknowledgement to pensioners submitting life Certificate : CPAO formulated a format of Life Certificate which had been supplied to the Delegates and stated that the format will also be available in the wwebsite of CPAO.

2. Extension of the benefits of OM dated 28.01.13 less than 33 years : Stated that the matter is subjudiced.

3. On health issues (27.3,27.4) : On CGHS facilities various discussion were held . On RELHS issue NFRPA has proposed to include SMART CARD issue in the agenda which have not been taken. NFRPA representative raised the issue of SMART CARD. But the representative of official side of Railways failed to give any suitable reply.

4. On illegal recovery of pension vis a vis reduction of pension : The matter has been refered to DoPT on 07.06.15. DoPT informed on 30.06.15 that the matter is under consideration especially on the issues of impermissible-ness of recovery based on the letter of OM dated 06.02.14 and recent SC Judgments. It is stated that order may be issued for implementation of the guide lines prescribed by Hon’ble SC. On being insisted by the representatives of NFRPA, it is stated that before 27th Oct,15 the order will be issued. NFRPA also requested to review the issue of reduction of pension in fixing the Minimum Pension which has been done in misinterpreting the contents of the 6th CPC Resolutions and OM No. dated 1.9.2008 and 28.1.13respectively, wherein it is categorically stated that minimum pension in no case should be less than 50 % of the minimum pay of the pre-revised scale of the corresponding scale from which pensioner had retired.

5. On implementation of circular of P&PW(A) No. dt 30.7.15 it is directed that revision of pension in respect of all the pending cases must be completed by concerned Dept. by 16.10.15

6. On facility for online railway booking : NFRPA representative requested to extend the facility to Pass holders also so that the Retired Rly Pensioners can also avail this facility.

S.M.Kanjilal

General Secretary(A)

SCOVA Member from NFRPA & Managing Committee Member BPS

Issue of Pensioners Identity Card to Pensioners – NFIR writes to Railway Board

Issue of Pensioners Identity Card to Pensioners – NFIR writes to Railway Board

NFIR

National Federation of Indian Railways

3, Chelmsford Road, New Delhi – 110 055

No.II35/Part 11

Dated :14/10/2015

The Secretary (E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi
Dear Sir,

Sub: Issue of Pensioners Identity Card to Pensioners-reg.

Federation invites kind attention of Railway Board to the OMs No.41/21/2000-P&PW(D) dated 12th August 2015 and 20th August 2015 on the subject wherein instructions have been issued by the Government of India to all the Ministries/Departments to issue pensioners’ Identity Cards to all pensioners.Federation desired to mention that while the OM .dated 12th August 2015 has prescribed the revised format for pensioners Identity Card the O.M dated 20th August 2015 states that the Identity Card to Pensioners retiring from Central Government offices in Delhi and other Metropolitan cities and big cities may be printed as plastic cards with the help of PVC Thermal Printer with 600 DPI resolutions.The Goverment has further directed that in case such facility for printing of plastic card is not available in the office from where the employee is retiring, the pensioners identity card may be got printed locally from the market.Federations encloses copies of the two OMs referred to above reference.

NFIR therefore requests the Railway Board to issue corresponding instructions to GMs etc..for taking further action.A copy of the instructions issued may be endorsed to the Federation.

Yours faithfully

(Dr.M.Raghavaiah)

General Secretary

Source: NFIR

Streamlining Action on Pension grievances-uploading of replies given by the Ministries/Departments to the petitioner on CPENGRAMS.

Pension grievances :Uploading replies on CPENGRAMS

Streamlining Action on Pension grievances – uploading of replies given by the Ministries/Departments to the petitioner on CPENGRAMS.

G.I., Dept. of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare, O.M.No.55/6/2015-P&PW(C), dated 29.9.2015

Subject: Streamlining Action on Pension grievances-uploading of replies given by the Ministries/Departments to the petitioner on CPENGRAMS.

It has been observed that in most of the cases of pension related grievance, the Ministries/Departments/Organizations do not upload the replies to the petitioner on the portal and close the cases. It is therefore requested that in case, any letter or orders etc, are issued by the concerned Ministry/Department/Organization for redress of the grievance or for not acceding the request of the petitioner for valid reasons, the same may also be uploaded on the portal CPENGRAMS.

