Facility of Income Tax Payment Through ATMS by Union Bank of India Launched The Minister of State for Finance Shri Namo Narain Meena launched facility of Income Tax payment through ATMs by Union Bank of India here today. Senior officials from Ministry of Finance including Shri Sunil Mitra, Revenue Secretary, Shri Shashi Shekhar Sharma, Secretary, Financial Services, Shri Sudhir Chandra, Chairman, Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and Chairman and Managing Director of Union Bank of India, Shri M.V.Nair were present among others on the occasion. Launching the facility, the Minister of State for Finance Shri Namo Narain Meena said that coming together of CBDT and Union Bank in providing ATM based payment of income tax is an excellent convenience for people to pay tax. He said that technology has revolutionized the way we conduct many of our financial and other transactions. Shri Meena said that the Government is committed to leverage on the technology to bring greater transparency and accountability in handling of financial resources. With Core Banking Technology enabling anywhere branch banking across the country, it has become possible to ensure real time transfer of funds and monitor its utilization on an ongoing basis, the Minister added. He said that the large amount of resources we have committed for uplifting the socio-economic status of our rural and urban poor through schemes like Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, Sarva Shiksha Abhyan, National Rural Health Mission and such other flagship program. He said that it will need similar involvement from banks, to ensure timely and transparent transmission of funds and monitoring facility. Only then the objective of ensuring the socio-economic transformation will truly take place, the Minister added. The Minister of State Shri Meena said that income tax constitutes nearly 22% of the revenue to the Government and hence forms a significant part of our resources in ensuring sustainable growth. He said that greater compliance can be achieved if we give greater convenience and speed in handling of tax payment. The Minister of State for Finance Shri Namo Narain Meena said that today’s initiative is a step in that direction which together with internet payment facility already receiving popular support, will make tax payment and tax compliance a matter of great convenience to our people. He said that implementation of income tax payment on ATMs is expected to go a long way in providing easier tax administration for both government and tax payers. Speaking on the occasion, Chairman cum Managing Director, Union Bank of India Shri M.V.Nair said that payment of income tax through ATM is yet another fulfillment of the brand promise of the Bank to provide choice of channel to customers for undertaking various transactions. He said that Customers of Bank, after one time registration at bank’s portal, will be able to make their income tax payments on ATMs. He said that they will be able to generate their challan on Bank’s portal. Registration for Income tax payment will also be extended through Bank’s branches, Shri Nair added. Union Bank of India has a network of 2600 ATMs and a Card base of 6.5 million. Bank offers value added services like bill payment, mobile recharge etc. through its ATMs. Bank also has implemented solar powered Biometric ATMs for rural segments. Bank has planned to take its ATM numbers to 5,000 by end of March’12. Bank has the distinction of being the only Bank to offer nine regional language screens on its ATMs Bank is extending a variety of online tax payment to its customers. These include direct taxes, central excise, service tax, customs, DGFT and commercial tax services to State government like U.P., M.P., Rajasthan, Chattisgarh, A.P., Karnataka, Orissa etc. Bank will also actively promote the usage of electronic mode for Customs, Port charges and Railway freight payments. During the financial year, Bank customers made over 3.39 lac Income Tax payment transactions aggregating to a value of Rs.5115.20 crores through online payment from our bank. This has shown a quantum jump from 2.44 lakh payments aggregating to Rs.3846 crores last year. With the addition of ATM, the online payment facility and their numbers are expected to go up substantially. Customers with Union Bank debit card desirous of availing the facility have to register once their details on the bank’s web portal. The PAN/TAN number is validated by the website using the NSDL site. Customer when they log in to the ATM and selects the Income Tax menu, it will display the PAN number and will ask them to input the Income tax amount with Education Cess, item wise details of any other amount they want to include in the tax payment. On confirmation the tax amount will be debited to their account and customer will be issued receipt containing CIN number. Customers on the next day can log in to the web portal of the bank and by giving their CIN number can print the challan for their records. Bank has one focal point branch for all electronic Direct tax payments. Funds towards payment of Income Tax are pooled at focal point branch and remitted to Nodal Government treasury branch on T+1 basis. The Nodal Branch remits the funds on T+1 basis to RBI and the tax payment electronic data to NSDL and CBDT on T+1. Source: PIB

LETTER OF AUTHORIZATION P-4 UNION

Postal employees threaten to go on indefinite strike

Postal employees threaten to go on indefinite strike Rourkela, Mar 29 (PTI) All India Postal Employees Union - postmen, MSE and group "D" staff- has threatened to go on an indefinite nationwide strike in support of their demands.

The union has been demanding appointment of staffs, implementation of proper pension scheme, opposing the idea of one delivery point and one post office system of the government, Union General Secretary M Krishnan told reporters here today.

The members of the union would launch a demonstration infront of the Dak Bhawan, New Delhi to apprise the demands, Krishnan said. Meanwhile, he said the union would also submit its memorandum to the government.

"We have been demanding for years now but nobody is listening.

The postal employees are worst sufferer in the present situation," he added. "The staff strength has been reduced considerably while the work load has been increasing day by day.

CIRCLE JCA AGITATION PROGRAMME

To All Divisional/Branch Secretaries All Circle Office Bearers The meeting of Branch/Divisional secretaries of twin cities held on 29/03/2011 at Hyderabad GPO under the President ship of com.K.Manohar Rao Convenor JCA (FNPO). The following decisions were taken to intensify the agitational programme against the implementation of MNOP as per Macancy Proposals. It is brought to the notice of the circle union by some divisions that they have not received the Postal JCA circular and Memorandum, It is requested to all branch/Divisional secretaries to down load the Memorandum which was submitted to the CPMG, the same copy may be submitted to Divisional Superintendent. 1.Black Badge wearing campaign by all employees of twin cities for two days i.e.30/03/2011&31/03/2011 2.Gate/Lunch hour demonstrations should be conducted in all LSG offices of twin cities. 3.Mass demonstrations at CPMG office on 31/03/2011 at 01-00pm 4.Badge wearing campaign demanding "Macancy Go Back" from 01/04/2011 to 06/04/2011 throught the circle by all Postal Employees.The badges should be printed at divisional level. 5.Submission of Memoradums to the Divisional Superintendents on 01/04/2011 by mobilising all Postal Employees under the banner of Postal JCA.

