Air Travel concession on LTC for Central Government employees and families extended for 2 Years

Air Travel concession on LTC for Central Government employees and families extended for 2 Years

Extension of travelling by Air on Leave Travel Concession, the announcement, which Central Government employees were eagerly waiting for, is finally here!

Air travel concession, under the Leave Travel Concession scheme, to places like Jammu and Kashmir, North Eastern Region (NER), and also Andaman and Nicobar Islands has been extended by two more years.

For a while it was assumed that the newly crowned Modi Government had shelved this scheme.

We believe that the scheme was revived due to constant reminders from various employee unions, associations and federations.

Twice every four years, Central Government employees are given fare concessions to travel to their home town. Instead of two trips to home town, the employee is eligible to convert one of them as ALL INDIA LTC concession. Depending on their designation, the employees are eligible to utilize air, ship, rail and road transportation facilities, along with the travel class

The Government has been spending crores of Rupees to usher in development in economically-backward areas like Jammu and Kashmir, NER. As part of its various development schemes, the Government is trying to encourage tourism to these areas. The air travel concession, which is being offered for six years now, is part of this attempt. Awareness of this concession has increased only in the past two years and Central Government employees had only recently started utilizing the option. Under the scheme, Central Government employees can travel to these regions, with their families, by air, and reimburse the air tickets. For further information, please read the official notification. (Click here to view the Dopt Notification)

Although there are certain minor drawbacks, such concessions enjoy immense popularity. This time, there is a minor change – Andaman and Nicobar Islands have been added to the list of destinations. The announcement is a boon for the Central Government employees who didn’t utilize this opportunity in the previous round, and travel via air with their entire family.

UFBU Circular on the outcome of the Bipartite Talks with IBA on 26.9.2014

UFBU Circular on the outcome of the Bipartite Talks with IBA on 26.9.2014

Bipartite Talks with IBA – UFBU gives strike call

TEXT OF UFBU CIRCULAR

Further to the last round of meeting held on 17th instant, another round of bipartite meeting was held with the IBA today (26.9.2014). IBA was represented by Shri Rajeev Rishi (CMD Central Bank of India), Chairman of the Negotiating Committee along with other members of the Negotiating Committee. UFBU was represented by all its constituent unions.

In today’s meeting there was a detailed discussion on our demand for 100% reimbursement of hospitalisation expenses incurred by the employees/officers and their family members and the group mediclaim scheme offered by the IBA in response thereto. We explained our various apprehensions about the implementation of the scheme and hassle-free reimbursement of claims thereunder. We reiterated that employees/officers should not be required to deal directly with the insurance company or their Third Party Administrators. IBA has agreed and accordingly clarified that even though employees would be covered by the mediclaim scheme, they would continue to submit their claims to the management as hitherto and the reimbursement would be made by the Banks with the improved benefits of the scheme accruing to the employees. IBA also agreed to incorporate the suggestions submitted by the UFBU while finalising the scheme. Hence a broad in-principle consensus was mutually agreed upon and the final scheme would be worked out accordingly on the above lines.

We also raised the following issues during the discussions today:

Pension related matters i.e. 100% DA on pension for pre-Nov. 2002 retirees, improvement in family pension, provision for periodical updation of pension

Introduction of 5 days banking / 5 days working

Regulated working hours for officers

After discussion, IBA informed that they are inclined to favorably consider the demand of 100% DA on pension for pre-Nov. 2002 retirees. IBA further informed that cost aspect on improvement in family pension is being worked out and they would soon take a decision on the same. IBA responded positively on this issue. As regards updation of pension, IBA informed that in view of the high cost involved, it would be difficult to agree to the same. On our insistence, IBA agreed that any viable and affordable proposition from the UFBU in this regard would be examined.

As regards 5 day banking / 5 day working, IBA regretted their inability to accept our demand in the present situation. From UFBU, we insisted on this issue and hence IBA agreed that if a detailed note is submitted to them with the requisite logic and rationale, they would apply their mind afresh on this issue.

On the issue of regulated working hours for officers, IBA was not inclined to agree to the same. However, on drawing their attention to the note submitted by the Officers Organisation, IBA agreed to study the same and react subsequently.

From the IBA, they wanted to know our views and reactions on introduction of cost to company method as well as fixed and variable pay concepts. From UFBU we have reiterated our standpoint that the same are not acceptable to us. IBA also insisted for limiting the wage revision discussions upto scale III officers instead of upto scale VII which was also declined by us.