It is again reiterated that since effective grievance redress mechanism is a priority of the Government, the quality of disposal is important and a well reasoned speaking reply should be furnished to the petitioner before closure of grievance an a copy of the same be uploaded on CPENGRAMS.

Jeevan Pramaan - Aadhaar based Digital Life Certification system for Pensioners

Aadhaar based Digital Life Certification system for Pensioners – Jeevan Pramaan
‘Jeevan Pramaan’, the Aadhaar-based Digital Life Certification system, for Pensioners

The Government has asked banks to achieve weekly targets set for the purpose of enabling “Jeevan Pramaan” – an “Aadhaar-based Digital Life Certification system for Pensioners so as to cover at least 50% in next 2-3 weeks. Pensioners can approach their paying branches with the PPO, Aadhaar card and bank pass book for trouble-free seeding of Pensioners’ Aadhaar number in their bank account.

Various steps are being taken by the Government to sensitize pensioners and bank branches to link up the Aadhaar number, PPO number and bank account number. All pension disbursing banks observed 1st to 7th August, 2015 as ‘Aadhaar Seeding Week for Pensioners.’ All through the week, priority was given to pensioners visiting the bank branches for seeding Aadhaar number in their bank account. Besides, five camps were organised from 13th to 17th July, 2015 at different locations covering Delhi, NOIDA and Faridabad to facilitate seeding of Aadhaar number in the bank accounts of pensioners. All banks participated in these camps. Facility was also provided by UIDAI for on-the-spot registration for Aadhaar numbers.

Conventionally, pensioners are required to give a Life Certificate to the pension disbursing authority in November, every year – either by presenting themselves before the Branch Manager or by means of a Certificate issued by a Gazetted Officer or other designated authorities.

The “Jeevan Pramaan” – an “Aadhaar-based Digital Life Certification system with an objective to facilitate on-line submission of Life Certificate by pensioners, was launched by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 10th November, 2014. This facility is in addition to the other existing methods of submitting Life Certificates. It is hoped that all pensioners who have Aadhaar numbers will make use of this additional facility of biometric life certification.

With “Jeevan Pramaan” the pensioners and family pensioners need not visit the pension disbursing agency or Gazetted/designated authority for submission of Life Certificates. The Life Certificates may be submitted from personal computers and laptops at home or by visiting a conveniently located Common Service Centre or the nearest branch of any pension disbursing bank. There are about 55,000 branches of pension disbursing banks and 40,000 Common Service Centres throughout the country. Submission of Digital Life Certificate also ensures authenticity of pension payments.

How to get Digital Life Certificate through online ?

PRE – RETIREMENT COUNSELLING WORKSHOP ON 25-08-2015 , Important message for employees retiring within the next six months

PRE – RETIREMENT COUNSELLING WORKSHOP ON 25 AUGUST 2015

PRE – RETIREMENT COUNSELLING WORKSHOP

Important message for employees retiring within the next six months

The Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare is organizing a Pre-retirement counselling workshop on 25th August, 2015 from 2.00 PM to 5.00 PM in the Lecture Room-I, India International Centre (Annexe) 40, Max Muller Marg, New Delhi-110003.

The employees of Government of India retiring within the next six months and who have not attended the workshop yet are hereby informed that they may attend the

workshop. Confirmation with Name, Ministry & Phone No. may be sent at the email address mkumar.mol@nic.in.

The persons desirous of attending the workshop are also requested to bring their PAN and Aadhar No. A write-up on the Commendable works done by the retiring employee during his entire service is also required to upload the same on ‘ANUBHAV’ on website persmin.nic.in/pension.asp

sd/-

US (Sankalp)

Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare

Phone No.24641627

Authority: http://pensionersportal.gov.in/

Pre-2006 retirees of the Armed Forces and Central Government get pension relief

Relief to lakhs of pre-2006 retirees of the Armed Forces and Central Government

Pre-2006 retirees get pension relief

Finally, after many twists and turns, it has arrived! In a relief to lakhs of pre-2006 retirees of the armed forces and central government, their pension has been revised with effect from January 1, 2006, rather than from September 24, 2012.

The department of pension and pensioners’ welfare (DoPPW) issued the universal orders regarding this revision on Thursday. Anomalies in the fixation of the pension of the pre-2006 central government retirees had come to light after the implementation of the recommendations of the sixth Pay Commission. The issue was whether pension was to be calculated based on the minimum of pay for each rank/grade within the newly introduced bands or on the minimum of the pay-band itself.