Citizen’s Charter of Department of Posts Copy of the draft Citizen’s/Client’s Charter communicated vide Directorate letter no 3-10/2005-PG (Vo-II) dated 15th March, 2011 is reproduced below. Department has called for views/comments from the the stakeholders including customers and staff organizations as well as the members of the Working Group on Citizen’s Charter (WGCC) to be submitted within three weeks, i.e., up to 06.04.2011 so as to identify and incorporate the necessary changes.

Citizen’s Charter of Department of Posts (DOP) Ministry of Communications & IT (GOVERNMENT OF INDIA) A DECLARATION OF OUR COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE TO CUSTOMERS OF DOP OUR VISION India Post’s products and services will be the customer’s first choice. OUR MISSION · India Post touches the lives of every citizen of the country. It is the largest postal network in the world. · Its physical and electronic network is dedicated to providing mail, parcel, money transfer, banking, insurance and retail services with speed and reliability. · The primary stakeholders of India Post are its customers, employees and the Government of India. · India Post will provide services to the customers on value-for-money basis. · India Post will ensure that the employees are proud to be its main strength and serve its customers with a human touch.· India Post will continue to enable last mile connectivity as a Government of India platform.

OUR CUSTOMERS/CLIENTS · All citizens of India and users of Postal service all over the world; · Institutions like Banks, insurance companies, telecom service providers, Educational Institutions, Medical and Health institutions, religious institution and others who have significant mail related requirements; · Private businesses that require document and parcel related mail services to facilitate their traditional business as well as e-commerce; · Government organizations at the Centre and States including ministries, departments, commissions, independent bodies, public sector units and other public authorities; · Non-governmental organizations; · Other clients OUR SERVICES The Department of Post provides various services through its extensive network depending on customer/client’s requirements in the area of Communication Services (letters, Postcards Parcel etc.), Financial Services (Savings Bank, Money Order, International Money Transfer Service, Postal Life Insurance) and Value added Premium Services (like Speed Post, Business Post, Retail Post, and Finance Mart). OUR COMMITMENT TO THE CUSTOMERS · We will treat our customers with courtesy and a helpful attitude · We will provide services as per quality specifications drawn out taking customer expectations and infrastructure availability into account. · We will make basic postal and financial services available and accessible to all citizens of the country.· We will take good care of customers and respond to their enquiries and complaints promptly.

REQUIREMENTS OF SERVICE STANDARDS:

Services /Transaction Success Indicators Service Stan-dards Unit Delivery of unregistered Articles like Inland Letter Card (ILC).Post Card (PC) / Envelopes / Invitation Cards/ Periodicals/ Magazines Delivery of ordinary mails between Metro/within city/town/district (Average time of delivery from the date of posting) 2 Days Delivery of ordinary mails to Inter State capital/within state (Average time for delivery from the date of posting) 3 Days Delivery of ordinary mails to inter state other than those between capitals (Average time for delivery from the date of posting) 4 Days Booking and Delivery of Registered/Insured Articles Booking Registered Letter (average Time taken in a computerized Post office). 2 Minutes Booking of Registered Parcel (average Time taken in a computerized Post Office). 5 Minutes Booking of insured Letter/parcel (Average Time taken in a computerized Post Office). 8 Minutes Delivery of registered and insured mails between Metro/within city/town/district (Average time for delivery from the date of posting). 4 Days Delivery of registered and insured mails to Inter State capital/within state (Average time for delivery from the date of posting). 5 Days Delivery of registered and insured mails to inter state other than those between capitals (Average time for delivery from the date of posting) 6 Days Booking and Delivery of VP Articles / Insured VP Articles Booking of value payable letter (average Time taken in a computerized Post office). 5 Minutes Booking of Value payable parcel (average Time taken in a computerized Post Office). 5 Minutes Booking of VP Insured Letter 8 Minutes Booking of VP Insured Parcel 8 Minutes Delivery of VP and Insured VP mails between Metro/within city/town/district (Average time for delivery from the date of posting). 4 Days Delivery of VP and Insured VP articles to Inter State capital/within state (Average time for delivery from the date of posting). 5 Days Delivery of VP and Insured VP mails to inter state other than those between capitals (Average time for delivery from the date of posting) 6 Days Booking and Delivery of Speed Post Articles Booking of Speed Post article (average Time taken in a computerized Post Office). 2 Minutes Delivery of Speed Post articles between Metro/within city/town/district (Average time for delivery from the date of posting). Delivery of Speed Post shall be specific to the location and time of booking. 2 Days Delivery of Speed Post articles to inter state capital/within state (Average time for delivery from the date of posting). Delivery of Speed Post shall be specific to the location and time of booking. 3 Days Delivery of Speed Post articles to inter state other than those between capitals (Average time for delivery from the date of posting). Delivery of Speed Post shall be specific to the location and time of booking. 4 Days Booking and payment of Ordinary Money Orders Booking of Money Order (Average Time taken in a computerized Post Office). 2 Minutes Payment of ordinary Money Order between Metro/within city/town/district (Average time for payment from the date of posting). 4 Days Payment of ordinary Money order to Inter State capital/within state (Average time for payment from the date of posting). 5 Days Payment of ordinary Money Order to Inter state other than those between capitals (Average time for payment from the date of posting) 6 Days Booking and payment of -Electronic Money Orders (eMOs) Average time taken for booking of Electronic Money Order (eMOs) 2 Minutes Average time taken for payment of Electronic Money Orders (eMOs) in the eMO Office of receipt.) 2 Days Average time taken for payment of Electronic Money Orders (eMOs) at non eMO office of payment. 3 Days Booking & payment of Instant Money Orders (iMOs) Booking of instant money order (average Time taken in a computerized Post Office). 15 Minutes Payment of Instant Money Orders (average Time taken in a computerized Post office). 20 Minutes Opening of Post office Savings Bank Account (SB,RD MIS, SCSS and TD etc.) The average time taken is for a computerized Post Office 10 Minutes The average time taken is for non-computerized Head Post Offices & Sub Post Offices. 1 Day Deposit in small savings account (SB and RD) The average time taken is for a computerized Post Office 5 Minutes Withdrawal from small savings account (SB, RD, MIS, SCSS and TD etc.) The average time taken is for a computerized Post Office 5 Minutes Updation of Savings Bank passbook (SB, RD, MIS, SCSS and TD etc.) Average Time taken for the computerized Post Office where account stands. 5 Minutes Closure/Premature Closure of Post Office Saving Bank Account At the Head Post Office (Average time for a computerized office). 6 Minutes Average time taken at the Sub Post Office authorized to close Recurring Deposit (RD), Monthly Income Scheme (MIS), Senior Citizen’s Savings Schemes (SCSS) and Term deposit. Mukhya Dak Ghar (MDG) can also authorize closure of Post Office Savings Bank in addition to these four categories. 10 Minutes Transfer of Post Office Savings Bank Account Average time taken if transfer application is give at the Head Post Office (HPO) for transfer of account to another HO or Sub Post Office of the same HO. 1 Day Average time taken if transfer application is given at the Sub Post Office for transfer of account to another Sub Post Office of the same HO. 7 Days Average time taken if transfer application is given at the transferee Post office 20 Days Settlement of Deceased Claim Case w.r.t Post Office Savings Bank Average time taken for settlement of deceased claim cases 7 Days Issue of Post Office Savings Bank Duplicate Passbook The average time taken is for the Post Office where account stands 10 Minutes Return of Post Office Savings Bank passbook (Received for interest posting) Average time taken for return of Post Office Savings Bank Pass Book after interest posting. 7 Days Issue of Savings Certificates Average time taken to issue the certificate on submission of the application directly by the applicant.15 Minutes Average time taken to issue the certificate on submission of the application through the small savings agent 1 Day Discharge of Savings Certificates Average time taken when applied at Post Office of Registration. 7 Minutes Average time taken for discharge of savings certificate at other office than the office issue. 15 Days Transfer of Savings Certificates Average time taken when applied at Post Office of Registration. 7 Days Average time taken if application for transfer submitted at the transferee Post Office 20 Days Issue of Duplicate savings Certificates Average time taken to issue Duplicate savings Certificate if applied at the office of issue 7 Days Average time taken to issue Duplicate Savings Certificate at other office 30 Days Issue of Acceptance Letter and Policy Bond of PLI/RPLI Average time taken to issue acceptance letter of PLI/RPLI policy 15 Days Average time taken to issue PLI/RPLI policy Bond 15 Days Acceptance of PLI/RPLI premium Average Time taken for acceptance of PLI/RPLI premium in a computerized Post Office 2 Minutes Inter-circle transfer of PLI/RPLI policies Average time taken for inter-circle transfer of PLI/RPLI policies 10 days Settlement of PLI/RPLI claims on maturity Average Time taken for Settlement of PLI/RPLI Claims on Maturity 30 Days Settlement of PLI / RPLI Claims on Death with nominations Average Time taken for Settlement of PLI/RPLI Claims on Average time taken for Death 30 Days Settlement of PLI/RPLI Claims on Death without nomination involving inquiry Average Time taken for Settlement of PLI/RPLI claims on average time taken for Death without nomination involving inquiry 90 Days Paid up value of PLI/RPLI policy Average Time taken for paid up value of PLI/RPLI policy 30 Days Loan against PLI/RPLI Policies Average Time taken for Loan against PLI/RPLI Policies 10 Days Change of Address for PLI/RPLI policy Average Time taken for change of address for PLI/RPLI Polices 10 Days Change of Nomination of PLI/RPLI policy Average Time taken for change of nomination of PLI/RPLI policy 10 Days Assignment of PLI/RPLI Policy Average Time taken for assignment of PLI/RPLI Policy 10 Days Issue of Duplicate PLI/RPLI Policy Bond Average Time taken for issue of duplicate PLI/RPLI Policy Bond 10 Days Revival of PLI/RPLI Policy Average Time taken for revival of PLI/RPLI Policy 15 Days Conversion of PLI/RPLI Policy Average Time taken for conversion of PLI/RPLI Policy 15 Days Deposit in Unclassified Receipt The average time taken is for a computerized Post Office 3 Minutes Deposit of Bills The average time taken is for a computerized Post Office 3 Minutes Sale and discharge of Indian Postal Order The average time taken is for a computerized Post office 3 Minutes Grievance Redress mechanism (GRM) in the DOP If complaint is lodged by Complainant him self at web based Computerized Customer Care System of DOP or PG Portal (CPGRAMS), acknowledgement of grievance is instantaneous. 1 Day Average time taking to acknowledge any compliant received by post and to seek additional information, if necessary. Any compliant could be addressed to the local Superintendent of Post Offices except in the case of a First Class Head Post Office, the Postmaster in charge of which is competent to attend to any complaint relating to his office. 7 Days Average time take to send interim reply in case more time is required in settlement of the grievance. 30 Days Average time taken for grievance settlement 60 Days

We aim to meet the above time norms in 90% of the transactions subject to fulfillment of all requirements due on the part of the customer.