On the vital issue of improvement in the offer of IBA over 11%, despite our indication that we would be flexible in our demand, depending on improvements in other areas, IBA has conveyed that they are unable to improve their offer unless UFBU scale down further in its demand considering the financial constraints of the banks. We categorically informed IBA that UFBU would be reasonable and flexible in its approach provided the same is reciprocated by the IBA on the issues raised by us and insisted on IBA to improve their offer to take the negotiations forward. However, IBA was adamant in their stand and did not improve their offer and stuck to their earlier offer of 11%. UFBU expressed its unhappiness over the rigid stand of IBA on improvement.

In the UFBU meeting held subsequently, representatives of all the constituent unions expressed their dissatisfaction and condemned the lackadaisical approach and adamant attitude of IBA and unanimously decided to undertake agitational programmes to press our demands and to expedite the settlement. After deliberations, it was decided to observe One day Protest Strike preceded by the following action programmes:

10.10.2014 – BLACK BADGE WEARING

17.10.2014 – COUNTRY WIDE PROTEST DEMONSTRATIONS

Between 18.10.2014 and 31.10.2014 – ONE DAY DHARNA AT ALL STATE CAPITALS (Date shall be decided by the State Unit of UFBU)

COUNTRY WIDE ONE DAY PROTEST STRIKE

It was also decided that the one day protest strike shall be followed by intermittent and relay strikes as well as indefinite strike. Detailed circular on the date of one day protest strike and other agitation programmes will be issued in due course.

Source: AIBEA

Bipartite Talks with IBA on 26.9.2014 – AIBOC

Bipartite Talks with IBA on 26.9.2014 – AIBOC

We have received the reaction from many of you on the outcome of the meeting with IBA. Our Confederation expressed its clear view in the UFBU meeting held on 26th September, 2014, that we want quick and sustained agitational programme against the apathy of IBA and the Government on our just and reasonable demands.

We also suggested that our strike call should be for 13th and/or 14th October preceded by programmes like no late sitting, not coming on Sundays and Holidays, Badge wearing, relay hunger strikes, rallies and demonstrations. Undersigned offered the challenge to hold a rally/demonstration on 27th September, 2014 itself at Delhi. However, the above programme only could be decided by the UFBU.

We call upon our members to be in preparedness for any call of the UFBU/organization.

Action taken on Reimbursement of Medical Expenses with FMA @ Rs. 100/- per month – BPMS

Action taken on Reimbursement of Medical Expenses with FMA @ Rs. 100/- per month

BHARATIYA PRATIRAKSHA MAZDOOR SANGH

Ministry of Defence

D(Civ-II) Section

Subject: Reimbursement of medical claim pertaining to in-patient treatment to the Defencc Civilians who are getting Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA).

The proposal for (Reimbursement of medical claim pertaining to in-patient treatment to the Defence Civilians who are getting Fixed Medical Allowance) was taken up by the Ministry of Defence with Ministry of health & Family Welfare.

2. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare vide their ID No 14025/9/2011-MS dated 14th August, 2014 has proposed that ‘FMA being granted to CS(MA) beneficiaries be stopped and they should be governed by the provisions of CS(MA) Rules, 1944 under which medical reimbursement for outdoor treatment as well as indoor treatment is permissible as per the rules”.

3. It has been stated by the M/o H&FW that stopping of FMA for serving employees in question, will facilitate their family in getting comprehensive medical care under CS(MA) Rules, 1944 including outdoor and indoor treatment., even in emergency conditions. Accordingly. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has sought comments of this Ministry so that the anomaly in the matter can be removed at the earliest.

4. All lower formations/Employees Federations/Associations are therefore requested to furnish their comments to this Ministry within 15 days i.e. by 24.09.2014 for processing the matter further by this Ministry with the M/o H&FW.

sd/-

(Gurdeep Singh)

Under Secretary

Source: BPMS

LTC Entitlements of new recruit employees in Central Government services

LTC Entitlements of new recruit employees in Central Government services…

We have some important information collected from various sources for the employees who are newly appointed in Central Government services. The clairifications are given as the type of ‘question and answers’ for easy understanding of CCS LTC Rules…

Question 1. What are the LTC entitlements of a Fresh Recruit?

Answer: Fresh recruits to the Central Government are allowed to travel to their home town along with their families on three occasions in a block of four years and to any place in India on the fourth occasion. This facility shall be available to the fresh recruits only for the first two blocks of four years applicable after joining the Government for the first time.