The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) and Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) then corrected it and ruled that the pension would be calculated on the basis of the minimum of pay for each rank/grade within a particular band, which gives the retirees a higher pension.

Read more at : Hindustan Times

Simplification of procedure for payment of pension and other benefits : Exercise of option regarding.

Simplification of procedure for payment of pension and other benefits : Exercise of option regarding.

G.I., Dept. of Per. & Trg., O.M.No.25014/1/2014-AIS-II, dated 28.7.2015

Subject : Clarification on simplification of procedure for payment of pension and other benefits to AIS officers retiring from Govt of India/State Govt : exercise of option regarding.

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Departments Order No.25014/2/2002- AIS-II dated 11th April, 2007 wherein measures for simplification of payment of pension and other retirement benefits to All India Services officers retiring/retired from Government of India/State Government have been revised and the Government of India had taken over the entire pension liability of all the All India Service officers. Besides, all retiring All India

Service officers either from the Central Government or State Government uniformly have the option of drawl of their pension through Government of India or through the State Government. However, in the aforesaid order dated 11th April, 2007, the issue of revocation of their earlier option for drawl of pension exercised by the All India Service pensioners was silent.

(2) Accordingly, keeping in view the aging factor and to ease and comfort in a retired life, the issue of exercising option for drawing pension either from Government of India or State Government was revisited in this Department in consultation with the Central Pension Accounting Office, Department of Expenditure and Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare and has decided that the option exercised by the pensioner for drawl of pension/family pension either from the Government of India or State Government in reference to this Departments Order dated 11th April , 2007 would continue as “Zero option’ (option exercised at the time of retirement would constitute as zero option).

(3) Thereafter, the retired officer can further make two options for which the first option would be permitted without obtaining the permission of Central Government and the second option would require permission of the Central Government. No further option shall be considered after the Second option is permitted by the Central Government. The first option shall be applied by the pensioner to the Drawing Disbursing Authority Of her/his pension in the prescribed format (Annexure-I).

(4) The proposal for revocation of earlier options which required permission of Central Government shall be applied to the concerned Cadre Controlling Authority of All India Services in the prescribed format (Annexure-II) and such proposal shall be processed in consultation with the Chief Controller (Pension), Central Pension Accounting Office (Department of Expenditure), New Delhi for according approval of the Secretary of the

concerned Cadre Controlling Authority .

5. It is to state that every time a change in option is made, it shall be notified to the Central Pension Accounts Office (Department of Expenditure) for carrying out necessary updation in its data base.

(6) The revised format for exercising zero option for drawl of pension in respect of retiring/retired members of All India Services is annexed as Annexure-III.

Authority: www.persmin.gov.in

Pensioners Aadhaar Camp at New Delhi from July 13th to 17th , 2015

Aadhaar Camp for Pensioners at New Delhi from 13th to 17th July, 2015

Aadhaar Seeding cum Registration Camps from 13th to 17th July, 2015

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

06-July-2015 18:34 IST

Aadhaar Seeding cum Registration Camps from 13th to 17th July, 2015

The Department of Pension and Pensioner’s Welfare will hold five Aadhaar Seeding and Regularisation for pensioners in Delhi NCR in collaboration with Punjab National Bank from 13th to 17th July, 2015. These camps will be held at Rajendra Place, Civil Lines, Scope Tower – Lakshmi Nagar in Delhi and Noida Sector 1 and Neelam Chowk, Faridabad respectively.

Pensioners residing in the Delhi NCR may visit an Aadhaar Camp on any one of the days with original PPO, Aadhaar Card, and bank pass book along with photocopies of these documents.

Pensioners who do not have Aadhaar number yet may in addition carry a photo id like Voters Card. Jeevan Pramaan is in addition to the other existing facilities for submission of Life Certificate. All the Nationalised banks, as also UIDAI will participate in these camps which are proposed to be held later in other parts of the country.

Camp Timings: 9am to 5pm

For implementation of Jeevan Pramaan- an Aadhaar based life certification system – all pensioners are requested to furnish their Aadhaar Numbers to their bank, if not already done. The pensioners who do not have “Aadhaar” are requested to obtain Aadhaar number.