Hike in some allowances after DA crossed 50% --

House Building Advance to Central Government Employees

.The Scheme of House Building Advance to Central Government Employees is aimed at providing assistance to the Government employees to construct/acquire house/flats of their own. The scheme was introduced in 1956, as a welfare measure. Ministry of Urban Development & Poverty Alleviation act as the nodal Ministry for the same.

2. House Building Advance is admissible to all those temporary employees also who have rendered 10 years of continuous service. The Ministries/Departments are delegated powers to sanction House Building Advance to their employees in accordance with the House Building Advance Rules.

3.With effect from 27-11-2008, the following provisions of grant of House Building Advance shall be in operation, until further orders:-

(i).The maximum limit for grant of HBA shall be 34 months' of pay in the pay band subject to a maximum of Rs. 7.50 lakh or cost of the house or the repaying capacity whichever is the least, for new construction/purchase of new house/flat.

(ii).The maximum limit for grant of HBA for enlargement of existing house shall be 34 months' pay in the pay band subject to a maximum of Rs. 1.80 lakh or cost of the enlargement or repaying capacity, whichever is the least.

(iii).The cost ceiling limit shall be 134 times the pay in the pay band subject to a minimum of Rs.7.50 lakh and a maximum of Rs.30 lakh relaxable up to a maximum of 25% of the revised maximum cost ceiling of Rs.30 lakh.

4. The rate of interest on House Building Advance is between 5% to 9.5% ,depending on the loan amount.

5. The repaying capacity of Govt. servants who have more than 20 years of remaining service has been revised from 35% to 40% of pay. (Pay means pay in the pay band).

6. The salient features of House Building Advance Rules are as follows-
1. ELIGIBILITY

• Permanent Government employees.
• Temporary Government employees who have rendered at least 10 years continuous service.
• To be granted once during the entire service.

If both the husband and wife are Government of India employees and eligible for HBA, it shall be admissible to only one of them.
2. PURPOSE
HBA is granted for:

1. Constructing a new house on the plot owned by the official or the Official and the Official's wife/husband jointly.
2. Purchasing a plot and constructing a house thereon.
3. Purchasing a plot under Co-operative Schemes and Constructing a house thereon or acquiring house through membership of Co-operative Group Housing Scheme.
4. Purchasing /construction of house under the Self-Financing scheme of Delhi, Bangalore, U.P., Lucknow etc.
5. Outright purchase of new ready-built house/flat Housing boards, Development Authorities and other statutory or semi-Government bodies and also from private parties.*
6. Enlarging living accommodation in an existing house owned by the official or jointly with his/her wife/husband. The total cost of the existing structure (excluding cost of land) and the proposed additions should not exceed the prescribed cost ceiling.
7. Repayment of loan or advance taken from a Government or HUDCO or Private source even if the construction has already Commenced, subject to certain conditions.
8. Constructing the residential portion only of the building on a Plot which is earmarked as a shop-cum-residential plot in a Residential colony.

* Private party means registered builders but not private individuals.
3. CONDITIONS:
a) The applicant or spouse or minor child should not already own a house in the town/Urban agglomeration where the house is proposed to be constructed or acquired.
b) The title to the land should be clear. The land may be owned either:

- by the Government employee; or

- jointly by the Government employee and spouse.

c) COST CEILING

134 times of pay in the pay band subject to a minimum of Rs. 7.50 lakh and a maximum of Rs.30 lakh

Administrative Ministry may relax the cost ceiling to 25% of cost ceiling mentioned above in the individual cases on merits.

(Effective from 27th November, 2008)

d) AMOUNT OF ADVANCE:

• will be the LEAST of the following:-

(i) 34 times the pay in the pay band.

(ii) The cost of construction.**

(iii) Rs. 7,50,000/- ***

(iv) Repaying Capacity.

** 80% of cost in rural areas.

*** Rs. 1,80,000/- in case of enlargement of existing house.

e) REPAYING CAPACITY:-

Repaying Capacity is computed on the following basis:-

S. No.	Length of remaining service of the applicant.	Repaying Capacity
1.	Retiring after 20 years.	40% of pay @
2.	Retiring after 10 years but not later than 20 years.	40% of pay @ plus 65% of * Retirement Gratuity
3.	Retiring within 10 years	50% of pay @ plus 75% of * Retirement Gratuity.

@ Pay means pay in the pay band

4. DISBURSEMENT OF ADVANCE:

S. No.	Purpose of HBA	Disbursement
(1)	(2)	(3)
(i)	For construction/enlargement (single or double storeyed).	50% - 50%	on execution of mortgage deed on construction reaching plinth level (Ground Floor).
(ii)	For purchase of land and construction (Single storeyed)	40% or - actual cost 30% - 30% -	for purchase of plot on execution of agreement and production of Surety Bond. On execution of Mortgage deed. On construction reaching plinth level.
(iii)	For purchase of land and construction (Double storeyed)	35% or actual cost 32.5% - 32.5% -	for purchase of plot on execution of agreement and production of Surety bond. On execution of the mortgage deed. On construction reaching the plinth level.
(iv)	For purchase of ready built house/flat	100% - in one lumpsum.
(v)	For acquiring flat/house from Co-operative Group Housing Society.	20% - 80% -	Towards purchase of land by the Society. in suitable installments on receipt of demand (pro-rate basis)
(vi)	For purchase of flat under SFS of Development Authorities etc.		No payment for initial registration Deposit. May be released in not more than 5 instalments. But the fifth and final instalment should not be less than 10% and is to be released for making final payment.

5. TIME SCHEDULE FOR UTILISATION OF HBA:

S. No.	Purpose	Time limit
(a)	Purchase of registered plot on which construction can commence immediately.	Sale deed to be produced within 2 months.
(b)	Purchase of ready built house.	Acquisition and mortgage to Government to be completed within 3 months.
(c)	Purchase/construction of new flat	Should be utilised within one month of sanction.