Question 2. How are the two blocks of four years applied to the Fresh Recruit?

Answer: The first two blocks of four years shall apply with reference to the initial date of joining the Government service even though the Govt. servant may change the job within the Government subsequently. However, as per Rule 7 of CCS (LTC) Rules, 1988, the LTC entitlement of a fresh recruit will be calculated calendar year wise with effect from the date of completion of one year of regular service.

Question 3. Are the LTC blocks of four years in respect of Fresh Recruits same as the regular blocks like 2010-13, 2014-17?

Answer: No. The first two blocks of four years of fresh recruits will be personal to them.

On completion of eight years of LTC, they will be treated at par with other regular LTC beneficiaries as per the prescribed blocks like 2014-17, 2018-21 etc.

Question 4. If a fresh recruit does not avail LTC facility in a particular year, can he/ she avail it in the next year?

No. Carryover of LTC to the next year is not allowed in case of a fresh recruit as he is already entitled to every year LTC. Hence, if a fresh recruit does not avail of the LTC facility in any year, his LTC will deem to have lapsed with the end of that year.

Question 5. How will the LTC entitlements of a Fresh Recruit be exercised after the completion of eight years of service?

Answer: (a) After the completion of eight years of service, when the next LTC cycle of fresh recruit coincides with the beginning of the second two year block (eg. 2016-17) of

the running four year block (2014-17), he will be eligible only for ‘Home Town’ LTC if he/she has availed ‘Any Place in India’ LTC in the eighth year. Cases, where the new LTC cycle of fresh recruit coincides with the second year of the running two year block (ex. 2017 of 2016-2017), he will not be eligible for LTC in that year. Refer illustrations 1 & 3 for further explanation.

(b) At the end of the eighth year of LTC, when the new LTC cycle of a fresh recruit

coincides with the beginning of a regular four year block, his entitlement in the

regular block will be exercised as per the usual LTC Rules. Refer illustration 2.

Question 6. How will the LTC entitlement computed in case of a fresh recruit joining the service on 30 December of any year?

Answer: A fresh recruit who joins the Government service on 31 51December of any year, will be eligible for LTC w.e.f. 31 stDecember of next year. Since, 31 51December is the last date of a calendar year, his first occasion of LTC ends with that year.

Hence, he may avail his first Home Town LTC on the last day of that year. From next year onwards he would be eligible for the remaining seven LTCs. Refer illustration 3.

Question 7. How will the entitlements of a fresh recruit be computed who has joined the Govt. service before 01.09.2008? 

Answer: A fresh recruit who has joined Government service before 01.09.2008 (i.e before the introduction of this scheme) and has not completed his first eight years of service as on 01.09.2008 will be eligible for this concession for the remaining

time-period till the completion of first eight years of his/ her service. Refer illustration 4.

Question 8. Can a fresh recruit whose Home Town and Headquarters are same, avail LTC to Home Town?

Answer: No. A fresh recruit whose Home Town and Headquarters are same, cannot avail LTC to Home Town. He may avail LTC to any place in India on the fourth and eighth occasion only. As per Rule 8 of CCS (LTC) Rules, 1988, LTC to Home Town shall be admissible irrespective of the distance between the Headquarters of the Govt. servant and his Home Town which implies that Headquarters and Home Town should be at different places.

Illustrations

Illustration 1:

An employee joins the Government service on I s’ September, 2008. As per the CCS (LTC) Rules, he will become eligible for LTC with effect from 1 st September, 2009 (i.e. after the completion of one year of regular service). His entitlement for Home Town / All India would be as under:

Year of LTC Type of LTC LTC Occasion

01.09.2008 —31.08.2009 Nil —

01.09.2009 — 31.12.2009 Home Town

01.01.2010 — 31.12.2010 Home Town 2nd

01.01.2011 — 31.12.2011 Home Town 3rd

01.01.2012 — 31.12.2012 Any Place in India 4m

01.01.2013 — 31.12.2013 Home Town 5th

01.01.2014 731.12.2014 Home Town 6th

01.01.2015 — 31.12.2015 Home Town 7th

01.01.2016 — 31.12.2016 Any Place in India 8th

01.01.2017 — 31.12.2017 Nil —

01.01.2018 — 31.12.2021 New LTC Block

Explanations:

(i) After the completion of the first eight years, when the fresh recruit gets into the middle of the running regular block of four calendar years (ex. 2014-2017) where the new LTC cycle of fresh recruit coincides with the second year of the running two year block (ex. 2017 of 2016-2017), he will not be eligible for LTC in that year (i.e. 2017).