6. REPAYMENT OF ADVANCE:

The recovery of advance shall be made in not more than 180 monthly installment and interest shall be recovered thereafter in not more than 60 monthly installments. In case Government servant is retiring before 20 years, repayment may be made in convenient installments and balance may be paid out of Retirement Gratuity.

7. INTEREST
The rate of interest on Housing Building Advance with effect from 1^st April, 2003 are as follows:-

S. No.	Amount of Advance sanctioned to a Government Servant	Rate of Interest on HBA (Per Annum).
1.	Upto Rs. 50,000/-	5%
2.	Upto Rs. 1,50,000	6.5%
3.	Upto Rs. 5,00,000/-	8.5%
4.	Upto Rs. 7,50,000/-	9.5%

8.COMMENCEMENT OF RECOVERY:

Construction of a house or enlargement of living accommodation	* From pay for the month following the completion. Or The pay for the 18th month after date of payment of the 1st installment, whichever is earlier.
Purchase of land and construction.	* From pay for the month following the completion of the house. Or The pay for the 24th month after date of drawl of installment for purchase of land, whichever is earlier.

COMMENCEMENT OF RECOVERY (CONT'D):

Ready built flat.	* Pay for the month following the month in which advance was drawn.
Purchase of Flat under SFS from Development Authority/Housing Society.	* From the pay for the 18th month after date of payment of 1st installment.

* The sanctions of HBA should invariable stipulate a higher rate of interest at 2.5% above prescribed rates with the stipulation that if conditions attached to the sanction are fulfilled, rebate of interest to the extent of 2.5% will be allowed.

9. CREATION OF SECOND MORTGAGE:

The Government servants who have obtained HBA from the Government may be permitted to create a second charge on the property provided they obtain prior permission of the Head of the Department and the draft deed of second mortgage is submitted to the Head of the Department for scrutiny. Such a second charge may be created only in respect of loans to be granted for meeting the balance cost of houses/flats by recognised financial institutions.

10.PROVISIONS FOR SAFE RECOVERY OF HOUSE BUILDING ADVANCE:

(i). As a safeguard of the House Building advance, the loanee Government employee has to insure the house immediately on completion or purchase of the house, as the case may be, at his own cost with Life Insurance Corporation of India and its associated units. The house/flat constructed/purchased with the help of House Building advance can also be insured with the private insurance companies which are approved by Insurance Regulatory Development Authority(IRDA). However, the insurance should be taken for a sum not less than the amount of advance against damage by fire, flood and lightning, and has to be continued till the advance together with interest is fully repaid to Government.

(ii).The house constructed/purchased with the help of House Building Advance has also be mortgaged in favour of the President of India within a stipulated time unless an extension of time is granted by the concerned Head of the Department. After completion of the recovery of the advance together with interest thereon, the mortgage deed is re-conveyed in a proper manner.

DA ORDERS

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Payment of Dearness Allowance to Central Government Employees – Revised Rates effectives from 1.1.2011.Publish Post

—————-

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Ministry’s office Memorandum No. 1(6)/2010-E-II(B) Dated 22^nd September, 2010 on the subject mentioned above and to say that the president is pleased to decide that the Dearness Allowance payable to Central Government Employees shall be enhanced from the existing rate of 45 % to 51% with effect from 1st January, 2011.

2. The provisions contained in paras 3, 4 and 5 of this Ministry’s O.M No. 1 (3)/2008-E-II(B) dated 29^th August, 2008 shall continue to be applicable while regulating Dearness Allowance under these orders.

3. The additional instalment of Dearness payable under these orders shall be paid in cash to all Central Government Employees.

4. The payment of arrears of Dearness Allowance for the months of January and February, 2011 shall not be made before the date of disbursement of salary of March, 2011.

5. These orders shall also apply to the civilian employees paid from the defense services Estimates and the expenditure will be chargeable to the relevant head of the Defense Service Estimates. In regard to Armed Forces personnel and Railway employees separate orders will be issued by the Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Railways, respectively.

6. In so far as the persons serving in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department are concerned, these orders issue after consultation with the controller and Auditor General of India.

(Y.P. Sehgal)
Deputy Secretary to the Government of India

Finance Ministry Order

CPI (M) FORCES DIVISION OVER BILL (PFRDA)

A day after a heated discussion took place in Parliament on the WikiLeaks disclosures published in The Hindu, it was business as usual in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. Speaker Meira Kumar went through the process of 'Papers to be laid on the Table' and then got down to the legislative business, including the introduction of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Bill, 2011.

As soon as she called out Minister of State for Finance Namo Narain Meena, standing for Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, to introduce the Bill, CPI (M) leader Basudeb Acharia stood up, opposing the introduction of the Bill and demanding a division, taking the Treasury Benches by surprise.

Only a handful of Ministers were present, including Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal, along with his deputy V. Narayanasamy. Caught unawares, the treasury benches too wore a rather thin look, enough for the government to sense trouble. Both the Ministers went up to National Democratic Alliance working chairman L.K. Advani and Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj, and talked to them. It became clear that the main Opposition BJP would come to the government's rescue.

Mr. Bansal cited Rule 72 on the government's legislative competence to introduce the Bill and sought to know the grounds on which Mr. Acharia was opposing it, but the CPI (M) leader refused to budge from his demand for division.

The Speaker ordered division when Mr. Acharia further pressed for it. "We are opposing the introduction of the bill. I am asking for division instead of a voice vote," Mr. Acharia said.

Of the 159 members present in the 543-member House, 115 voted for introduction of the bill and 43 opposed it, while one abstained. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Leader of the House Pranab Mukherjee, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, several Ministers and Congress members were not present.

Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Raghuvansh Prasad was heard saying that when the Speaker had already ordered division, it could not be rolled back.

The bill provides for the establishment of an authority to promote old-age income security by creating, developing and regulating pension funds and to protect the interests of subscribers to pension fund schemes.