(ii) It can be seen from above that LTC entitlement for a fresh recruit is calculated calendar year wise with effect from the date of completion of one year of regular service.

Illustration 2:

An employee joins the Government service on 1? January, 2009. As per the CCS (LTC) Rules, he will become eligible for LTC with effect from 1? January, 2010 (i.e. after the completion of one year of regular service). His entitlement for Home Town / All India LTC would be as under:

Year of LTC Type of LTC LTC Occasion

01.01.2009 — 31.12.2009 Nil —

01.01.2010 — 31.12.2010 Home Town 1?

01.01.2011 — 31.12.2011 Home Town 2nd

01.01.2012 — 31.12.2012 Home Town 3rd

01.01.2013 — 31.12.2013 Any Place in India 4th

01.01.2014 — 31.12.2014 Home Town siii

01.01.2015 — 31.12.2015 Home Town 6th

01.01.2016 — 31.12.2016 Home Town 7iii

01.01.2017 — 31.12.2017 Any Place in India 8th

01.01.2018 — 31.12.2021 New LTC Block —

Explanations:

(i) At the end of the eighth year of LTC, when the new LTC cycle of a fresh recruit coincides with the beginning of a regular four year block, his entitlement in the regular block will be exercised as per the usual LTC Rules.

Illustration 3:

An employee joins the Government service on 31 51 December, 2011. As per the CCS (LTC) Rules, he will become eligible for LTC with effect from 31 stDecember, 2012 (i.e. after completion of one year of regular service). His entitlement for Home Town / All India LTC would be as under:

Year of LTC Type of LTC LTC Occasion

31.01.2011 – 30.12.2012 Nil —

31.12.2012 Home Town 15t

01.01.2013 – 31.12.2013 Home Town 2nd

01.01.2014 – 31.12.2014 Home Town 3rd

01.01.2015 – 31.12.2015 Any Place in India 4m

01.01.2016 – 31.12.2016 Home Town 5th

01.01.2017 – 31.12.2017 Home Town 6th

01.01.2018 – 31.12.2018 Home Town 7th

01.01.2019 – 31.12.2019 Any Place in India 8th

01.01.2020 – 31.12.2021 Home Town —

01.01.2022 – 31.12.2025 New LTC Block —

Explanations:

A fresh recruit who joins on 31 st December of any year, will be eligible for LTC w.e.f. 31st December of next year. Since, 31 5t December is the last date of that calendar year, his first occasion of LTC ends with that year. Hence, he may avail his first home town

LTC on that day only (eg. 31 51 December, 2012). Froth next year onwards he will be eligible for the remaining seven LTCs.

After the completion of eight years of service, when the next LTC cycle of fresh recruit coincides with the beginning of the second two year block (eg. 2020-21) of the running four year block (2018-21), he will be eligible only for the ‘Home Town’ LTC in that block if he has av«.Ied of ‘Any Place in India’ LTC in the eighth year. In case, the fresh recruit forgoes his eighth year LTC, then he has a choice to avail either ‘Any Place in India’ or ‘Home Town’ LTC in the following two year block (i.e. in 2020-21).

Illustration 4:

An employee joins the Government service on 10 thMay, 2006. As per the CCS (LTC) Rules, he will become eligible for LTC with effect from 10 thMay, 2007 (i.e. after the completion of one year of regular service). His entitlement for Home Town / All India LTC would be as under:

Year of LTC Type of LTC LTC Occasion

10.05.2006 — 09.05.2007 Nil —

10.05.2007 — 31.12.2007 Home Town/ Any Place in India 1st

01.01.2008 — 31.12.2008 Home Town 2’d

01.01.2009 — 31.12.2009 Home Town 3rd

01.01.2010 — 31.12.2010 Any Place in India 4th

01.01.2011 — 31.12.2011 Home Town 5th

01.01.2012 — 31.12.2012 Home Town 6th

01.01.2013 — 31.12.2013 Home Town 7iii

01.01.2014 — 31.12.2014 Any Place in India 8th

01.01.2015 — 31.12.2015 Nil —

01.01.2016 — 31.12.2017 Home Town

Explanation

A fresh recruit who has joined the Government service before 01.09.2008 (i.e before the introduction of this scheme) and has not completed his first eight years of service as on 01.09.2008 will be eligible for this concession for the remaining time-period till the completion of first eight years of his/ her service.

Source: CG Staff News