- The Hindu, Dated – 25.03.2011

Introduced a long-awaited (PFRDA) New pension bill in parliament.

NEW DELHI: India's finance minister introduced a long-awaited pension bill in parliament on Thursday that would pave the way for private players in the sector and help cut government spending.
The Pension Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) bill, which would allow part investment of the corpus in the stock market, will take time for parliamentary approval as the current session of parliament ends on Friday. The bill had failed to get parliamentary approval in the previous term of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's government due to strong opposition from its then Left allies.
The coalition has the majority now to get it passed, and the main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party has indicated it would not oppose the bill.
The proposed legislation was silent on allowing foreign companies to invest up to 26 percent in pension funds that was part of a draft, but said the government would separately announce foreign investment policy for the sector.
The bill provides powers to the PFRDA to oversee multiple pension funds in the country.All the employees of the federal government except the armed forces, who have joined since January 2004, would be covered by the proposed National Pension System under the new legislation.
Twenty seven states have agreed to join the new pension system, the bill said, under the proposed law that is expected to provide social security to millions of employees and funds for infrastructure sector.

11TH MEETING OF THE POSTAL SERVICES STAFF WELFARE BOARD TO BE HELD IN THE COMMITTEE ROOM , DAK BHAWAN ,NEW DELHI

Com.P.Panduranga Rao, Asst General Secretary and Circle Secretary,GDS union, Andhra Circle shall attend the meeting.

11TH MEETING OF THE POSTAL SERVICES STAFF WELFARE BOARD TO BE HELD IN THE COMMITTEE ROOM , DAK BHAWAN ,NEW DELHI- PREPONEMENT TO 30TH MARCH 2011 STARTING AT 1430 HOURS, UNDER THE CHAIRPERSONSHIP OF HON`ABLE MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS &IT
D.G. Posts No.1-1/2009-WL/Sports dated the March 22, 2011.

In partial modification of the Department's letter of even number dated 16.03.2011 on the above mentioned subject, I am directed to inform that the meeting of Postal Services Staff Welfare Board, which was earlier scheduled to be held on 5th April, 2011, has now been preponed to 30th March 2011.The meeting will be convened in Committee Room, Dak Bhawan , New Delhi, starting at 1430 hours.

2. All other instructions as conveyed vide letter No. 1-1/2009-WL/Sports dated 16.03.2011, ibid, remain unchanged.
Sd/-
(Subhash Chander)
Director (Welfare & Sports)

PROTEST PROGRAMME

Protest programme has been organised infront of Supdt of Pos, Gudur opposing introduction of Pension Fund Regulatory Developement Authority(PERDA) bill in parliament with Support of BJP opposition party.
UPA I Government failed to introduce the bill due to strong opposition by the left MPs, because Govt will run only with the support of left parties. If the bill passed, the pension fund will be diverted to share market and the employees pension will depends on the share market, which is most dangerous thing. National Federation of Postal Employees strongly protest the action of the central Government and if the Govt not willing to withdraw the bill, postal employees are ready for strike action along with other central Govt units.

POSTAL JCA MEETING ON 30-03-2011 TO CHALK OUT AGITATIONAL PROGRAMME

AN IMPORTANT MEETING OF POSTAL JCA CONSISTING NFPE & FNPO WILL BE ORGANIZED AT NFPE OFFICE NEW DELHI AT 1730 HRS ON 30.03.2011 TO CHALK OUT STRATEGY AND LAUNCHING AGITATIONAL PROGRAMME AGAINST RESTOGRADE ORDERS OF THE DEPARTMENT AND ON INTRODUCTION OF PFRDA BILL IN LOK SABHA BY THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA. ALL GENERAL SECRETARIES OF NFPE UNIONS ARE REQUESTED TO ATTEND THE MEETING

CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL GOVT. EMPLOYEES & WORKERS

2 HOUR DEMONSTRATION AGANST PFRDA BILL

Conf/ 7 /2011 Dated: 24th March, 2011

PFRDA BILL INTRODUCED IN THE PARLIAMENT:

HOLD DEMONSTRATION BETWEEN 12 AND 2 PM ON
FRIDAY 25TH MARCH 2011
IN FRONT OF ALL OFFICES
TO REGISTER OUR STRONG PROTEST AGAINST
THE ATTROCIOUS ATTEMPT
OF THE UPA GOVERNMENT
TO REINTRODUCE THE LAPSED BILL

Dear Comrade,

The UPA II Government has today introduced the PFRDA Bill once again in the Parliament. The bill that was introduced earlier by the then Finance Minister, Shri P. Chidambaram, could not muster sufficient support to get enacted as the Left parties Parties opposed it. Even though the enactment could not be made, the Government through executive fiat had converted the statutory defined benefit Pension scheme which is in existence for decades in the case of Government employees into a contributory pension scheme.

The All India State Government Employees Federation and the Confederation of Central Government employees had jointly taken the decision earlier to oppose the introduction of the Bill by organizing a two hour walk out programme. Accordingly we call upon all our Affiliates and State Units to immediately organize demonstration in front of all offices between 12 and 2 PM and mobilize the members for sustained serious programmes of action in the days to come. Intensive campaign programmes must be undertaken to bring home the pernicious impact the bill will bring about on the existing pensionary benefits of the Government employees. Besides, The funds accumulated from the contributions made by the employees as stipulated in the New Contributory pension scheme would be diverted to stock market for investment. Since the Government is to contribute equal amount as is being made by the employees, the new contributory pension scheme would be an unbearable drag on the exchequer and the sole beneficiary would be the big corporate houses. We must therefore embark upon a sustained struggle against the new scheme including a day's strike action as and when the bill is taken up for enactment by the Parliament.
.
With greetings,

Yours fraternally,
Sd/-
K.K.N.Kutty;
Secretary General

NFPE CALLS UPON THE ENTIRE RANK AND FILE TO ORGANIZE DEMONSTRATION IN THE FRONT OF ALL GOVERNMENT OFFICES BETWEEN 12 AND 2 PM TO REGISTER STRONG PROTEST AGAINST PFRDA BILL INTRODUCED BY UPA GOVERNMENT IN LOK SABHA AND MOBILIZE MEMBERS FOR SUSTAINED SERIOUS PROGRAMMES OF ACTION IN THE DAYS TO COME.-- M.KrishnanSecretary General NFPE

MASS DHARNA INFRONT OF POSTMASTER GENERAL OFFICE, VIJAYAWADA ON 23-03-2011 AS A THIRD PHASE OF AGITATIONAL PROGRAMME AS PER GDS CHQ CALL

The following officials from Gudur division were participated

1. Com. K.Sudhakar, ACS, P-III

2.Com. D.S.B.Purushotham, Divl Secretary, GDS union

3.Com. K.Penchalaiah, Asst divl Secretary, GDS union

4.Com.A.Mallikarjuna, Supreme Councillor, GDS union

5.Com.M.Subrahmanyam, Advisor, GDS union

More than 100 members from all divisions under Vijayawada region were participated. The programme was grand success.

Many thanks to the Vijayawada comrades for good organisation.

MATERNITY LEAVE GRANT TO GDS WOMEN EMPLOYEES

EXISTING POWERS OF DIVISIONAL HEADS ALSO COVER OF MATERNITY GRANT TO WOMEN GRAMIN DAK SEVAKS OUT OF WELFATE FUND OF THE DEPARTMENT AND ANOTHER PERIOD OF LEAVE FOR THREE MONTHS WITHOUT ALLOWANCES IF AVAILED BY WOMAN GDS - INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING

Government of India
Ministry of Communications & IT
Department of Posts
(Establishment Division)
Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg.
New Delhi-110001
No.17-9/2011-GDS Dated the 21-Mar 2011

To

All Chief Postmaster General,

Subject: MATERNITY GRANT TO WOMEN GRAMIN DAK SEVAKS OUT OF WELFATE FUND OF THE DEPARTMENT- INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING

Sir/Madam,

Reference is invited to this Directorate letter No.6-1/2009. PE.II dated 09 October 2009 providing for Maternity Grant to the women GDS.

2. One man Committee under Shri RS Nataraja Murti constituted under Resolution No. 6-1/2007-PE II dated 23rd July 2007 examined the system of Extra Departmental Post Offices and wage structure of Gramin Dak Sevak & submitted its report on 29th October 2008. After approval of Cabinet, the Department issued orders under No. 6-1/2009 PE II dated 09 October 2009. It was prescribed under Para 9 of the ibid that "women GDS will be provided Maternity Grant equivalent to three months TRCA with DA for the birth date of issue of the order".

3. The recommendations made by the One man Committee in Para 16.10.1have been examined further and it has been decided that Maternity Grant equal to three month's TRCA with DA out of welfare fund will be payable from the welfare fund at the disposal of the Circles effective from 09 October 2009 on fulfillment of the following conditions;-

(a) Maternity Grant will be payable to a woman GDS for each child up to the birth of maximum of two children limited to a maximum of two confinements resulting into birth of first two children only during the entire engagement of the following of a woman GDS.
(b) The women GDS must have rendered a minimum of one year service of becoming eligible for grant under the provision.
(c) No Financial Grant will be admissible for medical termination of pregnancy (abortion). Miscarriage and still births.
4. The scheme of allowing Maternity Grant is like any other ongoing welfare scheme paid out of welfare fund. Funds will be allocated for this scheme by welfare section of this Directorate to the Circles. Heads of the Division will be competent to sanction Maternity Grant to the women GDS out of welfare fund placed at their disposal by the Circle concerned.
5. Woman Gramin Dak Sevaks like Mil Deliverer and Mail Carrier may also be considered for lighter duties wherever possible during the pre and post confinement period for a maximum period of six months.
6. Woman GDS shall be granted Maternity Leave not exceeding six months covering the pre and post confinement period. For the period of Maternity Leave, Woman GDS will be paid Maternity Grant for three months and leave for another three months may be granted without allowances.
7. Existing powers of Divisional Heads for grant of leave beyond 180 days leave without allowances availed by GDS to work against in Group D and Postman vacancies would also cover period of three month Maternity Leave with allowances (Maternity Grant) and another period of leave for three months without allowances if availed by Woman GDS.
8. The contents may be brought to the knowledge of all concerned. This has the approval of the competent authority.

Yours faithfully,

(Surender Kumar)
Assistant Director General (GDS/PCC)

CABINET APPROVED 6% DA TO CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES...

Flash News...

CABINET APPROVED 6% DA TO CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES...

DEARNESS ALLOWANCE HIKED BY 6% TO CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES FROM JAN-2011...

The Union Cabinet committee today decided to increase the Dearness Allowance by 6% to Central Government employees. Hike in the Dearness Allowance (DA) will be from 45% to 51% w.e.f.January 2011. Release of first additional instalment of dearness allowance for this year to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief to Pensioners due from Jan-2011 to compensate for essential commodities price hike. The revised rates of Dearness Allowance from 1.1.2011 to 28.2.2011 may be paid in cash as arrears and for the month of March may be disbursed with the salary. The enhancement of Dearness Allowance is in accordance with the accepted formula, which is based on the recommendations of the 6th Central Pay Commission. Government Order from Finance Department will be published very soon.

Performance Related Incentive Scheme (PRIS) for all Central government employees

The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government has finally decided to implement the Performance Related Incentive Scheme (PRIS) recommended by the Sixth Pay Commission for all Central government employees. An announcement is expected in the next couple of days, government sources told The Hindu. Those government employees who make the cut will start earning their incentives in 2012.
A Committee of Secretaries (COS) chaired by Cabinet Secretary K. M. Chandrasekhar approved the broad contours of the PRIS on March 8, and asked the Department of Expenditure and Performance Management Division, Cabinet Secretariat, to work out guidelines to implement the scheme. Members of the COS included Finance Secretary Sushma Nath, who was also member-secretary of the Commission.
Any department, to qualify for financial incentives, will have to get a performance rating of 70 per cent or more on its Results-Framework Document (RFD) and implement a bio-metric access control system in its offices. As suggested by the Commission, the incentives will be initially paid out of cost savings made by the department in that fiscal year and hence there will be no additional burden on the exchequer for implementing the PRIS, government sources said. Initially, for every rupee saved by the department, it will allow to distribute up to 15 paise depending on its performance.
The PRIS will cover all employees of the department. While incentives paid to the Secretaries will depend entirely on departmental performance reflected in the RFD, incentives paid to Joint Secretaries will depend on a weighted average of their division's performance and departmental performance. Incentives for junior employees will depend primarily on their individual performance.
However, all employees will need to go through a rigorous performance appraisal system consistent with the RFD evaluation methodology.
Indeed, incentives will start rolling out only after a department has prepared two rounds of robust RFDs, so as to truly capture departmental performance. Given that 2010-11 was the first year for implementation of 12-month RFDs, performance incentives will be paid from 2012-13 to employees who make the cut.
The decision to implement the PRIS comes in the wake of the Prime Minister's Performance Monitoring and Evaluation System (PMES) for government departments that was approved in September 2009.
Interestingly, of the departments that have gone through the exercise, there have been some notable exceptions including the Ministries of Home, Finance, Defence, External Affairs, and the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).
Objections
This has led to objections from officials of other Ministries: the feeling is that these key ministries and departments influence the work of other departments, and unless they, too, are brought under the scanner, the RFD will be redundant and unproductive.
The view from the Cabinet Secretariat is that the Prime Minister did not keep any department out of the ambit of the evaluation process, but it was felt that it would be better to implement it in phases for practical, operational reasons.
The original idea was to cover all 84 ministries and departments - it started with 59 departments in the last quarter of 2009-10, and currently covers 62 departments.
Source:The Hindu ,New Delhi, March 21, 2011

APPOINTMENT OF SAS AGENTS - FRESH INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY MoF (DEA)

Appointment of agents and other agency functions – fresh instructions issued by MOF(DEA) regarding

SB ORDER NO. 03/2011

No.116-352009-SB

Government of India

Ministry of Communications & IT

Department of Posts

Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg,

New Delhi-110001,

Dated: 11.03.2011

To

All Heads of Circles/Regions

Addl. Director General, APS, New Delhi.

Subject:- Appointment of agents and other agency functions – fresh instructions issued by MOF(DEA) regarding.

Sir / Madam,

The undersigned is directed to say that Min. of Finance (DEA) vide letter no. F.1/29/2010-NS.II dated 31.12.2010 has issued some instructions regarding appointment of agents and other agency functions. This office is also receiving some representations from Agents Associations regarding noncooperation by the postal staff and insistence on bringing RD schedules in CD format. All these matters have been considered in this office and fresh guidelines as given below are being issued which shall be applicable from the date of receipt of this letter:-

1. Whenever, it is noticed that in any post office, number of agents attached are more than the business potential which may cause heavy rush in that post office, appointing authority should immediately be informed to change the jurisdiction of some agents to alternative post offices.

2. All Divisional Heads will maintain a record of agents which are found involved in the fraudulent activities and inform the appointing authority immediately for cancellation of the agency. No business from such agents should thereafter be accepted. At the beginning of the year, a negative list containing details of such agents should be circulated to all post offices in the division and to the appointing authority. During the course of the year, any addition/deletion may be made and at the beginning of the next year, the list may be reviewed and issued afresh. If name of any agent whose agency is renewed is found in the negative list, no business from such agent should be accepted and matter should be reported to the appointing authority immediately.

3. SAS Agents were earlier authorized to handle cash up to Rs.50,000/- at a time. Now, this limit has been reduced to Rs.10,000/- at a time. If any depositor wants investment of more than Rs.10,000/- through SAS agent, he has to give cheque to the agent duly crossed and endorsed as per latest rules and procedures. However, the limit of issue of cash receipt books to SAS agents will remain Rs.50,000/- at a time.

4. No SAS/MPKBY/PPF agent shall be permitted to issue cheque from his own account on behalf of any depositor.

5. MOF(DEA) has prescribed a half yearly coordination meeting between District Magistrate and Divisional Head. All Divisional Heads may also take up the issues related to agents, such as, appointment, renewal and fraud cases at District level with appointing authority, whenever such issues arise.

6. The postal staff posted at the counters should co-operate with the agents bringing business. Postmaster should fix separate working hours for the acceptance of business from agents keeping in view the business potential of the office and wherever possible, may identify one full time separate counter for handling business of agents particularly in Head Post Offices.

7. This may kindly be brought to the notice of all post offices and administrative offices.

8. This issues with the approval of DDG(FS).

Yours faithfully,

Kawal Jit Singh)

Assistant Director (SB)

DECLARATION OF HOLIDAY ON 14-04-2011

F.No.12/2/2011-JCA-2
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training
***

North Block, New Delhi
Dated the 21^th March 2011

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject :-Declaration of Holiday on 14^th April, 2011- Birthday of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

***

It has been decided to declare Thursday, the 14th April 2011, as a Closed Holiday on account of the birthday of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, for all Central Government Offices including Industrial Establishments throughout India.

2. The above holiday is also being notified in exercise of the power conferred by Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (26 of 1881).

3. All Ministries/Departrnents of Government of India may bring the above decision to the notice of all concerned.

s/d
( Dinesh Kapila )
Director to the Government of India